I’m bringing back the monthly recaps! I’ve missed doing these posts. :)
At the end of each month, I gather up my outfit snapshots and I look for common themes. This simple practice gives me a chance to notice what’s working and what’s not in my wardrobe (and often by extension, my mindset).
Try your own style journal practice: Snap photos of your outfits as often as you can in August, then take a few moments at the end of the month to review them. Jot down some common threads you see, like what’s working, what’s not, and how you’re feeling.
Keep scrolling to see 14 of my favorite looks from this month, and to hear 5 of my key style observations. Since it’s been a while, this one gets pretty long and personal.
1 | My clothes are helping me find acceptance and joy in my current “in-between” stage of life.
I’m in what I’d call an in-between stage of life. (I mean, really, aren’t we always?)
I haven’t shared this yet, but about two years ago, my 10-year marriage unexpectedly and abruptly ended. Over these past couple of years, I’ve been holding myself gently, giving myself time and space to grieve.
Little by little, I’m releasing my white-knuckle grip on my past life, but I haven’t quite found my footing in my new life yet. That’s okay. The task right now is simply finding acceptance and joy in the present.
And this may seem trite, but one thing that’s really helped is the simple act of connecting what I wear to my actual life. Letting go of any kind of fantasy dressing, and instead matching my clothes to my day-to-day life activities, my city, and the people in my life. That way, when I see myself, when I move throughout my day, it makes sense to me.
It’s a small practice that helps me feel grounded and present in my life — I don’t want to miss it.
2 | I’m continuing with my theme of 2024: Not editing myself.
It’s been so fun to observe what happens naturally when I don’t try to edit myself or my style.
This is a theme of mine in 2024 — not editing myself. I’m releasing “how things should be” or “how past-me would do it” or “how [insert style icon here] would do things.”
Instead, I’m meandering over to whatever strikes my curiosity, whatever feels good in the moment.
I want to get to know me again, and that means having the freedom to explore — whether that means exploring facets of something familiar in a deeper way *or* exploring something entirely new.
In the spring that was a lot of bright color, pattern mixing, and cheeky little touches. (For the record, this is WAY outside of my usual style.)
And now, in summer it’s a lot of neutral palettes, clean lines, and little-to-no embellishments. (Which is perfectly in line with my usual style.)
I’m looking forward to fall with a whole lot of curiosity. :)
3 | I’m feeling so at home with my summer style that I almost don’t even notice what’s happening in the larger fashion world.
Summer is my favorite season to get dressed. It’s a time when I’m so clear on what I want to wear that I almost don’t even notice what’s happening in the larger fashion world.
This will inevitably change in the fall, but for now, I’m just happily staying in my lane. Honestly, it feels SO GOOD.
Currently on repeat? My typical anklet, Nike Tempo running shorts, Birkenstock Arizonas, flip flops, and this gorgeous strappy back top from Reformation.
4 | The color of summer: black.
I wore a ton of black this month, which was welcome because I pretty much shunned wearing black all winter and spring. In fact, I was a little nervous this was going to become a permanent change, but I’m happy to see black is back.
Wearing black in the summer is so practical where I live in Texas because the SWEAT factor is REAL. And since black doesn’t show sweat, it’s a win.
This month, I gravitated towards linen trousers, maxi dresses, tees, and mini dresses — all in black.
5 | I’m still pinching myself over the launch of my styling services!
For a very long time, I’ve wanted to move my career in a direction that felt more service based. After working with referral clients quietly, I finally felt ready to open up my styling services to everyone this summer, and it’s been a complete JOY.
To everyone who has booked a styling session with me this month, I just want to hug you and say thank you. I’ve loved these face-to-face interactions and getting to know your stories.
One client, Kysa, recently shared:
“It was such a light, fun, uplifting hour. I felt like Caroline totally understood what I needed from my clothes and what I was trying to achieve with my style moving forward. She had ideas I’d not considered before, but as soon as she gave me a suggestion, I could envision it right away and it felt like something I could actually see myself wearing and loving. I got so much out of this call. Not only did I leave armed with a bunch of ideas to get more utilization out of the clothes I’ve already invested in — which will translate to saving time, energy, and money in the future — I also left feeling encouraged and excited.”
And there’s so much more to come! I’m working on adding two more styling services: the closet clean out service, and the capsule service. Can’t wait to share them with you in the future! And in the meantime, book my regular styling session here.
• • •
And in case you missed them, here are 4 of my favorite posts I wrote in July:
Backpack Room Only: A 10 item packing list for summer
I got influenced to try Merit — here are my thoughts
Hear me out — I think I just had a major breakthrough with my style
13 Athleisure picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (and they’re still on sale!)
• • •
Thank you for reading Unfancy today. It means so much to me. Feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the page to keep up with my posts. You can also find me on Instagram too.
Hey Caroline
This post has a super personal patch in it. Respect.
As a fellow sister who has also been through this I thought I spotted it. It ain’t easy.
Thank you for choosing to bloom in your new life, and for sharing it with us all.
With love
Rosey Lee
Hi Rosey, sending love your way. Thank you for your encouraging words. <3 <3
I’m glad to see the monthly recaps back in rotation. Your vulnerability is seen and appreciated, Caroline. :)
Thank you Holly :)
Hi, Caroline,
Thank you for your vulnerability in getting personal with this post.
I just want to send you an in-between comment for an in-between time: that having been through an abrupt divorce myself years ago now, I can affirm that the gift of this opportunity to know yourself more deeply is life-changing AND that divorce is a hell of a way to get there. So sending you big hugs and so much compassion while also rejoicing in your sense of openness and adventure. Life can be so hard, but when we know we truly have our own backs, we are going to be just fine. Many blessings on your life. Keep taking good care of yourself.
Hi Jen, I really loved what you said here and how you are able to hold both sides of things at the same time. It can be a gift AND a hard road — I can be compassionate with myself AND lean into adventure. Thank you for reminding me that it’s always both. <3
Dear Caroline,
I have been wanting to say thank you for a while, and this recap post seems like the perfect opportunity. So, THANK YOU for being you, for generously sharing your journey with your wardrobe, your style, and yourself, with us.
I am very sorry to read about the end of your marriage, and I find your vulnerability and the grace you’re showing youraelf truly inspiring.
Your posts and reflections have helped me be freer in my own style. I’ve started considering lines and outfits I’d never allowed myself to try before, and I love it. Thank you for encouraging me to explore and not fear the out-of-the-comfort-zone, for bringing more clarity into how I want to dress, which in turn brought more clarity into how I feel inside and how I want to present to the world.
I look forward to the notification of your post every day, it’s the perfect after-lunch break in my busy work day, so thank you for keeping me company and making me smile too.
With much gratitude and all my best wishes for your journey in the “in-between”,
Beatrice :)
I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. Thank you for taking the time to share it, Beatrice. <3 <3 Sending all the love to you.
I had decided you had gotten divorced. I can’t imagine how hard that is, especially when it happens abruptly. Continue to hold yourself gently as long as you need to.
Thank you so much Bonnie <3 <3
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for being vulnerable. I know how hard it is sometimes to put ourselves out there. My 19 years relationship ended two months ago and the grace you’re showing yourself is pretty inspiring. The in-between is a hard place to be but one we will always find throughout our life path. Let’s show up for it, one step at a time :)
Yes, Maude, I’m with you. Let’s show up one compassionate step at a time. Sending all the love to you. <3
Thank you for being open about how your creativity and style are linked with your emotions. I think this is a helpful message to hear. Your posts are always delightful to read and I look to having them drop into my inbox. I look forward to hearing about your new services; especially the Capsule :)
Thank you so much Nadine! I’m excited to share the new capsule service! :)
Hi Caroline,
I’ve sent you a DM on IG, the start of one anyway. I didn’t realize my messaging would be limited when I hit the first send. I hope you’ll take time to read it and accept my “invite” so you can read the message in its entirety. There’s no pressure to respond it. It’ll be from @harper__lane.
Kimberly :)
Hi Kimberly! Thank you again for sharing what you did. I always appreciate you! <3
Love your description of the in-between stage and as someone just a bit older than you (42) I can confirm you’re right: we’re always living in an in-between stage and learning to live there with a sense of grace, good humor, curiosity, compassion and adaptability is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. I also got divorced when I was quite young, and it can be very isolating when it feels like everyone around you at a different life stage. For a long time it was something I was ashamed of, and now, I think it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, no matter how hard it was at the time. It can be a beautiful thing to be given the opportunity to rebuild your life in a different way, and it looks like you’re doing just that. Keep taking such good care of yourself.
You have no idea how encouraging this is to me, Jessica! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me. You’re right, it can be beautiful to have the opportunity to reimagine and rebuild life in a new way. <3
I loved your comment about finding yourself in the in-between times. I am in one of those myself, with my post partum body being a different size and shape to how it was before. I don’t intend to stay the same size as I am now, but also know it’s not realistic I will go back to exactly how I was before pregnancy. Pair that with all the changes of matrescence I don’t really know who I am. Getting dressed is one of the most difficult parts of my day and I so appreciate reading your thought processes you share with us as it helps me and gives me ideas.
Thank you for sharing what you’re going through, Rebekah. Yes, I hear you, it’s so strange to find yourself in a place that you don’t recognize. I’m sending all the love for your journey. <3
Caroline, what a beautiful post, and my heart is with you.
There is a grace and gentleness about your writing, and your clothes and your way of looking at style and the world are lovely. I went through a divorce recently as well (after 20 years of marriage) and your posts have been a lifeline for me. You’ve held space for us all in holding space for yourself and showing that, and for the first time in my life I feel like I am finding a personal style thanks in large part to you. Thank you, thank you. I am sending you all my life as you move through and in this.
Hi Ally, my heart is with you too. <3 Thank you for your incredibly kind words. I love hearing that you feel like you're finding your own personal style these days -- it's such a good feeling! I'm sending allll the love to you as well. <3
Thanks for the personal note and for bringing back the monthly recaps, I absolutely love them!
So glad to hear it Cristina! :)
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for your story. I found your blog back in 2014 when I was having a tough moment. I was looking for a way to simplify life’s chaos and your capsule wardrobe visions made sense. My life seemed to need more discipline. The capsule helped me learn to love packing!! I’ve appreciated your levity, clean lines, vulnerability, music playlist, simplicity, playfulness and heart. I look forward to your posts and enjoy processing the fashion noise with you. As 6 months postpartum, I really identify with “the in between” phase. Thank you for sharing your process. I’ve come to appreciate your confidence in style and authenticity. It’s reminded me to not take myself too seriously. Finding the definition who who I am vs. who I should be. Cheers to your next style adventures. Congratulations!
Hi Emily, I’m so glad you took the time to share this! Thank you. I’m sending love your way for your own “in between” journey. <3 Also you remind me I need to share another playlist soon! :)
I know I say it a lot, but thank you. It’s not easy to put yourself out there and especially harder to share more personal things.
Watching you embrace the liminal space is inspiring. As others have said, please be gentle with yourself. Your longtime followers (like myself, 2014) not only understand it, but appreciate it.
Hi Sass, I always appreciate your words — it means so much to me that you’ve been here since the beginning. Sending all the love. <3
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your relationship. Keep up your amazing work, you’re an inspiration. <3 Much love xx
Thank you so much Laura! Sending love right back! <3
Hi Caroline, I’ve followed your blog for yearsssss. I responded to one of your more personal emails only to realize it’s a no reply address. Sending you the message here just because I wanted to take a moment to reach out. Thank you for sharing such personal news! I am so sorry to hear about your marriage – my sister went through an absolutely devastating and unexpected divorce from her husband (cue “happiness” from Taylor Swift) but I can confidently say she has finally met the “new her.” I’m so glad fashion can be part of this journey for you along the way. Cheers to getting to meet the new you!
Kelly
Kelly, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m sorry to hear about what your sister went through, and I’m encouraged to hear that she’s found her new self. It’s so heartening to hear stories of other people who have come through. And yessss to “Happiness” by Taylor — that song really encapsulates it. Thank you for your encouraging words! <3
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
❤️
Such comforting words. Thank you Emma <3