Profesh

velvet blazer, floral dress, ankle boots outfit

When: Thursday // Weather: 40s // Real life: work

velvet blazer, floral dress, ankle boots outfit

velvet blazer, floral dress, ankle boots outfit

velvet blazer, floral dress, ankle boots outfit

velvet blazer, floral dress, ankle boots outfit

velvet blazer, floral dress, ankle boots outfit

I’ve had my firm headshots taken 3 times in the 3 years I’ve been a lawyer. They’ve all been fine…you know, I dress more conservatively than usual, make sure my hair is neat, I go to a makeshift studio with fancy lighting, and the photographer has me rotate my torso one way while turning my head the other way, chin down, down a little more, tilt my head 3.8 degrees, flash flash, done.

But if I had my way, my professional headshot would look more like these photos. Wearing floral, looking a little bit sassy, out on the circle, coffee in hand. I mean, don’t these make you want to hire me to register your trademark and then take you shopping?! New career goal: start my own IP firm that also offers personal styling services. Oh, and it will be above a bar, Ally McBeal-style.

Jacket (on sale) // similar Dress // similar Boots // similar Bag

In Memory Of

windowpane tie front tee, coated jeans, comfy ankle boots, felt hat

When: Saturday before last // Weather: 30s // Real life: road trip to Bloomington

windowpane tie front tee, coated jeans, comfy ankle boots, felt hat

windowpane tie front tee, coated jeans, comfy ankle boots, felt hat

windowpane tie front tee, coated jeans, comfy ankle boots, felt hat

windowpane tie front tee, coated jeans, comfy ankle boots, felt hat

windowpane tie front tee, coated jeans, comfy ankle boots, felt hat

This story has some background but I’ll keep it brief: I went to Indiana University (aka greatest school in the whole world). I majored in art history and minored in modern dance (how else do you prepare for law school?). I barely got to know any other art students, but I made lots of good dancer friends. When you spend many hours in rehearsal in very close contact with people, often wearing spandex, you tend to bond. But I’m terrible at keeping in touch with people other than being friends on Facebook, so I haven’t talked to most of my college friends in several years.

Fast forward to a few months ago, when I learned (via FB, of course) that one of my college dance friends had gone missing while swimming the South Yuba River. He was never found. When anyone dies, all the friends and family gush about what a great person s/he was. Kind, caring, friendly, a light in this world, etc. Well, I promise Ricky Alvarez really was all those things. I’m so happy I got to meet him, and I regret not keeping in touch after we graduated.

Earlier this month I went back to IU for the annual dance concert, which was dedicated to Ricky’s memory. It was beautiful! I’m way too old to know any of the current students, but I was still so proud of them and proud to be part of the legacy of this great program. If I can impart any wisdom to the college kids out there, it’s this: If you care about your friends, tell them now. Don’t wait. Make an effort after you go your separate ways. Sorry to be dark, but you never know if you’ll have a chance later.

Oof. I’m not good at feelings. Let’s talk about something lighter. How cute are these boots?! They’re Dr. Scholl’s so they’re super comfy too. I highly recommend.

Top (on sale) // Boots // Bag (only $25!) // similar Hat // similar Necklace