September 2020 Monthly Recap

Boy oh boy, September left me feeling pooped! Anyone else? From spending my last few days at home, to finally moving back to school, to trying to adjust to all things Covid, it’s been a busy September, to say the least. I was definitely not prepared for how exhausting going back to a real schedule would be! I had gotten so used to doing school and work on my own time that those 8 am classes really hit me hard, ha. But nevertheless, there have been lots of exciting things this month, too, so here’s my little recap.

Fashion

While not my absolute favorite photos ever, I adored this pink blazer look (see below). You know an outfit is good when it makes you feel empowered and like you can kick some serious booty! And not to mention, how fab are these shoes?? In all honestly, I forgot I had them until I did my closet cleanout during quarantine. But I seriously need to wear these babies more often because I love them SO much (and they’re actually surprisingly versatile).

Favorite Purchase

You guys… My olive green “tee” in today’s outfit is definitely my favorite purchase from this month. It’s actually a bodysuit and it is the softest thing ever, not to mention it actually fits my torso (I’ve styled a bodysuit only once before on the blog, but I’m not even going to link it because the outfit/photos are so cringy). I also think this bodysuit is just SO flattering and I love the neckline and low back of it. You can buy it HERE—it’s still available in all sizes in this shade! I’m tempted to buy it in the other colors, too… Oh, and it’s thong-style if you’re into that sorta thing. I must admit I found this a little surprising when I first put it on, ha!

Hair and Beauty

Probably the most exciting thing to happen to me this month is that I finally got my first “blogger” campaign! I was sent a package of goodies through Her Campus’ Campus Trendsetters program, and I was so beyond excited to open up my first blogger mail while doing an infamous unboxing video on Instagram. I haven’t gotten a chance to try most of the products yet (I can’t wait to test the Batiste dry shampoo I was given), but I did try out some Absolute New York lip gloss and really liked it. Too bad I never wear lip products anymore because I’m always wearing a mask!

Books, Movies, and TV Shows

You know it’s a busy month when I didn’t even watch anything… Although, my parents and I spent my last few nights at home binging a Saw marathon (there are eight movies in total). What can I say, I really like gory movies, and any Saw fans out there can check out my Billy the Puppet Halloween costume from last year!

In other news, I’ve switched up my tried-and-true Ed Sheeran Pandora channel for a James Arthur channel instead. I really like his songs (I was supposed to see him in concert right when Corona hit!) but I’m not sure I’m loving the channel overall. What’s your favorite artist/channel to listen to on Pandora??

Lastly, I’m reading the Mahabharata epic (this is where the Bhagavad Gita comes from) for my Hindu class right now, and it might be one of my favorite things I’ve read in college so far. As my professor explains it, “It’s the Indian version of Game of Thrones.”

Quote of the Month

September’s quote was, “Don’t tell people your plans. Show them your results!” I’m extremely guilty of doing this… And while I love this quote, it just wasn’t the right one for me this month (because I didn’t end up accomplishing any of my goals!).

Last Month’s Goals

Last month’s lofty goals were to hit 1250 followers on Instagram and to get MailChimp working for my email notifications/subscriber list. I accomplished neither of those things… But I’m completely okay with that. And the reason why? Because I didn’t actually put in the work! I was lazy and “too busy” (pshh—excuses), so it’s only fair that I didn’t accomplish what I wanted. But, I did finish the month with 1085 Insta followers, and I’m still proud of that growth, small as it was.

This Month’s Goals

To be honest, I don’t know what I want to get out of this month. I feel very jumbled about blogging and would like to just sit down and make a plan—where am I going with this? What are my long-term goals and due dates? Stuff like that.

I do think I plan on not posting on social media this month, however. Lately I just feel like there isn’t space for me (who cares about fashion when the world is falling apart, ya know?), but I’ve decided this will be a good experiment. How much of a hit will my blog take if I stop using social media? Instagram used to be my number one referrer (which is why I continue to use it, despite disliking it), but lately search engines have actually been my number one source of traffic. So I’m curious to see how much of a difference there will be in my viewership if I stop my usual social media posting schedule!

In other, very exciting news, September was my best month of blogging ever in terms of views and visitors. After years and years of virtually no growth, it’s been so satisfying to finally see a steady uptick these last few months. Thank you so much for all the support!

This Month in 2019: New York Fashion Week Wannabe | B2S Series: Dorm Sweet Dorm | El Camino de Santiago: The Facts

This Month in 2018: Undeclared and Proud | My Dorm Room Tour! | Why I Don’t Wear Makeup | Changes: The Big Chop (And Why You Should Too)

This Month in 2017: The Most Fashionable Shows on TV | Dear Summer | The Most Impractical Styles in Fashion | Dress to Impress, Again

This Month in 2016: Pattern Play Dress | Under the Gazebo | Flower Girl | Work Wear

Other Happenings

Since I didn’t get a meal plan this school year, I’m finally learning how to cook. (Yes, I’ve basically never cooked a day in my life until now, but at least I’ve been doing my own laundry since I was eight! I’m not totally useless!) I’ve actually really been enjoying cooking, rating my meals, and taking “chef’s notes” about what I definitely need to do differently the next time. I’ve only done pretty easy things so far, though, so I’m ready to step up my cooking game in October!

As far as school goes, I like my classes well enough. My GIS class (where we’re learning how to use a map-making software) is actually pretty difficult, but I’ve learned over the years that the most challenging classes are the most rewarding. Not to mention, making maps is SO cool!!

I was shocked to realize I actually feel pretty safe being back on campus (I was worried I’d be on edge all the time). Classrooms are social distanced, and there are wipes to clean your area before sitting down. Although, I did receive an email last week that someone in my class tested positive, and then over the weekend I saw a poor kid getting whisked away to the quarantine ward (a residence hall reserved for those who test positive). It’s a very strange time! But I continue to be grateful that I’m back at school at all.

Well folks, I’m well past my word limit (y’all know I’m verbose) so I’ll end today’s post off here. I really love this fall outfit, but these lackluster photos just do not do it justice! But alas, I’m trying very hard to accept imperfection, so I guess I’ll leave it as-is…

Hope you all are holding up, and cheers to a good October! Thanks for stopping by.

 

Miles of smiles,
Grace

 

Olive Green Bodysuit: Francesca’s, $19, shop HERE | Embroidered Suede Skirt: Francesca’s, $16 | Jean Jacket: JCPenney, $19, last worn here | Beige Booties: Sam Edelman via DSW, $90, last worn here | Circle Purse: Nordstrom Rack, $50, last worn here