Back To My First Love

I‘ve recently rediscovered the joy that having dope sneakers brings me. The Puma x Fenty creeper was also nominated for sneaker of the year last year. A coincidence? I think not. Okay maybe a small one but the point is I’m glad I’ve returned to my first love. I was in the eighth grade when I got my first pair of Nikes. I was ecstatic, then came my classic shell toes and my collection continued to build from there. Something about sneakers always piqued my interest. Then in the process of growing up, hitting the club, and having jobs; heels became my go to. I’m happy to say that things have a way of creeping back up on you and boy am I glad sneakers have.

I couldn’t tell you which shoe it was that brought me back to tennies but it was likely a pair of Stella McCartney Adidas. I spent years pledging my allegiance to stilettos and pumps because the desire throw some sexy on my outfits out won the lure of comfort. Not to mention when you’re trying to break free of being considered just one of the boys, it doesn’t help if your only footwear is a pair of chucks. Thankfully now I realize that trading in my heels for a pair of huaraches isn’t leaving me devoid of femininity it’s just putting a different spin on it.

You’re probably thinking, “who knew sneakers held so much weight,” right? I had this same thought! It was shocking to me too to be quite honest and I realized that in my goals to lady up I had left a little bit of myself behind. After being an athlete for years I was accustomed to wearing tennis shoes all the time or throwing on some sandals to let these dogs breathe. Attending college at literally one of the most fashionable institutions in the country will force you to step your game up and I did. But in stepping it up I also stepped away. Really this post isn’t all about sneakers and my love of them. It’s about learning not to lose yourself as you grow. It’s inevitable that change happens but you’ve got to hold on to who you are in the process.

What brought me back to sneakers I believe is realizing that my love of them didn’t mean I was denying my grown woman. I wasn’t eschewing the potential to impress some would be suitor or reverting back to immaturity. It was none of those ridiculous ideas that were taking place in my mind. Style is a form of self expression and if we cut ourselves off from certain pieces of it thinking that it doesn’t fit with an image we’re trying to portray, we risk losing the chance to shine. And wearing the kicks that were voted shoe of the year? That’s shining.

Outfit details: Dress (worn as a top) – Hyden Yoo // Jeans – c/o STS Blue // Sneakers – Puma x Fenty Creepers // Purse – vintage Chanel // Hat – c/o Dude Be Nice. // Bracelet – Abercrombie & Fitch //

Photos: RSee

As you begin to grow develop a sense of taste and style don’t be so quick to shrug off the you of the past. That you is the most genuine one that exists. Let it be free!

Ciao,