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| SC for Louis Vuitton Via Habitually Chic |
“Style begins with the people passing through one’s life, the harbingers we push against and the style makers we want to clone. Some are famous, some not. Style grows from admiration, from longing, from discrimination– and, yes, from love. It’s all the places you’ve been to and the people and the moments you’ve known: The parts you’ve adopted, to keep forever, and transformed. We wear our history in our hearts and on our backs.” – Christopher Wool’s Notes on Style
Recently, I had one of those meetings that you can’t stop thinking about. Amidst the shuffle, it’s hard to take the time to informally meet up with colleagues. For longer than I care to mention, a tentative lunch had been scheduled with a woman whose career I admire. A career so distinguished that she was called out of retirement to head up a new initiative.
In a word this woman is fearless. Before we could sit down she mentioned how funny it was that she was here at her age doing something she loves. “Everyone is six feet tall, slim, and then there’s me. But, everyone couldn’t be kinder” she said laughing. From her humor and graciousness to her spot on tomboy style, she proves that style is ageless.
We instantly bonded over a love of our careers, travel and jewelry. Before you know it, we were exchanging our favorite city haunts. Upon discovering that she lived in the West Village, I declared that she must stop by Lori McLean- one of my favorite little shops in the city.
I’m not someone that shares or even talks about myself very much, so it came as a surprise that she managed to get me talking. In my experience, it’s rare that people take the time to understand what has shaped you or why you think the way that you do.
She was quick to tell me that despite all of her success she never had a plan. I make meticulous plans, so I prompted her on this. For her, it was about constantly challenging oneself. More than once, she mentioned just how lucky she was to do what she does. There’s something about seeing someone so passionate, that’s contagious.
Perhaps what stuck with me most was the certainty and confidence with which she told me “you’ll be fine… you’re already in such a good place.” Who doesn’t want to hear that?
Have you had any inspiring moments lately?
Today while out shopping, my dad bought a suite for my husband - for my son's (he's only 7!) future wedding. This was an inspiring moment for me, the inter-generational support we have. Having the confidence that my parents are always behind me. And the role I must rise up to as I raise the next generation.
ReplyDeleteI love the quote you shared at the beginning of the post. Indeed, we wear our history in our hearts and on our backs. Thanks for sharing, Lindsay!
Eileen- That's such a sweet. What a moment between generations. You are so right about inter-generational support. I credit my parents with a lot when it comes to supporting me and getting me to where I want to be. Couldn't have done it without them. You're so right about the confidence in oneself that that provides.
DeleteIt's so important for kids to be supported. You can never have too much support. Your sons are lucky.
I love that quote too.
That sounds like such an amazing meeting! I love spending time with inspiring women of any age. It's one of the reasons I am so glad I went to a women's college - I meet the most incredible people at our alumnae gatherings.
ReplyDeleteMy friends continually inspire me, as do my parents. I have been mulling over a possible change and one of my older friends, an accomplished entrepreneur who has done so much with her life, gave me the best advice. "Go for it. If it goes well, it will be fantastic, and if nor, well you are allowed to make mistakes. Don't fear life." Such sound words.
Ammu- Such an interesting meeting. It's always interesting to be able to spend time with inspiring women, especially those who have been there. It's really amazing how much we can learn from others.
DeleteExcellent point about womens colleges. It's such a unique experience to be surrounded by so many inspiring women at that point in your life- what an opportunity.
Friends and parents are so inspiring. I think it's important to surround yourself with people who are inspiring. It makes me all the more convinced that I need to be there for younger people too.
Such good words of advice from your friend. Can't wait to hear what you're thinking of, but I'm positive that you will accomplish it with grace and succes:)
Strange as it sounds for someone who witters away to my hearts content in a non sensical way on my blog - in person I'm very much like you - I don't share or talk that much about myself. I leave others to do the talking. I'm the quiet one.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that the woman you hold in such high esteem seems to be the antithesis of the typical plan it all career woman but instead just took it as came and came out successfully on the other side. I hope it works out for me if I follow her example too - I can't plan for toffee.
Sue- Your blog isn't nonsensical . You always have such good insights on your blog- I really enjoy reading it.
DeleteIt's interesting blogs encourage some degree of talking about oneself that feels very strange as one of those quiet people. I think it means so much when people listen.
That's an interesting observation. I never thought of it like that , but it's true. I like people who are smart and determined with passion and spunk.
Your meeting with this woman sounds amazing, and as someone who doesn't plan, her words are inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI recently had an encounter that was the OPPOSITE of yours; I left the meeting thoroughly unimpressed and uninspired by the person. I suppose I was "inspired" in a different way; as a result I know exactly what I DON'T want to be at his age!
On the upside, a lunch with a close friend left me very impressed with her work ethic; she's always been the one pushing us to work harder when we were in school together, so it's no surprise that 10 years on, she's still the one inspiring me to do better!
Lin-So amazing! Very interesting about not planning- there's no right way to do it.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. Sometimes it can feel like an uphill battle not to be discouraged. People like that only make me more determined to be the opposite.
That's great that you have a friend like that. Everyone needs someone.
Lindsay, it's so rare to come out of meeting feeling inspired and uplifted by an individual. This lady sounds special. She's someone who's confident but humble enough to laugh at herself.
ReplyDeleteChocolate, Cookies & Candies- Marlene, sadly that's so true. It's refreshing to find people who inspire and uplift the soul.
DeleteThis woman is so special. We already have another lunch setup so I can hear about her trip.
Having a sense of humor is priceless and such a pleasure to be around.
How inspiring! I agree, we all meet miserable, sad, uninspring people, but I try to focus on those that make me feel on the encouraging. Who care about those you're unimpressed by? Life's too short! I love that she has a sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteIssa- You have to stay positive. People can really get you down, so you just can't focus on the negative.
DeleteI really appreciate her humor too. I grew up being able to laugh at myself and love being around people who are comfortable with that.
Lindsay!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I relish times when I am inspired by a person I admire or even a stranger. I feel like it can happen at any moment, but you have to be open to it. I volunteer at the food bank once a week and meet the most amazing people. Recently, I met a mother of 2 who was getting volunteer hours so she could get a home built for her family by Habitat for Humanity. After her last volunteer day, she told me that she was going to keep in touch and check on me! SHE was checking on ME!! And yet, she is the one is needs a home. Life is a series of experiences, and I feel like so many encounters form the way we are/think/come to be. Thanks for sharing your story about inspiration. And I would have been completely star struck at that meeting!
xo, sam
Samantha- Thanks Sam!
DeleteThat's so great that you volunteer at the food bank- so inspiring! It's such a great feeling to randomly meet the most amazing people. What a wonderful experience. I love that the woman you met had so much going on and she still wanted to check in on you. That goodness of spirit is amazing. A few years ago, I worked on repairing a house for Habitat for Humanity. Putting in floors- and painting the outside:) They really find the most deserving and wonderful people to help. I can't wait for the house to be finished.
Yes, I was completely star struck at the meeting:)