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Grown & Ready

December 21, 2015
Last week I wrote a column about how glad I am to be graduating from college and my excitement to enter the workforce. But now that my days of wearing Lululemon leggings and college-branded sweatshirts to class are over, it's time I step up my daily attire with a more sophisticated approach.

This outfit is office-friendly and stylish, making it perfect for the working girl who needs to be taken seriously, but also wants to look as good as she feels. Don't be afraid to break out of the corporate black and navy pantsuit mold and wear something that reflects your personality (that's valuable, too!). 

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This wool J. Crew skirt is a great winter staple. It can be paired with a variety of shirts, sweaters and blazers, and the side zipper spices up what would ordinarily be a fairly conservative piece.

Love this skirt? Check it out here!

Outfit Destinations:
Office
Networking event
Worship service

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Shirt : Zara | Shawl: Express | Skirt: J. Crew | Pumps: Forever 21 | 
Fitbit: Tory Burch | Watch: Montblanc 
{ Photography: Natalie Craig }


What A Time To Be Alive—Melrose Edition

December 14, 2015
After seven grueling semesters of college, it’s finally over. I feel relieved, accomplished and most importantly, grateful.

Throughout college I have found my passion, and I happen to be OK at it. Finding my place in the world as a journalist and blogger has been a remarkable process and I’m thankful that I have found my profession early in my life. I’ve never identified so closely with a label before, but I am a journalist, and I’m proud to be one.

That’s why I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be working as a general assignment reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business starting in January. I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am today, but I wouldn’t be here without the ongoing love and support from family, friends, colleagues and mentors. Here are some words of gratitude to the people who have had a major influence on my life through the last three and a half years:

My Columbia professors: Thank you for being patient with me and giving me never ending encouragement throughout my college career. You have helped me push my limits and I’m a better writer because of it. Some special professors I’d like to mention: Chris Richert, Jeff Lyon, Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin and Jennifer Halperin.

My Chronicle family (Circa fall 2013-present): I had never been so inspired by my peers until I became a Chron kid. All of you are talented in the different crafts you bring to the paper, whether it’s writing stories, designing pages or contributing stunning photography. You guys taught me how to be a team player and helped make the two years I spent there an invaluable experience.

Lucas (Ex-boyfriend): You’re a (expletive) roach and will always be one. But I have to thank you for being my college sweetheart or whatever. You taught me a lot about what it means to love someone, miss someone and let someone go. When I look back on college, I will always remember times spent with you as they were some of the best, worst, most dramatic, etc. So, I hope some of your dreams come true and you live a fairly satisfying life.

The Mass (Gabriela Kaplan, Niki Sabetfakhri, Neeka Salmasi & Maddie Csere): It seems as though we’ve been friends since the beginning of time. I’m eternally grateful for each of you and the fact that we remained best friends throughout college. No matter how dark my world got or how alone I ever felt in Chicago, I always knew I had you girls even if we were miles apart. I know we have a special friendship, particularly because it lasts.

Sinclaire Fonville (Roommate): I wanted to be your roommate and friend before I even knew you. When we finally became roomies, I was amazed by your kindness and positivity. Whether we’re throwing parties and getting noise complaints, grilling on the balcony or exchanging gossip on guys, our time living together has been unparalleled and time I will always cherish. Even when we move out of One Place, I hope we remain just as close because you’re the kind of friend one has for a lifetime.

Natalie Craig (Soulmate): I always thought I’d meet my soulmate in college and that it would be a guy. But instead I met you and you have surpassed all of my expectations as a friend.

You understand me in a way that no one else ever has. You’re a journalist, like me, and you understand how pissed it makes me when I see people sharing news articles on Facebook from illegitimate sites. You’re a romantic, like me, so you know how devastating it is when a roach breaks my heart. And you lost your dad, like me, so you know how lonely Father’s Day can feel.

You’re also a magazine editor, something I aspire to be, and to put it frankly, you help me edit my life. You add color, metaphor and meaning, and it’s a Pulitzer-prize winning piece every time.

Mom: We’ve had our ups and downs, but you’ve always managed to be there when it counts. I’m so lucky to have you in my life and I hope our relationship continues to grow. You’re a strong woman and I hope that I inherit that trait, too.

Aunt Spruce: Ever since Dad died, you have been a pillar of support in my life. Whether you’re putting me on a plane to L.A. or checking in on me when you sense that I’m feeling down, I will never forget the kindness and compassion you have shown me. You used to talk to Dad every Sunday, and I’m glad that we now share that tradition. You have filled many voids for me and I’m happy to know I was able to fill that one for you.

Dad: I did it, Dad! I graduated from college! We’ve talked about this day for a long time and now that it’s finally here, it’s devastating that you can’t be here to celebrate with me. You always told me that one the proudest days of your life was when you handed your father your college diploma. I was looking forward to handing you mine.

But despite you not being here, my goal has remained the same—to make you proud. I’ve come a long way since you’ve passed, but I have even farther to go, and I plan to keep you close to my heart and mind as I navigate through life.

Fashion Fetish Friday: Marc Fisher Tassel Boots

December 11, 2015
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Few things are more appeasing to a fashionista than finding a new brand they are totally in love with. I initially gave Marc Fisher a chance this fall when I bought a pair of his booties. They seemed like a quality pair, were made with smooth, shiny leather and were of course, stylish. After wearing them nearly every day for the last four months, they have certainly lived up to my expectations and have proved they were worth the $178.

When I saw these tassel boots in Nordstrom this week, it was love at first site again. Like the others, they are made with beautiful leather, have an appealing shape and the tassel detail sets them apart from others. 

These boots run for $248. I'm still deciding if they are worth the investment (also waiting for my next paycheck). But I think they are a pair I might not be able to live without!

Check back within the month for updates and new outfit posts featuring these beauties. And tell me what pair of shoes you're currently obsessed with on Twitter using #FashionFetishFri


What to Wear this Holiday Season

December 7, 2015
Looking for a brand that you can buy an entire holiday outfit from? Below are three outfits from some of my favorite brands, Anthropologie, Bebe and H&M. These outfits are chic, fun and festive, making them an ideal choice for the many holiday events you may be attending this season.

Check them out below and tell me which outfit is your favorite on Twitter!


Anthropologie

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Bebe

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H&M

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Fashion Fetish Friday: Miu Miu Sunnies

December 4, 2015
I know it's not Monday, but these rule-breaking glasses gave me a good reason to break some of my own guidelines. Miu Miu, a subsidiary brand of Prada, makes these beauties.

They also come in black and tortoise, but I personally like them in grey because it's different and subtle. They might not be timeless, but they are unique and give an unparalleled edge to a traditional eye wear frame.
Because wearing sunnies is necessary sometimes, having a swanky pair like this is required for any true fashionista. Plus, adding to your growing collection never hurts.

You can buy them at Nordstrom for a whopping $390. So, these are definitely on my Christmas wish list! Tell me what accessory you're currently obsessed with on Twitter and use #FashionFetishFri