040: The Winter Mood Board

How I am finding joy in the details

When the days blur together and it’s hard to tell the difference between 7 AM and 7 PM, I often feel the familiar numbness of seasonal depression creeping in. This year, I’ve decided to embrace the change of season, leaning into it instead of fighting it. I’ve welcomed the slower, hibernation-like pace of winter, using this time to focus on self-development through reading, learning new skills, and settling into the routine that winter encourages. This shift has sparked an introspection about how I want to present myself this winter, especially in style.

Every winter, I am drawn to a colour palette that mirrors the fallen leaves scattered on the streets. Combined with my craving for cinnamon-flavoured drinks, this has me reaching for a burnt red lip. This shade—falling between brown, red, and orange—doesn’t lean too dark or vampy but is still rich enough to feel winter-appropriate. The warmth and depth of this colour are flattering and offer the perfect balance when you don’t feel warm inside but want to project a cosier exterior. Charlotte Tilbury’s So 90s Lipstick is a perfect brownish-red that’s darker than a classic red but not too bold. MAC’s Marrakesh Lipstick brings an orange-toned red, reminiscent of turmeric and cinnamon. It’s time to leave red lipstick stains on your favourite coffee mugs while you settle into your winter reading.

While cornrows may not be the most practical winter hairstyle—what with cold winds freely attacking our scalps—there’s something about the style’s simplicity and effortless vibe that makes it a perfect fit for the season. It’s as easy as a slicked-back bun but with more room for personal flair. Whether you choose a zig-zag pattern, a side swoop, or a curly braid in the front, cornrows let you add your own twist while maintaining a laid-back vibe. Paired with a thick knit sweater, a cup of maple-flavoured matcha, and an erotic fantasy novel, this hairstyle captures the essence of the winter season.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about expanding your colour palette in winter and moving beyond the usual black, navy, and white. This winter, I've been loving accessories in unique, off-colour tones, with the Paloma Wool Philana Bag and DMY Studios Bibi Sunglasses as my top picks. The Paloma Wool bag’s brushed leather immediately won me over. Its matte, textured finish and ringlet details give it an edgy everyday feel. It’s the perfect size—not too big to be a tote but just right for a book and a bottle. The DMY Studios sunglasses are a sheer brown with darker brown lenses, softening the harshness of black. Their 90s-inspired shape adds a chic touch, making them ideal for days when you want a bit of anonymity as you head out, avoiding those unexpected encounters.

As winter settles in, I've come to realize that it's not just the outside world that changes, but how we choose to engage with it. The cold months don’t have to feel isolating or dreary, but rather an invitation to slow down and reconnect with ourselves—our style, our rituals, and our inner warmth. By embracing the subtle shifts in mood and appearance, I’ve found a new sense of comfort, not in spite of winter, but because of it. So, as the season continues to unfold, I’ll keep leaning into these little joys—a splash of burnt red lipstick, a cosy hairstyle, and accessories that bring a touch of unexpected warmth—trusting that even in the darkest days, there’s beauty to be found in the quiet moments of self-expression.

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