But before we get to that..
A little over five years ago, summer 2009, I became obsessed with a television show called What Not To Wear, and in turn, became thoroughly entranced by Stacy London.
I followed Stacy on Twitter, and from that moment, began interacting with her. After I made this video, I officially became one of Stacy's "Twitter girls" and had the opportunity to meet some fellow Stacy fans like Kayla, Ashley, and Heidi, all of whom are beautiful people who I am proud to know.
Another thing I did that summer was convince my mother to come with me to New York City the weekend before my birthday to see Stacy London speak at the 92nd Street Y. After much deliberation, we were set to go, and I was literally counting down the days until we would get on the plane.
Stacy and I discussed my outfit at length, of course.
And there was much anticipation prior to the event itself!
Cut to October 4, 2009.
That day, my mother and I woke up at the crack of dawn to fly from Raleigh, NC to New York City. We indulged in pizza, frolicked through Central Park, splurged on shoe purchases, saw a Broadway show, but none of that really mattered in the long run.
Stacy changed my life. She'd taught me to be confident, love myself, and to use style as self expression. I was beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to be in the same room as someone who was such an inspiration and role model to me (even if there were going to be like 500 other people in the room).
The giant grin did not leave my face from the moment I took my seat; 8th row, house right. During the onstage conversation, Stacy mentioned social media, and of course Twitter came up. Moments later, to my shock, Stacy said, "Speaking of... Kelley? Are you here?" and looked out towards the audience.
Despite my shock, I squealed, "I'm here!!" and waved my hand in the air.
I was to turn 21 three days later, and for that, Stacy had brought me a beer (appropriately packaged in a brown paper bag), and she called me up to the stage to accept it from her. Talk about a EPIC moment!! My first ever beer was given to me by my QUEEN. To this day, that moment is one of my most treasured experiences in my life.
Stacy handed me the beer, complimented my outfit, squeezed my hand, and various people in the audience wished me happy birthday as I returned to my seat. My heart was beating fast and my enormous grin could've been visible from space.
After the show, I was escorted to a VIP room with amazing cupcakes where Stacy was to appear. We hugged, took photos, and I had the opportunity to have a conversation with her.
To that, Stacy replied, "You can change your life."
To this day, that is the sentence that helps keep me going in my weakest moments.
Stacy helped me discover my own strength, and by believing in me, she taught me to believe in myself. I honestly have no idea where I'd be today if I hadn't met her.
That beer stayed in my dorm room all year, and still has never been opened. Its at my parents' house now, in a place of honor on my bookshelf. It would be in my apartment, but I am not sure how I'd manage to get it onto an airplane...
Anyway, the tweets continued, and the meeting Stacy experience is something that I would (and will) treasure forever.
Stacy was always there when I needed her, and was willing to help with anything from outfit advice to helping me deal with silly friend drama.
Her guidance in my life is something that honestly changed me forever, and no matter if the issue was big or small, she was always there, 160 characters away, to listen.
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A little over a year later, during my senior year of college (fall 2010), I saw Stacy again, at the opening of Tanger Outlets, a mall in North Carolina. There, she introduced me to Mr. Tanger himself, and told him "Kel and I go way back." I'll never forget that, or how happy I was that day.
Also can we just take a moment and look at how GORGEOUS she is in that photo?!?!
(I really wish I'd taken my freaking sunglasses off. Lifelong regret.)
After that, I wouldn't see Stacy again until April 2012, but throughout that time, she was still there for me, always available online when I needed her.
When I think back on it, I'm always surprised to realize that Stacy London has been such a constant in my life despite her fame, and the fact that her day job was a television show. I mean.. what? I am a random girl from North Carolina with a musical theatre obsession.
How did I get so lucky?
I'll never be able to answer that question, but what I do know for sure is that I am incredibly thankful for Stacy London, and for the countless things she has done for me over these past five years. She's been my ray of sunshine, my role model, my inspiration, and is someone who I've only grown to admire and love more as time has passed.
Stacy has truly been my fairy god
Stacy opened my mind to new possibilities for myself. She helped me believe in my own power and discover my strength. She taught me to dwell in possibility. And she taught me to see things not for what they are, but for what they can be.
I've dealt with some real challenges since I've met Stacy, and I honestly cannot say for sure that I would have come out on the other side without her support.
The person I admire the absolute most in the world took a moment out of her day to encourage me. To believe in me. To let me know I am worth it and I am beautiful.
I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to Stacy London for absolutely everything she has done for me, or how happy and grateful I am to know her.
Love you, Stacy.
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