Sequined Love Affair

Photo credit: Maryia Herylovich

I never in a MILLION years thought that I could love a city more than I love NYC. But Paris has stolen my heart in every way possible. The city is so full of life, culture, art…love…opportunities. And being here has awakened a new sort of hunger in me. For the first time in a very long time I feel like I’m not wandering aimlessly. Despite being in law school (a decision I struggle with emotionally all the time), I often feel like I’m not sure if my life is headed in the right direction. If I’m really in the race or just running in place. Paris has given me a sort of clarity that is so refreshing. I finally know without a shadow of a doubt where I’m supposed to be. For so long I thought that place was New York City, but I’m now realizing that my destiny is several thousands miles away.

Not that I don’t still love NYC (because I do!), but the love I feel for Paris is different. In New York, I feel comfortable and in my element. In Paris, I feel challenged. Challenged to learn the language. To meet new people. To think differently. To be different. Be better. And at the end of the day, that’s all I’ve ever wanted is to be surrounded by things, people and opportunities that challenge me to push myself to new heights. To take bigger risks. That place is here!

I feel like even the way I dress has changed a bit since I’ve been here. I’ve been feeling a much more casual and relaxed style. I’ve had this sequined cropped tank from Express for a few months now (bought it on sale), but every time I went to put it on, it just never felt right. For some reason, when I put it on today, I cared less about how it “should” be worn (I had been planning to wear it in this big, dramatic, over-the-top-way) and focused more on how I wanted to wear it. When my hands—almost without my consent—reached for these booties with gold hardware, my first thought was “Blake, what on EARTH are you doing?!” But this time when I put it all together, it felt exactly right. I don’t know if it’s my new found sense of clarity or maybe the look is still a bit “off” and I just don’t care. Either way, I’m loving my new outlook and my new evolving style.

Shop the Look:

Top: Express (sold out) | Jeans: c/o GJG Denim | Necklace: Aldo | Bag: c/o Chicwish | Shoes: Necessary Clothing | Earrings: c/o Stella & Dot