​I have been traveling a ton this month (and have throughout my career). I don't know about you but I like to pack relatively light so I don't have to check my luggage or pay the extra fees for that. But, I still want to feel like I have everything I need.  So I have put together a few of my must have items that are always in my suitcase. While these work for business trips, they are also great for leisure trips too. The packing list:

​So today begins the second year of Polished Professionals blog.  What a ride this first year has been. I never thought in one year I would learn so many new things about myself and social media. I like reflecting on what I have learned so I thought I would write down a few of things that have made the biggest impression on me in this first year of Polished Professionals.

I love fall! How about you? Some how fall is when I turn over my wardrobe and update everything for the upcoming season. One of my favorite fall updates has been my new Boberck shoes!  Boberck has both professional and casual styles that not are not only fashionable - they are oh so comfy! 

Boberck is a woman owned business that has been selling shoes for over 40 years and recently entered the U.S. market.  Boberck shoes are hand crafted by some of the world's finest leather workers. Boberck only sells products which are manufactured responsibly and sustainably. Their shoes really stand out because they are so lightweight on my feet. Some shoes are quite heavy but Boberck shoes are easy to wear all day long. Their shoes have a leather lining and most of them leather upper so the quality is really superior.  Additionally, Boberck seeks fashion, quality and comfort and that is why they deliver a light and comfortable shoe at an affordable price. Most of their shoes are under $150 but let me tell you they feel like a million bucks on your feet!
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There are so many great Boberck styles to choose from. In this post, I have featured the Diana block heel in navy (a more formal business style) and the Peyton loafer (a business casual style) as well as added some pictures of my Boberck wishlist so you can see some of their other great styles!  

As you can see in these pics, the Diana heels are the perfect accessory to dress up a pair of work pants or dress. These Diana heels come in other colors but I had to go with navy for the fall.  They have the perfectly "on trend" block heel with great gold details and bow accents to make these shoes special.  The heel height is just right for all day wear and the toe box is really well made so your tootsies don't feel smashed by the end of the day! Can I get an amen? This will be a great work staple for your professional wardrobe. 

The pink Peyton is anything but your usual loafer. It is available in several colors but I had to go with the pink - definitely an "it" color of the season. The Peyton also has great stud details to really give these shoes some panache.  The insole is really comfortable and, unlike other loafers, these are very lightweight so you can walk for days. The Peyton give you a little lift too so you are not completely flat. These will be all over my Instagram as I know I will wear these on my casual fridays and with weekend jeans all fall! 

So which one of these Boberck looks are your favorite? Need to try them both?  We have a special deal from Boberck going on now!  Use promo code POLISHEDPROFESSIONALS valid for a 20% off on the entire order no minimum purchase required and for any product on the Boberck store. Promo code ends  9/30/2017. Free shipping and free returns are standard with Boberck so you have no risk in trying it out.  The shoes are true to size.  I cannot wait to see you in your Boberck's this fall!

Special thanks to Boberck for sponsoring this post.

I have been overwhelmed by the generosity in the wake of the devastating storms in southeast Texas including my home town of Houston.  I have had well wishes and prayers from all over the globe and I am so grateful for all the support you have shown to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Your prayers have been felt and answered.  Daily, this city is recovering even as flood waters a week later (yes a week later) continue to rise and still displace Texans.  I see support on TV, at football games, on social media, in grocery stores, in small businesses-everywhere. So from the bottom of my heart thank you for all the love you have shown this last week.  

I was reminded of how far a thank you goes recently when lending a hand to a co-worker who had lost everything in the wake of Harvey storms. His thank you meant more to me than he could ever know. Thank you matters and that was the reason for today's post.  I know my city and much of southwest Houston is tired. They are tired of rain, tired of destruction, tired of pain and it is just a hard task of rebuilding.  But even when we are tired or times are tough, you can never underestimate how much a thank you does. It lets people know their work is not in vain. Further, it lets them know that they are a valuable member of a team, family, or friend circle. People want to work hard and help those who value and appreciate them. You can get much better relationships and (in the work place) productivity from those who work with you if you are encouraging and thankful. 

So next time you are not getting all you need from a co-worker, family member, or friend, I submit that rather than start with a complaint, be appreciative of what they have done first. Many rarely get a good word in this work-a-day world.  You may give the best word they hear all day. So give someone a lift today. You never know the productivity and joyful response that will follow. 

​So just one more time because this thank you really matters - thank you, thank you to all of you who have given words of encouragement to those in this literal storm in life. Let's remember many live in storms we cannot see every day. Please keep up the prayers and encouragement for others in need. I cannot say what an amazing blessing you have been from all parts of the world. THANK YOU!

If you like this look (including these amazingly comfy Rockport heels that come in over a dozen colors and start at $49) click on the pictures below to be taken to these products or some great dupes! Use arrows to scroll left and right.