Lime green skirt: Diane von Furstenburg via Last Call Neiman Marcus // Black v-neck: Target (layered) // Large black scarf: Marc Jacobs for Target + Neiman Marcus // Faux leather moto: Target // Patent kitten heels: Tahari via DSW // Round sunglasses: Target // Gem bracelet: Forever21 // Men’s watch: Invicta // Pavé bracelet: Target
Another day, another outfit for busy client meetings. Let’s make it electric and make the #getitgirl motivation even easier to find.
Boogie woogie woogie.
Xo, Sarah
P.S. I realized I interlace my fingers when I’m intensely checking email. I love finding little quirks!
Jumpsuit: Vince via Nordstrom Rack // White blazer: H&M // Sandal heels:Zara // Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid Satchel // Aviators: c/o Ellison Sunglass Co. // Pavé triangles necklace: H&M, part of a set // Black pavé bracelet: Target // Gemstone bracelet: Forever21 // Men’s watch: Invicta
I wore this modified suit for a day of client meetings and delivering completed projects. There is nothing quite as fulfilling as creating something unique that gets the people going. When I think back on the career I’d set my sights on through college – saving America’s health care – I am so grateful that I changed course, even though it meant building something from nothing and some restless nights. Now, I get to explore creative options and create exciting projects, and I love it. Having my blog on the side to feed my passions, too, is amazing. #ilovetheinternet
Making a new boardroom for myself is so exciting. And speaking of new things, these strappy Zara heels were my first shoe purchase from them and I am in love. Can’t wait to rock them every day when it warms up more.
Kelli of Leopard and Lavender is one of my favorite bloggers and has been a great inspiration to me. She has an amazing career that she built for herself, and Kelli essentially epitomizes what it means to be a #getitgirl! Read on for more of her fabulous story and motivating tips.
Kelli Ryder, 25, San Francisco, CA
What is your job title, and what do you do? I am an Associate Editor at Rue Magazine – which allows me to have a few roles each day. I run a lot of social media, answer Rue’s general inquiry emails, and help with any miscellaneous projects. I also live my passion – the editorial side! I have about 10 articles I’m responsible for (ranging in frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). Each article can contain a variety of tasks, including assisting on photo shoots, rounding up product, coordinating with contributors, and of course writing copy. It is seriously so much fun – I work with an amazing group of women, have a lot of creative freedom, and have had so many “pinch-me” moments. I wake up some days and can’t believe where my life has gone. I feel very, very fortunate.
How did you connect the dots to get where you are today with your career? I had been wrapped up in the blogging world for years: I’ve had my own blog and really loved writing and developing my “voice.” I’ve been very interested in all things social media and made sure to keep up to date on any new platforms and trends. And of course – fashion and design are my first true loves. I just kept myself immensely interested in these things as hobbies. I’ve never had very many readers or followers, but I’ve been consistent and stuck with it because I truly enjoy it.
Turning that into a career ended up being much more natural than I dreamed of. I actually started with a career in e-commerce. I worked at a great company, but I was really unhappy. It was the worst feeling because I had this blossoming career – and I absolutely hated it. When I moved to San Francisco, I decided I was going to make a change. Searching for jobs was a struggle. I wasn’t qualified for the jobs I wanted, but I was extremely anxious because I couldn’t stand the thought of returning to a job I WAS qualified for. Funny, right?? Applying for jobs and keeping your fingers crossed you won’t get it.
I quickly figured out I wasn’t going to get an interview anywhere unless I had some connections… AKA it is all about who you know. I dragged my boyfriend to a Rue Magazine party hosted at the Gap. I don’t know if I thought I’d magically be brave and go up and talk to strangers, because my shyness conquered and we definitely stood and sipped drinks by ourselves. We did make a cameo in the photo booth, and so I was stalking Rue’s Facebook page looking for the photos. Before the photos went up, they posted a request for a college intern. I wrote Crystal (the Editor in Chief) a very passionate email about why a 25-year-old wanted the internship. We met two days later and I started that weekend.
Of course, accepting an internship made things a little more monetarily difficult. But the moment I met with Crystal, it was no question I’d take the internship. The opportunity was worth everything, so I needed to make it work – no questions asked. I sold my car (who needs it in the city anyways?!) and picked up a little freelancing to have grocery money. I also worked my buns off to prove I wanted to be a more permanent part of Team Rue. Taking the internship was obviously a risk (both personally and financially), and I am thankful every day it paid off.
How do you stay motivated? Like anyone, I often feel discouraged or frustrated. To avoid getting burned out, I just keep my focus on the grand scheme of things. I am very verbal with my goals – I write them down and always refer back to them. I remind myself of the big picture with every menial task – I treat an awesome photo shoot the same way I would a data entry task, as an opportunity to get closer to my goals. This helps me do my best even if I sort of want to take a nap. Essentially, my number one motivation is refusing to compromise my dreams. I will absolutely have the life I imagined because I’m going to make it happen.
Aside from being a #getitgirl, what do you like to do in your free time? Since I’m still new to San Francisco, I try to explore a lot. I love to walk, so I’ll pick a neighborhood I haven’t spent much time in and walk there. It’s good exercise – HELLO, hills – and I’ve found lots of cute spots. I do yoga each morning, and I like to negate that yoga workout with a champagne cocktail. Yoga and champagne are basically the same level of relaxation therefore necessary to my existence. I also am enjoying not being in a long distance relationship anymore – so I spend lots of time with my boyfriend, Tim.
What are your top tips for fellow #getitgirls?
Figure out your passion and find a way to make it real life. I knew I loved the blogging community, so I decided early on I’d frantically figure out a way to make it my career. And I don’t use the word frantically lightly – you really have to hustle to create a solution that transitions your dream into a reality.
Write down your goals, it helps keep you accountable and solidifies what you want. If you feel discouraged, re-read them. If it helps, write them in a cute notebook. Also, don’t misplace it.
Drink lots of water and snack on veggies throughout the day – I’m serious. It helps your energy levels which assists with motivation. If I’m all carbed up on waffles, my brain is foggy and I tend to nap. Water + veggies = a seriously productive work session. Waffles = mid-day nap.
DON’T be too hard on yourself. So often I feel embarrassed by my young age, my inexperience, or the fact I don’t have 20,000 followers. I have to step back and look at all I’ve accomplished thus far and remind myself I have had a pretty kick-ass 6 months.
DO celebrate every single accomplishment with champagne. EVERY single one. Giving yourself positive reinforcement is perhaps the most important thing you can do to be a #getitgirl. If you don’t like champagne, celebrate with chocolate pudding, a new nail polish color, an episode of the Kardashians… you know, your version of champagne.
My favorite tip is #4. Kelli’s #getitgirl attitude and amazing tips have me ready to take on my big goals! How will you make it happen this week?
After finally finishing a bathroom reno project, I wanted a better way to both display my pretty beauty regimen and make it easily accessible. This 3-tier pastry display from IKEA was perfect for the job.
My everyday essentials fit on the top tier, well within reach. I use the second shelf for my glasses and hide other essentials towards the back, such as eye drops, my disposable contact packs and my rarely-used lash curler. The bottom tier gets all my nail polish in the front for a colorful, glittery display, and I keep the less aesthetically pleasing items towards the back, like nail files and trimmers.
A teacup holds my mascara, eyeliner, lip liners and makeup brushes, and its twin bowl is used to make my body lotion look more polished.
This freed up space in the medicine cabinet, where I keep things like my face wash routine and toothpaste. I also like that it adds a feminine touch to the bathroom.
What are your favorite products of the moment, and how do you store them? I just love settling into a space and making it home.
Drop-waist peplum: H&M. White pencil skirt: Banana Republic. Faux leather moto: Target. Pointed bow flats: Invanka Trump via Nordstrom. Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid satchel. Triangle necklace: H&M. Round sunglasses: Target. Gem bracelet: Forever21. Men’s watch: Invicta.
Living in California has a million benefits, one of them being early spring. When the cherry tree blossoms appear, it feels like a new lease on the year and I love it. I’ve been doing some major spring cleaning around my apartment (decorating details on the blog soon!) and in my life (chao, clutter and chaos), and it feels amazing.
This drop-waist peplum is so my jam. The fit is extra comfortable, and I like the way it pairs with a pencil skirt for a client meeting, how I wore it in these photos. I’m also planning on rocking it with boyfriend jeans or a pair of leather leggings for a more casual look.
Skirt: BCBG via outlet // Sweater: Forever21 // Faux leather moto: Target // Tights: L’eggs // Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid satchel // Pointed bow flats: Ivanka Trump via Nordstrom // Aviators:Ellison Sunglass Co. (c/o) // Chunky gem necklace: BCBGeneration // Bauble necklace: White House | Black Market // Men’s watch: Invicta // Gem bracelet and LOVE rings: Forever21 // Art deco stud earrings: Target
If you’re not having fun, why are you doing it? After spending some long hours cranking out work and cooped up in a chair with a coffee, I just needed to jump around! Some crazy wind just added to it.
I guess it’s true . . . the #getitgirl just wants to have fun.
Faux leather shorts: Zara. Black scarf: Marc Jacobs for NM + Target. Sweatshirt jacket: Macy’s (old). Burgundy faux snakeskin pumps: Target. Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid Satchel. Gold bracelet, gem bracelet and LOVE rings: Forever21. Aviator sunglasses: Ellison Sunglass Co (c/o).
These shorts were a find months in the making. I had been dreaming about a pair of faux leather shorts ever since I spied a Vince look book ages ago, with a gorgeous pair my heart said I had to have, to which my bank account promptly replied with a no. I was looking for an affordable pair with enough inseam to be appropriate for everyday wear, when I finally stumbled across these beauties. A few quick clicks later and I was eagerly awaiting my first online Zara purchase’s arrival!
Online shopping is definitely growing on me now that I work from home. Efficient and Christmas-like? If only every decision was so easy! And if only I could justify doing this every week. #collegedebtcomesfirst
The response to my post about body image and blogging last week was fabulous. Especially on social media, people of all ages poured over with support, appreciation and reflection. I know I’m not alone in the fight against the mirror, so I am very glad to have shared this and hope it can inspire more people to love themselves even just a bit more.
Striped top: Forever21. Black shorts with bow: Mimi Chica. Glitter heels and faux leather moto: Target. Glasses: Warby Parker Zaggs (c/o contest). Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid satchel. Tiered rope necklace: Target. Lucite perfume pendant and gem bracelet: H&M. Men’s watch: Invicta.
When I got dressed this day, I knew I had a stressful work schedule ahead, so I opted for a comfortable outfit. (Read: I tried on half my closet and felt huge in everything else.) I was feeling pretty down on my body after recently discovering the scourge of cellulite on my thighs (honestly… wtf) and hadn’t gotten a workout in for a few days. Also, being 5’11″, I often cope with feeling extra large in general – my extra vertical inches translate to wearing larger sizes than my proportionately-sized 5’6″ friends, and I let it bother me too much. Despite knowing that I’m fine, yadda yadda, it’s still bothersome.
Weird that shorts were what made the cut, but good: because once I saw these pictures, I felt a million times better. I saw a little quad action happening. And I knew my legs were long, but these pictures made me appreciate them a bit more and forgive them for making every jean appropriate for intense clambake prep. I wasn’t actually mad at what I saw.
Well, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a few are worth exponentially more in the realm of body acceptance. There are so many young women in our generation with a warped body image, which is why I want to share my story. I also want to spread the word about My Body Gallery, a really neat website that’s working to improve women’s self perception. You enter your height and weight and can find pictures of other real women with your same stats to give you a better idea of how you might really look, not just what you see in the mirror. It’s pretty cool.
So be nicer to yourself – and other people, too, even if you think it’s harmless. Right after this shoot, there were a couple of jerk teenage girls walking behind us who loudly shared their rude thoughts about the way I looked, I’m sure thinking that I was some glamazon that could take it. Why do we bring other people down for their bodies? I see Twitter banter and Facebook posts shaming celebrities for their outfit choices or latest bikini body appearance (gosh, not the cellulite scourge, how dare they!), and there are literally publications – nay, an industry – based on that concept.
Like, come on. It’s hard enough.
I’m working on improving my body image, learning to love what I have and paying attention to what I can do to feel better. Working out once a day isn’t going to turn me into a Nina Agdal, but it does make me feel strong, and eating less candy makes me feel better, too. Doing what I love, blogging, is hugely beneficial, too.
I guess what I’m trying to say is thanks for reading and being supportive. Pass it along. Love yourself. And be nice. Maybe get a pep talk from Kid President:
“If life is a game, aren’t we all on the same team? I mean, really, right? I’m on your team, you’re on my team. This is life, people!”
Realness and wisdom from a 9-year-old with a side of stripes and extra costume jewelry. I like it a lot.
I‘m so excited to kick off my newest column, the #Getitgirl Interview, where I’ll chat with admirable #getitgirl fashionistas about their careers, goals and tips. What better way to start than with the original #getitgirl? Xo
Sarah Long, 24, San Francisco
What is your job title, and what do you do? I am self-employed and do marketing for small businesses. I love making fun ideas come to life and working with other creative people to make the vision a reality. Eventually, I want to focus more on fashion, whether that means making my blog an even bigger and better part of my life or embarking on a new style journey.
How did you connect the dots to get where you are today with your career? I moved to California at the start of 2011 with nothing but my ambitions, sheer hope and a car – my husband’s transfer took an extra two months, so I was flying solo for a while. I was actually working as a nanny because I had no idea how I could do what I wanted after realizing I didn’t want to use my college degree. I stumbled across the blogging world and became enamored with the idea of curating my own mini-mag, and the rest is history! After starting my own blog, I went to an event at Madewell in San Francisco, where I first met some of the people I knew so well from Twitter. One of them was working in online fashion marketing, and when she left the position, she recommended me after seeing what I could do with my blog. My career – and blog – have grown and evolved a lot since then as I have carved my niche. I’d love to get into the editorial side of fashion and hope my blog can help open doors for me there.
How do you stay motivated? I love the journey even more than the victory; I like learning along the way and seeing the possibilities fall into place. I don’t have a specific end goal right now – I am focusing more on being authentic and experiencing the world with my eyes open. There are so many unique opportunities, and by immersing myself in the fashion and style world I learn more and more about how I can build my dream career. Moulding it as I go is very inspiring. If I am ever in need of a quick shot of inspiration, I scroll through my favorited tweets for sweet reminders of camaraderie in the blogging world or click through images from the latest Chanel runway.
Aside from being a #getitgirl, what do you like to do in your free time? Quiet weekend mornings at home with my husband and my puppies are my favorite. If it’s followed by some afternoon shopping and a burger, even better. I focus so much on the grind during the week, and I have learned I so much value my down time. My dad used to read The King’s Stilts by Dr. Seuss to me before bed, and its message is one of my favorites. “And when they played they really played. And when they worked they really worked.”
What are your top tips for the ambitious #getitgirl in all of us? Engage with people you admire on social media. Twitter has opened so many doors for me, just by being myself and having conversations – it’s actually how I got my internship at The Glitter Guide. Talking with others is a great way to learn about different career opportunities and aspects of your dream field. Don’t compare yourself to others, either. Be the best you. One piece of advice I need to work on myself is putting blinders up. The blogging world can get really competitive, and sometimes meanies pop up. Don’t even let them on your radar.
Thanks so much for reading along! I can’t wait to share more #getitgirl stories with you.
Dress: Theory via Nordstrom Rack. Faux leather moto: Target. Handbag: Michael Kors Astrid Satchel. Kitten Heels: Tahari via DSW. Perfume necklace: H&M. Men’s watch: Invicta. LOVE ring stack and gem bracelet: Forever21.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone had a day filled with love and celebration of the most powerful thing on Earth. There are people who scoff at the holiday and say it’s fabricated, but really, what in life isn’t? We add “artificial” importance to every day: the Earth orbits and spins whether or not you follow tradition A or B, and whether you wore your PJs all day or donned something that makes you feel oh-so-fabulous. Why not celebrate love every day? It doesn’t matter if you’re attached or not.
“I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.” – Lucille Ball
If you didn’t treat yourself yesterday, do it today. And tomorrow. And the day after that!
People with big hearts always win in the long run. So let’s all open ours and make the most of this wild ride around the sun. Let other people in. Let people out when they hurt you. I’ve recently had to do that a few times, and while it aches at first, everything gets better with time (especially wine).
Except cellulite. That stuff finds you out of nowhere, and I am here to tell you that more people need to let a girl know that it happens to almost everyone, no matter size. And yep, you’re still beautiful.
