I know y’all have been waiting for me to post my thoughts on the Disney Social Media Moms Conference – and it’s coming, I swear! It’s just that I normally need some time to collect my thoughts and present them in a way that will be relevant and interesting to you. It was QUITE the epic conference, though, and I’ll be back later this week with all the good stuff!
However, in the meantime, I know how much you love my Frugal Fashion Recaps (check out my BlogHer’12: Frugal Fashion Recap here) – also known as “What to Wear to a Professional Conference” – and so I thought it was only right to post another installment.
Last year, I was able to wear an entirely new wardrobe, consisting of four faboosh outfits, for under $200. This year, I wasn’t exactly counting pennies, but was nonetheless able to assemble a wide variety of outfits that allowed me to feel confident and pretty. Of course, the Disney Social Media Moms Conference posed an additional challenge; my wardrobe had to include conference day pieces, night ensembles, and even Disney Park outfits – ones that could keep me somewhat comfortable in the 35°C weather, that is.
And so here it is… a timeline of my outfits, the costs, and how I rocked them!
The very first conference event was on Thursday night – a Welcome Reception at Epcot. As mentioned in my I Have Nothing To Wear post, I decided to recycle an outfit from BlogHer’12 – a striped maxi dress from Banana Republic Factory Store. There I am posing with Stephanie (@SassyModernMom) and Tenille (@FeistyFrugal) – it was crazy dark at the venue (hence the grainy photo), so thankfully we all chose bright pieces!
The dress cost $49.72 (after discounts) – last year – which means, of course, there was no additional expense to my fashion budget for Disney Social Media Moms. I received exactly eight (8) compliments (hubby was counting!) so I’m officially declaring this do-over a fashion win.
Of course, it was the next day – Conference Day One – that I was really stressing about. Not only did I want to look appropriately professional for the conference, but there was also a Red Carpet Family Dinner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which I just knew I wanted to dress to impress for. However, I also had no idea if I’d have a chance to change in between, so I had to opt for an outfit which would literally take me from “office” to “outing”.
(Not so easy when balancing highly air conditioned conference rooms and non-existent air conditioning at outdoor venues!)
In the end, I decided to go for a tried and true maxi dress – the easiest way to be fun and flirty and always dressed accordingly for the occasion. Of course, one of my first stops was once again the Banana Republic Factory Store. As soon as I laid eyes on this gorgeous maxi dress, I knew I had to have it!
With an abstract floral print and a figure-flattering empire waist, the dress was originally $110 – on sale for 40% off. Thankfully, I read In Touch every week – and always remember to save their GAP Factory Store and Banana Republic Factory Store coupons. Hence, I was able to receive an additional 20% off, making the dress only $52.80 after discounts. Have you been paying attention? That’s almost the same amount I spent on my maxi dress last year. Therefore, the sweet spot for Banana Republic Factory Store dresses is about $50 CAD – be sure not to purchase them at a higher price, because you just know there will be another sale around the corner.
I teamed it up with my prized Michael Kors Devon handbag and a pair of gladiator sandals from ALDO I’m so happy I held on to, even though conventional wisdom was telling me to toss them last year. It only took a few more seasons for the style to return, and now we’re in gladiator heaven with all the brands once again coming on board.
Since I already own the handbag and sandals, total cost for the outfit was $52.80! (Er… technically I should also factor in the new convertible bra I purchased, but let’s forget about that.)
The next day was Conference Day Two – also known as the Coronation of Merida, the soon-to-be newest Disney Princess. Since the entire ceremony was outdoors (the celebration took place on the steps of Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom), I opted for comfy casual. To tell the truth, I had two outfits in mind; one for the family breakfast and coronation, and the second for time spent inside the park. Let’s chat about the first ensemble for now.
I actually had all of the clothes on hand, although, you could call the Old Navy sleeveless blouse a Disney Social Media Moms purchase, as I picked it up shortly after the invitations were distributed and certainly considered adding it to my rotation. Thanks to a very predictable 30% off sale, I scored the blouse (in one of my very favourite colours, peacock blue) for just $18.86.
The denim capris were actually once bell-bottomed jeans that would never see the light of day as… well, bell-bottomed jeans… so my mom did some handwork to cut, sew and cuff them. My Coach shoes were actually purchased back in 2006 – I kid you not – but for some reason, they made their way to the back of my closet after only having worn them once or twice. Hence, I had a pair of designer running shoes in immaculate condition! Of course I had to bring them along.
So the entire outfit only set me back $18.86 this year – I’m starting to see it’s actually a very good idea to shop your own closet first!
No sooner than the ceremony had adjourned, however, I ripped off the blouse and stuffed it in my bag. Yes, it was airy, and cool, and I certainly could have worn it for my day at Magic Kingdom. However, why wear a forgettable blue blouse when you can wear a muscle shirt that declares: “Don’t Be Such a Mermaid”? OBVIOUSLY if there’s one place I could rock such a tee, it would be at Ariel’s home!
I found the tee at H&M two days before our trip for just $14.95. Of course I couldn’t resist! I even purchased one for fellow Social Media Mom Tenille from Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous – because it is totally up her alley as well. We managed to snap a picture of us together in matching tees before we conquered the Magic Kingdom with our families.
I was a little afraid the t-shirt would fall apart in the wash, but I’m happy to report that it held up very well. And, even though the top came affixed with a label stating its colour may rub off on lighter fabrics, I didn’t experience that at all, and washing with a regular dark load was absolutely fine.
Now after spending a hot, theme-ride filled day at the Disney Park, I was more than ready to spend a few hours in an air conditioned movie theatre. So, when offered the chance to attend an advanced screening of Monsters University, you know we jumped at it! I promised to not give away the plot, but I can tell you this: it was marvelous! Yes, we will be seeing it again on opening day in Toronto – we loved it THAT much.
Immediately following the advanced screening was a Family Dinner at Fantasia Gardens, Disney’s famed Miniature Golf Course. Since I didn’t think that arriving in a muscle tee was appropro, I did make a point to change before Monsters University. I wish I could share the details of an awesome new outfit I purchased, but the truth is, I decided to take a cue from the very first day and recycle an outfit. It’s cheaper, it’s less stressful, and if you’ve got it, why not flaunt it (more than once, that is). So, I resurrected another outfit I wore to BlogHer’12 – this time, a simple satin-feel top from Express and my favourite GAP skinny jeans.
(I have no pictures from the event on Saturday night – I’m wondering if subconsciously, I don’t take pictures when I’m wearing a recycled outfit? Ha! Anyhoo, you’re looking at a picture from last year, but the outfit is the same – minus the Lorax, of course.)
The outfit proved to be perfect; a heavy, 5-minute rain came thundering down while we were having dinner (under a dry canopy, of course!) and it effectively cooled off the lingering humidity. I could actually breathe more easily just moments after the rain ceased! After dinner, I was able to comfortably spend the rest of the evening at Epcot – where we had detoured so I could finally experience a Dole Whip – a pineapple-flavored soft-serve frozen dessert available only at Disney World and Disneyland. My verdict? Two thumbs way up – it was so, so good – a must try for sure.
Alas, it’s now time to discuss my last outfit of the conference. But before I launch into a description, I need to add a disclaimer: I HATE SKINNY MIRRORS.
And I am absolutely certain that Marshall’s has them. Because every time I try something on at Marshall’s, I have delusions of grandeur, thinking I look like a supermodel. Why else would a thick-hipped girl buy horizontal stripes? Yes, I said horizontal stripes. For reasons unknown, I thought I looked pretty fabulous when I tried on this colourful Calvin Klein dress at Marshall’s. A bonus: it was marked down from $120.00 to just $59.00! So I threw caution to the wind and packed it in my suitcase for the special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday morning. Only problem? It didn’t look quite so fabulous in the hotel mirror. Ugh – damn you skinny mirrors!
So the image you see on the left is me modelling the dress, but fair warning: I am sucking in my tummy something fierce to make sure the horizontal stripes don’t veer off course in the mid-region. The dress is also about an inch too long – effectively solved by throwing it in the dryer after washing when I returned home.
I paired up the dress with the LONDON handbag from Nella Bella. You’ll remember this blog post where I touted how awesome and versatile it is. Truly, it was my companion for many outfits during the entire press trip.
And there you have it – a frugal fashion recap for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. Since I was very conservative this time around and incorporated pieces I already owned, the total expenditure was just under $150.00. I think that’s pretty amazing, considering I pulled together nine (9) outfits! (Not pictured: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday park/travelling outfits.)
I’ll be back in a few days with a conference wrap-up. In the meantime, enjoy the short week!
Love the Banana Republic dresses. I have never shopped there because I always thought is was too expensive but you really got some great deals. There is a factory store in Ajax, I might have to stop in very soon.
You will absolutely have to stop by Tricha! Just be sure to visit on a weekend – that’s generally when they post their 40% off dresses sales. I will NEVER buy anything at full price at the Factory Store – just sit tight, you know it will be discounted.
The first Banana Republic dress that you posted is one of my favourite dresses of all times! Love your hair too. And way to go on being invited to Disney!
Thank you Celia! I fear the first BR dress is on its last legs.. I’ve washed it too many times :) Still, I got a LOT of use out of it!
LOVED every single part of this post – your fashion recaps are the best Lena! Firstly, you look so gorgeous in every picture with perfect hair & makeup. Secondly – I love how you break down your outfits – you really do get the best deals – so inspiring!
And I’ve now learned that I NEED to check out the BR outlet to get me some fab maxi dresses too!
Oh – and the H&M shirt was SO perfect!! Loved the color and the phrase – I can hear Flounder saying it to Ariel LOL! (my daughter adores Little Mermaid too!)
:) I wore the tee yesterday and so many people asked me about it! Such a good purchase!
Aw, that means so much coming from you Ella! LOVE all your fashion posts – you are an inspiration! And YES, the BR Outlet is waiting for you!
I am in love with each and every maxi dress you found!! (oh and you rocked the striped dress) Long live the Maxi Dress! My only complaint, that we didn’t get to go shopping together!! I so stink at finding deals and end up paying full price more often then I care to admit! Having a plan on what to wear sure must have taken the stress out of it! Well done :)
LONG live the Maxi Dress! We’ll have to squeeze in some time for shopping when you’re in TO my friend!
You did really well! I love the mermaid tshirt! lol You look beautiful in your horizontal stripes! My daughter informed me that Vancouver recently got a Marshall’s so I think I’ll be heading over their soon!
Excited that Vancouver has a Marshalls too!
Oh Anne you will love it! Think Winners – but with MUCH better fashion. I think all of the best styles go to Marshall’s :)
All of your outfits are amazing – I think I will be paying a visit to the relatively newly opened Marshall’s near me and check them out (I didn’t even know what Marshall’s sold until now LOL!) Guess I should also take my “tween” granddaughter with me ;)
YES! They have a dedicated tween/teen section she’s go nuts over; it’s generally at the back of the store and called “the trendiest cube on the block”.
I loved the Marshall’s dress, and you rocked it!
Thanks Angie!
I love the mermaid t-shirt. It’s really great.
The Calvin Klein Klein dress is really cute too. I love bright colours and I think it looks good.
Thanks Nicoline! I’m a big fan of bright colours too.
My fav piece of yours is the silver snake skin print top – hot momma!
Hahaha it’s one of my fave pieces too! Thanks Lisa!
WOW!!! Frugal me is absolutely impressed – and you totally clobbered me in expenses this trip! Plus, you aced every single outfit which is worth, like, a gazillion dollars right there!
Thank you for the Mermaids shirt, it’s going to be a summer fave here! xo
Like, Lisa, my favourite piece was the snake skin top! Love the maxi dresses on you too, though (including the Calvin Klein dress, silly woman).
Haha thanks Victoria. But trust me, I’ve got some photos of that dress that don’t look *quite* as flattering!
3 words- hot and spicy!
Oh husband.
skinny mirrors? I’ve never heard of such a thing – learn something new every day
You should Google it :) They were made VERY popular when Elaine from Seinfeld accused Barney’s of having them:
Elaine: Wait a minute (claps hands) Wait a minute. I know what’s going
on here. Skinny Mirrors! (she pushes George and Jerry in their
respective chests, with her arms extended — one arm for each of them —
they recoil with surprise)
Jerry: What?
Elaine: Skinny Mirrors! Barney’s has Skinny Mirrors, they make you
look, like, 10 pounds lighter.
Jerry: Oh, you’re crazy.
Elaine: Am I? (hands on hips) Do you think I would have bought this
dress if I looked like this at Barney’s?
George: (to Jerry, as Jerry nods in agreement) You know I think she
might have something there.
Nice post-conference wrap up! Always look forward to your fashion posts because you know how to shop on a budget! Went to Old Navy and they didn’t have my size in the sleeveless blouse. I was so sad :(
Oh no :( Perhaps try online? You’ll find the most selection there!
You look gorgeous in all of your outfits Lena. However, I love the orange floral printed maxi dress from Banana Republic.
I think that’s my fave too, Marissa! Thank you!
All of your looks are fantastic! (As expected!) I am still in love with that first Banana Republic dress. I think you look amazing in the striped dress.
Thanks for sharing your looks with us!
You know what? I don’t really love the dress in pictures, but adore it when I put it on in person. Thanks Nicole!
You always look fantastic and looks like you rocked the fashion at Disney World!
Thank you so much Alexandra!
Look at you! You’re such a fashionista – even when you’re wearing casual! Loved this post! Great outfits :)
Thanks Jenny! Looking fab makes me feel fab, so win-win!
You always look so classy and put together and you are a natural beauty
Aw, you are so sweet! Truly, I’m touched!
Amazing outfits! Can I hire you to be my personal stylist? I think that most moms look up to you because you obviously are a great mom but you still make sure to take care of yourself and put your best foot forward. That’s what sets you apart! I want to read your blog for fashion advice and the amazing tips you post, not just read reviews like all the other cookie cutter blogs out there.
Thank you RubyRed! And I truly appreciate your kind words – I’m so happy you enjoy my posts!
Loved all your outfits and really appreciate that you help women answer the question of “what to wear” to professional conferences. All of the styles you put together can be worn by women of different ages and sizes, so I appreciate that!
I agree! The maxi dress is universally flattering and works well on just about every woman!
LOVE those dresses!!!
Thanks so much Jen!
Lena, you always look amazing skinny mirrors or not. Love all the maxi dresses.
You’re too sweet. Thanks Julia!
I’m so inspired to rock a maxi dress this summer, I’m only 5’2″ and thought I’d be swimming in them but I wear some wedges.
I’m only 5’5″, so I think a pair of wedges would elevate you perfectly Sharda! Long live the maxi dress!
Nice dress!
Thanks!
The three of you just look gorgeous – are you sure you are someone’s mom?? Like the Maxi Dress.
LOL I love everything about your comment Suzanne! Muah!
Great deals and I love to repurpose and find the best deals out there. Thanks for some great tips!
You’re very welcome Cheryl – happy shopping!