My day went from getting dressed & morning coffee to train rides and a Free People preview event…
As many of you should know by now, today is the launch of our much awaited bicoastal NYC & LA pop-up shops. Last night we held a little preview event for friends, bloggers, & media at both locations. I was lucky enough to help organize the whole thing and attend the NYC event. I was working of course, but this is the kind of thing I’ve always dreamt of getting the chance to do. We had RSVP’s from editors I’ve watched creep up masthead ranks, and bloggers who inspire me on the regular. Working for a brand, that my heart is truly invested in, I just couldn’t wait to share it with them. I was nervous though. Was I going to say all of the right things, and forge a connection between Free People and these important figures?
The cupcakes & wine were set. Goodie bags were in place. I smoothed a red coat of confidence across my lips and watched the door as attendees began to trickle in. As soon as I greeted the first to arrive, Claire Geist from Delune Blog, my nerves evaporated. A warm calm of “I got this” washed over me. I was there to represent the brand, but I was also there to just be myself, and had a blast. I cracked jokes with Natalie Suarez and Christina Caradona who apparently has something of a Kanye crush (Kanye – if you’re reading this, I highly suggest dropping the woman a line). I connected with Karen of Wheredidyougetthat over the beauty of individual interpretation in fashion, and specifically the creative freedom that Free People possess to inspire it. She had a calm insightful point of view that stirred up my thoughts – which is exactly the kind of conversation I live for. Lastly, I finally got to meet Erica & Lauren of Honestly…WTF who we’ve worked with before, but I’ve never gotten the chance to meet myself. They’re both intelligent women with such cool energies about them. You can’t help but notice that you’re in the presence of a rare kind of special person when you’re with them.
The gowns looked beautiful and at the end of the night I was content. I loved talking about the brand and getting Free People’s beauty out there. It was a night of meeting new people, partaking in interesting conversations, and celebrating fashion – exactly what I’ve always wanted for my future.
Now somebody pinch me. Nobody gets their dreams this young…
