What do you wear when you’re going to meet one of the world’s biggest fashion bloggers and the team behind one of the world’s best blogger communities at the New York showroom of one of the world’s most successful retailers? This is an intimidating question, I know!
As you may have read, I was recently in New York for a mentorship day with Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, and to meet the Bloglovin’ team at the H&M showroom in the Flatiron District. As part of my nomination as a Breakthrough Fashion Blogger of the Year for the 2016 Bloglovin’ Awards, I was given an H&M gift card to spend towards the outfit I was to wear on that day.
I arrived in New York from Panama on a Sunday at about 5PM, checked into my hotel at around 6PM and rushed to the only H&M store still open on a Sunday night in Manhattan. I had two hours to shop for the outfit. Now, I’m a fast shopper. I can scan the room and quickly pick out styles and colors I know work well with me. But this wasn’t just any outfit! I wanted needed to look good for the photos, feel comfortable, like myself and not like I was trying too hard (even though I probably was trying, I mean it’s not every day you get to sit down face to face with someone like Leandra)!
I tried on a bunch of stuff and ended up with two whole outfits. Like, completely head to toe H&M. It’s crazy how affordable H&M is, and oh-so-cool! I already knew this, but it’s just so surprising any time I shop there. When I returned to the hotel that night, I laid out both looks on the bed and pondered. One—this one—was definitely a little more eclectic and eye-catching, but the other—the dress—just felt more appropriate for the occasion. I always feel so at ease when I’m wearing a dress or a skirt. They just work so well with my body type! So, for a day when I was already going to be nervous no matter what, I thought: “I have to go with what feels the most natural”. And I did! And I’m so happy I did.
On a side note; voting is now open for the awards!!! It would mean the world—THE WORLD—to me to have your vote!
Thanks so much for reading.
xo
Maristella
Wearing an H&M dress (similar here and here), bag (similar here and here), shoes (similar here and here) and earrings. Illesteva sunglasses.
Photos by Taye Hansberry.
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