Have our lives become so mundane that we require a new set of seasonal attributes to lift our spirits? Or is it a form of mindful overconsumption, feeding our minds the same spike of joy as the foam we sip out of our mugs?

Still, who cares? The real question is: what’s your pumpkin spice latte? What makes your chest tighten with giddy anticipation? What drops into your life and whispers, “new, new, new”? Because that’s what this whole Pumpkin Industrial Complex really sells: the promise of renewal, every year, without fail.

Here comes the peanut gallery shouting “Stop! This is overconsumption!” Or “Stop! The seasons will change!” And now add in me, asking you “Stop! What brings you joy like your favorite pumpkin-scented anything?”

Because the truth is desire was never shallow. Culture just loves to costume-change what’s ‘worthy.’ It calls your latte basic but your burnout noble. It sneers at pumpkin soap dispensers while applauding your yearly iPhone funeral. Desire itself isn’t the problem, the cage surrounding it is.

But don’t let the Scrooges of the pumpkin season fool you. Truly only one question matters: “Why wouldn’t you?”

Why wouldn’t you sip the pumpkin latte, buy a scarecrow soap dispenser, say yes to the maze? Why wouldn’t you lean into wanting, just because you can?

That’s the real terror haunting the season: not ghosts, not witches, but you. A person unafraid of their own joy.

Because that’s truly what the Pumpkin Industrial Complex fears. A person who wants, simply because they can.

Leah’s style can be described as eclectic and trend-setting. She loves to mix classic pieces with contemporary twists, creating outfits that are both timeless and edgy. Whether she’s rocking a Dolce & Gabbana vintage skirt or pairing Christian Louboutin Sling Pumps with a slim mini-dress, Leah’s outfits always make a statement.

Vintage Finds:

 Leah often incorporates vintage pieces into her wardrobe, inspired by fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Rihanna. Look for vintage accessories: namely purses silk scarves, and statement jewelry at local thrift stores or online vintage shops like Etsy and Depop.  These pieces add character and a sense of history to Leah’s eclectic style.

Staple Pieces:

For everyday essentials with a trendy edge, try shops like Akira, Micas, and I.AM.GIA. These stores offer a wide range of pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to achieve Leah’s signature style, from tailored dresses to bold accessories.

Designer, designer.

While Leah embraces affordable fashion, she also loves to splurge on statement pieces from designers like Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang. Invest in key items like a tailored blazer, a statement bag, or stylish footwear to elevate your look and capture Leah’s fearless fashion sensibilities.

DIY:

Embrace Leah’s spirit of creativity by DIY-ing or customizing your clothes. Add patches, embroidery, or distressing to denim jackets or jeans for a personalized touch that channels Leah’s fearless fashion experimentation.

Leah Kateb’s influence extends beyond her appearances on Love Island. Whether you’re recreating her iconic looks or drawing inspiration from her vintage finds, Leah’s style legacy celebrates confidence, creativity, and the power of personal expression.

However, Sabrina’s recent public relationship with Barry Keoghan sparked controversy, reminding us of the delicate balance between personal and public life. As women striving for ambition and success, we often encounter similar dilemmas: When and how should we share the things that matter most to us, especially our relationships?

The Pressure of Public Sharing

In today’s social media-driven world, the pressure to share our lives online is immense. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok encourage us to showcase our achievements, adventures, and relationships. Yet, this can lead to a constant internal debate: Should we share more about our personal lives?

Sharing significant aspects of our lives can be empowering, but it also opens the door to judgment and unsolicited opinions. When it comes to relationships, this can be particularly challenging. Will people judge us or our partners? What if our exes have something to say? Do we want our partners to post about us? These questions can be daunting.

Embracing Privacy and Self-Love

Sabrina’s experience highlights a common fear many of us share: the fear of judgment and the potential for an “I told you so” moment if things don’t work out. This fear can make us hesitant to share our joy and successes with the world. But it’s important to remember that living authentically and confidently often means embracing vulnerability.

When Sabrina announced her relationship, she faced criticism, especially concerning her boyfriend’s past. This situation is relatable to many of us. We all have relationships—platonic or romantic—that attract opinions from others. The key takeaway here is to focus on what brings us joy and fulfillment.

Living Your Truth

Taking a page from Sabrina’s book, it’s crucial to live your truth unapologetically. Yes, you might face judgment, but those who genuinely care about you will support and understand you. Sharing your life, whether it’s a new relationship, a personal achievement, or a fresh start, should be about celebrating your journey, not fearing criticism.

Privacy is a form of self-love and protection. It’s okay to keep some parts of your life private, just as you wouldn’t disclose the location of your most treasured possessions. Cherish your privacy and share only what you feel comfortable with.

The Challenge of Public Relationships

Sabrina Carpenter’s relationship with Barry Keoghan became a hot topic not just because of her celebrity status but also due to the public’s interest with her personal life. The scrutiny intensified because Barry’s ex-girlfriend, Alyson Kierans, who looks somewhat similar to Sabrina, is the mother of his child. This led to questions and criticisms about his intentions and commitment.

This situation underscores a common dilemma: navigating the public’s reaction to our private lives. Many of us have faced similar situations where our relationships are subject to public scrutiny, even if that public is just our social media followers. The decision to share a new relationship, a personal achievement, or a significant life change is always fraught with the potential for judgment.

Celebrating Your Journey

Regardless of the opinions of others, it’s crucial to celebrate your journey. Sabrina’s approach to living her life openly, despite the noise, is inspiring. It serves as a reminder that our lives are our own, and the decisions we make should be based on what brings us happiness and fulfillment, not on the fear of judgment.

Embrace the confidence to live your life openly and authentically. Be inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s boldness, and remember that your life is yours to live. Whether you choose to share your milestones or keep them private, do so with confidence and self-love. Your journey is unique and beautiful, and the right people will celebrate it with you.

Living with confidence and self-love means honoring your journey and making choices that align with your true self. So go ahead, embrace your moments, and let your light shine, just like Sabrina Carpenter does.

Turning 20 is a significant milestone, and I’ve always dreamed of living in NYC in my twenties, embracing the city life, and working in media, beauty, or fashion. I’m thrilled to be doing exactly that, interning at Estée Lauder. For my birthday on July 11th, my boyfriend came from Virginia to ensure it was a weekend trip I’d never forget, securing us a place in New Jersey so we could enjoy both New York and New Jersey. He planned an adventurous weekend filled with surprises, love, and excitement.

Waterways

We kicked off our trip by taking the ferry to explore the iconic New York City skyline, followed by a hopeful kayaking adventure on the Hudson River. Before coming to New York, I didn’t realize the state is made up of multiple islands, giving us countless opportunities to explore different towns, beaches, and waterfronts.

Art and Nature

About a year ago, I joined a fashion and tech group that hosts events in NYC. They recently held an event at the MET Museum, screening the new “Sleeping Beauties” fashion and tech exhibit. Unfortunately, the waitlist was over two hours long, so I couldn’t get in. Determined to see it, my boyfriend got us tickets to the MET. Even though we faced another waitlist, we managed to explore several other galleries before closing. Each exhibit sparked conversations, making us feel more connected and deepening our relationship, which was especially meaningful after months of long distance.

From the elegance of the MET, we moved to Central Park. The park was buzzing with summer energy, and the New York heat made for a hell of a stride.

Thrills and Excitement

No birthday is complete without a bit of thrill, and my boyfriend knew just where to take me. We spent the afternoon at an amusement park, one of my favorite places. We rode roller coasters, indulged in funnel cake (a childhood favorite), and I got to fly in the air (literally).

Shopping and Foodie Galore

Times Square was next, with its crowds, street performers, and dazzling advertisements. We visited the largest Forever 21 I’ve ever seen and the Disney Store. i left Times Square with a new dress and some jewelry ready to wear for back-to-college season.

Then we found Anita Gelato, just a five-minute walk from Times Square. The line was out the door, and for good reason. My boyfriend, a self-proclaimed gelato critic, was eager to try it. Inside, we were greeted by a luxurious ambiance and the best gelato I’ve ever had. I chose salted caramel while he opted for chocolate pistachio.

Another foodie highlight was Cellar 335, an underground restaurant in Jersey City. The cozy, eclectic ambiance and food made for a perfect evening. We savored our steak and soup and toasted to my birthday, making the first night of my birthday weekend one for the books.

With my family and some friends unable to visit, it made me realize the importance of cherishing the people who show you love, especially in ways that resonate deeply with you. Living in New York, it’s easy to take these experiences for granted. But my birthday reminded me to appreciate every moment and the people who make them special. Each adventure, from the waterfronts to the museums, was a reminder of how lucky I am to have someone who cares so much about making me happy.

To my readers and everyone who made my 20th birthday so unforgettable, thank you. Your love and effort are the greatest gifts I could ever ask for. Here’s to more fun, laughter, and love-filled adventures in the years to come!

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