corporate office outfit diary: week of august 17

This week is going to read a little differently because I was in Los Angeles for a business trip! It looked like this: Sunday Uber to JFK, flight to LAX, Uber to hotel. Monday through Thursday meetings in LA and Newport. Thursday night Uber to LAX, redeye to JFK, Uber home Friday morning. PHEW! I’m exhausted just typing that out.

When I travel for work, I can only take a carry-on and my purse. The packing has to be tight and decisive, which is why I pack in complete outfits. I started thinking about options two weeks early because I was going to be on vacation the week before my trip, and then I took about an hour Saturday night trying things on and ensuring everything worked IRL:

For this trip, I brought the system zipper tote bag, which Cuyana kindly gifted me after seeing me going back and forth all summer about a new work bag. After carrying it for the entire week, I have to give it my stamp of approval. It even held up when my ENTIRE 16 oz water bottle leaked into the bottom - a few paper towels to mop up the moat and it was good as new. The bag itself is lightweight, and even filled with my gear it was comfortable to carry. I opted for the larger 16” size because I knew it would be my personal item for the trip, but I think day-to-day you could get away with the 13” if you prefer. Below is a photo of everything I fit inside of it, not including my laptop!!!

My toiletries and makeup also have to be sparse, since those can sneakily take up a lot of room. I brought multi-purpose options, the tightest version of my routine. Small items, big impact.

Toiletries included: the SIV biome balancing serum, OSEA hyaluronic sea serum, Weleda Skin Food moisturizer, Ilia base milk and mineral SPF, Pixi eye serum*, Donna Karen deo, and Korres face cleanser.

Makeup included: Westman Atelier bronzer/blush combo in Peony/Biscuit, Westman Atelier blush stick in Bichette, cream blush in Lusitano, MAKE eyebrown pencil, rem beauty eyeshadow, Trish McEvoy mascara, Ilia lip pencil, and bonjout potted serum.

Let’s see what we left the hotel in…

Sunday

I left my house at 8:45 to fly out from JFK at noon. I wore black leggings, a white tee, holy grail $17 black cardigan, cashmere wrap and sneakers. After a jog on the boardwalk upon arrival, I changed into the same tee, linen pants and leather flip flops (similar) to go for solo dinner and it was such a nice way to end the day.

Monday

For a full day of meetings with prospective clients, I wanted to look put together but I also needed to be able to walk around an office for a few hours. This blue tank from Argent is a new purchase and I absolutely love it. I took my normal size - the cut is very flattering and I didn’t have to fidget with the straps at all. I paired it with navy crepe trousers, a black belt and snakeskin kitten heels from Aeyde. I have these shoes in 3 colors, and in my opinion they are the best heel on the planet. A slingback with an adjustable strap is just the smartest thing Aeyde does!

I went to dinner with my two colleagues later that night, keeping my trousers on and changing into a t-shirt, beaded necklace and leather flip flops (similar). Shoutout Emily Grady Dodge who recently inspired me to upgrade my in-bag-pouch. I used my python bag (pictured) as a clutch all week and felt so chic, for only $50 secondhand! There is one here on Poshmark for $90 I’m sure you could barter for!

Tuesday

Today was my lightest day of meetings, and I was getting coffee with an old friend so I knew I could wear the girliest get up in my suitcase. This pink satin pencil skirt continues to be a great addition to my wardrobe, though I wouldn’t say it’s the most travel friendly - even a good steam couldn’t de-wrinkle it fully. The burgundy tank is new and gorgeous, but admittedly quite annoying. I took the tags off because I love the color so much, but I will need to purchase a bra to work with it. All day I was fidgeting, and no one wants to worry about flashing undergarments while presenting in a meeting!

Wednesday

I had two sets of meetings in separate buildings today, and knowing I would be running between them, I started from the shoe up. I can’t really get over how comfortable these black ballet flats from Everlane are? They don’t make them anymore but if you see them on Poshmark in your size I 10/10 recommend grabbing them. Also, this dress from Theory is flawless. I tried it on at Bloomingdale’s and ordered it in my size immediately. They do simple work dresses perfectly. I felt so good all day! There are SO many of these dresses on The RealReal for like $20-40, if you already know your size or are willing to go to the tailor!!!

Thursday

I had another option packed, but I loved wearing my dress yesterday so much that I put it back on this morning for more meetings. The sign of a great purchase! Leaving the Santa Monica sunshine behind, I flew home on the redeye in the same outfit I flew in with, watched Bend It Like Beckham, and 11 hours later I was home…

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• This was the longest I was away from my daughter so far, and similar to a concept Christina Tumminello recently wrote about, my mantra was if I am going to be gone, I might as well take advantage. Outside of some extremely successful meetings, I got up early to walk the beach, tried new food, walked every night before bed, binged Sterling Point. It was wonderful and filled my cup, making me so grateful to have my job and equally grateful to have my family to come home to!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• This piece by eillie anzilotti really hit home for me:

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• I meal prepped a bunch of stuff for my daughter before I left, which made everyone’s lives easier. youeatlikearabbit on Instagram has great ideas for busy moms who are looking to prep for their toddlers! We did her meat kebabs and they were a hit.

• The Cadence system bags are great for travel because you can always find what you’re looking for. I used the small parcel* for my makeup and didn’t have to unpack everything on the vanity like I normally do! (I also tried their capsules for travel as well, but don’t love having to pump product into them and then wasting the left over. I prefer using travel sizes of my products, but that’s just me!)

• I tend to think that having a watch on makes me look instantly more professional. I paired mine with a thin enamel bangle and stainless steel tennis bracelet* all week, and not having to think about any jewelry was super easy. Just same three items and out the door!

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