Before Bowie was born, and our business was still experiencing so many growing pains I was having a particularly stressful time. I was constantly worried about cash flow and stressed about how I wanted to have children but it wasn’t happening. Everything seemed heavy and dark. I started meditating and journaling a lot as it was the only thing that helped give me some clarity and perspective. One day as I was writing out my dreams yet again I suddenly had that impulse to write ‘we are going to have a year abroad in Europe’. Just writing it out gave me a sense of excitement. It was something vague in the future and I had no concrete plans for it at all. It was just fun to imagine this hypothetical self when the everyday became too much. So there was no pressure around achieving this goal and it was an escape fantasy that made me happy.

In hindsight I had no idea that this set the wheels in motion for my life to change in ways that would make this random dream a reality.

After years of trying and when I finally gave up and made peace with having no kids, I got pregnant with Bowie. That was a huge wake up call for me to re prioritize my life. I decided I wanted to be more present for Bowie and delegated the last two roles I thought I would never let go of. Obviously that also came with a price but our business ran much better and I was able to enjoy time as a mom. Abundance comes in many forms and I chose abundance of family time.

When it was time to choose a preschool for Bowie, a friend of mine pursuaded me to tour the local french bilingual school. I was hesitant about private school and French just seemed random for us. But after the tour I was completely sold on the philosophy and couldn’t fathom not having a multilingual child. Also the french curriculum they were teaching was shared among a network of around 500 schools worldwide. So if you took a year off you could still keep the school curriculum consistent for the kids if you stayed in this network. Looking back, this decision played a key role as we were surrounded by families who moved continents and it was not out of the ordinary to see kids come and go and the kids seemed to adjust pretty easily.

After a while there was a miscarriage and then we had Joona. Each time my body went through something profound I was again forced to re prioritize. And every time I chose flexibility, freedom, and family. We hired proper, serious, talented, amazing people to do each of the roles we were delegating. By the time I looked up we had a company that was running smoothly without me or Kevin physically running the day to day and two kids who were growing up quickly. I realized my dream of going abroad for a year also included giving my kids that experience and to make this enjoyable and not traumatizing (i.e. before Bowie turns into a teen) the window of opportunity was closing quickly.

Our first choice was Japan and we even visited the French bilingual school in Tokyo. But it was going to be very difficult to get a visa. The next choice was Italy. We were going to try Torino but the digital nomad visa did not extend to your kids so it would have been pointless. So we landed on Paris. The visa was relatively easy with our situation and thinking back now it was a blessing in disguise and thats how it was meant to be. We already were familiar with the city, have loads of friends here and we do a fair amount of work here as well. Also, everyone somehow comes through Paris and I am expecting to see my westside friends here more than I saw them in LA.

Long story short, if you have a lofty goal just put it out there and one day you will look back and marvel at how things unfolded without you even knowing it.

My rules of thumb for sale shopping are as follows:

• Is it filling a gap in your wardrobe that you are often thinking about? (Kind of tricky if you like uniform dressing but for me I will by another pair of black pants if it is a very different shape or material than what I own)

• Does it easily integrate with most of my existing closet?

• Did I seriously consider buying it at full price and the only reason I didn’t buy it was the original retail price?

• Identify at least one item in your closet that you are willing to let go of in its place. Keeps things concise and fresh.

That being said here are my sale favorites from the store so far.

The perfect pair of black pants. I like a uniform and a nice pair of black pants is a part of that rotation. There are so many different shapes and weights right now: Lightweight drapey mens-y foldover from Dries, or a compact 90s minimal crop from Tibi, or even this amazing sculptural sweatpant from J Kim.

A bag or accessory that can make your uniform dressing a bit more interesting and exciting. Auralee chic mini bucket bag, or this Dries scarf. Also love this J Kim headscarf. Sophie Buhai never goes on sale but somehow this amazing donut ring is there.

I don’t buy a huge amount of bright color normally but I tend to do more in the summer for vacations and events. Like the perfect red silk Rohe dress, this bright Dries slip dress, or this fiery metallic sandal.

Never under estimate the power of a shoe to uplift a simple look. For me this season I really love a good flip flop. This Cordera one gives just the right amount of height and sculptural interest. Also these mm6 loafer heals are just perfection.

Shorts that can be worn across seasons. This oversized belted one by Dries. Lean into the oversize and size up. Still obsessed with this Comoli skort. Another timeless skort that looks like the perfect knee length pleated skirt from CDG.

I love a good piece of outerwear. More pricey so there is even more incentive to get a good one on sale. Very tempted by this oversized bomber by Tibi. Also loving the cropped and mini blazers recently. Like this mini MM6 jacket or this shrunken and intentionally slouchy one from Dries. This CDG zip with peplum is also quite good. And the trench I get complimented on every time I wear.

Obviously there are so many more things that I covet but this was in my top. Hope you all find some gems.

They look so cool as an object but probably confusing and/or intimidating on the hanger. Which is totally understandable. I took this as a challenge to style it in different ways. Dressy to casual. Day to night. The key for me was to keep the top cropped so it doesn’t interfere with the volume happening at the waist.

For the dressiest option I chose a silver heeled sandal by Dries. They are so comfortable for the height and also for getting in and out of. Paired with the knit and gauze layered top and the buttery lambskin crop jacket by Our Legacy. The top is really stunning and artisanal. For the bag it’s the Margiela chain wallet. A super versatile bag.

For the semi casual look I chose the Paloma Wool leather thong sandal. It has a small block heel so you get like an inch or so of height and very comfortable. Worn with the J.Kim bathing suit and cropped shirt by Hommegirls. Tote bag is by Amiacalva . And it was fun to layer it with the ruched flower pot bag by J. Kim. She said it was inspired by her grandmothers flower pots and is the perfect pop of color to a neutral palette.

Can also be worn with just a simple boatneck top

For the most casual option I chose the Studio Nicholson double buckle slide(which I own and will keep forever). The cut of the pants works with any kind of shoe which is nice. Worn with the cropped fleece jacket by Agolde. . Also wearing this amazing Sophie Buhai ring.

So here are just the very very top picks that I have used for about a month now and would definitely buy again when I go back. Most of these products you can still get in the US. (Hoping those tariffs stay away). But the formulations might be different and the price is likely to be much higher.

1. The MVP of this whole post is this PDRN cream by Rejuran. Out of the blue I

   have been getting the most insane cystic acne around my chin area and nothing has been helping. Topical creams, diet, red light, extractions, HRT. Nothing worked. It was really stressing me out. But then I tried this cream for one day and immediately the next morning the acne was subsiding and after a couple weeks it’s almost gone. Just the scars and pigmentation left. The rest of my face is glowing like I had the actual Rujuran treatment(The salmon sperm injection facial). It was $11 a tube at duty free. There are several different brands that are similar. Just make sure it is a PDRN cream. They sell out quickly so if you see it you should just buy it.

   

2. Acnon cream. This is a cream for cystic acne. The combination of Acnon and the Rejuran cream has been saving my skin. About $10 at pharmacy.

   

3. Which brings me to the next product called Noscarna. It’s a scarring cream and works well with acne scars. I don’t have first hand experience with this as I havent used it too long only a couple weeks off and on but a lot for people say it really works. So hoping I can update this in a month or so. $13 at pharmacy.

   

4. Domina cream. It’s for hyperpigmentation and freckles. I got this for my sunspots under my eyes and have been using for a month. And it works really well. I already see it lightened a few shades. Seems like a must have if you live in a place like LA. $28 at pharmacy.

   

5. Joseon Beauty Sunscreen. If you have tried this you know how good it is. SPF50 and it just soaks into your skin. You can buy in the US but now they are banning a key ingredient(Bemotrizinol) that is used in Korean and European sunscreens. So if you want the original formula you should buy it in Korea. Also, even though it’s pretty affordable here in the US it is much cheaper in Korea. $9 at Olive Young.

   

So how do we style a capri? I would say just wear in place of your denim and it will probably work. Oversized, fitted, cropped it all works. If you are not used to being so body con just tie something around your waist.

First look is with this very effortless cool cotton jacket by Jacquemus. Love the sculpted sleeves and belted detail in the back. Jeans are 1981 Acne, a low rise baggy of course. I am wearing a 26(my normal size) but I would size down as it runs a bit big. Shoes are St. Agni and they are perfect minimal kitten heel slide. The pony hair is great to add a new texture.

Capris are Amomento and the size 0 is a bit loose on me. So maybe size down for these pants as well. They are so comfy and a bit longer than the other capri options we have so a good way to try this style out. Would also look great with just a tank and a a button up shirt.

Second look styled with the ribbed bandeau top and matching cropped cardigan by Auralee. Sold seperately but so cute together. The bandeau can be worn as a belt too if you want a bit more ccoverage around the waist area. The Amomento lace skirt is such a great styling piece to have. You can layer it pretty much over anything and elevate your look.

Worn here with the Toteme version. They are a more compact tighter knit so they definitely hug your body. Fits true to size. Legs are more cropped and slightly higher waisted. Waistband is a pull on. Very flattering yet still quite comfortable. We also have the short length version of this by Tibi if you want a nice version of a biker short.

Next I am wearing it with the Toteme suede shirt jacket. Very easy and straightforward.

And here it is with the fanciest version of the capri. It’s by Jacquemus and it is a proper pant. Double button and zipper closure with a very high waist. Button options at the bottom cuff. The fabric is the sturdiest and most luxe of the three and also the most snatched.

Some outtakes: Jacquemus lambskin clutch with removable chain, The Row bare sandal, the most beautiful Jacqumeus woven mule, Margiela two way t shirt, Hai pearl necklace, Simuero silver ring, Toteme minimal belt.

I love traveling so much but now that there are two kids to also pack for I have so little brain capacity to really think through and plan my packing. Like maybe ten minutes max to throw some things in a bag and get in the car before a meltdown happens. And hope that I packed the right things. So this is when following a formula is really helpful.

Choose three tops, three bottoms, three shoes. Work within a color palette. Bring extra accessories like different kinds of socks, bags, hats, jewelry. Be mindful of the places(Palm Springs) , activities(pool, restaurant, zoo) and weather(warm but windy).

1. Three tops: sheer white jacket of my dreams ( makes any outfit amazing), white t shirt, black jumpsuit that can be worn in a multitude of ways. (On its own, as a high waisted pant, low waisted pant, as a jumpsuit over a shirt, as a scarf/shawl even)

2. Three bottoms: black pleated skirt(the fabric is sporty but also dressy), jeans(the perfect straight wide fit), light grey crispy nylon pants(wear it low or high on your waist thanks to the elastic back)

3. Three shoes : sneakers(mule sneakers are my true weakness), slides(birkenstocks but the nice version you will never feel sloppy in), low wedge sandal(look put together while chasing down kids)

4. Extras: black swimsuit that can also be a bodysuit, sweatshirt(these Smock zip ups are my favorite at the moment. I wear XS) in case it gets chilly. Don’t have pics to show here because I wore this the most and is currently in the wash.

5. Accessories: big tote, casual tote (for pool or picnics), little purse(when your husband carries the kid bag), some fun jewelry like this choker

6. The color palette: (surprise surprise!) black, light grey, white. Denim and bright sneaker as the pop colors.

Lots of options to put together looks from casual to semi dressy, pool to zoo to dinner.

This week I put together a capsule wardrobe to give you some ideas to manuever through the fluctuating temps and occasions. Kind of like meal prepping for busy and highly functional people but for your closet.

Here is the rundown.

Bottoms: a white skirt because white is a year long color, wide denim jeans (an always staple), pleated print trousers(am wearing the ML for the length, i adore the colors here), a stunning sheer long black skirt by Cecilie Bahnse(this is an emotional piece and one to cherish, online soon).

Tops: a mesh gathered waist t shirt by Acne(in store only, has a zip and honestly such a versatile piece), a Heather grey minimal swimsuit/ bodysuit by Toteme(also in store only), charcoal grey puff sleeve cardigan(signature Lemaire silhouette), a cropped heather grey hoodie(the detail in drape is amazing and made of the softest jersey), a boxy black blazer(Acne in store only, this is one of my favorite blazer fits). Not pictured but would add in a white tank top and a white baby t also.

Accessories I kept very simple.

Shoes: The thicker outsole loafer this season by The Row(in store only), Tabi cowboy boots by Margiela(I never wanted a pair of cowboy boots until i tired these on, you can size down if between sizes), high heeled ankle strap shoe by Dries(obsessed with the heel), very functional and chic sandal by St. Agni.

Accessories: The one strap back pack type bag by Jacquemus (so cute and functional), a nice simple wide belt, Acne camera type bag, brown cap by MM6.

And still feeling the silver at the moment, I chose a few statement pieces to brighten everything a bit. Triple ring set by Completed works(wear seperately or together), spiral hoops by Nomia(lightweight actually, online soon), wide cuff also Completed Works, trusty link bracelet by Gabriel Artigas.

Based on these items we can put together a plethora of looks to suit your needs and mood. The key is choosing pieces that all go together and also make sure there is a variety of textures and layers.

Here are some casual, daytime, warm temp options.

Cooler, nighttime, dressier options.

Some other in between type options.

I ran out of time but you can keep going. Looking back at the edit I would have added a button down shirt like this(Flore Flore the makers of your favorite t shirt are also doing shirting) and a brown belt like this one.

Have a great weekend and hopefully I see you again next week ✨✨

Here are some loose principles I like to follow when putting together a limited wardrobe for a trip.

1. The color palate must be cohesive so everything can be paired back to each other. It’s sometimes easy to just pick one or two colors. But for me that would get really tiring after a few days so I would normally choose two colors and a print that works with both. And of course denim.

2. Figure out loosely the types of garments you might need. For this hypothetical capsule wardrobe I chose a couple dresses or skirts, jeans, a couple shorts, tank tops, a couple big shirts, swimsuit. And for shoes and accessories I chose comfy walking shoes, flat sandals, and sandals with a tiny heel.

Kitten heel thong by Toteme, boat shoe by Rachel Comey, flat sandals by Beatrice Valenzuela, pearl earrings and single pearl necklace by Sophie Buhai, pearl strand by Hai, ring with gem Simuero, hat by Clyde,sunglasses Chimi.

3. Be creative in how you wear things. Many tops can be worn backwards. Use a hair tie to cinch things. Pull a skirt up to make a dress. Wear a swimsuit as a top. Make a skirt out of a shirt etc. also borrow from your clothes horse husband. (A different topic I should explore one day).

   This long dries shirt was styled on the runway with the tails tied in back but there are a few more ways to wear it. Shorts by Agolde, cardigan by Cordera.

   This Gimaguas wrap skirt skirt can be pulled up to be a mini dress. Also I used the hair tie cinch and tuck trick to make my one shoulder swimsuit (on sale) into a tube top. Jeans are new Jacquemus with a really cute flare.

   Another thing you can do with a hair tie is to roll the top part of a slip dress down, cinch with hair tie and tuck it to make a skirt. Linen slip dress by baserange, knit top by Shaina Mote (on sale).

   This little Jacquemus top is so cute. Here it is worn backwards. Silver ring and bracelets by Gabriela Artigas.

   This jacquemus print shirt is a regular kind of boxy fit and can be worn with everything in different ways. Black pull on pants from Ganni would be perfect travel pants. Another option is these from Deiji.

   A cardigan or sweater/sweatshirt is a must for travel and the only requirement here would be that it goes with most of your other items. Like this one from Cordera. I would choose one more pullover option like a sweatshirt or slim knit like this.

I kind of ran out of time but I would also add a red top like this one or this, a black tank top, and another short like this boxer .

Hope this helped those of you are on your way somewhere and are overwhelmed with planning looks and packing for trips. ❤️

Here is what caught my eye yesterday in the store. I was drawn to crisp whites, light creamy taupes, and silver accessories to go with a golden summer tan. When I really don’t have the extra energy one of my go to strategies is mono chromatic dressing.

I made a selection of pieces that would seamlessly go with each other depending on your mood, the time, place, occasion etc. anything from walking the dog, play date at the park, business lunch, girls dinner, date night. It all has to be covered.

First up, this Lauren Manoogian bra top and shorts(on sale too). As soon as you put it on you cannot take it off. It’s like wearing the softest hug. These pieces are great to wear as loungewear. The shorts are great for under sheer skirts or short dresses. And the bra top can be worn backwards(like in the pic) for more coverage or straight for a very deep u neck.

Worn with the Lauren Manoogian net skirt. On sale here. And the nude flat Margiela ballerina.

Threw on this cream corduroy blazer by Toteme for a slightly more dressed up moment. The corduroy is very soft and lightweight so it could be worn in the summer in the blasting AC or at night when it cools down. Shoes are my favorite summer go to nude kitten heel thong also by Toteme. (FYI we only sell this brand in store.)

Crisp and sturdy but also lightweight Girls go Dust cargo pants. They have adjustable strings at the hem so you can change the shape depending on your shoe or your mood. I love the oversize silhouette. Shoes are by Jacquemus. The footbed is padded and the heel is about 2.5 inches and very comfortable. The gold hardware adds a bit of bling.

The Girls of Dust net pullover is great for layering in the summer. Cute for the pool too. Worn with Acne purse. The purse is cracked leather which makes it less precious than smooth. The strap is also adjustable.

Toteme is one of my go to to brands for timeless minimal pieces. The pieces that have a very low cost per wear even though they are on the pricier side at first. Jeans, belt, sleeveless tee, blazer, sandals, all Toteme. The jeans are the twist seam full length and I am wearing a couple sizes big in this pic.

Another brand that does a similar job with slightly more interesting details is Tibi. This cropped Tibi shirt can be worn open like a jacket as well. The shirring detail in back makes it a little more special than other cropped shirts out there.

London based brand Hai makes accessible and romantic clothing and accessories. I don’t normall buy alot of these girly pieces but there is something very timeless about Hai. Like this knee length skirt in raw silk. Really loving the knee length skirts at the moment. And this cropped blouse in the same material is also so cute.

In my world, a perfect wardrobe must contain some blue denim. So I chose this Agolde mid thigh short. The rise is mid as well so it is flattering on many bodies. The raw hem adds a chill factor to any look.

I love when an item of clothing can be worn multiple ways. Like the Lauren Manoogian skirt as a dress.

Here is a look at the rack. Imagine if you had a rack like this in your closet picked out every week. No drama or stress every morning. I would add a one piece swimsuit like this one that can double as a bodysuit, a pair of sneakers and a tote bag to make it vacation proof too.

Silver favorites: Ring, bracelet, chain necklace by Gabriela Artigas. Nautilus cord necklace, nautilus ring, small hoop earring by Sophie Buhai. The cord necklace can be worn as a bracelet or anklet as well.

Thanks for reading til the end. Let me know your thoughts. ❤️