late to the party

 

Lately, it's been a season of lasts — the last volleyball playoff game with my sons as teammates, the last school lunch made for my graduating eldest, the last ordinary day in a place that held years of extraordinary memories. It's a quieter (and unprecedented) kind of intensity, the emotional weight of an ending, a kind of senioritis that doesn’t inspire rebellion, but reflection. Instead of celebrating, I’ve mostly wanted stillness. Space to feel everything. But here’s what’s holding me: watching others lean into joy. Seeing friends dress up to celebrate milestones and embrace the moment—it reminds me that this season is temporary and that there are more beginnings ahead. My friend, La Double J designer, JJ Martin, above, marked the advent of her exclusive capsule collection in Venice, Italy, earlier this week with My Theresa, a kaleidoscopic line-up full of spritz-ready prints and skin-baring ease, belted in one-shouldered vibrance. Meanwhile, my sister is planning to wear this Self Portrait dress to our nephew's wedding later this month. Also launching today--and more than ready for a party invite: H&M's new resort capsule: the plisse dress, the billowy print caftan and the balloon-sleeved blue blouse. I'll take them all and debut them when the mood and the moment align...