Suiting Up

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Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. Today is a day to celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women now and throughout history. I feel lucky to live in an era and in a country in which the society supports and promotes women both personally and professionally. I am in no way discounting the real issues women still face, especially in the workplace even here in the United States, but I do feel blessed that so many amazing women have come before to afford me the opportunity to sit at the table and work alongside men as a gender equal. Sheryl Sandberg realistically lays out the subtle, but very real issues women are still faced with in the modern world in her book, Lean In. Despite how far we’ve come, there are still ceilings to break through. To be honest, I did not quite believe that there could still be any gender inequality in this day and age. I never noticed it, and maybe that’s because I haven’t actually been in the workforce all that long; however, after reading Lean In, the subtleties and nuances that are likely the root reasons for the lack of women leaders in the world can really shine through.

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This International Women’s Day, I’ve agreed to participate in Privé Suits‘s campaign to help promote the company’s very admirable cause to give women everywhere the opportunity to purchase an affordable suit online – one of good quality and that fits properly. The fledgling company is gaining momentum and aims to create a business model that will allow a portion of revenue to be donated to existing foundations that are working to empower women and to build educational infrastructure in underprivileged countries.

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For the entire month of March, Privé Suits will be collecting donations for the United Nations’ Refugee Agency to help feed, clothe and shelter the many displaced Syrian refugees with nowhere to go. Today’s Instagram campaign, on International Women’s Day, is all about raising awareness both for the #Right2SuitUp as well as to fundraise to help women, specifically Syrian refugees, that need it most.

Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @thelilacpress to see how I will be celebrating the cause today! To participate in the campaign as well, just post a photo of yourself in a suit and use the hastag #Right2SuitUp!

I’m wearing Ann Taylor suiting separates here, which are great for pulling together a very professional and tailored look. I love the streamlined sleek look of an all black suit. Of course, being the girly girl that I am, I had to make a boring pantsuit fun with some subtle polka dots, a sparkly necklace and a bit of red lipstick! A stylish tote that can fit your laptop, portfolio, and all the necessities is essential as well. I love this structured Tory Burch bag because there is a zip pocket that fits my laptop easily and protects it from the elements when I’m toting it back and forth to and from the office each day.

Blazer: Ann Taylor (old, similar here) // Pants: Ann Taylor (old, similar here) // Button down: J. Crew // Pumps: Cole Haan // Tote: Tory Burch // Necklace: Bauble Bar (old, similar here) // Lips: Nars in Heat Wave // Nails: Essie in 5th Avenue

Happy International Women’s Day to all you hardworking ladies (and gentlemen!) out there!
xo -L

19 Comments

  1. March 8, 2016 / 12:10 am

    This is so cute! You look like you are ready to take on the world. I love Ann Taylor suits. My first one was by Ann Taylor.

    Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com

    • March 8, 2016 / 7:22 am

      Thank you! So ready to take on the world 🙂 My Ann Taylor pieces are such classics – and very affordable for a first suit!

  2. March 8, 2016 / 9:13 am

    LOVE the blouse, lady! What a beautiful piece to be worn any time of year.

    • March 8, 2016 / 9:18 pm

      Thank you! I find myself wearing it all the time lately!

  3. March 8, 2016 / 11:21 am

    This is a very beautiful and professional look you put together! Ann Taylor is a classic brand and right for work!

    • March 8, 2016 / 9:19 pm

      Ann Taylor has great staples – makes it so easy to throw a professional look together! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  4. March 8, 2016 / 12:06 pm

    You look so chic. I never seemed to look so well put together when I went to work at the office.

    • March 8, 2016 / 9:19 pm

      Thanks Marette! So glad you stopped by 🙂

  5. Ashley
    March 8, 2016 / 9:56 pm

    I love this outfit so much! It’s so classic with the black pant suit, but it’s also a very feminine look with the polka dots and the sparkly necklace!

  6. March 8, 2016 / 11:11 pm

    Happy International Women’s Day! The suit looks great 🙂 And you’re right; there’s still so much progress to be made, but today let’s appreciate all the progress that has been made! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

    • March 10, 2016 / 12:12 am

      Yesterday was definitely a great to celebrate – thanks for stopping by 🙂

  7. March 9, 2016 / 8:34 am

    I love this look. With a pop of color on your lips and a fun necklace, this is a great look for the office! I will keep this in mind next time I go shopping!

    • March 10, 2016 / 12:11 am

      Thanks, Stephanie. I know to dress up a simple office look a little bit! So glad you stopped by 🙂

  8. March 9, 2016 / 7:42 pm

    Looking ready to tackle the day!! I love wearing a suit – something about them makes me feel super powerful! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

    • March 10, 2016 / 12:03 am

      Thanks, Biana! I guess that’s where the term “power suit” comes from 🙂

  9. April 11, 2016 / 1:53 pm

    Looks wonderful and very well-dressed for an important day for you! I love menswear on women.

    • April 11, 2016 / 9:27 pm

      Thanks Caitlin! Can’t go wrong in a classic suit!