The best Sephora I’ve ever shopped at was in Nice, France.
Nearing the end of our senior class trip to Europe last spring, my friend Gina and I headed straight toward Avenue Jean Médecin during one of the rare breaks in our jam-packed schedule. Located in the heart of Nice, The Avenue, as it is known by residents, houses the main shops of the city. I was Holly Golightly, staring longingly into the windows of outlets to the likes of Hermès. Down the line we found ourselves in front of Sephora, and well, we just couldn’t resist.
I felt like a child walking into a candy store. I know that’s an awful cliché, but with all the different products, brands and colors, Sephora really is a divine, tempting store to me and FIT-student Gina. We were playing amongst the makeup until we came across the Dior Addict lipstick collection. Brand new at the time, it was advertised on Kate Moss’s perfect pout. Typically I don’t spend too much on makeup; I love it, but with my limited budget, I tend to splurge on clothes and accessories. But I was drawn to Riviera, a gorgeous coral fit for every occasion. Gina and I each walked away with the $30 tube.
As silly as it might sound, I felt powerful and glamorous purchasing the new Dior shade. Yet for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to take it out of its shiny black case.
Fast forward a year to this past Saturday. As I was getting ready to go to a Gainesville Fashion Week event downtown, my friend Jenny assured me that my all black outfit (read more on my blog post) looked chic and Carrie Bradshaw-esque, but it was missing something, even after accessorizing with a chunky citrine necklace. I froze when she suggested I swipe on my prized Dior lipstick. It was just lipstick; what was the big deal?
This made me look at the bigger picture. To me, the lipstick represented the life I always dreamed of. A wonderful, exciting life in the fashion industry where I could express myself artistically with writing in addition to clothes and makeup. To do this, you have to be bold and take risks.
It was time to be honest with myself: I was scared. I was afraid to continue with this blog for fear that it wasn’t relevant or interesting. I was afraid of participating in class for fear of looking stupid. I was afraid to run outside for fear that it would hurt too much. And I became afraid of speaking to new people, especially guys, for fear of rejection.
I don’t know where this crummy attitude came from! It’s just not me. I must have realized this subconsciously because I had already begun making adjustments. Last week I largely contributed to my group discussions. I started running outside a few mornings a week and finished 5k Saturday afternoon. I mingled with other interns throughout the entire Gainesville Fashion Week event and even got up the nerve to invite the attractive bartender to our modeling casting call. And clearly I’ve come back to the blog, deciding that I need to find my voice again. Get excited for pretty spring posts!
If you have big plans, you need to act big. There’s no reason to hide behind the scenes.
As I smoothly applied the Dior lipstick yesterday afternoon, something clicked. I’ll be the first to admit that this connection is strange. How does lipstick make one realize that they’ve been shriveling up? I haven’t a clue, but I’m done questioning it. It’s time to enjoy the rest of the semester – my last of freshman year.
I’m just thrilled that I’m not too much of a cliché and reevaluated my life after Jan. 1.
How gorgeous is this color? I’m glad I’m finally getting use out of it. Ignore my chubby fingers.
I don’t know what I would do without Jenny. Doesn’t she look fab? She’s learning the art of fashion – and getting used to playing in a sister’s closet.
On Saturday I ran in the Gator Run with some amazing friends. This was my first 5k in two years! My mom might not be a fan of the PHanny pack (corny AEPhi joke), but I love it!
The Purple Pen 