Lately (ep. 4) — SADIE JANE ALLEN

Hello my lovelies! It’s been a hot minute since I hopped on here to write about my life, my current favorites, or anything at all. I would be lying if I said it was easy to motivate myself to engage with my hobbies— other things always seem to take precedence. Distractions like social media, napping, or work always seem to keep me from doing things that I love, just for the sake of doing them. I had envisioned that I would have this jam-packed summer where I would dive headfirst into all of my passions, including blogging. I was really expecting this “hot girl summer” everyone has been talking about— I thought I’d spend every day enthralled with my hobbies, my friends, and life itself.

While I have taken a few trips, including ones to NYC, DC, and the Outer Banks, my summer day-to-day has been largely uneventful. Of course, working two jobs leaves little time for a “hot girl summer,” but ya girl had dreams for these warm months. My slower, calm days have certainly been rejuvenating, though— I’ve been able to build up my room in my new apartment (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I moved this summer, too) and get some much needed rest after the stress of last semester and previous summer classes. Nevertheless, I have some recent favorites to share with you all. It’s been a long while since I updated y’all on what I’m loving lately, so let's jump right into it!

thrifting

Okay, I’m aware that this is the least hot take ever, but recently I have been OBSESSED with thrifting. Why, you may ask? Well, for one, my climate anxiety has been awful lately, and I would be lying if I didn’t say I felt guilty about the amount of fast fashion I consume. As I have gotten older and started to earn my own money, I have been able to stop shopping at more notorious fast fashion stores like Forever 21. However, I’m still incredibly guilty of shopping at stores like Urban Outfitters. As we know, they don’t have a great environmental footprint. I have been making a conscious effort to thrift more because of this (plus, it’s way cheaper, and ya girl needs to save her money!) I have been frequenting my local thrift stores, including Rumors, Goodwill, and the PTA (if you’re based in Chapel HIll, definitely check them out!) I’ve also been perusing Depop religiously, although I often get annoyed at sellers on the app (that is another conversation that we don’t need to get into right now— you can read more about the topic here.) I would link my Depop, but I’m afraid y’all will buy all of my liked items, so you’ll have to find it on your own time. :)

hats

I feel ridiculous putting hats as a favorite of mine, but oh man, have I been loving my hats. Cowboy, baseball, wide-brim— I’ve been into it all recently. My roommate Ella and I have gathered quite the collection, including some strange baseball caps with equally strange sayings (we have matching ones that say “I’m not old, I’m vintage! You can thank party city for that one.) Trucker hats have been very in this summer as well. I feel like a good hat can really elevate any look and make you look effortlessly cool. You can get some killer vintage hats while thrifting, just be sure to wash before wearing (we don’t want lice, haha.)

overalls

Want to be comfy AND cute at the same time? Overalls are for sure the answer. I picked up a pair at Gap and a pair at H&M (I know, I know— I am working on the fast fashion thing.) You can easily thrift overalls, you just need to be on the hunt for a pair that fits you properly! I have previously had no luck finding overalls that were flattering on my frame, but this summer I hit the jackpot! I definitely will continue to style these pieces into fall and winter as well, with sweaters instead of tank tops!

button ups

Another obvious favorite— I thrift all of my button ups, and they are probably my most worn items in my closet. I love throwing them over dresses or plain tees. I mostly have pastel hues at the moment, but I’ve been stocking up on some darker hues for fall. I recently picked up a black button up, inspired by the great Matilda Djerf (see her style one here.) These are also perfect for that matching set look that everyone is rocking right now!

dr. jart+ ceramidin cream

I have always struggled with dry skin, and this moisturizer really hits the spot for me. Even in the summer heat, my skin doesn’t feel greasy or sticky using this moisturizer! It also helps me achieve that glowing, dewy look that is so popular right now. You can purchase it here!

glossier you perfume

Everyone and their mother swears by this perfume, and there’s a reason for it— it smells like literal heaven in a bottle. The smell is the perfect mix of feminine and masculine and stays on my skin all day. I seriously wear this almost every day, even when I am just staying in! You can get a bottle here.

wyld konjac sponge

Wyld Skincare was kind enough to send over some of their products to try, and I absolutely fell in love with their French Pink Clay Konjac Sponge! It feels so good on my skin and gently exfoliates my face. They also have a body version that I hope to try out soon! You can get one here!

“no makeup” makeup

All summer I have been rocking the “no makeup” makeup look. This is honestly because I am too lazy to put on makeup often! However, wearing lighter makeup has really done wonders for my self esteem and confidence. I’ve been able to feel beautiful without a lot of makeup, which is truly lovely! If you guys want to see how I do my “no makeup” makeup, let me know!

deleting tik tok

Lol… yeah. I’ve been on a brief break from TikTok and it has done wonders for my mental heath. The app is draining for my energy, time, and even my creativity. I really suggest taking breaks from the app— Emma Chamberlain did a podcast episode where she discussed her personal experience with TikTok and I really recommend giving it a listen! I feel so much better now that I am off of the app and I have been getting a lot more done work-wise. I will definitely be back on the app eventually, but this break has been great for me.

walks

Another huge mental health booster right here— walks! Since both of my jobs are remote, it is easy to stay inside all day for days on end. This, obviously, is not good. I have been taking mindful walks to campus or to local cafes recently to do my work or even read my book! Being outside and getting some sun makes me feel so much better. Plus, moving your body produces serotonin!

house of leaves

I’m currently reading House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski, and man oh man, is this book addicting. It is definitely not for the faint of heart— it has some horror elements but is mostly (and deeply) unsettling. I’m addicted to this read. Even though it is more than 700 pages, I definitely recommend it to my readers who like to be challenged by a book (and also frightened, haha!) You can pick up a copy from any local bookstore! :)

atla and korra

My boyfriend and recently finished watching Avatar: The Last Airbender and recently started Legend of Korra! I absolutely adore these shows! Especially since my partner and I are long distance right now, it has been so wonderful to hop on a Watch Party and watch a few episodes. I also adore the sky bison (especially the babies!) They are too cute hehe!