10 recent hyperfixations

Inflamed, Uninformed, and Overdressed: A Comeback Post Nobody Asked For

Back from my unannounced sabbatical.

It was unpaid, unapproved, and proudly sponsored by Tylenol and low-grade panic. Let’s catch up.

Thanks for your patience in waiting for my anticlimactic comeback. It’s a long story why I disappeared—but the TLDR is: I had a cold. That cold triggered a massive inflammatory reaction, which landed me on a quick vacation at the hospital. Since being discharged, I’ve been feeling better and better each day.

Chicken noodle soup was pivotal in my recovery. Sadly, it didn’t magically cure me after the first bite… weird. I also didn’t appreciate feeling like trash while being bullied by my Apple Watch to get active, especially when I was barely able to lift my head.

When you’re in the hospital (for whatever reason), you have a lot of time to think and reflect. You also have time to binge-watch the shows you’ve been neglecting—my selections were the Brett Favre documentary on Netflix and White Lotus seasons 1–3.

I spent a lot of time thinking about how you don’t always appreciate things until they’re taken away from you—even if it’s just temporarily. I missed work. I missed getting dressed. I missed making dinner (what…?). I missed hanging out with the kids in the pool. I missed writing. I missed the ability to go outside and stand directly under the sun. So many little things.

I’ve also been thinking about how I take care of myself. About how I need to prioritize rest, sleep, slowing down, and eliminating unnecessary stress and pressure. When something like this happens, it reminds you: your body will tell you when it’s had enough. And mine definitely did. Learn from my mistakes, gang.

Although I’m feeling stronger each day, I want to ease my way back into this creative niche I love so much. As much as I love wearing basketball shorts and an XL cotton tank top from a random vacation spot (think Outer Banks), I missed the feeling of getting dressed, feeling good, and creatively putting pieces together. Sooooooo I hope you don’t mind sticking with me as I slowly make this “epic” comeback. I know my usual schedule was Tuesdays and Saturdays—right now, I’m aiming for once a week. I don’t want to put pressure on myself to commit to a specific day just yet, but as I continue to feel better and regain balance in the basic life stuff, I’d love to get back to a more consistent space.

I’m basically like Michael Jordan when he issued his iconic “I’m back” statement in 1995, returning to the NBA after his baseball retirement. Then again, I’m not. I’m a just a Mom who writes about fashion and makes herself laugh far too often.

10 Recent Hyperfixations

A hyperfixation is an intense focused interest on a specific topic, activity, and in this case fashion-related item. I’ve hyperfixated on some hilarious things over the years:

1. Paleo diet (it was literally my identity)

2. Marathon running (I even had the sunglasses…. you know what I mean…)

3. A 19-step skincare routine (It was unnecessary and caused pimples)

4. Decorating my classroom to resemble a Pinterest board (It was very colorful and abrasive)

5. Recently, my bloodwork results (AI is not a doctor)

As you know, the good news is I like to hyperfixate on trends/fashion/good stuff. Let’s take a peek at some things I’ve been loving over the past few weeks (both before and after my illness). I considered sharing pictures of how absolutely heinous I looked during recovery — it was kind of hilarious compared to my usual “put together” vibe — but I didn’t want to post images that scream, FEEL BAD FOR ME. So please, don’t feel bad for me.

So let’s ease back into this…..

1. Madewell Sweater Polo

Madewell Sweater Polo (On Sale!)

I wore this sweater polo before my sick sabbatical and loved it. It’s definitely made of a thicker material, so it won’t work for the hottest days, but it’s perfect for cooler summer nights. I paired it with white jeans and ballet flats for a super cute look.

A weird flex about this shirt? The side slits. I’m not sure why, but they let the shirt drape and move beautifully when you wear it.

Madewell Sweater Polo // White Denim // Ballet Flats (Similar)

2. Hoka Clifton Sneakers

Hoka Clifton Sneakers (Color: White/Cielo Blue)

I needed new sneakers—and I usually gravitate toward Hoka sneakers. This color combo, White/Cielo Blue, is gorgeous. I prefer the Cliftons over the Bondis because they have a little less cushioning. I randomly found this cool color combo at Anthropologie and have been loving (and wearing) them ever since. I like that Anthropologie sometimes offers more unique color combos than the basic Hoka website.

Also, to keep them shiny and white - don’t forget a shoe cleaner from Amazon!

3. J.Crew Stratus Shorts

J.Crew 7” Stratus Shorts

I am so loving the long-shorts trend this summer. These J.Crew Stratus Shorts with a 7” inseam is the PERFECT length, in my opinion. I wore them to work today and felt both comfortable and professional. I have them in this super fun lime green color.

There’s also a super fun lace-trim pair (slightly shorter) that I think are so cool.

White Tee // J.Crew Stratus Shorts // Mesh Ballet Flats (SALE)

4. J.Crew Embellished Ballet Flats

These J.Crew embellished mesh ballet flats are the REAL DEAL and on SALE. I sized down half a size in my pair! I had bought a pair of embellished ballet flats from Steve Madden a few years ago. I hated that after the first wear a lot of the studs fell off. I wore these to work and not a single sequin left the station. Will be wearing these on repeat this summer.

J.Crew Mesh Flats (SALE)

5. Hourglass Unlocked Mascara

Hourglass Unlocked Mascara on Amazon!

Can’t stop reaching for this Hourglass Unlocked Mascara. When you're recovering from being sick, you need all the help you can get to add a little life back to your face. I put this on today and realized it really does give the illusion of lash extensions. I start with an Amazon L’Oreal Mascara Primer and then layer this on top.

Here’s my steps: 1: L’Oreal Primer 2: Let it sit for a minute or so on my lashes 3: Layer the Hourglass Unlocked Mascara a few coats (~3) 4: Crush your day. No eyelash extensions needed!

I've mentioned it before, but it's a tubing mascara—so when you wash it off at the end of the day, it comes off in little chunks. You might panic and think your eyelashes are falling out, but don’t worry—they’re still firmly in place.

TRUST ME — it’s that good. A little bit if a splurge for a makeup product, but well worth it.

6. J.Crew Shirt Dress

J.Crew Shirt Dress

I love a crisp white shirt dress. I wore this pre-illness and layered a red sweater to add a little pop. This one definitely runs big. I sized down one and probably could’ve sized down two. The drawstring at the waist is functional so I use this to synch it at the waist.

J.Crew White Shirt-Dress // Red Sweater (Similar) // Espadrille Shoes (Similar) // Gold Earrings

7. Babydoll Tie Details (Dress & Tank Tops)

White Babydoll Dress (runs short - so make sure that’s something you’re comfortable with before you add to cart!)// Yellow Babydoll Tank Top // Purple Babydoll Tank Top (blue/white color on SALE)

I’m loving the babydoll details on dresses and tank tops this summer. They add such a fun, feminine touch to any outfit… Even peplum style shirts are back! Whether it’s a dress or a tank top! I have the ones shown in this picture, but I’m also obsessed with this one from J.Crew.

J.Crew Tank // White Denim // Target Sandals

8. Tailoring My Clothing

As I’m trying to decrease (or eliminate) my spending habits this June, I decided to take some of the clothing I love—but that just doesn’t fit quite right—to the local laundromat to get tailored! Trying everything on in a tiny changing room (that most patrons could probably see into through the curtain) was definitely a pain, but it was so worth it.

So many older dresses, shorts, and tanks that I used to love now fit perfectly again! It’s like having a new wardrobe… ish. I had to be picky—I only invested in the pieces I knew I really wanted to wear again. I think I brought about 13 items, and the total came to around $150.

9. Madewell Eyelet Top

Madewell Eyelet Top

I love this Madewell eyelet top. I’ve seen it worn as a top with jeans (see the way I styled it below) and even worn as a coverup over a swimsuit! It’s super light. I layered a simple white tank under it so I could wear it to work.

Madewell Eyelet Top // Brown Denim (Similar) // Black Sandals

10. Madewell Straw Bag

Madewell Straw Tote Bag

Love this Madewell straw bag. I wasn’t sure at first, but it’s grown on me. It’s floppy and doesn’t have a ton of structure. I like wearing it as a regular tote or slouching it and wearing it under my arm (see image below). The leather straps and gold detail make it look very high end! 10/10.

Wearing the straw Madewell bag “slouched” under my arm. Feeling v trendy.

Alright, that’s ten things I’m loving to hold you over for now! I’m so glad to be back—and thank you immensely for your patience while I was away. If you had no idea I was even gone, let’s just pretend I’ve been here all along. Looking forward to landing in your inbox again next week!

What were your favorites from this post? What’s one item in your wardrobe that makes you feel human again—even when you feel like a tissue with legs?

Love you guys! xo,

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