Groundbreaking. Meryl Streep voice. Miranda Priestley style Prada bag drop on the intern's desk. Okay, Devil Wears Prada references aside, a changing of the seasons naturally calls for a change in scent. Out goes the musky, deeper notes in favour of something lighter and fresher. We are certainly spoilt for choice at the moment, with many of these fragrances releasing within the last month or so. Here's my pick of some of the new and exciting fragrances to add to your wishlist/pay day treat session. 

Girl of Now* x Elie Saab: Elie Saab has absolutely nailed what I love in a Spring fragrance. Fruity, with a hint of floral and deeper base notes, courtesy of tonka bean and almond milk. It is definitely a scent that packs a punch but it is very different to anything I have spritzed before and I am smitten. I'm not going to lie, the design for this bottle and its corresponding packaging have totally won me over as well. Can you blame me? Just look at the pictures here.

Gabrielle x Chanel:  Chanel is a design house responsible for many icons, from the quilted 2.55 through to their instantly recognisable perfume bottle designs and imagery. Last year they bought us a lighter, more youthful take on Chanel No. 5, L’Eau and this year they have Gabrielle, named for the brand’s founder. I spritzed this on counter when it released a couple of weeks back and it is exquisite. You can read up on the backstory of this one here. I really liked it on first spritz, it reminded me of a lighter, fresher take on Mademoiselle. I'd need to spritz it again though because I can't remember much beyond that. Reasons to not go fragrance researching at the end of a long day, #1. 

Kenzo World*: This is another fragrance that has totally won me over. I have a bit of a thing for eye motifs, ever since I had an evil eye bracelet given to me that I wore until it literally snapped off and ceramic eye beads went everywhere. Anyway, you may well be familiar with this advert which did the rounds when it first dropped. I think it's played on tv here too. Anyway, the fragrance itself is floral yet light. Are you noticing a theme here? With top notes of peony (my favourite), middle notes of jasmine and then base notes of ambroxan it is intoxicatingly wondrous and captivating.

Dolce & Gabbana The One*: The One is by no means a new fragrance but this lighter, fresher interpretation looks set to win over a new generation of fans. I love the campaign imagery featuring Emilia Clarke. D&G's original The One fragrance is so classic and nostalgic for me as one of my friends favours it as their scent of choice. Lily, lychee and musk are just some of the standout notes. I'm sure some people might class this as an evening scent but I like to wear it whenever. It's incredibly long-wearing too. As I write this at night I can still catch hints of the fragrance on me, after spritzing it in the early hours of this morning. 

-Have you tried any new fragrances lately?

*PR Samples but all love of sweet, decadent scent spritzes are my own

Another September-y post, this time about one of the iconic times in the editorial calendar. While it seems like print is a dwindling thing sometimes, RIP Nylon, in many corners there are still titles going strong and indie tomes for us to peruse and marvel. I don't care what the iPad, tech crowd might argue. You cannot beat the experience and joy that is flicking through a physical magazine. September seems to seasonally be a big time for the magazines and it's where a lot of advertising expenditure goes. It also though is known for getting readers excited, sharing new ideas and breaking new ground. Today I have some snippets of what to expect in these September issues for you...

British Vogue: Ahh BV, my longterm paper lover. This issue is particularly significant and in many ways bittersweet, as it is the last issue under Alexandra Shulman's editorship at the magazine. 306 issues in 25 years is quite a feat. To commemorate this, there is a full fold-out spread of every single one of her covers. I'm still trying to work out which was actually the first one I remember seeing. The cover also features a mix of iconic models, most notably Kate Moss who often paired with the magazine for iconic covers. Last year's Rolling Stone tribute for one, another with Bowie inspired makeup, one from 2008 encased in a layer of cream tulle, the latter which I actually own. If you grab one September issue, make it this. It is a treat in every sense of the word.

Frankie: While not strictly a September issue in the fashion-y sense of things, I couldn't not do a post about magazines and not use it as another opportunity to mention one of my all-time favourite publications. Frankie's August+September issue is laden with a bunch of awesome content. One of the best features for me was finding out what books Australian creatives love and have inspired their work+identity. There's also a handy, and beautifully illustrated guide to Australian plants, a tribute to Susan Sarandon, an editorial dedicated to one of my favourite places; bed and plenty of witty copy to keep this Frankie fan incredibly happy. 

American Vogue: The September issue, if ever there was one comes produced by Anna Wintour and her team. This issue clocking in at around 600 pages, a good hundred or so are ads FYI, commemorates their 125th anniversary. It's covered by Jennifer Lawrence in a series of images, the international edition seems to have the moody, Statue of Liberty backdrop on it. There is also this gold beauty above, by Inez and Vinoodh I believe as well as a couple of other choices. Iconic cover choice aside, there is also stories devoted to US Vogue trailblazers, Cindy Crawford being one but also current favourites like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. It's definitely more of a visual magazine to flick through rather than read, at least the September issue seems to be more about photos than anything else. Like a grown-up children's book for fashion lovers.

Glamour UK: My reaction to this cover, cheekily out of shot was "Yassss Blake/Serena/Bridget". Extremely uncool but justified. This is their honesty issue, timely given the current state of the world. As always, it is packed with inspiring content, fashion and wardrobe ideas aplenty and some of the best beauty pages around. A++ worth grabbing when you see it in the supermarket or newsagents. 

Teen Vogue: This time of year, well October actually signals the arrival of Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood issue. Due to Teen Vogue's revamp though it has been reframed as the Icons issue and is covered by; Amandla Stenberg, Millie Bobby Brown (ELEVEN *insert waffle emojis and heart eyes here*) and Kaia Gerber (aka Cindy Crawford 2.0). One of my favourite features was a column by Lauren Duca about why we can care about politics and fashion and not be slammed for it but I also enjoyed Millie's interview with Drew Barrymore as well as the editorial featuring up and coming acting talent as well as sporting stars too. 

-Have you read any of these magazines? Which will you be adding to your lust list?

September is here which means it's time to shine the light on five, very different things. There's some from around the web, a show which in many ways was somewhat ahead of its time and a book I really ended up loving. 

Too Much & Not The Mood: After admittedly taking a little while to get into the mood with this book, I was thoroughly rewarded. Structured in autobiographical essay form, but in a more free flowing, spontaneous kind of way. Too Much & Not The Mood looks at the nuances and smaller details that make up the moments that ultimately shape our lives. I've underlined and flagged passages to refer back to later on. "She is turning off the lights and climbing into her head because that's usually the move." is one extract that will stay with me for a while but the whole book is poetic and wondrous and lovely. 

Gossip Girl, Revisited: Your one and only source to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite turns ten this year. Back in the day I was obsessed and it will always have a special place in my heart. The drama, the fashion, Chuck Bass. Anyway, it's on Netflix and while I've been housesitting I decided to start watching it again and it still feels incredibly fresh. That drama is clearly ingrained in my memory. Some of the 00's styling choices don't hold up and admittedly some of the voiceovers are a little bit cringe but I still love it anyways. 

Lovely Rita: Please excuse the obscure-ish Beatles reference and cast your eyes on these shells for your earlobes. Aptly named the Rita Earrings. They're made by local talent Albertine Lello of Pigment Studio and are just beautiful. Whether you want to channel your inner mermaid or just want a nostalgic throwback to the times you went to the beach and held shells to your ears, they'll deliver. 

Turning Dreams Into Plans: What is it about new seasons that seems to inspire change and with that reinstate a sense of ambition and wonder? Brighter days perhaps? Thinking aloud here but I have a few dreams I really want to make a reality and in the latter quarter of the year I will be working my hardest to make them happen. The difficulty for me will be not letting myself get caught up in self critique and just allowing it to happen. Although if the last few weeks are anything to go by, apparently my new mantra is "it is what it is". Watch this space...

Thought Catalog: As a first year Uni kid decades ago* I stumbled upon Thought Catalog. It is home to longer articles and essays, many designed to make you feel a sense of comfort I guess but also provide some inspiration. Anyway, recently I've been revisiting it and realising just how brilliant it really is. 7 inspirational messages for when you feel stuck is a great place to start. I'm definitely going to be making more of an effort to visit this site now.

*Well not quite that long. As Lorelai would say "I'm being dramatic. It's what I do."

The end of August signals the end of Winter and the beginnings of Spring. Groundbreaking florals, brighter skies, higher temperatures. Yes please. Before September truly gets underway though it's time to reflect on the favourites from the month that was. I certainly found some beauty gems this month along with some extra favourites. In all honesty this post could easily have been much longer. Today though, here are seven things, from music to a pale-skin friendly bronzer I am smitten with...

Mecca Max Sunlit Skin Bronzer in Light: Do not look too closely at the imagery for this online. It is deceiving and nowhere near as orange so I'm not sure why it was photographed as being warmer. Photography qualms aside, I LOVE this bronzer from the new Mecca Maxima, or Mecca Max if we're being overly technical, range. This light shade gives just the right amount of warmth and a hint of radiance to the complexion. 

Zoeva Buffer Brush: After hearing Anna declaring her love for this brush many a time I had to grab it a few months back when Sephora NZ had a sale going on. It does not disappoint and is so luxe and soft. Despite being denser, it doesn't soak up your foundation like it's going out of fashion and makes blending so fast. I don't know what goes in to the making of Zoeva's brushes, magic possibly but whatever it is, it is wondrous. 

Glamour Magazine (UK Edition): Where has Glamour been all my glossy loving life? After grabbing an issue to take on a mini weekend jaunt back in July, I've kept an eye out for the upcoming issues. Great stories, inspiring women, a column with Dawn O'Porter. You have me sold Glamour goddesses. Their podcast is really worth a listen to as well. 

Zoe and Morgan New Moon Necklace: Last month I turned 25 and this was one of my presents. I've loved Zoe and Morgan for a long time and the fact this was for my 25th birthday makes it feel doubly special. That and I get to feel like Stevie Nicks and Florence Welch whenever I wear it. I don't know, I just like to pretend it has some kind of magic encased inside it. Moreover I love it and wear it most days now. It's like my ritualistic talisman. 

Too Faced Love Light Prismatic Highlighter in Blinded By The Light: This is a thing of absolute beauty, in every sense of the world. I'm not one to apply highlighter with reckless abandon so I can appreciate something like this which does the whole wet look, somewhat subtler glow kind of thing. By all means you can dial up the intensity if that's how you like things, but armed with my duo fibre fan brush and an extremely light hand is how I prefer it to be. I like that there are also deeper colours, rose gold and a golden highlighter so there's something for every skintone. Well played Too Faced. 

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: I know there's some whisperings about the politics and perhaps problematic nature of this brand online and I am certainly mindful of that. Some is just a bit outlandish, I don't think any beauty brand expects their products to only be used by people who are whatever society's version of flawless is. That'd skew the whole way in which the beauty industry works. Anyway, back to the product at hand. From the first time I used this lightweight, delight of a cleanser I could see why everyone loved it. Aside from being an absolute treat to use, it agrees with my skin and its refreshing, cooling texture goes down well after a long day. 

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful x Florence and the Machine: By no means a new album now, I think it's been three years almost since HBHBHB made its way into my life. Perhaps I am biased because Florence and the Machine are one of my all time favourite bands but it still holds up. Her lyrics are mesmerising, the orchestration is always theatrical and has such a cinematic, escapist quality to it. Queen of Peace is still undoubtedly my favourite song on the record but I love the whole thing. I often listen to it at work actually and have to resist the temptation to sing often. The struggle is sometimes real.

-What have you loved during August?

Hello, long (ish) time no see. Today I have a look inside my book mail from August for you. Again, this is just the highlights but if their synopses and advance praise are anything to go by, they will not disappoint...

Little Black Book* by Otegha Uwagba: After hearing Liv and Anna raving about this book, when the opportunity arose to be sent my own copy c/o Harper Collins, I could not say no. It is all the more fitting given I've recently started a new job. Side note, I say recently, it was actually five weeks ago now which is crazy to me. Anyway, Little Black Book or LBB that is actually peach, is a mini guide to being a successful worker in the creative realm. Whether it be as a full time gig or juggling it amongst other things, this sounds like quite the useful book to have in one's possession. 

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen: A bit of an impulsive buy on my part, I'm not going to lie but it is actually a book and film I've always wanted to see. Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder? Yes please. It follows a young girl who gets admitted to a psych ward, the same which has also played home to Sylvia Plath among others and her experiences and encounters across the next two years. It sounds haunting yet alluring all at once. 

Sour Heart* by Jenny Zhang: If you follow me on Instagram you will already know this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Admittedly, I go through phases of reading short story collections. They never seem to take my fancy quite as much as novels but if the advanced praise of this book is anything to go by, it will be brilliant. It's the first title published under the new Lenny imprint x Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner so if this is a sign of what is to come I am excited. 

The Ninth Hour* by Alice McDermott: So this is actually an ARC, aka an uncorrected proof copy. I do get these from time to time and I try to not feature them until closer to publication date but I have a feeling this book is released very soon. Update, it is released next month so it should not be too far away. The Ninth Hour is the story of three generations of an Irish immigrant family in 1940's to 1950's Brooklyn who are faced with tragedy. That being loss, suicide and coming to terms with life in an entirely new part of the world. I've not read anything by Alice McDermott before and while it seems trite to say I am looking forward to reading this given its subject matter, I am curious and find novels that delve into the psyche of characters, like it sounds like this one is going to, deeply fascinating. 

Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion: Didion, one of a trio of writers whose work I want to busy myself with reading in its entirety. I feel like I've mentioned that fact before but the other two are Nick Hornby, although maybe not his YA because I haven't heard favourable things, and Ali Smith. Play It As It Lays chronicles life in 1960's Los Angeles and Hollywood. One of my favourite decades, nostalgia-wise, albeit secondhand and a city that never ceases to fascinate me. While I imagine sixties LA is vastly different to 2017 in many regards, I am still curious to see if any patterns emerge of what was to come in terms of where the world was headed. Moreover I am just intrigued to read and experience Didion's perspective on it. 

Conversations With Friends* by Sally Rooney: One of my school friends and literary enthusiasts, Laura gave this a glowing review here and I've prioritised this to read next month. The title is self explanatory, this book examines and centres around conversation. One of my favourite things, I do love a good natter. It follows the protagonist through high school, university and new adulthood. Like Sour Heart, this is another of my highly anticipated fiction releases of 2017 so if I love it as much as I suspect I am going to, this will not be the last time you hear of it. 

The Gender Games* by Juno Dawson: Not pictured but for reference, here is the cover in all its glory. I actually received this at the end of July, I think but it made its way to my current reads list fairly quickly and so far I am finding it brilliant. Like my fellow book buff Emma, I find books that look at gender and how it shapes society incredibly interesting. This book is perhaps more so than any other because Dawson has lived through the male and female lens. It is well worth the read and out of the albeit limited selection of books I've read in August, this is up there with my favourites. 

-Have you acquired any new books in August? What were they?

*Review Copy