The city hums around me — golden sun melting into the skyline, palm trees swaying with the easy kind of glamour that only Los Angeles seems to master. I’m supposed to be heading out, catching a flight, moving on with life. But something about this day makes me want to stay just another minute. Maybe it’s the way the light hits the pavement, or maybe it’s this cute little stop I made — Windsor Store, tucked perfectly inside the mall, calling my name like a last sweet secret.
I tell myself it’ll just be a quick look. Famous last words.
Inside, the store is a dream. Rows of flowing dresses, sparkly tops, faux leather jackets, dainty heels. Everything here feels a little like LA itself: effortless, bold, a little extra, and absolutely fabulous. The music floats through the air, something catchy and upbeat that makes you want to sway your hips as you browse. Girls weave through the aisles, arms full of glitter and tulle, and the vibe is infectious. You can tell — everyone feels a little more glamorous just stepping through the door.
I grab a few pieces to try on, telling myself I don’t need anything new. Again, lies.
The fitting rooms are lit just right — soft, golden — the kind of lighting that makes you feel like a star without even trying. I slip into a silky mini dress that hugs all the right places, and for a second, I don’t see my tired travel face in the mirror; I see a girl who belongs right here, right now, in this glittering city.
Maybe I can stay just a little longer.
I snap a few selfies — because obviously — and tag them @WindsorStore, feeling that little thrill you get when you know you look good and you want the world to know it too. The caption basically writes itself: LA for another min @WindsorStore ✨✨. Because how could I possibly leave when I’m looking (and feeling) this good?
As I change into the next outfit — a shimmery crop top paired with faux leather pants that scream “night out in West Hollywood” — I overhear two girls in the next stall hyping each other up.
“Girl, you’re killing it!”
“No, YOU’RE the moment!”
Their laughter bubbles over like champagne, and I smile to myself. This is what Windsor gives you — not just clothes, but that feeling, that energy. That little extra boost of yes, I’m THAT girl confidence. And honestly? That’s priceless.
I end up FaceTiming my best friend from the dressing room because I need backup. Within seconds, she’s screaming into the phone.
“BUY IT ALL.”
“Don’t you dare leave that store without the dress.”
“LA IS YOUR RUNWAY.”
She’s right, obviously. She always is.
So I do. I buy the dress. And the crop top. And the heels that are slightly impractical but make my legs look like they belong on a billboard. No regrets. Not today.
Walking out of the store with my Windsor bag swinging from my arm, I feel lighter, brighter. I feel like a version of myself I really like — a little bold, a little fearless, a little LA. I’m not ready to board a plane and leave this magic behind just yet.
Outside, the air is starting to cool, and the sky is turning cotton candy pink. People stroll past, iced coffees in hand, sunglasses still perched on their noses even though the sun’s almost down. I tuck my bag a little closer, feeling like I’m carrying a little piece of the city with me.
Maybe I’ll catch a rooftop dinner tonight.
Maybe I’ll take one last walk down Melrose and snap some pictures by the murals.
Maybe I’ll find some twinkly-lit patio and sip a mocktail, letting the night stretch on just a little bit longer.
Because here’s the thing: some places — and some moments — are too good to rush. They deserve to be lingered in, savored, adored. They deserve to be lived.
So yeah, maybe I was supposed to leave LA today.
Maybe I had a plan.
Maybe I had a schedule.
But right now?
Right now, I’m choosing to stay for another minute — maybe two — soaking in every golden, glittery, glamorous second.
Rocking my Windsor fit, walking like I own every sidewalk, smiling like I’ve got a secret the city whispered just to me.
And maybe that’s the real magic: realizing that sometimes, the best memories are the ones you make when you give yourself permission to stay a little longer. To shine a little brighter. To live a little louder.
LA for another min @WindsorStore.
And honestly?
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
