ON MY RADAR: The September Issue

September: A wonderful month for many.

If you’re a Virgo, then it’s your time to shine!

If you’re a fashion lover, then you probably already have your hands on Vogue’s September Issue—the biggest and most important issue of the year.

And if you’re me, you decide to introduce your new monthly column, On My Radar to all your readers. It’s very intimidating promoting my humble blog after mentioning Vogue in the paragraph above. I am no Anna Winator. The Chapman Chronicles does not have the same magnitude of influence as Vogue. But, I do have my mom reading this (Hi, Mom), and because of that, I have enough confidence to publish my own “September Issue.”

Welcome to On My Radar – a monthly column where I share everything that’s —you guessed it—on my radar for the month. Think new book releases, beauty launches I want to try, trends I’m taking notes on, etc.

Let’s get to it!

Ooh, September is going to be a great month for books! I already have a massive TBR (to be read) list, but I couldn’t resist adding these five titles to the list…I might even move a few of them straight to the top! I’m looking at you The Most Wonderful Crime of The Year and The Third Gilmore Girl.

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers – While trying to navigate life after a recent tragedy, Erin Connolly accidentally donates her favorite book — a heavily annotated copy of To Kill a Mockingbird containing a memento she can’t be without–-to a local little community library. She’s devastated. But then the book turns up a week later, back in the library with fresh notes in the margins, along with an invitation in a copy of Great Expectations to meet her newfound pen pal.

But Erin and her pen pal have a shared history that neither of them has guessed, and faced with painful reminders of the past, Erin finds herself at a crossroads. One that could change her life forever.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig – When retired math teacher Grace Winters inherits a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook, and no plan.

Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friend’s life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop – With an impressive resume filled with spectacular performances like A Chorus Line, Dirty Dancing and Gilmore Girls to name a few, Kelly Bishop reflects on her life and looks towards the future in her memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl. Kelly shares some of her greatest stories and life lessons in this warm, unapologetic and spirited memoir from a woman who has left remarkable impressions on her audiences for decades and has no plans on slowing down.

The Most Wonderful Crime of The Year by Ally Carter – When rival mystery writers Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas party at the English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself. That night, the weather turns,and the next morning Eleanor is gone. She vanished from a locked room, which makes Maggie wonder: is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that snowbound mansion she can trust? Every clue will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth –and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney – Aside from the fact that they are brothers and are currently grieving the loss of their father, Peter and Ivan Koubek seem to have little in common. Peter is a lawyer in Dublin and is successful, competent, and apparently unassailable. But in the wake of their father’s death, he’s medicating himself to sleep and struggling to manage his relationships with two very different women.

Ivan is a competitive chess player. He has always seen himself as socially awkward, a loner, and the antithesis of his elder brother. Now, in the early weeks of his bereavement, Ivan meets Margaret, an older woman emerging from her own turbulent past, and their lives become quickly and intensely intertwined.

For two grieving brothers and the people they love, this is a new interlude—a period of desire, despair, and possibility; a chance to find out how much one life might hold inside itself without breaking.

A celebrity launching his/her own beauty brand isn’t anything new. The first celebrity cosmetic brand was released back in 1994 by Somali-American supermodel Iman, who launched Iman Cosmetics. Over the last thirty years, we’ve seen celebrity beauty brands pop off with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop in 2008, Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty in 2013, Rhianna’s Fenty Beauty in 2017, and Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty in 2020, just to name a few. It can be hard to keep up! Some celebrity beauty brands get a ton of buzz from the media, like Blake Lively’s new haircare line, Blake Brown and Serena Williams’ cosmetics line Wyn Beauty, while other releases fly under the radar, like Beyonce’s hair care line Cécred (We need to give Beyonce more love because that packaging is stunning).

Below, I have compiled a list of the celebrity beauty brands that have caught my eye recently. Two of them are new launches, and the other one has (apparently) been around for years, lol. As I said, there are a lot of celeb beauty brands out there; it’s hard to keep up!

Blake Beauty

Blake Lively’s journey into the world of beauty has been a long time coming. In a note from Blake on Target’s website, “I spent 7 years creating & personally testing every element of this collection. The concept of Blake Brown is simple: love your hair well & it will love you well.” The collection includes eight products from shampoos to hair masks (Blake doesn’t use conditioner), and styling products. Blake Brown is sold exclusively at Target with prices ranging from $19-$25.

Here is what’s on my radar from Bake Beauty: Wild Nectar Santal Fundamental Nourishing Shampoo, Milky Sandalwood Rich Reset Pre-Shampoo Mask, and the Sandalwood Vanille Fundamental Strengthening Mask.

Being Frenshe

When I first heard about Ashley Tisdale’s beauty/personal care line, Being Frenshe, I thought it was a new release. But no, it’s been around since 2022, lol. I haven’t heard much buzz about this line; however, the products have a ton of 5-star reviews online. Being Frenshe was born while Ashley was on her own mental health and wellness journey. She discovered that introducing fragrance into her self-care rituals greatly shifted her mood. She decided to incorporate the science of scent with wellness to help nourish, connect, and care for yourself. Being Frenshe is sold exclusively at Target with prices ranging from $8-$30. With six different scent profiles, you’re sure to find a scent that works for you.

Here is what’s on my radar from Being Frenshe: Renewing Body Wash in Palo Santo Sage, Soothing and Hydrating Body Serum Stick with Magnesium in Cashmere Vanilla, Milky Moisturizing Bath Bomb Set in Lavender Cloud, and the Reset Candle in Citrus Amber.

Wyn Beauty

Serena Williams is serving up looks with her cosmetic brand, WYN Beauty, which she launched earlier this year. According to the Wyn Beauty website, their “clean, high-performing, ultra-hydrating formulas are designed to be in motion with you.” Sounds right up my alley! Right now they offer 10 products in the face, lip, and eye categories, and can be purchased at Ulta or on Wyn Beauty’s site. Prices range from $19 – $29.

Here is what’s on my radar from Wyn Beauty: Big Vision – Lengthening & Defining Tubing Mascara, No Words Needed Lip Serum, and Featuring You Hydration Skin Enhancing Tint SPF 30.

September is always a tricky month to dress for because I’m ready for it to be fall, but the summer weather is still lingering here in the South. I’m eagerly waiting for that first crisp chill in the air so the fall items in my wardrobe can finally take center stage. While I have been waiting for a shift in the seasons, I’ve been taking note of the fresh and exciting new arrivals that have been popping up in stores: cozy knits in rich, autumnal hues, tailored blazers and coats, luxurious prints and textures, and the most gorgeous accessories. Below I highlighted the three stores that have recently caught my eye with their new arrivals. Whether you’re updating your workwear, refreshing your weekend uniform, or looking for the perfect piece to wear to an upcoming gathering, these pieces will help transition your summer wardrobe into fall.

Abercrombie & Fitch

One of my favorite places to turn to when I’m searching for a solid staple for my wardrobe. This time around I’m seeing tops with interesting necklines (like off-the-shoulder or funnel neck), plaid wool blazers, and denim in a plethora of styles and washes. Basically, these basics are anything but basic!

Here is what’s on my radar from Abercrombie & Fitch: Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Top, Funnel Neck Sweater, Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean, Wool-Blend Blazer, Essential Polished Body-Skimming Tee, Mid Rise Leopard Mini Skort, Cropped Twill Workwear Jacket, and Curve Love Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean.

J.Crew

From rich chocolate browns to buttery soft suede or croc-embossed leather, the Accessories section at J.Crew is giving me life!

Here is what’s on my radar from J.Crew: Edie Bucket Bag in Cocoa Berry, Leopard Print Silk Scarf, Croc-Embossed Leather Belt, and Berkeley Suede and Leather Shoulder Bag in Navy Black.

Marine Layer

If you’re looking for some one-off statement pieces to add to your fall wardrobe, then Marine Layer has plenty of options. Think floral midi dresses, funky chevron knitted sweaters, and cheery sweaters featuring Marine Layer’s signature sun logo.

Here is what’s on my radar from Marine Layer: Annika Midi Dress, Brooke Crewneck Sweater, Icon Sweater, and Elena Smocked Top.

Thanks for reading!

As September unfolds, I’m excited to dive into all these new book releases, experiment with new beauty brands, and refresh my wardrobe for fall.

I would love to hear what’s on your radar for September! Has anything else caught your eye that I haven’t mentioned? What books do you want to read, beauty brands you want to try, or trends you’re interested in experimenting with this month? Let’s chat all about it in the comments.

Coming up next on The Chapman Chronicles – a new Weekend Edition!

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