Every year there are multiple conferences for bloggers and design people. One of the best, the Design Influencer’s Conference was held in San Francisco this year so I took the chance to go and meet up with my pals- Annie, Cindy and Mary Ann and learn a few new tricks and see what’s next for bloggers and influencers.
As with any conference, you want to pack efficiently and smart, but as this one focused on design and creative people, it was important to add some flair to my look. It’s a networking opportunity and your appearance is your only impression to many of the people there, so standing out a bit can only help. I did this with different shoes, more color than a usual conference, and some fun pieces like a moto jacket and a leopard print coat.
San Francisco is typically a mild weathered spot, with temps ranging from high 40’s in the evenings to the 60’s in daytime most of the year. You need to pack for foggy mornings and cool evenings, even on the warmest days, so layers are a good idea. I find also that conference rooms are either over-heated or too cool. Scarves and a jacket are the way to go with comfy shoes being a priority.
What I packed for a 3 day San Francisco conference:
2 pairs of pants- one Madewell jean and one black crop pull on pant with pockets.
1 silk/or polyester shell in white
2 blouses- a navy and a floral one
1 tan trench
1 black sweater – a cashmere turtleneck,
4 pairs of shoes- one beige bootie, a low white bootie, one wedged oxford, and a pair of cool sneakers.
pajamas and a pair of black workout leggings for lounging or the gym.
2 t-shirts- a long sleeve black, and a short sleeve white for layering and comfort.
1 or more scarves -a big soft scarf as a wrap or use as a
For luggage, I have three things I almost always bring, a Tumi hard carry-on size case I have had forever, a Longchamp carry-on tote that holds almost all the shoes, beauty and hair items I need and more, and my LV Neverfull tote. That tote can carry some serious weight and never shows any wear or strain after many, many trips. It holds my laptop, books, and whatever I can pile in. The dark brown never shows any dirt. I have found these three items are always just about right for almost any trip. The Longchamp Tote balances nicely over my suitcase so I can pull them both with one hand. I also try to squeeze in a small crossbody for evenings out or excursions where I don’t want a big tote.
A friend recently gave me an Eiffel Tower Blu Bag set that holds three bags and they are amazing for travel. I can fit all my lingerie in one, shoes or pajamas in another and have an extra for jewelry, laundry or whatever. I love the ability to be more organized in the suitcase. Cute too!
As far as beauty, one thing I brought that I can recommend is a face spray. I have this Pommisst by Jane Iredale and it was wonderful during the conference to mist my face during breaks and at night with the dry hotel room air! San Francisco can be very dry in spring and fall so bring a good moisturizer and a hand creme too. I still cannot live without Weleda Skin Food for my hands!
To combat hard water I bring my own hair products and I pack an inexpensive hair dryer brush because you never know what kind of hairdryer your hotel will have. With these new brushes you can use a regular dryer for a few minutes and switch to the brush to finish your hair and make it look like a good blowout with minimal skill! I got mine at CVS or something. The same one can be found here for $18!
What I wore..
Day 1- Black slacks, a Trina Turk floral blouse and the camel jacket with my white booties.
Day 2- A pleated skirt, black sweater, moto jacket and a scarf. I wore beige booties for half the day and switched to wedged loafers after lunch for walking through the city.
Day 3- Jeans, navy blouse and leopard coat with the white boots felt comfy and good for the drive home too.
This group of clothes could be mixed up in many different ways, but thanks to the unique pieces that I added they make the basics look more chic.
I do hope these tips have helped you planning for conference dressing. Please stop by my stylish friend’s blogs who also joined me at the conference and have more great ideas and advice for you!
Cindy at Rough Luxe Lifestyle
Annie at Most Lovely Things and
Mary Ann at Classic Casual Home
xo
Kim
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Kim you still look like a teenager so it is so fun to see your young stylish look. That Emerson Fry jacket has always been on my bucket list. It looks darling on you. I can’t tell you how much fun I had with you. Honestly you kept me laughing the entire time! Let’s get together soon!
Cindy that jacket would be so pretty on you with your hair!! We had fun didn’t we? I’m so happy we braved the virus thing and went. It was way more fun than I ever expected. I love hanging with you all. xo
Kim, you have the best style….LOVE ALL your shoes!! I felt chic just hanging out with you!
Let’s plan that Santa Cruz lunch soon!
Mary Ann
Mary Ann, Hey so fun hanging out together and the feeling is mutual!! Yes let’s do SC soon! xo
FOUR pairs of SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!YOU CRACK ME UP!
AT LEAST YOU WERE DRIVING SO NO LUGGAGE CARTING TOO MUCH!
This reminds me when I traveled to CANADA to see A GARDEN……..FAMOUS GARDEN CAN’T SPELL IT NOW!
MY friend took SIX PAIRS OF BLACK BOOTS AND SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FOR THREE DAYS!
YOU LOOKED ADORABLE and GOOD YOU HAD CHOICES!
THAT HAIRBRUSH THING LOOKS INTERESTING.MORE on that when we chat again!
GLAD YOU ALL WENT AND HAD FUN!
XX
I know, but options… I need less clothes that way.DID you go to the tulip garden? The blow-dry brush is the cheapest and most satisfying thing I’ve bought as of late..
Thanks for the sweet words.. Hard to figure out what to wear and those gals are so stylish.
Kim, you look great – this post is going into a folder on my computer called ‘chic role model’. I have quite a few of your posts in there!
Aww Patricia, that is very nice of you. xx
This was really fun to read. Thank you for all the sharing of great suggestions, tips and photos of your outfits to give me inspiration and goals for my next trip. I always over pack and end up only wearing a few of the favorites I brought, Need to work on creating a more cohesive, versatile travel wardrobe with items I REALLY love. Will definitely be purchasing some travel bags for suitcase organization… great idea! Loved the photos of you and your talented friends ( who I also follow) looking so put together ( but all very individual) on an amazing trip in beautiful San Francisco!
Linda F.
Linda, Thanks so much for your kind note and thank you for following along! x
That looks like so much fun! I love what you brought. I have that same Longchamp tote. My daughter has all but claimed it as her own for weekends away. So lightweight and practical. You look fabulous. Would love to have been a fly on the wall for your conversations!
Thanks Jen! I so wish you were able to join us! A lot of blog talk for sure.. That tote has been the best investment- 75 pounds at Heathrow and I have used it SO much. If anyone could buy one travel bag – this is it! xo
Oh my gosh you gals are all so stylish and beautiful. One of these days I have to get my act together and try to go to a blogger event. I’ve never gone to one, I think I”d need serious alcohol consumption if I went alone. So i might have to tag along. Great tips too on packing.
xo
Leslie
Leslie, you are so kind! I had fun and learned a lot at this event. I would love if you went to the next one ! xo
Kim,
You have no idea how helpful this was. I am one of those who almost always thinks that I am dressed wrong. With your helpful and simple tips I have already packed all such items in my hand carry.
I am on east coast where it is now getting quite warm, like 80+° and I was wondering what makes sense. Even though I set the SF weather on my phone a week ago, I felt quite blank before reading your blog. Thanks a lot !!
I’m so glad it was helpful. I know this is from a while back, but it’s still relevant I hope. Have a great time.