Style

This picture had my attention for abut a minute when I first came upon it on the genius Sartorialist's blog. Then I came back to it. I read the many comments. Hours later, I found myself, again staring at the photo. What was it?

One, the outfit. I absolutely love it. It is style. In my opinion. I have the type of closet full of essentials and statement pieces. I'm the type that mixes both for a daily outfit to work. I'm also the type that mixes patterns: stripes with florals; plaids with stripes; polka dots with florals and stripes.

You'll never catch me wearing a basic black pant with a colorful top and calling that an outfit. It's not my style. My weekend wear isn't jeans with any top from my closet.

I prefer skirts over pants. I'd be happiest if my closet only consisted of dresses. I don't know how anyone would describe my style: eccelctic?

One of my hobbies is to see an outfit in a magazine and try to recreate the look with items already in my closet. I can easily spend half the day organizing my clothes into outfits to be worn later.

To me, my style is the same as the above girl's outfit. Unexpected, put together and fashionable.

The second reason, I find my self coming back to this photo has to do with a great article in this month's Allure, "Girl of My Dreams". The essay's summary is 'whether it's our perfectly groomed collegues or elegant strangers in the park, the women we admire from afar say something about us'

The article explores that brief moment of wanting to be that girl for the quick moment that you see this stranger. For me, the girl of my dreams always seems to be strangers that look like they have it going on. Not only in wardrobe, but life. I sometimes see her having an engrossing conversation on her cell phone - she has a light memorable laugh or her voice/speech is very straight and concise. It could also be the very stylish mother of two huddling her kids through the airport. The woman has it going on, plus the order of two toddlers - which of course, look to be straight out of a GAP Kids ad. The woman could also be someone sitting across from me at a restaurant - her outfit seems more put together, her conversation looks to be more interesting, her friends seem to be engrossed in whatever she is saying.

It's not envy. It's that brief moment where you imagine the life that person leads and its possibly the life you hope for yourself.

For the above girl and me, it's simple. She looks like the type that just pulls something out of a closet, effortlessly and voila: perfect outfit. She also looks like she has a great walk. Whatever it is, I'm drawn to it. (I also feel like I must, must, must have those Chanel shoes)

For me, the outfit is pure inspiration and I'll try to recreate this look, along with many others that reflect the style I think I have. Especially today because I start a new corporate office job on Monday! And I couldn't be more sure of it or excited to get on board. I'll let you in on the secret that did it for me. My friends, for one. Of course, all your great comments and advice. Then, a good friend's advice - someone whose judgement I trust and admire.

And the other? I got on the phone with my future boss and asked her questions; she answered them and my fears. The conversation lasted just short of 2 hours. Wow, right? See, here's the other thing, for this entire process I've been dealing with a recruiter and he firmly warned me from the beginning that any questions I had, should be directed to him and not the corporation. Technically, as a temporary, I'm the recruiting agency's employee being placed at corporation. Buuut, it was my friend that works there that submitted my resume and it was my Boss that called me in for the interview. It was only when recruiter stepped in that I lost contact with Boss.

Yesterday, I decided to break a rule and call her up. She was the only one that could answer my questions about the job, company, environment and her expectations. And get this: I've already been invited to a work dinner and she has me registered for an industry conference the following weekend. Wow. I needed that conversation and the added bonus was hearing her excitement that I was joining her team. Word. Now, I have to draft out what I'm going to tell the other. But first, many outfits must be planned ;)