Curated & Saved #23
No, I haven’t watched The Summer I Turned Pretty - but TikTok has me invested. Plus: R.F. Kuang goes deep, thoughts on mindful movement, and some seriously stylish work bags
Welcome to Curated & Saved, your weekly drop of recommendations of culture and cool stuff, all vetted by yours truly.
Each week, I’ll share what’s fueling my brain (or numbing it! Because who am I to judge), what I’m saving for later, and what deserves your full, undivided attention.
Currently Consuming
Quick recommendation of whatever’s caught my attention lately. Could be a playlist, a show, a book, a viral video or anything else that’s taken over my screen time in a good way.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Have I watched a single minute of The Summer I Turned Pretty? Nope. Haven’t had to. My entire TikTok feed has been flooded with reposts, reaction videos, teary-eyed edits, and memes dedicated to this endlessly dramatic little love triangle. At this point, I’ve absorbed so much secondhand content that I could probably recite the plot beats like a seasoned fan. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.
I do plan to binge my way through the show eventually. Maybe on a rainy weekend when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic or self-indulgent. But for now, I’m having far too much fun watching other people go through the emotional rollercoaster for me.
Nicole’s recent piece about no longer being Team Conrad caught my eye and hit a nerve in the best way. As someone who usually falls for the complicated, brooding types (I mean, who doesn’t love a yearner? Mr. Darcy? Jess Mariano? Come on), I completely get the appeal. But she makes a solid case for how exhausting that dynamic can be in reality. All that yearning looks romantic on screen but off screen? It’s often just emotional whiplash.
From what I’ve pieced together through TikToks and Substacks, my current allegiance is less Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah and more Team Belly-should-go-out-into-the-world-and-have-fun-in-her-twenties. Preferably with new people, better communication skills, and far less beach house drama. Meanwhile, Conrad (sweet, emotionally constipated Conrad) needs to stay in therapy, focus on himself, and maybe journal about his feelings instead of unleashing them on others on a windswept beach in the middle of the night.
Now, the real question is, do I try to catch up before the finale hits before the 17th September? Or shall I continue to live vicariously through Tina’s reactions.
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The Long Form
One standout piece of media that actually earned my full attention this week. Worth carving out some time to read, watch or listen to.
The otherworldly ambitions of R.F. Kuang (New Yorker)
Fresh off the release of her latest novel, Katabasis, R.F. Kuang has been profiled in The New Yorker and it's every bit as compelling as you'd hope. The piece is a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of Kuang's literary evolution, creative process, and intellectual rigor. For anyone even remotely interested in her work, it's an absolute must read read.
What struck me most is how the profile provides a much needed constrast to the recent criticism aimed at Katabasis. From what I gather most of the claims are that it’s “too academic” or “too complex.” Personally, I find those to be strengths, not flaws is Kuang’s writing. She is after all, an academic as well as a novelist, and her work consistently challenges readers to think more deeply.
The Backlist
Not everything needs to be brand new. Here’s something older or overlooked that’s still totally worth your time.
What if your relationship with your body didn’t always have to feel this hard? (Maddie Dragsbaek)
An oldie but a goodie from one of my comfort YouTubers, Maddie Dragsbaek. In this video, she shares so openly about what it’s been like to slowly heal her relationship with movement, letting go of the idea that exercise has to be about punishment, pressure, or changing how you look.
She talks about learning to move in ways that actually feel good in her body, and trusting herself to know what she needs. It’s quiet, reflective, and honest in a way that really stayed with me.
I think the two of us grew up with a similar mindset around movement, where exercise was tied to shame, control, and unrealistic expectations. And I think we’ve both been unlearning that over time, moving towards something softer. For me, that shift really started to settle in during my thirties giving myself more permission to move intuitively, to rest, and to just be in my body without constantly trying to fix it.
On The Wish List
A peek at what I’m eyeing next — from books and shows to random finds I’m excited to try out.
A Back-To-Work Bag
Now that my morning commutes are back in full swing, I've been on the lookout for a work bag that strikes the perfect balance between polished and practical. Here are a few contenders currently sitting in my cart:
The Classic: Longchamp Le Pliage
A forever favorite of fashionista for a reason. Lightweight, foldable, and surprisingly roomy, it's the kind of bag that looks effortless with everything and can elevate the most basic of outfits. Bonus points for it apparently being durable AF and somehow managing to fit most bulky laptops. I also feel like this is one I can find on the cheap, second-hand too!
The Practical: Rains Trail Rolltop Backpack
The Rains backpack is another classic with it’s minimalist and structured look. Given the rain the past few days a backpack that can survive a torrential downpour feels like a more practical choice.
The Trendy: Polène Cyme
Okay so the Polène bag is technically a 2024 trend, but I do feel like the Cyme is a trendy bag this going nowhere. A favourite of the quiet luxury crowd, it’s big, bold and sculptural without feeling too ‘out there’. I’m eyeing it up in that gorgeous buttery cognac leather.
Thanks for checking out this week’s Curated & Saved!
Tried something I recommended? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you have your own picks, drop them below and share the love!