I Have Enough Shoes?!?

This morning I was in my closet picking out my clothes for the day and suddenly a realization hit me like a thunderbolt... I have enough shoes. Now I know enough is a relative term and some might say I have more than enough. But I think I simply have, well, enough.

And you should know I have been downsizing. In the past few months I have purged clothing and shoes alike. Purple Heart and Vietnam Vets of America have certainly benefited.  But I also benefited as I took advantage of consigning for the first time. Chic Envy - a fabulous shop - opened a location less than a mile from my house.You can consign 20 items at a time and I couldn't believe they chose 16 of mine. Including some shoes that I just don't wear anymore even though they are still fabulous:

Tahari Ivory/Black Patent

Via Spiga Camel Patent with Ivory Piping

Calvin Klein Micro-Suede Strappy Sandal

It's not that I don't love each of these it's just that I don't wear them so why shouldn't someone else enjoy them (and I'll enjoy the 50/50 split!)? So yes, I think I have enough. I know T is worried that this purge means there will be a later surge but I don't think so. I think I'll just live with what I have for a while. Unless of course something REALLY special catches my eye ;).

These Old Things?!

Last year (it seems so weird to write that!), I had the privilege and honor of being the Social Media Host at our Annual Meeting in Denver.  By the end of the week I was even promoted to Maven!  This meant being on stage at our general session each day and asking our members to tweet, text and Facebook about their experiences at the conference.  Oh, and I was talking in front of a few thousand of my closest (not really) friends.

One of the highlights of the experience - and there were many - was when I read a message from one of my Academy classmates.  She talked about good friends, making the most of the week and even going home with a new pair of shoes.  Of course I commented I hoped I could go shoe shopping too so my chair, who was on stage with me, pointed at my black patent leather Calvin Klein Mary Janes with the red tortoise shell embellishment and said, "those?"  And I replied, "these old things?!"  (yep, the crowd even laughed!)

And, quite literally, they have been in my closet for a few years.  I wore them when I finished the Leadership Academy experience in 2010 and they are my excuse to wear a red dress and feel sassy and confident in front friends, colleagues and complete strangers.  These old favorites never let me down!

"I Expect More From You"

Recently I went to my office (I am remote so go in as needed) and a colleague commented on my choice of footwear - "I expect more from you." I was shocked! My patent leather pointy toe kitten heel Calvin Klein's are classic. Shouldn't every shoe guru own a pair such as these? They are perfect with a skirt or a suit. Are my normal choices so "out there" that she didn't anticipate seeing me in a classic? Or is this more of a reflection on her fashion naivete? What do you think?

What's In a Name?

Last month, my association changed its name. The new name is distinctive, memorable and kinda awesome (in my humble opinion). So of course, this got me thinking about the most frequently asked question of me lately, "So, Melissa, are you going back to Radford?"

You'd think it wouldn't stump me every time. The marriage is over and I should just let go of the name, right? But here's the thing... Melissa Sharp is a way better name. There. I said it. But that's just me being shallow. Over the past 5 years I have made this name my brand professionally. When people hear Melissa Sharp, I hope they think "passionate about the mission, funny and energetic." (At least, those were the responses given to my personal brand survey - and I felt totally validated!) When they hear Melissa Radford what will they think (I'm not talking about those who knew me then - I know what you all think!)? I know I'll still be all of those things. I mean a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. (You knew I had to quote Shakespeare in this post, right?)

Now for some honesty. Once I change back to Radford, it tells the whole world that my marriage is over. And even though I know it is the right thing for me, it still feels like I'm publicly admitting failure. And I know that shouldn't matter... but it does.

Why can't this decision be as easy as changing your shoes? When I went to the reception celebrating my organization's name change, I was wearing my third choice of shoes for that day. I started with the 5 inch platform Christian Louboutin shabooties, but didn't think I could stand at a reception in them. Then I changed into the kitten heeled patent leather Calvin Klein shabooties but they didn't feel special enough. I finally landed on the above pictured Laundry by Shelli Segal black suede boots with platinum heel and trim. Aren't they spectacular?

So I ask you - what's in a name?

Lady in Red

I just completed a year long journey called Leadership AAHSA. Meant to help me transform as a leader, this program didn't just change me professionally. It forced me to reflect on my life - where I've been, where I'm going, who I truly want to be - and thus changed me personally.

3 weeks ago in Los Angeles, the Leadership AAHSA fellows were "celebrated". I was so blessed to have people at the reception whom I truly care about - best friends, colleagues, mentors, coaches - and who truly care about me. In a sense, it was a "re-emergence" for so much has changed for me in the past year. It wasn't just a celebration of the journey... it was a celebration of those who helped me along the way.

I am not the same person I was a year ago. (For one thing, I'm blonde.) I am dedicated to living the most authentic life I can. And I am choosing happiness. Happiness isn't something that just happens - you have to seize it by getting out of your comfort zone and taking risks.

6 months ago, I journaled that I wanted to "wear a red dress and be noticed, be loved." I had forgotten that journal entry until the plane home from LA. And do you know what I wore on that celebratory occasion? A red dress and these black patent leather Calvin Kleins with a red tortoiseshell accent. As I was told by some, "that dress is fierece/those shoes are killer".

So I was noticed. And I am loved.

"How do you Walk in Those?!"

I often get asked this question. I normally laugh and say "one foot in front of the other"! I get that the majority of people I work with don't wear 3.5 - 5 inch heels on a regular basis. But is it really that much of a mystery that a grown woman can walk in heels? Does this mean I'll get further in life because I have such a "special gift"? How does anyone walk in anything? Isn't it the same no matter what footwear you are sporting? OK, I know, I should probably be flattered by the question but for some reason this week it is really bugging me. Am I overreacting? Probably. Sometimes I just can't deal.

I do love these Calvin Klein, suede, platform sandals though. I feel powerful in them: I am woman, watch me walk!