There is something a little strange about being home this much.
If you know me, you know I’m usually somewhere. London, Paris, New York, Mexico, a hotel, an airport, a conference, a press trip-you name it. Traveling has become such a big part of my life and my business that sometimes I joke that my suitcase knows my schedule better than I do. So being back home, spending more time in Cincinnati and looking at my calendar with fewer flights and more local events has made me pause and really think about what this season of entrepreneurship is asking of me.


I’m learning how to build differently. The business landscape has changed. The rollback and reworking of DEI initiatives across corporate America has affected the way many brands approach partnerships, sponsorships and community investments. Research from Catalyst and NYU’s Meltzer Center found that 77% of organizations surveyed had adapted their inclusion efforts over the previous three years, while 51% of federal contractors reported scaling back those efforts. For entrepreneurs like me, who have built businesses through partnerships, brand relationships and creating experiences for underserved audiences, you feel those shifts.


I could sit around and complain about it, but that’s not really how I’m wired. So I’ve pivoted. Instead of relying as heavily on travel opportunities, brand campaigns and corporate partnerships, I’m putting more energy into what I can build myself. That means more events. More rooms. More experiences. More opportunities for women to connect, learn, network and pour back into themselves and their businesses. It means bringing people together instead of waiting for someone else to create the room I want to see.


That has required me to stretch. I’m hosting more events than I normally would, and while there is excitement that comes with that, there is also a lot of work behind the scenes. There are venues, sponsors, tickets, marketing, speakers, partnerships, emails, logistics and all the little details nobody sees when they walk into a beautiful room and everything looks effortless. But I’m realizing that this is also what entrepreneurship is: recognizing when the old way isn't working the same way and having the courage to build another way.

That brings me back to something I wrote recently about learning to build with intention, not just momentum. I’ve been thinking a lot about whether I’m simply doing more or actually building something sustainable. Tasha Randle has been a great resource for me in thinking through that question.

As a former Fortune 50 marketer and now strategic advisor to entrepreneurs, Tasha helps founders think through questions around how they position their business, communicate their value and make smarter decisions about where to focus as they grow.

And if there’s a business question you’ve been wrestling with, she’s opening up an opportunity to ask her directly. You can submit your business question here, and she may answer it in an upcoming YouTube video. Your name and business information won’t be shared publicly, and if your question is selected, the video response will be sent directly to you.

If you’d rather start by exploring some of her thinking first, you can also listen to her free audio guide, “5 Signs Your Value May Be Getting Lost in Translation.” It's a great place to start if you’ve been working hard but wondering whether people truly understand the value of what you offer.
Maybe this season isn't about traveling more. Maybe it’s about building deeper. Maybe it isn't about waiting for the next opportunity to knock. Maybe it's about creating the opportunity yourself.

So yes, I’m home. While I may be home more than usual, I’m not standing still. I’m building. I’m pivoting. I’m creating new rooms, new experiences and new opportunities. And most importantly, I’m learning that sometimes the biggest growth happens when you stop trying to recreate what worked before and start paying attention to what your business needs now.
This season may look different, but different doesn't mean diminished. It just means I’m building something new.

If you’ve ever heard someone mention Woodbury Common Premium Outlets while talking about shopping in New York and wondered, “Is it really worth the trip?” Well, honey, I went to find out for myself. This was my first time visiting Woodbury Common, and honestly, I’m glad I made the trip even though I wasn’t there to do a full-blown shopping haul. I was there to scope it out so you don’t have to. And let me just say this now: next time, I’m coming prepared.


We were staying in New York City and decided to take an express shuttle bus from Times Square to Woodbury Common. The roundtrip ticket was only about $50, which I thought was pretty reasonable considering you’re traveling about an hour outside of New York City. We decided to catch one of the earlier buses around 8:30 a.m. because we wanted to get there right when the stores opened. If you’re going to make the trip, I definitely recommend going early. Not only did it give us plenty of time to explore, but there was something nice about arriving before the shopping center really got busy.


And when I tell you I was overwhelmed when I got there, I mean it in the best possible way. Woodbury Common is HUGE. It’s not your typical little outlet mall where you can walk through a few stores, grab a couple of things and head back into the city. There are tons of stores spread throughout the property, including a pretty impressive selection of designer and luxury brands. You can find everything from fashion and accessories to shoes, beauty and home goods, and there are enough stores to easily turn this into an all-day shopping experience.


My biggest mistake? We did not come prepared to shop like we were going to shop. And by that, I mean we absolutely should have brought an empty suitcase. We saw people walking around pulling suitcases behind them and at first I thought, “Oh, that's smart.” Then I realized exactly why they had them. When you’re shopping at multiple stores and buying bags, boxes, shoes and clothing, having something on wheels to put everything in makes so much sense. We were only there to check things out, so we didn’t think we needed one. But trust me, if you’re planning a serious shopping day, bring the suitcase.
There were so many stores I wanted to go back and actually s


pend time in, especially the designer stores. I found myself looking around thinking, “Okay, I need to come back when I have a PLAN.” Because Woodbury Common is not the place I would recommend visiting casually if your goal is to maximize your shopping. You’ll want to know what stores you want to visit, have a budget, wear comfortable shoes and, most importantly, give yourself enough time.


Which brings me to the big question: Is Woodbury Common worth it? Based on my first visit, I would say yes, especially if you love designer shopping and outlet finds and you're willing to make the trip outside of New York City. The fact that you can take a relatively affordable roundtrip shuttle from Manhattan makes it even easier. But I would approach it differently depending on what kind of shopper you are. If you're just curious like I was, going for a few hours to explore and see what's there can be fun. But if you're serious about shopping, make a full day of it.


As for me, I’m already planning my next visit—and it’s going to look VERY different. This time, I’ll be saving my coins ahead of time, bringing an empty suitcase and rounding up my girls because I think Woodbury Common would make for an amazing girls’ shopping trip. There’s something about spending the day shopping, grabbing lunch, trying things on and hunting for designer deals with your friends that sounds like the perfect New York getaway.


So, did I buy anything this time? Not really. But that was the point. I was scoping it out so I could report back to you, and now I know exactly what I’m getting myself into. Next time, honey, I’m coming ready to shop until I drop. Woodbury Common, consider yourself warned

Apparently, you can go to your very first New York Fashion Week, live out a dream you’ve had for years, network, create some amazing content, make new connections, open the door to future opportunities, and somehow leave New York with a sprained or strained shoulder.  Would I do it again? Absolutely. In fact, if you had asked me before the trip if I would trade the experience for a pain-free weekend, the answer would still be no. My first NYFW was everything I hoped it would be, and it reminded me of something I’ve learned over and over again throughout my entrepreneurial journey: sometimes you simply have to get yourself in the room.


Going to NYFW has been on my wish list for years. I’ve watched the street-style photos, the fashion shows, the parties, the networking, the designers and all of the excitement surrounding Fashion Week and always thought, “One day, I’m going to experience this.” This year, that one day finally came. Allegiant helped get me to New York, and what started as an opportunity to attend my first NYFW turned into so much more. I was able to network, meet new people, create some really great content and, most importantly, make connections that opened the door to even more opportunities. I’m already looking forward to the possibility of coming back with even more on the table, and that is something I don’t take lightly.


I think we sometimes put too much pressure on ourselves to know exactly what an opportunity is going to produce before we say yes to it. We want to know who we’re going to meet, what the outcome will be, whether it will lead to a partnership, whether someone will call us back or whether it will immediately turn into something tangible. But that’s not always how opportunity works. Sometimes you have to show up simply because you believe there is something on the other side of that door. You have to get on the plane, walk into the event, introduce yourself, start the conversation and trust that something will come from it. That doesn’t mean every room will lead to a major opportunity, but you certainly can’t make the connection if you never put yourself in the room.


That’s what NYFW reminded me of. I didn’t go to New York knowing exactly what would happen. I went because I had a dream, an invitation, an opportunity and enough faith to say, “Let me see what happens.” And what happened was pretty amazing. I got to experience Fashion Week for the first time, I created content that I’m genuinely proud of, I connected with people I may not have met otherwise, and I walked away with conversations that could lead to future opportunities. Sometimes the biggest thing an opportunity gives you isn’t the immediate result. It’s the next door it introduces you to.


Of course, Fashion Week is also WORK. Between getting dressed, traveling around New York City, shooting content, attending events, networking, trying to look cute while walking everywhere and attempting to actually enjoy the experience, my body was definitely working overtime. Somewhere along the way, my shoulder decided it had had enough and apparently wanted to become part of the NYFW story too. I’m still dealing with a sprained or strained shoulder, but even that has become a funny reminder of just how much I packed into those few days.


I came home tired, a little sore and very grateful. Grateful to Allegiant for helping get me there, grateful for the people I met, grateful for the content I created and grateful for the doors that opened simply because I decided to go. More than anything, I’m grateful for the reminder that faith sometimes means taking the first step before you know where the entire path is going to lead. You can pray for the opportunity, dream about the opportunity and prepare for the opportunity, but eventually you have to put yourself in position to receive it.


My first NYFW may have left me with a sore shoulder, but it also left me with memories, connections, content and new possibilities. And honestly, I’ll take all of it. Sometimes you just have to get yourself in the room and trust that the right doors will open. You never know who you’ll meet, what conversation you’ll have or what opportunity will come from simply showing up. So yes, I left New York with a shoulder injury, but I also left knowing that I need to keep showing up, keep creating, keep networking and keep believing in what’s possible. And if another NYFW opportunity comes my way? Well somebody better tell my shoulder to get ready, because I’d do it all over again.

Sometimes you have to stop and really take a look at your life. Not just at where you are today, but where you started, what you prayed for, what you wrote down, and all of those little dreams you had before you knew exactly how they would happen. Well, honey I’m going to New York Fashion Week! And not just going to New York during Fashion Week. I’m going with a brand. That distinction means everything to me.


For years, attending NYFW with a brand has been on my wish list. I’ve watched the street style, the shows, the events, the designers, the creators and all of the fashion magic happening throughout New York City and thought, “One day, that’s going to be me.” I didn’t always know what that would look like. I just knew I wanted to experience it. Now, I’m getting ready for my very first NYFW. I manifested this.


But manifestation alone didn’t get me here. It was the hard work. The dedication. The early mornings and late nights. The pitching, the writing, the content, the emails, the meetings, the events, the yeses and the nos. It was the moments when I questioned whether something was actually going to work out, but kept showing up anyway. It was continuing to believe in my vision even when nobody else could see it yet.


It was building my brand for years before there was a clear roadmap for what I was trying to create. It was taking opportunities that scared me, creating opportunities when there weren't any, and learning how to bet on myself. And most importantly, God brought me here. There have been so many moments in my entrepreneurial journey where I had no idea how I was going to get from point A to point B. I just kept moving. I kept believing. I kept creating. I kept putting one foot in front of the other. Somehow, the things I once wrote on my vision board started becoming my reality.


NYFW is one of those moments, and I think that’s why this feels bigger than just fashion to me. It represents what happens when you stay committed to a vision long enough to actually see it come to life. Because sometimes we are so busy working toward the next thing that we forget to stop and celebrate the things we once prayed for. So today, I’m celebrating. I’m celebrating the little girl who loved fashion, the woman who decided to bet on herself, the entrepreneur who kept building, and every opportunity that helped me become the woman, creator and media personality I am today.


I’m celebrating the fact that I get to walk into New York Fashion Week representing my own brand. That part is pretty special. There is something powerful about entering a room you once dreamed about entering and realizing you didn’t get there by accident. You worked your way there.


If you’re following me on social media, GET READY FOR THE LOOKS, HONEY! Because your girl is coming to NYFW and we are absolutely going to have some fun with this! I already know the outfits are going to be giving. The beauty looks? Giving. The photos? Giving. The content? GIVING! But underneath every outfit, every photo and every fashion moment is a story about perseverance, betting on yourself, staying the course and trusting God even when you can’t see the entire path.


I hope my NYFW moment reminds you that the dream you have today really can become the life you’re living tomorrow. If there’s something sitting on your wish list right now something you’ve been praying about, working toward or quietly dreaming about I hope you keep going. Write it down. Pray about it. Work for it. Prepare for it. And when the opportunity comes, be ready to walk through the door.


Sometimes the dream doesn’t happen exactly when you want it to. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes it looks completely different than you imagined. And sometimes you wake up one day and realize, “Wait a minute. I’m actually living the thing I used to dream about.”
And baby, that’s where I am right now. NYFW, I’ll see you soon. Your girl manifested her way here.

One of my favorite things about Paris is that you can turn something as simple as grabbing a coffee into an entire experience. If you're looking for a chic way to start your day in the city, add a stop at the Saint Laurent Café at 8 Rue du 29 Juillet to your itinerary. Located in the 1st arrondissement, just steps from the Tuileries and surrounded by some of Paris' best luxury shopping, the café is the perfect little stop for fashion lovers who want their coffee with a side of style. The café has been known for its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and menu of espresso drinks, lattes and pastries.


My recommendation? Grab a latte, take a few photos and soak in the atmosphere before heading inside the Saint Laurent store next door. This is one of those Paris experiences where you don't necessarily need a huge itinerary. You can grab your coffee, people-watch for a little bit and then transition seamlessly into a little luxury shopping. And if you're anything like me, "I'm just going to look" can very quickly turn into "Well, I guess this bag is coming home with me." 😂


The shopping experience is what makes this stop even more fun. Saint Laurent Rive Droite isn't simply a traditional luxury boutique. The Paris location has been developed as a broader cultural and lifestyle destination, with fashion, art, design, books, accessories and special collaborations all incorporated into the experience. The store sits on the corner of Rue Saint-Honoré and Rue du 29 Juillet, in the space famously associated with former Paris concept store colette, and the current Rive Droite concept reopened in 2025 after a major renovation.
​
The pieces aren't limited to the typical Saint Laurent handbag or pair of shoes. Of course, you can browse ready-to-wear, accessories and leather goods, but Rive Droite also carries collectible lifestyle pieces and special collaborations. Depending on what's currently being featured, you might find everything from branded pieces and accessories to home and design items. The store's curated approach is part of what makes it feel different from simply walking into a department-store luxury counter.


I also love this area because you can easily turn your YSL coffee stop into a full Paris shopping and sightseeing day. Once you're finished shopping, you're right near the Tuileries Gardens, so take a walk through the gardens and enjoy the scenery before continuing toward the Louvre. You can also wander toward Place Vendôme, Rue Saint-Honoré and some of the other luxury boutiques throughout the neighborhood. This part of Paris is perfect for those days when you don't want to rush from attraction to attraction you just want to walk, shop, eat, take pictures and enjoy being in Paris.


Let's talk about the fashion moment because if you're creating content while you're there, this is definitely a stop for the camera. The black-and-minimalist aesthetic of the café and the sleek Saint Laurent environment make an easy backdrop for an outfit shoot. Wear your favorite Parisian-inspired look, grab your latte and get the content before you head inside. It's giving fashion girl in Paris without having to overthink it.

One thing to keep in mind is that the café concept and store offerings can change, so I would check the current hours and what's being featured before you go. Saint Laurent's current official listings also show other Rive Droite experiences in Paris, including the Saint Laurent Rive Droite Café at 37 Avenue Montaigne, so make sure you're heading to the Rue du 29 Juillet location if that's the experience you're after.
​
For me, that's the magic of Paris: the little moments become the itinerary. You don't always need a reservation at a famous restaurant or a ticket to a major attraction. Sometimes the best travel memories come from grabbing a latte, wandering into a beautiful store, discovering something you love and spending the afternoon exploring whatever catches your eye.


So if you're planning a Paris trip and want to add a little fashion, coffee and luxury shopping to your itinerary, put the YSL Café on your list. Grab the latte. Take the photos. Browse the bags. And who knows you might just leave Paris with a little Saint Laurent souvenir.

August always feels like a month of reflection for me. Maybe it’s because summer is starting to wind down and the end of the year suddenly feels a little closer, but I’ve found myself thinking a lot about what I’m building, what I’m saying yes to, and what I actually want the next chapter of my business to look like. This year has been especially reflective because Professional Pretty is preparing to celebrate its 7th year, and as I get ready for our October conference, I’m realizing that entrepreneurship isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about getting really clear on what matters most.


For a long time, I thought being a successful entrepreneur meant being everywhere. Say yes to the networking event. Say yes to the collaboration. Say yes to the speaking opportunity. Say yes to the partnership, the event, the meeting, the idea. I wanted to be visible, accessible and open to every possibility because you never know which opportunity could change your business. And honestly, that mindset helped me build a lot. It helped me create relationships, grow Professional Pretty, build my media career, launch events and create spaces for women that I’m incredibly proud of. But after years of doing this, I’m learning that being busy and building strategically are two very different things.


This year has also forced me to look at entrepreneurship through a different lens. The business climate feels different. Sponsorship dollars are harder to secure, marketing budgets have changed, and partnerships that may have once felt like an obvious yes can now require multiple conversations just to get to the starting line. As someone who has built so much of my work through partnerships and community, I would be lying if I said that hasn't been challenging.


I'm currently working on the 7th Annual Professional Pretty Conference, happening October 9–10, and this year's conference has really reminded me why I started in the first place. Professional Pretty was never just about putting on an event. It was about creating a room where women could learn, connect, network, build their careers and businesses, and see women who look like them doing incredible things. Because if you can see it, you can believe you can do it too. Even when things get hard, that mission still matters to me.


But I'm also learning that I can't carry every opportunity, every idea and every responsibility by myself. There have been moments this year when I've looked at my calendar and thought, Girl, what are you doing? Between my businesses, travel, writing, events, partnerships and simply trying to have a life, I've had to be honest with myself about where my energy is going. I'm learning to ask better questions. Does this opportunity actually align with where I'm going? Does it serve my audience? Does it make sense financially? Does it give me energy or take it away? And most importantly, am I saying yes because I genuinely want to do it—or because I'm afraid that if I don't, the opportunity won't come again?


I've also been thinking about how important it is for entrepreneurs to understand how we're communicating our value. Sometimes the problem isn't that your business isn't valuable. Sometimes people simply don't understand the value you're offering because your positioning or messaging isn't making it clear.


That's one of the reasons I've really enjoyed learning more about Tasha Randle and 828 Leadership Group. Tasha works with entrepreneurs and leaders to help them clarify their positioning, communicate their value and create more sustainable growth. What I appreciate about her approach is that she isn't simply telling entrepreneurs to work harder or add another thing to their already packed schedules. It's about getting clear on the strategy behind the business and making sure the right people understand exactly what you bring to the table.


Tasha has a free audio guide called “Why Sales Feel Harder Than They Should (And 5 Signs Your Value May Be Getting Lost in Translation)”, and I think it's particularly relevant for entrepreneurs who have been feeling like they're working harder but aren't seeing the results they expect. The guide explores why your value may not be reaching the people you're trying to serve and offers practical insight into how small shifts in your positioning can make a meaningful difference.


If you're ready for more personalized guidance, Tasha's Strategic Advisory Intensive is designed to help founders strengthen their messaging, clarify their strategy and create sustainable growth with confidence. Sometimes having someone outside of your business look at your positioning and strategy can help you see what you've been too close to recognize yourself. I'm learning that sometimes the answer isn't another event, another social media post or another pitch. Sometimes the answer is clarity.


As I prepare for the Professional Pretty Conference this October, I'm reminding myself that every opportunity doesn't need to be pursued and every idea doesn't need to happen immediately. I can be ambitious without being overwhelmed. I can build with purpose without constantly running at full speed.


Seven years of Professional Pretty has taught me a lot. And as I think about what's next, I'm less interested in simply making the brand bigger. I'm interested in making it better, more impactful and more sustainable. So this August, I'm choosing intention over urgency. I'm choosing alignment over FOMO. I'm choosing strategy over simply staying busy. If you're an entrepreneur who feels like you've been doing all the things but still wondering why it feels so hard, maybe it's time to stop asking, “What else can I do?” Maybe the better question is: “What needs to change?” Sometimes, that one question can change everything.

There is something about turning 40 that makes you look at your dating life a little differently. Maybe it's maturity. Maybe it's experience. Maybe it's finally realizing that the person you think someone could become is not the same person they are right now. For a long time, I was guilty of dating potential. I could meet someone, see the good in them, recognize what they could be, and then convince myself that if we just had more time, more communication, or more patience, everything would eventually fall into place. But I'm realizing that potential is not a relationship. A person actually has to show up as the person they're telling you they are.


I've always been a hopeless romantic, so this lesson has not exactly been easy for me. I'm the woman who wants to believe in love, partnership and the possibility that two people can grow together. I've also historically been someone who didn't spend a lot of time in the dating phase. If I liked you enough, I could pretty much decide, "Okay, you're my man now." 😂 Looking back, I can see how quickly I sometimes moved from attraction to attachment without giving myself enough time to really get to know someone. Now, in my 40s, I'm trying something different: I'm actually dating.


Dating has taught me that chemistry isn't enough. I can be attracted to you. We can have great conversations. You can make me laugh. We can have amazing dates and undeniable chemistry. But if your actions don't match your words, eventually all of that starts to mean very little. I'm no longer interested in spending months trying to decode someone's behavior or convincing myself that mixed signals are actually a sign that someone is just scared to be vulnerable. At this point in my life, I don't want to be someone's detective.


I want consistency. I want someone who does what they say they're going to do. I don't need constant communication or someone who has to text me every five minutes, but I do want to know that the person I'm dating is intentional. If you say you're going to call, call. If you want to see me, make a plan. If you care about me, let your actions demonstrate that. I don't think that's asking for too much.


I also want someone who is emotionally available. This has become increasingly important to me. I'm not interested in trying to convince someone to open up, communicate or make room for a relationship. We're grown. We have all lived enough life to have baggage, heartbreak, disappointments and experiences that shaped us. I'm not expecting perfection, but I am expecting self-awareness. I want someone who can communicate when something is wrong instead of disappearing, shutting down or making me guess.


Yes, I want someone who has their own life. I've worked hard to build mine. I have a career, businesses, travel, friendships, family and passions that matter to me. I'm not looking for someone to come along and complete me because I already have a full life. I want someone who adds to it. Someone who has goals of their own, who is excited about what they're building and who understands that two independent people can create something beautiful together without either person losing themselves.


I also want peace. This might be one of the biggest differences between dating in my 20s and dating in my 40s. I used to think that butterflies, uncertainty and intense chemistry meant something was special. Now I'm learning that sometimes those feelings are simply anxiety. 😂 I don't want a relationship that keeps me guessing where I stand. I want something that feels safe, exciting, passionate and peaceful at the same time.


I'm also no longer interested in shrinking myself to make a relationship work. I love to travel. I love beauty, fashion, wellness and experiences. I'm ambitious. I'm independent. I'm sometimes extra. I have opinions. I have dreams that are bigger than me. The right person isn't going to make me feel like those things are too much. I want someone who celebrates them and has enough confidence in himself to let me shine without feeling threatened by it.


Most importantly, I'm learning that I don't have to date someone simply because I see their potential. Potential is wonderful, but potential belongs to the future. I'm dating the person standing in front of me today. Who are you right now? How do you treat people? How do you communicate? How do you handle disappointment? Are you kind? Are you honest? Are you intentional? Do you have the capacity for the relationship you say you want?


Those are the questions I'm asking now. I'm still hopeful about love. In fact, I might be more hopeful than ever. But my hope looks different now. I'm not looking for someone I can fix, save or convince. I'm looking for a partner who is already doing the work of becoming the person they want to be. And if that person happens to live in another city—or another country—well, thankfully, I have a passport. In my 40s, I'm not dating for potential anymore.


I'm dating for partnership.

There is something about the transition into fall that makes me want to completely refresh my wardrobe. Maybe it’s the return of layers, richer colors, boots, handbags and all those little styling details that make getting dressed feel exciting again. As someone who loves fashion but also loves being practical about what actually makes it into my closet, I’m always looking for trends that feel wearable and can work beyond one season. This fall, the runways and early-season collections are giving us plenty to play with, from rich burgundy and suede to updated tailoring and romantic details.


First up: rich burgundy and those delicious fall colors. I am absolutely ready to bring more burgundy, merlot, chocolate brown, paprika and deep red into my wardrobe. Burgundy in particular is having a major moment, and I love it because it feels like a neutral without actually being black or brown. I can already see myself wearing a burgundy sweater with dark denim, a deep red handbag with an all-neutral outfit or even a monochromatic look with different shades of wine. It feels sophisticated, grown and very much like a woman who knows what she likes. And let's be honest, I'm always here for a color that makes an outfit look expensive without requiring much effort.


The second trend I'm excited about is suede. Suede feels like one of those materials that instantly makes an outfit look more elevated and intentional. This season, I'm looking beyond the traditional suede boot and thinking about suede jackets, handbags, loafers and even accessories. Suede bags in particular are showing up as a major fall direction, with relaxed shoulder bags and larger silhouettes replacing some of the tiny bags we've been seeing everywhere. I'm especially drawn to chocolate, camel and burgundy suede because they can make even a simple jeans-and-sweater outfit feel like a whole look. And if you're trying to build a fall wardrobe without buying an entirely new closet, a great suede bag or jacket is one of those pieces that can do a lot of work.


Third on my list is relaxed tailoring. I'm officially ready to retire the idea that dressing polished means being uncomfortable. Fall 2026 is bringing a more relaxed approach to tailoring, with designers playing with softer, easier silhouettes while still keeping that polished, powerful feeling. Give me an oversized blazer, wide-leg trousers, a beautiful button-down or a structured jacket that I can throw over almost anything. I love a good outfit that can take me from a meeting to dinner without requiring a complete change. The key for me is balancing the volume; if I'm wearing a relaxed blazer, I might pair it with a fitted top or a more streamlined bottom so the outfit still feels intentional.


Lastly, I'm bringing a little romance into my fall wardrobe. Lace, feminine details, beautiful textures and unexpected touches are having a moment, and I'm here for it. Fall fashion doesn't always have to be dark and serious. The 2026 collections are playing with romantic references, lace, historical-inspired details and more expressive styling. I love the idea of taking something traditionally feminine, like a lace-trimmed blouse or romantic skirt, and styling it with something more structured or unexpected. Pair a delicate top with a leather jacket. Wear a feminine skirt with a chunky boot. Mix soft and edgy. That's where fashion gets fun.


What I love most about this fall's trends is that they don't require me to become a completely different person. They're pieces I can actually incorporate into the wardrobe I already have. I'm in my 40s, and I've become much more interested in personal style than simply following every trend. I want fashion to feel like an extension of who I am: confident, feminine, playful and sometimes a little extra.


So yes, I'm ready for fall. Give me the burgundy, the suede, the relaxed tailoring and the romantic details. I'm already mentally planning the outfits and honestly, I can't wait to see what makes it out of my closet and onto Instagram.

When I started my GLP-1 journey, I knew the conversation would be about weight loss. What I didn't expect was how much it would change the way I think about wellness as a whole. For me, this journey has never been just about a number on the scale. It's been about feeling better in my body, making healthier choices, moving more, drinking more water, paying attention to how I feel, and finding wellness practices that make me feel cared for along the way.


One of the things I've incorporated into that routine is lymphatic-focused bodywork. Back home in Cincinnati, one of my favorite places to book a session is Viva Body Sculpt. I've been going to Viva because I love the way I feel afterward. Their focus is on body-sculpting wellness services, including lymphatic-style treatments, and clients commonly describe leaving feeling lighter and less puffy.


If you're new to the term lymphatic drainage, it's essentially a gentle technique designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Your lymphatic system plays an important role in fluid balance and immune function. Unlike a traditional deep-tissue massage, lymphatic work is generally much more focused on gentle, intentional movements. Some people seek it out because they experience temporary puffiness or fluid retention, while others simply enjoy the relaxing, refreshed feeling afterward.


For me, it has become especially appealing during my GLP-1 journey. When you're eating differently, losing weight, traveling, exercising, and making significant lifestyle changes, your body is going through a lot of transitions. I've learned that I don't want my wellness routine to stop at what I eat or what medication I'm taking. I want to think about the entire picture of how I'm caring for myself. And that's where treatments like this fit into my routine—not as a magic weight-loss treatment, but as self-care.


I want to make that distinction because a lymphatic treatment isn't going to magically make GLP-1 weight loss happen faster, and it isn't a substitute for nutrition, movement, hydration, or medical care. Any immediate change you see on the scale after a bodywork session is more likely to reflect changes in fluid than actual fat loss. What I personally notice is that I feel less heavy and less puffy, and my body feels like it has had a reset.


I've also learned that the best wellness routines are the ones you actually enjoy enough to continue. For me, that might mean Pilates one day, a long walk another day, making better choices with food, getting enough water, or booking a treatment at Viva Body Sculpt. It's all part of the bigger picture.


One thing I appreciate about my sessions at Viva is that it feels like an intentional pause. I'm constantly traveling, working, creating content, running businesses, and trying to keep up with life. Sometimes sitting still and allowing someone else to take care of me for an hour is exactly what I need.


And yes, I love the beauty side of it too. There is something about leaving a wellness appointment feeling refreshed, taking a shower, putting on your favorite body oil, and getting dressed that makes you feel like you've gotten yourself together again. But the real beauty is how much better I feel.My GLP-1 journey has taught me that wellness doesn't have to be one-dimensional. It's not just about losing weight. It's about learning to listen to your body and figuring out what helps you feel your best.

​For me, lymphatic treatments have become one small but meaningful part of that journey. And when I'm back in Cincinnati, Viva Body Sculpt is one of the places I go to reset, recharge, and give my body a little extra love.


As always, if you're taking a GLP-1 medication or have a medical condition, talk with your healthcare provider about whether lymphatic treatments or other bodywork are appropriate for you.