So I’m leaving in two days for New Orleans and I’m starting to have a small panic attack.
Whatever for?! You may ask.
I’ll tell you what for. It’s not just because I have to interview CEO’s and CFO’s and Presidents of large corporations, including Sears (although I am nervous about that, but I’m pretending I’m not because if I think about it too long, my hands start to shake). It’s not because I might get to hob nob with influential public figures or meet other fantastically talented writers, because chances are I won’t actually be hob nobbing with much, although I like to pretend that when it’s all said and done I’m going to be BFF’s forever with all sorts of artsy creative folks.
Oh no. I am nervous because I don’t know how to pack. I don’t know what to wear. This is serious stuff, folks. I have to look cool and put together. What do I wear when I’m in a position of working as a volunteer while simultaneously being listed as part of the Press Corps?
I have literally googled the phrase photos of Extreme Makeover Home Edition to see what the ladies on that show wear when they’re working. I’m that desperate for ideas. Pitiful, yes?
I have dug through my wardrobe and have questioned all manner of clothing and have come to the conclusion that I could really benefit from a stylist. Darn Hollywood stars who set the fashion bar so high…
I need functional cute clothes for working and casual cool clothes for evening events and fun party clothes for going crazy on Bourbon Street.
Just kidding…not that last part. I don’t think I’ll be going to Bourbon Street. Or maybe I will – I dunno, actually. I have to get up at 3:00am on Thursday morning and be ready to go by 4:00 when a car service will pick me up. Upon arriving at my New Orleans hotel, I have an immeditae meet and greet with the PR company putting all this together. So I need to look presentable. Something tells me that I’m not going to up for late night galavanting after a long day of working and travelling.
That and the fact that I’ve never been much of a galavanter, anyway. I’m not even sure if I know how to galavant…
So what are your suggestions? How should I dress for something like this? Literally, my itinerary suggestions casual and cool clothing. Um…I’m not sure what casual cool means or looks like. I’m heading to the mall now in the hopes that there will be some wicked sale racks filled with clothing that screams CASUAL COOL.
Wish me luck…
OK – so I’m obviously no help when it comes to perfectly matched attire, hob nob techniques, or galavanting procedures. One things does come to mind though – you got this gig because of who you are and what you do – ALREADY. Maybe just go with what you normally already wear and do – just a thought! Good luck and enjoy it all!
it is blazing hot down here! maybe some semi-cute bermuda shorts and a fashion-T, maybe if you grabbed a cute blazer or cropped little blazer to throw over it or bring along in case you meet Brad Pitt. If you do have time in the French Quater, get a drink at Patty O’s.
Good to know, Mel. I do have a couple of hours each day (from 4-6) to explore the city. I think my hotel is pretty close to the French Quarter so I will have to head that direction. I’m hoping I make a friend so I don’t have to go alone!
My suggestion is casual pants, a shell, a pretty scarf, a summer blazer and simple earrings. You can take the jacket off outside but somehow the scarf makes an outfit look pulled together. Good luck!
YOU need a stylist? You who shows up for Sunday Morning Worship rehearsal (at 7:45 a.m., no less) looking like you were pulled from the pages of an Ann Taylor ad? I don’t believe it. 😉
Actually, I do. Somehow being in a new situation or environment makes us over think things we normally nail without too much effort. And clothes are the perfect example! Not to mention that dress codes often seem to contradict themselves. Smart Casual? What does that even mean?!
Take heart, you always look great (and I second Brad – they picked you because you’re YOU), this will be no exception. Cheers!