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 }

Tacos can't trump this blazer

Picture this: It’s the beginning of September and I’m looking for a camel blazer. For a working girl in a city where fall and spring happen, having the blazer seemed necessary. Camel blazers and coats have been trending for a while now, mainly because they're neutral and sophisticated pieces that can instantly help step up someone's style game.

I got this particular blazer at J. Crew, and though it was love at first sight, I didn’t buy it right away. It wasn’t worth the $218 the preppy clothing brand was asking for.

But a few weeks later, I’m at Taco Fest in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, and I wander into a J. Crew just to see if my blazer was in there (even though I’m supposed to be eating tacos). And to my surprise, they had it, and it was on sale! So I bought it—obvi.

     

It looks great with denim and earth tones, and gives me the ability to instantly dress up casual outfits. Without the blazer, this outfit it pretty basic. It's just a black shirt and jeans, and I look like I'm running errands. But adding the blazer gives the outfit a business casual element. I love wearing this outfit and others like it to work and networking events—places where I want to look sophisticated and refined, but not overdo it with formal wear.

Fast forward to November and I'm looking for a new pair of black leather boots. Last year I wore out my Marc Fisher boots, and the year before that I was wearing a pair of black leather riding boots from Michael Kors. So since I obviously have a thing for black leather boots, I figured I'd stick with the trend.

That's when I found the Tory Burch Chelsea boots below. They got me through fall and now they're getting me through winter. Though I have to be careful about wearing them when there's snow and salt on the streets, they have remained a staple in my wardrobe. They seemingly go with everything because they aren't overdone with a ton of hardware and other distracting embellishments. With a simple Tory Burch logo on the heel, these boots' simplicity is what makes them so versatile.

Now let's rewind back to June. I'm in Nordstrom looking for a new pair of sunnies when I see these square-frame Celine glasses. I pondered long and hard over them, but figured I could justify treating myself since I had just graduated from college and was offered a new grown-woman job. They cost me, but it was worth it.

Takeaways: 

Wait for items to go on sale

Stay true to what you like

Treat yoself

Outfit Destinations:

Office

Networking event

Mixer

Shirt: Zara | Blazer: J. Crew | Jeans: Lucky Brand | Booties: Tory Burch

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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Blank Space

My personal style is ever-changing. It can be so difficult sometimes to want to wear the same clothing I was wearing just last month. But one area where my tastes remain the same: Accessories. That's why I love this Marc Jacobs hobo so much. It's remained a staple for me since the fall, and I don't see it going out of style anytime soon. Durable, neutral and totally dreamy, it surpasses my expectations of a fabulous handbag.

Outfit Destinations:

Dinner

Movie theater

Shopping center

Shirt, Jeans & Coat: Zara | Booties: Steve Madden | Handbag: Marc Jacobs

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Denim Incisions

This is one of my favorite looks this season. It's comfortable, cute and fairly simple. I wear this exact outfit or a combination of it on a regular basis. My inspiration for this look began a couple of months ago when I was on a mission to find a pair of black skinny jeans with knee slits. It's a new look for me, but I absolutely love it. It's edgy and cool, and appropriate for several occasions.

Outfit Destinations:

Class

House party

Concert

Shirt: Free People | Jeans: Zara | Booties: Marc Fisher | Fitbit: Tory Burch
| Watch: Montblanc | Bracelets: H&M

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

My Favorite Flannel

While winter drags on, finding new styles and outfits is becoming increasingly difficult. I'm longing for the day when I can throw on a pair of shorts and a crop top. 

But recently I've started wearing flannels to help mend my desperation for a new look. Although flannel-wearing hipsters have been around for years, this is my first experience with the style, and it is surprisingly better than I had originally anticipated.

The truth is this isn't my favorite flannel. It's actually my first and only, and if you ask my friends, it's now the shirt I wear too much.

In the never-ending search to find sweaters that have an edge, I managed to get my hands on this cowl-neck knit. Though the zipper on the collar is simple, it gives it a refreshing look.

And because this outfit was channeling an inner-city hipster approach, it could not be completed without acid wash jeans and combat boots. 

| Sweater & Flannel : Forever 21 | Jeans: Zara | Boots: Steve Madden | Ring: Michael Kors

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }