“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”  -Colin Powell

These days most people are far too willing to give up on what they want. They decide to pursue an specific path, begin making things happen and breeze through the honeymoon phase of their endeavor. But wait…a few months have passed and this thing they have decided to pursue is not as easy as they initially thought. So of course the only logical answer is that this path must not be for them because it doesn’t come naturally. This is such a false reality and there is an unbelievable sense of satisfaction that comes along with obtaining success because you worked hard and fought through the tough times.

People always assume that I have been fashionable my whole life. They assume that I have always had the skill to match pieces together and that being stylish has always come naturally to me. This is simply not true! Below is a picture of what I looked like around age 11. (Yes, it’s really me.) I was about the farthest thing from stylish you can get and repeatedly got mistaken for a boy by strangers. This was mostly my own fault because I wanted my hair cut short and enjoyed the tomboy life. Haha! I really love showing this picture to people when they insinuate they can’t be as fashionable as me. I follow the picture up with saying, “If you choose to not pursue fashion then that’s one thing and I truly respect your choice, but don’t say that you can’t, because that’s not true.” When I was in my teens I decided I liked dressing up and wearing pretty things so that is where my “fashion” journey began. That was over 10 years ago! It has taken me many years to be happy with my style and I am inspired by something or someone new everyday. Moral of the story: Don’t give up on your style. When you feel uninspired and ready to throw on those jeans you wear way too much, remember how far you have come and that you can do anything you set your mind to! Each step you take out of your comfort zone is a way to grow into a more confident version of yourself. So put those jeans back on the shelf and be determined to wear that skirt you took a chance on at Goodwill last week! 😉        I’m always rooting for you!

Affectionately, Audrey ❤

Photographs: Lauren Newman Photography

Crop Top: UAL, Edith Miller // Skirt: Goodwill, Vintage Ann Taylor //

Blazer: Goodwill, Vintage (It was $.99!) // Jewelry: UAL and Vintage //

Boots: Target (They are obviously very loved 😉 )

Haha I can’t get over this picture.