Curated & Saved #24
VMA highs and lows, productivity disguised as self-care, magical covens navigating power and girlhood, and what’s next on my TBR
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 recs 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.
VMAs Red Carpet & Performances
Old habits die hard. While I’m not always writing about red carpets or awards shows these days, they still find their way into my feeds.
This year’s VMA red carpet, however, left me a bit underwhelmed. I miss the days of outrageous meat dresses, genuinely creative barely-there ensembles, and that unmistakable sense of quirky fun. I’m not sure any of this year’s looks will earn a place in the VMA hall of fame.
A few choice favourites from me were Audrey Nuna in Nooon (totally appreciate her playing into ‘Mira from K-Pop Demon Hunters at the Met Gala’), Doja Cat in a fun Balmain number (also loved the camp-ness of her edible lipstick gag), and Conan Grey in Erik Charlotte (always love it when a guy really goes for it at these awards shows).
The VMAs are all about the performances though aren’t they? Sabrina’s set was definitely the standout of the night and it was wonderful to see such a wonderful celebration of queer and trans people and a fitting tribute to ballroom culture. As always, Lady Gaga delivered a flawless and powerful performance that reminded everyone why she’s a true icon and reigning Queen of the VMAs. I also think it’s worth checking out Katseye’s debut pre-show performances. For first timers I think they did a great job and I hope we get to see them in the main show very soon!
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 Logic of the ‘9 to 5’ Is Creeping Into the Rest of the Day (The Atlantic)
Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of “5 to 9 after the 9 to 5” videos on my TikTok feed. You know, those perfectly edited evening routines with 12-steps of skincare, pilates workouts, salmon dinners, and spotless kitchens, all time-stamped like a second job.
Julie Beck’s article The Logic of the ‘9 to 5’ Is Creeping Into the Rest of the Day breaks down how these routines, which look like self-care, actually mirror that same productivity grind from work. She makes the valid argument that whilst initially harmless, these videos could perpetuate the idea that even our downtime had become something we must optimise.
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I could also see some people looking at these videos and feeling guilty that all they’ve done that evening is order a Deliveroo and scroll through TikTok videos on the sofa. Like anything, too much of one thing is never good. That being said, I don’t think these creators set out to make statements on how others should live their lives.
I do personally find these videos therputically hypnotic and I’m honestly just nosy. Some of my comfort creators videos (like ChiaraGLucia and CloudsJoo) make me feel like I’m catching up with what a friend has gotten up to that day. And some of the routines do genuinely inspire me to maybe not just bedrot once I shutdown the work laptop.
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The Backlist
Not everything needs to be brand new. Here’s something older or overlooked that’s still totally worth your time.
Her Majesty's Royal Coven Series, Juno Dawson
With autumn on the way and spooky season creeping in, it feels like the perfect time to curl up with some witchy reads. I’m currently working my way through the last book in Juno Dawson’s Her Majesty’s Royal Coven series, Human Rites, and wanted to shout it out as a solid recommendation.
The series follows a group of young witches who are part of a secret magical community and governmental coven. As they juggle their powers alongside royal drama and personal struggles, dark threats emerge from both inside and outside their world. Packed with twists, mystery, and modern vibes, it’s a great mix of supernatural thrills and sharp humour. It’s also fantasically diverse and a real loveletter to the ups and downs of girlhood - even if those girls can fly, read minds and control the elements. Definitely one to check out as the nights get darker.
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.
Katabasis, R.F. Kuang
High, high up on the TBR list is possibly my most anticipated read of 2025. Katabasis by R.F. Kuang chronicles the journey of two grad magical grad students as they descend into the underworld to rescue their dying professor and mentor. It’s dark academia and philosphy with a sprinkling of romance and I’m so desperate to read it.
I’ll probably be downloading an e-book edition to soon I can get to it asap, but I did spot this beautiful Illumicrate edition online and I am oh so tempted to get one as a commemorative copy!
Thanks for checking out this week’s Curated & Saved!
If something here clicked with you, let me know. And if you’ve got a rec I need to know about, don’t keep it to yourself.