Over the weekend, I went to Calissa in Water Mill, which is a bit of a clubsteraunt. A pitcher that contained approximately five watermelon mojitos (I’m convinced it was actually just pink lemonade) cost a cool $130. The $24 ice cream sundae was freezer burned vanilla Breyers with watered down Nestle syrup on the side. But most importantly, the outdoor Greek restaurant turned into a club once the sun set, and you needed an exclusive wristband to hang out in the CBD-branded “Charlie Fox Lounge” where a 21-year-old was DJing while his family cheered him on (it was quite sweet).

Instead of sparklers, the bottle girls danced with an LED baton, which is apparently the modern-day version because metallic fuel indoors isn’t safe - but nothing fun ever is. Bring back the ancient texts! And fire to the clubs! And recession jams like We Found Love and Feel So Close!

Now that I’m no longer in an office full-time I’ve been embracing daytime workouts (and quickly realized getting into a noon class is basically The Hunger Games). So far, I’ve weaseled my way into Reforming Pilates, Fort Pilates and New York Pilates (bet you can sense a theme here).

I’ve also been ushering in the spooky season early by rewatching The Vampire Diaries and Witches of East End, because it feels like I’ve seen every other show that has ever been on television. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop them in the comments, but know in advance, I probably have already watched them.

On the freelance front, I’m working on a few stories for the Observer - a Boca Raton city guide, a Delray Beach city guide, and a story about why all of the vegetarian restaurants around the country are closing.

I’m also going to be writing some of their Essentials columns, where interesting people talk about their favorite people/places/things, so feel free to pitch me at margaretabrams1@gmail.com if you have a fit for any of the above (or simply a TV show rec I have somehow never seen).

SOTM (song of the moment):

I have loved Noah Kahan since he was singing Stick Season on TikTok nonstop during peak Covid and his latest album is no different. It might be September now, but I’ve had End of August on repeat. It has even replaced Taylor Swift’s august this year as my most played summer song, which is saying something.

I highly recommend his Netflix documentary Out of Body, where he’s refreshingly honest and talks about his father’s traumatic brain injury, mental health issues, and dealing with body dysmorphia.

I’m extremely bummed I missed his stadium tour earlier this summer (although I was in Paris, which is a pretty good excuse) and am excited he’s heading out on the road again. Seeing him live is extra bang for your buck, because it’s half concert and half comedy show.

Speaking of concerts, last month I went to Philadelphia to see Andrew McMahon’s Three Pianos which was basically his version of The Eras Tour, featuring songs from Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate. I got dinner with friends at Tria, which has delightful small plates and Hugo spritzes, and brunch right on Rittenhouse Square at Parc, which famously has the country’s best free bread.

Trend I (Love To) Hate:

With fall in the air, I know the West Village going out uniform will return any day now. Black boots, lightish washed jeans, a black top (not to be confused with the slightly slutty going out tops of the early aughts) and a leather or pleather jacket.

When it gets cold, the leather gets swapped for faux fur. Hot? Boots are replaced with white sneakers. This year, I’m hoping someone starts to mix it up but it’s not looking likely. It’s the Bella Hadid/Hailey Bieber model off-duty special and it has taken over post-Covid. As New York Fashion Week is almost upon us, perhaps a brand new trend will be here any day now - but that’s seems as unlikely as ever.

As for a trend I love, I’m giving a special shout out to the $1,250 Loewe sandals that secretly spell out the brand’s name, which are just splashy enough without being truly over-the-top.

Rom-Com I’m Reading:

I have admittedly been in a bit of a reading rut, but I’ve been trying out Carley Fortune, who’s getting rave reviews from basically everyone. I couldn’t get into her Prime show Every Summer After, but I just started reading Our Perfect Storm. I do enjoy a friends to lovers romance and I hear she does it best.

Until next time and happy (almost) fall y’all.

Like Charli XCX, who named her latest album Music, Fashion, Film (although it was no BRAT, unfortunately) I’ll also be covering music and fashion. However, since I see a grand total of one movie a year (in case you were wondering, 2026 is going strong with The Devil Wears Prada 2), I’m swapping that topic for books (romance novels, mostly).

I’ve started freelancing again because the Daily Mail is no longer covering lifestyle, so I’m bringing my thoughts and feelings to Substack. If you don’t know me (although my mom’s Facebook post probably brought you here, so hey), I’ve been working in media for the last 13 years, which feels crazy. I’ve covered everything from sustainable clothing trends to the royal family, with a focus on fashion, beauty, music, culture, travel and wellness…so, basically everything.

Stay tuned for my favorite song of the moment, the trends I love to hate, and the spicy rom-com you need to read next. As for now it’s…

SOTM (song of the moment, obviously):

I can’t stop listening to Phoebe Bridgers and the entirety of her new album, but specifically, Bobby. Who knew Bo Burnham was so good at…everything?

Trend I Hate:

If I see one more Gen Z in oversized jorts I’ll finally understand why boomers hated low-rise jeans. They’re sloppy, ugly, and I blame Alix Earle’s Tulane grad sister for starting the capri trend. At least she could almost pull them off.

*Special mention to a trend I love? The Birkin boat bag. I know I missed the boat (see what I did there?) but it’s such a fun summer accessory.

Rom-Com I’m Reading:

I’m very into Jessica Peterson at the moment and I fully believe her romance novels should be the next Netflix series. I’m over Ransom Canyon and the Walter Boys. New cowboys are needed.

And just like Gossip Girl, I’m signing off until next time and hope to bring you lots of gossip then.

XOXO