What Not to Wear?

So, I'm preparing to attend LDStorymaker's writing conference this month. Yes, I'm excited. Ever since I started seriously writing, I've been looking forward to a conference just like this one for a chance to meet other authors, hear great ideas for improving my 'craft' and the opportunity to do something with my writing that involves other people - something social. Hence, the prepartion. I thought I'd be spending every spare moment writing or editing or in some way polishing my writing. What am I doing?

Um, Housework -haven't given that one up yet.
Reading Conference Presenter blogs - that counts, doesn't it?
Checking flights - why do airline schedules not accomodate my tight itinerary? And finally - Figuring out what to wear. Uhg. This is when I remind myself I am a writer for a reason. I like buying books more than shoes, I like reading books more than stepping out to a movie and, yes, I like writing books more than shopping at the mall.

I know writers can have the reputation of being serious, studious and I-mean-this-in-the-best-sense-of-the-word, nerdy. I don't want to shatter that image by appearing shallow and clearly self-centered here, but I do have to figure out what to wear. Can I be frivolous for a minute?

I checked with some of the places I usually turn for inspiration. I thought maybe dear Jane might have a suggestion for me. *Sigh* The empire waist. She can pull it off, but this century I'd run the risk of it resembling maternity wear. And the bonnet . . . now there's an idea.

"Why not seize the pleasure at once? How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!" Jane Austen


How about Miss Alcott? The white blouse looks versatile, but I don't think I could get my hair to curl, shine and extend over my ears the same way. Is it just me or does she look like she could could be Princess Lea's grandmother?

"Let us be elegant or die! --Amy (Little Women), Louisa May Alcott

Last try. What can I learn from Miss Emily? Maybe less is more? Less hair, no collar, no lace -more poise? So writing inspiration? Yes. Fashion inspiration? Not so much. But I like Emily's advice . . .

Dwell in possibility - Emily Dickinson

I think I will look mostly like myself - maybe a little more excited than this pic and definately more colorful. Thanks for taking that little field trip with me. Now back to writing the book!