September
Life works in mysterious ways. I always seem to get the most net-new projects right before I leave for a trip which usually means I’m overworking until the day I leave. In an effort to not catastrophize, I’ve been trying to reframe my mindset in thinking “at least I have such a strong influx of projects right now”. An Instagram post I saw recently further supported this : “what a blessing it is to be tired from work you once prayed for.” Sometimes all it takes is a reminder that child me would be in awe that I can call what I do “work” to snap me back to reality. Being able to travel to places like Mexico City for work, exercise my creativity, and work with the most incredible brands…How lucky am I?
Other than being a crazy work month, September also brought some new motivations around health, life, and creativity. Fall always brings a feeling of renewal and intrinsic motivation to do something, channel my energy somewhere. To make space for that, I’ve been thinking about what my intention for the season is and what achieving it would look like.
Health
Whenever life or work gets busy, I start paying less attention to how my body feels and what it’s asking for. I finally took some time off and decided to take a little break in Mexico City which was a great reminder that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be this regimented, complicated thing. Sometimes it just means an extra hour of sleep or eating a wholesome breakfast before you start your day.
I’m making it a goal to learn more about nutrition, fitness, and how to actually listen to my body this autumn. Will definitely be including it as a subject in my Fall Curriculum.
Creativity
My recent trip to Mexico City was filled with art, architecture, history, and a little bit of fashion (always). I went in with the intention of “creative inspiration” and the things I did paired with the much needed break gave me a renewed sense of what I want to focus on and how to move forward once I’m home. I also recently read Grace Abbott’s article on excuses you’re making not to do your creative work and it was a great reminder of the energy I felt when I had first started my creative business full-time. Although I’m actively trying to lean away from the “workaholic” tendency I developed alongside it, I am excited to refocus my energy into being a creative.
Re-wearing
As I’m inching closer and closer to my international move in March of next year, I’ve also been thinking more about what I use, wear, love the most and what things I’m planning on getting rid of.
has been the queen of closet purging lately so our “purging calls” are always such an inspiration for me to minimize my own unworn pieces as well. That’s a pro tip if you ever feel like you new a wardrobe makeover—get on a FT call with your bestie and have them walk through your pieces with you.Traveling always is a wake up call that shows me how little I need to be happy, especially since I learned to pack light. My carry-on luggage has seen way more miles than any of my checked-in pieces and it’s been such a relief not having to worry about losing baggage and walk-ups with no elevator.
I’ve worn my Uniqlo x JW Anderson jeans to death since I got it. They recently released a few new colors too. I got them 1-2 sizes up to create the perfect relaxed straight leg jean. I’m also a firm believer in investing in good knitwear now because this Soft Goat sweater has been a go-to for 4+ years now. I’m still contemplating the Tank Air cami because my Garage cami gets SO much wear but for now, it’s still the perfect base piece. Since I got this off shoulder top from Free People, it’s been a staple throughout the summer. I think it’ll seamlessly carry over to autumn as well.
Wishing for
This Almina Concepts cardigan has been on my wish list for 3 years now but I keep thinking that I want to invest in some more basic sweaters first before I bite the bullet on this one. She is a classic through. Realistically I’ll probably spend my fashion budget on their v-neck sweater or their classic oversized wool/cash sweater. The Seour Windor Coat has also been on my list for over a year now but this will probably be something I’ll shop when I’m in Paris.
Thinking about
How to tie in creative inspiration from all the art forms that I love (architecture, art, history, culture, film, music) into what I do. I miss collecting architecture and art books but all that will have to wait until I’ve settled down in Europe.
Going to
I tried Community Goods which apparently in infamous for their Matcha. It’s 100% worth the hype but I don’t know if I would line up again.
While in CDMX, the exhibit I loved the most ended up being the Fundacion Casa Wabi space. I actually didn’t have this spot prioritized on my list but it was close to Biblioteca Vasconcelos which I visited on the same day. So glad I went.
Consuming
My feel good show right now is Étoile on Amazon Prime. It’s about two ballet companies (one is Paris, the other New York) who do a transatlantic swap of their top talent in order to reignite the public’s excitement for the arts. Loving it so far, it’s an easy watch.
Ayan Artan’s How to be a critic - As someone who shares her thoughts and opinions online, there’s a certain art to critiquing that I’m trying to learn. Ayan prompts us to think about how we can talk about our own ideas on a topic while still tying it back to a larger picture of what’s going on around us.
Milk and Cookie’s 10 small anchors I return to when everything feels chaotic - I love reading Ayushi’s introspective posts and personal growth tips. This one really hit home for the period right before my trip as I tried to gather myself after a stressful month.
Snapping
Next up
I’m pretty excited to work on my CDMX recommendations soon but I also want to share my packing tips for anyone who’s looking to travel more with a carry-on. If there’s anything else you want to read about, would love to hear your thoughts.