We are approaching the new fall work season which means unboxing our sweaters and getting ready for all the new fall trends. We all know that catching up on the new trends can be time consuming and daunting but I have found a way you can easily find all the fall work trends that fit your style whether classic, modern, boho or a mix of all of the above. 
 
Suitable You provides a platform where you can get all the trends that fit your style in just a few clicks of a mouse and then styles are conveniently sent to your house. Suitable You continues to build on the collections you are sent so you end up with an on trend closet that really works for your life and work.
 
I recently partnered with Suitable You to go through their style survey to get my first Suitable You box. It was so easy. They ask questions to learn about your specific body type and precise fit so that all pieces they send fit like a glove.  Suitable You also asks style questions about brands you typically wear so they can get a feel for the kinds of clothes that you really will use.  Further, Suitable You shows you several capsule collections so they can hone in on the specific styles and accessories that you will like.  The capsule collections varied styles from classic looks to boho chic and everything in between. 
 
I was drawn to the Suitable You classic pieces and about a week after I filled out their style survey, my new box of clothes arrived. My box included a teal blue, ruched dress, a wine colored pant, a patterned pencil skirt, a white flowing top and a short sleeve black turtleneck. I love how interchangeable these are to make several different outfits.  Also each piece can easily work as a new layer or base to my existing wardrobe.
 
I don’t know how they did it but every piece fits impeccably and I am not a terribly easy fit (5’10” and size 10). I also can say that my box was a perfect match of my everyday work style. I love the rich colors of the clothes that will add a pop this fall to my other classic pieces.  I was not sure what brands may be a part of the Suitable You collection but I was so happy to get great quality brands.  Lysse brand pants are featured in my pictures. Lysse has been a favorite brand for years and I was so excited to see such great quality in my Suitable You box. And no review would be complete without a thought about prices. The prices are really reasonable and a great value for the brands and product quality. Plus, Suitable You offers free delivery and returns so there really is no risk to giving them a try. I know you will love it.
 
I have highlighted the pieces that I received in this post.  I know you will see each of these on repeat on my social media sites this fall as these will easily work with so many of my wardrobe staples and accessories.
 
Are you convinced to give Suitable You a try? You can sign up to get your first Suitable You box here and use code MEL15 to get a discount on your first box.  You will be so excited to get the perfect fit and style to update your fall wardrobe.  If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me!
 
Thank you Suitable You for sponsoring this post.

Jacket | Tank | Pants | Bag (Dupe here) | Shoes | Necklace | Sunnies

Do you ever get nervous in front of crowd? I certainly do when I have to stand and speak to audience of my peers or even more so my superiors.  So what are some easy ways to calm your nerves before a big presentation? And how can you seem prepared even when you are not? Here are our quick tips to be polished and poised at your next work presentation.

1) Preparation  - There is nothing as important as solid preparation. If you cram the night before it will usually show  So know your material. Practice the presentation a lot in front of my mirror or even better in front of people you trust who can give you pointers.  Anticipate questions and have answers prepared, even for things you may not know. If you don't have the answer right away you know where to go to find it and can confidently tell someone you will follow up for them.  This kind of preparation will show in your poise and subject matter command.  I also always have some short version of my presentation prepared for reference - not the same things as on your power point slides our high level outline but the details you need to make sure you highlight.

2) Dress the Part - Dress in something that makes you feel strong and confident It should not be too tight or need fidgeting or tugging. Those kinds of things make you seem nervous.  It should fit impeccably and give you room to move. I like an open front jacket because it moves with me when I walk or raise my arms to gesture.  These pics show my go to presentation look.

3) Breathe  - I firmly believe in taking 3-5 slow, deep breaths before going "on," It calms my mood and helps slow my nerves before I step under the lights of a presentation. Oxygen helps your recollection too so fill your body with good, deep breaths.

4) When You Did Not Plan The Way You Wanted - So we all know the reality is sometimes you don't get to do all the preparation you like or you are put on the spot to have a presentation ready in an hour.  So how do you come off professional and polished under these circumstances? Nervous people tend to talk too long and usually do not make sense. Audiences only retain so much so rambling has a negative effect. Plan the pithy parts that you need and keep it under your allotted time so you can allow time for questions. If you are unsure you can fill your time, your audience can be your friend.  Stop every once in awhile to see if anyone has questions or comments on what you have said.  I always ask if people in the crowd have had similar experience or different experience and usually people will pipe up because they like to hear themselves talk.

5) When All Else Fails - The most important thing is to convey comfort not fear - smile, laugh (even at yourself) - you will own the room.

Would love to hear your presentation tips in the comments!

Did your grandmother always get on you about your table manners? Mine certainly did.  But she was right to be concerned.  Table manners are a way we are judged in public so it is important to know them in a business setting.  You certainly would rather be remembered for your intelligence and humor rather than poor table manners.  So here are a few pointers (consider this a reminder from grandma!)

1) Elbow placement - Elbows on table are ok if not eating. But don't use your elbow as a fulcrum for bringing food to your mouth. Wrists on the table are always ok.

2) Using the right fork for each course - Work from the outside in - salad to dessert fork. So that means the outer most fork is the one you use for the first course (unless your first course is a soup).

3) Using the right bread plate - Don't you hate it when you sit at a round table and you look at all the glasses and plates and never really know which one is yours? Use this reminder "BMW".  Bread plate is on your left, Meal plate is in the middle, Water glass is on the right.

4) Digging in - Wait until everyone is served or the host gives the green light before you dig in. If its a large buffet style serving, you can eat when you get your food. If it is a preset event, wait until the hosts gives the cue.

5) Passing food - First time around the tabel pass the food counterclockwise so the right hand is free for serving. Always pass both salt and pepper together even if asked for only one.

6) Reaching - If you can get the item near without a full arm extension, do it. Otherwise ask to have it passed from the person nearest the item.

​7) Leaving the table - ask to excuse yourself (sans details - like I need to go to the bathroom - no one needs to know that). Leave your napkin to the left of your plate, not on your seat.

It is important to remember that these rules apply to U.S. dining.  If you would like more info on dining etiquette outside of the U.S. I really like this book.

Want more info on table manners? These are just a few books to consider if you may like to delve more deeply into some finer dining points.  This is my go to book for adults and this book for kids. And below you will find some of my favorite table items - just scroll through and click on a picture to be taken directly to these products.

Would love to hear your best dining tips or any questions in the comments! Here's to well mannered dining!