I have around five bikinis. Within each of my curated selections, I can mix and match between patterns and colors. Thus, truly adding more variants to my collection. However, I yearn for more. I don’t like to play favorites with my clothing brands (but, of course, I do), and what I have discovered is that I seem to gravitate back to the same one. To clarify, this is not due to a lack of curiosity or whimsicality, nor is it related to being a creature of habit; rather, it is mainly because swimwear is becoming increasingly expensive. Again, trust me- I have no issue swiping my card on high-priced items. I usually exclusively shop vintage 90s runway- but for a bikini? A few pieces of fabric that are bound to a season or vacation… yeah, I don’t want to spend too much.

Now, of course, what is in the back of my mind is quality over quantity. I do my best to ensure that, even when purchasing less expensive bikinis, the quality isn’t subpar, because then what's the point? However, I must draw a line somewhere with myself. I would much rather spend an eyebrow-raising amount on a coat, ballet flats, or blouse than on my reptile attire.

A brand that I used to shop at was Frankie’s Bikinis. However, their prices are quite literally insane. Their swimwear, while trendy and pretty darn flattering, is not worth the price tag. (In my opinion! Please don’t cut my head off.) While they offer a range of styles, sizes, colors, etc., the cost of $100 for a top and the same for a bottom seems excessive and feels too overconsuming for me. Which, in all honesty, is annoying. Their swimsuits are cute, and I want to buy them, but I refuse to spend $200 or more on one swimsuit. No way.

For example, their Bella Hadid Jolene Underwire Bikini Top is $135, and if you want to purchase the matching bottoms, which come in multiple variants, the additional cost is $95, but can range as high as $120. Essentially, for this set, you would be required to pay a minimum of $200. (insert Eloise at the Plaza Nanny’s voice… no no no no no!) While this style in particular seems to lean towards the more expensive side, their swimwear collection overall will still have you commit to over $100 for a complete look.

On the contrary, there is a fabulous brand that offers decently priced swimwear that is not only fashionable but also insanely comfortable. Not to exaggerate, but in my 24 years, these are the most comfy suits I have worn. They are durable, exquisitely smooth, and flattering for a wide range of body types. (Drum roll please…) The company in question is Calzedonia. While I recently discovered this brand.. I was familiar with their sister store, Intimissimi. Let me set the scene. I’m walking in SoHo on a miserable, suffocating summer day with one of my friends I met in a summer psychology class from University, desperately going into store after store, including Bloomingdale's, and I couldn’t find a swimsuit. Bloomingdale's had slim pickings, and none were cute. Finally, the last store we went into, Calzedonia, shocked me. Not only was I unaware that they were in the swimwear market, but their styles were just my taste and NOT expensive!

Their styles, which range from patterns to solid colors, string bikinis, textured fabric, and standard mode (no string, more like underwear), range from $29 to $50 (the latter leans more towards tops; their bottoms usually stay on the lower tier in terms of pricing.) While it is still not a bargain, considering the quality and current market, the pricing is fair. Additionally, they are fucking adorable- two birds one stone. I recommend them to anyone looking to add a touch of style to their summer collection or to anyone who wants a shopping day with their bestie.

Lastly, a brand I always return to for a variety of items is J.Crew. Not only are their collections clean, but they are simple in a way that allows for natural beauty to shine through. No muss or fuss. However, their offerings for summer tanning are the perfect mixture of sexy and modest… (I feel like a baddie, and I can rock the fit even at a family gathering.) The Eyelet balconette underwire bikini top and matching bottoms are between $50-60 a piece. Again, not a bottom-of-the-barrel in a hidden corner of the East Village pricing, but in my opinion, fair game. Not only is the color and details feminine, but the bottom offers full coverage! (A rare find.) I’m all for bums out in the sun, however, sometimes I want the cheeks covered.. Especially at the beach.

While not all swimwear is created equally, and some are priced in a reality that doesn’t match most shoppers' price point, if you are willing to scour the internet, you will be left satisfied. Ditch the $200 price point and trade them in for cuter, comfier, and sexier pieces that will have you feeling like Alix Earle in her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Campaign. (A freaking goddess.)

While the Hamptons, especially East Hampton, have been the scene of the upper-echelon community, it has lately turned into an influencer themepark where women from Alix Earle, up and coming digital creators, and packs of 20 year olds brave the Hampton Jitney for their Instagramable posts, the possibility of running into a billionaire or two, or settling to take photos at the infamous American Hotel in Sag Harbor. (Justin Timberlake got arrested there last summer for drinking a tad too much.)

My Hampton experience is slightly different. While I won’t pretend I don’t partake in luxury activities, I’m no tourist. When I was a toddler, my father had built a house for my mother and me in the village of East Hampton. (Well, helped’ design a home with an architect in secret, then surprised her with it… That's another story.) It was a minute's walk from the town, along a tree-lined lane with lavish estates hidden by the classic East Hampton hedges. Privacy is of the utmost importance to the residents of this quaint area, which was initially settled in 1648. However, it was not until 1788 that the land received its current name. Due to the time, I’m sure you can imagine the type of people who reside here. WASPS… everywhere. From local bookstores to gut-punching supermarkets, where you may pay upwards of $40 for a pie. (I wish I were kidding)

As a former resident, I'm irked by the influx of influencers who have seemingly made this area their playground. I’m all for newcomers, however, when they are turning quiet parts of the town into wanna be catwalks, screaming across tables at subpar restaurants, ordering multiple Cosmopolitans (We’re not all Carrie Bradshaw), and just being fucking annoying I can’t help but think ‘you’re so basic.’

Also, before anyone gets salty with me, I’m very aware I’m being slightly judgmental. However, can’t a girl want to get her bagel in the morning without waiting in a long line and having my vision attacked by athleisure wear? (something that should never be worn outside the gym.)

Besides the WASPS, extraordinary billionaires, millionaires, and a constrictive environment that very much relies on unspoken rules and behavior. I cannot hide the deep sense of nostalgia that seeps into my body without my consent.

As my lover and I drive out East and get closer to his residence, I can feel something in the air change. I’m attacked with memories of dangling myself halfway out the window, breathing in the hot, sticky summer air. The intoxicating smell of sunscreen mixed with glittering sand. Crunchy, textured curls, a perfect tan with a slight hint of burn. Most importantly, the traffic that occurs is because there is only one main road into this area. Montauk Highway.

I remember my father keeping a copy of The New York Times handy because the standstill traffic would be so horrid and long that he would put the car in park and read a few columns, inching forward like a slug on a quest for the perfect dewy leaf.

My best memories are in the now very populated Sag Harbor and East Hampton. Lunch and dinner at Bobby Vans, where a table for Mr. Levesque was always secured. (He and the owner are old friends. I suspect my love for the Shirley Temples and onion rings helped.) Evening boat rides with his bestie, where I’d swim in the sound and look for mermaids, fish, and watch as the sun slowly kissed the water, saying goodbye to daylight and venture under the moonlight. The harbor and the noises, cicadas, and hearing the adults who were a few drinks in cackle about nefarious choices, women, and life.

Today, my experience has undergone a slight change. While my father and I still galavant around town together, I now bring my lover in tow. Our lifestyles blend and create an enchanting harmony. Together, he takes me to quiet beaches where I can hunt for moon shells (my nickname for them, not the actual name), lie in the sun and roast, and most importantly, enjoy a healthy family dynamic—tucked away from the ladies clutching their pearls and asking who in the room got invited to the latest White Party, a celebrity wedding, or simply individuals who are a viscous breed of Upper East Side personality with no actual personality (unless drunk).

While I still find myself in the room with women who spend my would-be salary on landscaping, I also have secured a summer romance that has planted deep roots in a place that makes my inner child glow.

From text messages that said ‘OMFG’, ‘EW’, ‘Huda’s crashout isn’t even that bad’, ‘she is so hot’... You get the picture. She may be girlbossing at her accountant job, but my texts take priority! (you know you love me xoxo)

While the show may be entertaining, I have learned a few things since watching it. Firstly, I could never be a participant. Not only would I not be able to handle being right next to crystal-clear ocean water and being told I was not allowed to play mermaids, but the general swapping of saliva with multiple people, food challenges, and walking around all day in a bikini is simply a no for me. I mean, can’t a girl be hot and bloated? None of these women seems to be… bloated, that is.

Also, the isolation would be a huge red flag for me. While you are not in solitary confinement, you are barred from any entertainment devices. No phone, no Kindle, and weirdly enough, the villa doesn’t have clocks, which inhibits the islanders from having a proper grasp of time. The whole concept ruffles my feathers a tad. However, I am more than happy to watch from my couch and call out these men and women for shitty behavior. (This does not include the people's princess, Amaya Papaya, or Huda) While these two women were met with indecisiveness from America, it is clear they are becoming fan favorites. Not only are they the most normal women in the villa, but they also wear their hearts on their sleeves. A trait that is admirable and human.

As I said previously, this is my first time truly getting sucked into this type of televsion. My friend, and from what I have seen on social media, has been commenting on how this season is not as natural as previous ones. The cast is especially goal-oriented (winning the $100,000 prize) and not finding genuine love within the connections they form throughout their time on the island.

There are a few women in particular who are very much coded as mean girls. These women have lost thousands of followers overnight from the release of episode 26. Cierra Ortega, in particular, is meeting a plethora of scrutiny. Many fans find it odd how not only did she have a Love Island themed birthday party, friends with past members of the show, and is quite media trained which in itself is fine as she is a ‘digital influencer’ (eye roll), but when entering reality television the whole PR behavior breeds as inauthentic and not genuine. Ortega has specifically lost 100,000 followers on Instagram in less than 24 hours after the latest episode was released. While America may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer in terms of foreign policy or fundamental human rights, the people rally around one thing. Nobody likes a mean girl.

Additionally, Chelley, a 27-year-old contestant who is consequently obsessed with a 22-year-old (hello, red flag!), is being deemed the leader of the mean girls, or our modern-day Regina George. From twisting words the other ladies have said (hopefully, which will be revealed on movie night) to very obviously bullying the ladies on live television. Her mantra of ‘I don’t want to be closed off but my ‘man’ the person she is coupled up with currently, needs to have boundaries during challenges.’ I’m sorry, what? I don’t track or understand. You want to continue exploring, but you want boundaries in your couple? That is not how this show works, nor is it how any partnership operates. Not only does she give me the ick, but her little performance of control left me agreeing with Ace. Now that is just bonkers.

Last but not least, welcome to hell, Miss. Olandria. All I can say after last night's episode is you must be tripping to say Huda is not a girl's girl. Not only do you publicly call her out for kissing a man she is coupled up with, but you do it under the guise that you are doing the right thing. INCORRECT! What I and the internet seem to find hilarious is you told Cierra you kissed her man when you both coupled up to ensure you could return to the island (fair) BUT what you didn’t say is that this was not a chaste kiss to test chemistry like you said, it was a hungry I thought they were going to bone then and there moment that left audiences screaming. I find it ironic that you lecture Huda, but your passionate kiss is left on the back burner—suspicious behavior.

These islanders are left entirely in the dark about what is being said about them. While I don’t feel bad for the mean girl trio, I can’t help but acknowledge that once they are kicked off the island, the information is going to hit like a tidal wave. Is it fair? Should the contestants be allowed to know what is being said about them to protect their future mental health? Let's not forget that a few people who have been on the show have sadly taken their lives after receiving death threats and such hatred in comments about their behavior. While I may not like these ladies, I can’t help but play devil's advocate and think, is it okay to isolate these people for up to six weeks completely socially?

ATTN: PSA INCOMING: Why am I paying $100+ for plastic clothes? Also, why are my clothes being made of plastic materials? (insert vomit emoji here)

Multiple brands, from high-end to average, are incorporating plastic into their clothing and marketing it as if that is not the case. For example, I used to be a big fan of Aritzia, the Canadian-founded brand that proves the country can excel in more than just maple syrup candies. However, like the moon, the tides are changing. While it is possible to find clothing in this store made of natural fibers, such as cotton (a rare win), it is also more likely that items will be made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon.

While I’m a realist at my core, my primary persona is a lover girl riding high on those delusions that things should be fair and honest. However, the common consensus is that many brands are marketing clothes as ‘satin’ when in actuality it is not the pure satin, but one of its underlings… polyester… ICK! For example, I might have been doom-scrolling and came upon an ad for Aritzia, which piqued my curiosity enough to check out their new summer collection. Much to my disappointment, I find a drop-dead gorgeous halter neckline dress. I thought to myself, okay, with this tan I’ve procured from reptiling and this deep sea blue material, it was a match made in heaven.

UNTIL-

I click on product details (a girl likes to be informed), and what do you think I discovered? C’mon, say it aloud while you read! No takers? I’ll tell you. The Audience Satin Mini Dress

It is made of 100% polyester. To add insult to injury, it's $138, but on sale for $110. I’m sick of looking at this dress through my screen, and frankly, most of their products as a whole. If I were a cartoon character, there would be steam coming from my ears. There is no reason for this, and what disgusts me more than the apparent pollution of our beautiful planet by producing clothes made of synthetic materials with no regard for their lack of sustainability is the outright laziness and apathy that force consumers to buy more.

Fashion is art, architecture, movement, CRAFT- Do you think the craftsman who made those beautiful medieval gowns back in the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th century (purr HRH Queen of England Anne Boleyn), flapper dresses, haute couture ever conceived a reality where most clothes on the market from Aritzia, Maje, Sandro, half the clothes at Bloomingdale's or Bergdorf Goodman, or mind you, Blair Waldorf would ever be ‘cool girl’ about wearing plastic clothes?

Oh, how I long for the days when I could shop in the suburban mall and find T-shirts, tanks, and miniskirts that were made of 100% cotton. Not only is it a personal ick for me because just ew, it is truly a horrible practice that is destroying our environment and reaffirms fast fashion. When clothing is made with little to no care, that rubs off on consumers. Why would they care if nobody who crafts the clothes does?

Additionally, my fatal flaw is that I believe things should be fair. You know what doesn’t feel fair? Or trustworthy? Cheap clothes with high prices. The fact that these companies are making millions of dollars a year, and they don't even have the decency to use natural fibers? Stop.

Plastic is not aspirational, and while brands argue that using recycled material in products helps the environment, this is not the case. Using recycled materials, such as thrifted handkerchiefs, and transforming them into a dress or skirt, or visiting the thrift store to purchase clothes and tailoring them to your liking, is not the same as using synthetic materials for new clothes.

Plastics break down and then infiltrate ecosystems and bodies, causing long-term harm. At its core, fashion is about craftsmanship, design, and hard work. It must be protected and valued with organic and clean materials. Not only do clothes made from cotton, wool, or silk last longer, but they also require less fossil fuel than those made from polyester and other plastics.

The key to fashion is having your style and curating a collection of clothing accessories, shoes, and quirks, essentially the difference between wearing and styling. A little black dress is sexy; however, adding some silver jewelry, a tasteful ballet flat, and a clutch with shimmer can take it to the next level. These extra few steps crank up the heat on an already sultry outfit.

A few trends that come to mind that met the guillotine rather quickly were those awful fur coats from Target or the plastic-looking Goyard Tote that looks like something from a discount store and not a ‘high fashion brand.’ Not to be a hater, but I feel like someone needs to say it (let me grab the mic) that bag is horrific. I have seen them in the wild, and all I can say is 'Yikes!' I was on a daily walk, listening to some early 00s music, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a Batman signal for the plastics.

The Goyard Tote, specifically the Artois PM Bag, which is priced upwards of $2,000, appears incredibly cheap. The bag itself is thin, plasticy, and honestly not even that cute. However, once the influencers that have taken over the West Village (how unfortunate) were walking all over the city with it, it was determined that it was the new ‘must-have’ bag. This is when trends create problems. Not only does it set the expectation that if you don't acquire the bag, you’re ‘not cool’, WTF does that even mean? This ‘must-have’ bag is already out of style!! Why? You may ask? It was never truly in style with the fashion community.

Sure, the bag has been featured as a must-have for Fall in reputable publications. (This is because the bag is trending and oversaturated. Of course, an editor is going to want the bag on their list. That is them being smart, regardless of personal opinion… trust fashion girlies love to yap.) However, the bag itself is ‘meh,’ and many other bags hold more, are cuter, are cheaper, and don’t melt onto your clothes. A bag that comes to mind for me is the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 by Coach, which is retro, has a fair price, and has been seen on supermodels like Bella Hadid. IDK about you, but Ms. Hadid is definitely in my lookbook, and she most definitely knows how to rock a gown or oversized jeans and a tank. Now this is a bag that has been around for decades, which Coach then decided to revamp and reissue. That is the difference between a cringe-worthy, expensive bag that looks like a fake found on Canal Street vs a bag that is a fraction of the price and loved by editors, fashionistas, supermodels, and the average New Yorker who needs to lug around that damn laptop so she can continue to be a girl boss.

Also, to clarify, I am usually on my knees for the designers.. Especially French. I will throw myself into a thrift or consignment store hunting for a retro Hermès scarf, a Christian Dior bandana, or even a few Italian brands. Insert my Prada Cleo bag here; it was a pretty penny, and has been a staple mini black bag since its inception in the 90s.

While the Goyard brand is a French fashion house, its totes fall short of the mark. While I won’t punish them, I also won't be swiping my credit card. Unless they seriously up their game.

My biggest pet peeve is paying designer prices for ‘luxury goods’ that look fake, plastic, and feed into over-consumerism.

Would you prefer the real or the imaginary? What would your world look like?

I prefer imagination. Where anything you conjure up can be brought to life. A babbling brook that can give advice when asked, tell stories, and can swirl water around you as you envelop it, breathing underwater for minutes or hours. A world that is inviting and magical, not concrete and restricting.

In my world, it would be endless sun except for a few hours. At this time, a deep dusk would cover the sky and illuminate the cascading forests and the whimsical life within. Imps and fairies that are looking for any opportunity for mischief, bright stars that turn into dancing elements. The wind that whispers as it rushes by, not even minding its manners.

A world that breeds escapism, creativity, and possibility, and not a mundane reality where heavy shackles are bound and butterfly wings are clipped as childhood leaves and adolescence and adulthood bind you.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather live within magic than reality or realness.

A scent that triggers memories of early childhood and taunts me is the aroma of lemon poppy seed muffins. As a toddler, these muffins were one of my favorite snacks, especially in sweltering summer, where the tanginess of a lemon was cool, refreshing, and essential in contrast with the bite of poppy. (They were also the only things I would eat for breakfast, no protein here!)

I haven’t allowed myself to live in the discomfort of the scent in years. The thought of being bombarded with memories in the house I lived in temporarily out East is a reality I rarely let myself succumb to. Tucked away in a tree-lined road with prestigious landscaping with flowers that were meant for looking only, not touching, and an over-manicured curb appeal, I cannot survive in perfect perfection.

The house always smelled of baking muffins, breads, and cosplaying a happy homemaker, husband, and child. However, in reality, the scent was only to cover up the apparent disdain of all who lived there.

The warm summer light would permit the kitchen to glow, and the sounds of lemon rinds grinding up and down the cheese grater or citrus zester filled the air. The aroma filled my house as I heard the batter being mixed, accompanied by the sound of poppy seeds being slowly added. The cozy scent of muffins baking in the sunlit kitchen almost seems to be overflowing with a scrumptious buttery crumble that begs me to creep slowly down the steps.

If the wallpaper could talk, it would say how the lemons were plucked off the trees from the garden and ripped apart to make a sweet treat, while the oven would be scorching and unforgiving to little insatiable hands desperately wanting a quick taste.

As I sit on the stairwell, I peek into the kitchen through the wooden bars that climb down the stairway, and begin to slide down in an attempt to sneak around my own house, to be as quiet as a mouse in a room full of traps. The continuous waft of lemony goodness lured me deeper into the kitchen, where I could watch the slow rise of the muffins and plan to open the heavy compartment that housed the baked goods.

Slowly, carefully, I’d manage to capture a hot muffin much to anyone’s attention.

Today, even the smell of a lemon poppy seed muffin, much less a bite, yanks me back right to being three and four and hiding in my room after securing a freshly baked lemon treat. I would bury my face into the treat and melt into the floor as the butter did the batter.

I avoid them at all costs. The smell and taste are too much for me to bear, and transport me to a time that feels grey and unsettled. While the muffins used to be a safe place for my younger self to hide. In adulthood, they remind me of parts of myself that no longer exist.

After our phone call, I felt a surge of motivation. However, after I googled the requirements and saw several qualifying races and times, our motivation quickly dipped and crashed. I feel silly that I thought anyone could run it, but is that silly? When you think about it, how many people will run it and would want to? But it's more than I initially thought.

Our dream ended there.

However, my friend is running a 5K on Mother's Day. (I applaud her) Alas, I will not be joining. I realized that running is not for me (We went on a run last week, and I had a cramp in under five minutes).

In a city like New York, where residents and visitors see anything and everything, learning that a few activities require more than an entry ticket but actual skill is always surprising and oddly satisfying.

I’m a fan. Instagram, while a seasoned contender, doesn't measure up. The beauty about TikTok is that I can search for whatever I’m looking for. Whether it be a video for work or a pitch to a magazine, videos explaining curly hair and how to take care of it, or cat videos, I’m never left unsatisfied. Instagram, however, can make attempting to look for certain things impossible. An image of Scooby Doo Mystery Inc? A specific runway moment, time and time again, ‘Insta’ has been unreliable.

However, I will say those people in the comments on TikTok are… ‘TikTok Trolls’ live up to their name. The other day, I was taking a quick scroll between making breakfast, and I happened upon a curly-haired content creator I enjoy following and watching. While watching them review a slew of products and talking through fine hair, what curl routine works best for them, and how to take care of fine curly hair, I was left educated and inclined to try her ‘brush method/finger coiling.’

Then I looked in the comments. There are hundreds of comments from trolls saying ‘forced curls’, ‘too much product’, or overanalyzing the steps to create a curl cast, etc. The comment section as a whole was a mixed bag. From the trolls to others from the curly hair community, echoing what many people with textured hair know. No product can force curls on naturally straight hair. Testing products to find what works for you is part of the roulette, and mainly, what is up with the curly hair police? And who were they?

People debate each other or express that the need for nasty comments on a creator from the beginning is saying this works for her hair, and not everything she says automatically transfers to everyone with curly, fine hair. (This, of course, makes 100% sense)

While I still enjoy the app, it becomes more apparent that these TikTok trolls are so mean for no other reason. Not that being mean is okay, but sassy is usually approved. Another video that went viral about that woman on the UES saying, Do people even buy fruit from those fruitstands?’

Here is where the comment sections were harsh, yet fair. As the video continues, it is clear that the argument the creator uses is walking the line of ignorance and possibly unaware discrimination. Alluding to the fact that the fruit on these stands is ‘dirty’ while people in the comments are popping off saying ‘It’s no different than a farmers market, get out, transplant,’ etc.

Fruit and vegetables from the fruit stands are delectable and usually better than those from grocery stores.

While TikTok comment sections can be a place for comfort, rage, or comedy, one thing is clear: no matter the video, someone will disagree and yap about it (or type).

Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, is the main character of the series. While the show and viewers have dubbed her a fashion icon (a true statement), this theory seems to eclipse the other main characters, who had looks that rivaled Bradshaws.

Charlotte York, played by Kristin Davis, has multiple looks in the series that channel her feminine and demure essence, from dazzling in soft pinks and a signature Ralph Lauren polo sweater in a bookstore to jaw-dropping dresses that secure her Mr. Right.

The consensus is evident as the show continues to attract new generations of viewers. While Bradshaw showcases outfits that could grace the cover of Vogue (ironic since she writes for them in the series), York’s character often appears in captivating ensembles that embody an effortlessly chic street style that many women aspire to achieve. 

So, what’s the verdict?

This may be controversial, but I must give York the winning edge. Even though Bradshaw has multiple styles that guarantee her status as a fashion queen, my taste aligns more with York's. There is that extra dazzle about her outfits that seem much more seamless. On the other hand, Bradshaw has stylish outfits; however, they aren't always attainable for the average street style moment.

If I were to draw inspiration for a fashion week, I would lean more towards Bradshaw; however, if I am out in the wild searching for pieces to build my foundational collection, I would rely on York.

In the long run, York’s fashion sense is stable and will always be considered stylish, while Bradshaw can sometimes miss the mark.

Either way, both characters have shown audiences that they know the difference between fashion and style, but in my opinion, York wins.

Rule I

Please ditch the idea that button-downs are boring, stuffy, or not sexy. It is simply not the case. This shirt is primarily versatile because of its many styles, from casual linen, perfect for warmer climates, to delicate silk in statement colors and even highly structured versions that communicate modernity. This fact alone should eliminate the indifference that is most met with this style choice.

Rule II

Office chic vs. Unbuttoned collar. Most people have a reservation towards button-downs because they think it always makes you look like ‘ you’re at work.’ When styled incorrectly, these shirts can lean more toward a corporate persona. However, it is an easy change in perspective and will seem obvious once you notice.

When styling for an office, a subconscious ‘buttoned up’ theme is embedded throughout (think Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada); her outfit has other textures like her leather skirt and tailored blazer that emulate a stylish but reserved appearance, ultimately creating a chic office outfit.

When thinking of using a button-down in a more casual but still elevated and sexy way, it is about staying in a color palette, using key accessories, and using shape to your advantage. Something I forgot to mention (up there^) button-downs seen in the corporate jungle tend to be very tailored and form-fitting. When wanting to unbutton and show some collar, it is helpful to understand that shape plays a significant role in style, but in the context of a button-down, that will make or break your outfit and bump it from siren eyes back down to pre-coffee you.

The shape of your button-down for social excursions should lean more loose to boxy. This will allow you to add different elements and eliminate work energy. When creating your outfit, I like working from down up. Find the right pair of pants. I wear a dark wash wide leg (in varying fabrics) or boot cut denim and pair it with black ankle boots (color shoes rarely change). I add a wide belt with a minimal or a larger silver buckle for a pop of texture. The bottom half is simple, with a fun break in the middle.

Next, you secure your button down of choice. Choosing a complimentary color is always a good idea, as is selecting a shirt with a fun design, which will serve as the focal point, or a simple pinstripe. I then tuck my shirt in because it is not a tailored fit; even when tucked in, it feels slightly boxy and adds additional shape. With a few buttons undone, I search for a light blazer or jacket that will connect all the pieces and is seasonal. Finishing touches like silver earrings, a watch, and a little black purse have turned the traditional button-down into another layer for later.

Rule III

Learn which vintage and consignment stores stock up on button-downs. Seriously, there is nothing better than digging through a stacked rack of clothes in the Upper East Side, East Village or Dumbo. These stores are historical landmarks. If you can commit to spending a day digging, you are guaranteed to find some gems from vintage Ralph Lauren, Dior, or even Vivienne Westwood. Unless it is a must-have of a one-of-a-kind piece that happens to be brand new, try to stick with vintage; your sense of style will thank you.

Okay, that’s enough for now!

Even though I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her in the flesh, a good friend made her acquaintance while mixing drinks for her and her guests on election night (I wonder if he made her a Cosmopolitan?)

SJP’s infamous HBO character, Carrie Bradshaw, did not age well. In the wake of Gen Z’s discovery of the classic show (I’ve been a fan since childhood), they seem to… hate her. So many clips of the show come up on Instagram reels and TikTok, and it is almost inescapable; these clips do not shine the best light on Bradshaw.

While the show is complex as each character has its arc, and it is supposed to be about inhuman perfections, some scenes with Bradshaw are fucking painful. An episode that makes my blood boil is when she yells at poor Charlotte for ‘turning away from her at a Chinese restaurant and not offering her money to put a downpayment on her apartment that she needs to buy back from her ex-fiance because she didn’t want to marry him.’ She justified this lousy behavior because her two other girlfriends offered her money (a valid choice for them). As the scene goes on, Bradshaw yells at Charlotte, saying she ‘got her apartment in her divorce and doesn’t understand.’ While Bradshaw's feelings are valid, her behavior is not. Finally, at the scene's head, Charlotte firmly explains that caring for Bradshaw is not her responsibility. She is in her mid-30s, and it is time to ‘stand on her own two feet.’

The interesting part about this from a ‘writers room’ perspective is why the writers would add these behavioral traits to Bradshaw, thinking it wouldn’t be an issue as the show aged. Today, Gen Z annihilates the character. While the respect for her key role in fashion and how she shaped the 90s and early 2000s is evident, her ‘personality’ is insufferable. The TikTokers label her ‘narcissist’ ‘bad friend’ ‘out of touch’ ‘loves a man who hates her’ and so on.

The Bradshaw slander is more profound than the ‘selfish friend trope.’ The analysis of the character is attacked from all angles. The show's dramatization of a struggling female character who continually loves a man who is indifferent to her. Which perhaps then did not seem like there could be any outside consequences. Due to the warping of media, this character has created a standard that ‘situationships’ (or the type of relationship she and Mr. Big had was by any definition healthy).

It is not my intention to vilify Bradshaw's character. It has become apparent that many find an issue with her arc and how the writers never allowed her to blossom and grow fully. Having her end up with the man who treated her terribly for most of the series is not a ‘happy ending’ and should not be accepted as ‘true love.’ It is setting a damaging standard for inexperienced individuals and pushing that schoolyard crap of ‘if he's mean to you, he likes you, boys will be boys.’ It is a horrible mentality to be showcased, especially to emotionally vulnerable people.

Another part of her personality that should be taken with caution is the insane shopping. While I am emotionally attached to all clothes and love a fabulous couture (ask anyone who has shopped with me), I still know my limits. Bradshaw's character sometimes maxes out her credit card bills for shoes. While this is fitting for her character, it is also how the writers have the character address it. It is never with worry but in humor, only making the problem more apparent.

At this given juncture, I may agree with the masses. While Bradshaw's character is a fashion inspiration and the series, with the collaboration of esteemed fashion houses, has left its mark, if I met a new girlfriend like Ms. Bradshaw, I might have to say ‘no thank you.’

(Remember, Big is moving to Paris!)

Another key point to remember is that all skincare products are not created equal. Half of the products sold at Sephora, Ulta, or quite frankly anywhere else are pumped of endocrine disruptors and ingredients that you can’t pronounce (I don’t want to feel like I’m in a chemistry lab when reading what is being applied on my skin). There is something so unnerving about that.

Personally? I like my skincare as clean as I can get. Most of my facial products and even body lotions are made in France. I do this for particular reasons. In France and most of Europe, there are different health codes specifically for the beauty industry. Half of the ingredients used to formulate most over-the-counter lotions, creams, and serums in the states are not legal there. Also, surprisingly, it is not expensive. The products with all fees included are cheaper or the same price as buying in the States, but they don’t have harmful chemicals and other garbage included! (cause for celebration)

Now, it is time for Aquaphor to get the attention that it deserves. Aquaphor is one of the healthiest, cleanest, and most sustainable beauty products on the market, from their tub of slippery jelly to lip balms. Aquaphor's versatility is unmatched- it can heal chapped lips, prevent itching, and even be a moisturizer for dry skin.

One of the best features is that it is primarily a ‘one size fits all’ product. (Rare in the beauty market). It is not known to cause irritants, and it is incredibly cost-effective. One giant tub that should last a minimum of three months is less than 10 dollars. Additionally, according to dermatologists, Aquaphor can be used to slug, which is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy and supple skin barrier.

Run to your local beauty spot and secure your tub of Aquaphor. You and your skin will thank me.

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Fashion should be loved by the individual who wears it (if you don’t love it, don’t buy it mentality). A primary reason specific clothing doesn’t match people is that they do not find parts of themselves living within the seams and stitches (or the outfit is fucking horrible).

Additional conversations have emerged since the show took place; these talks center on social media while the editorial world and the opinionated Generation Z dissected each look and thought; what are the cultural implications of the Schiaparelli Haute Couture show?

As a fashion enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the dystopian illusions that linger within the designs. It has come to my attention that my opinion is not mine alone. While breathtaking, the designs remind me of ‘The Capital’ from The Hunger Games. While this comparison does lend itself to satire, it cannot be overlooked entirely. The fashion in the film franchise is intentional. It is bold, suffocating, and supposed to have a touch of whimsicality. (Also, in case you didn’t know, Alexander McQueen designed Effie's iconic butterfly dress in the first movie). Seeing the similarities in theme between the film fashion and what appeared on the Parisian catwalk was illuminating. Was the intention to suffocate with beauty in the Icarus show?

“ I am so tired of everyone constantly equating modernity with simplicity.” Said Roseberry. A point that allows his vision to come full circle. Society has taken modern design and assumed it means white everything, boring paintings, and, even worse, boring clothes with no humor or glimpse of anything remotely interesting.

In the future, individuality and contemporary designs will hopefully play a leading role in runways and collections. Personal style is a dying concept that needs to be shocked back into reality. Viewers should look at the Haute Couture shows and find what resonates with them. The bold, structured shapes? Look for a blazer with broad shoulders, take the show's themes, and see how to incorporate what you love. From adding shimmering accessories to mixing and matching styles, you may find that you’ve unlocked a whole new section of your personality.

Images, Schiaparelli

I was perplexed because, as a young woman who lives in an urban landscape, I could not imagine going without my insulated, sleek black puffer jacket. This coat is curated to meld into my winter fashion. It gives an outside appearance of impenetrability and panther-like quality, while the inside may or may not burst out with any manner of personality through color, texture, or shape. This coat is under lock and key as it is a key piece in my winter survival guide (I always actually hang it back up in my closet). Scarves and hats may come and go, but a warm coat that still fits comfortably with a bulky sweater? That is priceless.

With that much-needed context, you can imagine my shock when I came across this information. It could be the messed up algorithm since things are obviously not what they seem (sob). Regardless of being in a different digital feed, the opinion still stands. I put on my thinking cap and wondered, where are my puffer jacket defenders?

One of the best parts about the puffer jacket is the reliability and practical use it brings to any individual's closet. In my world, my puffer jacket protects me from the morning chill as I walk to the gym, which, as a bonus, alerted me to the fact that I can wear a beyond yoga tank top (with no additional layers) and my puffer coat on top and no cold air is glazing my skin. On the flip side, it pairs with combat boots, denim, and a night navigating the wild. It is a consistent piece that will work in multiple scenarios, permitting effortless style and comfort. When curating your collection, having warm, versatile jackets and coats makes all the difference. Remember, they make up half or more of seasonal fashion.

While watching the shocking evidence on my screen, I listened to how these individuals broke down their reasons for these coats, ending up on their kill-or-be-killed list. Some said it was because they didn’t ‘look stylish’ or were ‘mid.’ Others were ‘over’ the trend.

At this point, I also thought, wasn’t that the bullseye of fashion? Not liking everything because others do. But because you genuinely love it. A fact that may be obvious, however, can be easily forgotten.

Fashion is art. Style is understanding.

A way to combat the arctic temperatures this season is blowing on us would be a thick, soft, long, preferably pop-of-color scarf that will elevate your outfit while insulating you in unpenetrable warmth to rival Jack Frost’s antics.

The ‘Babushka’ style scarf trend (winter edition) has surged in New York City. Stemming from Generation Z and their most recent predecessor, the love of staying warm and being fashionable is out and about among New Yorkers who dare navigate the concrete jungle in such absurd temperatures.

Getting this look is quite simple. Place your long scarf on your neck so the middle is pressed against your throat and the two tails hanging down your back. Then, take each tail and pull forward to the opposite side. Once this is done, take each tail and tuck it under the circle you have created. Then, adjust accordingly. For the final part, take the back of the scarf and pull it up to create a hood. Again, adjust accordingly, but now you have made your ‘Babushka’ style look, doubling as a hat protecting you from the bitter cold.

An important note about this look is that it is not limited to the chilly months. In Spring and Summer, it is a cute way to add design and texture to your outfit. Everyone can benefit from a playful style choice. Fashion is your unspoken personality, use it wisely.