February was a hard month for me. As embarrassed as I am to say it, I was laid off from my corporate job—my second layoff in two years, both due to restructures or company acquisitions. It’s been complicated.
I hesitate to admit it because I worry about how people will perceive my competency—or worse, that they’ll pity me. I want so badly to be seen and respected in the tech space, and just when I feel like I’m getting there, I get pushed back ten steps because of the state of the industry.
Candidly, I create on social media and this website hoping it will give me some level of credibility, because at times, it feels like the one thing I can control in an industry that’s so unstable. My thought process has been: If I build something really successful, it’ll be too loud to ignore. Like, if I could build my own brand, maybe I’d finally be credible enough to work on the brands I actually want to. But that’s just the self-doubt talking.
The rational part of me, which is usually louder, knows my layoff had nothing to do with me or my skill. It’s a reflection of the deep cracks and flaws in the tech industry, not my ability to navigate corporate politics or do my job. But still—I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care what others think. I’m human.
Anyway, enough wallowing—let’s get to the good, because oh my god was it a great month for culture and art. Art thrives in moments of political strife, which... yeah, these are shit times. Every day, something new comes out that feels heavy, difficult, and terrifying. But I genuinely believe better times are on the horizon—not in the immediate future, but after.
I think this is a last-ditch grab for power, at least for many tech oligarchs. Web3 and decentralized social platforms are gaining traction, and they’re scared of our collective power. A major shift is happening—maybe even a higher consciousness—and I choose to believe it’s positive.
So let’s get to some of my monthly favorites.
Beauty
This month, my go-to fragrance was Gris Charnel by BDK—a soft introduction to spring, if only in my dreams. It’s refreshing and light yet still sophisticated. It feels like a pussybow blouse; I don’t know how else to describe it. Notes of cardamom, fig, black tea, iris, vetiver, tonka bean, and sandalwood make up its composition. For me, the black tea stands out the most—something I was missing in my collection. It wears closer to the skin but still lasts a solid six hours. I picked it up at Merz Apothecary in the winter, and I’m excited to finally wear it properly.
A couple of months ago, I had to switch body washes on the fly, and Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash was there waiting for me. Since then, I’ve been hooked. It’s incredibly gentle, with a light, clean scent I can’t quite place. It also contains B5, which I suspect is why it feels so moisturizing. My dermatologist loves it, which naturally makes me love it even more.
This month’s nails were a fun twist on a classic French manicure—still timeless, but with a little more edge, making them feel far more me. Shoutout to Gigi for always creating beauty.
Experiences
I spent the first half of the month—pre-layoff, lol—in San Francisco and Oakland. While there, I got to visit one of my absolute favorite fragrance stores, Ministry of Scent. I love the depth of their selection; they have a great curation of both high and low fragrances. I picked up Jaipur Chai by Ineke, a local brand. I’ve worn this one for a while after getting a sample, so I knew it wanted to purchase a full bottle on this trip.
I also made my way to Revelation in Fit, a bra store that carries my favorite hard-to-get brand, Ewa Michalak—a brand that makes an insane push-up bra. Unfortunately, I am a product of 00s Victoria’s Secret Bombshell marketing, so from time to time, I want a bra that lifts my tits to my chin, and Ewa is just the brand for that. I also picked up a much more practical bra for errands—something I’ve really been needing these last few months.
Of course, I also made my way to my absolute favorite spot in San Francisco—House of Prime Rib. The epitome of kitsch. I don’t eat red meat, but rather get their daily fish option. This restaurant is all about the experience—over-the-top tableside salad and baked potato service, exactly what I dream of. And a generous martini pour. I always recommend going if you want to experience life as an executive during Clinton-era economic prosperity. You can watch the full vlog here.
Fashion/ Style
What a month! Spring Fashion Week kicked off, and there were some truly beautiful collections.
For a long time, I felt disconnected from the fashion industry—and, to some extent, even embarrassed about enjoying fashion because of its lack of inclusion for larger bodies. I used to think, if I can never own these clothes, why should I care about what’s being put out—even if I love it? But that feast-or-famine mindset is no way to live. So now, I try to engage with fashion in a way that feels good to me.
I love getting to watch shows when I can, and I always make time for Schiaparelli. This season’s collection (left) was stunning—inspired by 1920s and 30s antique ribbons once produced in Lyon, France, lost for centuries after the war. It also focused heavily on exaggerated waists, which—naturally—I love. So many of the pieces need to be seen in motion to be fully appreciated, but my favorite was this gorgeous dress above: the subtle movement of the beadwork, the satin, the embroidered flowers—just stunning.
And I still can’t get over how breathtaking Richard Quinn’s collection (right) was. Delicate, elevated, pure beauty, pure bliss. Inspired by the end of an evening out on the town, the show was set against a twinkling snowfall. I really appreciated the number of referential silhouettes in this collection—especially the 1940s-style dressing gown with a luxe rose accent and the velvet and tulle dress. It’s everything Chanel wishes it could be right now—elegant but playful, with strong silhouettes and a defined experience.
Home & Lifestyle
The way to my heart? Completely frivolous gifts that look beautiful on a coffee table. A friend—who loves to encourage my delusions—recently got me an engraved matchbook sleeve cover and matches from Diptyque. It’s stunning on my credenza, right next to my coffee table erotica, naturally.
Media & Entertainment
I’ve been really into Marina’s new video, "Butterfly." It’s seriously stunning—the lighting, coloring, and costuming are so elegant.
Things I Read
Americans Need to Party More
Meet the Redditors Who Spend Hours Snarking on Influencers
Trick Mirror By Jia Tolentino
Small businesses are already feeling Trump’s tariffs
The Ozempic Shortage Is Over
Things I Wrote/Created
Smells Like Hole: Scent Pairings For Every Album
Oakland & San Francisco Travel Vlog | Perfume Shopping, Vintage Shopping & Iconic Restaurants
Help me grow! Subscribe to my newsletter.
