You never know where you'll be in two days, two years, or two decades. Sixteen year old Melissa never thought she'd be sitting second row at a New York Fashion week show. Hell, even eighteen year old Melissa didn't expect that. 

Yet there I was, surrounded by my friends, living my high school daydreams. It felt almost too casual, like it was something I'd done thousands of times. I had no time to prepare; half of my clothes were in the laundry that morning and I went there with straight up bed-head. Although none of that even mattered because I was going to a fashion show, as a guest. I wasn't seating celebrities in an all black uniform and running sneakers like last year, I was being seated. 

Similar to every runway show, the actual collection was only paraded around the runway for about ten minutes, if that.  The minimalistic designs of designer Julianna Bass passed by my eyes in a blur of bright patterns and long-legged models. I was so close that I could practically feel the concentration behind their pointed gazes.

 To a New Yorker this was no great feat, they average about twenty of these shows a year. They even dread the arrival of Fashion Week. I, on the other hand, almost cried out of happiness. I also hung my camera like a statement necklace around my neck. I made sure to document every second of this amazing opportunity, like the true rookie I am. Rookies have more fun anyway. 

You can check out the collection I saw right here. (My favorite pieces were the orange palazzo pants, and the 'I Think I Need a New Heart' printed dress.)

Wearing: Garage Flannel | Forever 21 Shorts | Forever 21 Boots | Mulberry Satchel

A Friend of mine once said she was waiting for her "New York moment" to happen. At first I thought that was a completely plausible idea, it seems as if everyone in this grand city has that one moment of  complete splendor and miracle. Although my year in New York has taught me that in this city you cannot wait for your moment to occur, but need to make it happen for yourself. 

Manhattan feels ruthless and cold sometimes, but it is not purposefully trying to tear you down. This city holds a strong indifference to the people living within it. You cannot step foot in this city and expect to be needed, loved, and cared for. But you can find your own place of importance here; you can make your own moment. No magical occurrence will come and sweep you off your feet, but hard hard work, a kind heart, and a metrocard will get you anywhere you want to go. 

In a city of about 8.6 million, it's easy to become faceless, but there is a simple solution for getting lost in this crowd; be yourself, work hard, and surround yourself with great people. Only then will the skyscrapers become less daunting, the sirens less piercing, and you can finally make your own "New York moment". 

I'm Wearing: Warby Parker Glasses | Forever 21 Sweater | Mango Skirt | Shelley's London Shoes | Kate Spade Bag

Aleena is Wearing: H&M Coat | Marshalls Boots

Change never comes when it's desired. It comes just as you start to feel comfortable and safe. It syphons you into it's whirlwind and uproots you from all familiarity, then spits you out somewhere completely different.

 I've never been one to welcome change into my life. My Virgo tendencies lead me to avoid this "horrible" thing at all costs. Contrary to what I've always believed, I've recently learned that change doesn't have to be a negative thing. If life is stagnant, how can it ever improve? What I'm trying to say is; change can be for the better. Even if it seems awful, sometimes great things can result from it. 

In a few months my family and I are packing our bags and moving 3 hours away from our current home. It's scary, terrifying actually, but I promised myself that I will welcome it with open arms. I try to treat it like moving to New York for college; it was a huge change but the best thing that ever happened to me.

To fully embrace all the change in my life, I decided to switch things up in my look. Instead of the safety net that were my old black frames, I went to Warby Parker and purchased a pair of crystal glasses. I was nervous that the frames would look washed out or cheap, but I have fallen in love with the look of these.

Change can be terrifying, but if you keep an open mind to it something great just might happen. (Like DANIELLE BERNSTEIN  telling you she likes the glasses that you were afraid to wear out in public!!!)