the roundup #021

feeling super in love

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Between working Benito Bowl, mentally preparing myself for Lana Del Rey’s new song “White Feather–Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” (yes, that is truly the title), keeping up with brand-trip discourse courtesy of Rhode and Rare Beauty, and New York Fashion Week quite literally kicking off tomorrow, it has been a busy stretch. Hence why this letter is arriving a tad delayed. I will keep this week’s ranting to a minimum, I ranted a little too close to the sun last week, so let’s get straight to the nitty gritty of what all has been happening.

Super Bowl Sunday, for me, looked like working from the couch. The job of a social media girl is never really over, but I did have the luxury of wings and king cake within arm’s reach while scrolling instead of sitting at a desk, which I will count as a win. Leading up to the game itself, the Super Bowl felt oddly quiet, with the real noise coming from everything around it. Namely, people fighting over freebies at BÉIS Bowl and the star-studded GQ Bowl with Thom Browne’s Fall 2026 show in San Francisco, felt far more buzzy than the game itself besides of course the Bad Bunny halftime featuring Lady Gaga that was chef’s kiss in blending culture and much needed love with the message “The only thing more powerful than is love.” While I loved the show I was a bit interested in the choice of his halftime attire being full custom Zara though I thought it was originally Jacquemus FW25 being worn it felt a bit…off compared to the rest of the entire message he was executing, but nonetheless with that snag the show was overall enjoyable reigning in 142.3 millions over it’s less than stellar competitor Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” racking in 6.1 million views. Do with that what you will.

And then, of course, there were the ads. Like many of you, I stay tuned for the commercials, and I will be honest, I was left a bit underwhelmed. The breaks felt like a loop of AI companies, crypto pitches, and Ozempic-esque promotions, with the only real sparks of joy being Doechii in Levi’s and, not to toot my own horn, the eos Is It Cake moment with Mickey Day. So I have to ask, how did you feel about this year’s Super Bowl?

Beyond the Bowl, I have been keeping my eyes on the Italian slopes as the Winter Olympics get underway. My current favorites remain predictable but undefeated, figure skating, anything snowboarding, and hockey. Speaking of hockey, it is nearly impossible to mention it these days without everyone immediately thinking of Heated Rivalry, which was officially green-lit for a second season set to return in spring 2027. Plenty of time to catch up on some appropriately “heated” reading.

Adding to that reading list, I am already planning my next literary escape, the anticipated return of my favorite Upper West Side darling, Blair Waldorf. A new sequel to the original Gossip Girl novels set 20 years later, following Blair navigating New York in her forties, which feels both inevitable and necessary for my GG obsession. Also keeping my New York heart well fed, there is also Ryan Murphy’s upcoming series Love Story releasing Thursday, centered on the literal time capsule wardrobe royalty of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. I can already see the outfit analysis pieces forming in real time.

But for now, welcome back. We are less than 200 subscribers away from hitting 10K, which still feels a little unreal to type out. I am so glad you are here, and welcome to The Roundup, a space where I share weekly obsessions, fashion picks, beauty favorites, news bites, and whatever else is currently taking up space in my head. Enjoy!

1. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has teamed up with OpenAI to launch an Innovation Hub, a two-year initiative designed to pair fashion designers with AI developers to explore practical uses of emerging technologies in the industry. The program will provide mentorship, technical support, and more than $300,000 in grants, along with unlimited access to OpenAI tools, as selected fashion brands collaborate with AI builders on pilot projects that could span design, sustainability, marketing and other key areas.

2. Rare Beauty’s nationwide launch at Ulta Beauty on February 1 marked a historic debut for the brand, breaking the retailer’s existing record for the most sales during a brand’s first day in stores. The expansion into over 1,500 Ulta stores and online drove strong demand across multiple makeup categories, including blush, highlighter and lip products, and made Rare Beauty the top-selling brand in several segments immediately after launch. The milestone reflects the brand’s continued momentum as it expands its retail footprint, a topic recently touched on in Kirbie Johnson’s Ahead of the Kirb conversation with founder Selena Gomez and Ulta Beauty’s Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Mahoney that is definitely worth the read.

3. Following his Super Bowl LX halftime performance, Bad Bunny’s first signature sneaker with Adidas, the BadBo 1.0, was released as a surprise drop on February 9. The all-white version worn during the performance quickly sold out, amplifying the cultural buzz around the collaboration and underscoring Bad Bunny’s growing influence in the intersection of music, sport and fashion.

4. Sydney Sweeney joined Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman and chief executive officer of American Eagle Outfitters Inc., at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell, a moment that also revived conversation around the brand’s widely debated campaign featuring the actress last year. Schottenstein used the occasion to publicly reaffirm the company’s support of the partnership, pointing to its commercial impact despite the controversy it sparked. In a statement, he said the collaboration delivered “the most memorable campaign in our history” and contributed to American Eagle’s strong performance in the latter half of 2025, adding that the brand plans to build on that momentum in 2026 through new product drops and customer experiences.

5. Marc Jacobs officially kicked off the Fall/Winter 2026 New York Fashion Week with his Spring 2026 ready-to-wear show at the Park Avenue Armory. The collection, titled “Memory. Loss,” blended late-90s inspirations with contemporary minimalism, setting the tone for the season’s runway calendar and drawing industry attention to Jacobs’ evolving design direction.

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6. Thom Browne and GQ collaborated on the GQ Bowl 2026, a San Francisco fashion event that doubled as a runway showcase for Browne’s Fall 2026 collection. The presentation—held at the Legion of Honor museum—highlighted Browne’s signature tailoring alongside a new sneaker collaboration with ASICS, reinforcing the ongoing crossover between high fashion and cultural events.

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THE COFFEE TABLE, FOR THE GIRLS, AND EVERYTHING NICE, TRASH PANIC

Cupid’s arrow is poised to strike as the clock ticks closer to the day of love, and honestly, there’s no better excuse to lean into pinks, reds, and a soft, romantic flush across the cheeks and lips. While my Valentine’s Day lead-up will look less candlelit dinner and more airport terminal en route back to the city, I’m fully committed to feeling the love a thousand miles up in the sky.

Enter the glow on the go. Pixi generously sent over their three new On-the-Glow Blush shades— Mauve, Cassis, and Chantilly—and naturally, I reached for Cassis. After surviving the city’s snow chronicles, my skin was craving warmth, and this shade delivered just that. I swept it across cheeks, tapped it onto lips, and even blended a touch onto the lids for an effortless, fresh flush that made me feel instantly revived.

And because love is best when shared, I couldn’t leave you hanging. I’m gifting TWO subscribers a little Valentine’s Day treat—perfect for a moment of self-love or your next date night glow-up. Consider it Cupid-approved. 💘

Here’s how to win:

1. Must be subscribed and following The September Eighteen!!!

2. Comment your Valentine’s Day plans below!

💌 Giveaway ends 2/14 at midnight. Winners will be notified via DM on 2/15!

1. Founded by Brianna Arps, Moodeaux is a Black-owned fragrance brand rooted in emotional storytelling and intentional scent creation. Arps launched the brand to explore how fragrance can shift mood and spark connection, often centering identity, sensuality, and self-expression. Punkstar delivers a bold, rebellious edge with warm florals and spice, while Worthy leans intimate and grounding, designed as a reminder of self-value and confidence.

2. V. Bellan is the jewelry brand founded by Nicole Bell, known for sculptural, conversation-starting designs that blur the line between art and adornment. The brand embraces bold silhouettes and playful proportions meant to stand alone or layer effortlessly. Standout pieces like the Nicole Hoops and Bubble Ring embody Bell’s approach to statement jewelry that feels expressive yet wearable.

3. Loam Candles is a candle studio founded by Jessica White that centers nature, ritual, and community through clean, thoughtfully crafted scents. Each candle is designed to evoke everyday grounding moments rather than overpowering fragrance. Citrus Season offers a bright, uplifting blend ideal for fresh starts, while Community Garden captures earthy, green notes inspired by collective spaces and shared growth.

4. Founded by Wilglory Tanjong, Anima Iris is a luxury accessories brand celebrated for its artisanal craftsmanship and global influence. Tanjong launched the brand with the intention of spotlighting African craftsmanship within the luxury fashion space. Pieces like the Saclay Mini Hide Tote, Lyle Hide Limbe Tote, and Ivy Zuri showcase the brand’s signature sculptural shapes and meticulous handwoven leatherwork.

5. Maeva Heim is the founder of Bread Beauty Supply, a haircare brand launched in 2020 with the mission of simplifying routines for textured, curly, and afro-textured hair. Heim created Bread as an antidote to overcomplicated regimens, prioritizing “lazy-girl” essentials that actually work. Bestsellers like my personal favorite go-to the Everyday Gloss Hair Oil and Leave-In Conditioning Curl Styling Cream focus on hydration, shine, and ease.

6. Founded by Aurora James, Brother Vellies is a luxury accessories brand dedicated to preserving traditional African design practices while supporting artisan communities. Originally launched as a footwear brand, it has since expanded into handbags and accessories. The Olivia Pumps reflect James’ commitment to bold design paired with ethical production and craftsmanship.

7. EADEM is a Black- and Asian-founded skincare brand created by former Google colleagues Marie Kouadio Amouzame and Alice Lin Glover. Built to address the unmet needs of melanin-rich skin, the brand focuses on hyperpigmentation and barrier health. The Cloud Cushion Airy Brightening Moisturizer delivers lightweight hydration while supporting even tone, and the brand is now widely available at Sephora.

8. Edas is an accessories brand founded by Sade Mims, known for its minimalist yet sculptural approach to jewelry and handbags. The brand emphasizes timeless design with subtle edge. Pieces like the Kori Hoops and Adjoining Charm Bracelet reflect Edas’ balance of clean lines and thoughtful detailing.

9. Lorvae is an eyewear brand offering bold, fashion-forward sunglasses designed to elevate everyday looks. The brand leans into playful glamour and statement silhouettes. The Flashy Sunglasses live up to their name, delivering instant personality and polish.

10. MEAD Beauty is a beauty brand focused on lip care as an extension of skin health. With an emphasis on barrier repair and nourishment, the brand treats lips with the same intention as skincare. The Revive Lip Balm for Barrier Repair deeply conditions, while the Reveal Exfoliating Lip Polish gently smooths and preps lips for softness and shine.

BIG FAN, SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE, AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN, OUR PERFECT STORM, MOST ELIGIBLE, GAME CHANGER, ONE & ONLY, ROOTING INTEREST, REVOLVE

BIG FAN, SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE, AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN, OUR PERFECT STORM, MOST ELIGIBLE, GAME CHANGER, ONE & ONLY, ROOTING INTEREST, REVOLVE