If we were catching up over breakfast this morning—probably 40g of protein because that’s life now, and probably with me rummaging through a drawer trying to find a pen that isn’t chewed on—I’d tell you this: I’m in full-blown reset mode. Closet, house, business, mindset… all of it. Spring came in swinging, and I guess I took it personally because lately? Around here? It’s all about spring resets and closet regrets—because of course I took “less is more” a little too literally. Let me explain.

I went hard on spring cleaning, which felt amazing in the moment. I was ruthless. I was decisive. I was unbothered. And now? I’m standing in front of an aggressively edited closet, questioning all my life choices—while the Bearded Gent strolls by just close enough to drop a smug “told you so,” but far enough away to avoid being hit with a hanger.

Also? Our tiny-living apartment life is about to shift—expand emotionally, contract spatially. Our oldest is finishing up his first year of college (yes, HOW?), and we’re about to be a full house once again.… except it’s not the cute “buy baby hangers” kind. It’s the “where is all this going to go and why don’t socks have a home” kind.

So here’s what’s happening: I’m refreshing the closet and the home, one click and one overly ambitious Amazon cart at a time.

Spring Refresh, Closet Edition: The Regretful Minimalist

The closet purge felt like a power move until I realized I’m now left with about four pieces to choose from. And while the idea of a capsule wardrobe sounds great in theory, I’m actually just trying to find quality denim that makes me feel like a million bucks and a few pieces that will keep me cool when the Southern heat turns up to “sauna” mode.

So, here’s what’s making its way into my wardrobe as I rebuild:

• Linen pants that makes me feel like I should be writing a novel on a breezy coastal balcony. It’s breezy, neutral, and can go from errands to dinner without looking like I tried too hard. Loving this pair from J.Crew. And honestly, this whole look could be my daily uniform.

• A flattering, easy-to-wear midi dress that instantly makes me feel 73% more put together, but requires little to no effort—because we all need that kind of break. Love the classic print and flattering fit of this one from Nordstrom Rack. 

• Quality denim jeans that fit like a glove. Because, let’s be real, at this stage in life if they gap, sag, or pinch—they’re out. I love the wide-leg denim trouser look. Tailored and the wider leg gives the illusion of a smaller waist. It’s science. And I have my eye on these ones from J.Crew (going to try them on in-person so I will let you know how good they really are!)

Every piece I’m bringing in has to earn its place—classic, quality, and polished enough to handle everything from sweltering Southern afternoons to last-minute hosting without breaking a sweat (literally or figuratively).

Spring Refresh, Home Edition: A Place for Everything

Apartment life has been… cozy. Which means clutter can feel extra loud and organization has become my coping mechanism. With our oldest coming home soon and the house going from a little more quiet to laundry for seven again, I’m all about getting ahead of the mess.

Here’s what’s working for me right now:

• Under-bed storage baskets for out-of-season clothes, extra linens, or anything that doesn’t need to see daylight until October, but I still want underneath the beds to feel clean and aesthetic. I’m hoping these ones from IKEA come back in stock soon, but I also love these from The Container Store.

• Aesthetic storage bins for linens that look intentional and not like I gave up halfway through tidying. We have a surplus of extra bedding and blankets somehow and I love these storage boxes for it all.

• Wall mount in the laundry room for the mop and broom that scream “I have my life together”. Grabbed this one on Amazon.

• Water bottle storage because I refuse to lose this battle. I’m hoping this one gets the job done.

Everything needs a place, and if it doesn’t have one, it’s probably about to end up in a donation bag.

Coming Soon: The Legacy Brand Framework

Amidst all this spring energy, something really exciting is about to drop: my Legacy Brand Framework—a no-BS guide to help you cultivate a brand that actually feels right and has the staying power to match.

If you’re tired of chasing trends and ready to build a brand that actually reflects your vision—and gets noticed—you’re going to want in on this.

Leave your email here to snag it for free when it drops next week!

Life Lately: Big Feelings and Even Bigger Grocery Runs

Our oldest son, Tanner, is finishing up his first year of college (*cue the tears because didn’t we just go through taking him up to college?), and he’ll be home in two weeks. Which means I’m currently emotionally preparing myself and meal-prepping for the inevitable moment I hear “There’s nothing to eat” as he stands in front of a fully stocked fridge.

This season feels like that strange in-between where everything is shifting once again—home, family rhythms, my work, the Bearded Gent starting his business—and I’m doing my best to create some sense of order in the midst of it all. Keyword: trying.

So That’s the State of Things:

• Closet: Recovering from a purge that went a little too far. Apparently, I thought I could live with three tops and a dream.
• House: In full-blown reorg mode like I’m auditioning for a Marie Kondo TV series
• Brain: filled with 97 open tabs and debating if I should start The White Lotus or just keep pretending I know what everyone’s talking about

I hope you’re enjoying these Casual Friday check-ins—I’ve really missed them. They’re one of my favorite ways to connect, a low-pressure excuse to chat about everything from linen closets to life transitions without squeezing it all into a perfectly packaged niche. Because honestly? The internet’s starting to feel like it’s run by AI cyborgs, and I’m just here waving the flag for the humans.

See you next week, same time, new favorites pending.
– xo