Putting My Best Foot Forward.

Everything will work out in the end. This is something I constantly mutter to myself on a daily basis. When it comes to tasks, school, or finding the money to pay for my already purchased Frye riding boots, I trust that I can find a way to accomplish almost anything.

Don’t get me wrong, most of the time the journey is like going on date sporting your favorite 4 inch stilettos to look your best, only to find out you’ll be stumbling a mile on gravel to get to your dinner destination. Even if you do twist your ankle or miss your reservation because of your cautious slow pace, you learn from your choices and mistakes.

Of course, after what seems like countless blisters and a box of Band-Aids, you’ll never look at your stilettos the same. Does it mean that your investment of sassy kicks is pushed to the back of your closet forever? If you’re anything like me, the answer is no. Less than a week later, you will be slipping on those fabulous 4 inch stilettos to compliment your little black dress. Keep in mind, you’ve now learned to have every shoe insert and band aid CVS has to offer in tact prior to your next date. It’s important to learn from your mistakes but continue to take chances. I truly believe it would benefit me if I could apply my philosophy of shoes to the relationships in my life.

As my friend and I were chatting about taking chances in dating and forming new relationships, she said something that really struck me. “What’s the worst that could happen?” Instantly, my pessimistic wall went up and I attempted to list off my countless recent downfalls and disappointments in relationships. After sitting for several minutes in silence, I began to realize it has become effortless to take a chance with fashion and strenuous to take a chance on love.

I can see why my risks in fashion surpass my risks in relationships because it comes down to the choice between blisters or a broken heart. To me, it’s not a toss up in the amount of pain or even recovery time. However, I’ve come to realize that no matter how classic your shoes are they will never stand the test of time.

I am blessed with wonderful parents that illustrate love and passion in an extraordinary relationship that surpasses my love for fashion and styling. They unknowingly motivate me to let my pessimistic walls crumble and take graceful steps in building relationships that will last forever. I will stumble, I will fall, but everything will work out in the end.

A fabulous new pair of shoes can soothe a broken heart. Taking a chance on love can heal a broken heart.

Not Just an Accessory.

I don't have many mottos, but one hits my heart like a markdown clearance hits my credit card statement. There is no such thing as over accessorizing. Sure, Coco Chanel’s guidelines for chic and comfortable fashion encouraged women to remove one piece before leaving the house. But even this fashion muse could not drape herself with enough luxurious strands of pearls.

Its rules like these that give people the impression that they are limited to solely one fabulous accessory at a time. Needless to say, I am in complete disagreement. As I look down at my electric blue fingernails and four statement rings, I can’t help but wonder how boring my hand would be without them. They truly bring interest. Whether it's a unique bangle from the streets of Little India or the latest Marc Jacobs perfume ring, my outfits are not complete without an accessory.

Contrary to popular belief, the best accessories may not be square-cut, pear shaped or come in a little blue box neatly tied with white ribbon. In fact, the finest accessories don’t come in a box at all. They come in that person willing to take a risk by loving you. Even though they guard their heart like any fashionista would guard the last Chloe scarf at a crowded sample sale, they chance tearing down their walls for you. My dear friends.

Now, I am certainly not stating that you and my bangles are equivalent in any way. I simply cannot imagine me without you. You only better the woman I am becoming. I believe I have come a long way in evaluating the friendships I choose to surround myself with. Whether I have known you for most of my life or merely 8 seasons, you have been my teacher and my confidant and for that I am sincerely grateful.

Just as I am learning what I truly want in a Mr. Right, I am still discovering what I want in my friends. Without a doubt, my current friendships have spoiled me with more trust and reliability than my inspiring InStyle magazine. I’m certainly not jumping to conclusions by declaring they would take a punch from a classy gal in an ill fitting tank top if it meant I didn’t have to ruin my freshly manicured nails. We’ve been there. You have relentlessly come to understand my insecurities and disappointments even at 2:00 AM with Dior mascara running down my cheeks. The solitary word that comes to my mind is selfless.

I know it’s not always easy to stand by a friend’s side when they’re too busy with the latest guy to return your missed calls. I can understand when the person you depend on most never ceases to let you down by choosing you last or solely themselves first. But I can also appreciate those that continue to shape my life in a positive way. I can safely say I will strive to leave a lasting impression on you.

For as my Calvin Klein boots accessorize my sole, you have truly accessorized my soul.

I was that girl.

Throughout high school and early college, I was that girl. The girl that was never single. The girl that thought a boy could fill a void that a new L.A.M.B Fulani tote could not. The girl whose group of friends changed almost as often as fashion trends of the season, depending on the guy she latched herself to.

It can be compared to the Ed Hardy t-shirts and trucker hats you reluctantly pulled out your Visa to purchase years back. You thought it was the style you wanted to portray because the majority accepted it as a trend to be followed. When, in reality, it was a dreadful display of fashion covered in multicolored and overpriced rhinestones. I was not an individual. Sadly, I relied on a boyfriend to fill me.

Even though me, myself, and I were not nonexistent in my everyday choices, I did lack a foundation and individuality of my own. Although this notion was regularly lingering through my mind, it wasn’t until about a year ago that I truly felt the sting of not knowing who I was or what I wanted.

After attending a junior college and living at home for two years, I was ready to pack up what seemed like countless belongings and begin to find my individuality. As I threw the last box of clothes into one of the three vehicles used to transport my entire wardrobe, I couldn’t help but think how my priorities would completely change these next few years. In the past, with no fault but my own, my top priorities included: chatting with my boyfriend on the phone, hanging out with my boyfriend, scheduling friendships around my boyfriend, revolving my life around my boyfriend.

I honestly felt as if I held my breath every week until my manager handed me the next two weeks of my work schedule. For it was then that I could instantly begin to plan the time I would be wrapped in his arms again. As corny as it sounds, how can you truly be there for someone when you haven’t even found yourself.

I never actually built a foundation of my own. Sure, I had a job and an amazing family, but there was something missing. Something that is even more reliable than my little black dress, means more to me than my fabulous Nanette Lepore coat,and knows me better than any well lit three-way mirror.

My beautiful and remarkable friends.