September Favorites

Have you heard of the October Theory? If not, let me fill you in: it’s the idea that October is a time to prepare for the next season—kind of like a mini New Year. For many, October marks the start of fall and invites reflection on the months ahead. Think of it as a pre-hibernation reset, aligning yourself for what’s to come. But before I fully dive into October mode, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my September favorites.

1. Weekend Trips--A two-hour drive and a weekend filled with laughter—the perfect escape. This month, I took a trip to Houston to visit my mom and Nanny. I hadn’t seen them in a while, and I was seriously craving that reset time only family can give. They’re the two people who always help me clear my head and breathe again. If you’ve been feeling a little stuck, I highly recommend planning a quick getaway. Whether it’s a day trip or a long weekend, exploring a new or familiar place can work to get you back on track if you're feeling a little off.

   
   

2. At-Home Pilates--Pilates can get pricey, and while I dream of owning a Frame Fitness Pilates Reformer (one day!), for now, it’s all about classic mat Pilates for me. It’s the perfect way to stretch and get a solid workout without all the jumping around (important when you live on the second floor). My go-to is a 30-minute full-body routine that helps me unwind while still feeling accomplished. Pair it with an early morning or evening walk, and you're golden. I’ll link some of my favorite videos for you to check out.

   
   

3. Collages--Maybe it’s my love for scrapbooking or my days in architecture school, but there’s something so satisfying about making collages. If you’ve been following my blog or TikTok, you know I’m all about them. Whether it’s creating a mood board or curating beautiful images, it makes me feel like a mini creative director (dream job status!).

   
   

4. Halloween Costume Prep--Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year—and it’s not just about the candy. It’s the costumes! I’m not a store-bought costume kind of girl (no shade if you are!), so I’m all about building my own. This year, I’ve got two parties, which means two costumes. My first one? A picnic! I’m obsessed with gingham, so it felt like a natural fit. I’ve got fruit hair clips and a full gingham ensemble in the works. I’ll keep you updated as the look comes together. If you have any cute costume ideas, I’d love to see your inspiration!

   
   

5. Paper Catalogs--Who else is excited about the return of paper catalogs? From L.L.Bean to J.Crew, they’re making a major comeback. J.Crew recently re-released their old-school paper catalog, and I picked one up on my last weekend trip. It brought back so many memories of circling my favorite items in Scholastic or Toys "R" Us catalogs as a kid, then casually delivering them to my parents. I’d love to see a Reformation or The RealReal catalog next—imagine the vibe!

   
   

What were some of your September favorites? Did anything in particular call to you last month? Next week, I’ll be diving into my October Reset, and I’d love to hear your ideas for fall and winter prep!