Briana is up there with one of the first blogs I remember reading, so I’ve loved seeing how her style has evolved. She’s one of my go to bloggers for finding cute pieces that are actually affordable! Plus, as a Stella and Dot rep, she always has amazing jewelry!
Name
Briana
Guest Post: Briana
When we last spoke, your job was Marketing Manager, how has your role changed since (if it has)?
It is TOTALLY different now! I am now a part of the sales team as a Regional Sales Manager covering 5 states (WA, OR, ID, MT, AK) in the Northwest. I spend most of my days traveling to meet with customers and partners and prospective customers in these states and spend almost no time in the office at my desk. On days when I’m not traveling, I’m typically working from home so that I can easily drive all around the greater Seattle area to meet with people as needed.
When you first started your job, how would you describe your style?
When I first came into this role I was coming right from my marketing job, so I essentially dressed the same as I had been in that role. Rarely jeans, but lots of dresses, slacks, and bright colors.
How would you say your style has changed?
The biggest change to my style now is that because I spend SO MUCH time running through airports, I try not to wear heels anymore. Also, I’m often presenting to executive leadership within customer accounts, so dressing things up a tad more with a blazer is key – I rarely had to look super professional in my marketing role. Another big change is that I’ve finally found my closet colors and have done a big closet clean-out to really focus on neutrals + blues + pinks. Lastly, I recently started selling Stella & Dot jewelry and I’m really noticing a change in how pulled together I look with some high-quality jewelry as the topper.
Where do you shop for work attire now?
Reading through my last post for the “Work Appropriate for Who?” series, not much has changed for shopping! I still live in Nordstrom clothing (and stocked up a TON during the sale in July), and then fill in with LOFT, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Target.
What’s one thing you would still never wear to work?
SHORTS! I have seen some amazing outfits with shorts that are almost work appropriate for me, but I just don’t think I’ll ever wrap my head around that. Also, hats. Our headquarters is across the street from Nordstrom headquarters, so I get to see all the amazing very trendy outfits of Nordstrom corporate employees whenever I go out to get a coffee or lunch, and while the ladies are SO stylish, they wear hats to work! Maybe they take them off at their desks, but I just can’t imagine having hat hair…or leaving the hat on and wearing it at my desk. Is this weird or normal? Maybe I’m the weird one?
Finally, do you have a go-to outfit (or uniform) for those mornings that you’re too tired to think? What is it?
YES! It used to be a dress with boots or booties and a cardigan, but…I’ve been in a dress slump so this is not an easy uniform now. I’ve added a lot of dressed-up tees like this one from Nordstrom to my closet, so on days when I just can’t pull anything creative together, I toss on one of them with a pair of ankle pants, some flats, and a cardigan or blazer. Nothing fancy, but it works.
Thanks so much to Dana for having me guest post again – I love the idea of revisiting previous guest posters to see how things have changed and can’t wait to see all of the other posts this week while Dana is out on vacation! I’d love to have you all come say hi over at Work Clothes, I Suppose, too!
