CURATED BY AUGUSTAH: MAY EDIT

May was my month of perspective.

As I prepared to turn 29, I found myself looking around and realizing that a lot of the things I've been working toward are no longer just ideas. They're becoming real. Not fully formed. Not finished. But real. For so long, I felt like I was constantly focused on the next thing, the next opportunity, the next partnership, the next trip, the next version of myself. And while I still have big goals, this month felt different. I wasn't focused on what was missing. I was focused on what was already here. Maybe that's what happens when you get older. You stop measuring your life solely by what you haven't accomplished and start appreciating everything you've already built. As I get ready to enter the final year of my twenties, I can honestly say I feel more confident than ever. Not just physically, although I do feel more comfortable in my own skin than I have in years. I feel more certain of myself, my decisions, and my vision.

I feel sexy.

I feel ambitious.

I feel excited.

I feel wiser.

And for someone who has spent a lot of time questioning whether she was doing enough, that's a beautiful feeling.

The truth is, the last few months have required a lot of faith. Faith in myself. Faith in my work. Faith that the countless hours spent creating content, attending events, networking, pitching myself, studying new skills, and showing up consistently would eventually lead somewhere meaningful. This month, I started to feel that shift. Not because everything suddenly became easy. But because I stopped needing immediate proof. I trusted what I was building.

A lot of May was spent preparing for my return to Milano. Between planning shoots, content, meetings, partnerships, travel logistics, and nearly two months abroad, I was reminded how much I genuinely love this chapter of my life and how much I once prayed for opportunities like these. Modeling in Europe has always felt special to me. As a six-foot-tall model, Europe has always felt like a place where I'm fully embraced for exactly who I am. There's a freedom, creativity, and energy there that constantly inspires me. Milano feels less like a destination and more like a place that allows me to reconnect with parts of myself that sometimes get lost in the noise. At the same time, I've spent a lot of May thinking about the future of Unfiltered with Augustah. What started as sharing pieces of my life has slowly evolved into something much bigger. I've found myself evaluating my content, photography, storytelling, blog, and overall direction not because I'm unhappy with where I am, but because I know there's another level available to me.

I've also spent time studying artificial intelligence, creator strategy, marketing, PR, branding, and storytelling because I don't just want to keep up with the future. I want to understand it and build alongside it. Lately, I've found myself asking a different question. Not, "How do I become successful?" But, "What do I want to be known for?" That's a very different question. This month also put me in rooms that reminded me why I love this industry. Industry events, creator conversations, brand partnerships, networking opportunities, and panels all reinforced something I've been feeling for a while now:

I belong in these spaces.

Not because I've arrived.

But because I'm actively becoming.

Of course, May wasn't without challenges.

In what felt like the worst possible timing, I found myself dealing with a breast abscess that quickly became one of the most painful experiences I've ever gone through. Between doctor appointments, procedures, recovery, and uncertainty, I was forced to slow down in a way I hadn't planned for. It reminded me how quickly life can shift your priorities.

For a moment, none of the content plans, travel plans, financial plans, or career goals mattered. The only thing that mattered was getting healthy. Thankfully, recovery went well, and I was able to heal before my upcoming trip to Europe. Looking back, the experience gave me an even greater appreciation for where I am right now and for the human body.

Outside of all of that, May was filled with the kinds of moments I hope I never stop appreciating: Reformer Pilates classes that kept me grounded, girls' nights, date nights, coffee shop work sessions with my matcha order on lock, content shoots, fashion finds, planning outfits for Milano, Trip planning and building routines that support the life I'm trying to create. And maybe that's the biggest thing I take away from this month.

The trust.

The trust that I can figure things out.

The trust that what I'm building matters.

The trust that I don't need every answer before taking the next step.

At 29, I don't have everything figured out. But I feel more certain of myself than ever before.

And for now, that's more than enough.

Milan, I'll see you soon.

So, in true Curated by Augustah fashion, here is everything I've been using, wearing, loving, and reaching for throughout the month of May.

CLOTHING HAUL

What I wore most this month.

Short Knotted Shirtdress Zara

An easy one-and-done dress that's polished, flattering, and perfect for days when I want to look put together with minimal effort.

Adilenium 5.0 OG Track Pants with Pleats Adidas

A relaxed track pant that feels effortlessly cool while bringing a tailored edge to everyday styling.

Oversized Short-Sleeved Cotton Shirt COS

An easy oversized shirt that's polished, versatile, and perfect for layering or wearing on its own.

Layered Mesh Tee Helmut Lang

A sleek wardrobe staple that adds just the right amount of edge while still feeling effortless and easy to style.

The Padel Jacket PAPER London

A lightweight layer that feels sporty, polished, and perfect for throwing on before or after a busy day.

Ruched-Waist Cotton-Jersey Tank Top COS

A simple everyday tank with subtle ruching that adds just the right amount of shape and interest.

Ribbed Cotton Tank Top COS

A versatile wardrobe staple that's simple, elevated, and easy to style with just about everything.

ZW Collection Satin Halter Dress Zara

An elegant satin dress that feels timeless, feminine, and perfect for summer evenings or special occasions.

Gathered Cotton Balloon-Leg Pants COS

A relaxed yet elevated pair of pants that feels comfortable, modern, and effortlessly stylish. MY FAVORITE.

Smooth As Hell Shaping Dress Fabletics

A flattering, throw-on-and-go dress that feels comfortable, supportive, and effortlessly put together.

SHOE HAUL

The shoes that earned a permanent spot in my rotation.

Women's Legacy White x Baby Blue Thursday Boots

A comfortable everyday sneaker with subtle color accents that make even the simplest outfits feel a little more intentional.

Penny Jane Black Thursday Boots

A classic Mary Jane that adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit while remaining comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Tiny Dancer Black Cap Toe Thursday Boots

A timeless flat that feels polished, comfortable, and easy to wear from morning meetings to evening plans.

Samba OG Shoes Adidas

A classic sneaker that strikes the perfect balance between casual and cool, making it an easy choice for everyday wear.

Classic Leather Loafers COS

A sleek, everyday loafer that adds a polished finish to everything from tailored trousers to relaxed denim.

Soleil Dark Brown, White Thursday Boots

A timeless riding boot that's polished, versatile, and effortlessly elevates any outfit.

Black Slashed Blazer SSENSE

A statement blazer that adds structure, edge, and an elevated finish to even the simplest outfit.

BEAUTY HAUL

The products I've been consistently reaching for.

No Pressure Lip Liner – Toast, DIBS
A lip liner I’ve been using to keep things simple and defined without doing too much. It’s easy to apply, blends well, and works with pretty much anything I layer on top.

Micro-Correcting Blurring Concealer with Peptides Prada Beauty

A lightweight concealer that brightens, smooths, and delivers natural-looking coverage without feeling heavy. OBSESSED.

Glowtour Duo – Retrograde Rose, DIBS
One of my go-to for adding a soft, natural flush. It blends easily into the skin and gives just enough warmth without feeling heavy, which is exactly what I’ve been leaning toward lately.

Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara Prada Beauty

A mascara that adds noticeable length and lift while keeping lashes defined, separated, and lightweight.

Duo Brush Face DIBS
One of those tools that just makes everything easier. It blends products seamlessly and gives a more natural finish without feeling like I’m doing too much.

Desert Island Duo – Shade 6, DIBS
This product simplifies everything. It adds warmth and dimension in a way that feels natural and effortless, perfect for everyday when I still want to look put together.

Hydrating Lip Balm with Jojoba Oil Prada Beauty

A luxurious lip balm that delivers lasting hydration while leaving lips looking naturally smooth and healthy.

The Lip Balm Nécessaire

A nourishing lip balm that keeps my lips hydrated, comfortable, and smooth throughout the day.

Touch Cream-To-Powder Soft Blur Longwear Blush Prada Beauty

A soft-focus blush that adds a natural flush of color while blending seamlessly into the skin.

OS-01 Lip Mask OneSkin

A nourishing lip treatment that keeps my lips soft, smooth, and hydrated throughout the day and overnight.

Water Drench Whipped Cream Cleanser Peter Thomas Roth

A hydrating cleanser that leaves my skin feeling fresh, soft, and thoroughly cleansed without feeling tight.

Silky Skin Cleanser Counter

A creamy cleanser that leaves my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and comfortably clean.

Clear Pore Cleanser Counter

A gentle everyday cleanser that leaves my skin feeling clean, balanced, and refreshed without stripping it.

ESSENTIALS HAUL

The little things I couldn't go without this month.

The Starter Set BÉIS

A travel essential that keeps all my beauty products organized, accessible, and easy to pack on the go. I’ve been using bees for years.

The Weekender Bag BÉIS

A spacious carryall that makes packing for quick trips, workdays, and weekend getaways feel effortless.

Canyon Sunrise Brush UV Case SURI

A travel-friendly essential that keeps my toothbrush clean, protected, and ready to go wherever I'm headed.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung

The device I've been using for content creation, everyday productivity, and capturing the moments in between with ease.

Chanel 31 Shopping Bag Chanel via Vivrelle

A statement bag that somehow manages to feel both luxurious and effortless, making even the simplest outfit feel elevated.

The Body Wash Nécessaire

A simple, effective body wash that cleanses gently while leaving my skin feeling soft, refreshed, and hydrated.

Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner Laura Mercier

A creamy, long-wearing lip liner that defines the lips beautifully while still looking natural and effortless.

Sunlit Clementine & Vetiver Bath & Shower Gel Bluemercury

A fresh, citrusy body wash that makes everyday showers feel a little more elevated and luxurious.

Oversized Quilted Crossbody Bag Black COS

A practical everyday bag that fits everything I need while still looking clean, modern, and effortlessly chic.

Gold Drip Nourishing Body & Hair Oil KOBA Skincare

A multipurpose oil that leaves both skin and hair looking nourished, radiant, and healthy with a beautiful glow.

May reminded me that growth doesn't always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like trusting yourself more, appreciating where you are, and continuing to show up for the life you're building. These are the pieces, products, and everyday essentials that came along for the ride this month.

If you’re curious about any of the pieces from this May haul, everything is linked through my ShopMy, Thank you for being here and reading Curated by Augustah. It truly means more than you know.

If you try something, tag me — I love seeing how you make it your own.

Maybe that's what happens when you get older. You stop measuring your life solely by what you haven't accomplished and start appreciating everything you've already built.

Augustah Allen