What FJ editors were reading, watching and wearing in September
words by fashion journal
Our monthly favourites.
We’ve had quite the spring in our step this past month. Jasmine is blooming, tulips are blossoming, the sun is out (for the most part) and Edinburgh gardens is full of locals soaking in as much vitamin D as possible. It’s no coincidence that as the weather improves, so does our mood.
As well as marking birthdays for two of our editors, September has also played host to the major international Fashion Weeks, starting in New York and taking us through to London, Milan and Paris. No matter where you look, there’s been inspiration at every corner.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
We’ve welcomed the start of spring by visiting some of our favourite secondhand consignment stores, bingeing fashion podcasts and delving into ‘art-hoe-dystopian-fiction’. Find our full round-up of September favourites below.
Jillian Arcenas, content and production coordinator
Watching
My current TV show obsession is Adults. I just love a good sitcom, especially one that’s chaotic and written with jokes that actually land. Somehow, I’ve developed FOMO over a friendship group that isn’t even real. I guess I finally understand Zack Carlos now… The new season came out this month, and I’m already ready to rewatch it all over again. That’s my one gripe with TV shows these days: seasons are way too short.
Wearing
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Someone in the pre-loved world absolutely spoiled me this month, because I managed to score some pretty great finds. I picked up a pair of Isabel Marant leather boots from Swop, and a V-neck T-shirt with a fun open-back moment from Helmut Lang at Goodbyes. I have a well-thought-out buy list and although neither of these pieces were on it, I’ve been wearing both a lot this month. That said, I’ve been wearing both quite a lot throughout September, so I think they were justified purchases.
Reading
I really enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. It’s such a touching book that follows three stories, set across different moments in time, all taking place in the same coffee shop. Each story explores the idea of going back in time and changing the past, while reminding us that we can’t alter what’s already happened. Instead, we should accept the past and appreciate what we have now. It was a lovely and comforting read.
Listening
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Brenda Weischer (also known as brendahashtag) has a podcast called Brenda Awareness. She uploads these 15 to 20-minute episodes recapping moments and events like Fashion Week pretty close to real time, so it feels like you’re there with her, getting all the gossip, updates and little moments as they happen. She’s also really open about the behind-the-scenes of fashion and her own career, which makes for some interesting insights beyond the shows themselves.
Lara Daly, senior editor
Reading
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I finished Flat Earth, the debut novel from Anika Jade Levy, in about two days. I would describe it as a ‘art-hoe-dystopian-fiction’, a genre I didn’t know I needed. It centres around the main character, Avery, who’s a cynical, directionless art school graduate in a toxic best-friendship with Frances, an effortless, wealthy over-achiever. It’s a brilliant satire on the current culture we find ourselves in – definitely apocalyptic but not depressingly so.
Listening
I’ve been rekindling my love for Hayley Williams this month, so much so that I think I manifested her headlining at Laneway. I’m beyond excited to see her live in 2027.
Slathering
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My friend Meg, who has incredibly good taste in everything, gifted me this Buly 1803 hand cream for my birthday and it’s the best hand cream I’ve ever used. It’s called a ‘Double Pommade Concrete’, and the texture is indeed concrete-like: a super thick, occlusive paste that almost forms a barrier on your hands (or feet). I’m also obsessed with the vintage aluminium tube packaging and heavy metal lid – it feels like hand cream from Hogwarts.
Watching
The Great British Bake Off is my ultimate comfort show and I’ve been waiting for Nigella Lawson’s debut as the new judge for what feels like years. Finally, her first season is out and she’s even better than I imagined!
Daisy Henry, features editor
Reading
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I just devoured Kitten, a debut by writer Stacey Yu. It’s literary fiction that follows the protagonist, Katie, who develops a fascination, bordering on obsession, with her boyfriend’s cat, Silver. You meet her at a crossroads in life – she’s finished college, is between jobs, needs to find a new apartment and she’s not speaking to her mum. She’s a frustrating character but it’s a unique premise, and I really loved Stacey’s writing.
Watching
I’m deep in a Desperate Housewives rewatch at the moment, and I’m having the best time. It’s such a 2000s comfort watch and the plotlines are so insanely over-the-top (in the best way). I also saw an early screening of Verity with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson and though I can’t reveal much, I have thoughts.
Wearing
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I’ve been on a mission for a soft, durable white long-sleeve T-shirt recently and decided to splurge on this one from Leset – and let me say, it’s worth every penny. I received this pair of silver hoops from Nina Gordon for my birthday, which I have barely taken off, and picked up a vintage suede jacket from PDA Shop with a gift voucher the FJ girls gave me.
Listening
I’ve been bingeing Nymphet Alumni recently and this podcast episode on Catalan Chicslop was so good. It’s a deep dive into Spanish labels Paloma Wool and Gimaguas, analysing their designs, influences and what it says about the culture. I’m also at the mercy of my algorithm and my entire feed at the moment is full of footage from Olivia Rodrigo’s Unravelled tour, so naturally, I’ve had You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love on repeat.
For more book recommendations, try this.
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