How I fell in love with a man named Vince (sorry, Charlie)

     My roommate Shanda Crowe is my chief PIP - Partner in Procrastination, that is. If there's a test to study for, an essay to write, a meeting to attend - DON'T combine our forces, because although a variety of other mindless (albeit entertaining and interesting) feats will be accomplished, the task at hand will remain undone.

In May 2011 during UGA's  finals week, procrastination paid off. 

     In effort to abstain from studying, I completed a multi-step survey received via email from my sorority list-serve. I answered questions about my personal style, brands I swear by etc. - all for the purpose of securing a Campus Representative opportunity for the Vince Camuto brand. When I was selected as one of UGA'sbrand ambassadors, I proudly shared the news with my campus community. Common response: "Vince WHO?"

     So his namesake label wasn't universally known at this point - at least, it wasn't recognized south of the Mason Dixon. However, Vince had already impacted the fashion world; he pioneered the brand Nine West; he established CamutoGroup - the company who owns the master licensing to the likes of ToryBurch; he designs for Jessica Simpsons' widely popular line as well as the footwear entities of BCBG and Lucky Brand.  Judging from past successes, it's no surprise that by the end of my term as a campus representative for the massive Vince Camuto brand, VC wedges peeked from beneath many a graduate's gown at UGA's Spring Commencement.

     In one year, the brand that began in 2005 has expanded from marketing a unique selection of shoes and handbags to offering apparel, jewelry, swimwear, perfume, homegoods....

     Today, Vince Camuto products beacon to fashion connoisseurs from the pages of Harpers Bazaar and Vogue. Nationally-renowned bloggers and stylists swear by the brand. My friends and family have adopted both staple elements and unexpected touches for their wardrobe from VinceCamuto.com. Dillards, Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Lord and Taylor and many an upscale boutique feature VC products in storefront windows. The ornate, Camuto crest frequents my day-to-day ensembles and every corner of my college closet.

How lucky I am to have been a close spectator and tiny piece in the puzzle of astronomical growth! In the next week, I'll migrate from from my campus arena - where I've hosted 10 brand-centered events to entice the student body - to a much larger venue from which to elevate the brand's popularity.  

Moral of the story, folks: procrastination retrospectively led me to the most exciting opportunity of my life, thus far. Shanda, let's keep up the good work!

Photos from Dillards - Mall of Georgia - Buford, Georgia