30 for 30 in Pink

Twenty-something girls vs. thirty-something women, it's a concept and an episode of Sex and the City that's been on my mind these past couple of years. But only recently, as I've been transitioning to a new decade, has the meaning behind that episode really sunk in. My twenties started off innocuously. I had a few hiccups, but by 25, I had a full-blown quarter-life crisis during COVID. So, I had written my twenties off as the worst. I experienced the most self-doubt, insecurity, and debilitating uncertainty in myself between the ages of 25-27. Getting out of that headspace required a lot of help, from doctors, friends, family, coworkers, and grace that I needed to extend to myself.

There was a light at the end of the tunnel because by 28 and 29, the seeds I planted during those mid-20s finally bloomed. So, I decided to throw a party for this momentous shift into a new decade (It was either that or buy a Row Margeuax bag, tbh). But not just any party. A prom-themed party that I have thought about for a long time and then spoke into existence, I suppose? 

So, I started looking at venues last November, then I talked to some friends to see if they would be willing to help me plan a party, and it was on! Of course, I wondered what I should wear for a Pretty in Pink prom. My mind went back to this pink Marchesa Notte bow, detailed, draped taffeta mini dress I had seen on Instagram, and, well, I decided to plan a party around this dress.

My friend Luke did all of our graphic design for this party, and honestly, it was the foundation for the party. Thank you, so, So, much, Luke!

I just loved the color, silhouette, and the bow detail of this dress. While I'm not a huge polyester person, this dress is really well made, and I hope to keep wearing it as long as I can. Shout out to the loml's Victoria and Javier for steaming this dress for me 45 minutes before the party 💘

At the beginning of the year, my friend Toni and I went to an exhibit at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on Katherine Bernhardt and Jeremy Scott, and well, it made me redevelop an obsession with Moschino. I had been looking for some jewelry or shoes to wear to my party on resale sites, but couldn't find anything that really fit for the party. Then, I came across these beautiful Chanel earrings to rent on Tulerie, and it was done! I'm both surprised and unsurprised that these Chanel earrings were the finishing touch.

Oh, you may have realized my hair is one color! I went back to black a few days before my birthday. Honestly, it was time. While I loved my split-dyed hair, and it was SO me, I missed having black hair. I had been talking about making a change throughout the year, but was hesitant. Then, I was re-watching Penelope and when she says, "I like myself the way that I am!" I thought, "Same!" It helped solidify my decision to go back to black.

The night itself was everything I had hoped for and more, and I won prom queen?! Who would've guessed?! 

Big s/o to Morgana's for this gluten-free chantilly cake. It was the gift that continued to give!

My bonus mom, Diana, got me this sweet vintage Nelly Don dress =') I can't wait to wear it.

Overall, I was surrounded by my favorite people, enjoying good energy, good food, laughter, and lots of samosas, all while dancing to my favorite music. Seeing everyone I love in one room, dressed their best, celebrating this new chapter with me, was truly everything I dreamed of. With so much happening every day, it sometimes feels inappropriate to celebrate. But my mind always goes back to a conversation I had with my friend Whitney, where she said, "Even when times are hard, we still need to care about and love ourselves and our loved ones." I think this party was a great example. Also, I staunchly believe that we need to go to more parties. So, here's to me trying to live out that belief this decade, because we are all better when we gather together.

Turning 30 feels like... well... it feels a lot like being 20 in the sense that it's the start of a brand new decade, where I have no expectations of what this decade should be other than myself.  I'm going to end this the same way I ended my IG post, unoriginal, I know, but here's to another 30. No model, just making it up as I go—here on this bridge between starshine and clay, holding tight to myself and to tall of you.

So much gratitude to my loves, Esther, Toni, Victoria, and Jav, for helping me plan this party.

Wearing: Dress - Marchesa Notte, earrings - Chanel (exact rented on Tulerie, but I like these), shoes - Valentino, necklace - custom but adjusted by Castel by Crow

Venue: Alexander Majors Barn | Graphic Design: Luke Pearson | Printing: Trabon Group | Catering: Taj Mahal & JCCC

 Photography: Paper Crane Photo | DJ: Jack Ingram | Floral: The Floral Frontier

Cake: Morgana's  | Balloons: Up Up and Away Balloons | Rentals: AAA Event Rental | Banners: Fun Cult

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