#ISparkleWhen I Stand TALL

Every holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving leading up to new years eve, I think about the things I am most grateful for and do a lot of self reflecting.

Because positivity inspires more positivity I like to think about the ways in which I stood tall, especially in the moments of adversity. So when Long Tall Sally (LTS) asked me to take part in their #ISparkleWhen campaign I was more than happy to do so.

I was given the task of selecting a garment that would exemplify when I sparkle. I originally picked a fitted burgundy dress. Something that would speak to the feeling of sparkling when I enter a room as I’ve really pushed pass my often conservative comfort zone this year. As an investment professional I spent the last 12 of 13 years trying to cover up or play down my physical attributes for the sake of wanting to be known for my intelligence versus my appearance. Something I’ve been doing since I made the decision in high school to accept an academic scholarship over a ‘chance’ at a modeling career. I felt like ‘hey I know i’m tall and slender but I also have a brain.’ This year I finally felt positively bold and simply over hiding behind suits, neatly styled and straightened hair, and nude lipstick. I added color this year. Lots of it. Some of this can be seen in the pictures I recently took via  Instagram or the ones I took during my birthday trip to Cuba in April. Since the dress was too big (insert happy dance here) I had to wear the second choice. My frown…

o 

…quickly turned into a smile when I tried this Long Tall Sally x Karl Lagerfeld dress on.

I am so happy the burgundy dress was no longer available in the size I needed, because dress #2 is a reflection of the balance of strength, femininity, experience, resilience, and confidence it takes to stand tall in my day to day life.

This multi-tweed Karl Lagerfeld dress has color. It is complex yet playful (lace around the skirt). Plus, it is so easy to wear. When you travel 70%-80% for work you appreciate easy to wear clothing. Especially clothing that doesn’t wrinkle.

I Sparkle When I Stand TALL – J. Enovy

I stand tall when I speak up for myself and for those who can’t speak for themselves. I stand tall when I’m the only woman and/or woman of color in a board meeting or business meeting. I stand tall in my love for my family and my friends. I stand tall in confidence, accepting all of my strengths and flaws. I stand tall in joy, and laughter, and adventure.

Dress Information:

Long Tall Sally – Karl Lagerfeld Paris Multi-tweed Dress, $209.50

My height: 5’11”

Shoe Size: 11

Location: TALL District office – Chicago

Would you wear this dress? If yes, where to?

TALL Blessings,

J. Enovy

   Send article as PDF