DAR State Conference Page Recap

Any local ladies who are interested in joining the DAR, please feel free to email me. I absolutely love the ladies in my chapter and would love to get you more information about such a great organization! Fun Fact: a fellow blogger helped me get into the DAR:)

When I decided to page at the TNDAR State Conference, I googled around to see what other pages have worn. The dress code is all white which I thought would be easy, but it is NOT easy finding appropriate white dresses when it isn't Easter season:/ Nor was it easy finding a white formal that didn't break the bank either.

I couldn't find any blogs or really very many pictures about DAR Pages or about paging in general.

So, I decided to write this post in hopes there are some other girls looking out there for ideas on what to wear.

Can I just say that paging at state conference was seriously HANDS DOWN one of the best times I've ever had. I was very nervous, but luckily, every single page there was so friendly and helpful which made my nerves subside. Not to mention, quite a few of the girls were first year pages just like me!

I definitely plan on paging again next year:) If you're wondering what I mean by paging, this is the description on the TNDAR website which says it way better than I can:

"Pages are Junior Members who serve as hostesses, errand-runners, personal assistands, and flag-bearers at state events. Tennessee Junior Members learn that paging is a great way to get to know the inner workings of DAR on the state and national levels ... Tennessee Junior Members have developed lifelong friendships with other pages and they treasure the memories of their paging experiences. They have FUN serving the Society!"

I definitely way overthought what to wear. I was so worried about being "appropriate." And since I couldn't find many pics on the web for examples, I just went with if my Grandma would have like it, then I'm sure DAR will like it. ha! Also, I was trying to be as frugal as possible since we are still saving for IVF. 

Day 1: Friday afternoon

attended Page Meeting, met the wonderful woman I was assigned to be a personal page for

Dress: Lilly Pulizer scalloped dress [bought from blogger $45]

shoes: born [brand new--paid $18 on eBay] 

cardigan: NY&Co. 

Krista, me, and Aubrey

Blogging is such a small world! Two of my fellow pages were bloggers too! 

Day 1-Evening

Friday night, we had to wear a white formal gown. My chapter regent asked me to carry our chapter's banner in during Friday night's flag procession, and of course, I was more than happy to do so! I wasn't sure what all that entailed so I tried to find a white dress that had straps. The banner wasn't heavy, and honestly, I would have been fine in a strapless gown. This gown was a fleabay steal considering I only paid 60 bucks for this wedding dress. Luckily, it was for someone my height so it only needed to be taken in. 

dress: Alfred Angelo for JCPenney [paid 60 bucks eBay]

shoes: wore my Born flats again

gloves: Nordstrom [paid 10 bucks on ebay]

Day 2-afternoon

Woke up and hit the ground running. The day went by so fast from attending meetings, doing what ever the vice-president general needed me to do, and trying to not mess up. <----ha!

dress: Lilly Pulitzer Shauna lace dress [paid $75 BNWT on Re-Lilly]

shoes: same as above

Sadly, I did not get a picture of my Day 2 evening dress. It was another fleabay steal! I paid 40 bucks for it BNWT! It was satin with white beading up top and flowy chiffon from the waist down. Really I only wore it for about an hour while I helped out with the line for the state regent's banquet. After that, I went upstairs and changed into comfy clothes for our Page Party! We had pizza and just chatted and was a lot of fun. I was SO exhausted that night that I literally ate some pizza, chatted, went up to my room, and fell asleep as soon as I hit the pillow. 

Page Party

Day 3-Sunday Morning

I was so exhausted even when I woke up, and you can definitely see it in this pic. This morning we helped out with more meetings and assisted with whatever needed to be done. 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Kiera [bought from blogger $45]

shoes: same as above

I was an assistand to this wonderful lady, our TN Vice President General. She was so kind and taught me a lot. She didn't get mad when I messed up, and she was so great! I hope if I'm a personal page again next year that I can page for her or someone like her. She rocked!  :))))

Hope this helps any of you first year pages who are googling around for ideas on what to wear. Also, my advice is to shop for white Easter dresses while they're out now! Another thing, some of the girls wore the same dress two days in a row. In all reality, I could have saved $$$ by doing that. So, keep that in mind! 

Ways to be frugal [I included prices in my post so you could see!]: scour eBay, check out facebook pages, local consignment shops, blog sales, etc. Luckily, two of my day dresses I bought from Maryland Pink and Green [blogger] and one on Re-Lilly [facebook page], and the two formals were $100 total on ebay. 

Seriously, I had SO much fun learning more about the DAR and the wonderful things we do! If you'd like to know more or would like to join, just drop me a line! Would love to help ya:)