Long time, no talk! If you’ve been with me for a while, you know how rare it is for me to miss a post. For over eight years, I’ve kept to a steady rhythm of sharing something new every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sure, there have been times when I posted a little later than planned—usually because of a shaky Wi-Fi connection while traveling—but I’ve never intentionally taken time away.
Until now.
Last week was the first time I stepped back. It wasn’t planned, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but sometimes life hands us moments that force us to pause. The past two weeks have been full of emotions that I’m still sorting through, but one thing is certain: the events leading up to November 3rd changed me. I know I’ll carry them with me for years to come.
Revisiting Old Footsteps
In the middle of it all, there was a trip up to the Bay Area with my brother, before heading down to Los Angeles for his wedding. Between the wedding excitement and the whirlwind of family time, we carved out a small window to visit my old stomping grounds: UC Berkeley.
Walking onto that campus felt like stepping back into a chapter of my life I both knew well and hadn’t revisited in years. We grabbed lunch nearby, the kind of casual meal that tastes better because of its simplicity, and then wandered the paths I once walked daily. The campus was as breathtaking as I remembered—majestic buildings nestled among sweeping trees, the air crisp and cool in a way that always makes you want to linger just a little longer.
It was breezy and a bit chilly, but not quite the bone-deep cold of New York City winters. The weather was perfect for layering, which gave me an excuse to bring out some of my favorite pieces.
A Palette That Sparks Joy
When the temperatures dip, I always reach for my red coat. I bought it last winter, and it’s one of those pieces that has earned permanent residency in my closet. Bold, vibrant, and full of life, it’s a coat that never fails to make me feel both warm and confident.
On this day, I paired it with shades of burgundy and a pop of canary yellow. It’s one of my favorite color combinations—rich, energetic, and a little unexpected. Red and yellow together feel cheerful and bright, while burgundy grounds the whole palette with a touch of depth and sophistication. The mix is striking without being overwhelming, and it always makes me smile when I catch a glimpse of it.
Clothing, for me, has never just been about utility. It’s about memory and mood. That red coat doesn’t just keep me warm—it reminds me of winters past, of moments of joy, of the small courage it takes to walk out the door in something bold. Pairing it with those other hues on this day felt like a reflection of everything swirling inside me: joy, nostalgia, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward.
Gratitude in the Midst of Change
Life has a way of nudging us to slow down, even when we resist it. Stepping away from my posting schedule, even for just a week, felt strange at first—but it also gave me space to breathe, to reflect, and to be fully present with the people and experiences right in front of me.
And through it all, I kept thinking about this community. About how, for over eight years, you’ve shown up—reading, sharing, encouraging, and supporting me in ways that mean more than I can ever put into words. This space wouldn’t be what it is without you, and I don’t take that for granted.
So, thank you. Thank you for your patience while I navigated these past couple of weeks. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. And thank you for being here, not just when everything is perfectly scheduled, but also when life requires a pause.
Moving Forward
As I step back into my routine, I feel both grounded and renewed. The visit to Berkeley reminded me of where I’ve been, the wedding celebrations reminded me of the beauty of family and love, and the quiet moments in between reminded me of the importance of gratitude.
I don’t know exactly what the weeks ahead will bring, but I do know this: I’ll keep showing up—with stories, with style, and with pieces of my life to share. Because even when things shift and life feels a little unpredictable, connection remains constant.
Here’s to favorite coats, bold color pairings, and the gift of slowing down when we need it most.
Wishing you all a beautiful weekend ahead—and as always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for walking this journey with me.
