ABOUT ME


My life was my job for a few years.  For a variety of reasons, the latter part of my 20s brought on a really unhealthy obsession with my career.  Climbing the corporate ladder took more of a toll on me than I wanted to admit.  Essentially, I forgot/suppressed/abandoned the "real" me, and in attempt to have the career I had always hoped for, I became what I thought was expected of me.  Enter my sudden adherence to Brooks Brothers french-cuffed shirts, Ralph Lauren basic pumps in 3 different staple colors, and an array of Banana Republic and Ann Taylor boring basic suits.  I wouldn't say that I wanted to dress like a man - but in a southern, SUPER conservative corporate all boys club that is the environment where I work - I demanded to be taken seriously so I dressed in a way I thought was best.  All the while, my weekends were spent staring at my favorite fashion blogs (see my 'Daily Inspiration' list to see which ones), living vicariously through these amazing, stylish women who seemed to have the MOST fun lives and even more fabulous clothes.  What do they do for a living?  How do they have time to run these blogs?  Do they all work in the fashion industry?  these are the types of questions I would ask myself... searching through 'about me' pages and posts on their blogs for answers.  I always assumed that I couldn't ever possibly make the time for something like that.  I had no 'real' designer clothes.  I had a business casual wardrobe and couldn't imagine affording weekend wear in addition to that (who has the $ for all those different categories anyway?).  And after all, how was I possibly going to take my mind off of my beloved career long enough to even write something... let alone take pictures of myself in clothes that other people probably won't even like?

Boo.Hoo.

Then a couple of very significant things happened in my life.  For starters - I got burned out on my job.  (Saw that one coming, did you?).  I was not being fulfilled by it anymore, and knew that I needed a balance in my life.  Getting a different job wasn't the answer - I have a good job, and I would get burned out anywhere at this pace.  In addition to this, when January of 2011 came around - I had to force myself to face a thought that I hadn't been able to come to terms with yet.  2011 is the year I turn 30.  THIRTY.  30?  Seriously?  I haven't done enough stuff to be 30.  People who are 30 are married and have kids already and are successful and well traveled and...... well I don't know, they've just done more than I feel like I have and I'm not taking this lying down!  (sorry - I got away from myself a bit there).  So I'm turning 30, have nothing but a good job, and live vicariously through people I don't know on the internet through fashion blogs.  What a life.

Boo.  Freakin.  Hoo.

I don't really know at what point exactly things started coming together.  For one - I realized what a huge blessing it is to have some people in my life who love me VERY, VERY much.  My family is amazing, I have such caring and supportive friends, and even an ex who I still adore as a person and consider one of my closest and most special people to me in my life (grown up stuff, right?).  I also have a best friend, my very best friend - who is the most selfless, supportive, caring, inspirational, strong, compassionate, loving person I have ever known.  In the beginning of this year, he was trying to do something to change his life for the better - and I was supporting him (not my strong suit, but I was doing it!).  So we started eating food that was better for us (I literally JUST ate a donut before I typed this - so I'm giggling a little bit - can't be good all the time, right?), working out 2-3x per week, hiking on the weekends, and just going out to do more fun things.  His commitment to weight loss and to live a healthier lifestyle turned into MY weight loss and healthier lifestyle... which then turned into me buying smaller clothes.... which turned into feeling great and more energy to do fun things..... which turned into 'hey, why don't I decide that 30 is going to be my HEALTHIEST, HAPPIEST year and I'm going to have a huge party and wear a little cocktail dress and have sparklers on my cake and.........!?!?!?'  Yeah.  It got exciting.

Smile. 

So here I was...roughly 30 lbs lighter, about to turn 30, with a successful career complete with hard-earned respect from the aforementioned boys club, a wardrobe full of cute clothes (I had even branched out to more fun clothes at this point), great family and friends, supportive best friend who loves to take pictures of things, and an unrequited obsession love for fashion blogs.  Is anyone wondering what I decided to do at this point??  Have I built this up enough to finally get to the point?? I decided to start Pencil Skirts and Lattes, my very own fashion blog.  I researched, read all kinds of tips and tricks, started putting cuter outfits together, bought a better camera, and off I went.  My birthday is in August and I can hardly wait for it now (hey - it's a chance for some really good outfit pics!).  I've connected with some fabulous, amazing people through this blog.  I continue to be inspired every single day by other blogs.  And I feel like I now have an opportunity to BE inspiring to someone.  (This is a much better look for me than the burnt-out, boo hoo I'm getting 'old,' super conservative business professional look, don't you think?).  I used to hate getting dressed in the morning for work, and now I love it.  It gives me the opportunity to think more about who I am, and incorporate that into a stylish look that meets my corporate dress code.  Hey, I still wear the occasional Brooks Brothers classic shirt, Ralph Lauren Pumps, and DEFINITELY still wear Banana Republic and Ann Taylor suits - but I style it all MY way.  And on the weekends - I take those 2 days and wear whatever my little heart wants to wear.  And my best friend in the entire world takes pictures of it for me.  And then I share it with you.  :)

Double smile.


29 comments:

  1. Hi there, thanks for visiting my blog and I love how honest you are about what you have been through. As a modern working girl, we strive to maintain that balance, and I KNOW it's not that easy. I am following you now and I look forward to more inspirational blogs!!

    http://modernworkinggirl.blogspot.com/

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  2. You are 30 as well??? Me too! I started the blog this year similar to you...while I have not yet burned out from my job...let's just say I am in DIRE need of a change! Cheers to you and Pencil Skirts and Lattes! Can't wait to see your site overhaul!

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  3. our stories are similar (obsession with fashion blogs, finally decided to do one of my own). thanks for your honesty. you're pictures are amazing. you're lucky to have a best friend who takes them for you! :)

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  4. Loved reading this...so inspiring and not being completely fulfilled in my career (and I work in fashion) was one of the main reasons I started my blog. It's been the best (although sometimes stressful) creative outlet for me. Good for you for starting a blog yourself!

    xo,
    Helena @ Brooklyn Blonde

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  5. Wow. As I read your "About Me", very inspiring indeed. We all long to find ourselves in this world, but invariably, we try to make ourselves 'fit' in our particular time and place. It is very exciting to read (and see) about your own personal transformation to let you be YOU, not just the role you are expected to play. The photos are extraordinary! Very professional and artistic, and you are a gorgeous model! As a woman who has spent most of her life with NO idea about fashion, and for the past year dealing with life's complications and challenges that have left little time for myself and little money, I have decided to use your blog as my own inspiration. It's such a cliche - the old "need to find ourselves" line, but it's sage advice and a reminder that we should never stop re-inventing. There are things that we have to do to survive, but we need to focus on the things we MUST do to find peace and happiness (boy, another cliche). Keep up the great work and thank you for inspiring people like me. It sounds like 30 is definitely going to be your best year yet! Ciao, bella!

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  6. This was really great to read! I started my blog because I was burnt out on my job and need a creative outlet. I have a really creative job and surprisingly needed something else in my life that wasn't related to work. Good for you for starting the blog!

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  7. Great story- good on you...and Happy (upcoming) Birthday!

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  8. Hey,Sarah, Suzel here!I was very happy to be part of your 30th birthday party, it was amazing, everything perfect, and you, OMG, you looked fabulous. Ah, love your blog too!! Hope to see you again soon!!

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  9. Your story was SO INSPIRING to read! I'm just sitting here in amazement right now. It pretty much parallel's my life and what I've gone through. I just started my fashion blog, and it's making me feel so much better. And i'm loving the people that I meet each and every day. I'm following your blog. I was so attracted to it. It's fab! Again, thanks for your candidness.

    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

    SassyUptownChic xoxo Kim

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  10. I guess it's time for the "adorable ex" to step in and offer his two cents. First of all, I cannot begin to express with words how far along Sarah has come. I've seen her at her best and her worst and to say that she has completely blown my mind is an understatement.

    I always knew big things would happen for her... she's one of those people with the addictive personalities (not unlike me) that does something over and over until she perfects it... then she does it again, because addiction "IS" fun isn't it?

    This girl has had to work for everything she's ever had and has made something special out of herself. Take that back, special doesn't even begin to equate to what she has accomplished. In my book, Sarah is THE most extraordinary person I've ever known (mind you I'm typing this AFTER I met Anne Hathaway in person). No disrespect Anne =)

    Keep up the good work "plus".

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  11. A fellow Leo, I turned 35 this year and sometimes life says "HELLO" in very different ways to wake us up or rather shake us up as I like think (at times we need it). I really the truth behind your "About Me" and I am very much liking your blog. It's very nice to meet you Sarah of Pencil Skirts & Lattes. And way to go on taking charge of your life and becoming "you" (again). :) I'll see you very, very soon.

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  12. We can relate and our objective is to prevent others from getting burned out and forgetting to live their lives. It's great that you're now living the life you want and have found balance. You're looking great!

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  13. I'm turning 30 next month and just started my blog this year too - I can totally relate, I have finally embraced 30 and am even kind of excited about it! It is nice to meet you, I'll be following your blog now!
    ~Beth
    http://fashionableadventuresboo.blogspot.com

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  14. I am 100%in love with this whole page about you! So so exciting to be following such an inspirational fashion absorbed lady.
    I have just started to tae a better interest in my blog and can see now how it could potentially grow.
    Thank you!

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  15. I love reading the stories behind why people blog, and yours really speaks to me. It was around the time I hit 30 that I had some life-changing experiences and thoughts. Not an easy road to travel, is it? But worth it, and I applaud you for making so many positive changes!

    You're truly a brave, insightful and awesome person. Keep up the good work!

    -- Sarah

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  16. wow,one of the most honest About Me, ever.thanks girl :-)
    ..xxx..

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  17. That was a great read. We have a lot in common. Here's to doing something FOR YOU!! Congrats!

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  18. One of the best 'about me', I have read! Your blog is a fashion delight!

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  19. Oh my goodness - just read this post word, for word... and LOVED it! So fun learning a little bit more about you and why you started PS&L. I adore your blog, your outlook, and I am happy for you that you found this creative release.

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  20. Hi there! Wow, I came across your blog when I saw that you followed me on Twitter (misscrysm). I found myself totally relating to your work story. Only difference is that I quit my high stress job 3 years ago. I miss drssing up for work though. That's where I could be classic but have my own style thrown in. I'm fast becoming obsessed with fashion blogs. They help me to re-style my already great wardrobe and see things in a new way. So glad I found your blog! xoxo~Crystal

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  21. Love your honesty on your "about" page! Nothin' scary about 30. 31, on the other hand... well... it's another story :)

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  22. Most inspiring & honest [this is what makes it so great] I have ever read. Keep it up! You've got such an amazing attitude!

    districtsparkle.blogspot.com

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  23. Hi there. Just read this post early this Monday morning and it was definitely refreshing to read about your story! Thanks for the encouragement and look on a life that we all sometimes take too seriously and forget what who we really are and what we really like. love your blog!

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  24. Wow. I am truly in awe after reading your 'About Me' section. It's rare to see such honesty put out there on the web, at least not anonymously. I admire how you were able to stop, take a step back, re-examine your life, and prioritize what was truly important. I'm really happy to see you happier (although I just stumbled upon your blog, and we never met). I hope things just continue to get better from here on out :)

    dearsunnyvintage.blogspot.com

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  25. hi there.. I am about to enter college and looking at different majors and careers. So, I was worrying what did you major in college and what is your career

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  26. Nice background on how you got to your blog! It sounds similar to my story and so many women I know!

    best,
    Amber G.

    prettybluerose.com

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  27. Loving this! Great blog. Can't wait to keep up with your latest posts. I just started my own site myself- www.pearlsandoxfords.com

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