Mary Ann – Classic Casual Home
Cindy – Rough Luxe Lifestyle
Annie – Most Lovely Things
Earlier this week I met up with Mary Ann, Kim, and Cindy at the Design Influencers conference and we all decided to do a collaborative post on what we wore. The conference took place in San Francisco and so Mary Ann is the only one that didn’t need to travel to the conference. Cindy, Kim and I all had to make packing decisions on what to bring and wear at a conference full of influencers. Believe me, the week prior I had plenty of thoughts of doing some serious shopping, but in the end, I wore pretty much what I wear most days. I am so darn glad that with the exception of a very few places and on some occasions, jeans are perfectly acceptable attire.
Packing light
I wanted to pack light since I would not want to check a bag. It was only three nights, but that still means a total of 4 days of what to wear considerations. Packing for four days in a carry on means a lot of editing. At least for me anyway.
Do a try-on before you pack
I always do a try-on for each outfit before I pack it. I feel this is necessary because a pair of high rise wide-leg jeans will not look good with an oversized sweater. But in my mind, it totally worked. Ha! I thought for sure they would look great with my favorite white shirt and cashmere sweater from Crimson Cashmere in Paris. Nope….the wide-leg crop jean looked terrible with a sort of oversized sweater. It just didn’t work. The black cashmere crew from Everlane did. I tucked it in just in front which makes it look way more flattering (in my opinion). I added a silk bandana and a very thin James Perse white tank underneath and wore my favorite Gucci loafers. Although some would say I was underdressed….and that may be true, I felt comfortable. I don’t mean comfy like wearing a pair of sweatpants comfy, but I felt like myself and that I “belonged.” And that’s a big deal, right?
Day 1 – A black blazer, jeans and a great pair of shoes
A black, navy or camel blazer is something everyone needs in their wardrobe. I wore a black one with a striped tissue turtleneck from J.Crew with a silk scarf that I haven’t worn in years. I recently started following Allison Bornstein on Instagram at the suggestion of Mary Ann and she posted in stories about how to wear all types of scarves. She said you probably have some old scarves (maybe from your grandmother) or you can always find them at thrift stores and she showed different ways to wear them. Without a scarf, my outfit would look very “uninteresting,” but this almost 1980s looking silk scarf just made a basic outfit look sort of styled. I don’t think it hurts to wear a pair of great shoes with basic jeans, turtleneck, and blazer look either.
Jeans and a sweater
On the last day, I wore my favorite pair of jeans again and another tissue turtleneck in black with an Everlane cashmere cardigan. I think the color of the sweater is what makes this feel like a current look. Again, I did the French tuck thing and I always go up in size so they are a little bit oversized. I added my favorite bangles from Kara Rosenlund and the same Gucci loafers. In case of rain, I pack a black pair of sneakers. It may not be my first choice, but it’s always a good option in rainy weather.
Pack a pair of slides
I always pack a pair of slides to wear (to go get coffee, or to the pool and in the room). I wear these, but I wish I wore these from Jenni Kayne.
We took a break from the conference to check out the new Leanne Ford Collection at Crate & Barrel
I love meeting up with these women and a conference seems like a way we can all make it happen and of course, there are several takeaways from the speakers that will be helpful. Before and after, we talk politics, kids, husbands and of course design and fashion. We took a break and headed straight to Crate & Barrel to see first hand the Leanne Ford Collection. It is beautiful! Some of my favorites: The bar, the table and then the smaller pieces that would look great in any home. We all loved seeing the collection in the big beautiful San Francisco store!
Kim, Cindy & Mary Ann
I love each of my friends’ styles and how consistent they are in the way they wear their own signature styles. On the last day, Kim wore an exquisite leopard print coat from Emerson Fry that I would love to own as that one piece that might just surprise someone if I showed up wearing it! Mary Ann wore a gorgeous Black Theory suit with a white t-shirt snd a gorgeous necklace. Cindy has a signature look where she pairs beautiful jewelry with a mid-length coat, jeans and Artemis loafers for that one-of-a-kind looks that reminds you of her beautiful and collected home.
My Packing List:
Black Lounge Pants and two t-shirts from Gap
2 Tissue Turtlenecks and 1 tank
Silk scarf and silk bandana, Bangles
My Everlane Favorites
SHOP the Post
You need that leopard coat.amaze balls.
Thank you so much for taking all your followers on this fun three day trip with your creative friends. I love how all of you have very individual looks. I have to say I have difficulty “jazzing” up my outfits for fear of being outside my comfort zone and end up staying in my tried and true lane. That leopard print coat of Kim’s is amazing; Cindy’s bright linen coat and colorful flats are head turners, Mary Ann exudes femininity with her soft, long skirts, creative jackets, and versatile shoe selections, and your flare with the ever favorite jeans paired with classic sweaters and jackets accentuated by beautiful scarves and comfortable, but definitely not boring footwear…. my heart is full😂. You all inspire me to be true to myself, but challenge me to add more bold colors (Solids of course.. can’t go overboard) and try something new.. I might like it!! Also, your best tip for a travel wardrobe…. try the outfit on before packing!!!
Thanks again, Linda F.
Linda! What a thoughtfully written comment! You nailed it in describing everyone’s own personal style! I think you are correct in adding color with solids is a good place to start…and then add in some fun patterned shoes or a scarf like Cindy did! Thank you for reading!
xo
annie
Annie I loved your post! The way you put your look together is so good.. The scarf and the striped shirt I am copying – and I adore your Everlane trench and your fab loafers – serious shoe envy. I think you would look lovely in the leopard coat!! So true about the slides. My feet needed a break even though we were sitting a lot. I miss you!! xo
Looks like you guys had a fun and productive 3 days together. So fun to join in vicariously. You all looked simply perfect!
Hi Celia! We had a blast! A little girl’s time is good for the soul!
I want to see you in jeans that cover your ankles……………..just try it for me!!!
THE FABULOUS FOURSOME that is how I will refer to you from NOW ON!
WHAT ABOUT MY SCARVE LESSON?!!!!
HA!!!
HAPPY you had good weather and it was a FUN CONFERENCE!
I saw Mary Ann today and she filled me in a bit!
How lucky to be in the same hotel where the conference was!!
XX
What a great post! I’m on the Advisory Board for the Design Influencers Conf & if I’m in that position again next year, I’m going to DEF recommend that they send out your 3-day packing list for attendees – it’s awesome:) Sorry I didn’t get chance to meet you there but hope we can connect over social (or I”m in CT often as I grew up there). Welcome home!
Hi Lee!
We had a great time at the conference! I just started following you on Instagram!
annie