RETRO CHIC REVIVAL

Currently in My Taxi Driver Era (But Make It Fashion)

living my taxi driver era minus the violence, plus excessive journaling and caffeine dependency

Like Travis Bickle, but instead of plotting chaos, I’m just aggressively writing “dear diary, wtf” at 3 a.m., surviving solely on caffeine… plus — let’s be real — way better taste in jackets.

Because if I’m gonna lose my mind at ungodly hours, at least I’m doing it looking like a mix between an indie movie character and someone who just “accidentally” won best dressed at coffee shop therapy.

1. The “Running Errands, But Existential” Jacket

A sporty, color-block jacket like this one is perfect for when you have deep thoughts but still need to pick up oat milk and your dignity from the store.

Pair it with:

a mini skirt (the shorter the skirt, the longer the existential spiral) chunky sneakers black sunglasses to hide the “haven’t slept since Thursday” eyes

Bonus points if you mutter “you talkin’ to me?” at your reflection in shop windows.

2. The “Main Character Breakdown in Aspen” Jacket

Faux fur drama — because if you’re gonna question your life choices at 3 p.m. over a sad cappuccino, you might as well do it in full luxury breakdown mode.

Pair it with:

micro mini skirt sheer tights (because mental stability is optional but aesthetic isn’t) loafers that scream “trust fund baby who ran away”

Perfect for walking through freezing streets pretending you’re in a Lana Del Rey song.

3. The “I May Be Spiraling But I’m Still Cool” Jacket

An oversized leather jacket that says “I’m tough” but the coffee cup clutched in your hand says “please validate me.”

This is the jacket you throw on when you have no idea what you’re doing, but at least your outfit is doing something right.

Pair it with:

messy hair (extra points if it’s unbrushed but chic) white socks + clunky black shoes sunglasses indoors — because, obviously, your future is too bright (or because the lights are too much after your fifth coffee).

Conclusion:

You may not know where you’re going, but at least you’ll look cinematically confused getting there.

And if Travis Bickle had a better jacket, maybe things would’ve worked out better for him too.

Now if you’ll excuse me, my diary just texted me “wtf?” back.

From Needles to Novels (and Blazers): The Risk That Changed Everything

Was it easy? Absolutely not. There were tears. There were existential crises. There were moments when I stared at verb conjugations like they had personally wronged me. But there was also coffee. So. Much. Coffee.

Once upon a time, I was the girl who knew how to insert IVs before I could walk confidently in heels. I studied nursing in high school, mastered vitals, and could tell you what muscle you pulled just by how dramatically you complained about it. Then I started an associate degree in anesthesia—because what’s more glamorous than scrubs and night shifts, right?

But somewhere between memorizing drug dosages and learning how to literally put people to sleep, I realized something: I wanted to wake up. I wanted more than hospital halls and latex gloves—I wanted language, creativity, and let’s be honest… a solid excuse to wear statement blazers on weekdays.

So I took a risk. A big one. I dropped everything to study for the English teaching exam. No backup plan. No guarantee. Just me, my books, my coffee, and a dream.

Fast forward to now: I’m a primary school English teacher. A happy, slightly chaotic, grammar-loving teacher who lives for storytelling, sticker charts, and correcting “their/there/they’re” like it’s a sacred duty. I spend my mornings teaching phonics and my evenings planning outfits that say, “Yes I’m the teacher, but I could also be walking a Paris runway if recess duty didn’t exist.”

Trading syringes for sentence structure wasn’t just a career shift—it was a personal style evolution. Now my classroom has as much personality as my closet. Dresses and high-knee boots? A power combo. Bright cardigans, midi skirts, a little sparkle on casual Fridays? Mais oui. Just because I’m teaching the alphabet doesn’t mean I can’t serve looks doing it.

And the best part? I don’t regret any of it.

This risk changed everything. Nursing taught me discipline. Fashion taught me expression. Teaching taught me joy. I didn’t just change careers—I rewrote my story with better dialogue, stronger main character energy, and a lot more color.

So if you’re stuck in a storyline that doesn’t feel like you, here’s your reminder: it’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to want something different. And it’s definitely okay to chase a life that feels more you—even if that includes grammar lessons and a killer shoe collection.

Take the risk. Rewrite your plot. And don’t forget to wear something fabulous while doing it.

Breaking News: Perfection Is Cancelled (And I’m Not Mad About It)

Spoiler alert: I was stressed. Tired. And honestly? Kinda annoying. Even to myself.

There was a time when I thought everything I did had to be flawless. Like, if I wrote something, it had to be Shakespeare. If I wore something, it had to be Vogue-approved. If I started anything new, I had to be instantly amazing at it.

Spoiler alert: I was stressed. Tired. And honestly? Kinda annoying. Even to myself.

Now?

Now I’m besties with failure. Not in a “please ruin my life” way—but I finally get it: failing means I tried. And trying is way hotter than pretending I don’t care.

Perfection? C’est un piège. A trap. A soul-sucking, progress-blocking illusion that makes you think if it’s not immaculate, it’s not worth it.

But guess what? I’m over it. I’ve started choosing action over aesthetic. Messy effort over polished fear. I’ll take cringe over regret any day.

I used to freeze the second something felt too big or risky. Now I just laugh, roll my eyes at my dramatic inner monologue, and do it anyway.

Because done is better than perfect. And failed is better than never tried.

So here I am—still a little chaotic, still a little impatient—but no longer chained to the idea of perfection. If something flops, it flops. If it flies, amazing. Either way, I’m proud I showed up.

And that, my friend, is what growth looks like—with a side of sarcasm and maybe a little caffeine.

**And let me tell you: not trying hurts more than failing. At least failure has a story.**

How I Unwind After a Demanding Day (Because Collapsing Dramatically onto My Bed Isn’t Always an Option)

give me comfort and chaos in equal parts

Ever had one of those days where your to-do list looked like it was written by a supervillain? Oui, moi aussi. As much as I’d love to be the kind of mysterious, effortlessly cool girl who just “takes a bath with essential oils and forgets the world,” I’m more of a “give me comfort and chaos in equal parts” kind of gal. So here’s how I actually decompress after a long day of teaching, creating, overthinking (professionally), and probably misplacing my keys three times.

1. Scrolling Through My Pinterest Boards

It starts innocently. “Just one pin.”

Two hours later, I’ve mentally redecorated my entire apartment, planned a 12-step skincare routine I’ll never follow, and saved 38 outfits I’ll probably recreate using exactly none of the clothes I actually own.

Pinterest is basically my visual therapy session. C’est mon safe space. It’s like my brain, but prettier, calmer, and has way better lighting.

2. Reading a Book (Or Pretending To, Until My Phone Distracts Me)

There’s something magical about getting lost in a book… unless your brain insists on reading the same paragraph five times because it’s busy replaying an awkward moment from 2017. Still, I try.

Lorelai Gilmore once said, “I live in two worlds, one is a world of books.” Same, babe. Only difference is I sometimes fall asleep on mine.

3. Watching My Favorite Series or Movies

Some people watch new shows. I rewatch the same comfort series on an endless loop. There’s something healing about knowing exactly what’s going to happen — no plot twists, no betrayal, just me, my blanket, and dialogue I can quote better than my own résumé.

Whether it’s Stars Hollow, Dunder Mifflin, or a cozy Parisian rom-com, I’m there.

4. Listening to Music (a.k.a. My Main Character Moment)

You know when you walk home with your headphones in, it’s dark, and suddenly you’re in your own music video? Yeah. That.

Whether it’s moody French indie (bonjour, Angèle), early 2000s pop (hello, nostalgia), or Beyoncé reminding me I’m THAT girl — music heals. Sometimes it even inspires a spontaneous solo dance party in my kitchen. Which brings me to…

5. Dancing & Exercising (Sometimes Both, Sometimes Just Jumping Around Like a Muppet)

I don’t always feel like moving, but when I do, it’s basically therapy with a beat. There’s power in sweating out the stress — even if I look like a caffeinated flamingo trying to follow a YouTube workout.

Bonus points if I’m wearing cute leggings I only pretend are for yoga.

6. Writing in My Diary

Journaling is my sacred little ritual — where I spill all the tea to myself.

It’s part therapy, part confessional, part brain dump. No judgment, no filter, just vibes. Some pages are full of poetic reflection, others just say “WHY AM I LIKE THIS???” twenty times. Both are valid.

So voilà, that’s how I unwind. No fancy retreats or perfect routines — just little rituals that make me feel like me again. And if that involves watching a rom-com while journaling in activewear I didn’t actually exercise in?

C’est la vie.

Tell me — how do you unwind after a long day? And do any of your routines include 2am online shopping you’ll regret by sunrise? Asking for a friend (me).

Venus Gemini Closet Confessions: I Dress Like My Mood Swings (and That’s the Point)

— in five languages, with jazz hands. I don’t dress for the occasion. I am the occasion.

You know when people say, “Fashion is self-expression”? Well, my outfits are basically yelling — in five languages, with jazz hands. I don’t dress for the occasion. I am the occasion.

There’s a rare joy in hearing someone say,

“I’d never wear that… but it actually looks amazing on you.”

That’s not just flattery — that’s full-on soul nourishment. It means I trusted the chaos in my closet and somehow it translated into something meaningful. Or at least something that made someone pause and go, “Wait… why does that work?”

But here’s the thing — I’m not dressing up just for the compliments. I’m dressing up because it makes me feel good. That’s where my idea of wellness begins. Not in a perfect morning routine (which, let’s be honest, I never fully stick to), but in those tiny choices I make every day that tell my body, my brain, and my energy: You matter.

Wearing colors that lift my mood? Wellness.

Choosing fabrics that feel like a hug? Wellness.

Taking a long walk while mentally planning outfits I may or may not wear this week? Still wellness.

It’s not always about looking put-together. Sometimes it’s about getting out of bed, brushing your hair, throwing on a wild outfit that makes absolutely no sense and saying, “This is enough today. I am enough today.”

My version of self-care isn’t always quiet — sometimes it’s loud, vibrant, and comes with mismatched socks and lip gloss at 8 a.m. It’s also eating food that doesn’t bloat me (no more school lunch, thank you), moving my body because it craves movement, and learning to listen when my soul says “slow down.”

I’ve realized something lately: dressing like myself, living like myself, loving like myself — it’s not indulgent. It’s healing. It’s what happens when style meets self-respect. And yeah, maybe my closet’s a little chaotic. Maybe I am too. But I’m taking care of myself — inside and out — and that makes all the difference.

So no, I don’t follow trends. I follow feelings. I follow intuition. I follow the version of me that isn’t afraid to be a little too much in a world that keeps asking us to tone it down.

Because in the end, I’d rather be remembered as “the one with the wild outfits and the peaceful energy” than someone who ticked all the boxes but forgot to check in with herself.

Fashion, for me, is self-care with glitter on top. And I’m here for every second of it.

Signed with love, good energy, and possibly mismatched earrings,

Mix & Match

Choosing Myself First: The Art of Being Considerate Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Style)

Being considerate is a virtue, but if it means hiding who you are, then maybe it’s time to consider being a little less considerate and a lot more you.

One decision I made that helped me grow — and by grow, I mean evolve from “a nice person trying too hard” to “a person who does whatever they want and doesn’t care” — was realizing that I didn’t have to constantly be considerate of everyone else’s opinions. Sure, I always cared about how others felt, and yeah, I’d bend over backwards to make people comfortable. But at some point, I realized: I’m not a yoga instructor, I don’t need to be this flexible.

There was a time when I’d adjust my outfit based on what I thought would make others happy. Like, “Oh, this jacket makes me feel cool, but will people think it’s too much?” Or, “Is this bold color going to give off ‘trying-too-hard’ vibes?” Meanwhile, the universe was like, Just wear the jacket. You’re not auditioning for a role on a teen drama. (And honestly, who needs approval to wear sequins? No one, that’s who.)

At some point, I had a quiet moment of clarity (probably while looking at my wardrobe full of unworn items because I was too worried about what people thought), and I realized: Being considerate is great, but not at the expense of my own happiness. So I started choosing myself first. My outfits? They’re mine. My thoughts? They’re mine. And the best part? No one has to like them. Except me. I’m the only one who has to wear these shoes.

Now I’m just out here, doing my thing. If you like it, awesome. If you don’t, that’s your problem. And let’s be real — I’m too busy wearing what makes me happy to even notice. So, I’m choosing myself, and it turns out, it’s a pretty good decision. Maybe not life-changing, but at least it’s less stressful than pretending I care if someone thinks my very colorful sneakers are “too loud.”

Unwavering Support: The Quiet (and Occasionally Loud) Power of Family Love

Basically, I’m a walking plot twist.
But somehow, my family? They just roll with it. Like emotional seatbelts.

You know what’s fun? Changing your whole life every six months because you got “a feeling.”

You know what’s even more fun? Having a family who doesn’t check you into an institution every time you do it.

Let me explain.

I’ve switched jobs, routines, dreams—sometimes like I’m switching outfits before a night out. One moment I’m convinced I’ve found the one (career, goal, passion project, lunch recipe), and the next I’m crying into my pillow because surprise—it wasn’t the one, and now I’m rebranding my entire existence… again.

Basically, I’m a walking plot twist. But somehow, my family? They just roll with it. Like emotional seatbelts.

Even when I make them scream into the void (probably in private), they never actually let go.

There have been days where I couldn’t even deal with me.

Where my own reflection was like, “Girl, are you okay?”

Where I was pushing everyone away, not texting back, changing plans, changing goals, changing my mind every 12 minutes… and yet—my family showed up. Quietly. Consistently. Without needing an apology or a full explanation. (Okay, maybe a few explanations. And a coffee.)

That kind of love? C’est rare. Et ça compte. Big time.

It’s not always soft and fluffy. Sometimes it’s them telling me, “You’re being dramatic but we love you anyway.” Sometimes it’s a hug. Sometimes it’s food magically showing up when I’ve clearly hit rock bottom (or just skipped lunch again because I was spiraling on a Pinterest mood board). But it’s always there.

That’s the thing—support doesn’t always look like a grand gesture.

Sometimes it’s just someone believing in you when you’re a human rollercoaster of chaos, ambition, self-doubt, and coffee-fueled overthinking.

So here’s a big merci to the people who hold space for us when we’re not our best. Who don’t say “I told you so” even when they totally could. Who love us through the job changes, the glow-ups, the breakdowns, and the let’s just delete everything and start over phases.

Et si vous êtes that person for someone? You’re basically a superhero. No cape required. Just snacks. And maybe some patience.

As for me, I’m still out here evolving, messing up, reinventing, and chasing dreams like they’re running from me. But knowing my family is behind me—even when I’m a tornado with a to-do list? That makes everything feel a little less impossible.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a new idea to chase… and a family group chat to reassure. Again.

*Honestly, I’ve been more dramatic than this ride.*

5 Everyday Things That Bring Me Happiness

it’s easy to overlook the small, everyday moments that quietly bring joy

5 Everyday Things That Bring Me Happiness

Life moves fast. Between teaching, working on my blog, staying healthy, and just trying to keep up with everything, it’s easy to overlook the small, everyday moments that quietly bring joy. But lately, I’ve been making an effort to slow down and appreciate these little things — les petits bonheurs quotidiens — that make life feel lighter and more beautiful. Here are five simple things that genuinely bring me happiness every single day:

1. My Morning Coffee Ritual

There’s nothing like that first cup of coffee in the morning. The warmth in my hands, the comforting smell, and the calm that comes before the busyness of the day — it’s my little ceremony of peace. Je prends un moment pour moi, just to breathe, sip slowly, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. Sometimes I even pair it with a podcast in French to ease into the language while enjoying my favorite brew.

2. Listening to Music While Getting Ready

Getting dressed isn’t just about looking good, it’s about setting the vibe. I love putting on a playlist — whether it’s chill R&B, a soft indie mix, or even some French chansons I’m trying to learn the lyrics to. La musique me donne de l’énergie, it lifts my mood, and makes even rushed mornings feel a little more joyful. It turns my daily routine into something creative and fun.

3. Fresh Air Walks After Work

After being indoors most of the day, especially at school, stepping outside for a short walk is like pressing a reset button. I don’t always go far, but just moving my body, getting some fresh air, and watching the sky change colors as the sun goes down does wonders. C’est un moment pour moi — no pressure, no phone, just me and my thoughts. Sometimes I even take photos of the sky or the little things I notice around me. It reminds me to be present.

4. Journaling or Note-Taking on My iPad

Whether it’s planning my week, writing blog ideas, tracking habits, or just venting a little — putting my thoughts down helps me stay grounded. I love the feeling of digital journaling on my iPad; it’s smooth, aesthetic, and flexible. Je peux tout organiser visuellement, and it gives me a sense of clarity. Some nights I write about my goals, and other times I just scribble whatever’s on my mind. It’s a small act, but it brings me peace and motivation.

5. Meaningful Conversations

Not every day has time for long heart-to-hearts, but even a short voice message from a friend, a sweet text, or a funny meme exchange can lift my spirits. Les connexions humaines sont si importantes. I love moments where I feel truly seen, heard, and connected — even if it’s just a little chat in between busy hours. Those small connections remind me that I’m not alone and that support can come in many forms.

It’s not always the big milestones that bring happiness. Often, it’s these little moments — quiet, simple, almost invisible — that fill our days with meaning. Quelles sont les petites choses qui vous rendent heureux chaque jour ?

One Place, A Thousand Lessons

Sometimes the place you walk through becomes part of who you are.

Back in high school, I wasn’t just studying from books — I was learning life firsthand. I was in a nursing program, and while my friends were writing essays, I was taking vitals, assisting patients, and navigating the real world of hospitals. One of the most unforgettable chapters of that time? Working in a hospital in Beyoğlu, just steps away from the iconic Galata Tower.

This hospital, nestled among the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, gave off such vintage vibes. Think tall windows, echoing hallways, and nurses in crisp whites walking through century-old corridors. Every day after my shift, I’d step outside and be greeted by the nostalgic charm of Beyoğlu — a place where old meets new in the most effortlessly stylish way.

And honestly, I loved being alone there. J’adorais être seule dans ce quartier. I would walk the winding streets slowly, coffee in hand, watching people pass by — artists, tourists, locals with stories written on their faces. It felt like I was living in a movie, each scene unfolding with a certain softness and quiet beauty. That solitude wasn’t lonely; it was empowering. It gave me space to think, to feel, and to dream.

That environment didn’t just teach me how to care for others; it evolved my aesthetic. Surrounded by vintage architecture, moody cafés, and timeless street style, I started noticing details more — textures, silhouettes, contrasts. I began mixing classic pieces with modern ones, drawing inspiration from the elegance of the past and the edginess of the present. C’était une vraie révélation.

Now I’m a teacher — a totally different path, but one still rooted in connection, communication, and inspiration. And those quiet walks in Beyoğlu? They still walk with me. They taught me to observe, to listen, and to appreciate the little things — all of which shape not only the way I teach, but the way I dress, express, and exist.

Beyoğlu became more than just a place; it became a metaphor for my approach to fashion and life: timeless, layered, and full of character. And even now, years later, I still carry that movie-like magic in my everyday.

The Most Fun Way to Exercise? Let Me Spill the Tea!

…Seriously, it changes everything

The Most Fun Way to Exercise? Let Me Spill the Tea!

Let’s be honest—exercise isn’t always the first thing we want to do. But what if I told you it could actually be fun? Oui, c’est possible! For me, the secret weapon is simple: I watch my favorite series or movies while I work out.

Seriously, it changes everything.

Picture this: I’m on the treadmill or doing some squats, and at the same time, I’m catching up on the latest episode of a drama I’m obsessed with. Time flies, I sweat it out, and I actually look forward to working out. Win-win!

Pourquoi ça marche ?

Because it keeps my mind entertained while my body is busy. It’s like giving yourself a mini reward while you move. Instead of watching Netflix on the couch, I watch it while getting stronger, leaner, and feeling good.

Some days I do a quick 20-minute Pilates session with a rom-com in the background. Other days, it’s a full leg day while watching something dramatic (trust me, the plot twists power me through the pain!).

Tip for you:

Create a workout + watchlist combo.

• Pilates or stretching? Try a cozy rom-com.

• Leg day? Choose something with suspense—you’ll forget about the burn!

• Cardio? High-energy shows help keep the pace.

Honestly, this little habit helped me stay consistent, especially on those lazy days when I just wanted to chill. And let’s be real, ça fait du bien de bouger un peu tout en kiffant un bon épisode.

So if you’ve been struggling to enjoy working out, try pairing it with something you love. Your body and your mood will thank you.

Et toi ? C’est quoi ta série préférée du moment ? Maybe I can add it to my list!