I always hated the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I honestly don’t know that I ever had a legit response to that question because I was never really passionate about anything in the way that some kids want to be a doctor, or a singer, or marry a rich guy and spend their days brunching and shopping with girlfriends. Okay, maybe most definitely that last one, but just in case that didn’t work out I needed a backup plan. So while I never really knew what I wanted to be, I knew who I wanted to be.

I grew up in a small Indiana town and I always had this vision of myself moving to a big city, working in a high rise building where the dress code was business professional. The day-to-day specifics of the job were just minor details back then. I was after the confident woman I would see strutting down the streets of whatever major metro area I was visiting, in her high heels and business suit like she was on her way to an important meeting. Or maybe she was making a quick run to Macy’s because her chiropractor just told her she had a huge split up the ass of her pants while she was lying on her stomach on his table and she had 30 minutes to get back to the office before her next meeting. And maybe at least once or a twice a week she questions whether or not she is smart enough to hold the position she does. And maybe that makes her question whether or not she should be working at all when it means that her kids will spend more time at daycare than they will at home with her in any given week. And maybe she is  also watching every other confident woman strutting by and wondering if they have the same daily struggles as she does. Because let’s be real, we are all a bit of a hot mess, some are just better at hiding it than others.

A friend recently commented on one of my posts and said: “I need you to teach me how to be a perfectly put together hot mess of a mom!” I mean, if you had to sum me up into one sentence I feel like that is it. Although I would remove the perfectly because I’m getting a bit sloppy in this tired out threenager stage. “This too shall pass!” I really hate that phrase. Like all you need to do is add more fiber into your diet and your dietary problems will be gone. Lies. LIES!

I do still love that persona of the Boss Lady owning the sidewalks of her big city streets though, and it all starts with a well tailored blazer. I’m not talking just your basic black either. You need at least one or two in your closet that scream, “I HAVE ARRIVED!”

The confidence that comes with putting on a blazer shouldn’t be limited to an office environment so think outside the confides of a cubicle. Here’s a peek at some of my favorites and how I styled them. We have casual summers at our office so I paired most with jeans, but also linked suggestions for a more business professional look.

Blazer: Banana Republic (sold out, similar style here and similar color here)  *tip* BR frequently has 40% off sales so that’s when I usually splurge on my bigger ticket items.

Button Up: Banana Republic

Boyfriend Jeans: Joe’s Ex-lover (can’t find them online. Similar style here and cropped version here)

Heels: Zara (old, sorry I keep teasing you with these. They are so fab)

Cluster Earrings: JCrew (sold out, but I love these and these)

Lips: MAC Rebel (don’t fear the purple! It has blue undertones so it makes your teeth look super white. And the name was like it was made for me.)

Blazer: H&M (old, similar here. Currently on sale for $59.99!)

Silk Tank: BB Dakota (old, but similar style just about everywhere)

Navy Pants: Banana Republic (stretch like a dress pant, but could also pass for a jean. I can’t find this exact pair  online but here is a similar version of the Sloan pant)

Shoes: BCBG Outlet (similar here)

Collar Necklace: Boutique in Iowa (similar here)

Cross Eye: Not sold in stores (poor selfie skills will get you one though)

Blazer: JCrew Regent in Linen (sorry, this canary color sold out super fast. Check ebay or Lyst) size 4 for reference. Also love this salmon linen blazer from Zara. (AND it’s on sale for $39.99!)

Racerback Tank: Gap

Jeans: Paige Verdugo Ultra Skinny (these babies hold their stretch and are smooth as butta. Grey is the new black.) Or these JCrew Gazebo Pants for a dressier look with a white silk cami tucked in.

Daisy Brooch: Via’s Vintage in Minneapolis (if you haven’t been, you need to go.)

Blazer: JCrew Campbell (size 4 for reference. Gingham is everywhere this year and I can’t get enough)

Jeans: Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny. Or these JCrew Teddy Pants  in white or coral for a dressier look (currently on sale!) I have them in dusty pink and love the fit!

Necklace: BCBG Outlet (similar here)

Shoes: Vince Camuto (old, similar color in suede here)

Blazer: Evereve (old, but found  this floral collarless blazer for only $22.90! Or this kimono style one )

Silk Shorts: BCBG Outlet (old, but similar here. I love a soft blazer with a pair of shorts and heels. Oh hey, date night!) Or these JCrew Martie Pants for a dressier look (on sale and available in lots of fun colors!). With those pants, I’d switch out the fitted tank for a relaxed grey vneck tee tucked in slightly in the front. Or throw the blazer over this Michael Stars Ruched Maxi in black or caper. I own the black and wear it all the time! You can dress it up or down and the side ruching and tight stretch is slimming.

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack  (limited sizing in nude but also available in black or red. Under $50 and super comfy!)

Ear Crawler: Via’s Vintage in Minneapolis (I’ve been wearing this bad ass bia every chance I get!)

Birthmark on Leg: Jesus (also can be confused as a cookie by children because of the freckles in the center)

Sadly my camera skills are still subpar despite the use of a couple new photo editing apps. I had to break this photo shoot up into two sessions after I lost lighting and my husband lost patience. Technically, I was supposed to be on bed time duty while he mowed. It was a battle for daylight. As you can tell by my hairstyle changes and the long grass on the right side of the house, we both had to finish up our “chores” in the morning. The only ones with any real authority in our household are the two little beings who always talk us into one more bedtime snack and Caillou marathons on the Fourth of July. *sigh*

Now go forth, spend your hard earned money, and strut confidently wherever you walk because, my friends, you are smart enough and you are a better mom because you chose the path that felt the most right for YOU!