In three months I turn 26. That birthday was always the moment that stood out in my mind as the age when people become real adults. It’s when people start to have mortgages, children, and marriages. I mean let’s be honest; most 18-year-olds are really just AINO; adults-in-name-only. With the terrible economy drastically reducing entry-level career opportunities for young adults, graduating from college and heading straight into an executive position at 22 is a fantasy for all but a select few. Most of us liberal arts majors have had to make do with whatever low-paying jobs we could get, or return to grad school to learn marketable skills. I took option 2, thankyouverymuch, and now I have this lovely blog to show for the past 1.5 years. I tell interviewers that basically I created my own internship, something they all instantly agreed with. Now that am I two classes shy of graduating with my master’s degree in management and interviewing for executive positions I feel like I’m finally growing up!

When Tory Burch invited me to visit her brand new Oak Street flagship and pick out a couple items to feature I saw the experience as an opportunity to think outside the box. While I tend to buy directional fashion with a hard edge, Tory Burch’s aesthetic is the essence of pretty. Her pieces are flirty, they’re feminine, and they’re girly. That’s what has made her so successful because she designs stylish clothes that are accessible to the everyday woman. I think we in fashion tend to close ourselves off to exploring new brands, and far too often stay in our comfort zones. I know I am that way but I’m working hard to evolve my style. Since I’m at a transition point in my life I knew I should use this as a chance to explore my new identity as a career woman. That’s why I chose the Mattie dress, which combines a soft quirkiness with a super polished vibe. I love how it looks like it’s actually two pieces. Plus, it’s worth noting that this is the first piece of tweed that has ever entered my closet. Going someplace new, right?

My second piece was an easy choice; the Robinson black patent leather envelope clutch. I like how subtle the logo is and I’ve wanted a clutch for a while… being a street-style photographer doesn’t lend itself well to carrying non-messenger style bags. But I do have a life outside of blogging where this would be perfect, like going out to dinner and on dates.

In many ways I am still a kid at heart (*cough* CTA Holiday train freakout *cough*) hence the bubblegum pink vintage Bottega Veneta pumps from Dethrose Vintage. Every outfit needs a little touch of the zany to make it fun!

All photos by Luis Torres of Chic Overload.

FCC Disclosure: The dress, sunglasses, and clutch were gifted to me by Tory Burch; the coat was gifted to me by Zara.