It feels like forever since I last sat down to write, and I owe you an apology for the silence. Life has been moving at lightning speed lately, and I’ve barely had a chance to catch my breath—let alone string together my thoughts. It started with one of those weekends where everything happens at once: a whirlwind of work, just enough fun to keep the balance, and my mother visiting (a blessing, truly, since we’re still on the hunt for a new nanny). Add in a round of follow-up vaccinations for the kids—who, by the way, handled it like absolute champs—alongside a new medication routine of my own and, of course, the endless list of “business as usual” tasks.
So, imagine my mind right now: a jumble of half-finished ideas, unfinished to-do lists, and fleeting inspirations—times a thousand. It feels impossible to know where to begin telling you about it all. But here’s my attempt, starting with the one bright, grounding thought I’ve carried through the chaos: my deep, unshakable love for this Valentino Pre-Fall 2017 dress.
A Dress That Demands Attention
There’s something magical about slipping into a piece that feels larger than life. Valentino dresses always have that effect—the kind of craftsmanship that makes you stand a little taller, breathe a little deeper, and maybe even forget, for just a moment, how much else is going on.
This one was no exception. Delicate, dramatic, and designed to make a statement, it was one of those rare “I’ll remember this moment forever” pieces. But—and this is a very big but—walking in it while wearing sneakers? Let’s just say, not the most graceful of pairings. Every step was a tiny battle between fashion and practicality, and the floor was far too close for comfort.
Still, if you know me, you know that sneakers and dresses are one of my great loves—possibly even more than my morning coffee (and that’s saying something). I adore the contrast: the ease of sneakers grounding the elegance of a dress, making it wearable, modern, and perfectly imperfect. Yet with this particular dress, so delicate and detailed, a pair of slightly elevated shoes might have been the better choice. Hindsight, right?
Sneakers, Bags, and the Bergdorfs Effect
The reason I committed to the sneaker-dress combination, despite the struggles, was simple: the sneakers themselves. Exclusive pieces for Bergdorfs are hard to resist, and this pair—along with a bag I still can’t stop thinking about—sealed the deal. It wasn’t just about styling a look; it was about celebrating craftsmanship and rarity in all its forms.
And while this Valentino dress was nearly impossible to track down (trust me, I tried), I’ve pulled together a few alternate options that capture the same spirit—pieces that bring drama, elegance, and a touch of magic to the everyday. Because sometimes fashion isn’t about finding the piece, but about recreating the feeling it gave you.
The Struggles Beyond the Closet
As much as I’d love to stay wrapped up in the glamour of Valentino and Bergdorfs exclusives, reality always finds its way back in. The truth is, the hardest part of the past few weeks hasn’t been navigating a delicate hemline in sneakers—it’s been managing the constant push and pull of life. The tiredness that lingers after long days. The anxious energy of juggling family, work, and everything in between. The pressure to keep showing up, even when my body and mind are begging for a little more rest.
I know I’m not alone in this; we all have seasons that feel heavier, when the days blur together and the little victories—like kids braving vaccinations or squeezing in a moment to wear something extraordinary—are what carry us forward.
Pressing Pause
So, for now, I’m giving myself permission to slow down just a little. To rest more than I usually allow, to let the unpolished parts of life sit where they are, and to trust that I’ll find my rhythm again. Fashion will always be there waiting—the dresses, the sneakers, the bags. But so will the mess, the noise, and the never-ending lists. The trick, I suppose, is finding joy in both.
And maybe that’s what this Valentino moment reminded me of: that beauty doesn’t erase the struggle, but it gives us something to hold onto in the middle of it.
Other struggles—and hopefully some triumphs—will be shared soon. For now, I’m signing off to rest up, recharge, and dream of the next unforgettable outfit.
