Loving It, But Never Wearing It
Plus, my style commandments report card
Bleached eyebrows come and go, and I'm like a cat just watching when they arrive, admiring from afar but cool on trying.
Last week I wrote about ear cuffs' former subversive lives, but I find that bleached brows still genuinely maintain their edge. And no one does it like Gaga and FKA Twigs (cut to her Paris Fashion Week dystopian look that makes bleached brows look like child's play).
Before OG fashion blogger Bryan Boy got kicked out of the Valentino model lineup last week for using his phone, he shared a video of his frosty brows that I found especially chic paired with his soft pink satin turban.
We saw glimpses of a revival at last year's Met Gala and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour announcement earlier this year, but in the last two weeks—between fashion shows, the Oscars red carpet—I've spotted some striking looks that worked beautifully on those who dared. (To be fair it’s those who already have a track record of being gutsy.)
It's one of those trends I'll never actually try, but I adore it and sometimes fantasize about how it would shift my personal style or self-image if I were to jump. Maybe I’d lean into a completely monochromatic uniform.
Maybe there's hope. 🤷🏾♀️ My eyebrows are so fine and faint that you can barely see them anyway. I have to paint them on like Picasso every.single.morning. It's the one beauty step that consistently takes too long. But I’m committed.
For now, I'm really comfortable living vicariously. My backseat view is great.
Revisiting My 2025 Style Commandments
January rolls in, and suddenly everyone is deep in their "new year, new me" era. Fast-forward three months, and somehow, we’re already at the end of Q1—multiple global and national crises, and several existential journeys later.
So, it feels like the right time for some self-accountability. How well have I followed my own 2025 Style Commandments?
Here’s how I’m grading myself:
0 = Didn’t even try.
1 = I meant well.
2 = Some momentum.
3 = Winning.
1. You Shall Have No Other Wardrobes Before Yours
Treat your closet as a reflection of your style story. Care for it, curate with intention.
Score: 2– The intention part is there, but I still haven’t edited my closet down to the most optimium state that tells my style story.
2. You Shall Not Make False Idols of Trends
Trends are fun, but don’t lose yourself chasing the “It” thing of the season.
Score: 3 – Easier one for me always, but I’ve been paying a lot of attention to fashion week collections (which means I’ve been tempted).
3. You Shall Not Take the Name of Timeless Style in Vain
Timeless pieces deserve reverence—treat your trench coats, blazers, and perfect jeans accordingly.
Score: 3 – AMEN. My navy pinstripe Jason Wu wool-blend blazer is practically a second skin at this point and will now get a good cleaning and some proper storage.
4. Remember Wardrobe Self-Care Day—Keep It Sacred
Set aside time to tailor, steam, and organize. Clothes should fit YOU, not "anyone within three sizes of you."
Score: 0 – My mending and tapering pile is officially a monument. Quarterly is my new goal. (I have time blocked for the last week of March… will report back.)
5. Honor Your Vintage and Secondhand Finds
Respect the stories your pre-loved treasures carry. They’re more than just clothes—they’re legacy pieces.
Score: 3 – I should honestly get a medal for this one. Recent find: a vintage fur cossack hat that is waiting patiently for next winter. I’ve also been rocking my grandmother’s ring more often, which makes me feel closer to her when I need to.
6. You Shall Not Harm the Planet with Overconsumption
Shop mindfully, reuse creatively, and think twice before hitting "add to cart."
Score: 3 – Another easy one for me so far, but seasonal change gets me amped to buy stuff, but overall, but I’ve been scaling back and making thoughtful purchases when I do shop.
7. Thou Shalt Not Cheat by Copying Mannequin Styling
Borrow, remix, and make it yours—don’t just copy, especially with pieces you love.
Score: 3 – Always. My phone is packed with outfit experiments, street style snaps, old magazines, and way too many shots of a fictional French Netflix character whose style I’m obsessed with. Inspiration is everywhere.
8. Thou Shalt Honor the Original
Celebrate creativity. Take inspiration, but respect originality.
Score: 3 – Still holding myself accountable for supporting the creators I admire instead of just pinning their work and moving on. I’ve used this newsletter as a vehicle for that.
9. You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Closet
Be honest about what you actually wear. Let go of the “someday” pieces.
Score: 2 – There’s still several items taking up space that are basically delegates of my past lives (and waistlines). I’ve started donating and am planning a purge party, but there are still some “but what if I go to a…” items I’m struggling to part with.
10. You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Wardrobe
Instead, collaborate! Swap, share, and trade for fresh inspiration.
Score: 2 – Like I said, I’m planning a swap & sell party for late spring, so I’m claiming progress.
Now, let’s see how Q2 goes. Holler in the comments if you need moral support.
What to wear this week
A trench! I was at an event this week and spotted a stylist in this olive number.
What I’m loving
Craig Green challenges the idea that clothing is just worn—it’s experienced.
I’m not a fan of ASMR, but I find staring at this fashion engineering is my version of soothing.
Vogue Vintage Market: Smartly, Vogue is getting in on the resale and secondhand game.
What I’m reading: end of eras
Shopping & culture: The Agnès b. boutique on Rue du Jour in Paris closed this month, marking the end of a pre-digital countercultural hub that shaped generations of creatives (leaders of brands we now know and love) and defined the intersection of fashion, art, and everyday wear.
Fashion houses: Donetella Versace, 69, showed her last collection as a new creative director, Dario Vitale, was announed (formerly of Miu Miu). Her new role is Chief Brand Officer. As it’s still Women’s History Month and I’m reminded of how hard it must have been to be a woman running the brand 27 years ago right after her brother’s murder. Not without struggle, she was successful.
ICYMI
Ya’ll thought I was playing when I said fringe = joy!
Ear cuffs, but make it spring.
Mind if I borrow your Commandments? I'm on a mission to recycle / buy consignment where possible. Lovely to find you here :)
I would like to humbly submit a request to be a guest at the purge party…when you have it! 👋🏿👋🏿