How to be Prettier: The hands down best leggings you can buy are Hot Chillys (hotchillys.com). They are a tinge pricey but one pair will last you three years in every weather except for the hottest of the summer. "Women's Low Rise Bottom, #HC9412" is a good choice to start.
How to be (less) Awkward: A friend once told me that a retort that no one can argue with is, "I do what I want" said with a mischievous yet sweet smile; she is right.