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On Fridays, we’ll take a breath: See below for some commentary on apparel trends I’m loving or things I’m eyeing, a fun activity to consider, and some food for thought as you enter your weekend 🙂
1/3. Food for Thought
When overwhelm creeps in, how can we create a momentary pause to regain our composure before our reactions take the lead?
This past week, I found myself letting overwhelm creep into my tone and conversations. Looking back, it's clear I should have taken a pause. We all have those moments where the pressure builds, and before we know it, it's spilling out into how we interact with others. This week's reflection is less a question for you and more of a personal processing, but I hope it resonates nonetheless.
What small, immediate action can we take when you feel that familiar surge of stress? Noticing the signs and having a simple, go-to strategy can make all the difference in staying centered.
The goal isn't to eliminate overwhelm entirely – that's probably not realistic – but to prevent it from taking over. It's about building a better awareness of our internal landscape so we can respond intentionally, rather than react impulsively.
As you head into your weekend, perhaps consider what your own warning signs are and what "pause button" strategies you can put into place for next time.
2/3. Fun!
Words to Worlds: My Creative Journey with AI
I've always loved creative work, especially visually creative work, but I've always been one that does a better job with words. I'm not sure why or if any of you reading can relate to this – but my brain thinks in words. For example, when I read a book, even the most descriptive fantasy, my brain doesn't 'see' images, but just sees the words flow across like a teleprompter or a script. I can understand the visual based on the definition of the words, but not as an actual 'picture.'
Through wedding planning, I've honestly been leaning into this a lot. Half of the time, it's through creating collages of things I like to create a visual of the description I ‘write’ in my head. Other times, like when creating a draft for our wedding website background, for example, I've used AI to help me with generating the actual 'image.' For me, I use AI as a creative visual vessel. I don't find myself struggling with having the 'right words,' but I do have fun creating the perfect description of how I see something and working with AI to create the actual visual.
I've also been loving personalized stationery recently. I think it's oddly chic when someone has a note stack on their desk that has their initials but also depicts their character. A couple of weeks ago, I worked with AI to create a notecard stack that could be branded to my 'vibe' but wasn't just a template from another website, and I finally ordered them this week! See below, I worked with AI to create the border and the gothic yet delicate detailing on the "y."
My personalized notepads 🙂
So, I guess my 'fun' idea for this week is playing with AI to make some personalized stationery that is actually truly unique to you – you know no one else will have it. I use Midjourney for most of my AI generation, which is only for image creation, and I am a fan. But there are many websites – like Canva, Papier, or Zazzle – that can help you create a customized notepad if you will.
I'm excited to use these at work and feel a personal connection to it! Hope this inspires you!
3/3. Fashion / Retail Therapy
Ties, But Make It Chic: Inspiration From Anderson's Vision
I wrote about Jonathan Anderson becoming head of Dior a couple of weeks ago (here), aaand I'm writing about him again! Albeit a bit late, let's take a look at one of my favorite aspects of his Spring 2026 debut: reconstructed formality. More specifically, the resurgence of the tie. And, we can't talk about it without acknowledging the preview of his Dior debut from Instagram, featuring a portrait of Jean-Michel Basquiat taken by Andy Warhol in 1982.
I honestly thought I was over neckties... maybe it's all the pre-professional networking events I attended in college, but when I see them, I think 'ah... it's giving... business dinner?' For me, it's bow tie or no tie. But I love this new resurgence and twist on a necktie in a casual, "I threw this on as I was running out of the door" vibe. The nonchalance and unintentional nature of it almost makes it that much more intentional – in my mind. I also love how androgynous this style is – it's not strictly tied to anyone, anyone can rock this.
Dior Men Spring 2026 Menswear
And, I think it's perfect for anything. A lunch, a night out, the office – you can't go wrong.
I'm so grateful you've taken the time to read and engage with the newsletter. To help me make it better, I'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback you have. Feel free to send any requests, ideas, or suggestions to [email protected]!
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