travel friendly + versatile

Well, nothing like a last minute trip, but yesterday evening I found out that I would in fact be traveling to a conference in Austin (my attendance at which had previously been sidelined because of workload)... and I'm leaving today!  I am nerdily excited to be traveling for work for the first time, even if its just a couple hundred miles South.

Lots of "Musts" for my ensemble today:

• Must be appropriate for the office pre-departure
• Must be comfy and warm enough for the plane
• Must transform into business cocktail attire for the welcome reception this evening
• Must incorporate shoes for Thursday and Friday as well

The final result:

I purchased this dress at BR, mega on sale, for about $25.  It is ridiculously comfortable and is made of some miracle fabric that refuses to wrinkle.  And when the jacket comes off...

... throw on a pashmina, and I'm ready for a cocktail.  The suede and patent Harpers (now on sale!) work well with the rest of the items in my suitcase and are appropriate for day and night events.

Rose Dress - Banana Republic

Grey Cropped Jacket - Ann Taylor Loft

Black Tights - Target

Black Suede & Patent "Harper" Pumps - J.Crew

Gold and Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Hammered Gold Bangles - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding gift

I had an inquiry regarding AF's dress code... Technically, we are "business formal," Monday through Thursday and "business casual on Friday."  For the men, that transfers to suit and ties / jeans or khakis and a button-down or polo.  For women... eh.  I fully realize and fully appreciate that I have a lot of leeway when it comes to what I wear.  I am the only female attorney on my team and on my wing of the office.  Our managing partner is extremely fashion forward and always dressed appropriately, but rarely in a traditional suit.  If I'm in court, I wear the full lady-lawyer-regalia, but most days (as you can see) I'm able to redefine the rules. Dresses are absolute staples in my closet, as are cardigans and half-jackets of all colors.  I can wear open-toed shoes in the summer but I keep it to subdued peep-toe pumps.  I do always make sure that, whatever I'm wearing, I have a jacket that matches to throw on over it if I'm cold, I have a client meeting, or for some reason I have to run down to the courthouse.  Hope that helps put my little fashion project here into context!