August slipped away into a moment in time…

WHAT I/WE DID

I’ll join the crowds and ask “August, where did you go so fast?” because I lost track of it.

It’s been a quiet month around here, as we’ve been busy with life stuff and tried to survive the incessant heat and humidity. To be perfectly honest, I’ve just felt tired this month and in need of a break — I haven’t felt inspired and wanted to step back. The reason why I’ve been posting less on the blog and Instagram.

While I love the convenience of living in a city, I’m someone who mostly finds joy outside of it, and I’m quietly waiting for the weather to cool off so I can “fill my cup” the way I love and need to. So not much to report on August activities…

AUGUST BLOG POSTS ROUNDUP

In case you missed it…

5 things that bring me joy this week. Every Wednesday, I share a list of random things that bring me joy that week, as a reminder to appreciate the little things — I hope you enjoy this series as much as I enjoy putting it together.

Late summer and early fall outfits. It’s difficult to imagine that some places are experiencing fall weather as we’re still melting over here. However, I’ve been slowly trying to transition some of my outfits from summer to fall. Small steps…

Hair care products that are great for summer. Here’s the truth about me — I like my routines as simple as possible, and I found that the more I “handle” my hair (and my skin), the fussier it becomes. Thus, I searched and found products that multitask, so I don’t have to. Some of these products are best for summer (like the cooling/refreshing shampoos/sprays), but most work great year-round.

Skincare tips. I don’t consider myself a skincare junkie. While I like to try new things here and there, I am mostly loyal to what works. This blog post reveals what I learned over the years, what works for me, and my holy-grail products.

Summer tiered dresses. Because they’re cute and perfectly airy for warm days.

Shirtdresses I'm loving. I am a big fan of shirt dresses — I think they’re versatile and are the epitome of effortless and chic style and I hope you enjoyed the selection I shared in this blog post.

What I bought

In August, I crossed a few items off my wishlist and found some new ones. Here’s what I shopped for this month…

This organza dress with pockets (TTS). I bought it in a small size and would recommend your usual size as it’s generous. As far as the dress itself — I love it and want it in “azure blue” as well, but this dress may not be for everyone. It’s fully lined, however, the lining is not as wide as the dress itself, so you won’t be able to take big steps in it. Due to the type of fabric, it can appear baggy. However, I love how lightweight and flowy it is, and also because it’s dressy enough to wear to an event, but also not too much so.

This midi dress with pockets in “blue city” (TTS). I just bought it in size 4 (my usual), and am still waiting to receive it, so I can’t comment too much on it. I just love its style and color and have been eyeing it for a while, but didn’t want to pay full price. It’s still available in white and black.

This floral maxi dress (I sized up) that is sold out, but I am fairly certain it will restock (will share if/when it does). Update: it’s restocked in a long-sleeve version here and here.

This long-sleeved striped shirt dress (TTS) and this sweater (runs large), that I’ll be wearing once the weather cools here.

More pearl earrings because I am who I am… I bought these and these and love them!

This red patent leather waist belt, because I declare [deep] red to be the color of this season!

This deep red coral necklace (sold out). This one and this one are similar, this one is in the same style but with coral beads. Oh, and I love this blue one!

MY MOST WORN ITEM(s) IN AUGUST

As we didn’t do anything special this month, I mostly wore old stuff. I did, however, wear this organza dress twice already, an older version of these espadrilles, and this bag that’s been my go-to since buying it several months ago. Also, even if these earrings are a bit dressy, they have been my go-to since I received them about two weeks ago.

WHAT I READ

Never Too Late: A Heartwarming Escapist Holiday Romance (Beneath Italian Skies Book 1) by T.A. Williams. “A classically trained pianist, Steph works as a recording engineer for a small studio when she’s offered the job of a lifetime – travel to the Italian Riviera to help world-famous band, Royalty, record their reunion album after a decades-long hiatus.

Steph could definitely do with the distraction. Her boyfriend – who also happens to be her boss – is increasingly unreliable and erratic, and she’s awaiting news from her doctor after a recent biopsy. So an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy is the perfect escape.

What she doesn’t expect is an instant connection with Rob, the son of Royalty’s lead singer. With her career – and her heart – at a crossroads, what path will Steph follow?”

I will admit — I chose this book because it takes place in Italy, as generally, I don’t read a lot of romance. I needed something light after being left mostly disappointed with the last book I read. As far as the storyline, I could see from a mile away where this book was going, but it was a nice read nonetheless.

What we watched

We ran out of TV shows we wanted to watch and have been turning to movies, so, per usual, this list is quite varied…

Jackpot. It was… entertaining.

Twisters. I didn’t want to like it, but I loved it in the end.

Harry Potter. I’m not a fan of the fantasy/sci-fi genre, which is the reason I have not watched this series before. However, as we got into a rut, my husband suggested it, and I have to admit I enjoyed it a lot. Well, starting with film 4 and forward; I found the first 3 to be just okay.

The Instigators. I enjoyed it and had a good laugh here and there.

A Quiet Place: Day One. Why, oh, why did they have to end it the way they did? As always, Lupita is brilliant, and Joseph Quinn is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors (still blown away by his performance in Stranger Things).

Beverly Hills Cop Franchise. Another movie series we watched at my husband’s suggestion. While these movies aren’t that great or that terrible, we mostly enjoyed them.

Emily in Paris. I am surprised at how much I am enjoying this show! I have resisted it all these years to finally cave in and love it. While I completely understand why people dislike it, I choose to not give it much thought. If I wanted something realistic, I’d watch documentaries and *look around me* (I refuse to watch reality TV, unless it’s some HGTV show). As we don’t drink or take any other stuff to decompress, for me especially, watching comedic shows/movies and listening to this and this rock music, is the way to unwind/destress, along with working out. So bottom line, I know Emily in Paris is “fluff”, but I find it entertaining and relaxing, despite its issues. We’re about to wrap up season two, and I have been avoiding spoilers, so I hope what comes next is just as enjoyable.

SONG OF THE MONTH

More like playlist of the month as I’ve been playing this when at home…

WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE ON THE INTERNET

I’ve been adding fall styles to Shop My: lovely accessories and fall-style finds that caught my eye. Bookmark and check back as I add more items I love for the season ahead!

Step Inside Annabelle Moehlmann’s Tailored and Gracious Upper East Side Family Home. This place is dreamy!

Step Inside This Recently Renovated Santa Monica Home by Designer Meghan Eisenberg.

13 Biggest Houses in the World in 2024. It would be something to see them all in person!

Goodbye August, hello September — please be cool, literally!