1-11-2026 MY WEEK: walking the walk

we just ended the first full week of 2026 and sib and i simply had to make our first purchase of the year. damn, even after i said no more polyester - the shopping parasite within me screamed and cried and threw a fit while we were replacing our watch batteries and exchanging christmas gifts for appropriate sizes. it hissed, "go to charlotte russe. they have a sale on shoes. i know you're going to like the brown faux leather ones". i tried to protest, reader. i really did. "but i already have real leather boots".

"but these ones have a chunky heel. you and sib just have to mix and match. who else would be the cutest sibling pair for your upcoming winter outings?" sib and i shrugged in hesitation, "plus" the parasite continued, "the people will love to read about how you style them". 

you see, i thought of others before me. i thought of sib, and you guys! okay, sib and i state, this is it. one and done - get it out of our systems, but we will no longer enter the evil polyester lairs in the mall. we won't be seduced by sweet perfumes and nostalgia; we won't try and fill the void of last minute forever 21 shopping. that died along with the store!

i present to you my inculpatory evidence - i plea guilty. these adorable chocolate boots have a bright future - the only pair in size 7.5 for both sib and i. and they're destined to be walked in.

here's some ways i will weaponize these corrupted soles:

to break away from cabin fever, and any urge to go shopping, we were saved with an unusually warm day. sib and i got to take our first walk of the year.

a feature of sib during our weekly walk. 
bundled up in style, no?

friday nite we said our "goodbyes" and "see you soons" to bestie victoria, who is venturing out to wisconsin, for a two-year journey into the true midwest. currently in plans to figure out the best time to visit. i already miss her.

hung out with a friend for a girl's nite of appetizers and espresso martinis, and an unexpected nite out. thank god i listened to my stylist - sib - who encouraged me to overdress both figuratively and literally, it was getting chilly. sib just wanted to play dress up because she's recovering from a cold. people - there's good fashion out there. no matter how much i want to judge the small town on the lack of fashion sense when going out, i am working on that "glass half full" mindset, and focusing more on the rare gems than the usual disappointments. i saw a girl in ed hardy y2k head-to-toe, another girl with a long scarf and leg warmers which i thought looked adorable (her ensemble was very dark earthy tone), a girl with a beautiful off-white wrap cardigan, and wonderful shoe choices all around.

and for a sunday treat, perhaps not a martini - sib made us key lime overnight oat treat, in a martini glass.

this week's looks

no skirts for the week, heavy on the hats. texture and structure dictated, and i made sure nothing stays boring. layering is key. i had fun with oversized blouses this week the most. 

a retro kind of monday - layered and warm (toned). forever 21 mustard ribbed top, forever 21 vest, vintage slacks, naturalizer loafers, vintage wool hat, leather blazer jacket, metallic hobo bag.

draped with a subtle edge for tuesday - striped blouse with shades of white and violet - tibi wide leg cropped pants. doc martens with embroidered hearts, white ushanka, vintage leather bag and jacket.

wednesday was a rare moment at work that i chose to wear sweatpants. i led chair exercises for the clients, so i got to dress comfier than usual. i think the leopard print cotton top and the accessories made this a cute simple look. a refined y2k style moment?

thursday's androgynous look was my weekly fave. oversized blouse, and long cargo style pants, at first may seem boring - but i added the pearl tie necklace, another cool mix of gender norms (pealrs + ties), grey beanie, and white platform boots. navy puffer jacket and two braided pigtails. work look.

thursday nite i dressed up just like my mom for our afternoon walk. cotton oversized shirt, sweatpants and walking shoes. stayed in this fit for dinner with boyfriend. we got chinese buffet. you know that's the time when comfort trumps any other fashion rule.

friday was another more casual look - with some colorblocking. for work i wore a muted purple sweater, vintage mom jeans and my pumas. elevated it all with a trench coat and my tote bag. 

friday night for our hangout with bestie victoria i chose a wicked mix of material and texture. wool sweater (thrifted ralph lauren), faux leather pants and leather jacket, beaded purse and my pumas. really enjoyed the pops of pink - a bright statement.

saturday's nite out called for a melani safari archived look - this extremely plunging neckline with cargo pants, and per sib's request, pvc block heel boots. pop of red with the mini telfar, statement jewelry, and leopard print zhivago hat. the hat stayed on even while dancing.

and for sunday's grocery haul, i threw on just about the first things in my closet: puma top, corduroy pants, ugg slippers and my puffer. large scarf that basically dubbed as a headcover too.

what am i looking forward to this week?

the days feel like they're dragging now, and with the cold weather, most of my plans will probably involve with staying at home. i'm in the mood to do my nails, so keep an eye out for some nailspo next week.