left my heart in san francisco {girlfriends and girl bosses}

On Heather: Romper: Reformation; Belt: Gucci; Shoes: Sergio Rossi; Bra: Love and Lemons

On Krystal: Dress: Karla Spetic; Shoes: Manolo Blahnik; Clutch: Charlotte Olympia; Sunglasses: Celine

As I (slowly) approach 30, I've come to really appreciate a lot about my mid to late 20s, particularly what was once considered unthinkable by my younger 20 something year old self: I feel comfortable in my own skin. I care less about what people think of me. I focus more on what makes me happy. I don't sweat the incredibly small stuff. Sure, some days are easier than others, but that's also why I made a commitment a while back to surround myself with people who share this same outlook and refuse to blaze any path other than their own.

Cue my friend Heather.

Heather and I met a few years back through a mutual friend who found it really hard to believe two fashion bloggers both working at Google somehow hadn't met yet (you were right, Alicia, that was strange!). And really, the introduction couldn't have come at a better time. I was just getting somewhat settled into my new life in San Francisco professionally speaking, but had yet to make any lasting friendship connections that extended themselves well outside the office. We met over lunch and have been friends ever since. 

I think what I appreciate the most about my friendship with Heather is that, while we have a lot in common, (we both work in the tech space and fashion world), we're actually quite different in a lot of ways too. An odd couple if you will. And I love that about her! We challenge each other in ways that we don't normally push ourselves. Equal parts cheerleaders, encouraging each other to take risks and think outside the box, as well as each other's biggest critics, calling out bull shit when we smell it.

She's been my travel partner, my sounding board, a shoulder to cry on when needed and also one of my biggest fans when it comes to just going for my dreams (like this one I'm doing right now in NYC). We may live on different coasts now, but that just means we're cheering each other on from afar. And of course, gives us the excuse to rack up some frequent flier miles throughout the year and sneak in a few Broadway shows, right Heather?

Photos by Anna-Alexia Basile

You can see the rest of my farewell San Francisco series right this way...