SheIn -Your Online Fashion Bodycon Dress

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Plum

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Wearing:
Studio M black knit top
Topshop metallic knit shorts
Tory Burch "Kaitlin" quilted leather pump (buy here, here, or here. And available in flats here and here.)
Gold bracelets & necklace from Mexico
Vintage ring & bracelet
Quilted leather bag (from Annie)
Chanel lipstick "Desire" (old)

This knit top will forever remind me of my late friend, who we'll call "Gigi."  For the privacy of her family, I do not want to use her name.  I met Gigi through my mother when I was a sophomore in high school.  Immediately, I was fascinated by her impeccable style (which is why I was thrilled when she gave me this top).  Before her I'd never known anyone with a Louis Vuitton handbag collection.  She was older than me and looked like the older sister I'd never had.  People often mistook her for my mother's sister.  Besides being the ultimate fashionista, Gigi had also had an amazing personality.  What I liked most about her was her sense of humor.  She was never vulgar with her words but could make you laugh for hours.

For the next few years after we met Gigi, my family and I became very close to her.  I even babysat her kids through the remainder of my high school years.  But over time, as most things do, our friendship came to an end.  It was a gradual "letting go" that happened.  We always cared about her and I know she cared about us.  I would run into her every now and then and she would greet me with her big smile and elegant attire.  I guess you could say that life sort of got in the way of our friendship.  To this day, I regret that I let those things (whatever they were) get in the way of talking to her.

A few years ago, I received some horrible news.  Gigi had died.  Words really can't describe the emotionally crippling pain one feels when losing a loved one.  My heart ached for her,  for her family, for her friends, and for myself.  I didn't want to remember how I felt that day and to be honest, I didn't know if I should write about her.  But I can't just ignore the time I had with someone who was such a huge part of my life.

Looking back, it's difficult to think about how I went from talking to her every single day to...well...this.  So now I have a favor to ask all of you.  I want you all to really think about the people who have ever impacted your life in a positive way.  If there is anybody in your life right now that you haven't been in contact with, you should call them.  Or text them, or email them, etc. But even better you should actually talk to them in person.   Life is too short (and full of surprises) and you really don't know what tomorrow has to offer.  So don't do what I did.  Don't push people away because of your busy schedule.  Sure, some people need to be pushed away (like those who have harmed you) but I'm talking about those that matter.  You know the ones.  So in honor of the beautiful and charismatic Gigi, I hope you keep in touch with those that matter in your life.

Love,

Azu

33 comments:

  1. Oh wow. I was not expecting that sort of reality check.

    I'm so sorry about your friend. That's horrible. I really hope you don't feel a crippling guilt about the friendship dissolving. Friendship is a two-way street. Life clearly got in the way for BOTH of you, otherwise she would not have let go so easily. That happens to close friends sometimes. It's nobody's fault.

    Just be thankful that you two remained sincere to each other. She obviously still thought the world of you, if her eyes lit up every time she saw you and she offered a friendly greeting. That says something.

    I hope you don't mind me asking, but was it an accident which caused her death? I'm shocked she passed away so YOUNG.

    This is a great message too, by the way. I feel awful, like you did, because I often allow life to get in the way. I have a couple close friends right now who I don't see as often as I should because I'm so swamped with work and my other responsibilities. This opened my eyes.

    Wonderful post, so heartfelt and genuine.

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  2. PS. You look so elegant and lovely in that outfit. I love how you can go from boho chic to looking like Grace Kelly with a simple outfit change. Lol.

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  3. Awww. I know exactly what kind of people in my life fall into that category. You know what helped? My baby shower. People came together like they had just seen me. My friend came that I hadn't seen since her baby shower 3 years ago! I've never even met her daughter. Time passes, and then things get awkward. I change my phone number way too much. Good advice my friend.

    Que bonita eres. Do you have freckles across your nose? I do too! I feel like they are darker now since giving birth. Was totally thinking of you today, they are having a big car show event on Route 66. It's an annual thing. I don't think we are going though. Maybe next year when we fix up my dad's truck.

    besos amiga.

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  4. Iam so sorry about your friend. :(
    you look really nice and I love the shorts. Such a beautiful colour! xx

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  5. I'm very sorry about your friend, it's sad!

    But you look really nice in those tweed shorts!! Would you like to follow each other via GFC? (If yes follow me and leave me a msg :) )
    http://jessynyiri.blogspot.com

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  6. Thank you for your lovely comment!! :)
    I follow you now through GFC and Bloglovin!! Follow me too!!! :)

    http://estilohedonico.blogspot.pt/

    xoxo

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  7. Sorry about your loss! You look amazing and very stylish! LOVE the shorts :)

    ZARA gift card giveaway for $400 on http://fashion-a-holic.com/page/8/

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  8. So sorry for your loss! :( Definitely will go hug my everyone I love after this! PS you look great in this outfit! Love the shoes!

    -Stephanie
    @LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com

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  9. i like this shorts.i follow now.

    u r wellcome to my blog.

    http://antonboldirev.blogspot.com/
    follow too if u want and answer - what is ur favorite style in clothes?

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  10. Such a cute blog and love your outfit!!
    http://fashionablyspeakn.blogspot.com/2012/09/hunter-green-falls-it-color.html

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  11. the fit of those tweed shorts are really nice on you!
    thanks for the love honey, I'm following you now:)
    A
    xx
    http://epiquemoi.blogspot.com

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  12. Hi honey...lovely blog! I´m following you now, hope you will follow me too!
    xoxo
    Silvia
    http://bohememoi.blogspot.com

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  13. The shorts are perfect for fall :) love your look, I would actually wear this. Now following you, looking forward to more posts.

    xo
    - J
    www.jessglamdiary.blogspot.com

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  14. loving all tweed textures!!!
    I'm your new follower.

    Following u now via Goggle +/ bloglovin/ facebook. Follow me back if you like! ♥
    Say meow to me on:
    Miss Kwong: From Catwalk to Classroom
    Facebook: Miss Kwong From Catwalk to Classroom

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such a beautiful post Azu, and I'm not just talking about the outfit. Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us. It's amazing how people can come into our lives and simply charm us by their very existence, isn't it? I'm so glad that "Gigi" was brought into your life, even if it was for a short time. Sometimes I think makes life so beautiful is that it is temporary - and that to enjoy it we must savory every moment.

    ---

    You look beautiful, darling!
    And are you talking about next Saturday/Sunday? That works for me!

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  16. Cute shorts!(:
    xo,
    http://loadsofashion.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there nice blog!
      xoxo
      http://laviealamodebytine.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  17. Wow great post&photos!
    Your blog is so great,im going back to check out past posts :)
    Would you like to follow each other on GFC??? Im your new follower Adina Podgorencu

    http://be-gorgeous-by-adyna.blogspot.ro/
    By the way have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there nice blog!
      xoxo
      http://laviealamodebytine.blogspot.com/

      Delete
  18. Hi Azu, that's a very beautiful post you wrote. We have to enjoy each and every moment with our beloved ones! Really like your blog, so I started following you in GFC.
    xo
    Katia

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  19. Nice words w/ an important message :) Adore your shorts. xA

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  20. Whoat a beautiful post. Your Gigi sounds lovely :)

    xx,
    J
    www.abentpieceofwire.com

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  21. The words you have written about Gigi, your special and loving friend, are so beautiful and it really makes me realise how important the people we care about are in our lives. This is a beautiful outfit and it's incredible that you have something that will always remind you of her. <3

    Love from the NaNa girls xoxo

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  22. aww... that's such a wonderful but also sad post! I know some people, who where my friends but the contact ended. I don't know why... maybe because they're really busy and they're studying elsewhere. :/ That's really sad... Every day could be your last! That's what we should remember.
    anyway... your outfit is fab, dear! love the combo, which is perfect for autumn. And you're so so pretty!

    xoxo FlirtingwithFashion Blog

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  23. Love your hair!!! :)

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  24. Hi there nice blog! I'm Tine, i just started my blog and would appreciate it if you come visit and follow mine. Thanks! Will follow you too. Nice to see my girls so into fashion blogging :)

    http://laviealamodebytine.blogspot.com/
    http://laviealamodebytine.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  25. Aww... a very heart-felt post. I love your outfit especially the shorts.

    www.mintyessence.com

    xx

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  26. You look stunning!

    I am your newest follower.
    It would be great if you follow me back!

    Xoxo
    http://its-dash.blogspot.nl/

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  27. Love this elegant preppy outfit! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
    Material Fixations

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  28. I love this outfit! the shorts are amazing

    xo danni

    http://hellodenj.blogspot.ca

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  29. I'm so sorry about your friend doll and I know how it feels to loose someone close to us as I did too lost a very dear friend of mine just a year ago. Stay strong gorgeous.


    <3 Marina
    Fashion.MakeUp.LifeStyle

    ReplyDelete
  30. Love these shorts and the flats! So sorry for your loss. Thank you for reminding me to stop and take a moment to really appreciate my loved ones and their impact on me.

    -Tiffany
    http://stylesidebar.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete