Small Wins!
In defense of the unfinished to-do list, plus some favorite outfits from April
I’ve recently begun thinking about the small wins. I’m very much a pen and paper list girl (Smythson forever) and often measure my productivity by what doesn’t get crossed off the list. Evan and I are constantly saying “we just can’t get through the to-do list” or “it feels endless”….and truthfully, it is. For so many of us juggling young children, work, relationships, self care (ha! but I’m keeping it on the list), we really can never finish it all (even with AI promising to turn us into hyper-efficient versions of ourselves).
Recently, though, I’ve started trying to reframe my thinking (shout out to my follicular phase for the boost!). Instead of looking through all the items not crossed off on my to-do list, why not celebrate what I did accomplish? The small wins. Productivity experts all agree that small actions are what make the biggest impact. So instead of beating myself up for everything still on the list, I'm celebrating what I did cross off.
And for this week’s small wins….sharing some of my favorite outfits from April! Lots of repeats, pre-loved finds, and pieces that easily transition throughout the day!
Outfit 1 | Opening Night
Worn to the opening of Donté Hayes' solo exhibition at Peter Anthony Fine Art, followed by dinner with my family.
Attending Donté Hayes' solo exhibition at Peter Anthony Fine Art was one of my April highlights. Donté’s work represents “future artifacts” of the African-American experience. In his (paraphrased) words, it’s remixing ancestral traditions, responding to contemporary realities, and envisioning resilient futures. Not a small feat. His work is in the permanent collections of the Gibbes and the Smithsonian, and through May 23rd, his solo exhibition is right here at Peter Anthony Fine Art!
Outfit 2 | Florals for Easter, groundbreaking!
Worn for Easter Sunday. Church, brunch, Easter egg hunt and family time!
Yes, I know. Easter feels like a year ago at this point. But an April outfit roundup wouldn’t be complete without it!
I am a firm believer that Easter deserves our Sunday best. I remember as a child getting my hair pressed, my mom making sure I had my “Easter dress” laid out the night before and spending the day at church, followed by a special lunch. We haven't yet landed on a church home in Charleston, so we used it as an opportunity to visit one on Evan’s list…only to arrive a little late and spend the entire service listening from outside. Le struggle.
Outfit 3 | A Special Reunion
Worn for a Saturday walking around downtown Charleston with friends!
We recently had some very special visitors — the woman who carried Eleanor for us (our gestational carrier) and her children! They were in town for the weekend and we spent an easy afternoon walking around downtown, hitting the playgrounds, and just catching up. It was our first time seeing one another since Eleanor was born. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect (would it be weird?? would Eleanor somehow be confused?? so many initial thoughts…). But, at the end of our time together, I left feeling an even deeper sense of gratitude for our journey and continued relationship!
Outfit 4 | A Night for Saving Grace
Worn for the Historic Charleston Foundation's Saving Grace fundraiser.
I wrote more about this deeply moving evening and initiative here!
Most of what I’m wearing is pre-loved, including the bag (borrowed from Vivrelle). To be fair, the bag was probably not the best style choice but I didn’t have time to switch!
The top is a recent buy and already has a low cost-per-wear. I bought it in yellow and white and have worn both many times. I wore it tucked in this night, but the peplum is so good and adds the best structure to any look!
Outfit 5 | Not Your Grandmother's St. John
Worn for a day of working at my neighborhood office (i.e. the Dewberry Hotel) followed by the usual carpool and after-school kid activities!
St. John is one of those brands that takes me straight back to my grandmother’s closet. She had no shortage of beautiful, well-crafted pieces — and she kept them for years. When it came time to move her into a memory-care facility, there were St. John suits probably older than me still hanging in her closet. Timeless, elegant, understated.
I already know I’ll be warding my daughters’ prying hands off this jacket down the road. My grandmother would approve.
And that’s a wrap on April! As always, thank you for reading! I know there’s plenty out there to consume, and I don’t take for granted you choosing to be here. More soon.
xJasmine
P.S. I’d love to hear what recent small wins you’ve had!
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