how you wear it, not what you wear.

all you need is a tiny bit of care. you don't need much to look "polished"

Ever find yourself on the subway or in your car at a red light, watching people cross the street or waiting for the streetcar, and think, “Wow, with just a bit of extra care…a quick brush through the hair, a pressed shirt, pants that fit—they’d look so refreshed”? Not like runway models, but just… more put-together.

Let’s be real: we all have days when we roll out of bed and hope for the best. Life is unpredictable, and we’re all facing our own challenges. This isn’t about judging anyone’s circumstances or dismissing the weight of what they might be carrying. I get it. Some days, just getting out of bed is a victory. But on the days when you do have a little more to give—when you can spare those two extra minutes, it’s amazing what a difference it makes. A quick de-lint of your black denim, a steam sesh on that white shirt, a swipe of wax on that messy bun, and suddenly you look and feel more put-together.

It’s not magic! It’s maintenance. A little effort can go a long way toward boosting your mood and your confidence. And while it might catch other people’s eyes, the real win is how you feel: a little brighter, a little more energized, a little more ready to take on the day.

designer outfit? think again. thrifted cotton men’s shirt for $12.99. H&M white jeans $29.99 & some Amazon.com golden hoops for $17 (a pack of 6).

Let’s clear something up: looking good isn’t about dropping thousands on designer jackets, trendy boots, or handbags with logos big enough to be seen from space. It’s about looking polished. That’s it. You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to have a six pack. You just need to look put together, feel healthy outside and inside. It’s mind blowing how it’ll make you feel that entire day.

Step one: wash your hair, get rid of that oily scalp vibe. Or if you’re not in the mood (we’ve all been there), at least style it, slick it back, put it in a cute ballerina bun, add a claw clip, whatever says “intentional” instead of “chaotic.” Throw on some golden earrings and BAM. Tres Chic.

Step two: wear clothes that fit you and make you feel! Not the version of you from five years ago, not the fantasy version in your head, but the person you are right now. Wear what makes you feel strong, seen, and comfortable in your own skin. Clothes aren’t just fabric (says the one that literally melts when she touches a cotton shirt that’s as smooth as a cloud) they’re signals, choices, and reminders of how you want to show up in the world. So wear what makes you feel grounded, confident, and real.

This sounds SO intense, I know. But it’s true! That little glimpse in the mirror on your way to a meeting, catching your reflection in a store window as you grab groceries—those moments add up. And what you’re wearing in those moments can either pull you into yourself or push you away.

Are you in clothes that hug your body like they know you? That move with you, not against you? Clothes that don’t pinch or pull or whisper you don’t belong here every time you adjust them? Or are you wearing something that makes you feel like you have to shrink, hide, or apologize?

When your clothes reflect who you are now, not who you think you should be, something subtle but powerful shifts. You start showing up. Not just walking into a room, but really arriving.

And here’s the part no one likes to talk about but everyone needs to hear: dress for your body shape and size. Not what’s trending on Instagram. Not what your friend with the totally different build wears. Embrace what suits you. If you’ve got curves—highlight them with structure, not smother them in oversized sacks pretending to be “streetwear.” If you’re tall, short, straight, round, whatever the shape, there’s a way to dress that brings out your best features without needing Spanx, contour, or a prayer. LOL.

Tailoring is your best friend. A $10 thrift store blazer can look like a million bucks if it fits you properly. A clean, fitted t-shirt, flattering jeans, and shoes that don’t look like you’ve been in a bar fight? That’s a power move.

It’s not about trying to be someone else. It’s about being the best version of you, on purpose. So next time you leave the house, think less “laundry day” and more “I respect myself just enough to look like I did this on purpose.”

Effort: minimal. Impact: game-changing.

welcome to the summer of the white shirt & gold jewls.

Step three: Okay, real talk. This one should probably be step one and two combined. Look at yourself in the mirror. And no, not just for the “you got this” pep talk or the “damn, I look good” moment (although honestly, do that, because yes, you are a hottie and yes, it feels amazing). But this is also about practical self-awareness.

Make it a habit to check in with your reflection a few times a day—not obsessively, just mindfully. A quick glance can save you from walking around with mascara smudged halfway to your brow bone or a mystery fuzz sticking out of your nostril. Trust me, it happens.

And let’s be honest: most people won’t tell you if something’s off. Not because they don’t care, but because they’re unsure if they should say something. Think of it as a little act of respect—not vanity, not perfectionism, just care. A quick check-in with yourself, for yourself.

At the end of the day, looking “put together” isn’t about designer labels, the latest trends, or spending hours getting ready—it’s about intention. How you wear something matters so much more than what you wear. You don’t need a closet full of new clothes or a full face of makeup. You just need a tiny bit of care: clothes that fit the body you have today, a glance in the mirror to make sure your mascara isn’t halfway to your temple, and a sense of self that says, I showed up for me.

Polished doesn’t mean perfect—it means present.

And that little shift? That’s where the magic is.

Mwa,

Christina