💌 black dresses for the holidays, Japan for wellness, the secret to healthier hair

TODAY IS FRIDAY, DEC 06

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: non-sparkly holiday looks, age of the pip, a week in Japan for wellness
• this week’s watch: White Collar
• extra stories
• recent articles: black dresses for the holidays
• weekly favorites: kitchen accessories
• quote on: being you

FASHION: NON-SPARKLY HOLIDAY LOOKS
Holiday dressing can go beyond the sequined attire. Fashion enthusiasts can explore non-sparkly looks such as menswear-inspired black suits, body-hugging dresses in colors like cobalt blue or lavender, and statement outfits. Accessories play a crucial role in transforming an ensemble, with options like red leather boots, gold metallic clutches, chunky bangles, and dramatic jewelry providing opportunities to express personal style. Whether opting for a sophisticated androgynous look, a playful printed outfit, or an elegant lace dress, individuals can create memorable holiday outfits that reflect their unique aesthetic without feeling pressured to conform to glittery, over-the-top expectations.

WORK LIFE: ITS THE AGE OF THE PIP — POPULAR WAY TO FIRE SOMEONE
Performance improvement plans (PIPs) have become super common in the corporate world. Within the last 3 years, the percentage of employees subject to performance actions has actually gone from 33.4% to 43.6% per 1,000 employees. While PIPs are considered quite important to help employees improve their performance, many executives and HR professionals view them as a legal mechanism to document poor performance + process termination. Critics argue that most PIPs are more about providing legal cover for layoffs than genuinely helping employees improve, AKA companies saving themselves from scrutiny. They estimate that only 10-25% of employees successfully navigate the PIP process and retain their jobs.

WELLNESS: WHAT A WEEK IN JAPAN CAN TEACH ABOUT WELLNESS
The Japanese focus on well-being that emphasizes connection with nature, community, and sustainable practices rather than individual, product-based solutions. Through experiences like meditation at an ancient temple, forest bathing, tea ceremonies, and herbal medicine, we can learn that wellness is not about consuming expensive supplements or chasing instant gratification, but about integrating mindful practices that nurture mind, body, and spirit. The journey provided insights into a more interconnected approach to health—one that recognizes individual wellness as fundamentally linked to community, environmental sustainability, and a deeper, more intentional way of living.

Neal Caffrey has been eluding FBI agent Peter Burke for years & that run finally comes to an end when he’s caught after breaking out of max-security prison. However, Burke offers Neal a deal: in return for “freedom” — an ankle monitor with a 2 mile radius when alone)… he'll help the Feds catch long-sought "(mainly, white collar) criminals. Though skeptical, Burke soon realizes that Caffrey's instincts and insight are a rare commodity, and that he’s a major asset to the FBI. This show ran for 6 seasons & you can watch it on Netflix.

🎄 grab a black dress for the Holiday parties

📺 incase you need some binge-watching inspiration

💇🏻‍♀️ the secret to healthier hair is…

Known for it’s elegance, versatile nature, and effortless look, the dress was popularized by Audrey Hepurn’s character Holly Golighty in Breakfast At Tiffanys. This holiday season, the iconic black dress is making a comeback. Whether you’re celebrating NYE at a party or attending an intimate family gathering, the BD (black dress) easily adapts to any occasion. Here is our round up of must have dresses you need this holiday season.

ON BEING YOU: Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. — Dr. Seuss

Each person is completely unique and irreplaceable & this is the fundamental truth of individual identity, and although self-love and acceptance are tough to inhibit, individuality is something to be celebrated. Truly and unapologetically being yourself is the most authentic way to exist.