What I’m wearing to Haven

I am so incredibly pumped to be flying to Atlanta tomorrow to attend my third Haven Conference. This conference is geared primarily toward DIY bloggers. Topics at the event center around DIY and design instruction as well as blogging and social media strategies.

Like a bird who needs pushed out of its nest to learn how to fly, conferences like Haven push me out of my comfort zone in so many ways. I have to take a really deep breath when I embark on trips like this (I can be a bit of an introvert). But the experience always turns out to be extremely positive, teaching me to be a more skilled DIYer, blogger and all-around-better human being. So I’m grateful for and blessed to have the opportunity to go. 

Each year, I’ve approached the Haven Conference a little differently, which I think shows my growth as a DIY blogger and also shows how helpful this conference is for folks at any level.

For example, my first year I focused on learning some basic DIY tricks, like painting, using small power tools, etc. Last year, I focused on learning more advanced interior design techniques and how to build stuff from scratch. 

This year, I’m approaching the event even more intentionally. I plan to focus primarily on learning about the business of blogging. Hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity to connect with some of the brands I love and, most importantly, network with fellow bloggers that I can build more long-term collaborative relationships with.

But, of course, I must put first things first … what to wear to the conference. 😉

I actually haven’t done much shopping at all for this event. (We’re trying to live rich on less around here, you know?) So I mostly relied on my trusty Fashion board on Pinterest to help me put together a few outfits out of stuff I already had in my closet.

Tomorrow is a travel day, so I’m doing comfortable. I typically like to wear layers when I fly because the air conditioning in the plane is often chilly, while the airport waiting areas can be warm and stuffy.

• DuluthFlex Sidewinder Shirt – Duluth Trading Company
• DuluthFlex Slim Fit Jeans – Duluth Trading Company
• Boots – Gabe’s
• Purse – Nine West from Gabe’s

Tomorrow evening is the welcome reception, which has been a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres event in the past. Here’s what I think I’ll wear:

• Dress – Ann Taylor from Gabe’s
• Necklace – New York & Company from Gabe’s
• Shoes – Shoe Dept.
• Purse – New York & Company

Friday is a conference day. Here’s the outfit I have planned:

• Jacket – Gap Outlet
• Shirt – Sam’s Club
• Necklace – Claire’s
• Shorts – Gap Outlet
• Shoes – Target

If I need to kick things up a notch for dinner, this is my go-to dress:

• Dress – New York & Company

Saturday is the final conference day. Here’s what I think I’ll wear:

• Shirt – New York & Company
• Pants – Express

I may throw in a maxi dress and another outfit that can go from day to night. But the pieces pictured will make up my basic wardrobe. One thing I’ve learned: I’ve got to keep that suitcase as light as possible to fit the swag bag without going over the allowed weight on the way home!

What do you think of my outfit selections? Do you have any travel or wardrobe advice for me before I head south? I’d love to read your feedback.

Also, before I begin packing, I wanted to share a fun board I recently curated on Hometalk. It’s a collection of ideas for DIY swings for the summer. Yes, there’s still time for you to make a swing this summer. And you’ll definitely want to after you see all the inspiration.

Special thanks to Duluth Trading Company for providing, at no cost to me, the shirt and skinny jeans I’ll be wearing as I travel to Haven this year.