04: Stop copying others and BE YOUR OWN MUSE!!!

 What "Being Your Own Muse" Mean To Me

To be your own muse means drawing inspiration and creativity from within yourself. Instead of relying on others’ influence or validation, you should embrace your authentic self. This involves cultivating self-love, self-awareness, and authenticity.

This concept encourages confidence and self-reliance, allowing you to become the source of your own empowerment and artistry. It’s about celebrating who you are, valuing your unique qualities, and seeing yourself as worthy of admiration and inspiration. Being your own muse can be particularly transformative in creative pursuits, personal growth, and achieving goals, as it raises a deep connection with your inner self and vision.

What does it mean to you?

xoxo, Miss August ♡

03: 10 Things I'll Be Wearing This Fall '26 🍂

In honor of fall coming next month, here are 10 things I'll be wearing, obsessing over, and incorporating into my wardrobe this season. There’s something about the transition into fall that makes me want to add to my closet. The crisp air, dark color palettes, layering, boots, jackets, and that effortless "I just threw this on" kind of dressing that always gets me excited.

This fall I will be leaning into pieces that feel a little nostalgic while still looking modern. From thick denim, structed jackets, rich color palettes, fun textures, and outfits that have enough 2000s influence without feeling like a costume. I've been collecting inspiration from movies, tv shows , and one of my favorite apps in the world.. Pinterest! I also have been mentally planning looks that I cant wait to wear once the temperature drops.

So, before fall officially arrives, here are the 10 pieces I have my eye on for Fall 🍁

(you can click on images for them to appear bigger for a closer look.. anyways enjoy xoxo Miss August ♡)

1. Denim

2. Funnel Neck Jackets

3. Military Style Hat 

4. Tall & Cardy Knit Uggs

5. All Animal Prints

6. The Color Magenta Pink & Plum Purple

7. Military Napoleon Jackets

8. The Color Red

9. Square & Pointed Toe Black Boots

10. Brown Leather Motorcycle & Riding Boots

02: 6 Things I've Been Loving Lately

 

Cat eye lash clusters 

If there’s one beauty product I swear by, it’s lash clusters. They have become a staple in my beauty maintenance routine because they instantly make me look polished with little to no effort. I love wearing them on the days I skip makeup for work because they give me that “put together” look without requiring a full face of makeup. They’re especially perfect for these hot summer months when I want to keep my routine light. I truly believe lash clusters are one of those small beauty details that make the biggest difference.

My go-to style is cat eye and the lash map is 10mm, 10mm, 12mm, 12mm, 14mm, 14mm, working from the inner corner to the outer corner. I never go beyond 14mm because I prefer a shorter look.

Wired Headphones

I love my wired headphones. Not only do they make me feel like a cool girl, but they also sound incredible. If I had to choose between my wired headphones and my AirPods, I would pick the wired pair every time. The audio is a lot louder, and somehow makes every playlist feel more immersive. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s the aesthetic, but wearing them always makes me feel like I’m starring in my own movie.

Marc Jacobs "Cristina" Bag

My Cristina bag has become a true staple in my wardrobe. It was a Christmas gift from my parents, which makes it even more special to me. Lately, it’s been the bag I find myself reaching for almost every morning before work. I love the beautiful silhouette and how chic it looks. It not only elevates my simplest outfits, but it also pairs nicely with everything in my closet. It’s surprisingly roomy, too, fitting all of my daily essentials without sacrificing style. It’s the perfect combination of fashion and function, and I know it will remain in my rotation well into the fall and winter seasons.

Chxrry "U Me & My Ego" Album

The title is pretty self-explanatory, but when I say I’ve had this album on repeat, I mean it! It’s been the soundtrack to my mornings while I get ready for work, and it never gets old. Every time I press play, I instantly feel like the main character. It’s the kind of album that brings out my inner bad bitch and reminds me to carry myself like I know exactly who I am.

My favorite tracks are “U, Me & My Ego,” “Hall of Fame,” “Boring,” “Badness,” and “Bottles & Lights.”

Turquoise

Turquoise has quietly become my favorite color this month. In fact, I’ve unofficially deemed it the color of the summer. This all started during one of my nightly TikTok scroll sessions when I came across the jelly firkin trend. I’m usually not someone who follows trends. I believe in wearing and buying what you genuinely love rather than what’s popular. But this one caught my attention. Now, I wasn’t about to spend $100 on a reseller’s version of a jelly bag, so I did what I always do and started searching for a more affordable option. After a little digging on AliExpress, I found the perfect one. The moment I saw it, I was sold. The bright turquoise color instantly stood out to me, and the polka dots made it even better. When the bag finally arrived, I knew I had to complete the look and get this color on my nails. So I booked my nail appointment and got turquoise crocodile French tips to match. It ended up becoming one of my favorite little style moments of the month.

It’s funny how one thing can inspire an entire color obsession, but turquoise has definitely had me in a chokehold lately. I’ve been getting so many compliments everywhere I go. Safe to say this color has earned a permanent spot in my summer rotation.

Blogging

Last week, I created this blog, and I’ve been completely obsessed ever since. While I’m no stranger to blogging or writing think pieces, thanks to my Substack, creating this one feels like a whole new experience. There’s something about having a customizable blog site that feels a little more personal, a little more creative, and honestly, just really fun. I’ve spent the past week exploring other people’s blogs and finding inspiration in the way everyone sets up their pages. It reminded me that the internet can still be a place for creativity and genuine self-expression.

To me, blogging is one of the best forms of self-expression. It’s a space to document your interests, share your perspective, and create something that’s entirely your own. Whether you’re writing about fashion, beauty, books, music, or everyday life, your blog becomes a reflection of who you are.

I had to include this in my July monthly favorites because I’ve been obsessed! Starting this blog has brought me so much joy!

xoxo, Miss August ♡

01: Hi, My Name is Rebecca Bloomwood

“Confessions of a shopaholic” has always been one of my favorite movies. I used to watch it and think, Wow, Rebecca is hilarious and a little crazy. But when I rewatched it recently, I felt hypocritical. Then it hit me: I was Rebecca Bloomwood. Watching her felt like looking in a mirror, and we exhibited the same behavior. Before my frontal lobe fully developed (thank God for growth), I was an extreme shopaholic. I’ve spent more money than I’d ever want to admit over the years on things I definitely didn’t need.

There’s a scene in the movie where Rebecca goes to extreme measures just to buy a green scarf. I laughed at first until I realized… that was literally me. I used to spend my last dime on clothes, handbags, and anything I wanted. It got so bad that I had credit card debt. Buy Now, Pay Later became my best friend, and honestly, I completely abused it.

Rebecca once said, “When I shop, the world gets better. And then it’s not anymore. And I need to do it again.” That line hit me differently this time. I knew exactly what she meant. Fashion has always been something I’ve loved since I was little. I grew up spoiled, always wearing the latest and greatest. My parents never really told me “no.” When I was nine, I had a Sidekick phone, and by sixteen, I already had my first Louis Vuitton bag. Looking back, it’s no surprise I became obsessed with shopping it was all I knew.

When I turned 25, I started making changes in my life. I had to learn the difference between needs and wants. Needs are basic survival essentials, while wants are desires that go beyond survival and provide pleasure, not purpose. Once I learned the difference, I accepted it, and my mindset around materialism shifted.

I realized that self-control isn’t about depriving yourself it’s about discipline. I’m now 26, and a lot has changed. So now, when I see something I want, I ask myself, “Do I really need this? Will this matter in a month?” I budget and prioritize my money, and when I do splurge, it’s intentional not impulsive. Being financially responsible doesn’t mean giving up the things you love; it means respecting your future self enough to spend wisely.

In some strange way, I’m glad I went through the “shopaholic” phase because it taught me a valuable lesson. Growing up spoiled made me believe happiness came with a price tag, but growing up for real taught me that peace, stability, and self-respect are worth far more.

xoxo, Miss August ♡

Welcome to My Blog ♡

 

    

♡ Hello my CSM Dolls ♡

Welcome to Cosmopolitan State of Mind. This is more than just a blog. It's a digital diary, a mood board, and a collection of things that make me feel a little more beautiful. Here, fashion isn't just about what we wear. Movies become conversations, music becomes a soundtrack, beauty becomes self-expression, and everyday moments become stories worth telling.

I've always believed that inspiration can come from anywhere. A perfectly tailored blazer. A film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. A lip gloss that makes an ordinary Tuesday feel special. A song that somehow understands exactly how you're feeling.

That's what you'll find here.

Expect thoughtful conversations about fashion, beauty, film, music, pop culture, and the navigation of my 20's as a black women. Some posts will be lighthearted, others reflective, and a few may simply capture a moment I never want to forget. Through it all, my goal is to create a space that feels comfortable, honest, relatable and endlessly curious.

The name Cosmopolitan State of Mind isn't just about cities or style. It's about approaching life with an open mind, appreciating culture in all its forms, and finding beauty in the details. It's a way of seeing the world.

Whether you're here for fashion takes, movie recommendations, beauty favorites, playlists, random think pieces, or simply because you enjoy getting lost in a good story, I'm so glad you found your way here.

So here's to having a cosmopolitan state of mind!

xoxo, Miss August ♡