#37 A Fresh Start

"Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down." - Ray Bradbury

This quote means a lot to me these days. My first official day of my new job (I'm a teacher at a school in Harlem) began this Wednesday and it has been a rollercoaster of a week. I've had this dream for so long to move to New York City and it's all finally coming together: the apartment, the neighborhood, the city, the job. But to be real, it hasn't all been sunshine and roses.

It's a hard transition moving across states where you are essentially alone, beginning a new job-- albeit, an amazing job-- and feeling like you're starting from scratch both professionally and personally. I am really glad I'm here, but my passion for New York and for teaching hasn't stopped this from being one of the most challenging things I've ever gone through. Ultimately, it's essential to take risks in life to feel like you're really living, and to give yourself a chance to experience something new. You feel fear, feel excitement, question EVERYTHING, miss stability yet appreciate a new world, experience the heartache of loss and loneliness, see things in a completely different light. And in New York you walk around with your jaw dragging on the sidewalk, in awe of everything and everyone all around you, your eyes ever-gazing upward. It's up and down and up and down and so on. I wouldn't change it for the world, but damn-- it's hard and it hurts sometimes.

A few pictures from my first day at work at our retreat at Long Beach, NJ. Bonfires and the ocean always make me very introspective.

As shallow as it may seem, in times where I feel insecure, I sometimes turn to fashion to help lift my spirits and give me confidence. Something about knowing I look my very best, especially when starting a new job, helps me feel like I can do this, I can conquer my fears and the world! Anyone who has ever worn towering high heels knows this feeling well. Retail therapy, indeed.

Today was a big day because not only did I get to meet the CEO and founder of our network of schools, but I also got to meet several hundred other teachers who teach at my school and our sister schools! Looking my best was key, especially with such an intelligent, youthful, talented, and intimidatingly fashionable group of educators! We were told to dress casual, but for me business casual or even professional is what helps me feel my best and I prefer to err on the side of overdressed rather than under.

Yes, shamefully in the bathroom. But I was feeling positive and loving my outfit.

After some inspiring speeches, feeling a renewed sense of positivity.

Not so fresh after a happy hour, walking in 90 degree heat, and 8 hours of profesh development.

Every teacher should have an apple necklace!

TOP Grey Cowl Neck Top, Banana Republic | SKIRT Textured Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt, Eloquii | NECKLACE Apple Pendant, H&M | SHOES Green Suede Flats, J Crew

I was honestly going to give away this top because it shrunk in the wash and looks ridiculous with pants, but I discovered this brand new outfit rushing to work this morning and threw it all together really fast. Has that ever happened to you? Somehow I feel impressed with myself for putting together a fierce outfit in record time.

Also, I had to comment on Eloquii's Holiday 2012 Lookbook that has been released on a few blogs in the past few weeks. WOW! Eloquii just keeps getting better and better, and it's such a great option for those of us who have to wear business professional every day, not to mention how impressed I've been with the quality of the clothing.

There are a ton of basics that I can add my own eclectic pieces and accessories to so that they are uniquely me, and also a ton of beautiful pieces that really stand out and work on their own. This collection is really making me drool, and also lament my four-figure rent in New York. Gold sequin skirts with blush blouses, new colored skinnies, and how about that gray dress with the leather look panels? I cannot wait to rock it all as soon as its released! I have preemptively purchased ramen in preparation of this dent in my bank account...