LBS in LA (Part 2): My Arrival

10:30AM Upon landing in LA, I'm picked up at LAX in a brand spankin' new 2013 Lincoln MKT. While gleefully stroking the leather interior, I take in the sight of palm trees and sunlight. Feels good to be back in LA (albeit for 24 hours). Next stop, the hotel!

11:00AM We've arrived! I'm staying at the Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills. It's beautiful, and conveniently located right across the street from the Beverly Center (a massive shopping mall).

 I'm a little jet-lagged so this big soft bed looks mighty good. But it's crunch time. No sleep allowed.

11:30AM Special delivery! The lovely folks at Tadashi Shoji have left a special package at my hotel with three dress options for tonight's festivities. I could die. Is this real life? Can't be...

I have three beautiful Tadashi Shoji options to choose from in red, cream, and blue (patriotic, eh?). At this point, I'm torn and so I take to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to ask for a vote!

 1. Cutout Jersey Halter Cocktail Dress in Peppermint ($348.00), 2. Embroidered Lace Peplum Dress in Sand ($328.00) 3. Pintuck Jersey Boatneck Dress with Sheer Lace Detail in Marina ($348.00).

After trying on all three dresses, I'm most drawn to the cream lace peplum and the blue A-line dress. I love the shape and texture of the cream dress, but I'm gagging over the rich color of the blue. Ugh, why does Tadashi make it SO hard?

12:30PM I have just an hour before it's time to grab lunch with the Lincoln team. For a business lunch, I wanted to look stylish but still tailored. I didn't bring any blazers with me but I did bring a pair of tailored pants, a cargo jacket and some new red heels.

 After tootsie rolling because I can actually wear open toe shoes (I love LA), I put together a look I think is both sophisticated but still reflects my sense of style.

The Cargo Jacket, H&M, $59.95

The Red Heels, Zara, $89.99

The Cream Blouse ($29.99) & Chain Link Necklace ($12.95), H&M

The Handbag, c/o Handbag Heaven Kourtney Crossbody Mini Satchel, ($42.46)

 Behold the final look before makeup. Comfortable, stylish and still professional.

Popped on a red lip and I was ready to go!

Stay tuned for a post about the lunch and meeting one of the honorees of the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln - Lianne La Havas!