The Art of the Unfinished Sketch: Finding Beauty in the 'Almost There'

Hey besties! It's Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, just past 9 AM here in sunny LA, and my usual iced oat latte is hitting different today. Maybe it’s the crisp morning air, or maybe it’s just that my brain feels like it’s finally catching up after a whirlwind of introspection. Seriously, the past few days have been a whole vibe – from embracing imperfections, to shouting out the amazing people in my life, to even appreciating those wild plot twists. My mind has been doing some serious heavy lifting, and honestly, I feel a little lighter for it.

Yesterday, I was all about being the lead designer of my own narrative, moving from just observing to actively shaping my story. And that felt incredibly empowering, like I finally had the blueprint in my hand. But then, as I was sketching out some new design ideas last night for my latest project, it hit me. We spend so much time striving for the finished product, the polished piece, the perfect collection. But what about all the stages before that? The messy mood boards, the crumpled sketches, the fabric swatches that just don't quite work?

In fashion, those are crucial steps. They’re where the magic actually happens, where ideas are born and evolve. And I’m realizing my own "Development" stage is exactly like that. It’s not about having everything figured out right now, not about presenting a perfectly tailored, complete version of Mandy. It’s about being in the process, the beautiful, chaotic, sometimes frustrating process of becoming.

I used to put so much pressure on myself to have all the answers, to be this perfectly formed person. But now, I’m seeing the beauty in the "almost there." In the unfinished sketch, in the raw material, in the potential that's still unfolding. It’s okay not to be "done." In fact, it’s exciting! It means there’s still so much to learn, to experience, to create. This isn’t just a pit stop on the way to a destination; this is the journey. And recognizing that, truly feeling it, feels like a massive step in my personal evolution. It’s less about reaching the "couture" and more about loving the "chaos" that leads to it.

So, here’s to the art of the unfinished sketch, to embracing the glorious mess of growth, and to loving every single imperfect, evolving moment of it.

Time to tackle this Tuesday with a fresh perspective and maybe a new sketch or two! Wish me luck! ✨