YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Conference report

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Conference report https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:36:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php rachylou on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846169 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:10:49 +0000 rachylou 1846169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WHBM *has* been looking a lot better this year. I bought a top last month... it's been years since I last made a purchase there. Quality is up! Suz on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846062 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:24:13 +0000 Suz 1846062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glad the conference went well and you are on. your way to a great power capsule. I'm amazed at how great WHBM looks this year -- I can't wait to get into a real store to see some of the items. It's a shame about the J. Crew dress but one thing you can do is complain about it. I do think in general,cotton is prone to wrinkling and ends up stretching (if stretch cotton) so it could be that the fabrication is the problem. I would go for summer weight wool in future or some sort of poly (that is lightweight).  Tanya on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846058 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 22:14:43 +0000 Tanya 1846058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you very much, everyone, on all the helpful tote advice. I will first look for the right structured tote that fits my laptop, and then consider the option of the second bag. Lisa p, I agree that the COS pleated pants are cool. If you saw them in a store I would give them a try, but do not feel like ordering anything I am fairly certain I would not like on me. Angie, I will enjoy the pleated pants on you. Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846053 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 21:51:22 +0000 Anonymous 1846053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The COS pants - yes, those are "good" pleated pants - at least based on the description. A more modern, slouchier look. I'd definitely wear those if I had the body . I know, I know, we're not supposed to say that here, but it's reality. Angie on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846050 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 21:37:11 +0000 Angie 1846050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *wearing pleated pants right now* I'll wear them for you and Lisa p.  Tanya, watch the weight of the tote. Keep it light, and carry another bag as your regular bag. A lightweight tote feels better when you're lugging it around with your stuff. A smaller satchel usually does the trick for the rest of your stash. Jane's bag formula is VERY common with clients who need to carry work lap tops and STUFF.  jill58 on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846043 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 21:03:13 +0000 jill58 1846043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya, I have a really big RM tote that I think is also still available at Last Call. It zips closed. It has a structured bottom but the leather part is kind of slouchy. You may want something that has more structure overall. I also think it looks much better in real life than in the photo.  Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846032 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 20:26:03 +0000 Anonymous 1846032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ btw - I'm with you on pleated pants. I can't do it either. Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1846028 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 20:16:12 +0000 Anonymous 1846028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ it measures 11" (high) x 13"  across  - which sounds like it must be a medium.   Tanya on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845997 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 17:47:40 +0000 Tanya 1845997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thank you for the detailed comments. I will post my suit capsule tonight for you, especially since I have some questions about some items. I am not sure why I seriously dislike pleated pants on myself - I always like them on others. It could be because my teenage years and thus my style awareness started in the early 90s, when grunge was cool and everything 80s, including pleated pants, was super frumpy and "mom jeans" territory. I have tried some pleated pants here and there, and couldn't wait to take them off. I am planning to buy the WHBM plaid pants and matching moto jacket. I will even try the matching sheath dress and may buy it if it fits perfectly. I will try on the pearl grey suit and think on it. I will ask my tailor about stitching the slut on the BH dress. The J Crew dress will get its separate post soon. And hose will definitely be on my shopping list for the fall. Lisa's, thank you for your update on the MAB tote. Is yours medium or large size? I definitely need a very roomy tote, especially since my (work-issued) laptop and is a large and heavy Dell Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845987 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 17:18:14 +0000 Anonymous 1845987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know, upon second closer examination.... I take that back about the RM tote.   It's hanging here right on my office door...and for something that gets banged around in airports and sits on the floor too many times...it does look good.  I think I was hallucinating with all of the business talk that day -  But - here  is something else to consider : it's not the roomiest bag ever. If I have my laptop (which is a skinny MacBook air) in it, plus my wallet, planner, makeup bag etc - there isn't room for much else . Definitely not another pair of shoes, or a big scarf or anything like that.  And I know what you mean about having to have a scarf in your lap because of dresses opening up too high - that drives me crazy !  Angie on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845956 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:35:39 +0000 Angie 1845956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm back. (And answered your suit question back on the blog).  Sweet Darling Little Style Sis Tanya - why do you have poison eye for pleat front pants? I can't imagine them looking anything but sensational on you.  Glad you tried on those WHBM paid pants. SOOO comfy, and just your colours. The pearl grey suit could be fab too. Size down a size.  Can you stitch up the slit a little on the BH dress? Sooo annoying about the J.Crew dress.  Like your list. Fun hose to pair with skirts and dresses will keep you warm.  Muffin on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845927 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 13:23:02 +0000 Muffin 1845927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for the details. I think really dissecting the what and whys really helps us all make better choices. And yes the sleeved dresses! skylurker on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845916 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:56:01 +0000 skylurker 1845916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a gorgeous capsule! Tanya on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845915 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:53:22 +0000 Tanya 1845915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you very much, ladies!  I am glad that this post is of help to some of you. Jill, thank you for the info on the MAB  tote!  I am still consdering it, though it got a point down when I realized it does not zip, only snap at the top. Sterling, I wouldn't call it copying, and it doesn't really matter anyway - one of the main purpose of our posts is to help each other!   If the jacket works for you, go ahead and get it.  I found it perfect to wear over dresses,a nd it comes in black and navy, too. Staysfit, thank you for the great advice on the fashion tape, I have used it before and it works. Unfortunately, it is the slit on the skirt that opens up, when sitting down, not on the top, and I don't think the tape would help with that. Staysfit on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845905 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 10:50:39 +0000 Staysfit 1845905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya, for your gaping dress get some double sided wardrobe tape! I use it all the time when I wear wrap dresses or anything with a V or vertical cut slash front neck line. It works. It holds things in place, and it doesn't show. Style Fan on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845902 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 10:43:25 +0000 Style Fan 1845902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoy reading your posts Tanya.  Excellent analysis of what works and why.  I am no longer building a work wardrobe but it is still of great interest to me.  Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845892 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 09:06:10 +0000 Anonymous 1845892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya -- I decided last evening to duplicate your approach to building your "power" capsule.  I realize this is copying, but I feel out of my depth here and your timing/example is perfect for me.  I thought I would go to Express this weekend and try on this blazer as my first step.  My power capsule does not have to be larger than two outfits.  rachylou on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845878 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 04:54:25 +0000 rachylou 1845878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's very interesting about who was in full suits (!) Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845857 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 02:22:24 +0000 Anonymous 1845857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent analysis of your needs and plan going forward. I have Ted Baker cardigan and tee envy. That print looks more professional than many. unfrumped on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845821 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 22:55:00 +0000 unfrumped 1845821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya, travel cslso for work std hard god me! For most of the time, I can create my " power/professional- chic" outfits at home so have access to everything. While I try to get items that are versatile, I have the luxury of putting this jacket with those pants, etc and swapping footwear for weather, or mood, or slight change in venue, or having say, gray tops in different shades or styles where I think one looks better here, another there . For travel, I must " commit"! jill58 on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845801 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 20:37:47 +0000 jill58 1845801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tanya, I was looking at Last Call this morning and noticed the RM MAB tote on deep discount.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lastcall.com/Rebecca-Minkoff-M-A-B-Medium-Leather-Tote-Bag-Black-minkoff/prod41041224___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=SEARCH&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dminkoff%2526_requestid%253D146124&eItemId=prod41041224&cmCat=search">http://www.lastcall.com/Rebecc.....041224___/</a> I know Lisa p mentioned that hers hadn't held up that well but I remember it was something you were considering.  Anonymous on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845794 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 20:13:41 +0000 Anonymous 1845794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You nailed this!!! Jane on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845789 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 19:48:12 +0000 Jane 1845789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am glad that all went well and your wardrobe worked out. Great analysis. I am sorry that your feet hurt. Great guidance from your mentor - how good is that! anchie on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845781 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 19:22:31 +0000 anchie 1845781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am following with interest building of your work capsule. I am in the similar situation at the moment but due to a different reason. I did not change the job but clothing size and need new wardrobe. Have you settled on the number of items you need in each category? Tanya on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845771 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:49:46 +0000 Tanya 1845771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you very much, Angie, Unfrumped and Nadya.  The conference was an excellent learning experience in every way. Angie, I am looking forward to your comments. I have actually tried the WHBM plaid pants (and matching cropped moto) and they fit perfectly, in size 0 (I usually take 2 these days).   I am planning to get both pieces, just trying to figure out my fall budget and needs and priorities.   The grey WHBM pants look good and I will give those a try, too.  The COS pants look perfect for you, but I have a poison eye for almost all pants with front pleats on me and will thus stay away. Unfrumped and Nadya, travel of any kind, especially work, always requires lots of thought from me before packing.  I also enjoy reading other people's travel/packing posts. Nadya on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845768 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:42:45 +0000 Nadya 1845768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love reading these recaps of what worked and what didn't and why. Thanks for taking the time to share. I'm just back from one work conference and have another coming up in October. My industry is much less formal but I still put a lot of thought into what I'll wear so that I'll feel confident and myself when I need to be "on" for these events.  unfrumped on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845764 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:29:21 +0000 unfrumped 1845764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great report! Thanks. And good inspiration for refining the power capsule and travel capsules. Angie on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845762 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:19:38 +0000 Angie 1845762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Will come back to comment in more detail tomorrow, but overall - well done, Little Style Sis. Lots of GOOD analysis and how to go forward. Proud of you.  On the trousers side of things - try these. NO problem with pesky side entry pockets that gape and grin. ALL good quality and fit - giving  Theory and Vince a run for their money. Ignore how off the lengths are on the WHBM models. Moulds to a defined waist like yours.  I bought the COS navy pants. Sublime fabric and drape. Look more feminine in person.  Tanya on "Conference report" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conference-report#post-1845759 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 18:11:10 +0000 Tanya 1845759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have just come back from my 4-day conference trip.  Overall, it went pretty well, both in terms of conference itself and in terms of dressing. I wore three different dress outfits (on days 1,3 and 4) and one pant & blazer outfit on day 2, mainly because my feet really hurt and I needed to wear flat loafers which do not look good with dressy dresses.   Unfortunately, I did not get to wear my pretty gala dress because the schedule was too hectic to go back to the hotel and change.  It wasn't too big of a deal though, because 25% of the women at most actually changed for the gala.  In general, majority of the women wore sheath dresses with (non-matching) jackets when presenting, and some wore pants, so I fit perfectly in. It was also obvious that only the vendors wore full suits and they were very recognizable, so my mentor's advice not to wear a suit was spot on. My outfits were the following: Day 1: Black sheath dress by Black Halo, floral Ted Baker cardigan, black wedges ( same outfit was worn earlier in the week for super important work meeting) Day 2: Houndstooth BR cropped pants, black AT tux jacket, blush silk blouse ( no finds), blush loafers, matching houndstooth neckerchief Day 3: Grey J Crew sheath dress, black AT jacket, black wedges, pearl necklace Day 4: Black flare WHBM dress, cropped pale blush Express jacket (different color from Finds), black wedges, floral TB neckerchief All the days I carried my BR bone satchel and blush/black scarf, mainly to drape over my legs when sitting Travel outfit: Dark AG Jodi jeans, Ted Baker floral tee, blush loafers, big blush scarf, black jacket one way and the blush jacket the other way (with black trench over when it rained) Casual dinner outfit: Dark AG jeans, burgundy could shoulder AT blouse, blush loafers, blush scarf. Some issues and going forward to-dos: 1. I love the Black Halo dress, it is a perfect work-to-cocktails dress.  The only issue is that the front slit opens a lot when sitting down, so I need a scarf or something in my lap to cover up when sitting 2. The new grey J Crew cotton sheath dress was the only disappointment: it both stretches and wrinkles a lot throughout the day - it grew over a size and looked sloppy.  Will start a separate thread this week to figure out what do with it. 3.  My trusty black SM wedges performed beautifully but are starting to show signs of wear ( I have had them for quite a few years).  I need to look for a pair of dressy black work pumps with low-to-mid block heel 4. I need a structured black leather work tote ASAP: good quality, large enough to fit my laptop, polished, and it must close on the top 5.  It looks that my "power" work capsule needs to include both dresses and trousers+blazer outfits, the relative ratio of which will depend on exact occasion, both both are necessary.   6. In the near future, I need the following for my power capsule: a couple of sleeved professional sleeved dresses, a high quality cropped jacket to wear with dresses and a couple of nicer professional pants (Theory, Vince etc.).   I am covered with sleeveless dresses, nice blazers that go with pants and all sorts of blouses and tops.