My September Obsessions — REFINE Magazine

By: Maddie Mosley

As we embrace the transition from summer to autumn, September's arrival has sparked a fresh burst of energy and a renewed sense of curiosity. With the warm days of summer fading into the golden embrace of fall, I'm excited to share my latest obsessions that have been lighting up this enchanting month.

“Guts” By Olivia Rodrigo

Since its release on Sept. 8, I’ve had the entire soundtrack on repeat. Each song is unique in its own way, making it the perfect soundtrack for any occasion. It’s hard for me to pick my favorites, but I’ve definitely listened to “Making the Bed,” “the Grudge,” “Lacy,” “All-American Bitch,” and “Get Him Back!” the most. Whether you want to dance, cry, scream, reminisce, or all of the above, this album is perfect for any mood.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp is an icon, a legend, she is the moment. Since watching her on “Sex Lives Of College Girls,” I’ve fallen in love with her music and personality. In August, she released her debut album, “Snow Angel,” which has been one of my most listened-to albums this month. Her music is a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Not only is Rapp an amazing vocalist, but she also has a bubbly and comedic personality that makes her enjoyable to watch in interviews and on her radio show, “Angel Hour.”

ThredUp

ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store where you can buy and sell high-quality secondhand clothes. While I love going to thrift stores, it can be time-consuming sorting through clothes, and could pose difficulties with transportation. But, ThredUp has made finding clothes so easy and they deliver right to your door! I’ve found so many cute and affordable finds from Abercrombie jeans to vintage skirts. They even offer clean-out kits where they'll send you a bag to fill with clothes you want to donate or sell. If you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe for fall use my referral link for 45% off and free shipping on your first order!

Audre Lorde: “WHEN I DARE TO BE POWERFUL”

If you love Simone de Beauvoir and Margaret Atwood, then Audre Lorde’s novels need to be next on your reading list. This is a powerful book written with “black woman’s anger” that celebrates female strength and solidarity. Once I started reading, I wasn’t able to put the book down because it reflected on both of my identities as a woman and person of color. My favorite quote from the book emphasizes that self-awareness can lead us to seek fulfillment and authenticity in all aspects of life.

“. . . once we begin to feel deeply all the aspects of our lives, we begin to demand from ourselves and from our life-pursuits that they feel in accordance with that joy which we know ourselves to be capable of,” Lorde wrote.

Lorde was one of the most revolutionary Black feminists and her books will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

Digital Camera Pics

My mom, Jess, gave me her old Canon digital camera over the summer. Since returning to campus, I’ve been bringing it with me everywhere. When I’m out with friends, it’s the perfect camera to just slip into my pocket or bag and snap candid photos. I decorated mine with flower and bee stickers and added a wrist strap to make it even cuter. I’ve always been a huge fan of Polaroids and film photos, but it can get pricey to buy new film and get the photos developed. A digital camera requires no additional payment to keep the photos. Amazon also sells an SD card reader that connects directly to your phone, allowing you to save the photos right to your camera roll!

Baggu Medium Crescent Bag

TikTok influenced me to purchase a Baggu and now, I own two. The medium crescent bag is by far my favorite. It may look small from the outside, but it can store all of my daily necessities like my keys, wallet, toiletries pouch, and even my 32 ounce Hydro Flask. Unfortunately, it can’t fit my laptop, but an iPad would definitely fit inside. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it as a crossbody or on your shoulder making it the perfect bag for running errands or going to class.

Baby Blue New Balance 550s

I’ve always only owned basic white, black, or gray shoes, because they go with everything. Over the summer, I bought a pair of New Balance 550s in baby blue and I didn’t start wearing them religiously until this month. I thought they’d clash with my usual outfits, but they actually make the outfits better. I’ve always had issues with Reeboks and Converse getting worn out in two to three months and becoming uncomfortable after a while. However, the New Balance 550s are super comfortable and high quality even after wearing them almost everyday for five months. I bought another pair earlier this month in gray and I plan to purchase them in every single color.

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