The Boston Edit: What I Wore, What I Bought + My PR Eye on Personal Style

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This year, I have traveled to three new amazing spots - Cabo (my first real trip to Mexico—and no, dipping across the border from South Padre Island on a college spring break bus in 2002 does not count), Jamaica for a Short Court Pickleball Tournament, and finally, Boston last month to join my husband and his business partners for a few days.

I loved every trip for completely different reasons and I promise I’ll break them all down eventually, but Boston truly surprised me. It was beautiful, clean, vibrant, and so effortlessly sophisticated. I could not get over how gorgeous it was or how we had waited this long to go. We absolutely loved it and are already hoping to return with our kids.

Boston was the perfect excuse to pull out layers, comfortable shoes, and a few go-to pieces I’ve been wearing all summer. And a few new purchases, of course.

And this is where my PR eye always sneaks in, even when I’m packing a suitcase. Style is communication. What you wear can signal confidence, personality and polish before you ever introduce yourself. I don’t believe that means chasing every trend or buying an entirely new wardrobe for a trip. For me, it means knowing the pieces that make me feel like myself—and using a great jacket, bold accessory or vintage scarf to tell a little more of the story.

When I travel for short, domestic trips, I almost always carry on and pack efficiently and plan my outfits; that way I don’t overthink or overpack. International trips, admittedly, are still another story. For this trip, I packed a mix of longtime favorites, new finds and easy pieces I know I’ll wear throughout the season.

Here is a glance at everything I wore, packed and bought in Boston—plus a few more items currently at the top of my fall list.

My Boston Travel Uniform

Comfort was the priority, but I still wanted to feel pulled together - I always travel with either a blazer or a jean jacket - keeps me polished and warm on the plane. I wore my go-to matching travel set - this is an Amazon piece (yep), it’s so comfortable and keeps me warm on the flight, without feeling sloppy.

I packed everything in my go-to matching white luggage - I’ve traveled all over the world with these bags. The White Concourse Bag fits perfectly under all seats, no matter how stuffed it is. And it looks sleek. It can get heavy, fair warning. I pair it with the White Terminal Carry-on Luggage. I’ve had this set for about five years. If it gets dirty, I just wipe it down. To be expected with white luggage. But I feel professional and put together at all airports - from New Zealand to Spain.

I also always carry my jewelry in my Concourse Bag and pack it all in my Personalized Small Travel Cases. My jewelry goes straight to the safe when we arrive at any hotel.

The real hero was my Faux Hermes Wrap. I do not travel or go to meetings without it. It’s a gem. It was easy to carry, added just enough warmth and made the entire outfit feel more finished. And elevated. I am buying this new color for fall.

Walking, Shopping + Eating Our Way Through Boston

We stayed right in the heart of Boston at the Four Seasons Boston - across from the Public Gardens & Boston Common. The location could not have been better.

I spent two mornings power walking around Boston to see the city, pop in all the Charles Street shops, explore the parks and meeting so many amazing Boston people. These are my go to running + power walking shoes and my travel and daily sneakers are my Nikes - these are on my list as are these ‘silver foxes’!

These were key items I wore on the trip:

These were the pieces I reached for repeatedly, which is always the true test of a good trip purchase.

What I Wore—and Where We Went

Wednesday - Dinner at Grill 23

Incredible steakhouse - with a delicious martini! I wore a cute tweed dress borrowed from my daughter. The upside of sharing clothes with my two teen girls? A much bigger wardrobe. The downside? I am constantly looking for something that has mysteriously disappeared into one of their closets. And yes, I brought the Faux Hermes Wrap.

Thursday - Lunch at Contessa and Dinner at Mariel

After walking all over downtown, we had lunch at Contessa, a spot several of my Instagram friends recommended. They were right. I definitely recommend calling for a reservation because you cannot book online - and ordering a glass (or bottle) of Albariño.

Boston Professional Dinner

Thursday night at Mariel

I wore the Veronica Beard denim dress with my favorite summer sandals and tied one of my mother-in-law’s vintage Hermès scarves around my waist. She was the queen of Hermès scarves, and wearing one is a small way I love to honor her style.

That evening, we had a private dining experience at Mariel, an incredible Cuban restaurant. And a DJ, no doubt.

Friday - Friday Lunch Harbor Cruise

Friday included a Boston Harbor lunch cruise followed by cocktails at The Sanctuary at Four Seasons Boston. The three-hour cruise was so beautiful and relaxing and what a way to see Boston from the water.

For dinner, I wore my A.L.C. turquoise dress, which is on sale and also available in black. I cannot say enough about this dress or how much mileage I’ve gotten from it. The black would be especially chic for fall and an easy transitional piece for dinners, events or client meetings.

I packed outfits that felt elevated without requiring an entirely separate vacation wardrobe. That is always my goal: pieces that work for the trip but still make sense when back in Omaha.

And, of course, I packed my favorite gold jewelry. Here is my full gold jewelry roundup, but the trip MVPs were these daily gold hoops and my gold coiled bracelet. Jewelry is one of my favorite personal-brand tools: a recognizable earring, cuff or necklace can become a tiny signature people begin to associate with you. I always wear my vintage or anniversary pieces as well.

One more non-negotiable: I do not travel without my Nippies. Yes, I said it. I’m done with strapless bras. These are the answer. They last me about four months, and I buy roughly three packs a year.

The Fall Pieces I Bought

A few purchases made their debut in Boston, while others are waiting for the right fall day in Omaha. Here is what I bought:

  • Hermes Clic H Bracelet: I always love to purchase one key memorable piece when I travel, and this Hermes bracelet was it. The Hermès store is right next to our hotel and I love it! This is not the exact one, but mine has cheetahs on it - it will always remind me of Boston.

  • Elevated Veronica Beard Millard Denim Dickey Jacket: I wanted an elevated denim blazer I could wear for years, and this is IT. It is sexy, streamlined and versatile, and I can add a dickey when I want to change the look.

  • Veronica Beard Sandra Knit Tank: Fits very slim, almost silky material, perfect for fall with jeans, skirt, shorts, and add a jacket or the Faux Hermes wrap. The color may not read traditional fall, but I love it.

  • Veronica Beard Skinny Flare Jeans: My longtime favorites are the Veronica Beard Beverly jeans because they elongate my legs and make me feel tall. This skinny flare has the same magic. These are sexy jeans.

My PR Eye: Your Clothes Don’t Need to be Loud to Say Something

I am by no means a fashion expert. My fall wardrobe philosophy is still evolving, and refining a travel capsule based on the location, itinerary and events is always a work in progress.

But after more than 20 years in PR, I do know this: the details people remember are often the ones repeated with intention.

For a brand, that might be a distinct point of view, a consistent message or a recognizable visual identity. For personal style, it can be just as simple - a strong jacket, statement earrings, a favorite wrap or a vintage scarf worn in your own way. You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe. You need a few pieces that communicate you.

I’m very confident in my accessory game, I adore a statement earring, and I will never underestimate the power of a great jacket.

I’m not quite ready to let summer go, but I am ready to build a small, hardworking fall wardrobe for upcoming client meetings, events and travel. Consider this the beginning of my fall edit - with much more to come. And of course, PR will always be top of mind.

Happy fall - and happy shopping!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. As always, I only share items I genuinely love, own or would recommend.