A year ago, I changed things up.  Having always worked in marketing & events for fashion magazines and luxury brands where the day-to-day is beyond demanding, I needed to create some new space.  I wanted a place where I could write about what I want, and just let my hair down and be myself.  In the process, I have learned more than a thing or two about the digital and social worlds (before STRENGTH+Sole, I had never put forth a single Tweet!). I have also, I hope, helped old friends, new friends, family and co-workers discover places, ways and reasons to work out–and work their closet.

They’re no longer alive, but, my grandparents were my biggest fans, long before social media. They lived ten minutes away for most of my life. In these photos, you’ll see my grandmother’s wedding ring, which I wear on my left index finger. Every so often, whether I’m at a business meeting or out on a date, searching for the right guy, wherever he may be, I look down and think of her. And, also, of my grandfather–an eternal optimist and entrepreneur, whose life motto was, “The time is now.” This gives me hope.

So, here’s to STRENGTH+Sole. Here’s to you. Thanks for reading, commenting, clicking and supporting the work that I love most. And, to my grandparents. Everything that I do is for–and because of–them, too.

Aqua Dress; Rebecca Taylor Coat; Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes.

Photos by Sean Williams/studioARC; shot at Billy’s Bakery, Chelsea.