The Sexiest Item In My Wardrobe

"From your cradle via trousseau to your deathbed you are on view, so never compromise, except no substitute." -lyrics from Aida, by Elton John & Tim Rice

After four consecutive days of shopping in New York City, I ended up with a new and beautiful wardrobe. I arrived on the island of Manhattan with one suitcase and departed with two! As I mentally listed my latest exciting purchases, I discovered the most precious item in my entire arsenal of fabulous fashion. It's definitely better than an Hermes Birkin bag and took much longer to acquire.

I wore this hot little number all over the Upper East Side. I strutted in it up and down 5th and Madison Avenue, where fashion royalties reside. I received whistles, hoots and hollers, pleasant compliments, double takes and best of all, approving nods and smiles from the ladies inside Prada. Unlike my other accessories, this stunner goes with everything and always takes my style to new heights. My shawl of confidence, I'll try to never leave home without it!

I'm a firm believer that the man or in my case, the woman makes the clothes. I wore a dress I never had the courage to wear because of a nagging sense of self consciousness that I couldn't seem to shake. I decided to wear this dress in New York City because I wanted to premiere it
on a bigger stage than my hometown. I was nervous before going out the door, but as soon as I
draped that shawl of confidence over my shoulders, I was ready to go. I was determined to rock
it out, own it and in the words of the wise Tim Gunn, "Make it work!"

Head up. Shoulders down and back. Stand up straight. Relax. Smile. Breathe. Carry on. Carry on
like you belong because you do!

In the midst of all the prancing and showing off my proverbial peacock tailfeathers, my heels
got caught in a crack on the sidewalk and I tripped. I caught myself, shopping bags still in
hand and threw my head back in delightful laughter as I bent over to adjust my black leather
peep-toe heels. I must say, when it's genuine confidence, it feels like nothing can deter me.
This stuff is just so good!

I came to NYC with a bruised and heavy heart, but this magical city made me feel so alive and rejuvenated. The time away allowed me to look inward and be able to appreciate everything I
have going for me that I took for granted. It allowed me to see inner beauty and tap into my
confidence, the confidence we all have that sometimes gets pushed down by external and
internal forces. I'm leaving with more vigor and new found happiness. I must also remember,
like clothes and especially the expensive, delicate kind, I must treat my shawl of confidence
with really good care. I wish it came with "how to care for" instructions, but I guess it's
something I'll have to figure out. Perhaps something along the lines of, "Do not let anyone
tumble dry it. Only wash with like confidences. Do not bleach."

I plan to wear it and wear it well. I hope to see you strut out and about in yours too! If you got it, flaunt it!

Cheers and happy styling and high profiling,
Phuong