the roundup 9.7
Digging into Book of the Month picks, new launches, and news you can’t miss…
Happy Sunday, everyone! This edition of The Roundup is arriving in your inbox a little earlier than usual — and for good reason. With September now underway, I can’t help but notice there are only four months left in the year. Four months to revisit the goals I set for myself, and one of the big ones still on my list? Reading more. My TBR stack is endless, but finding both the time and the right book to reach for has been the real challenge.
That’s why I’m especially excited that this week’s issue is sponsored by Book of the Month (ad). If you’re not familiar, BOTM is a monthly subscription service that spotlights the buzziest new releases and lets you choose the one that excites you most. It takes the guesswork out of discovering your next great read — and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better moment. With crisp fall weekends on the horizon and the end of the year approaching, I finally feel like I have the perfect excuse (and motivation) to dig in.
Even better, BOTM has a special September offer: your first book for just $5, plus a free hat of your choosing with code JACKET. Consider it the perfect push to finally start tackling that reading list.
And speaking of digging in… the first week of September is already behind us, and a lot has happened. Let’s round it up!
👀 New week, fresh stacks for your eyes
📚 BOTM recs to kick off September
🗽 Best NYC spots to crack open a book
✨ Perfect pairings for your next stack read
🛍️ New faces, big debuts & remembering an icon
💄 All Rhodes lead to launches, collabs & a gel polish ban?!
🍿 Trailer drops, casting news & wicked departures
🎵 JB’s 44 tracks, new tours & one artist joins Substack
All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert returns with her most intimate book yet: the story of her complicated love with Rayya Elias—first a friend, then a soulmate, and ultimately the person who unraveled and remade her. Grappling with addiction, grief, and the collision between love and self-destruction, Gilbert shows how heartbreak can devastate and liberate in equal measure. If Eat Pray Love was about finding yourself, this one is about surviving yourself—and discovering what comes after.
The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover
When Louisa Walsh is dumped and left without a home in the Colorado mountains, she strikes a desperate deal with her brooding landlord, Henry: she’ll turn his house into a bed-and-breakfast for the brokenhearted. As strangers arrive, each carrying their own stories of loss, Lou and Henry find themselves drawn together in ways they never expected. Tender, hopeful, and quietly romantic, The Heartbreak Hotel is about second chances in love and in life.
Marisa’s life looks enviable: a chic apartment in Madrid, a hot neighbor, and a fast-rising career in advertising. But under the glossy surface, she’s numbing herself with pills, hiding from coworkers, and sinking into existential dread. When a corporate retreat in the Segovia forests spirals into madness, Marisa must face both her darkest impulses and the lies holding her life together. Darkly funny and sharply satirical, Discontent captures the absurdity—and despair—of modern work.
Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
For Holland St. James, folklore has always felt real—until she meets the Watch Man, a legend who tells her she’ll die tomorrow unless she finds the mythical Alchemical Heart. With the clock ticking and a mysterious stranger by her side, Holland is pulled into a hidden Los Angeles where myths breathe and every choice is perilous. Shimmering with danger, magic, and secrets, Alchemy of Secrets is a race against time that feels both intoxicating and impossible to put down.
Clio Louise Barnes has built the perfect influencer life, but inheriting her childhood home—the one her mother claimed was possessed—threatens to crack her flawless image. As she and her sisters set out to flip the house, old memories surface, a sinister presence stirs, and Clio is forced to confront the chilling possibility that her mother was right all along. Stylish, eerie, and razor-sharp, Play Nice blends haunted house horror with biting commentary on image and reality.
To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
Steph Harper grew up on the run, fleeing with her mother and sister to Cherokee Nation after escaping her abusive father. Determined to carve out her own future, she sets her sights on NASA—even if it means pushing away the women who shaped her: her sister Kayla, her college love Della, and her mother Hannah. Spanning decades and continents, To the Moon and Back is an expansive, heart-wrenching story of ambition, belonging, and the extraordinary lengths one woman will go to claim her own space in the world.
In a city that never slows down, finding the right nook to unwind with a book feels like striking gold. Whether it’s a rooftop garden above Midtown, a wine bar tucked into Brooklyn, or a century-old bookstore filled with hidden gems, New York offers endless escapes for readers. Here are a few of the best spots to sip, savor, and settle into your next chapter.
A. Bookmarks Rooftop Garden Lounge and Terrace
Perched atop the Library Hotel, this Midtown rooftop lounge pairs skyline views with literary-inspired cocktails—the perfect spot to crack open a novel as the city hums below.
B. The Dead Poet
This cozy Upper West Side pub pays homage to great writers, with quotes on the walls and cocktails named after literary icons, making it an atmospheric place for a late-night read.
C. Liz’s Book Bar
Part bookstore, part wine bar, Liz’s creates a warm, intimate space where shelves of books and curated drinks invite you to linger with your latest read.
D. Bibliotheque
Chic yet understated, Bibliotheque blends café culture with a bookish spirit—ideal for slow mornings or afternoons spent with coffee, pastries, and a few chapters.
E. Black Mountain Wine House
This Brooklyn hideaway feels like a rustic mountain cabin, where a glass of red wine and a novel can transport you far beyond the city.
F. Book Club Bar
Equal parts bookstore and bar, Book Club in the East Village encourages readers to sip, shop, and stay awhile—proof that good books pair just as well with cocktails as with coffee.
G. Milk and Rose
With its leafy garden patio and romantic, European café vibe, Milk and Rose makes reading feel like a leisurely escape in the middle of Brooklyn.
H. Argosy Book Store
A New York institution since 1925, Argosy is a treasure trove of rare and antiquarian books—perfect for wandering, browsing, and maybe even reading a forgotten classic.
I. Albertine
Tucked inside the French Embassy, Albertine’s gilded ceilings and shelves of French and English titles make it a dreamy, transportive spot to read (and practice your français).
J. Quimby’s Bookstore NYC
Known for its quirky zines and offbeat titles, Quimby’s is where underground culture thrives—ideal if you like your reading spots a little rebellious.
Every month, your next great read can inspire your next great outfit. We’re pairing the Book of the Month picks with curated looks, from statement pieces to everyday staples, so you can literally wear your reading mood.
Giorgio Armani’s passing at age 91 marks the end of an era, but his legacy is one that will remain woven into the fabric of fashion history. The Italian designer founded his namesake label in 1975, creating an aesthetic rooted in clean lines, soft tailoring, and timeless sophistication. His rise to international fame came with American Gigolo in 1980, when Richard Gere’s Armani wardrobe introduced an entirely new vision of masculine elegance. From there, Armani’s influence on global style became unstoppable.
Armani wasn’t just a designer; he was a cultural force who redefined both fashion and celebrity dressing. The ‘Armani Awards’ of the 1990s saw Hollywood’s elite—Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster, Cate Blanchett—consistently turning to his understated yet powerful gowns. Perhaps one of his most iconic cultural crossovers came when Grace Jones wore an oversized Armani blazer on the Nightclubbing album cover, cementing his role in shaping androgynous, avant-garde fashion moments. Armani also launched Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, and later, Armani Privé in 2005, building a universe of style that touched couture, casualwear, fragrance, and beyond.
What made Armani singular was his independence and discipline. Unlike most of his peers, he retained complete ownership of his fashion empire, turning it into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse while keeping his fingerprints on every detail, from garment construction to campaign imagery. Critics often referred to him as “the master of luxury ready-to-wear,” a title earned through decades of unwavering craftsmanship. His designs taught the world that true luxury doesn’t scream—it whispers. Armani’s legacy isn’t just about the clothes he made but the enduring elegance he embodied.
Chloe Malle has officially been appointed Head of Editorial Content at Vogue U.S., stepping into a role historically synonymous with Anna Wintour. Wintour remains Condé Nast’s Global Editorial Director and Chief Content Officer, while Malle assumes leadership of the U.S. edition at a pivotal moment. She inherits a publication with a storied history but faces questions about print’s relevance in a digital-first era. Malle, who served as digital editor since 2023, oversaw a significant transformation, doubling site traffic and launching viral features such as Dogue and the Vogue Vintage Guide.
Malle has signaled plans to rethink Vogue’s print strategy. Instead of the traditional monthly issues, she envisions fewer, more impactful editions—each designed as a collectible “cultural artifact.” These high-quality issues would coincide with major cultural moments or thematic releases, blending scarcity with exclusivity in a manner akin to luxury branding. Simultaneously, she plans to integrate print with digital storytelling, including video content and real-world activations, preserving the prestige of print while adapting it to the realities of 2025.
Beyond print, Malle is driving Vogue’s expansion into cross-platform storytelling. She has grown Vogue Weddings by 30%, launched editor-led newsletters, and strengthened the brand’s digital identity to better resonate with younger audiences. Her approach emphasizes experiential engagement, from events and live activations to collaborations outside fashion. Malle is clear that her work builds on Wintour’s legacy rather than replacing it. Wintour has described her successor as someone who “balances Vogue’s history with its future,” highlighting confidence in Malle’s vision. Her challenge: maintain Vogue’s cultural authority while reimagining its relevance in a digital-first world.
Dior announced on September 4, 2025, that actress Mikey Madison has been named the first brand ambassador under creative director Jonathan Anderson. Madison—celebrated for her breakout, award-winning role in Anora—brings cinematic allure to Dior’s evolving narrative, aligning with Anderson’s expanding focus on storytelling through style. Her appointment comes just after Anderson’s debut runway presentations at Paris and the Venice Film Festival, where he infused bold theatricality into Dior’s collections.
Sydney Sweeney has stepped into the spotlight once again as the face of Jimmy Choo’s Fall 2025 campaign, trading denim for a ballet-inspired bodysuit and knee-high boots in a cinematic video that casts her in multiple personas, each reflecting the brand’s narrative of transformation and femininity. This marks her second campaign with the luxury label, following last year’s desert-set “Road to Joy” shoot. The move comes amid ongoing conversations about Sweeney’s public persona and personal branding—after the backlash surrounding American Eagle’s “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign, which drew criticism for its wordplay on “genes” and “jeans,” as well as attention for other unconventional promotional ventures, including her Dr. Squatch bath water collaboration.
On September 1, 2025, Post Malone debuted his first fashion label, Austin Post, with a striking runway show at the historic Hôtel de Bourdon in Paris, the former residence of Karl Lagerfeld. The Western-inspired collection, “Season One: At First Light,” presented 20 pieces that merged cowboy motifs with urban sensibilities—ranging from dark-wash denim and suede jackets to intricately embellished Lucchese boots. The show’s dramatic finale, which featured a live horse on the runway, perfectly captured the Texan artist’s fusion of Americana and eccentric style.
Rooted in Post Malone’s Texan heritage, the collection channels his signature cowboy swagger while reinterpreting classic Western aesthetics for a modern, city-ready audience. Collaborations with Morgane Stapleton and Lucchese brought added authenticity to the designs. Currently, Austin Post is available at a Paris pop-up and online, with the full Foundation Collection slated for a global launch in New York on September 19.
Shein is facing scrutiny after an image appearing on its website showed a model wearing a men’s floral short-sleeve shirt who closely resembled Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The shirt, a white style priced at $11.69, was quickly removed following user reports. Facial-recognition analysis indicated a 99.9% match with Mangione’s official court photo, prompting widespread criticism on social media.
The company attributed the image to a third-party vendor, Manfinity, which reportedly uses AI-generated models. Shein has launched an internal review and committed to improving oversight to prevent similar incidents. The episode adds to ongoing scrutiny over the company’s labor practices and environmental record.
This controversy has also reignited debates around the ethical use of AI-generated imagery, particularly when it resembles real individuals without consent. Legal analysts note that such cases could implicate rights of publicity and highlight the need for clearer regulation of AI content in commercial settings.
eBay has broadened its Authenticity Guarantee to cover luxury clothing, shoes, and accessories, offering buyers increased confidence when shopping for secondhand fashion. The program, previously limited to high-value items like watches, handbags, sneakers, and jewelry, now extends to these new categories through eBay’s UK authentication center. Expert authenticators examine each item to confirm it matches the listing and is genuine.
The move reflects rising consumer demand for verified products in the resale fashion market and reinforces trust in re-commerce. The global secondhand apparel industry is projected to reach $367 billion by 2029, growing at a 15% CAGR, significantly outpacing the broader retail clothing market, which is forecasted to grow at just 2.5%.
Items verified under the program are shipped to buyers with a QR-enabled authentication card via tracked delivery, at no additional cost. The service is automatically applied to eligible items above a certain price point, ensuring a secure and reliable shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts.
On September 3, 2025, Zac Posen unveiled Old Navy’s first-ever handbag line, the “Prep Collection,” with prices ranging from $30 to $45. The collection features three ready-to-wear designs crafted in faux suede and leather, blending high-fashion aesthetics with accessible pricing—a mission Posen has championed since joining the brand in 2024.
The lineup includes the Small Prep Crossbody, Prep Shoulder Bag, and Large Prep Bucket Bag, each offered in multiple colors and designed to balance style with practicality. Posen emphasizes that “great style is never out of reach,” demonstrating that fashion-forward accessories can be attainable without a steep price tag.
The collection is now available both in Old Navy stores nationwide and online, giving shoppers the opportunity to enjoy chic handbags without overspending. Posen also teases future collaborations, suggesting that the brand’s accessory offerings are just getting started.
Gap Inc. is making a move into the beauty sector with new product lines under both the Old Navy and Gap brands. This fall, 150 Old Navy stores will introduce curated beauty and personal care offerings, including dedicated shop-in-shop areas staffed by Beauty Associates. The initiative is designed to elevate the in-store shopping experience and draw in a wider audience. In addition, Gap is set to launch a fragrance line next year, further expanding its range of products.
This expansion reflects Gap Inc.’s strategy to refresh its brand portfolio and respond to consumers’ growing demand for convenience and variety. By incorporating beauty products into their retail spaces, both Old Navy and Gap aim to offer a more holistic lifestyle shopping experience, potentially boosting foot traffic and strengthening customer loyalty.
Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, has officially made its debut at Sephora, marking the brand’s first foray into retail. Known for its minimalist skincare philosophy, Rhode offers products including lip treatments, blushes, and glazing mists. The launch includes both online availability and in-store displays across the U.S. and Canada, with plans to enter the UK market later this fall.
This launch represents a major milestone for Rhode, moving from a direct-to-consumer model to a broader retail footprint. Partnering with Sephora increases the brand’s visibility and accessibility, reflecting the growing trend of influencer-led brands making the leap into mainstream retail..
Phlur has launched its latest fragrance, Cherry Stem Eau de Parfum, offering a bold and sophisticated scent profile. The fragrance combines notes of black cherry, orange brandy, red freesia, sugared jasmine, and ebony woods, creating a complex and alluring aroma. Cherry Stem is now available for purchase online and at select retailers, including Sephora and Space NK.
The European Union has banned trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a widely used ingredient in gel nail polish, over health concerns. Research has suggested that TPO may be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and harmful to reproductive health, prompting its prohibition in cosmetic products across the EU. The ban applies to both professional salon products and at-home gel nail kits, pushing manufacturers to explore safer alternatives.
In response, many brands are reformulating their gel nail lines to replace TPO with safer photoinitiators. Consumers are encouraged to choose these updated products to maintain safer beauty routines. The regulation underscores the EU’s commitment to prioritizing public health and safety within the cosmetics industry.
Miu Miu Beauty has named Paloma Elsesser, Chloë Sevigny, and Coco Gauff as U.S. brand ambassadors, bringing together a mix of generations, style, and cultural influence. Each ambassador embodies a distinct aspect of the brand: Elsesser champions body positivity, Sevigny represents her indie-cool legacy, and Gauff shines as an emerging sports icon. The trio will feature in campaigns, social media content, and live events to showcase Miu Miu’s beauty line across the United States.
L’Oréal Paris is collaborating with Mugler to introduce a limited-edition makeup collection, marking the fashion house’s first foray back into cosmetics in 15 years. The line includes cushion foundations, mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and eyeshadow palettes, blending skincare innovation with makeup. The campaign stars Kendall Jenner and is supported creatively by international artist Harold James.
Teen influencers Jordan and Salish Matter have launched 'Sincerely Yours,' a skincare brand tailored for teenage skin. The range features dermatologist-formulated products, including gentle cleansers and moisturizers, designed to meet the specific needs of adolescents. Available exclusively at Sephora, the launch marks a significant milestone in the duo’s entrepreneurial pursuits.
Glossier has expanded its Cloud Paint collection with a dedicated Cloud Paint Cheek Brush, designed to make blending the brand’s gel-cream blushes easier and more precise. The brush is intended to achieve the soft, natural finish Glossier is known for, streamlining the application process for users.
The first trailer for Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has sparked significant controversy. Critics and audiences have voiced concerns about the film’s divergence from Emily Brontë’s original novel, describing it as “aggressively provocative” with a “tonally abrasive” style. Some viewers argue that the adaptation emphasizes sensuality at the expense of the story’s gothic and psychological depth, fueling debates about its loyalty to the source material.
Known for her bold, stylized storytelling in Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, Fennell appears to carry that approach into this adaptation. While some praise the fresh perspective, others contend that the modernized take may not appeal to purists of Brontë’s classic. As the release date nears, discussions continue over whether this reimagining will do justice to—or overshadow—the original work.
The eagerly awaited sequel Wicked: For Good has released its first teaser, giving fans a sneak peek at the next chapter in the beloved saga. The trailer features the return of Elphaba and Glinda, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as they face new trials and unexpected alliances. With stunning visual effects and dynamic musical sequences, the teaser promises the signature magic and spectacle that audiences have come to expect from the franchise.
Prime Video is set to adapt the critically acclaimed video game Life Is Strange into a television series, with Charlie Covell, known for The End of the F**ing World*, serving as the showrunner. The game, celebrated for its narrative depth and emotional storytelling, follows a young woman with the ability to manipulate time, exploring themes of identity, choice, and consequence.
Fans of the game have expressed both excitement and skepticism about the adaptation. The interactive nature of the game, where player choices significantly impact the story's outcome, presents challenges for a linear television format. Viewers are curious to see how the series will capture the game's essence while translating its interactive elements into a compelling narrative. As production progresses, anticipation grows for how this beloved game will be reimagined for the screen.
Wednesday Season 3 is set to begin production next spring, with a return not expected until mid-2027. The lengthy gap between seasons has reignited conversations about the growing frustration among audiences over extended waits for popular shows—a discussion that has lingered since the first season premiered in 2022. While the 2023 writers’ strike, which paused production from May to September, contributed to the delay, the issue reflects a broader trend in streaming television, where shows like Stranger Things have also faced multi-year gaps between seasons, leaving fans eager but impatient.
Actor Jonathan Bailey, recognized for his work in Bridgerton and Wicked, has revealed that he will be stepping away from acting temporarily to focus on his philanthropic efforts. Bailey plans to dedicate more attention to the Shameless Fund, a charity he founded to support LGBTQ+ initiatives. He highlighted the importance of leveraging his public platform to create meaningful impact beyond his entertainment career.
Actress Julia Garner has been cast to play Madonna in an upcoming biopic directed by the music icon herself. The film will chart Madonna’s rise to stardom, her influence on music and culture, and her evolution as an artist. Garner, known for her performances in Ozark and Inventing Anna, has expressed enthusiasm about portraying such a groundbreaking figure in pop history.
Sophie Turner has been announced as the new Lara Croft in Prime Video’s upcoming Tomb Raider series, developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show will follow the adventures of the legendary archaeologist, known for her daring feats and ingenuity.
Turner’s casting has generated excitement among fans eager to see her bring Lara Croft to life. The series promises a fresh take on the character, introducing new storylines and challenges. With production scheduled to start in early 2026, anticipation is building for a thrilling addition to the Tomb Raider universe.
HBO has confirmed that the fourth season of The White Lotus will take place in France, continuing the anthology’s exploration of wealth, social dynamics, and human behavior. The new season will feature a completely new cast and setting, with France’s scenic landscapes and cultural richness providing a fresh backdrop for the show’s signature satirical storytelling.
ROSALÍA has launched her first official Substack account, providing a new way to connect directly with fans. So far, she has shared one note offering glimpses into her creative process and personal thoughts. As more posts are expected, the platform could serve as a space for artists to engage with audiences in a more intimate and controlled way. ROSALÍA’s move reflects a broader trend of musicians exploring direct-to-fan storytelling outside traditional social media channels.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are happening tonight, September 7, at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, with LL Cool J returning as host. The ceremony will feature performances from stars including Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ricky Martin. Carey will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and perform a medley of her iconic hits. A special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne will feature Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, alongside YUNGBLUD and Nuno Bettencourt. Additional acts include Conan Gray, J Balvin, and the American K-pop-style girl group Katseye, performing during the pre-show.
Justin Bieber has dropped Swag II, a 44-track album highlighting his range across pop, R&B, and hip-hop. The collection explores themes of love, fame, and personal introspection, offering fans a sprawling look at his artistic versatility.
Charli XCX has contributed original music to Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, adding a contemporary, edgy layer to the film’s soundtrack. Her compositions merge pop sensibilities with the story’s intense emotional arcs, complementing the movie’s stylized visuals. Reactions to the music have been mixed, with some critics questioning its fit with Brontë’s gothic narrative. Responding to playful critiques, including one dubbing the film and soundtrack “the matcha Dubai chocolate labubu of film,” Charli XCX tweeted, “Hope you enjoy! xx.”
The Weeknd has announced an extension of his After Hours Til Dawn stadium tour for 2026, running from April through August. The new leg will visit cities including Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, London, and Madrid. Brazilian pop star Anitta will join for the Mexico and Brazil dates, while rapper Playboi Carti will open the European and UK shows. The tour highlights tracks from his latest trilogy: After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022), and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025).
Tame Impala, led by Kevin Parker, has revealed plans for the “Deadbeat Tour” in support of their upcoming fifth album, Deadbeat, releasing on October 17, 2025. The North American leg kicks off with two headline shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on October 31 and November 1, with additional stops in Chicago, Austin, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Oakland. Lead singles “End of Summer” and “Loser” highlight the band’s signature psychedelic synth sound and introspective style.
Cardi B is promoting her upcoming album, Am I the Drama?, with limited-edition “Courtroom Edition” covers featuring viral images from her recent civil trial. The case ended in her favor, with the jury finding that the plaintiff could not substantiate claims of assault and battery. Leveraging her court appearances, Cardi’s special album covers capture her expressive reactions during the proceedings. The album drops September 19 and includes singles such as “Imaginary Playerz,” “Outside,” “Up,” and “WAP.”
Lady Gaga has teamed up with director Tim Burton for the first time on the music video for her new single, “The Dead Dance.” The collaboration marks a striking blend of Gaga’s theatrical artistry and Burton’s signature dark, whimsical visual style. Fans can expect a visually cinematic experience that fuses eerie, fantastical imagery with the singer’s dramatic performance, making this debut partnership one of the most anticipated music video releases of the year.
i really love reading your roundups! it makes me feel like i’m sitting in a field and reading my daily newspaper 😂🥰
The farm rio dress is perfection so thank u for that !!