September passed by in the blink of an eye as did the entire year. I cannot believe we're in October and weirdly enough, it feels like it's almost over. September was pretty good; it was chaotic and messy, it was busy and fun and I know October is going to be exactly the same...it already is.

Last weekend after I got home from my trip to California for work, I embarked on one of the busiest weekends I've ever had; from engagement dinners to sweet 16s and baptisms, I stayed very busy and it was actually a lot of fun. I didn't have time to think about how tired I was or nervous about having enough down time to decompress. The more I kept moving, the better it felt which is a good lesson for me.

September was a good favorites month too; I had a lot of new items, some rediscovered favorites and I think October will probably be even better. 

 Why hello there! It feels like it's been ages since I sat down and opened my laptop, and it has. This might be the longest I've gone without a blog post, even my weekly round up, and with good reason... I've been so busy I could cry. Today is the first free moment I've had in almost two weeks.

I was incredibly busy at work leading up to my work trip last week and then when I got home from California, my sister got engaged and we had a small engagement dinner. Now, tonight, as a I write this on Saturday afternoon I have my cousin's sweet 16 and tomorrow is another cousin's baptism. I don't have a free weekend until November 16th and then it's the holidays... I just want to be sure I'm present to enjoy every moment of my favorite months.

California was incredible; it was a really successful work trip, the events and hotels were beautiful, and I had a nice time. It was nice traveling alone and I felt very fulfilled at the end of it. Now, I just want to sleep but the show goes on...

Let's get into the roundup.

Goodness, what a week it has been! I'm writing this at 9:30 PM on Friday night after a very long day off from work. I was with some family accompanying them to a medical procedure and it took longer than expected (not because of anything bad, just normal doctor's office stuff)... and then it was over an hour to get home followed by Burger King for dinner & a binging Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story on Netflix.

This week was pretty hellish -- I was very busy at work, and very stressed and just feel like I didn't have a firm grip on reality. I'm going on my first work trip for Estée Lauder next week and I'm very nervous; I'm nervous about flying, about being in a new setting and the normal anxieties around doing something new for the first time. I haven't been on a work trip in over 5 years so it'll take some getting used to again and I'm apprehensive. 

My mom, sister & I were supposed to go to the Bravo Diamonds & Rosé Experience in Manhattan tomorrow but due to a ton of road closures & subway disruptions, we won't even be able to get into the city, so I'm both disappointed and relieved. I was really excited for it but I have such a busy 6 weeks ahead and I need to prep for my trip next week, so the extra day is much needed.

This was another week where I felt disconnected from reality, where nothing felt calm or easy, and I was just overwhelmed and pushed to the brink. I'm hoping next week is better but knowing me, it won't be because the week leading up to a trip is always very stressful. That's why I'm kind of glad I'll be home this weekend to do what I have to do.

Ok, enough blabbering, let's get into the roundup.

Some women love shoes, some jewelry, but me, I opt for handbags. 

If you've been a reader of this blog for a while you know that there are few things I love more in life than handbags. I've always been a bag lady. Ever since I could remember, bags have been my vice. I always ask for handbags as my big occasion gifts; from birthdays to graduations to a regular Tuesday afternoon. 

Bags make an outfit, they're a statement piece, they're essential. Sometimes I look around on my work commute and feel very bad for all the men who don't carry bags, who don't experience the beautiful works of arts some handbags are.

When it comes to handbag trends, I don't pay them any mind. Sure, trends come into play when you're shopping and see what's available, or when you notice similarities between brands, but I always just opt for what I love.

 One of the best days of the year is when Olive & June releases their new seasonal collections. I always love seeing the theme they chose as well as the shades. This year the theme was museums, which is very interesting, but I love the idea of a sophisticated, cozy fall city day roaming a museum exhibit.  

The shades released in this collection are gorgeous. they range from very light to deep, dark and glittery. I'll be honest; the first shade I used was "Sculpture Wing" which is a beautiful warm toned lavender but it wasn't the best (review coming soon). 

My next manicure is what we're talking about today and that's Patron of the Arts. It's the perfect transitional fall shade; a deep, dusty rose brown that screams pumpkin and apple picking. 

Happy Friday! This is my last free weekend until November 1st, and I'm preparing my mind, body and soul for it. This week was a little hectic; work was busy, I was out all day on Tuesday for Stassi Schroeder's book tour, and then 9/11 always makes me feel a weird way, so I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I wanted to. I'm trying to stay positive & calm about it...but we'll see.

I didn't blog at all this week because I also had a really bad weekend. I was in a dark place and felt like everything was just wasted away. If you're interested, you can read about it here on my more personal substack. 

All of this being said, it's going to be a very busy and interesting month & a half so buckle up and follow me on social media for the ride! 

Let's get into the round up!

Hello Friday! Hello September! Hello Fashion Week! Hello Football Season! Boy, it feels good to be back and New York weather was on board with that. It's been beautiful all week long and it just felt good to be on the streets of Manhattan.

I'm still not fully in fall mode yet; my house is not decorated and I haven't shopped for pumpkin food. I don't know why, I need to check myself really. Am I sick? What is happening to me? However, I had a hot Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte this week, on a crisp NYC morning and it felt so good. I'll get there...

What I am excited about? Football! I never thought I'd say that but I'm a Swiftie through and through so as I write this, I am fully seated and watching Father (Travis Kelce) and the Chiefs. Mother (Taylor) looks so good in her Canadian Tuxedo. I am ready for all the WAG fits this season.

This weekend is going to be low key; it's going to be one of cleaning, organizing, resting, exercising and reading. I want to recharge, I want to clean my house, I want to decorate for fall... I need to do all of this because the next few weekends are going to be insane and I'm not ready for it. 

I don't have much else to say so let's get into the roundup!