5 manifestations for the new year 🔮

what i hope the future holds, as a self-employed fashion writer.

Jan 07, 2026

Today’s free newsletter is sponsored by Maeve by Anthropologie.

Last month, I interviewed an artist for a magazine article, and there was one part of our conversation I can’t stop thinking about.

She had landed a dream client—a major fashion designer—and created this beautiful piece of art that (unsurprisingly) did numbers when it was posted online. I asked her how the opportunity came out.

Apparently, she’d been following that designer’s work for years, and told herself at the start of her own career that maybe, one day, they would get to work together. She didn’t know how exactly it would happen, but it was a thought she put out into the universe. Years later, the designer reached out and the rest is history.

“So, you basically manifested it,” I said.

“Yeah, you could say that,” she replied. I couldn’t see her face as we were just talking over the phone, but I could tell she was smiling.

I’m a sucker for stories like this. I love the auspiciousness…the proof that sometimes things actually work out exactly the way you dreamed.

As I head into my third year of self-employment as a fashion writer, I’m thinking about where to focus my energies to make this year more fulfilling than the last.

“Manifesting,” or whatever variant you practice (vision boarding, meditative visualization, annual planning etc), is how I try to materialize the future I want. To me, a manifestation is a kernel of a wish, plucked from the depths of your heart. It has to be honest. It has to be authentic. And I believe that it becomes 0.01% more real just by nature of writing it down into existence.

Here are some of my personal and sartorial manifestations for 2026.

1). Level up my outfit texture game.

My outfits have always been inspired by color theory, and while that won’t change, I’d really like to play with texture more. I’m thinking about fabric combinations the same way I approach color combinations: why do silk and velvet go together so well??? Why does a crinkly top look so good with a pair of crisp wide leg denim?

This textured black long-sleeve is an easy way to experiment with fabric manipulation. I added a white floral brooch to accentuate the tactile effect of paper-thin onion skins. It makes the outfit feel more “alive,” especially when I’m in motion.

2). Work on a costume design project.

This newsletter started out in 2021 with a personal style and trend commentary focus. I was always open to writing about a range of topics. The idea was just to see what sparked my passion organically.

Turns out, I LOVE writing about onscreen fashion. Over the years, the Molehill has developed a vibrant film + tv section, most recently featuring the costume designer of Heated Rivalry. (And you bet I’m on it for Industry Season 4).

Anyways, I had an epiphany recently that maybe I don’t just want to interview the costume designers…maybe I want to actually do some of the costume designing, like as an assistant or consultant or something. I can’t sew well. But I can create well-researched, precise character moodboards and I’m a total bulldog when it comes to sourcing pieces.

I have no idea how this will happen, but I’m putting the wish out there into the universe. And if there are any TV people reading this who want to talk…my inbox is open!

3). Embrace my inner y2k girl.

At times, I have felt unsure of whether I gravitate towards y2k pieces because they are trendy or because I actually like them. I have accepted that it’s probably a mix of both, because I’m human and it’s not a moral failing to like trendy things!!!

I want to lean into more y2k silhouettes with my basics, like cotton tops and jeans. For example, instead of a standard crew neck long sleeve top, I’ll try a more open neckline top with 3/4 sleeves (opens up opportunities for armwarmer layering too). And ever since I got these slightly flared jeans last November-ish, I’ve actually been wearing them a lot.

4). More spontaneous trips to LA for events.

One of my 2025 highlights was reading an essay for one of Substack’s bathhouse reading events in LA. When I got the email invite, it was an immediate yes for me because it sounded chaotic and weird (in the best way).

I decided to cram as much as I could during my 36 hours there. So, I spontaneously booked a lash lift in Ktown and texted my LA friends to get dinner/drinks and hit up as many shops as I could. Somehow I even managed to squeeze in a jewelry district run for beading supplies.

The event itself was also a blast. I was running on adrenaline and it was so cool meeting some of you!!!

I remember sinking into my hotel bed after a long night and feeling so tired but content…and excited to wake up the next day and get a really good matcha latte and courage bagel.

5). Dial up the pattern mixing with my vintage skirts.

I have amassed quite a collection of vintage skirts, and nearly all of them are printed or patterned. Think: florals, polka dots, sequins, embroidered applique dolls. It’s all very eclectic and one of my wardrobe strong suits for sure.

But. I feel like I haven’t maximized the pattern play potential to the fullest. Historically, my reflex has been to put on a solid color tight-fitting top with skirts like this.

Here, I decided to play up pale blue flowers in the skirt with striped button-down in a similar shade. Stripes really are so freaking versatile, aren’t they?

I also like how the dropped shoulder seam creates a more relaxed silhouette (keeps it from feeling too much like a literal school uniform). Added a “third piece” in the form of a technical gorp-y crossbody which makes the outfit feel complete.

That’s all for today.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope all your dreams come true. Would love to hear about your 2026 manifestations in the comments :)

xo viv

Thanks for being here. You can find me on IG and TT. My wardrobe pieces and recs are saved here—unless it’s vintage, of course ;) I may earn a small commission from purchases made through affiliate links.

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