Panic vomit, a dress and confidence on your worst days

The first time I wore this dress I was in Washington, D.C. for my first-ever official business trip. I was four months into my job and my editors wanted me to cover an annual cardiology conference. I was the only reporter from our company going and the pressure to perform was weighing down on me.

The night before I left I was panicking, panicking so much that I had panic vomit. I had been sick that week, was really anxious about the trip and had a seafood pasta dish that day, which may or may not have caused the vomit. Either way, I was a mess.

On top of my physical and mental breakdowns, I was trying to pack. I needed clothing that was professional and journalist-y, but also realistic and comfortable since I'd be spending nine hours a day in a large convention center. I had just bought this H&M dress and hadn't worn it yet. So I hastily packed it, hoping it was a good choice.

After nightmares about being publicly humiliated in front of Abbott researchers, it was the morning of the conference. I was still on edge about the whole thing and fearful of messing it up.

I pulled the dress over my head and looked in the mirror back at myself. The dress was comfy since it was made of knitted cotton and it rested nicely above my knees. It hugged my waist and expanded gracefully near my hips. Ultimately, it was professional and tasteful, and consistent with my personal style, just like I'd hoped.

I didn't look half bad, I thought to myself. And instantly, this dress made me feel more confident about the challenges I had to tackle that day. I put on these black leather lace-up flats, grabbed my recorder and left the hotel room. 

Later at the conference, I landed an exclusive interview with the chief medical officer at Abbott and surprised even myself. I was composed, asked good questions and was one of the first to break news on the company's new heart stent. I looked good and felt good, and the dress helped me get there.

Who says an outfit can't make you confident even on your worst day?

Outfit Destinations:

Office

Commencement

Holiday party

Dress: H&M | Flats: Halogen | Bangle: Henri Bendel | Watch: Montblanc

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Frosty Silhouettes

Tobi X Melony Melrose—Part II

You know how sometimes you slip on a dress and suddenly feel like the baddest gal on the planet? That's how I feel in this dress.

This style post is the second of three collaborations I'm doing with online retailer Tobi. If you missed the first one, check it out here.

This LBD is from the brand's winter dress collection, and is an ideal choice for holiday parties and other black-tie occasions. But it could also be the perfect dress for wedding guests looking to be elegant and sexy while maintaining a simple profile as to not outshine the bride. It comes in three other colors, including blush, cream and orchid—perfect colors for the other seasons.

It has a sophisticated silhouette, but the leg slit and exposed back give it a sexy flair, and the bow on the hip helps accentuate your shape.

I paired it with some black leather pumps to embolden the look, though it also could go with flats. I was experimenting with camel-colored heels or white lace-up flats, but keeping the shoes black and solidifying a monotone look kept it simple and timeless. I added an elegant gold chain and the look was complete.

Outfit Destinations:

Gala

Black-tie event

Valentine's Day date

Dress: Tobi | Heels: Steve Madden

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

SaveSaveSaveSave