Let's Talk About It

Author: hecollins02

  • Let’s Talk About It: The Decline of Dating 

    Let’s Talk About It: The Decline of Dating 

    Does anyone even ask to go on dates anymore? This burning question has been on my radar for longer than it should be. Navigating your 20s after college is hard on its own, but tying in dating is another rabbit hole. I can count on one hand the number of times my friends have been properly asked out on a date, which is a sad reality. All we get now is “do u wanna come over tn?” which, newsflash, does not make you sound enticing. Dating is dead, so let’s talk about it. 

    Here’s the thing – I’m not saying I want to be going on dates 3 times a week, or meeting a new person every other day. Everyone deserves to be wined and dined once in a while. The sad truth is that too many factors have transformed how dating is perceived year after year. Dating apps and social media have caused a divide in how people communicate – the fear of rejection results in people being too scared to approach anyone. No one knows how to talk to each other anymore without the comfort of a cell phone. 

    “The talking stage” is the three most dreaded words anyone wants to hear. The talking stage can last from weeks to months, all without the commitment of a real relationship. There is a period of unknown during the talking stage where you’re not positive if the other person likes you. The talking stage has introduced a lack of commitment in relationships. Then there are “situationships” which are just glorified versions of the talking stage. I’ve had my fair share of talking stages and situationships that have led to none other than heartbreak. 

    Dating used to be simple. The generational difference between dating is so vast that there might be no coming back. Take our parents for example. If a few dates went well with someone, they might ask you to be official. There would be no confusion as to what the relationship was. In 2025, I don’t even know if people ask to go on dates anymore. You could be exclusive with someone but wouldn’t say you are dating them. Talking to my parents about dating in their 20s has truly made me think about how vast the difference is today. 

    Maybe I have the wrong idea of dating. Maybe I’m still too young to have a say on the rights and wrongs of dating. Or maybe thousands of people feel the same way. Whichever the case is, there must be a solution to this decline in dating.

  • Let’s Talk About It: Building Your Capsule Wardrobe

    Let’s Talk About It: Building Your Capsule Wardrobe

    Ever feel like you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? That’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in. From thinking about what brands to look at to the different articles of clothing, curating a capsule wardrobe can be daunting. Here’s my advice: quality over quantity. If you wanna be the go-to fashion girl for your friends, you’ll want to hear what I have to say. I want to help you create a timeless versatile wardrobe that will last you for years, so let’s talk about it. 

    The Basics: A good wardrobe is always built on basics. Long-sleeve shirts, 2 styles of jeans, and 2 styles of pants will take you a long way. The most effective way to do this is to stick with the neutral tones; blacks, whites, tans, and greys are going to be the base colors of your wardrobe. You don’t need seven pairs of jeans in different colors and styles – trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way. Find a style that works for you and stick with it. The best part about basics is that when something is worn out, you know exactly where to go for a replacement! 

    Go-to brands: Aritzia, Gap, Levi’s, Abercrombie

    The Shoes: As someone with a soft spot for shoes, this is a hard area to cover. But in my opinion, the 3 pairs of shoes you need are a classic black heel, a pair of heeled boots, and a sneaker. But don’t twist my words – these aren’t the only shoes you need. These are the 3 best styles to go with any kind of outfit. Black and white tend to go with every color, style, and texture of clothes. The quality of your shoes matters (we don’t like blisters here!), so it’s important to find a brand known for having comfortable shoes. 

    Go-to brands: Jessica Simpson, Marc Fisher, Steve Madden, Vince Camuto

    The Coats: Coats can be tricky so let me make it simple: be dressy, not trendy. Trendy coats are definitely fun especially when everyone is raving about a specific style, but think about it in the long run. A coat that is dressy is likely to last you longer and go with more outfits. A long or mid-thigh trench coat is my go-to; it can be worn for work, dinner and a show, and even going out (sometimes!). My other suggestion is a warm winter puffer and a leather jacket. A leather jacket is timeless and edgy, you want to get your hands on one of those. 

    Go-to brands: 4th & Reckless, J. Crew, H & M

    The Bags: My goal one day is to buy a designer bag that I can pass onto my daughter. But in the meantime, I found other staples that I’ve been using for years and will definitely be holding on to. I use the seasons to decide on my bags; in the fall and winter I stick to darker-toned bags and in the spring and summer I stick to lighter tones. Bags are my exception to the capsule wardrobe, so I encourage you to have fun with it. 

    Go-to brands: Kate Spade, Longchamp

    Your wardrobe is a reflection of you, so it’s important you spend some time curating it. Find the essential pieces that work for you and stick with it, you won’t regret it!