Why Darling.

I’ll never forget going to Border’s Books and breaking the last $20 bill to my name so I could buy the latest issue of Darling. As a lifelong lover of print and magazines, fewer things brought me as much joy as holding a thick, impeccably printed and bound publication. What’s more, I loved when the content inside was insightful, beautiful, and empowering. Enter: DARLING MAGAZINE. The very first magazine to publish non-Photoshopped images of women, completely breaking the mold and blazing a trail for the future. I had never seen anything like it on the stands, yet saw representation of myself and my peers in the pages. A place that reminded the world it’s okay to not always be okay, and also that you are enough as is. It truly felt revolutionary after living in an echo chamber telling women otherwise.

You can shop the Skip Jumpsuit that I live in minimum 3 days/week here.

A manifesto that hasn’t changed from the inception of the brand, everything Darling is and stands for is in complete alignment with how I view other individuals— especially women.

Exhibit A: See what I mean below.

Over a decade later and I still get chills reading that every. single. time.

Sarah Dubbledamn first launched Darling nearly 12 years ago, and the brand has continued to evolve and shift in their offerings (with the words above always remaining at the forefront— perhaps more now than ever.) As all best companies do, you try on new things and see what lands. When the idea sparked to create clothing line that embodied the Darling Personas, the ethos of encouragement and acceptance, while meeting women at all seasons, it was a quick and resounding ‘100% YES!’ from all who knew of only the vision; if Darling was behind it, there was no doubt that it would be good and true. As the idea continued to grow, the concept of the capsule wardrobe became more and more refined, along with how this would roll out. When the opportunity arose to become a Darling Ambassador for this newest venture, I felt equal parts shocked, elated, frozen with imposter syndrome…but mostly inspired. As I myself have continued to grow into my own being and honor all of the seasons I’ve been/am going through, the mission of Darling has sunk deeper and deeper into my bones as time passes. To have tangibles like the Capsule Wardrobe and Home Goods be the vessel for what I was already preaching, felt like the most naturally aligned fit. However, if you would’ve told my 25 year old self who was buying the magazine that we’d be here today, I would’ve never believed it. (But would’ve hoped like hell it would be true.)

Truthfully I’ve been inching my way towards a leaner, capsule-like wardrobe for a long time, as well as investing in more timeless pieces for my home. It’s all an attempt to refine and part with items that both no longer serve me and are also just simply not multi-functional. Don’t get me wrong, I’m always here for a statement piece—I love ‘em. But from a sustainability standpoint, as well as practicality, less is more in both impact and for brain space as a whole.

I’ve seen every single piece in the capsule on a vast array of women, none of which look the same on any one person—in thee beautiful way. Even at the fashion show kicking off the launch at the Ambassador Retreat in April (more on that goodness soon), each and every model honored inclusivity, showcasing all of the remarkable ways women look and are. Personally, my body has changed into many itterations of itself over the last 10+ years having babies, nursing, Lyme + autoimmune, hormones. . . and it’s time to meet her where she’s at. Having versatile pieces that work with me and my lifestyle, are ethically made, and also are COMFORTABLE is definitely the era I want to be in. All while spreading the message of female empowerment, honoring all walks of life and making a longer table for all to pull up a seat? Sign me up.

I am so grateful to be a woman in the time of Darling.