The Pursued: A True Story of … curated on LTK

(Left stack) It’s only the second week of September, but my book mail has already turned this crisp autumn week into something magical. The new book releases arrived like old friends knocking on the door, each one begging to be added to my ever-growing TBR pile. I can’t help but smile as I unwrap my book haul—so many book recommendations tucked inside those envelopes, and they all promise to be the best books of 2025. It’s the little things, really, that make my heart race: a cozy afternoon ahead with a stack of fresh books, each one a doorway to new worlds I can’t wait to explore. LTKSeasonal LTKFindsUnder50 LTKHome

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The Pursued: A True Story of Stalking, Memory, and Madness in America's Heartland | Amazon (US)

Sunday or the Highway: A Novel (Domingo the Bounty Hunter) | Amazon (US)

Danger No Problem: A Novel (Domingo the Bounty Hunter) | Amazon (US)

The Man in the Stone Cottage | Amazon (US)

Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society) | Amazon (US)

Amazon.com: Please Don't Lie: A Thriller (Crystal River Book 1) eBook : Baker Kline, Christina, B... | Amazon (US)

The Grave Artist (Sanchez & Heron) | Amazon (US)

Smoke in the Cypress: A Napoleonic Officer in New Orleans | Amazon (US)

Leta Pearl's Love Biscuits | Amazon (US)

The Macabre (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Novel | Amazon (US)

Knife in the Back (A New Orleans Novel) | Amazon (US)

ASSHOLE: A Memoir | Wild Stories of Trauma, Truths, and Transformation | Amazon (US)

Wilderness Mother: A Memoir of 13 Years Off the Grid | Amazon (US)

Early October has that crisp, golden light that makes the world feel full of possibility, and this week’s book mail was pure delight. My TBR pile has grown into a charming little tower of anticipation, thanks to a book haul brimming with new book releases that I can’t wait to dive into. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, little notes from friends and fellow readers pointing me toward stories that might just steal my heart. Honestly, with so many titles that could easily earn a spot among the best books of 2025, it feels like autumn itself arrived just to make room for reading, cozy nooks, and that ineffable joy of discovering the perfect story at just the right time.

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There’s something delightfully Southern-fried and heartwarmingly nostalgic about dressing like Trudy from Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits by Arlon Jay Staggs—a woman learning to reclaim her story, her spark, and maybe even her recipe for happiness. Just like Trudy herself, this outfit is full of quiet resilience, playful charm, and a hint of small-town rebellion—all served with a side of buttery confidence.

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The first week of October feels like a fresh page in a well-loved novel, and this week’s book mail made it feel downright magical. My TBR pile has blossomed into a cozy tower of possibilities, thanks to a book haul overflowing with new book releases that promise laughter, heartbreak, and everything in between. Each envelope carried thoughtful book recommendations, little whispers from fellow readers nudging me toward stories I can’t wait to devour. With so many titles that could easily be called the best books of 2025, it’s impossible not to feel that autumn has arrived just to make room for reading, tea, and that particular kind of joy only a stack of fresh books can bring.

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What better way to channel main-character energy than through an outfit that lets you step right into Polly Potter’s world—and her alter ego, Sabrina Anderson’s? ✨

On the one hand, you’ve got Polly’s yellow power suit: bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. Paired with sleek black pumps and a matching belt, it’s the kind of look that says you’re not just showing up—you’re taking charge. Much like Polly finally deciding she’s done with being overlooked and underappreciated, this outfit is all about drawing the line and stepping into something better. It’s a suit that practically whispers, “I deserve more.”

Then, there’s Sabrina’s casual ease: a puff-sleeve t-shirt tucked into skinny jeans, cinched with a scarf belt, and elevated with kitten heels. It’s effortless but intentional, playful but confident—just like the version of herself Polly writes into existence. This look is for those moments when you’re rewriting your own script, embracing imperfection, and discovering that comfort and joy can live side by side with strength and ambition.

And here’s the magic: whether you lean toward the commanding polish of the yellow suit or the approachable charm of the t-shirt-and-jeans combo, both outfits remind you of what Polly learns—sometimes, life gives you the chance to start again. Sometimes you get to rewrite the ending.

So why not dress the part? Whether you’re striding into the office or wandering a seaside town with the scent of saltwater in the air, your wardrobe can carry a little piece of Sabrina’s fearlessness and Polly’s determination. After all, you’re not just wearing clothes—you’re wearing your own rewrite.

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The final days of September have a quiet, golden kind of magic, and this week’s book mail has made it utterly irresistible. My TBR pile has grown into a towering promise of cozy afternoons and late-night reading, thanks to a book haul brimming with new book releases that feel like little treasures. Each package carried thoughtful book recommendations, nudging me toward stories I know will linger long after the last page. Honestly, with so many titles that could easily be called the best books of 2025, it feels like the perfect season to curl up, sip something warm, and get lost in worlds that are entirely my own.

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Wearing a green wool coat over straight-leg jeans with blue Boston Birkenstocks, a practical black fanny bag, and—because no main character ever walks alone—a striking red coat for your dog is the very definition of Merry Bingham energy from Merry by Susan Breen. It’s cozy, a little whimsical, and quietly defiant: a look that says you’re carrying the weight of family, tradition, and holiday magic on your shoulders, but you’re doing it with style.

Merry Bingham used to love Christmas. These days, she’s weighed down by family tension, looming medical test results, and the feeling that joy is slipping further from her reach. But instead of giving in, she digs in. She sells her treasured heirloom—an autographed edition of A Christmas Carol—and drags her reluctant family to London for a Christmas they’ll never forget. It’s messy, chaotic, even haunted (hello, Charles Dickens’s very opinionated ghost), but Merry refuses to stop trying.

This outfit channels that same determination. The green coat captures the classic spirit of Christmas, while the blue Birkenstocks bring in an unexpected touch of practicality and individuality. The fanny bag signals you’re prepared for anything—family meltdowns, ghostly apparitions, or just navigating crowded London streets. And the red coat for your dog? That’s pure Merry: equal parts festive and stubborn, finding delight in the details even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

Slip into this look and you’re not just dressing for winter—you’re dressing for resilience, humor, and hope. Because like Merry, sometimes the real magic isn’t in the perfect holiday, but in showing up, flaws and all, and insisting on joy anyway.

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Late September has a way of wrapping the city in golden light and quiet excitement, and this week’s book mail only added to the magic. My TBR pile has grown into a delightful little tower of possibility, thanks to a book haul bursting with new book releases I can’t wait to dive into. Each parcel carried book recommendations like secret love notes, whispering promises of laughter, heartache, and wonder. With so many titles that could easily claim a spot among the best books of 2025, it feels as though the week itself was written just for readers like me—cozy, thrilling, and entirely irresistible.

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Wearing a pink dress layered under a pink jacket, pink bow heels, a pink choker, and a black witch hat tied with a pink bow isn’t just an outfit—it’s pure Andromeda “Annie” Wildwood energy from Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood.

Annie has spent her life perfecting the art of looking—and being—just right. Every bow tied neatly, every potion brewed flawlessly, every smile crafted to keep everyone around her happy. The all-pink ensemble mirrors that polished exterior: sweet, soft, and pleasing. The bow details and matching accessories echo her carefully curated life, while the witch’s hat tips its brim toward the magic she’s so desperate to master.

But here’s the twist—much like Annie, this outfit isn’t about perfection, it’s about permission. Permission to embrace the messy, the magical, and the parts of yourself that don’t always sparkle on cue. The bold layers of pink whisper: you’re allowed to be soft and strong. The black hat grounds it all, reminding you that real power comes not from pleasing others but from choosing yourself.

Slip into Annie’s palette and let it remind you that you are the main character of your story—bow heels, imperfections, and all. Sometimes magic isn’t in getting everything right; it’s in daring to live for yourself.

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Mid-September has a way of feeling like a fresh start, and this week’s book mail has made it downright enchanting. My TBR pile has blossomed into a little paper-and-ink wonderland, thanks to a book haul filled with new book releases that are impossible to resist. Each envelope carried book recommendations whispered from friends, bloggers, and reviewers alike, promising adventures, laughs, and a few tears along the way. Honestly, with so many titles that could easily make the list of the best books of 2025, it feels like my cozy reading nook has become the coziest little corner of the world.

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Wearing a black square-neck maxi dress with black mesh ballet flats, a dainty book-charm pendant necklace, and a black-and-purple book bag (with, of course, a perfectly coordinated black-and-purple cat bed for the resident library cat) is the kind of outfit that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into The Literati by Susan Coll. It’s smart, a little dramatic, and brimming with bookish flair—exactly the kind of vibe Clemi, the main character, carries as she stumbles through chaos with wit and determination.

Clemi is 26, bookish, broke, and working her dream job at a prestigious literary nonprofit when she suddenly finds herself juggling an allergic reaction to the nonprofit’s inherited cat, the disappearance of her boss, the FBI knocking on the door, and the small task of pulling off the annual fundraising gala. Her story is a madcap comedy of errors wrapped in highbrow literary polish, and this outfit channels that duality perfectly: elegance on the outside, survival-mode underneath.

The sleek black dress and ballet flats? Classic, understated armor—professional enough for schmoozing donors, comfortable enough for dashing between crises. The book-charm pendant is a quiet nod to her literary soul, while the black-and-purple book bag says she’s serious about hauling around manuscripts, agendas, and maybe a few existential questions. And the coordinating cat bed? That’s the wink of whimsy that acknowledges sometimes your life is one big mess of fur, fiction, and financial calamity.

Slip into this look, and you’re not just dressed for the day—you’re dressing like the heroine of your own story. The woman who can hold it together when everything is unraveling, laugh in the middle of the madness, and still carry a touch of elegance as she figures out what comes next. In other words: very Clemi, very main-character energy, very you.

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Tuesday in Chicago, our cool city mom steps into navy-and-white striped linen pants and a trusty denim vest, her favorite sneakers ready for anything, gold hoops swinging gently, her herringbone necklace catching the light, and her single remaining permanent bracelet clinking softly as she navigates the day. The morning started with pure joy, trains chugging and guitar riffs echoing as her son jammed away before daycare drop-off, but the energy shifted quickly as she rushed home to take her dog to the vet after a sudden decline in health. Wiping away tears, she tried to dive into work, only to be repeatedly derailed by phone updates from the vet, while the flood of photos and videos of her son laughing in music class highlighted the stark contrast between their moods. She does her best to stay positive, to find her footing amidst the worry, but sometimes life just insists on testing the heart, and even a cool city mom can feel the weight of it all.

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Monday in Chicago, our cool city mom slips into navy pleated shorts and a green-and-navy striped top, her favorite sneakers ready to carry her through a slow-but-steady return to routine, gold hoops glinting in the morning light, her herringbone necklace and stack of permanent bracelets—minus the one that broke off last night, now added to her ever-growing to-do list—clicking softly as she walks. After a whirlwind week in Disney where posting daily outfit photos (or, let’s be honest, anything at all) went out the window, followed by a sinus infection that laid her flat until antibiotics arrived, she’s finally back among the living—only to be hit with news from her podiatrist about her oddly shaped ankle bone that explains the slow healing of past injuries. Who knew? At least there are answers now, so she takes a deep breath, adjusts her bracelets, and keeps moving forward, one carefully measured step at a time.

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(The right stack) In early September, with the sunlight still warm but the air hinting at change, wearing a white square neck top with green pleated shorts feels like the perfect main character outfit—fresh, confident, and effortlessly chic. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and signature herringbone necklace, it’s main character fashion that blends personal style inspiration with fashion for self-expression. As you settle in with a fresh stack of book mail, discovering character-driven novels, books for self-discovery, and stories that inspire confidence, you can feel your main character mindset kicking in. This is main character aesthetic books and clothing in action—style that reflects your best self, paired with books that remind you of your own strength and possibility. In this moment, you’re not just reading—you’re living your main character life, one perfectly chosen outfit and one inspiring page at a time.

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Wearing a crisp white button-down with cropped wide-leg jeans, classic black flats, and an apple-shaped purse while stringing fairy lights isn’t just a charming fall outfit—it’s pure Lauryn Harper energy from Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson. It’s that perfect mix of polished and playful, grounded yet ready to pivot when life throws you off your carefully plotted course.

Lauryn is a woman who’s built her life around meticulous plans, the kind that leave little room for detours. But when a work mishap sends her back to the hometown she once fled, she finds herself knee-deep in festival planning, small-town drama, and unexpected second chances. That white shirt and jeans combo? It’s the uniform of someone who thought she’d be ticking off career milestones in a high-rise office—but is instead navigating hay bales, craft booths, and strings of twinkle lights. The black flats? Practical enough for long hours on your feet, but chic enough to say you still have standards. And that apple purse? A wink to the festival theme—and a reminder that sometimes leaning into the local flavor can be surprisingly sweet.

Wearing this look is your way of stepping into a story where the plot twist is rediscovering that home can hold more joy than regret, that friendships can be mended, and that the plans you never made might just be the ones worth keeping. So grab those fairy lights, slip on your flats, and head into the crisp autumn air—because like Lauryn, you might just find that the things you once ran from are the very things that make you feel like the main character in your own life.

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Tuesday in Florida finds our cool city mom navigating the wonders of the Kennedy Space Center in navy pleated shorts and a navy-and-white striped top, her favorite sneakers keeping pace with toddler-sized footsteps, gold hoops catching the Florida sun, and her herringbone necklace layered with her graduated rope necklace, bracelets clinking as she points out rockets and space shuttles. Between awe-filled toddler squeals and photo ops with towering rockets, she’s effortlessly stylish yet totally practical—because even in outer space-adjacent adventures, a mom’s got to look good while keeping up with a little explorer whose excitement is truly out of this world.

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It’s a long Monday of travel from Chicago to Orlando, and the city mom is keeping it effortlessly cool in black linen cropped wide-leg pants and a black square-neck cropped top, her favorite sneakers cushioning every step, gold hoops glinting in airport lights, and her herringbone necklace layered with her graduated rope necklace, bracelets stacked high as ever. Between tag-teaming with three other adults to corral her toddler, who’s mostly charming and surprisingly cooperative, they somehow make it through Ubers, security, and flights, landing exhausted but buzzing with excitement, ready to swap skyscrapers for sunshine—even if she’s already dreaming of a quiet cocktail before bedtime.

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(Bottom half of stack) In early September, when summer’s warmth lingers but autumn whispers at the edges, slipping into a black and white striped 3/4 sleeve top and khaki shorts feels effortlessly classic—a *main character outfit* that balances laid-back ease with timeless style. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and a new graduated rope necklace, it’s *main character fashion* that proves *aesthetic clothing* can be simple yet powerful. As you browse through a fresh stack of *book mail*, discovering *character-driven novels*, *books for self-discovery*, and *stories that inspire confidence*, you feel your *main character mindset* taking root. This is *main character energy books and fashion* in perfect harmony: style for confidence paired with reading for inspiration. In this moment, you’re *living your main character life*—the heroine of your own story, dressed in a look that feels just as intentional as the next chapter you’re about to read.

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(Top half of stack) There’s something magical about a week filled with book mail, especially when it’s the first week of September and the autumn chill is just beginning to sneak in. My TBR pile is now overflowing, thanks to a delightful book haul of new book releases—each one more enticing than the last. A handful of book recommendations have already caught my eye, and I'm eagerly anticipating diving into the best books of 2025. It’s the perfect reminder of why I’ll never tire of receiving parcels wrapped in that familiar brown paper—every book feels like a promise of new adventures waiting to unfold.

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My week as a romcom: Ashley’s week in Chicago could’ve been lifted straight from a romcom montage—equal parts hustle, sparkle, and heart. Monday started grounded, catching up on blog work and a mountain of emails that had stacked up over the weekend. Tuesday brought a little extra shine: a Zoom call with the Nic + Juniors team to fine-tune Chicago Literary Salon plans, a physical therapy session to keep her ankle in check, and then a dreamy evening cruising the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on a sunset boat tour with the Friend of a Mom Book group—laughter, city lights, and a breeze that felt like freedom. By Wednesday, Eric was finally back from his work trip, and Ashley balanced the practical and the indulgent: tackling her to-do list between a massage, a call with a potential sponsor, and an ankle ultrasound (because even romcom leads need doctor’s orders). Thursday was less glamorous, spent mostly in front of her computer, broken up only by another PT session. But Friday ended on a high: a lunch meeting with an author to brainstorm ways to make the Chicago Literary Salon truly magical, followed by Miles’ fresh new haircut—proof that even the busiest weeks can tie up with a perfectly heartwarming bow.

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It’s a breezy Friday in August, and the city mom is keeping it chic and effortless in a black linen midi-dress, her favorite sneakers, and her go-to gold hoops, with her herringbone necklace layered under her graduated rope necklace and her stack of permanent bracelets adding just the right amount of everyday sparkle. She’s wrapping up the week in style—slipping in one last meeting with a local author to chat about the Chicago Literary Salon, firing off emails, and finally setting her out-of-office as she imagines sandy toes and sunshine ahead in Florida, feeling that perfect mix of accomplished and ready-for-vacation giddiness.

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There’s something about fall that makes you want to wrap yourself in texture, warm layers, and a little storybook magic—and the right outfit can make you feel like the main character in your own life. A black textured romper with buttons down the front, layered over an Essential Boat-Neck Jersey Top, paired with sheer tights and Soho Knee High Boots, hits that perfect balance of chic and cozy. The buttons add playful detail, the layered top keeps it soft and approachable, and the boots give it a confident, city-ready edge—all while leaving room to curl up with a good book or tackle your to-do list.

Light a fall-scented candle that smells like crisp leaves, baked apples, and the comforting warmth of a Vermont inn, and suddenly you’re stepping into the world of If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia. Set in small-town Copper Run, Vermont, this slow-burn romance follows a newly divorced innkeeper as she navigates awkward encounters, scone disasters, and a flannel-wearing neighbor whose charm is impossible to resist. Between the candlelight, cozy layers, and golden autumn glow, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the story—or at least channeling its warmth and confidence in your own life.

Wearing this look while savoring the small, comforting rituals of fall is a reminder that being the heroine of your own story doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It’s about showing up for yourself, finding joy in the little moments, and embracing a day that feels wholly yours—boots on, buttons fastened, candle flickering. Sometimes, all it takes is the right outfit and a little literary inspiration to feel like the main character you truly are.

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It’s a low-key Thursday in August, and the city mom is effortlessly pulled together in black athletic leggings, a black-and-white speckled tank layered under her trusty black bomber jacket, and her favorite sneakers keeping her grounded, while her go-to gold hoops and new stack of permanent bracelets add a little sparkle to the mostly-at-home grind. The day is mostly spent at her computer—except for daycare drop-off, pick-up, and a quick stop at physical therapy—but she’s powering through, crossing items off her to-do list, and organizing the upcoming events for the Chicago Literary Salon with that perfect mix of hustle and cool, proving that even a “stay-home” day can feel like a mini triumph.

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It’s a whirlwind Wednesday in August, and the city mom is perfectly balanced between comfort and style in a white athleisure skirt with a teal tank layered under a dark teal jacket, her favorite sneakers carrying her from task to task, while her go-to gold hoops, graduated rope necklace, and new stack of permanent bracelets add just the right polish. She dives into work at her computer, then slips out for a rejuvenating massage, slides into a virtual meeting feeling effortlessly pulled together, and finally heads to physical therapy—where she finally gets answers to her lingering ankle issues, all without ever having to change out of the outfit that’s carried her gracefully from one appointment to the next.

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It’s a gorgeous Tuesday morning in August, and the city mom is effortlessly chic in black linen wide-leg pants paired with a black-and-white striped boat-neck top, black Birkenstocks keeping it casual, while her go-to gold hoops and new stack of permanent bracelets add just the right sparkle. She savors the beautiful walk to drop her son off at daycare before diving into a busy day: prepping for a meeting with the events team at Nic + Juniors for their upcoming event series, putting the finishing touches on the premier event description, and approving the email template from her graphic designer (it. is. stunning.). After a quick dash to physical therapy, she’s home, showers, and transforms into evening mode for a sunset soirée—dinner aboard a 90-foot red Fireboat with her Friend of a Mom group, laughing and floating along the Chicago skyline, city lights twinkling like a perfectly curated backdrop.

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In late August, when the air feels like golden hour and summer clings to every breeze, wearing a matching athleisure tank and skirt set feels like the ultimate main character outfit—chic, comfortable, and undeniably confident. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and a new graduated rope necklace, this look is the definition of main character fashion—a blend of personal style inspiration and fashion for self-expression that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. As you settle in with a fresh stack of book mail, flipping through character-driven novels and books for self-discovery, you’re not just curating your TBR—you’re curating your story. This is the magic of main character energy books and fashion: choosing aesthetic clothing that supports your main character mindset while getting lost in pages that remind you of your strength, ambition, and the beauty of becoming. In this moment, you’re not reading someone else’s story—you’re living your main character life, with just the right outfit and just the right book in hand.

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Ashley’s week in Chicago played out like the kind of romcom montage that blends ambition, friendship, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Monday started with daycare/cowork, where she dove into the mountain of blog work and emails that had stacked up over the weekend. On Tuesday, she hopped on a Zoom call with an author whose September launch she’ll be covering, squeezed in physical therapy, and capped the day with the Friend of a Mom Book Club featuring the brilliant Sonali Dev—complete with laughter, great conversation, and maybe a glass of wine. Wednesday was back to the grind, chipping away at her ever-growing to-do list, while Thursday sparkled with a little glamour: physical therapy, a meeting with a photographer to talk about the Chicago Literary Salon, and dinner out with some of her oldest Chicago friends at Oliver’s, where the nostalgia flowed as freely as the cocktails. Friday tied it all together with a meeting at Three Avenues Bookshop to brainstorm authors for the Salon, a sweet school social at Miles’ daycare, and the perfect ending—a date night at Moody Tongue with Eric, a chance to reconnect and linger over a long-overdue dinner, reminding her that even in the busiest weeks, there’s always room for romance.

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Wearing a red sheath dress, black heels, a coordinating floral tote (just big enough for a stack of chic hangers), and pink crystal earrings isn’t just an outfit—it’s the Carly Porter look from *Falling into Place* by Allison Ashley, and it might just be the boost you need to feel like the main character in your own life. Carly, an accountant and freelance personal stylist, is a woman who knows that life isn’t always about following the rules—it’s about taking risks, embracing new opportunities, and letting yourself fall in love with something real, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.

Her job? Transforming a reclusive bachelor into the man everyone wants to date. But as Carly works her magic on Brooks, a work-obsessed physician with a painful past, she begins to realize that the real makeover might not be his. It’s hers. This red dress, the perfect mix of boldness and elegance, reflects Carly’s own transformation from practical, put-together woman to one ready to embrace vulnerability and love—without the perfect plan.

The black heels? They’re the foundation, just like Carly’s unshakeable drive. The floral tote is a wink at her creativity, practicality with a pop of personality. And the pink crystal earrings? A nod to Carly’s heart, shining brightly even when she’s feeling conflicted.

Wear this outfit, and you’re not just channeling Carly—you’re embracing the idea that love, both for others and yourself, is worth the risk. Just like Carly, you’re learning to balance ambition with emotional honesty. And in this look, you’ll walk tall, knowing that it’s okay to take a chance on love, on life, and on yourself. After all, just like Carly, maybe it’s time for you to bet on a happy ending.

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It’s a busy Thursday in August, and the city mom is all about effortless cool in a black athleisure skirt paired with a dusty blue athleisure top, her favorite sneakers ready for anything, while her go-to gold hoops, signature herringbone necklace, and new stack of permanent bracelets add just the right sparkle. After dropping her son off at daycare, she’s off and running—zipping from physical therapy straight to a business meeting at a café, catching up on emails, posting two new blog posts, and ticking off all the little tasks that keep her blog humming. By evening, she trades her laptop for laughter and conversation over dinner with friends she hasn’t seen in a month, still chic, still put-together, and somehow managing to make even chaos look effortless.

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It’s a sun-soaked Wednesday in August, and the city mom is breezy and polished in green pleated shorts and a navy-and-white striped top, black slip-ons keeping her moving from task to task, with her go-to gold hoops, signature herringbone necklace, and her new stack of permanent bracelets adding that effortless touch of sparkle. After dropping her son off at daycare, she tidies the house, catches up on emails, and smiles as she relives the magic of last night’s Friend of a Mom Book Club with Sonali Dev, sharing all the adorable social posts from attendees. Between chats with her graphic designer about the next steps for the Chicago Literary Salon and pitching even more publicists to send their authors to the event, she’s fully immersed in her world of books, community, and creativity—living her absolute best literary life.

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It’s a lively Tuesday in August, and the city mom is turning heads in Isla Palm printed pants paired with a flowing natural satin top, brown flatform sandals keeping her comfortably chic, and her go-to gold hoops and signature herringbone necklace adding just the right shine. Her new stack of permanent bracelets jingles softly as she moves through a day that’s part whirlwind, part triumph: daycare drop-off, prepping for a meeting with a debut author about an upcoming book launch (stay tuned, it’s going to be good!), a quick pit stop at physical therapy, and an afternoon spent pitching book publicists on The Chicago Literary Salon—she’s already lining up some amazing authors. By evening, she’s dressed and ready for the crown jewel of the day: facilitating the Friend of a Mom Book Club featuring Sonali Dev’s *There’s Something About Mira*, where laughter, literary magic, and a little bit of city-mom glamour collide.

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In mid August, when summer starts to shimmer with nostalgia and possibility, slipping into a short sleeveless green knit dress feels like stepping into the role you were born to play. It’s a main character outfit that blends playful charm with effortless polish—soft, breathable, and subtly bold. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings, a new graduated rope necklace, and your signature herringbone chain, the layered look brings a touch of main character fashion that’s both timeless and intentional. As you peruse a fresh stack of book mail, each title promising character-driven novels, books for self-discovery, and stories that inspire confidence, you’re reminded that this is your story, and you get to shape it. The outfit, the books, the energy—they all come together in perfect harmony, embodying main character energy and inspiring a main character mindset. This is the kind of day—and look—that makes you feel not just like the reader, but the heroine. Living your main character life never looked (or felt) so good.

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A week’s worth of book mail in mid-August is the perfect pick-me-up as summer begins to wind down. This book haul filled with new book releases brings a fresh wave of excitement to your TBR pile, just in time for those final sun-soaked days and slow, golden evenings. Each new title offers the promise of escape, inspiration, and stories you’ll want to recommend again and again. Who knows—one of them might just become one of the best books of 2025. It’s a joyful reminder that while the season may be shifting, there’s still plenty of time for a great read.

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