The start of a new school year always meant one thing to me: reinvention. In particular, the year I started at a public high school after nine years of uniforms and parochial education. It was a chance to redefine myself and my style and I chose the coolest gal I could think of to base my new identity on:

With all of the 90s and Y2K trends running amok, I thought about what I would look for now if I wanted to revisit who I was then. It’s been a long time since I rocked a graphic tee from Urban Outfitters or streaked my hair like Kelly Clarkson during her Thankful era, but I can definitely see myself using all three of this week’s picks, which can also help you give your style or surroundings a seasonal refresh.

Julia Stiles forever.

1. BUXOM Cosmetics Plump Shot™ Collagen-Infused Lip Serum in Dolly Babe ($28)

I’ve loved a mauve lip for as long as I can remember. The Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss from BUXOM in shade Dolly was one of the first high-end beauty products I became obsessed with. The formula was shimmery without being sparkly and not too sticky. Best of all, it made your lips tingle and puff up just enough to enhance your pout without the total Jenner effect. I don’t remember exactly when or where I first got my hands on a tube, but I’m pleased to see they have a new version of the same shade with collagen added to the mix.

2. OSPREY London Large Carter Messenger Bag (£285)

The one accessory I knew I had to have in high school (besides a pair platform black flip-flops) was a black canvas messenger bag like the one Kat carries in 10 Things I Hate About You. I ended up finding the perfect one to carry all of my books (and my Discman) at Aeropostale. Nowadays, I still like the messenger style but would probably opt for leather, like this one from British leather goods company OSPREY. With room for a 15” laptop and plenty of pockets for the essentials, this bag is a great choice for work, school or traveling. It’s also available in an extra-large size.

3. Marimekko Seireeni Bedding (£21.50 and up)

Your childhood bedroom is one of the first places where you get to express yourself. My parents were kind enough to let me paint a geometric mural on one wall of my teenage sanctuary and cover the others with Linkin Park posters and various bits of adolescent memorabilia. My duvet featured bold, colorful stripes a la Paul Smith. This bed set (duvet and pillowcases) from Finnish design company Marimekko is just as eye-catching but a bit more subtle and soothing. Made from crisp 100% cotton with a thread count of 200, it’s just heavy enough while still being breathable.

Something to think about …

I was a high school freshman on Sept. 11, 2001. The feeling that day is one I still struggle to describe, but having those tragic events occur at such an important time in my growth certainly marked a loss of innocence for me and my peers, and a turning point in the stories of many people I’d known or would come to know.

Tuesday’s Children is a charity that was started after the unthinkable events of that day to support the families of fallen soldiers and others affected by military conflict and acts of terrorism or mass violence.

In case you missed it …

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MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.