You're taking how many suitcases?

Last year about this time, I was seriously freaking out about what I was going to wear to RWA Nationals. I remember writing a frantic email to Serena Robar (Braced2Bite, Fangs4Freaks, Dating4Demons), I think she probably thought I was going to have a stroke. But she wrote back and gave me some very good tips on dressing for conference. I've been so busy this year that I haven't had much time to stress about it. Here are some of my tips.

Obviously you want to look nice, duh. But that doesn't necessarily mean wearing a really fancy dress and uncomfortable shoes. If you are a person who likes to wear pencil skirts, hose, and five-inch heels, go for it. You're going to look smoking, but if I tried to pull that off I'd probably look like a streetwalker. So you need to find a balance between looking good and being comfortable. If you are uncomfortable in your outfit sitting in a workshop, just imagine how uncomfortable you'll be in it when you have your agent or editor appt. A nice jacket and pair of slacks is a good choice for just about anyone.

A suit is a good choice because you can dress it up or down. For an agent appt, you can layer a silk blouse underneath with some classic jewelry. For a night on the town you can switch out the pants for jeans, stick a T-shirt underneath the jacket, and go with more funky accessories and shoes. Parties, parties, parties. You are going to be going to tons of them. Casual dresses, nice sweaters and skirts, and pantsuits are what I saw most last year. Just wear something that will be comfortable to mingle in but that still looks professional.



Everyone really goes all out for the Rita and Golden Heart Award Ceremony. Think the prom for romance writers and you don't even have to worry about having a date because you'll have about 2000 of them! You'll have a blast so bring something that you'll sparkle in!

Don't forget your flip-flops and swimsuit. You'll want some downtime in the pool with your new friends. I'd throw a pair of tennis shoes in too. You never know when you might have time to go shopping!!!

A word to the wise. Everybody wants to smell like a princess but take a moment and imagine if all two thousand plus convention-goers all wore perfume. That's LOTS of perfume. These days a lot of people are very sensitive to lotions, perfumes, and body sprays. Don't take the chance of ruining someone else's time because you go a little overboard with the scents.

If this hasn't helped and you still just don't have a clue what to bring then just throw some clean underwear in a bag and put on your cowboy hat because we're going to Texas, Baby!!!!!

What I'm reading....The Time Traveler's Wife...what? It's really long.

xo,

Steph

All that matters is what's inside...as long as your outside is wearing the tiara!

REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN, July 3,2007, Berkley Jam Books

WWW.STEPHANIEHALE.COM