fast fashion

Author name Eva Richards

You Don’t Need the Viral Butter Yellow Purse (Or Anything Else to Prove Your Worth)

Spring rolls in, and like clockwork, there’s a new “it” item all over your feed. This year? It’s the butter yellow purse. Soft, pastel, dreamy — and everywhere. The influencers are linking it, the ads are pushing it, and your favorite creator is unboxing it with that perfect lighting and a smile that makes it seem like this purse changed her life.

But here’s the truth no one’s telling you: you don’t need that purse.

In fact, you probably already have something just like it in your closet — maybe a light yellow tote you bought last summer or a small crossbody you haven’t worn in a while. The only difference is that your purse isn’t trending right now. It’s not viral. It’s not part of the aesthetic algorithm designed to make you feel like you’re missing something.

But you’re not missing anything.

The Lie Behind Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is built on convincing you that you’re not enough — not stylish enough, not current enough, not her enough — unless you buy the next thing. And the next. And the next. It’s a never-ending cycle of “this will fix it” promises that always leave you wanting more.

A new purse might give you a moment of satisfaction, a quick thrill. But it won’t heal insecurities. It won’t mend friendships. It won’t fill emotional gaps or make you love yourself more deeply. That comes from inside — not your shopping cart.

Material Things ≠ Emotional Fulfillment

Consumerism thrives on emotional manipulation. The messaging is sneaky: “If you just had this, you’d feel better. You’d be more confident. You’d finally fit in.” But emotional needs can’t be met with objects. A new outfit can’t replace self-worth. A trending accessory can’t substitute for community, connection, or purpose.

When you’re feeling down, left out, or unsure of your identity, it’s easy to reach for something external to fill the void. We’ve all done it. But the most lasting peace comes from accepting who you are without needing anything to prove it.

Reclaim Your Power

There’s something radical about saying: I don’t need to buy into the hype. Wear the light yellow bag you already have. Or don’t wear any bag at all. Style is about self-expression, not self-replacement. You are not behind, outdated, or invisible because you didn’t grab the viral piece of the week.

You are enough in the clothes you already own.
You are enough in the body you already have.
You are enough without the butter yellow purse.

Trends will fade. Confidence rooted in who you are — not what you wear — will outlast every season.

The “Everything Shower” Trend Isn’t New — But It Is Beautiful

Author name Eva Richards

Lately on TikTok, there’s been a surge of videos under the label of the “everything shower” — a long, luxurious, all-out spa night in your own bathroom. These videos have a rhythm: hair masks, scalp scrubs, exfoliating, shaving, deep conditioner, body oil, painted nails, face masks, silk robes, and glowing post-shower selfies. It's peaceful, aesthetic, and oddly comforting to watch.

But here’s the thing: the “everything shower” isn’t actually new.

Girls have always done this. Maybe we didn’t call it that, maybe we weren’t filming it for the internet, but the idea of taking time to fully care for ourselves — to turn an ordinary night routine into a ritual — has always been a thing. And now? It’s trending. And honestly, that’s kind of beautiful.

Self-Care in the Details

There’s something sacred about slowing down. Taking the time to clean under your nail beds, file and paint your nails, put on a hydrating lip mask, moisturize your legs with your favorite lotion, or spend extra time on skincare — these aren’t just random tasks. They’re intentional, grounding acts that bring you back to your body and to the present moment.

It’s mindfulness in motion.

We often think mindfulness has to look like sitting still in silence. But sometimes, it looks like steaming up the bathroom mirror, brushing your hair slowly, or massaging lotion into your shoulders while your favorite playlist plays in the background. It’s about making ordinary things feel a little more magical — a little more you.

The Global Sisterhood of the Everything Shower

What’s so funny (and kind of amazing) about this trend is watching how many girls around the world have quietly been doing the same thing — and are now finding each other through shared routines. There’s something really sweet and unspoken in the way these videos connect us. You watch someone laying out their products in just the right order and suddenly feel understood.

Because maybe you also have that one candle you only light on “everything shower” nights. Or that robe that makes you feel like a movie character. Or that playlist that puts you in your main character mindset.

It’s Not About the Products — It’s About the Presence

The truth is, you don’t need expensive products to turn your night routine into something beautiful. What makes the “everything shower” special isn’t the number of steps — it’s the intention. You’re choosing to take care of yourself like you matter. And that’s powerful.

So whether you’ve been doing this for years or just discovered the trend, celebrate it. Take your time. Romanticize your routine. Make the boring feel beautiful.

Because you deserve to feel taken care of — not just by others, but by you.

Think Before You Shop: The Hidden Cost of Fashion and Why It Matters

Author name Eva Richards

Let’s talk about something that’s not always visible in the mirror when you’re trying on that new outfit: the impact.

In today’s world, fashion isn’t just about self-expression — it’s become a fast-paced cycle of endless trends, hauls, and overconsumption. And behind the scenes? Big fashion companies, giant shipping corporations, and even websites that don’t just sell clothes are quietly damaging our environment. The truth is: this industry is one of the biggest polluters on the planet. Period.

And yes — even if you think it’s not affecting you directly, it might be hurting someone else, somewhere else.

Why You Should Care (Even If You Don’t Feel It… Yet)

You might be thinking, “What does my 20th pair of leggings in a new color have to do with anything?” But every order shipped to your door adds up. Think about the emissions from planes and trucks, the waste from packaging, the water used to dye the fabric, and the microplastics that eventually wash into our oceans.

If you're like me and live in Rhode Island — the Ocean State — you’re already seeing it. Beaches we grew up loving are dealing with more pollution. Storms are stronger. Flooding is more common. The environment is changing right in front of us, and fast fashion and mass shipping are part of the reason why.

The Industry Doesn’t Want You to Think — But You Should

The fashion industry counts on impulse. They want you to click “add to cart” without asking questions. But what if we started asking more? Like:

Do I really need this, or am I just bored?

Will I wear this more than a few times?

What’s the environmental cost of this $12 deal?

When we pause and think critically, we start to see the bigger picture. We start to understand that our everyday decisions — no matter how small — add up. And that they matter.

Progress, Not Perfection

Let’s be real: you’re allowed to treat yourself. Shopping can be fun, creative, even empowering. But we’ve got to find a balance. You don’t need to stop shopping completely — just shop more consciously. Support sustainable brands when you can. Thrift. Swap with friends. Rewear outfits (yes, even to special events!). And take care of what you already have.

And most importantly? Clean up after yourself. Don’t leave trash on beaches. Don’t treat clothes like they’re disposable. Respect the land and water around you, because it’s not just “somewhere” — it’s ours.

Final Thought

The next time you’re tempted by a flash sale or a viral trend, pause. Ask yourself: Is this something I truly need, or just something I’ve been told I should want? And then think about your favorite beach, that one park you love, or the ocean breeze on a summer night in Rhode Island.

Because the choices we make today shape the world we get to enjoy tomorrow.

Wasting a Cute Outfit on a Boring Day (And Why It Still Matters)

Author name Eva Richards

We’ve all been there — you put together the cutest outfit. Everything works. The colors are perfect, your hair is cooperating, your confidence is high… and then the day is completely uneventful. No one sees it. No photos. No compliments. Just you, looking amazing in a setting that didn’t deserve the fit.

And let’s be honest — it’s kind of annoying.

You don’t want to repeat the outfit (cue Lizzie McGuire’s voice: “Outfit repeater!”), but it feels like a total waste to not show it off again. It’s the tiniest heartbreak in the world of fashion and mood.

But here’s the bright side: cute outfits aren’t just for other people. When you love what you’re wearing, whether it’s comfy sweats in a fun color or a head-to-toe styled look, it does something for your mindset. You walk taller. You feel more productive. You’re more ready to face the world — even if it’s just your to-do list and a grocery run.

The flip side? When you’re in pajamas from yesterday, didn’t shower the night before, and your hair’s in full chaos mode, it definitely affects your energy. You feel sluggish, unmotivated, a little off.

So even if no one sees the fit, you do. And that’s enough of a reason to wear it. Confidence is an inside job — sometimes it just starts with a really good outfit.