Hey Guys! This week has been a whirlwind of papers, and homework, so I my creative juices have been drained almost completely. On Wednesday, I went on a walk to CVS, and it was one of the most rejuvenating walks I’ve been on in the past couple of months. It was cool outside, there was a blue sky, and the streets weren’t too busy, so I didn’t have to say excuse me every five seconds. It’s amazing how the weather can make a person feel so hopeful and optimistic. There’s definitely some psychological link between sunny days and improved mental health, but that’s an article for another day. Today, I just want to encourage you all to go on a walk around your neighborhood. It’s insane, but I have had such a taxing week, and the Wednesday’s weather brought a little more sunshine into my day, and removed some of my stress. I hope going on a walk can do the same for you.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post, and make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! I wanted to tell you all about this little activity I did over the long weekend. On Monday, I visited the Renwick Gallery, and the inspiration I found inside surprised me.
The Renwick Gallery is a very small space, with four rooms across 2 floors. Because of this, every piece is carefully and thoughtfully handpicked to make the best use of the space. Unlike other galleries, Renwick places a particular focus on procuring craft and decorative art for the museum. One of the curators of the gallery described craft as art where the method used to make the work is visible. For example, pottery, basket weaving, and stained glass are all forms of craft. On pottery, you can spot the places where the artist molded and moved the clay. With basket weaving, you can see the folds and loops the weaver made.
While I walked through the gallery, I was completely baffled by the pieces I saw and the stories behind them. There was this gorgeous weaved basket with a very heartwarming story about the artist’s family. Another artist created this extremely intricate beaded cloth to bring awareness to global climate change. The works in the Renwick didn’t only highlight the artists’ stellar craftsmanship. The works also highlighted the artists’ storytelling capabilities and messages.
Before I left for the gallery, I told myself that I was going to sketch one design based off of a work that inspired me. Throughout the gallery, I searched for a piece that called my name. Many of the works deserved a second view in my opinion, but there was really only one artwork that I kept lingering around.
Vase with Landscape and Dinosaurs by Steven Young Lee
Steven Young Lee made the above porcelain vase. The vase’s shape, and the story it told me completely struck me. When you imagine the vase without the huge gaping hole in it, it’s a nice vase. It would look great sitting on some wealthy person’s shelf, but there’s less depth. When I saw the hole in the vase, it prompted me to think about pushing boundaries, but also the beauty in imperfections. On the surface of the vase is crazing which is when the tension between the ceramic body and the glaze forms cracks along the surface. Whether the artists intentionally wanted the crazing or not, it adds more texture and adds to the scene painted on the vase.
The vase inspired me to sketch a strapless jacquard gown with blue printed designs in the style of the vase. Additionally in the center region of the chest, I want it to look like the dress is exploding. The fabric of the dress will flap out and fold onto the dress to create a star shaped hole in the cleavage region. Lastly, the dress has a mermaid style skirt/train. This gown would look so amazing on Anya Taylor-Joy. It’s such a random thought, but I know that she would look absolutely stunning in it. Imagine this gown with some dark blue heels and a diamond necklace and earrings. Joy would stop the red carpet in this look.
I really enjoyed doing this activity because it encouraged me to work on my designs. I thank you all for reading this week’s post. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of the next time I post. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! For this week’s article, I wanted to do something that I haven’t really done before. I’ve been thinking a lot about clothing from brands’ past collections, and how so many have been forgotten. I wanted to look back at a collection, and highlight the amazing work done by the designer and their team. Hence, for this week’s post I’m reviewing the Fall 1994/1995 collection from the outstanding Isaac Mizrahi.
We’re starting off with a very simple top that he weaves in and out of the show: a corset with a pointed hem and spaghetti straps. The corset looks well constructed and the pointed hem makes the waist look even more snatched. From first glance, the top doesn’t really scream Fall to me, but with some styling I see the vision. Imagine the bronze velvet corset on the left layered on top of a black turtleneck with a black skirt. The pink corset could even be worn on its own with a cardigan thrown on top and some jeans on a warmer Fall day.
The sweater above just looks so cozy and chic. It would be perfect for the office, a daytime outing, or even running errands. I feel like you could wear it as a top or jacket if unbuttoned. The collar can be kept up or folded down. Either way, this thick sweater looks so soft and warm, and is a great transition piece from Fall to Winter. I imagine wearing this sweater open with a white tee under and loose black suit pants for the office. On the weekend, I see this sweater buttoned up with a matching skirt underneath and some boots.
Sometimes, brands miss the mark when it comes to designing accessories. Mr.Isaac Mizrahi though did not miss with the hats in this collection. Featured in the show are hats that have really cool textures and colors that, in my opinion, aren’t widely common. For example, the yellow beret with the fluffy top is so playful, but I feel like it would be a challenging style. In the sense that, if I were to style it, I know that I would have to carefully pick out each piece of the outfit, so I do the hat justice. It’s a hat that lives on the line between silly and chic. If styled just right, you’ve changed the game.
The shoes in this collection are absolutely gorgeous. There’s a nice mix of practical everyday shoes and unconventional shoes like the sock boots. I need the fur trimmed grey heeled ankle boots on the left in my collection NOW. The stiletto heel makes the shoe look sleek, but the fur brings out a cheekier side. The grey boots would pair so well with a simple dark grey circle skirt, white sweater, and black sheer tights.
Thank you all for reading this week’s posts. I hope you enjoyed my commentary, and to watch the entire fashion show for this collection click here. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! I hope you are having a lovely week. This past Sunday the 2025 Grammys took place, and it was one for the history books. The performances, looks, and speeches all were memorable for their own reasons, but I was struck by the energy in the room that night. There were many first time winners and they all had similar things in common: they worked and manifested for years.
The Grammys venue this year was filled with so many artists that have put in tremendous amounts of work to get to where they are today. Below I’ll be detailing a couple of stories I found really inspiring and admirable.
Doechii
We all know Doechii as the artist behind “What It Is (Block Boy)” and her debut album Alligator Bites Never Heal. What we don’t know is that she has been working for years. On January 12, 2020, Doechii posted such an honest video on her Youtube Channel. In the video, she mentions she’s been fired and makes a plan to go to a bunch of record labels and studios to ask if they have any internships open. It’s quite obvious Doechii is so tired and discouraged, but, nonetheless, she maintains some hope.
Doechii spent years recording music in her room and chasing her dream in LA before she won the Grammy for Best Rap Album. She never got a record deal or any award handed to her. In her Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe, Doechii expresses her hunger for her work and dedication. Even is she has two days, or 24 hours, Doechii will work her “hardest to make the best performance because [she] wants to be the best”. It’s so refreshing to see a woman be honest about her work ethic, and not diminish her efforts.
Sabrina Carpenter
Some of you all may know Sabrina Carpenter from her albums Short n’ Sweet or emails i can’t send, but the OGs know her from her debut album Eyes Wide Open. Not including her deluxe albums, Sabrina Carpenter has released six albums in her career. Even with this incredible body of work, she’s only just receiving her flowers. When Sabrina Carpenter was 14 she entered into a five album record deal with Disney Music Group’s Hollywood Records. Because of that deal, she wasn’t given much creative freedom and room to grow. She was able to build a strong fanbase that has grown alongside her though.
Sabrina Carpenter deserved to win to Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2025 Grammys because she has put in the work. She spent years under Disney’s thumb, and when she was finally given the opportunity to break out, and she did. Carpenter created her own unique sound, image, and energy that’s hers. Some may say Sabrina Carpenter is an industry plant, but that’s absolutely not true. This woman has been releasing music for years. She’s just finally been given a spotlight.
We all know Queen Bey as one of the baddest and most revered artists of all time. She has sold over 200 million records, won 35 Grammys, but she has never let her success plateau. Even with all of her achievements, she continuously finds different sides of her self to express in music. Recently, with the Cowboy Carter album, we were able to hear Beyonce’s Texas and country roots personified through music. In the US, many Black individuals have been overlooked for their contributions to American culture, and this album helps to rectify that. The lyrics tell the stories of Black southerners that not many have been given the opportunity to learn about.
The 2025 Grammys was such an empowering award show to watch, because it’s encouraged me to keep working. I want to be a maternal fetal medicine specialist. I want to start my own clothing line. Every goal or dream I’ve ever had will be achieved. It may take years, but I’m going to do it.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a wonderful week, and taking care of yourselves. This week I wanted to write about how we all need to stand up for ourselves, and discuss my very recent experience with this.
My Wake Up Call
Last semester, I had a very interesting roommate experience to say the least. I can’t get into very many details, but the situation was beginning to affect my security and well being at school. My friends and family were becoming extremely worried for me. To sum up, by the end of the semester I realized how abnormal the situation was so I took action. I set a meeting with my community director to discuss my options which helped set things in motion. I eventually had a calm conversation with my roommate about how I was feeling, and asked if she could make any changes on her end. She said no, and I knew that I wasn’t going to just accept her answer. The situation was so distressing that it was affecting not just me, but also my neighbors as well. Consequently, I went back to my community director, and asked him what the next steps were in this situation.
Eventually, after a couple of weeks my roommate moved out, and it felt like a weight had washed over my shoulders. After, I walked into the room, and saw that her things were gone, the relief just washed over me. Thinking back, I don’t know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t been so direct about my concerns. Advocating for myself was such a daunting thing for me to do, but at the end of the day it was necessary.
What I Learned
In the past, I was always someone that let situations take care of themselves. If I ever felt uncomfortable about something or by someone, I would let it go, or give the person a second chance. I hoped the situation would resolve itself. Sometimes this would work, and other times it wouldn’t. I used to possess a very non-confrontational mindset specifically when it came to standing up for myself. This roommate situation, made me realize that being confrontational doesn’t mean I have to be aggressive. I can advocate for myself in a direct manner that doesn’t result in screaming or fighting.
Time for You to Stand Up
To stand up for yourself means to advocate for yourself, and to be able to advocate for yourself is one of the most power tools a person can have. Advocating for yourself doesn’t just get you out of horrible roommate situations. It can get you a job, more respect from others, and most importantly a boost of confidence. After everything that happened from last semester to now, I feel much more equipped to handle situations directly.
What I want you all to learn from my experience, is that it’s time you learn to stand up for yourself if you haven’t yet. You don’t deserve to feel powerless, so stand up!
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I want you all to know that standing up for yourself doesn’t make you a difficult person. If anything it makes you a force to be reckon with. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! For this week’s article, I wanted to discuss steps I recommend you all add to your routines in light of the dry winter air. Whenever temperatures drop, I’ve noticed that my skin and health decline a little which I absolutely despise. Over the years, I have found different ways to deter the effects the colder temperatures and dry air has on me.
Vaseline + You = Magic
Vaseline is my absolute best friend when it gets colder outside because it has such great properties. During the winter, I use vaseline as an extra layer that locks in all the moisture from my products. Typically, I’ll use it on my driest areas, elbows, knees, and knuckles, after moisturizing. Additionally, I’ll use vaseline for slugging. Slugging involves liberally applying your face with an occlusive product like vaseline as the last step of your skincare routine at night. By slugging, it locks in all the moisture from the skincare, so that your face is much less dry in the morning. If you’re someone that wakes up with dry skin constantly, try slugging. To recap, use vaseline this winter to seal in moisture and reduce the overall dryness of your skin.
Keep Your Room Less Dry
One reason we typically get stuffy noses is because of the dry winter air. When the air becomes dry, this irritates the nasal linings in our noses which causes the sinuses to produce more mucus. Increased mucus production is caused from the dry cold air we feel when we step outside, but also from the dry warm air produced by our heaters. It’s next to impossible to sleep without the heater on, which is why I advise you all to consider investing in a humidifier.
Humidifiers increase the moisture in the air by emitting water vapor or steam. I used to use a humidifier back home often during the winter. The vapor I used had menthol, so it would also help clear my sinuses as well. Please consider purchasing a humidifier if you can. Once your sinuses clear up like that, and your throat isn’t as dry your dms, you won’t regret it.
The last piece of advice I can give you all is to take your vitamins. It’s quite possible for your immune system to get weaker during the winter. To help navigate this issue take a daily vitamin every. I personally pair this alongside a vitamin C pill as well. When all else fails, I know I have my daily vitamins to keep me healthy.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope you enjoyed it, and have found some solutions for battling the cold winter air. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello everyone! I hope you all are having a productive week especially if you’re going back to school for the Spring. This week, I wanted to do another installment of the How to Dress Like series. For the first installment, I chose the show That’s So Raven, but for this installment I’ve chosen the classic 90s teen movie, 10 Things I Hate About You.
10 Things I Hate About You is one of my favorite 90s movies of all time because of the witty banter, realistic teen portrayal, and fun fashion. Though fashion wasn’t the main focus, the film is a prime example of teen fashion during the 90s. The chunky flip flops, sneakers, and prints seen in the movie reflect how fun teens used to dress. I plan on showing you all different ways you can incorporate these style aspects into your everyday wardrobe if you admired the fashion from the film.
Chunky Shoes
In the film you see a lot of the characters wearing chunky shoes whether it be flip flops, mary janes, or sneakers. Chunky shoes have been prominent amongst the fashion world recently with the rise in chunky shoes from brands like New Balance and Converse. What I love about a chunky sneaker or she, is they can give the person wearing them a little more confidence through height. Additionally, if you have low foot arches like me, they’re a bit more comfortable than flat shoes.
The easiest way to implement this style aspect into your outfits is by looking for some simple chunky shoes like platform converse or vans that you can pair with anything. You can even buy some platform mary janes if you want something less casual. If you purchase mary janes I recommend pairing them with a black mesh sock or even some white ones with a trim.
What happened to a fun print or pattern? I know we’ve seen a lot of leopard and cheetah print clothing lately, but I wish there was more color. In 10 Things I Hate About You, the characters are seen in so many fun cool prints that catch the eye and take the outfits up a notch. To incorporate this style aspect, I recommend looking for some cool prints in your closet then paring them with a simple top or bottom. If you don’t own many prints, a cool graphic tee works as well. Then, once you’ve nailed this, add another print into the mix. For example, pair a graphic tee with striped pants, or a floral top with a gingham skirt. Mix and match until you feel most comfortable.
Secondhand Clothing
Mandella, one of the most underrated characters in this film, had some of the best looks. All of her outfits featured really cool pieces or one of a kind jewelry that made her stand out amongst the rest of the students. After looking again at her outfits, I can immediately tell that she was an avid thrifter.
If you’ve ever wanted to emulate Mandella’s looks, I advise you all to head to a thrift store and look around for one of a kind pieces that you fall in love with. When you thrift, take your time though. Thrifting is an activity that requires patience. Additionally, if you really liked the red crochet top she’s pictured wearing to the left, I found a pattern and video you can use to make it at home.
Thank you all for reading this week’s post. I hope you all enjoyed especially if you’re a fan of 10 Things I Hate About You like me. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Hello Everyone! For this week’s post we’re going to be discussing the looks from the Golden Globes, but there’s a twist. Instead of giving you all a best dressed list, I will be giving other ways the looks worn can be styled to rewear. I was very inspired by Cate Blanchett and Viola Davis. Both women rewore looks they’ve previously dawned at other red carpets, and looked classy and beautiful. Their looks made me wonder how outfits worn by other attendees at the Golden Globes could be restyled or reworked for other events.
How to Rewear the Looks
Zendaya
Zendaya looked absolutely mesmerizing at this year’s Golden Globes. Her look was very old Hollywood with the soft curls in the bob, and the flowing satin train. I imagine Zendaya could rewear this Louis Vuitton gown by removing the train, and swapping out the tangerine heels for cobalt suede heels. In addition, instead of the diamond Bulgari necklace she could wear a tighter blue sapphire choker. For her hair, I still imagine some soft waves, but her hair is mid back length. My look idea is a little more toned down, but it’d still look elegant on the carpet.
Cate Blanchett
The queen of rewears Mrs.Cate Blanchett once again showed us all that we can’t let beautiful clothing sit in our closet. It’s a complete waste of the beautiful and expensive clothes we purchase. With this gown, I’d like to see it a little shorter at the knee. Then, carry the hemline to the calf using the mesh fabric seen on her shoulders to create an a-line skirt. Some gold pumps and her hair pulled back to top it all off.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis looked so powerful in this gown at the Golden Globes. A gown she actually wore last year at the LACMA Art + Film Gala. If she were to rewear this gown again, I’d love to see it off the shoulder. For jewelry, she could wear a necklace with a purple teardrop pendant. I would keep the hair the same because her voluminous natural hair would show off the necklace and frame her face.
Tilda Swinton
Swinton’s top looks so well crafted and sophisticated, but I feel like it can also be dressed down. With some looser fitting light blue jeans and a white heel the top would look so nice at like a more casual event like a gallery opening or even a brunch. The top is so simple that I can see it being worn in multiple ways.
Jeremy Strong
Jeremy Strong’s looks was definitely a standout amongst the mens looks, but I admire the risk he took. He didn’t get lost in the crowd of boring black suits. For this rewear, he should scrap the jacket and sweater. Instead, I can see a bulky cream sweatshirt or hoodie. Keep the bucket hat, and for the shoes some tan adidas tan gazelles. It’s casual, but fun.
In a world where fast fashion is steadily creeping on us, it’s important we all look at what we have in our closets instead of immediately scrolling through H&M or Zara for new clothes. The ones that can help spread the rewear movement are celebrities. They’re constantly attending red carpets and events where they’ll be photographed. By rewearing their clothes, they encourage fans to practice sustainability, and slow down the effects fast fashion.
Thank you a for reading this week’s post. I hope you all feel encouraged to rewear some of your old clothes especially formalwear. I know you see that one dress form your sorority formal sitting in your closet. Wear it again. I promise you’ll look even better because you’re being more sustainable by rewearing instead of purchasing something new. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
Welcome to 2025 everyone! 2024 was a whirlwind year, but we got through it. For this week’s post, I wanted to reflect on my goals from last year, as well as discuss my new ones for this year. As I looked back at my manifestation list from last year, I realized that I accomplished so many things. Throughout the year, I felt like I was barely meeting any of my goals, but I did the complete opposite.
I went to New York, baked sourdough bread, and got back into sewing; I went to a concert, shopped at more local businesses, and bought some really nice jeans. I planned more off campus excursions, created a plan to study abroad junior year, and stopped fantasizing and started living. The goal I’m most glad about completing was learning how to play tennis. I’m not that great of a player yet, but I still really enjoy the sport and strive to improve in the new year.
There was one thing that I did everyday to help me complete my goals which was reading them every morning. Each morning I would pull up my 2024 manifestation blog post and read through my goals. I did this everyday, and it forced me to actively work through my goals because I was constantly reminded of them. I was held accountable for the objectives I had laid out for myself earlier in the year.
My 2025 manifestation list is shorter than last year’s, but my goals are a little more substantial. By having a shorter list, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to complete more of my goals, and what I complete has a bigger impact on my life. I’ve also included goals I didn’t complete last year because some goals take a little longer than others. Not everything has a one year timeline.
Before I go on to my list, I beg you all to write a manifestation list for yourself this year. I never imagined how many goals on that list I’d be able to make happen in just one year. Manifestation truly works.
Now, below is my 2025 Manifestation list as well as the accompanying Pinterest board too. I hope you all follow suit and create a list for yourself as well. You never know what may come of it. Thank you all for reading. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
My 2025 Manifestation List
From last year:
Go apple picking
Get better at walking in heels
Take a trip to Boston
Take more risks with my style
Make this blog profitable (Place more focus on this)
Continue sewing and utilize equipment at school
Have my grades reflect my efforts
Find more valuable opportunities for myself in and out of school
Hello everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season, and are able to get a little break. For this week’s article, I wanted to talk about value, but more specifically how the monetary value of things has become so misconstrued.Â
The past couple weeks I have been to my fair share of holiday markets, and I’ve noticed a pattern in my behavior. I’d go to one of the stalls that intrigued me, and take a gander at the goods they were selling. In the sea of everything, I would find something that I really liked: a broach, a purse, a painting. I’d turn the item over and immediately my shoulders would slump down at the sight of the price. I could barely afford anything at the holiday markets, and it made me a little frustrated.
My initial, knee-jerk thoughts in response to the prices was “How could anyone justify selling something at this price”? Since then, I’ve realized how insensitive I was at the holiday markets. Some of these sellers spent hours making jewelry, crocheting bags, and coming up with their sales pitches. I’ve spent some time thinking, and I’ve noticed how I don’t understand the value of things anymore.
There was a gorgeous broach at one of the booths, but I was having trouble grappling with the price. The price of the broach wasn’t the problem, but the real problem was that the idea of saving up for something has become lost on us. It used to be common for people to put money aside for something they couldn’t afford. We have become such an impatient society that saving money for a good-quality item isn’t practiced anymore. When we see something that we like, we make choose one of two choices. We either buy it immediately or don’t even give it a second glance when the price isn’t to our liking.Â
People used to see things they liked in a store, and when they couldn’t afford it, they would wait until they could afford it. They’d take a portion of their paycheck or allowance and put it towards buying that item. Whatever happened to saving for a nice, good-quality item that will last years as supposed to writing off anything that’s out of our budget.
This mindset, found especially in the US, is the reason why a number of small businesses go under each year. No one wants to save up for a good quality item that seems a little pricey as opposed to a lesser quality item that is a lot cheaper.
I wish we all could go back to appreciating the act of saving up our money for something. The pleasure and pride we felt in ourselves for finally having enough money to buy the thing we really wanted. I really miss this feeling.
Anyways, I want you all to think about the last time you saved up for something. How did you feel when you were finally able to buy that item? I bet it felt wonderful and worth it.
Thank you all for reading this week’s article. I hope it made you all think. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉
