Dec 14, 2023 | Style Musings
Accepting my first senior-level role was one of the most exciting moments of my corporate career. Before the Zoom boom, I traveled to Switzerland for the interview. On a SwissAir overnight flight, I was nervous and although my seat was in coach, paying to upgrade was an investment. I was determined to come home knowing the job was mine, and I knew they had already interviewed several more qualified candidates.
Aside from the usual preparation for a job interview, my fashion choice and my style would absolutely guarantee me the best chance for success. For this role at a Swiss/French biotech company, I needed to look polished, professional, and chic, but not overstated. Black, grey or navy would have been safe but I had to stand out. Research proved that the CEO herself was a fashionable, brilliant and powerful woman and not OVERDOING the style, but still looking chic was crucial.
It was a warm September day near Geneva, Switzerland in the early 2010’s, and I opted for a Theory loosely fitted, burgundy crepe waist-tie belted dress with a dark grey shrug and taupe patent leather pumps. The dress will forever be etched in my mind as my tool to win the job. I kept my accessories minimal with just a little neck scarf and a traditional, burgundy briefcase (from Henri Bendel) for my papers and hard copy resumes. I wasn’t thrilled with the bag, but I promised myself that if I landed the job, I would buy myself a work tote that I loved. And I did, several more since then actually.
When I walked in and met the CEO looking and feeling my absolute best, I knew the job was mine. She and I connected on the fashion level, which supersedes a lot of other qualifiers. My message is, never underestimate the power of what you wear for job interviews or business meetings. In my case, a carefully chosen, simple burgundy Theory crepe dress literally drove my career trajectory.
Although none of those circa 2015 pieces are available any longer, here are my picks for strong alternatives. I can’t promise you that you will land the job, but I can promise you will be noticed!
YSL Sac du Jour Tote $3800.00
Theory Pleated Combo Dress in Textured Satin Mink color $595.00
Valentino silk stole with animal print
Dec 13, 2023 | Style Musings
This is going to sound totally strange, but I like spending time in airports. In fact, with major renovations to metropolitan airports and less predictable arrivals and departures, people will no doubt be spending more and more time in them. I typically give myself more than enough time for check-in and boarding, mostly for the people watching and people meeting. I have met so many interesting people in airport lounges and had lots of great conversations over drinks while sitting at the bar and watching travelers stroll by. So it makes sense, because you never know how long you will be there, you ought to look and feel your best while in travel purgatory.
Part of what makes people watching in the airport interesting is, of course, seeing what they’re wearing, what they are carrying, and wondering where they’re going. I always like to look effortless but polished. Wearing lots of layers, including a Maison Cashmere (or other brand) v-neck sweater over a long-sleeved t-shirt or collared white shirt, and a blazer by M.M. LaFleur, paired with my favorite of all time travel pants, the air essentials or the perfect pant in hi-rise flare by Spanx, saves valuable real-estate in carry-on pieces. I even stuff my generous sized work tote into an even more generous sized soft suitcase which poses as my “personal item,” but, I don’t travel lightly.
For those looking for impeccable travel style, a structured oversized tote (think The Row’s Marguax, Prada’s Galleria, Dior’s Book Tote) atop a chic carry-on suitcase with the right layered clothing look will be a sure stand-out. Finish with a pair of designer Rock-Stud sneaks by Valentino and your fit for your flight is finito!
My personal favorite carry-on is by far the Rimowa (pronounced Rimova) Essential Cabin polycarbonate rolling bag (it’s super lightweight AND chic). I love these suitcases despite the price, and because of the price. $900 for the Essential cabin size, says about the wearer, ‘I invest in travel, and value a bag that can practically wheel itself through the airport.’ Give the bag a nudge and it goes a mile. It’s also lightweight compared to the aluminum (and pricier) Rimowa models. Mine is now cracked at the top so hooray! My five-year generously honored, secured me a brand, shiny new one in petal pink!
