So, you might be looking at this post and thinking, “Katie, where the heck is your jacket?” (Hi, Mom.)

Fear not, dear reader, for I wore this warm-weather friendly fall look in Dallas a few weeks ago when Monica and I went to the rewardStyle headquarters.

You see, when we landed at Dallas Lovefield, it was a balmy 80 degrees. I repeat, EIGHTY DEGREES IN OCTOBER! For a lifelong East Coaster accustomed to four defined seasons, this was wonderful news to me. I’m not a fan of cold weather at all, so this is the type of fall I can easily get behind.

Yet to pay homage to the supposed season it actually is, and not the one it feels like, I thought it would still be nice to incorporate some fall colors into my look for the day. Enter: this autumnal blossoms pencil skirt from LOFT. Unfortunately, it’s sold out because I bought it last season (#keepinitreal), but you can easily recreate this look with any fall-colored skirt and booties you already have in your closet at home. Paired with my go-to navy sleeveless blouse, it was the perfect balance of “it’s fall!” and “thank GAWD I don’t have sleeves on because I am sweating!” 

And this outfit was really good to me y’all—not only did I eat my first In-N-Out burger while wearing it, I was able to meet my rewardStyle account representative, Courtney, who also blogs over at Curated by Courtney. Your rS account representative is your point-of-contact for all things blogging, and they keep you in the loop of trends, sales we can alert our readers, and overall best practices. It was so nice to meet her in person, considering we email so often!

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For those of you that don’t know, rewardStyle is an affiliate network of publishers—bloggers like me—and brands. Many times, when I link to products on my blog, I use a rewardStyle affiliate link. Then, when you purchase that item or something else from that retailer within 30 days, I make a commission off your sale. I want to be as transparent as possible about these links because of ethical concerns, but if you ever have any questions, feel free to email me.

For those of you that do know, the rS office is everything you thought it would be and more. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a large logo sign and the scent of custom-branded rS candles. The use of white throughout the office creates a very Instagrammable space. The hallmark feature definitely is the fully stocked bar in the corridor between the entrance and the bullpen where most employees sit—flanked with lucite stools and the cutest sketch drawings of cocktails representing each one of the company values. Not a bad place for a Friday afternoon meeting, am I right?

So, while Monica was meeting with her representative, Courtney and I were talking all things blogging—including holiday and Instagram strategy. Because of Courtney, I have some really fun content lined up for you in the coming months and a few new ideas on how to present information and products that I can’t wait to share. Don’t you just love it when you’re passions are reinvigorated?

Monica and I both left the rS headquarters in agreement that mixing a little business pleasure on this trip was a great use of a vacation day from work. If you’re going on a trip soon, I’d highly recommend figuring out a way you can add one professional development or networking activity into the mix.

Pro tip—we brought treats from Georgetown Cupcake with us to rS, which was not only a good ice breaker and homage to our home, but a nice way to say thank you for meeting with us. So if networking isn’t your thing, especially when you’re out of your own environment, a sweet treat goes a long way.

*** SHOP THIS POST *** 
LOFT Autumn Blossoms Skirt, old—this year’s picks here
J Crew Factory Navy Sleeveless Blouse, old—this year’s picks here
Kendra Scott Brennan Ring Set in Gold c/o
Michael Kors Runway Chronograph Watch
Dogeared Freshwater Pearl Necklace
Vera Bradley Quilted Natalie Satchel c/o
Nordstrom BP Trolley Ankle Bootie—buy a half-size up!

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Photos by Monica