Reading List: The Truth about Style

If you’ve been reading my blog for a long time, you know about that period in time, when I went through my biggest life crisis.

When life as I knew it came to an end, fashion and style took a back seat. Believe that!

I remember the day, I came back to being myself.

It was a day just like this in February, four years ago.

I was about to get dressed to go to work.

Gosh, I dreaded going to work.

My uniform was a sweater and pants, every day since late October the year before and I hated it, but I just didn’t want to put the effort into getting ready in the morning.

On that day though, I was looking for a pair of pants that had fell at the back of my closet floor, I pushed my hands all the way in the back and pulled out this dress.

I instantly remembered how much I loved the print. 

In my mind, I was back to a happier place, of fabric trips to NYC and long hours of sewing.

I put it on the bed and then it happened.

I grabbed a pair of leggings and my camel knee length boots and started to get dressed.

It was the first time in 5 months since I wore a dress.

I went into the bathroom, put on some makeup, it actually had dust on everything because I hadn’t touched it in months either.

When I was finished, I looked at myself in the mirror and I was like.

O-M-G

I can hear that voice in my head saying, “Girl, where have
you been?”

I was staring at someone I used to be, a little rough though. I had huge bags under my eyes from crying myself to sleep for months and just from the stress of everything.

But, I can still see, ME.

That was the first day back to where I am now.

I got myself together and that stuff was hard work

So I can relate to this book, I can relate to letting
yourself go, not caring about what you wear or how you look but grieving for
your old self on the inside.

Looking like the best version of YOU matters.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Comments

[CarlaF-in Atlanta]

I didn't know your blog then and I'm sorry you had to go through such a rough time. I'm glad you're back to yourself Toy because you're a wonderful person.

[adrienne]

I love this post. ummhmm.
I just requested this from the library :)

[angela]

I remember that dark time. It seems so long ago. It's a fading memory now. I am glad your back and doing/creating better than ever.

[allisonc]

I'm sorry you had to go through that, but I wanted to say that this is a really well written and inspiring post.

[Julia]

I remember it, too. I used to read, watch, and even diet along with you! Revisiting dark times is hard but can help refocus. Your strength and grace shine through your blog and help me immensely.

[Amy]

I remember that time. It's funny how we can seem to get into a funk and then one day.... we look up and realize that enough is enough. I'm glad you didn't wallow in what happened in the past - because I think you've come out even better/stronger than before!