NYC Fall-Winter Fashion Week Recap: A Weekend of Pop-Ups, Good Vibes, and New Perspectives

Hey y’all! My last few posts have been all about reflection, which has been fun to write, but this time, I want to switch it up and take you along on a recap of my weekend in NYC! If you know me, you know that New York is slowly becoming one of my favorite cities. There’s just something about the energy, the pace, and the endless things to do that make every visit feel different. And this trip? It was exactly what I needed.

My friend Maya had the brilliantly spontaneous idea to take a last-minute trip to NYC for Fall-Winter Fashion Week. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should go because my schedule was packed, but after the stressful week I had, I knew I had to say yes. Leading up to the trip, I had been preparing for a big presentation on a topic that I wasn’t exactly an expert in. The stress was real, but to my surprise, it turned out much better than I expected. That moment alone reminded me that sometimes, we underestimate ourselves—but that’s a conversation for another day.

So, by Friday, I was more than ready for a change of scenery, a break from work, and some time to just enjoy life. Major shoutout to my friend Harleigh for being the best host! She made sure our weekend was filled with great spots, new experiences, and just the right amount of adventure. This trip also gave me the chance to see another side of NYC—one that felt a little more personal and connected than my usual visits.

My girlfriends!

Laura Mercier Popup had a cute photo booth! From left to right: Harleigh, Maya, and me.

Fashion Week Highlights

Fall-Winter Fashion Week in NYC is an experience in itself. While we didn’t attend any actual runway shows (we’ll get there one day—trust me, I’m learning!), the city was still buzzing with energy, and pop-ups were happening all over. If you’ve never been, here’s the key: hit the pop-ups midday during lunch hours to avoid the longest lines. But let’s be honest—there will still be lines. If anyone reading this has pro tips on how to skip them, please share!

Out of all the pop-ups we went to, Lauren Mercier had the cutest setup—aesthetic, fun, and well put together. Meanwhile, Walmart’s pop-up surprisingly had the best samples (who knew?). Of course, we took tons of photos because—when in NYC, right? The best part wasn’t even the pop-ups themselves but just the experience of wandering the city, discovering hidden gems, and having those random but deep conversations with friends.

The After-Party & A Different Side of NYC

Now, if you’re wondering, “Did you do anything besides fashion pop-ups?”—the answer is yes! One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the after-party we ended up at. The crowd was full of creatives, professionals, and people who had strong opinions about everything from politics to culture. Some conversations were insightful, others were just entertaining, but all of them made the night even more memorable. That’s what I love about NYC—you never know who you’ll meet or what kind of perspectives you’ll gain.

This trip was also a reminder that some of the best memories aren’t necessarily planned. They come from the in-between moments—the late-night talks, the unintentional detours, and the people you cross paths with. That’s what makes traveling so special to me.

Super Bowl Sunday & A Taste of Black Excellence

The perfect way to end the weekend? A Super Bowl party with Columbia Business School students, thanks to Harleigh (seriously, so proud of her). Now, let’s get into it—shoutout to Jalen Hurts and his Black queen! Not an Eagles fan, but I love to see it. And while Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was fire, that wasn’t my favorite part of the night.

What stood out to me most was the room full of driven, intelligent, and inspiring Black professionals. People from different industries, backgrounds, and life experiences, all in one space, just enjoying the night. And the best part? No one was asking, “So, what do you do?”

If you’ve ever been in certain spaces, you know that feeling—where conversations can feel transactional, where you constantly feel the need to prove yourself or talk about your work. But this? This was different. It was just about being present, sharing perspectives, and vibing with people who have big goals and bright futures. And that’s a type of energy I don’t get to be around all the time.

A Bigger Picture & What This Trip Meant to Me

My dad has always told me, “There’s a bigger world out here—experience every chance you get.” And even though NYC isn’t exactly new to me, this trip made me think about where I see myself in the next five years.

It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of work, deadlines, and responsibilities, but there’s something about stepping into a different space—even for a few days—that makes you zoom out and reassess. This trip wasn’t just about Fashion Week or the Super Bowl party. It was a reminder to be intentional about exploring, about surrounding myself with people who inspire me, and about not waiting for the “perfect time” to go after what I want.

I don’t know where life will take me next, but one thing’s for sure—I’ll be saying yes to more experiences like this.

Until next time, NYC. 💫

Valentine’s Day is Approaching!

Celebrating sisterhood with the iconic ladies of Living Single! This Galentine’s Day, cheers to friendships that feel like family and laughter with your best girls.

Tomorrow’s February 1st, and you know what that means—my favorite holiday is just around the corner! Yes, Valentine’s Day has become my favorite over the past few years. Of course, I’m a lover girl at heart, but more than that, I just love love. And let me tell you, this year, I’m more excited than ever!

In my last blog post, I wrote about my new love interest—myself—and how much I’m enjoying this journey of self-discovery and self-love. But now, it’s time to talk about what’s on my agenda for this Valentine’s season: Galentine’s Day!

Three years ago, I started a tradition of hosting a Galentine’s celebration with my closest girlfriends. Each year, we’ve done something different: the first year was brunch, the second year a dinner and a night out in the city. While I’d love to do a cute PJ-themed gathering this year, space is limited. So, as I plan where we’ll celebrate, I can’t help but reflect on how special it is to have people in your life who genuinely love and support you. Honestly, planning this year’s event has me buzzing with excitement because there’s nothing better than celebrating love and friendship with your girls!

Valentine’s Day has always been meaningful to me, even as a child. My parents made sure my brother and I felt loved by giving us little Valentine’s treats every year. I still look forward to the tradition my dad started: roses and our favorite Valentine’s candy, turtles! Even though he passed away in 2016, my mom has kept this tradition alive, and every year she sends me roses and turtles. It’s a gesture that means so much, and I get excited about it every time. These small, thoughtful traditions remind me of how powerful and enduring love can be.

I cherish traditions, and Galentine’s is one I hold dear because it reminds me that no matter what, your girls will always have your back. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or not, the love of your friends is something to treasure. Honestly, seeing the joy and laughter at each Galentine’s over the years has been the highlight of my Februarys. If you haven’t started a Galentine’s tradition yet, let this be the sign to gather your crew and make some unforgettable memories!

Rom-coms are my absolute sucker spot, and Nia Long truly reigned supreme during this era! This iconic scene from Love Jones gives me all the feels.

'Let me tell you something... this here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me.' – Darius Lovehall — If this doesn’t make you swoon, what will?!

Now, let’s talk about the classic Valentine’s tradition—romantic dates! I love seeing couples celebrate their love on social media. While some people question why Valentine’s is special when you can show love any day, I think the holiday offers a beautiful excuse to go all out. If someone’s significant other wants to make them feel extra special, why not celebrate that? It may not mean much to everyone, but for many, Valentine’s is a day to celebrate love, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Honestly, who doesn’t love seeing those thoughtful gestures and over-the-top surprises? It’s inspiring!

Lastly, if you don’t have a traditional Valentine this year, that’s okay too. Spend time with the people who love you, plan a fun Galentine’s, or simply stick to your daily routine. But whatever you do, don’t let the day pass without acknowledging the love you do have in your life—whether it’s from family, friends, or even yourself. Valentine’s is about love in all its forms, and I hope you experience every bit of it this year.

Love is worth celebrating, and I’m so excited to embrace it this season. 💕 Let me know—how are you planning to spend Valentine’s Day? Are you hosting a Galentine’s, planning a romantic date, or keeping it low-key? I’d love to hear your plans in the comments!

My New Love Interest

I love it here! Choosing this new love might just be the best decision I’ve ever made. My new love interest? Let me keep you guessing for a moment. It’s not the kind of love you’re expecting. It’s not tied to a person, a romance, or even a fleeting crush. But it’s a love that feels so right, so true, and so life-changing.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Tenesha hasn’t been prioritizing herself?” Well, yes, I’ve always taken care of myself, but this experience feels different. It’s deeper. I’ve realized I have to keep evolving. Y’all might see a young woman who has done well for herself—and yes, I have—but I still struggle with wanting to please others, worrying less about what people think, and just doing me. Let’s be real—we’ve all been there. Social media is a perfect example of how easy it is to get caught up in seeking approval, whether we admit it or not.

To truly dive deep into myself, I’ve started doing the inner work. A good friend recently reminded me, “No going back to old habits in 2025,” and I couldn’t agree more. Those old habits will have you focused on everything except giving yourself grace for the things you’re doing right and celebrating what you’ve accomplished.

Loving myself—truly and unapologetically—is where my heart is right now.

I’m not going to lie—I usually have some type of love interest, someone on my mind, or a crush that keeps me daydreaming (haha!). But this year feels different. This year feels like the perfect time to figure out who I am, what I want, and what brings me joy, outside of anyone else.

Falling in love with myself isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing the journey. It’s about setting boundaries, learning to say no, and being okay with focusing on what makes me happy. I’ve started asking myself questions I used to avoid: What do I truly enjoy? What makes me feel alive? How do I want to show up in this world? And, for the first time, I’m making those answers my priority.

I’ve been spending time with my new love in ways that feel fun and fulfilling. I’ve found joy in shopping for things that make me feel confident and happy. I’ve prioritized spending time with good company—the kind of people who uplift me and make me feel supported. Putting effort into looking good has become a form of self-expression that I truly enjoy. I’ve started working out regularly and even challenged myself to take self-defense classes (which, let me tell you, are hard but so empowering!).

This journey has taught me that self-love isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It’s about showing up for yourself, even on the hard days. It’s about celebrating your wins, no matter how small, and giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. I’m embracing the idea of taking life one step at a time and finding joy in the small, meaningful moments.

So here’s to my new love—me. To the laughs I’ve shared with myself, the quiet moments of reflection, and the endless possibilities that come with knowing and embracing who I truly am. If you’ve been putting yourself on the back burner, consider this your sign to fall in love with yourself, too. You deserve it.

Let me know—how are you prioritizing yourself this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Closing a Chapter: Cheers to Growth, Love, and New Adventures

2024—what a year. Was it the best year of my life? No, not by a long shot. But it was a year of growth, reflection, and a few wins that I’m incredibly proud of.

This year wasn’t perfect, but it was full of moments that reminded me of how blessed I am. Some of my highlights include:

• Graduating from grad school (still feels surreal!).

• Buying a new car (hello, road trips!).

• Traveling to LA for the first time and soaking up the West Coast vibes.

• Ending a situationship that needed to go (a story for another blog, trust me).

But most importantly, this year has been about leaning into the woman I’ve always dreamed of becoming. The last few months have been full of reflection—on family, friends, career goals, and love. And through it all, I’ve come to embrace that I’m just a young woman trying to figure it all out. But this year, I figured out a lot about myself. You know when your parents say, "You’ll understand one day"? Yeah, I had a few of those moments this year.

Now, I’m only 28, so I know plenty more "you’ll understand one day" lessons ahead. But 2024 taught me something different. For the first time in a long time, I realized that no matter how hard you plan or what you want your life to look like, God’s plan will always humble you. The season you’re in right now is exactly where he needs you to be.

I’m not saying that if you’re in a tough season, you should stay there. But sometimes, we have to go through it to grow through it. And just because someone seems to be thriving doesn’t mean they’re not facing their own doubts, fears, or challenges.

Let me tell you, I had some bizarre situations pop up this year—you wouldn’t even believe it! So, where do I go from here? Well, here are my Top 5 Reminders for myself (and for you) as we step into 2025:

1. Put your trust in God. Yes, it’s easier said than done, and there will be moments when you wonder, "Why is this happening to me?" But I’ve learned that every day won’t be filled with joy and sunshine. Take it one day at a time and trust His plan.

2. Believe in yourself. It’ll always be "me, myself, and I"—thanks, Bey! You have to be your own biggest cheerleader.

3. Your dreams and goals matter. No matter what others say, if you believe in them, that’s all you need to pursue and achieve them.

4. Boundaries are essential. Family and friends are important, but space is, too. You don’t have to talk to someone every day to love them. If they don’t understand that, have an honest conversation—or reconsider their role in your life.

5. Your journey is your journey. Protect it fiercely. No one is perfect, and it’s okay to make changes to keep your peace and well-being intact.

As we prepare for the new year, I’m excited about what’s ahead. I’ve learned so much about myself this year, and I can’t wait to keep growing. So, here’s to 2025—a year of growth, love, and adventure. Let’s dream big, take bold steps, and keep faith alive.

Let me know—how are you planning to spend 2025? What are you looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Moving for Better Opportunities: A Southern Girl’s Journey

The Leap of Faith

Before graduation, I knew I wanted to move to D.C. I’d spent a summer interning there and fell in love with everything about it—the culture, the energy, and those unforgettable summer nights. I was out every weekend, meeting new people, and soaking up the city’s magic.

But I was scared. I’d never left home for long, never taken public transportation, and never imagined myself navigating a place as fast-paced as D.C. How was this small-town girl supposed to figure it all out?

Still, I made it happen. I pushed past the fear, leaned on my dreams, and took the leap. Along the way, I learned invaluable lessons, built lifelong friendships, and achieved a goal I’d been chasing for years: working on Capitol Hill.

Was it easy? Not at all. But every challenge taught me something about myself, and every success reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.

For Anyone Thinking About Moving to a New City

If you’re dreaming of making a big move, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Start with a Plan, But Stay Flexible
   Research, budget, and prepare, but don’t stress over perfection. Life happens, and adaptability is key.

2. Build Your Village
   Lean on friends, family, and mentors for encouragement. Your support system is everything.

3. Embrace the Fear
   The unknown can be terrifying, but growth starts where comfort ends. Every new challenge is an opportunity to prove to yourself what you’re capable of.

4. Remember Your ‘Why’
   When things get tough, focus on your goals and the life you’re building.

5. Celebrate Every Step
   Even the smallest wins matter. Whether it’s navigating the metro or finding your first favorite café, take time to celebrate the journey.

Moving to D.C. changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth every moment of uncertainty.

If you’re standing at a crossroads, ready to take your leap, trust yourself. The path may be challenging, but the best stories start when you step out of your comfort zone.