In’s
Ebay
Obviously, buying clothing secondhand is much better for the environment, but sometimes it can be difficult to find things that you are looking for. This is why secondhand sites like Depop and Poshmark are so popular. I recently started buying secondhand designer, and I started using Ebay. This changed my life. When you're shopping for an expensive item, it's nice to know that your item can be authenticated by Ebay. Depop has no authentication services, so you never know if you're getting something that is legit. I also feel like prices are much higher on Depop. For example, I found the cutest Dior sunglasses on Depop, and they were going for around $600. I then went and figured out the style and did some searching on Ebay, and they were around $300 for the same color, and they were authenticated. I usually use Depop to buy things because their algorithm is better and always shows me things I like. However, when looking for something specific, I think Ebay is always the way to go.
Chartreuse and Silver
I see bold colors being trendy in 2026, not quite neons, but still beautiful bright colors. I have been really into bright orange this past year, and I have felt myself being drawn to chartreuse. I love how bold that color is, but it still feels like a neutral in a way.
I also see silver becoming very popular. I recently purchased a pair of Christian Louboutin So Jane heels in a beautiful silver patent leather. Silver jewelry is always in, however, silver accessories, I think, should get the same love. I have seen a few people wearing silver Sambas, and I am so obsessed with it. I think statement shoes are 100% in, and silver, being as neutral as it is, has a lot of potential to become an “it girl” color.
I also know that many people reserve silver for New Year’s, but with statement shoes come statement tops. I really would like to see more people wear shiny sequin clothing in a more casual way. I have the most beautiful silver mini skirt that I love wearing, and I think other people should do this too. It doesn't have to be reserved for a holiday or concert.
Going with this chartreuse and silver theme, I recently purchased the most wonderful belt from Free People and I think it is exactly what I am looking for. The bright green and silver stars make this a statement piece but the silver is incorporated so well that I wouldn't mind wearing this all the time.
Earl Grey Tea
I discovered London Fogs last semester, and since then my life has not been the same. It's like I need to drink one at least once a week. They are incredible. A few months after my discovery, I went to Blank Street to get a matcha and saw that they had Earl Grey matchas. That drink might have been the best thing I've ever consumed. I had to go home for winter break, and I didn't really venture into Washington, DC, so I decided to make Earl Grey syrup for my at-home matchas, and honestly, I wish I never did. I had an Earl Grey matcha or a London Fog almost every day of break. Somehow, I have yet to get tired of them. I would like to try one with lavender rather than vanilla. I think they will be good, but I am not the biggest lavender fan.
Also during break, I invited a few of my friends over, and we had a cookie exchange. I decided to make London Fog cookies, which were just a simple Earl Grey cookie with a vanilla-flavored glaze. They didn't win the competition, but to me, they were the best cookies I've ever had.
Earl Grey is just so versatile. It helps me stay awake without inducing anxiety, it's delicious, and it's so easy to make. I recently got all the materials to make tea in my dorm, and I love it so much. If you have never had Earl Grey tea, I recommend going to your local coffee shop and ordering a London Fog. It will change your life.
Out’s
“Wokeness”
Recently, online, I've seen a lot of what I would describe as “wokeness.” I obviously think caring about social issues is important, but online it sometimes feels more performative than real. This is people acting like they care about social issues, but they don't actually do anything to help. Personally, I am a long-time fan of Billie Eilish, but a great example of this is when Billie condemned the use of AI to her followers and then proceeded to post an AI photo of her to her story. Why speak out against AI just to go and promote it? I see this less in real life and more online, but it's starting to consume my feed. I think it's okay to have nuance when it comes to certain topics, but recent internet culture doesn't really allow for people to have that anymore.
I’m not perfect either, and I know I participate in things I criticize sometimes. Personally, I think that AI use isn't the best, especially the way people use it online, however, I still use it here and there. (I used AI to edit my punctuation for this blog post) Sometimes I am even required to use it for a class. That doesn't make me a bad person, but some people online might think so. I think a lot of people are like this, where they can recognize issues with something and still participate in it to some extent. I also see this a lot with politics. In many cases, people online either want you to be far left or far right, otherwise you're a bad person. This is so ridiculous to me. I think I am able to be left-leaning while criticizing the left, and I also believe people can be right-leaning without being a complete bigot. This goes back to my idea that nuance is no longer valid in the eyes of the internet. This is why I think that the current U.S. political scene is so divided. Obviously, this is a simplified idea of what I think. Personally, I am left-leaning, and I don't support what the Trump administration is doing to many Americans. I just think that you can be right-leaning and not support his ideas, but if someone were to say that they were right-leaning on the internet, some people would jump to conclusions.
Georgetown (M Street)
I think Georgetown is a very beautiful town in DC. I remember a few years ago, my friend and I took the JFK Georgetown walking tour, and it was incredible. However, going to M Street to shop is a complete nightmare. First of all, it's a hassle to get there. I live off the Red Line, and in order to get downtown, I first have to take the metro, then I have to either bus or walk 30 minutes to get there. Also, unless you are going on a rainy or snowy day, it is always packed. In high school, I used to be able to go after school and there would be no one there. Now, when I go around the same time, it feels like I'm walking shoulder to shoulder with people. And don't even get me started about the line to Brandy Melville. I am better off going to the new Pike & Rose location where I can easily drive and park (for free). Maybe I am being pessimistic, but almost everything that is in Georgetown is also in another, more accessible, location. I took this photo a few years ago in Georgetown, and it was a nice warm April weekend. If I were to go this year in April on a nice weekend, it would be insanely packed. I don't get it.
Tik Tok Streaks
I have been wanting to delete TikTok for a while. It takes up too much of my time and phone storage, however, I cannot bring myself to do so because of my streaks. I currently have a 575-day streak with my sister and a 440-day streak with my best friend. I know this is a tactic to keep users engaged, and clearly, it's working very well. Honestly, TikTok has not even been engaging to me. Ever since TikTok was sold to a U.S. company, my algorithm has been off, and I have been seeing duplicates of videos, and my search bar has been acting up, but I still can't seem to let go of the app. I shouldn't place as much value on these streaks as I do, but I can't help it. One day I'll let go of TikTok, but until then, my streaks will continue to grow.