September at a glance...
Whoa, September…
WHAT I/WE DID
As I’m writing this, I still can’t believe October is upon us…
While it was pretty nice for the most part, now September feels like a lifetime ago, given these last few days.
I shared last week that we were bracing for Hurricane Helene, and I’m sure you’ve heard or seen the devastation it left behind. We did not sustain damage, though we’ve seen it firsthand in our neighborhood and city—it’s heartbreaking.
With that said, I wanted to share ways to help those affected by Hurricane Helene:
For Tampa Bay area specifically: Metropolitan Ministries | Helping At-Risk And Homeless In Tampa Bay.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay (humanesocietytampa.org) is offering free food and necessities for pets and animals affected by the hurricane. However, they also need support to continue to do so — please consider donating!
For Tampa: Building damage from Helene? Here are resources for Tampa residents.
For everywhere else:
How to help Hurricane Helene victims in Tampa Bay and beyond.
World Central Kitchen (wck.org)
Hurricane Helene Leaves Catastrophic Damage Across Several States: Here’s How To Help.
American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters
P.S. Don’t forget to register to vote! Check the deadlines here.
SEPTEMBER BLOG POSTS ROUNDUP
Though it doesn’t feel like fall around here, we’re getting ready. Naturally, fall fashion has taken over the blog this past month:
Fall style guide for the South. Updated this old post with fall basics for the South.
5 things that bring me joy this week. The list of 5 [random] things that bring me joy is still going strong…
Fall jackets and coats. They’re indispensable for the cooler weather, so I shared my favorites.
Fall shoes to consider. While I personally, am still holding on to my sandals (it’s still around 100 degrees Fahrenheit here), soon enough I’ll have to make the switch… Hopefully!
Looking for a wedding guest dress? This might just be it! I loved the dress that inspired this post so much that I bought it in two colors!
A guide to fall style in the South — a list of items I think should be in every woman’s fall wardrobe in the South.
August at a glance... Aka, the monthly recap…
What I bought
In September, I shopped offline more than online, it seems. I bought a few jewelry pieces and leather belts I’ve come across from local shops, and, of course, more pearl earrings similar to these, these, and these, because why not?
As far as online, I bought…
This organza dress with pockets. My second as I also bought it in stripes. I regret nothing!
This dress in red. I think it runs big, actually, as I was visibly swimming in the small (my usual size), and ended up exchanging it for XS, so I’d recommend sizing down, especially as the top stretches fairly easily. Plus, if you’re going for your true size, it looks as if it has a dropped waist, and I’m not a fan of that for a dress in this style. If you’re worried about the mock neck being too tight, know the fabric stretches easily.
This striped sweater. It goes in and out of stock, and it’s massive as far as sizing (now on final sale, so heads up). I bought it in small but, again, it’s too big for me. I decided to keep it because I fell for its look, though I am somewhat disappointed in its quality.
It was a somewhat unsuccessful online shopping month, so after these last two purchases, I gave up.
MY MOST WORN ITEM(s) IN SEPTEMBER
You might get sick of seeing these…
This bucket bag, because I’m too lazy to switch my bags. Plus, it goes with just about anything and it’s the perfect size for me.
These shoes, for the same reason as I wear the above-mentioned bag (TTS and almost sold out).
My new pearl earrings that are very similar to these.
Old espadrille wedges; these are similar and by the same brand.
WHAT I READ
“Leedswick Castle has housed the Alnwick family in the English countryside for generations, despite a family curse determined to destroy their legacy and erase them from history.”
I am halfway through this book, and in my true fashion, I did not look too much into what it was about other than it being a historical novel. I was surprised to find this is an anthology, though I will admit that I am enjoying the stories so far (I’m almost done with story no. two).
What we watched
Emily in Paris. We wrapped up this show and are now looking forward to season 5. In case you missed it, we began watching this show last month, when we ran out of other ideas, and it pleasantly surprised us.
Slow Horses. “Follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve as a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes”. We have yet to come across an Apple TV show we haven’t enjoyed (though in all honesty, Shrinking isn’t a favorite by any means), but Slow Horses is great! The first episode was slow and had trouble capturing my attention, but it redeemed itself shortly after. Season 3 is the best so far; episode 6 - Footprints is insane! That’s where we’re at now.
Anyone But You. “After an amazing first date, Bea and Ben's fiery attraction turns ice-cold--until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited at a wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.” It’s been a while since we laughed so hard because of a movie — this is a true gem, haha… Really, the perfect rom-com!
Always Be My Maybe. “Everyone assumed that Sasha and Marcus would wind up together, except for Sasha and Marcus. Reconnecting after 15 years, the two start to wonder--maybe?” As my husband picked this movie, I was in for a big surprise when Keanu Reeves showed up — probably the funniest and craziest part of the movie. Overall, I recommend it.
Trap. “A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they're at the center of a dark and sinister event.” Not bad, but not that great either.
The Lovebirds. “A couple (Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani) experiences a defining moment in their relationship when they are unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery.” It wasn’t bad as it kept us fairly engaged with the suspense and the funny parts.
Long Shot. “Journalist, Fred Flarsky, reunites with his childhood crush, Charlotte Field; now one of the most influential women in the world. As she prepares to run for president, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter, and sparks fly”. Pretty mediocre, honestly.
SONG OF THE MONTH
Kind of obsessed with this song right now …
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE ON THE INTERNET
A dress you’ve been loving is restocked in a long-sleeve version here and here.
I’m adding this stunning dress to my wishlist — it’s perfect for events!
This fringe slip dress is party perfection! Hate to say it, but holiday season will soon be upon us…
We're Trying to Have a Society Here. I wholeheartedly join this post in reminding everyone that kindness and respect for one another will go further than anything else.
The Little-known Blue Mountain Lake Is One of the Best Places for Foliage in the Adirondacks — oh, the breathtaking Adirondacks.
A Guide to Vacationing on Coronado Island. Truly, it is one of our favorite places in California — we spent many weekends enjoying it!
7 European Towns That Feel Frozen in Time. I’d love to get lost in any… okay, all of these…
Goodbye, September… October, please, please be calm and kind!
