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.

Thursday-morning

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:

Thursday-night

  • 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:

Conference-day

  • 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:

Dancing

  • Dress – New York & Company

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

Conference-day-2

  • 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.

livingrichonless3006

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. 

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16 Responses

  1. Cindy says:

    You. look. GORGEOUS. This made me so sad since I can’t make Year # 3. Maybe that means you won’t go home hoarse from talking — instead you’ll be sore from dancing?! Have a marvelous time. Much love. xo

    • Susan says:

      I’m bummed, too. Will definitely be missing you. Please don’t be a stranger, and let me know if you’re planning on attending any other conferences or if you’re ever within, like, 5 hours of me. We’ll meet up!

  2. Kala says:

    I think everything looks super cute, and now I’m worried I’m going to look like a little teeny bopper at this thing, although that was bound to happen anyway. I’m caught at that weird age were I want a more tailored sophisticated wardrobe until I see girls my age in flowy stylish things, then I want that look too. I’m caught somewhere between mom style and V-neck t-shirts…Luckily my roomie seems to know what she’s doing. 🙂

    • Susan says:

      Girl … if you can pull off “teeny bopper” I say go for it. If I could pull off teeny bopper, I would, lol. Unfortunately, I think that ship has sailed for this 35 year old.

    • Susan says:

      Oh and I think I changed my mind about one of the nighttime outfits. You’ll have to let me know what you think when you see it.

  3. Hi! You look great! This will be my first year at Haven. My outfits are not nearly as fantastic … just long skirts for the days, and shorter ones for nights. I am not much of a shopper! (Except for home decor.) Looking forward to meeting you at Haven!

  4. Hopping over from FB Haven group. Thanks for this post…;-)You look great in all outfits! This will be my first conference and I am #sonervous!!Haven’t even packed yet..:-)See you tomorrow!Xo

  5. Love every one! I’m so bummed I can’t make it this year. You make a great roomie! Have fun

  6. Kelly Palmer says:

    You look great in all of the outfits! Just keep in mind that it is hot and humid here in Georgia 😉 Have a wonderful time!!

  7. Sally says:

    You look great in all photos. That particular length of shorts wouldn’t be appropriate for any conference I’ve gone to and some of them are a bit casual. Wouldn’t ever say this if you hadn’t asked!

  8. Renae says:

    The navy and orange combo is killer!! But I’m loving every single look you posted…have a great time! This is the time of year that I wish I was a blogger. 🙂

    • Susan says:

      Thanks Renae! Not all the folks who come to Haven are bloggers. Some just enjoy DIY and want to get more skilled at their craft. Keep that in mind for next year. 😉

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