I recently had the opportunity to style my client Meredith Johnson for the UGA* Alumni Association Bulldog 100 event. The Bulldog 100 is a celebration of the top businesses owned by UGA alumni. Meredith is the AA’s Executive Director and is a prominent figure at the event. It was important for Meredith to look professional but feel stylish at the same time. Meredith would be on stage and photographed several times, so I wanted her outfit to be dynamic but not overdone.

Because Bulldog 100 is a professional event I first thought a blazer should be a part of the outfit. A blazer commands confidence and adds a balance of structure to a more feminine dress or skirt. I shopped for a blazer/blouse/skirt ensemble which would create an ideal silhouette for Meredith and would help hide any unwanted curves. Also, a three-piece ensemble would give Meredith more pieces to pair with items in her existing wardrobe.

(blazer, JCrew Factory; tie-neck blouse (similar), Banana Republic; polka-dot skirt, Kate Spade; Calvin Klein black patent leather pumps, Nordstrom; Phase 3 color block clutch, Nordstrom; earrings (similar), Banana Republic)

UGA’s school colors are red and black so I looked for those colors when shopping. Banana Republic had a beautiful red tie-neck blouse that was a perfect blend of a button-down shirt and a feminine neck tie. Next I found a beautiful black and white polka-dot lace skirt from Kate Spade. With a classic black blazer from JCrew Factory her outfit was complete sans accessories. I bought Calvin Klein black patent leather pumps and a Phase 3 black/white color-block envelope clutch from Nordstrom that tied into the business theme of the event. Lastly, I bought a pair of pretty crystal studded earrings from Banana Republic that were more visually interesting than simple pearls.

Meredith was busy with the event and had no time to shop, so we handled everything online. I enjoyed working with Meredith and look forward to creating more looks for her in the future!

*University of Georgia