Type "sleeping on the floor" into Google, and you'll likely walk away very confused. Many of the articles will tell you this is the best way to sleep, while others will warn that this can be damaging to your body. So, what's the answer?
I've been sleeping on mattresses for my entire life, and while I understand that is a relative luxury, I also know of many people who voluntarily sleep on the floor — some for back support, others to save money, and others in the name of minimalism. Plus, there are some very enthusiastic bloggers out there who are really into the whole sleeping-on-the-floor thing.
So, when my "Try Living with Lucie" audience suggested I try a 5-day challenge all about sleeping on the floor, I started doing a ton of research. Since this challenge could physically affect my body, I made a point of speaking with a doctor before diving in.
Dr. Mike told me that spending five nights on the floor likely wouldn't help my posture or alignment. Additionally, this Refinery29 article quotes Milton Marvin Ang Chua, MD, a faculty member in the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Utah, who insists, "The hardness of the floor can hit certain pressure points of the body, such as the tailbone, heels, and shoulder blades."
And even though two doctors gave me negative feedback, the amount of positivity out there on personal blogs and social media accounts was enough to convince me to try it. Check out my video above to see how I fared.
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Often times, we give away all our love — to friends, family, romantic partners — and forget to leave some for ourselves. But in the spirit of self-care, it’s high time we give ourselves the love we deserve. And when it comes to loving ourselves, that means all of us — vaginas included. Sure, an at-home mani on a Sunday night is nice, but let’s take things a step further by spending a few minutes of our day ensuring the well-being of our most sensitive area.
In partnership with Vagisil, we’re bringing you six ways to help with the overall health and happiness of your vagina. Ahead, the kind of self-love you and your vagina deserve.
Wear Cotton Underwear
Just like the other parts of our bodies, our vaginas need to be able to breathe. The best way to let that happen? Opt for cotton underwear when possible. Cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics and won't trap in moisture or cause discomfort like other materials. A comfortable fit also reduces friction and the possibility for itchiness. Our go-to? A classic Calvin Klein brief.
There's no reason to let vaginal dryness get you down. Enter: Vagisil ProHydrate Moisturizing Lubricant. The gynecologist-tested gel packs hyaluronic acid to instantly combat any signs of dryness. Plus, the product can be used right before sex.
Illustrated by Cachetejack.
Get An Exterior Vagina Facial
All vaginas are prone to an occasional ingrown hair. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to combat them, including a vagina facial. But before you grab cucumber slices, know that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill spa treatment. The intended purpose is to clean the outside region of the bikini area and remove any ingrown hairs that could cause potential infection. If you’re unable to find a vagina facial where you live, opt for an ingrown hair serum to prevent future bumps. The most important thing is to refrain from self-operating by picking and prodding at ingrown hairs.
Illustrated by Cachetejack.
Do Kegel Exercises
Whether it was a friendly acquaintance at a bachelorette party or your best friend in college, you've probably heard someone talking about Kegel exercises at one point or another. The practice involves tightening and releasing the pelvic walls while breathing deeply. And you don't have to don your sneakers and head to the gym for these exercises. You can practice them anytime, anywhere. There are even toys, dubbed Ben Wa balls or Kegel balls, that can help do them for you. The result: a strengthened pelvic floor that can increase penetrative sexual satisfaction and muscle control.
Illustrated by Cachetejack.
Have Safer Sex
Having safer sex is a major key to maintaining a healthy vagina long-term — especially when it comes to family planning, HIV, and STDs/STIs. To practice safer sex, consider using condoms, getting an IUD, taking a hormonal birth control, or choosing another method that might work best for your body and situation. Some of these methods (male condoms, female condoms, and dental dams) cut down on the likelihood of contracting HIV and STDs/STIs. You can heighten your experience even more with ribbed or flavored varieties (if you're going the flavored route, just make sure you're not allergic first). If you’re unsure what is best for you, talk with your doctor before making a decision.
Illustrated by Cachetejack.
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In the last few years, Shahidi has also made her mark as a bonafide fashion and beauty star. In fact, we'd be hard-pressed to find a Refinery29style or trend roundup that didn't include her. Shahidi's bold hair and makeup looks haven't gone unnoticed, but despite her love for experimentation, she's does have a few techniques she always falls back on.
Ahead, we've put our beauty sleuthing to good use, rounding up five trends Shahidi always wears so you can copy them ASAP.
Dewy lids are a popular Instagram and runway trend, but pulling them off IRL is not as easy as it looks. Shahidi has the technique down, always pairing them with a bright red lip for a look that's bold, but still feels fresh.
Like highlighter, shiny textures on the lids can have a brightening effect and provide a nice contrast to matte makeup.
2. Creative Cat-Eyes
With the help of her go-to makeup artist Emily Cheng, Shahidi has worn just about every iteration of the classic cat-eye you can imagine. Instead of crisp lines, Cheng typically opts for soft ones, blending her work to avoid any harsh edges. The result? A wing that marries the best parts of a cat-eye and a smoky eye.
Shahidi loves to play with color, too. Here she ditched black or brown liner in favor of teal. The shade serves as a fun burst of color in an otherwise natural makeup look.
3. Killer Updos
Shahidi knows how to work an updo, whether it's twisted braids, high buns, sleek ponytails, or pulled-back curls.
When Shahidi pulls her hair back into a ponytail, her hairstylists always make sure to showcase her beautiful natural curls — pulling inspiration from beauty icons like Diana Ross, Solange, and Sade.
4. Floating Crease
On multiple occasions, Shahidi has stepped out rocking one of our favorite makeup trends: the floating crease. The technique, which reinvents a traditional cut crease, doesn't feel as heavy as its '60s-era counterpart.
To do it, grab a liquid or cream liner and etch a thin line just above your lids, following your natural eye shape. Make like Shahidi and go a step further by matching your liner to your ensemble.
In true Shahidi style, the star managed to take a bold makeup technique and make it feel natural by pairing it with fresh makeup and a totally bare lip.
5. Metallic Eyes
We've already established that Shahidi loves to play with fun textures like gloss, so it should come as no surprise that the star employs vibrant, metallic shadow on the red carpet, too. She often makes it monochromatic by matching her shadow to her outfit.
Sometimes a thin strip of metallic shadow on the lower lashline is all you need to make a statement. We love these cream shadows for their versatility. Tap them all over the lid or dip an angled brush into the formula and wear them as eyeliner.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
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One of the best surprises for beauty fans is learning that the products used by everyone from Mandy Moore to Beyoncé to Drew Barrymore come from the drugstore. Those Victoria's Secret-worthy waves? Courtesy of a $10 mousse. The highlighter that's brighter than a paparazzi flash? Available at CVS for less than your Starbucks order. Truth is, you can mimic a red-carpet look without going over budget. But where should you start?
Unfortunately, there's no yellow brick road to lead you through your affordable beauty journey. So we're here to make the trip easier, because CVS gave us the exclusive on all the newest launches that just hit its shelves this season. Check ahead for launches from all the brands you love — like L'Oréal, Olay, Garnier, and more.
Remember the hype over peel-off brow gels? Well, it's back and more affordable than ever. This stain formula applies wet, sets dry, and leaves behind long-lasting color for noticeably defined brows.
Lipstick that doesn't feel heavy like lipstick, yet looks as pigmented as a lipstick is every foodie's dream. While this full-coverage color doesn't last forever, the creamy texture and hit of hydration makes it fun enough to reapply over and over.
Is there anything more awkward than those three minutes you're standing in the shower, away from the water, just waiting for your hair mask to penetrate? Luckily, this one will only take you minute — but leave you with the same silky results.
When your makeup is flaking, you need an exfoliating scrub. This one smells like a fruit basket and is loaded with tiny kiwi seeds that feel just as delicious.
Like any other highlighter, this liquid illuminator will make your cheekbones pop. Unlike other highlighters, however, you can mix this pearly hue in your moisturizer, primer, or foundation for glowing, lit-from-within skin.
Reusing false lashes is the bane of every beauty fan's existence, especially when some of the hairs are holding crusts of dried glue. Thankfully, magnetic lashes let you skip the gross factor and go straight to the lewk.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
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From the moment I received a candy gram from my best friend in high school, Valentine’s Day has been my favorite holiday. Sure, it’s commercial — flowers cost double the price, and it’s hard to find a place to eat dinner where you can, first of all, get a table without a reservation…or if you somehow manage that, good luck eating a normal meal sans a prix fixe menu.
But a time of the year in which every place you go is decorated in pink and red and covered in conversation hearts? Yes, please — ideally (for me, anyway) the world would look like that all year long, but alas, I'll settle for this brief window.
The very best part about Valentine’s Day? It’s just as much about appreciating our friends as it is our partners or love interests. So, with that in mind, we put together some ideas of what to get your BFF this Valentine's Day. Click through to check 'em out…
Give your gal pal two gifts in one with this chic candle-vase.
Anthropologie Tilly Candle, $24, available at Anthropologie.
Nothing says “I don’t know what I’d do without your friendship” like this shine theory button. As the theory from Call Your Girlfriend ’s Ann Friedman goes, “I don't shine if you don't shine!”
Call Your Girlfriend Shine Theory Button, $3, available at Call Your Girlfriend.
Photo: Courtesy of Call Your Girlfriend.
When we heard that Kiehl’s had taken lip balm to the next level, adding a hint of color, we couldn’t wait. Get this for your long-distance pal so she can seal her letters with a kiss.
Kiehl’s Butterstick Lip Treatment, $19.50, available at Kiehl’s.
Photo: Courtesy of Kiehl's.
Maybe it’s because we know a lot of writers, but is there ever a better present than a journal? And one as pretty as this one? Nope, didn’t think so.
Rifle Paper Company Everyday Memoir Notebook Tapestry, $15, available at Rifle Paper Company.
Photo: Courtesy of Rifle Paper Company.
Gift your friend this adorable set of glasses, so you can use them to toast your friendship while drinking spicy matcha margaritas.
Urban Outfitters Rainbow Stemless Wine Glasses Set, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters.
For the friend who is most likely to wear black lipstick on Valentine’s Day, try this black heart lollipop pin.
Otherwild Black Heart Lollipop Pin, $12, available at Otherwild.
Photo: Courtesy of Otherwild.
Want to support your friend’s new fortune-telling hobby? This tarot deck is not only the number-one cutest, but it comes with a guide book as well. Your friend will be an expert by the time you're ready to have your cards read.
Small Spells Tarot Deck, $50, available at Small Spells.
Photo: Courtesy of Small Spells.
We’re going to guess your friend who loves tarot might also be into incense. Just a hunch. Gift her a delicious-smelling (and chill) apartment with this seven-scent sampler. Cedar, mesquite, juniper, oh my!
El Cosmico Incienso De Santa Fe, $14, available at El Cosmico.
Photo: Courtesy of El Cosmico.
Every friend needs a sweet little vase so they have somewhere to put those beautiful flowers you bought them.
Mociun Turquoise Bud Vase $48, available at Mociun.
Photo: Courtesy of Mociun.
Think: the updated version of best friend necklaces from elementary school. Not necessarily more mature, though certainly just as cute!
ACupcakeForYou Avocado Best Friend Necklaces For 2, $24.06, available at Etsy.
Photo: Courtesy of Etsy.
And for any gift you get, you’re going to need a card. We’ve got just the bunch to choose from…
Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
This week a lawyer who makes $190,000 per year and spends it on fuzzy socks.
Occupation: Lawyer Industry: Large Corporation Age: 42 Location: Houston, TX My Salary: $190,000 Husband's Salary: $150,000 Combined Paycheck (2x/month): $10,100 after 401(k), health insurance, and United Way contributions
Monthly Expenses Housing: $4,000 for our mortgage and property tax. We pay a little bit extra to speed up paying off the mortgage. Student Loan Payments: $300 Car Payment: $695 (This is the last year!)
All Other Monthly Expenses New York Times Subscription: $3 Netflix: $12 Cell Phone: $170 Cable & Internet: $200 Childcare: $2,600 Evening Nanny: $600 Kid Activities: $200 toward swim, soccer, and music classes Electric & Gas: $150 Water: $50 Lawn Service: $100 Savings: We move money into savings whenever there is a balance in our checking account over $15,000 after bills are paid.
Day One
8 a.m. —Wake up late; it's the weekend! My husband lets me sleep in while he makes coffee and finds cartoons on TV for my son. I jump in the shower, put in my contacts, brush my teeth, and moisturize. (I am trying to be consistent about skincare now that I am in my 40s. My dedication ebbs and flows; right now I am on a good run.) After I throw on my mom uniform (yoga pants, tank, sweater), I drink a cup of coffee while scrolling through my social media apps, make the bed, start a load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, and wake up my daughter. I get her dressed and we eat breakfast together (i.e., I finish my coffee and steal handfuls of her dry Fruit Loops). She also eats a banana and drinks a glass of milk.
10:45 a.m. — My son has soccer at a local park. It's usually earlier in the day, but it's unseasonably cold here so they pushed the start time one hour. I watch him drill and then do a scrimmage for 25 minutes. He doesn't score but he does get two assists; he also shows improvement in stopping the ball and dribbling. I am proud of him! I chat with the other soccer moms and then we play at the playground for a bit.
12 p.m. — We meet my husband and daughter at The Raven Grill, our favorite neighborhood brunch spot. I order a mimosa and a grilled chicken sandwich with olive tapenade. My husband gets a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with an Arnold Palmer, and the kids get a PB&J, chicken strips, milk, and fruit ($66.94). I only eat about half of the chicken so we bring home; I'll give it to the kids as leftovers. We also stop by Picnic, the restaurant's fast-casual bakery and sandwich shop, for three loaves of cranberry-walnut bread ($24). We'll keep one, give one to my dad (who is here for a few months on a temporary assignment), and give one as a hostess gift later this evening. $90.94
1:30 p.m. — It's nap time! I settle in for a few hours of mindless Food Network and HGTV and text with a friend about an upcoming beach trip we are planning with our families. Since having kids, I've found that it's really nice to travel with friends who also have little ones. They entertain each other and there are extra adults who can make keeping an eye on everyone easier. I search potential properties on VRBO and send them to my friend for review.
3:30 p.m. — Nap time is over. I do laundry, clean up, and get ready to go over to our friends' house. I can't wait to see them; the plan is to order in and let the kids hang out for a while.
5 p.m. — With our friends. The kids play well together — there are tons of toys and lots of pets. We order a few pizzas and our friends pay. I deliver the gift and it is well received; they love Picnic bread!
7:30 p.m. — We stop by the wine store on the way home and I get a bottle of Mark West pinot noir. I decide to skip bath time and put the kids to bed. Settle in on the couch to watch the Patriots football game with my husband and drink a glass of wine (or two). $15
11 p.m. — I have been fighting a terrible cold and cough. I feel better but I'm still congested. Going to try to go to bed early.
Daily Total: $105.94
Day Two
7 a.m. — I get out of bed and get my son dressed to watch the Houston Marathon. The route goes right through our neighborhood and we are at a mile marker, which means top-40 music and an announcer have been blaring for the last 30 minutes. I make coffee and grab a cereal bar for my son and we head over to the course to cheer on three friends who are running. It's freezing but my kid loves it. We high five the runners and try to yell inspiring words. There is music, police cars flashing sirens to encourage the runners, friendly dogs, and neighbors. Forty-five minutes later, my fingers are numb. My son doesn't want to leave so I bribe him with the promise of hot chocolate and cartoons.
10:30 a.m. — I take my son to a bookstore café. I buy books for him ($55.07) and get a chai latte with almond milk, plain milk for him, and a croissant to share ($9.42). I bring my own paperback, The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty. I've been reading her books since I watched Big Little Lies last year. We hang out and read — my favorite way to spend an hour on a Sunday. $64.49
12 p.m. — I like to bake on Sundays, so today I decide to try Alison Roman's salted butter and chocolate chunk shortbread cookies. They are all over the internet and I figure a million Instagram influencers can't be wrong! They are super easy and require only a few ingredients (all of which I have on hand). I place them in the refrigerator to chill. My husband is taking our daughter for a walk, so I play with her and fix lunch until her nap time at 1:30.
12:30 p.m. — I take my son to the grocery store, an expensive one that's always empty. I hate fighting crowds and my favorite, cheaper store is packed on Sundays after 9 a.m. I buy a ton of food including snack food for the kids, potato chips, dip, salsa (football Sunday!), flour, sugar, vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, carrots, peas, bananas, potatoes, avocados, grapes, apples, cauliflower, broccoli, blueberries, milk, sour cream, butter, cheese , yogurt, frozen pizza, frozen hash-browns; fresh tortellini, ground beef, venison sausage, prosciutto, Chik'n nuggets, diapers, and six bottles of wine. (I buy in bulk to get the 10% discount.) I remind myself that this store is way too expensive and promise to wake up early to go to the other store next weekend. I also buy my son M&Ms for being such a good helper. He eats half and says he wants to save the rest for later. I need willpower tips from him! $373.02
1:30 p.m. — I hit the drugstore next and buy three cans of shaving cream for my husband, Band-Aids, several types of cold medicine for me, and three deodorants. My husband likes to stock up and we usually buy through Amazon, but I am trying to do less of that. $75.54
2 p.m. — Unload groceries and prepare mac and cheese, peas, and a banana for my son. I clean up around the house, start dinner, and bake my cookies. My dad comes over to watch football with my husband and I savor the quiet time while the kids are napping. Where has the day gone?
4 p.m. — Work on preparing dinner for the kids, my husband, and my dad. Tonight, it's turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, fresh cauliflower and broccoli, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. The cookies are amazing.
6 p.m. — Give the kids baths and tuck them in. Can't wait to relax and watch mindless television.
12:30 a.m. — Fell asleep on the couch. I drag myself to the bathroom to brush my teeth and fall into bed.
Daily Total: $513.05
Day Three
6 a.m. — Wake up. This is early for me, but I have to be at work no later than 7:45 and my commute is 45 minutes long. I shower, throw my hair in a bun, slap on some makeup, and get dressed. I make coffee at home and hit the road, listening to Pod Save America on my commute. The hosts are hilarious and listening preserves my sanity.
7:45 a.m. — My commute involves a toll road that I think is faster and safer. It's expensive but I think it's worth it to get to work and home without risking an accident. $4
8 a.m. — I am part of a team interviewing for a mass hiring program at my company. I grab tea and meet up with my interview partner to divide our tasks. I am still fighting a cold and cough and hope that if I hydrate, I can get through the interviews without hacking up a lung.
12 p.m. — They provide us with a boxed lunch. We finish our morning interviews late so the only option left is tuna salad sandwich on a croissant. This is totally unappealing but I am starving. I eat the tuna salad (avoiding the limp croissant), chips, and a cookie. I have a diet Dr. Pepper, which is also gross. The only other option is Pepsi products, which I do not like, so I skip. I grab a bottled water and get ready for the next round of interviews.
4 p.m. — We are finished with the interviews. I catch up on emails and phone calls and then head out around 5:15. It's MLK Jr. Day, so traffic is fortunately light.
6 p.m. — I arrive home and my husband is already feeding the kids dinner — Newman's Own cheese pizza, roasted carrots, and fruit. He is a rockstar. I am so lucky to have such an amazing partner. I sit with the kids through dinner, eat pizza, and drink a glass of wine. I play with the kids for a bit and then help with baths, stories, and bedtime.
9 p.m. — The kids are in bed. I log back onto my work computer for an hour or so to answer emails I couldn't get to during the day. My husband and I hang out and chat until it's time for bed. I am still feeling under the weather and hope that if I get to bed early, I'll start feeling healthy. The weather service is predicting icy rain tomorrow (a non-starter in Houston) so there is a high likelihood the kids' daycare will be closed. I prepare myself for a day of trying to entertain them while working from home.
11 p.m. — My attempts to go to sleep early are thwarted by a group text from two of my good friends. There is major gossip and despite my best efforts to get a good night's sleep, I am sucked in for 45 minutes. Finally, brush my teeth and fall asleep.
Daily Total: $4
Day Four
5 a.m. — I wake up and learn that daycare and work are closed due to heavy ice. Houston and ice are a very dangerous combination. I log on to my computer, answer some emails, and have a cup of coffee. The kids get up around 7 a.m. and we feed them breakfast, get them settled with cartoons and toys, and try to work remotely. We also call our housekeeper; she comes once a week and I do not want her to have travel in this weather. We reschedule for Friday. This means I need to start the kids' laundry; my son is on his last pair of pants.
9 a.m. — My son needs new shoes. I go to Amazon and present him with two options; he chooses the cheaper ones! I also throw in a few of pairs of fuzzy socks for myself. (I normally would randomly order a pair of socks, but I love them. Especially during this cold snap.) The purchase is $70.89, but we have an Amazon credit card, so I am able to pay with points. I continue to answer work emails and keep the news on in the background. The highways are very icy and the mayor is asking everyone to stay off the roads. I hope it's better tomorrow but it is doesn't look like it will be at the moment.
12 p.m. — Make lunch for the kids and nibble on salami and crackers for me.
1 p.m. — Take several conference calls and try to cram as much work in as possible during my kids' nap time. I also log on to the Harris County Toll Authority website to pay a toll I missed last week. (I was driving my husband's car and he does not have an E-ZPass.) It's $3.25 ($1.50 + a $1.75 surcharge); so that this does not happen again, I sign him up for an E-ZPass and put $40 in the account. They'll send us the pass in the mail. We've been in Houston for almost 10 years; it's time! $43.25
5 p.m. — For dinner, my husband made a meat sauce with pasta and roasted carrots. It was delicious but I am exhausted and overwhelmed. I give the kids a bath and then we have an impromptu dance party in the living room when my son asks Alexa to play one of his favorite songs. It's awesome to blow off some steam and the kids have a blast.
11 p.m. — I go to bed. Everything is closed again tomorrow and I am dreading trying to work and manage my kids who, understandably, are suffering from major cabin fever. Finger's crossed that I make it. I have always respected moms who stay at home with their kids (read: work at home!), but that respect grows immeasurably when I have to do it myself. Reminder to be less grumpy at work...
Daily Total: $43.25
Day Five
7:30 a.m. — We are still iced in. I'm dreading trying to work and watching the kids at the same time.
12 p.m. — Make lunch for the kids, counting down the minutes until nap time. I've been trying to field work calls and emails while simultaneously entertaining the kids. I hope I can squeeze in a few hours of productive work during nap time while the kids are asleep. I also secure a babysitter for Friday night. We have an event related to my husband's job and I do not want to have to cancel. Proud of myself for being proactive!
5:30 p.m. — Our nanny is available to help out. We pay her $20 per hour and she is amazing. She takes the kids outside and my husband makes hotdogs and peas for the kids. We eat dinner, play, and have bath time. Nanny stays for two hours and helps us through dinner and baths; she's a lifesaver. I handle stories and teeth brushing for my daughter. My husband does the same for my son. We somehow get everyone into bed before 8 p.m., but my son's not asleep and I fear he'll resist bedtime. $40
9:00 p.m. — Kids are finally asleep. I text with a friend who's a foodie, trying to decide on a restaurant to celebrate my dad's 75th birthday in a few weeks. I settle on a super-fancy Italian place that has rave reviews. I peruse the dessert menu and see cannoli, one of my favorites. I am sold! I book the reservation. I must remember to get a babysitter!
Daily Total: $40
Day Six
6:30 a.m. — I wake up, shower, and dress, then wake up the kids, get them dressed, put bananas in their backpacks, and leave to drop them off at daycare. I help them get breakfast from the school buffet; the school charges $1 per child for breakfast. Everyone is settled and I am relieved that life is getting back to normal. $2
7:30 a.m. — I need to get hardwood floor cleaner for my housekeeper. I purchase the cleaning supplies, she cleans the house, and when she runs out of something, she leaves me a note. I figure the stores will empty this time of day and I can knock it out quickly. I purchase the floor cleaner and also pick up a few essentials: bananas, yogurt, yogurt smoothies, salami, tortilla chips, cover up for a pimple on my chin, a loaf of bread, and fruit and croissants to share with my colleagues. I race home to drop off the groceries and head to work. $50.30
8:55 a.m. — Take the toll road to get to work. The roads are filled with sand to combat the ice and a rock flies up and hits my windshield, leaving a crack. Argh. I'll have to try to find a glass repair place this weekend. Arrive at the office, very glad to be back in my routine. We have a cleanup day scheduled, so in between phone calls and emails, I sort through my files and decide what to recycle and what to keep. I munch on a croissant for breakfast. $4
11:30 a.m. — My boss orders in Chick-fil-A as a reward for our cleanup day. I wolf down two chicken strips, a lemonade, and fruit before going to a meeting at another site.
3:30 p.m. — My meeting is over and I have approximately 30 minutes before my next round of conference calls. I chat with some of my clients and get a craving for chips, so I go down to the convenience store on the first floor of the building and buy Ruffles chips and a water. At least I avoided soda! $3.32
7:30 p.m. — I wrap up my work and go home. I do not usually work this late but this week has been crazy and I needed quiet time to do deep-thinking work. I take the toll road again and call my husband on the way. Our nanny is there helping with the kids and my dad has stopped over for dinner. We agree to order Chinese food and we will have dinner when I get home. $4
8:20 p.m. — I put my son to bed (he's still up) and then join my dad and husband for dinner. We share crab puffs, steamed dumplings, General Tso's chicken, beef with asparagus, and rice. My dad and I open a bottle of sauvignon blanc and my husband has a beer. $52.73 (including tip)
9:30 p.m. — Half of my Amazon purchase has arrived; my fuzzy socks are here! I call my brother, we chat for a while, and I go to bed. I have a super early day tomorrow.
Daily Total: $116.35
Day Seven
6 a.m. — I wake up early because I have an 8 a.m. conference call and I have to get myself ready, help my husband with the kids, and be out the door by 7 a.m. if I am going to be on time. We have a jeans day today, so at least that part is easy. I also wear my favorite boots, a sweater, and a scarf; it's still freezing here. Everyone is dressed, show-and-tell items are selected, and I toss bananas in the kids' bags. I grab a Diet Coke to drink on the road. I don't have time to make coffee and I need the caffeine.
7 a.m. — I'm on the road and I take the toll road again. I listen to Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara, one of my favorite podcasts. He's the former U.S. Attorney from the Southern District of New York and always has an interesting take on current events. Today, he's interviewing the producer of a new Netflix series about corporate white-collar crime. I'll Google it when I get home; it sounds like something I would love to watch. $4
7:40 a.m. — Arrive at the office and spend the next two hours on teleconferences.
10 a.m. — I have another meeting at 10:30 but I am feeling sluggish, so I decide to run down to the Starbucks in my building and get a chai latte. I usually get regular milk but given my lactose issues, I ask for almond milk instead. I did not mind it when I tried it last weekend but when I go back to my desk and taste it, it's disgusting. I try a few more sips and still hate it. It must be the brand of almond milk. I toss it and head to my next meeting. $5.10
12 p.m. — My coworker asks if I want to eat lunch. I have yet another meeting at 1 and I should stay at my desk to answer some emails, but I decide I need a break and we agree to meet in the lounge area in 10 minutes. I run back down to the Starbucks and order a breakfast sandwich and a Diet Coke. (I realize I have a problem.) I love breakfast anytime of day! When I get to our lunch spot, I discover that the barista gave me two sandwiches. So nice. I probably should not eat both of them, but I do. Yummy, but I feel a little ill. $6.45
5:15 p.m. — Leave the office. My husband and I have a party with his coworkers tonight and I want to get home and help him get the kids fed and ready for bed. I listen to the news on the way home because I am interested in whether the pundits think the government is going to shut down; Congress has until midnight tonight. I take the toll road. It's raining and traffic is terrible, and I do not get home until 6:30. $4
7 p.m. — I get the kids settled in front of Moana, their current favorite. I like the movie but at this point, the music is making me crazy. The babysitter arrives, I attempt to make myself look cute, and we head out the door. The party is fun, complete with a jazz band and delicious desserts. We mingle and before we know it, it's almost 10 o'clock. We head home and pay the babysitter for three hours of work. $60
10:15 p.m. — My BFF calls. She lives on the West Coast and also has a small kid, so we have to coordinate if we're going to chat. (Sometimes I want to actually talk instead of text — Gen X.) She tells me about a job she is thinking of applying for and I give her the lowdown on my week. I miss her so much. We sign off and I watch the countdown to the government shutting down. We're on Central Time, so at 11 here, it's midnight in D.C. and Congress couldn't get it done. I decide to go to bed. This week was crazy exhausting but we made it!
Daily Total: $79.55
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Earlier this year, the film Blindspotting made waves on the film-festival circuit, garnering praise for its timely cultural themes — in particular, the exploration of race and socioeconomic status in a gentrifying Oakland, CA. The film largely centers around two men, Collin (Daveed Diggs) and Miles (Rafael Casal), but there's another character that leaves a lasting impression: Val, one of the film's only female characters, portrayed by the wildly talented Janina Gavankar. The actress is a familiar face in Hollywood, but this role might just be her most defining yet — especially given the fact that the character represents many things Gavankar is herself: brazen and emboldened to embrace the changing times around her.
Gavankar is also a powerful presence in Hollywood, using her voice to evoke change in film, in the game industry, and on social media. (By the way, she was one of Twitter's first users.)
In partnership with Tinder, Refinery29 sat down with the actress to discuss it all: her work on Blindspotting, her role in Time's Up, and her thoughts on the social-media-driven world we all live in.
Congrats on your new film. What was it like to portray a strong-willed female character in a movie that was largely male-dominated? "Easy! I was raised to be a strong-willed woman in a world full of men. Also, Blindspotting is made by a group of feminists, both male and female. We're in a moment in history when what we stand for is on our sleeves. That's the only good thing about our current political climate. The casts I worked with in the past may have been doing the exact same thing, but [it’s different with Blindspotting] because I was working with a highly political group of artists during a highly political time."
Speaking of the current political climate, can you speak a bit about your involvement with the Time's Up movement and what it means to you? "I was invited to a Time's Up event by my friend Tessa Thompson — that's how I first got thrust into the conversation. But, honestly, everybody should be a part of Time's Up. The movement extends beyond Hollywood. Abuse of power in the workplace is everywhere — in every industry, across the globe. We're in an incredible time where culture is grotesque. The subtleties are gone. Our hands are being forced. We can no longer be silent. We must stand up for what we know to be right, and [we must] protect each other. Time's Up has even started a legal defense fund to help fight for your rights. I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with what this movement is about."
The Time's Up movement extends beyond Hollywood. Abuse of power in the workplace is everywhere — in every industry, across the globe.
A lot of people might recognize you as one of the first influential voices on Twitter. How has the world of social media changed since you first joined the social media platform? "Watching it evolve into the fabric of our culture has been intense. I knew it was going to be big, but I didn’t know it would spawn an entire genre of media. I started using [Twitter] before the iPhone had even been released. Social media plus smartphones have changed the way we interact with others but, more importantly, how we interact with ourselves."
Do you ever feel like the person you are on social media and with your followers is different from who you are in real life? "Nope. It’s all me — it’s just not the whole me. I am private about certain things in my life and public about the things I’m intensely passionate about. Look, it’s clearly human nature to publicly share the best parts of ourselves. I'm definitely posting only the bits of my life that are wonderful. I'm not hiding the other bits; I'm just not sharing them."
Social media plus smartphones have changed the way we interact with others but, more importantly, how we interact with ourselves.
How do you think a Tinder- and social-media-driven culture has impacted how we depict relationships in films? "I think it’s opened up even more interesting ways to look at relationships. As dating gets digitized, we can start examining it in a more intellectual way. And that's not necessarily a good or bad thing. But if we think about what we need as human beings, what we need is to be loved and to be seen. Data show that it's less about sex. That's of infinite interest to me. We can now start asking ourselves, What do we need? What is the actual human need? Is it to be seen more than it is to be loved? I don't think that's true. I think we all need to be loved."
You recently created a digital community for game-industry professionals called theForum.games. How do you foresee this community impacting the way the game industry builds relationships? "I don’t know what it will become, but I can tell you what I hope it does: incite conversation about theory, personal growth, and art. The game industry is so secretive; developers work in silos. Without community, growth is stunted. I hope the fact that theForum.games is an invite-only community allows members to trust in each other."
And to expand on your involvement in the game industry, what do you hope to see from women in the industry in the near future? "I am very interested in female game developers leading more teams."
Is that something you're interested in dabbling in yourself? "Absolutely! If that's something that's supposed to happen, it'll be a natural evolution. But making a game is like making a movie — just 100 times harder. And it's really hard to make a film. The time will come if it's supposed to. But I have a lot of stripes to earn in the game industry; just because people know I'm a gamer doesn't mean I know how to make a game. So give me time."
This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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The obvious choice for emphasizing the importance of a heat protectant would be to liken styling your hair without one to having casual sex without a condom: dangerous, and likely best avoided.
So if this is the metaphor we're going with (and it is), it follows that you should employ similar preventative tactics, too — namely, always be prepared. A box of rubbers stashed in your dresser drawer, a few good heat protectants lined up on top... Maybe safe sex and healthy hair aren't so unrelated after all.
Ahead, the best new creams, mists, and concentrates, for defending your hair against blow-dryers and bad decisions. May your heat protectants be as effective as your prophylactics — that is, around 98% when used perfectly.
A true multitasker, this lightweight leave-in spray protects against heat damage, fends off frizz, and leaves hair silky and hydrated, thanks to a nourishing, strengthening blend of panthenol, vitamin E, hydrolyzed proteins, and amino acids — and it smells exactly as chic and expensive as you've come to expect from the celebrity go-to brand.
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner, $26, available at Ouai.
The latest launch from the science-backed brand that brought us our favorite dry shampoo (you know, the one that actually makes your hair feel clean) is a revelation for anyone who's tired of getting sore arms from spending too much quality time with the blow-dryer: It actually dries hair faster, so you get solid heat protection and get to leave the house sooner.
Living Proof Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate, $29, available at Sephora.
There's nothing to not love about this new blow-out aid — it's affordable, smells like fresh laundry, detangles like a charm, and leaves even the driest lengths and ends with crazy softness and shine.
Kristin Ess Style Assist Blow Dry Mist, $14, available at Target.
Powered by strengthening biotin, this wallet-friendly formula promises to protect hair against not just heat-styling damage, but brushing, bleaching, coloring, and braiding, too. (Try saying that three times fast.)
Tresemmé Repair & Protect 7 Pre-Styling Spray, $4.98, available at Walmart.
The bottle and branding might be dedicated to platinum, but this formula is the new gold standard in luxurious leave-in sprays. A few hits of the super-fine mist are enough to infuse every last dry, frazzled strand newly healthy and smooth, while also protecting against up to 450 degrees.
Kenra Professional Platinum Luxe One Leave-In, $25, available at Ulta.
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Becca* works part-time as a Disney princess at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The following interview was told to Alix Tunell and edited for length and clarity.
I've been working at Disney for several years. A year before I got the job, I vacationed with my family at Disneyland and my little sister was so excited to meet Tiana. I remember thinking then how cool would it be to have that job, so when I got home, I googled what it takes to be a Disney princess. I read all about the hiring process and found the site where they post the character auditions. I knew that the next fall I'd be moving to Orange County for school, and it just so happened there was an audition my first weekend there.
At the audition, they had everyone line up in rows and introduce themselves, so the casting directors could see — and, apparently, judge — us. I made it past that round to the next, where they took my measurements and sent me to a waiting room with a number. There was a lot of waiting around that day. Next, they took pictures of my face (if you had tattoos and piercings, they took photos of those, too) and had me fill out a generic resume. For the final round, I was given a character name and some scripted lines to read in front of the directors. At the end of it, about 30 people out of 600 made it and were asked to come to Disney the next day and do the same line readings before finding out we got the role.
We didn't have a say in the characters we were given. Ariel was my favorite and I thought they would ask us, but nope. I was handed an Elsa monologue at the audition and that’s how I found out that's who they were considering me for. Once you’re officially hired, they say you’re always in consideration for other roles, though. I work part-time and typically average 20 hours a week; a normal weekly paycheck for me is between $250 and $350.
Every day starts the same. We come to work in our own clothes, because our costumes stay on the property at all times. We clock in, collect all the costume pieces we’ll need for the day, do our stretch and flex workout that trainers have us follow to warm up our bodies, and then it’s time to get ready. We’re given an hour and a half before our first meet-and-greet to get into our wig, costume, and makeup.
Disney has a ‘Disney Look’ that they want cast members to follow. Hair is supposed to appear natural, which means no crazy colors or ombré, but since my hair isn’t being seen by guests, I feel like I can push the limits on how long I can go between salon appointments. Nails have to be natural-looking, too, which means short length and a nude-ish, pink-ish color or French tips. Most of the time, I just keep my nails polish-free, but some girls religiously get their nails done, even if it’s acrylic. Managers can come in at any time and tell us we aren’t up to 'Disney Look,' which means they can even potentially take us out of shifts until we fix the problem. In other words, we need to really be on top of keeping our maintenance in check. You can’t help but be judgmental about your looks when it comes to this job — honestly, it's pretty sad. We all constantly compare ourselves and try to copy each other. I have a gym membership because I feel like I'm supposed to maintain the look I was hired in with.
We have cosmetologists in the break room that mostly tend to the wigs, since we’re taught how to do the makeup for the character during our training. They also provide us with blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick, glitter, and powder, all by Ben Nye, because the pigmentation stands out better and they want us to look consistent. I use my own Smashbox foundation and concealer, Ciaté bronzer, and Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I try to use my best products so I feel as though my face is as flawless as can be, since every day is pretty much a photoshoot.
Once you're ready, you have a set location where guests can come meet you. We get people who have obsessions with our character, people who don’t know who we are but just want a picture, overbearing parents who won’t stop talking over their little tots, international travelers who are a little more challenging to make conversation with when English isn’t their primary language, people who go all out with a Disney outfit... any type of person you can think of, we've met. I think every one of us would say that talking with the little ones makes our day. There are also guests that share stories about why they’ve come to see you and they break down in front of you. That really just makes me feel like what I'm doing is truly something special and keeps me going.
It's already been established that Anastasia Steele is a fan of Glossier lipstick, so we weren't surprised to discover that in the third and final installment of the soft-porn trilogy that Steele Mrs. Grey is still using the stuff. But if you were hoping to see her wearing Generation G's Jam (a rich berry) again in Fifty Shades Freed, we've got some news: It appears her taste in lipstick shades has become about as vanilla as the ice cream she smears all over her new husband's nipples.
According to makeup department head Evelyne Noraz, Steele's beauty M.O. is more "classic, modern, and French" this time around. So while her previous choice of Generation G's Jam was bold, brazen, and ballsy, it appears Steele is finally settling into her comfortable life as part-time submissive, part-time wife. And that means nudes, nudes, and rosy-nudes (something this film already didn't have enough of).
Noraz tells Refinery29 that in scenes when Steele first wakes up, she's wearing Generation G in Like because it's the well-lit Hollywood version of what your lips look like in the morning. "It's almost like wearing nothing," she says. "But it brings out the shade of your lips. It's my favorite 'no-makeup' look." And if you thought Steele might pull a fast one and go bold for her wedding day, save your excitement. In fact, Noraz stuck to rose tones for most of the film, favoring YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick Lipstick in #7 for the nuptials. #7 is discontinued, but if you want a shade dupe, we suggest #9 Nude in Private, which honestly seems like a better fit for this movie, anyway.
Historically speaking, there is only one way in which to properly use a face mask. Step one: Choose one of more than 4,000 options, including sheet, rubber, clay, bubble, magnetic, peel-off, shrinking, gel, or glitter. Step two: Slather said mask on your face. Step three: Rinse, wipe, or peel it off. Done.
That's how you do a face mask, plain and simple — or at least that's what we thought, until Madonna coyly alluded to an off-label usage that involved smearing it all over her behind. But that's just Madonna being Madonna, right? Apparently not: Shortly thereafter, brands started rolling out products formulated specifically for your derrière at an alarming rate. And, at that point, we just felt left out.
So, we did what any self-respecting beauty editors would do: dropped trou and put the latest and greatest treatments to the test. You might not be able to sit and watch a Netflix show while they dry, but that's a small price to pay for an ass like Madonna's. Check out our results, ahead.
"I've never used a sheet mask for anything but my face, so I was surprised that I had to lay down on my stomach to apply this slippery version... which I did slowly and awkwardly, cheek by cheek. It was so freaking cold on my skin, and I didn't get a tingly feeling like the package said I would. But I did love the smell of it (like freshly-cut coconuts!) — that alone makes it worth the buy." — Nana Agyemang, associate content strategy editor
Palmer's Body Firming Sheet Mask, $6, available at Palmer's.
"Sexy lingerie has never been my thing, so I can safely say this hyaluronic acid and marine collagen-packed strip is the fanciest thing to ever touch my ass. Much to my surprise, the dry inserts weren't gooey or slimy, and instead stuck onto my underwear like a C-shaped sticker. It's hard to say after just four (of eight) one-hour treatments whether the sheets have worked any lifting magic on my derrière, but I do feel a little more confident walking around the apartment naked — for which I'm sure my roommates are forever grateful." — Kelsey Castañon, beauty news editor
Nannette de Gaspé Uplift Revealed Tush, $175, available at Barneys New York.
"No mirror was necessary when applying this mask, though I did 'look back at it' a few times as I slathered on a big, goopy handful. Once satisfied with the pink-tinted mounds behind me, I scrolled Instagram for 20 minutes while it hardened.
"Just like clay masks for your face, this one tingles a bit as it tightens. When I was done removing the product with a damp towel, I found my skin was a little plumper, but a bit dry — a side effect I remedied with my favorite hydrating cream. Still, there's something about getting to know your assets the way I did that made the experience well worth it — and you can bet I'd do it again." — Brianna Arps, lifestyle editor
"In any excuse to channel my inner Madonna for an evening, I did exactly as the undisputed Queen of Pop instructed: I grabbed a special someone, laid stomach-down on the bed, and requested they smear on this magnetic-coated clay mask that costs, if bought in conjunction with her electromagnetic wand, a cool $600. The only thing better than how it left my skin soft, supple, and smoother than ever... was the main event that came immediately after." — Castañon
MDNA Skin Chrome Clay Mask, $120, available at MDNA Skin.
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Before we get into songs, you know you need to be listening to the Black Panther soundtrack this week, right? I already told you about the stellar Kendrick Lamar & SZA track "All the Stars, " but every song on it is a gem. Give it the weekend, and it will be your everything. And, since it came up, watch the video for "All the Stars" (above) to get yourself started in a joyful place.
Paramore "Rose-Colored Boy"
It's hard to beat Paramore when it comes to music videos. Their latest, a look back at the late '80s through the eyes of the hosts of a faux morning TV show, is another exceptional effort. Too many video treatments take the song in a different direction because the artist, who clearly wrote it about their personal life (singer Hayley Williams went through a divorce last year), doesn't want to relive their trauma. Which is totally fair. Williams avoids that trap by turning the treatment around to have a young Hayley ask, "What are you doing? This isn't you." Reporter, singer, or doing her best Bill O'Reilly "fuck it, we'll do it live" impression, it's rare that a video makes you feel like you know the artist so intimately. Especially when, in reality, you still don't know jack. Now plaster that smile back on.
Sasha Sloan "Normal"
A way too relatable sentiment: just play that pop song we know but don't like. Kiss the guy who is fine, but a one night stand. Let me dance and avoid the bad stuff for one night. This little ditty is chock full of familiar sentiments from blue days and black nights. It's weird to hear someone wallow like you wallow, but also comforting.
DΔWN "Waves"
Did you take a moment to remind yourself that you are the shit today? If not, press play on this track and do your due diligence. Wave your money if you feel like it. This grandiose, '90s inspired track will make you feel that same empowered vibe that En Vogue gave you with "My Love (You're Never Gonna Get It)" by way of Mya's "Movin' On," all spiffed up and made new. DΔWN brings a little hint of New Orleans to the mix that helps to make it her own.
Django Django feat. Self Esteem "Surface to Air"
And I leave you this week with a spin around a happier dance floor. I am obsessed with how fierce Self Esteem (a.k.a. Rebecca Taylor of Slow Club) looks jamming her way through this track. Aside from the deep Marilyn Monroe vibes I'm getting from her hair, there is something so lovely about a Jamaican dancehall filtered through Northern Soul/British aesthetics. It is truly a "dance like no one is watching" moment, which is true of all moments when British people dance (and I mean that in the best way).
After my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to matchmake people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girlsand started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or leave me a comment below and tell me what you're listening to this week.
As if we needed another excuse to head to Target and get lost in its endless inventory (a real hobby of mine, TBH), the retailer just hit us with one more reason to shop that has us practically ready to hand over our wallets. Universal Thread — a new denim brand that's designed to fit your unique body type and style — launched this week in stores and online.
Dropping just in time to fill the void in our winter wardrobes as we await spring, the line focuses primarily on well-made jeans while leaving plenty of room for everyday staples like breezy button-ups, striped tees, trendy sandals, and chic crossbody bags. With 400+ perfectly tailored pieces in the bunch, just imagine all of the confidence-boosting outfits you can create. As an added bonus, the collection is budget-friendly with prices ranging from $5 to $39.99, and it aims to be inclusive with sizes running from 00 to 26W.
We tried to narrow it down to our favorite pieces ahead (an impossible task, really). Behold the 30-something items we're betting won't be on the rack for long. Let's just say we're sensing a lot of Canadian tuxedos in your future.
Striped tees everywhere are taking note that ruffle sleeves are the must-have embellishment of the season.
Universal Thread Ruffle Sleeve Stripe T-Shirt, $19.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Print Bandana,$5.99, available at Target.
Consider this denim culotte and white button-up combo our new weekend uniform.
Universal Thread High-Rise Tie Front Wide Leg Jeans, $27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt, $17.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Wren Slide Sandal, $24.99, available at Target.
Doesn't get more classic than dark-wash skinnies and a denim jacket over your shoulder.
Universal Thread Tie Front Button Down Shirt, $19.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Mid-Rise Curvy Skinny Jeans, $24.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Woven Backless Slip On Mules, $24.99, available at Target.
Split-hem kick-flare jeans, white canvas sneakers, and a button-front denim dress? So many trends, yet so little time.
Universal Thread High-Rise Tie Front Wide Leg Jeans, $27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Striped Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt, $17.99, available at Target; Universal Thread High-Rise Split Hem Kick Bootcut Crop Jeans, $24.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Lavinia Toe Wrap Thong Sandal, $19.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Freeborn Denim Jacket, $29.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Mandy Canvas Lace Up Sneakers, $16.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Button Front Apron Denim Dress,$27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread High-Rise Jeggings, $34.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Miranda Quarter Strap Sandals, $29.99, available at Target.
Try adding a complementary color tone like yellow to make a structured blue-denim ensemble pop. Style it with a patterned neck-scarf and block-heeled sandals for feminine touches.
Universal Thread Print Bandana,$5.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Freeborn Denim Jacket,$29.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Tie Front Tank Top, $12.99, available at Target; Universal Thread High-Rise Skinny Jeans, $24.99, available at Target.
True mastery of the Canadian tuxedo is rocking different washes and totally owning it.
Universal Thread Embroidered Denim Trucker Jacket, $37.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Western Denim Shirt, $22.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Skinny Jeans, $27.99, available at Target.
Layered jewelry, striped jumpsuits, and colorful maxi-dresses are just a sampling of the non-denim products worth stocking up on.
Universal Thread Woven Backless Slip On Mules, $24.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Embroidered Denim Trucker Jacket,$37.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Cropped Stripe Jumpsuit,$27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Long Sleeve Off The Shoulder Denim Blouse, $27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Skinny Jeans, $27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Stripe Maxi Dress,$29.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Mid-Rise Destructed Skinny Jeans, $27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Striped Bandana,$5.99, available at Target.
This jeans and tee situation is the laid-back outfit of our dreams.
Universal Thread Freeborn Denim Jacket, $29.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Meriwether Crew Neck T-Shirt, $8.00, available at Target; Universal Thread Boyfriend Crop Jeans, $29.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Kerrigan Slide Sandal, $12.99, available at Target.
These jeans look good on literally everyone.
Universal Thread Embroidered Denim Trucker Jacket, $37.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Western Denim Shirt, $22.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Skinny Jeans, $27.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Mandy Canvas Lace Up Sneakers, $16.99, available at Target; Universal Thread Ruffle Sleeve T-Shirt, $17.99, available at Target; Universal Thread High-Rise Destructed Skinny Jeans, $27.99, available at Target.
Get more life out of your jean jacket by buttoning it up and tucking it in like a shirt.
Universal Thread Freeborn Denim Jacket, $29.99, available at Target.
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With so many killer actresses dominating the Oscars ballot every year, we always anticipate some big beauty moments. After all, it's the awards show that closes out the season — might as well go out with a memorable bang, even if it's without a golden statue. Of course, red-carpet veterans like Meryl Streep and Frances McDormand are usually in attendance, but there's also some relative newcomers, like Margot Robbie. Which got us thinking: What did these stars do with their beauty look the first time they arrived for the biggest night in film? Did they have a totally different haircut? Experiment with a bold lip color?
We’ve dug up old photos of all the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominees on their first Oscars red carpet — and, no surprise, they all looked amazing back then, too. Although there are few famous faces missing (somehow nominees Lesley Manville and Laurie Metcalf have never been on this red carpet before), the upcoming looks are still worth the pang of nostalgia. Click ahead to take a trip back in time with the A-list crowd.
Ronan's beauty game has been strong while promoting Lady Bird(like this ponytail and this modern liner), but she also excels at natural makeup. Our prime example: Her first Oscars appearance in 2008 where every last freckle was on display.
Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.
Allison Janney
The first time Janney graced the Oscars red carpet was for the 2004 Vanity Fair Party, and she rocked the kind of choppy shag we've been asking our stylists for for at least a year.
Photo: Tony Barson Archive/WireImage.
Octavia Spencer
Last year, Spencer was nominated for Hidden Figures; this year, for The Shape of Water. Naturally, we remember her first Academy Awards appearance in 2011 like it was yesterday. In our minds, she stole the show with her sophisticated chignon and simple smoky eye.
Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.
Margot Robbie
After her appearance as blonde bombshell Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie went her darkest shade of brunette for the 2014 Oscars. Not everyone was a fan of her bold color change, but we certainly loved the smoldering look.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Frances McDormand
As luck would have it, McDormand's first appearance in 1997 was the same night she earned her very first Oscar for Best Actress in Fargo. Critics predict that 2018 will be the year she snags the golden statue once again.
Photo: Russell Einhorn/Liaison.
Mary J. Blige
Somehow, Blige has never attended the Oscars, but she did manage to attend Elton John's viewing party back in 2006. Now, she's nominated again — and making history in the process. Hopefully, she brings this timeless eye look with her.
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images.
Meryl Streep Streep is an Academy Awards veteran, having made her first appearance in 1979 as a Best Supporting Actress nominee for Deer Hunter. She looked great in a subtle cat-eye and voluminous, '70s-era curls parted deeply to the side. This year, she's in the running for Best Actress for The Post.
Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage.
Sally Hawkins
After being nominated for in 2014 for her role as Ginger in Blue Jasmine, Hawkins rocked a subtle smoky eye spotlighting a blend of bronze shadows to her first Academy Awards.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
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Over the past several seasons, the 'dad' sneaker, despite its chunky, misshapen silhouette, has made its way from the runway to the feet of street stylers in what feels like a blink of the eye. The micro-trend comes as no surprise, though; since 2014's normcore takeover, we've seen various facets of the Larry David aesthetic come into fashion one by one.
Thanks to the likes of Balenciaga and Raf Simons, the dad sneaker joins a long line of conventionally uncool pieces (from oversized specs to translucent rain jackets) that have permeated our subconscious to the extent that we become, dare we say, drawn to them. But just how do you wear this seemingly awkward footwear trend when athleisure just isn't your look?
As with your trusty Converse, assume they go with everything. Don't be afraid to style dad sneakers with their sartorial obverse — a silk evening gown or sharp suit, for example. A clunky white trainer can be paired with your everyday denim or faux fur, while printed or multi-colored kicks can take center stage and become your outfit's focus.
Ahead, we've found four examples of how to make the dad sneaker look as chic as a Gucci loafer (yes, seriously).
Denim Days Do double denim the contemporary way. Breaking up this all-jean look with a sunshine yellow knit (and matching shades), these Nike trainers look out-of-the-box fresh.
Photo: Getty Images
Textural Healing Pair your seasonal teddy coat with bright hues, like red trousers and a blue knit. Adding bright-white kicks and futuristic specs edge this look into 2018.
Photo: Getty Images
High Shine Use your sneakers to dress down a scene-stealing pair of shiny pants. Style with a printed T-shirt and a shearling jacket for a look that's equally chic and cozy.
Photo: Getty Images
Ball(er) Gown Take your most prized evening dress — like this salmon number — and add your dad trainers. Extra points for more after-dark accessories, like a velvet bag and some chandelier earrings.
Photo: Getty Images
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There's always a little intrigue around a new Pinterest trend report. During months like these, runway trends can feel a little removed from the mainstream world since they're just making their debut. So while the released results from the share encouraging site are never the most surprising, they do inform us what the people want. And what the people want this spring are a handful of trends we can definitely get behind.
For scale, fashion lives in over 16 billion pins on the Pinterest. So just in time for spring, Pinterest has aggregated the top saved pins (year over year) to find out what trends users are rushing to for the next few months. Ahead is a deep dive into what's going to make your shopping tick hit buy this year. A little hint: keep around those white shoes you bought into last fall and start leaning into statement earrings.
Up first: light and airy color palettes. From silk blouses to high-waisted trousers, Pinterest saves for pastel colors are on the up. Specifically: Saves for cotton candy-colored clothing has skyrocketed, with ash rose up 105%, lavender up 98%, light yellow up 61%, and light green up 49%.
While polka dots are undoubtedly still the peak print of the year, stripes are coming in for a close second this spring. Up a whopping 206% are saves for stripes of all types, from black and white to perpendicular.
Tuck away your vintage light washed denim. Spring 2018 is the season for dark denims. Up 101% this year, saves for trends like deep blue coveralls and black kick-flare jeans are rising. If you need a starting point for shopping this trend, check out some of our dark denim picks.
Topping the shoe category is the silhouette we've been championing for some time, kitten heels. It looks like this throwback trend is finally meandering its way into mainstream markets, because saves for kitten heels are up an insane 455%.
Time to switch out your chunky snow boots, because spring is bringing us all the woven details. While woven shoes are up 66%, the true spring winner is woven mules, with saves up 236%.
Sling it on back. What goes around comes around, and this shoe trend is on its way back. Forego sliding out of your mules this spring since slingbacks have seen saves go up by 87%.
We definitely have an affinity for white boots here at R29. Not to our surprise, they're trending again this spring. The fall/winter trend, white booties, is still on the rise with a 193% lift, while white slides are also seeing some traction with saves up 114%.
From tops to bags, fringe is having a seasonal moment. Dare we say it may even be the new pom pom? Pinterest has a seen a spike in saves for the decoration up 56% this year.
Remember the bucket bag? Meet the mini bucket bag, your new little friend for spring. Up 67% this year, you're about to see this shape all over Instagram.
Statement earrings are here to stay. Next season, expect to see them in the form of geometric shapes, as saves for the term 'geometric earrings' have increased by 169%.
L.L. Bean's duck boots may still be going strong, but good luck returning a pair if they don’t work out. (Which is quite possible after the past holiday season.) Since 2012, L.L. Bean has reportedly tripled the number of boots it sells each year, telling the Associated Press that it increased production in order to have enough boots to meet the ever-growing demand. The company even projects it will sell 750,000 pairs this year, a 100,000 pair increase from 2017. "We are working fast and furious to keep up," said company spokesperson Carolyn Beem. "We have been expanding year over year over year."
But keeping up means making changes, including updating its return policy. On Friday, the Maine-based brand announced it would no longer accept an item returned more than a year after it was purchased, and you’ll need a receipt in order for the transaction to be processed. The reason? It seems customers were taking advantage of the retailer's leniency.
“Increasingly, a small, but growing number of customers has been interpreting our guarantee well beyond its original intent,” the company wrote in a letter posted on Facebook. The status went on to say: “Some view it as a lifetime product replacement program, expecting refunds for heavily worn products used over many years.” Then, some people allegedly took it even further: “Others seek refunds for products that have been purchased through third parties, such as at yard sales.”
Though L..L. Bean doesn’t think this update will affect the amount of returns each store sees, Twitter users had some thoughts, sharing their own experience with the retailer.
what is even the point of LL bean if i can't buy a backpack, wait seven years, and then return it???
I applaud LL Bean for taking action on this issue. Anyone who is upset by their new policy would implement the same thing if it was their company. People are taking advantage of it. Why should someone be allowed to return a well worn 10 year old jacket they scooped at Goodwill?
As a loyal LL Bean customer for over 40 years, I don’t blame L L Bean for doing this. Dishonest people abuse this goodwill policy and I am happy they are taking this measure so they can continue to stay in business! I would love to be a loyal customer for 40 more years!
Lol my grandpa used to buy LL Bean stuff at Goodwill and have my Mom and I package it up and "return" it to LL Bean for a full refund. He had a million schemes like this. RIP to one of Grandpa's not-very-efficient-but-favorite-ways-to-pass-a-Sunday cons. pic.twitter.com/qbL6XexSKd
There are plenty of reasons to envy admire the goddess that is Yara Shahidi. She's got smarts (like, Harvard-level smarts). She's got style. And boy, does she have curls. "The sky is the limit, honestly," Nai'vasha Johnson, her go-to hairstylist, tells us. "There's so much you can do with [her hair]."
And that's what Johnson does best. Shahidi's hair never looks the same, whether she's scooping her impressive head of hair into a funky ponytail, or letting her texture do the talking with a wash-and-go. However, one thing remains consistent, and that is the health of her curls, which is paramount. See how Johnson takes care of her Grown-ish client's hair — when it's up or down — ahead.
Prep Process "The main thing we always do is keep her hair moisturized. She'll wash and condition her hair herself, and normally her hair is damp when she comes to me. Then, I'll add leave-in conditioner. We always start the process with that, because we're doing so much styling."
Photo: Via @yarashahidi.
Mohawk "Once I do the leave-in and brush it in really well, I'll go ahead and start my sectioning and then assemble the ponytail. For this particular style, I used gel around her hairline to create a really neat and refined look. Because her hair is so curly, it's important that I use gel so it won't revert on me. Sometimes I'll use Eco Styler, or Hick's Edges Pomade, or Oribe Original Pomade — it's really strong."
Photo: Gotham/Getty Images.
Bun And Bang "This took a gazillion hair pins, literally. She has a LOT of hair. For the base, I use a bungee. A bungee is very necessary when you're dealing with a client who has a ton of hair, because you can't make the ponytail as tight as it needs to be if you're taking it in and out of the loop. It's either going to pull her hair, disturb the curl, or it's going to be loose and sloppy."
Photo: Amanda Edwards/WireImage.
Wash-And-Go " Your curl should never, ever crush when you wash and go. I don't use a gel or anything that forms a crunchy, hard surface on her hair. Her hair is always really, really soft because I use that leave-in and definition cream (Oribe or Shea Moisture), and then I diffuse it on medium heat and make sure it's 100 percent dry.
"When you're using high heat, it's no different from using hot tools. If you push that diffuser too close to the hair on high, it's going to smoke. You can melt your hair off, even with the diffuser. Medium heat helps your hair dry shinier, and I don't want her to get sick from air-drying. Once I diffuse it, the product is locked in there. She can go days with her curls still intact."
Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage.
Diana Ross Curls "At the SAGs, I wanted her beautiful texture delicately brushed out," she says. To do so, Johnson moisturized Shahidi's hair with the Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe Nutrition Leave-In Conditioner, misting from root to tip before brushing it through with a Mason Pearson. She dried the star's hair with a diffuser and used the brand's Curly Curl Cream for definition and shine.
Photo: Via @naivashaintl.
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The beauty of the Christian Siriano woman is that she doesn't necessarily exist. And for good reason. Because while other designers have sought to embrace diversity and inclusivity only just recently — seeing them as trends, not truths — those very principles have been a part of Siriano's DNA since the very beginning.
To ignore his Project Runway past is to not fully acknowledge the scope of Siriano's career as a designer. After winning the fourth season of the reality show, he launched his own line of ready-to-wear clothing — something that would eventually lead his portfolio to encompass bridal, shoes and bags for Payless, a plus collection with Lane Bryant, bedding with Bed Bath & Beyond, and even a fragrance. By strategically expanding into a variety of categories, Siriano didn't just build a fashion empire — he built a business. One that, despite not being lauded by the industry, was celebrated by arguably the most important person: his customer.
“For the first six years, nobody gave a shit. I didn’t have the industry on my side in the beginning,” Siriano told Refinery29 in September. “When I started, so did a lot of other people. Jason [Wu], Prabal [Gurung], early on I thought I have to be like them and doing what they’re doing and getting what they’re getting. You compare. I used to take it so personal, but it’s not always about this fabulous It person in fashion that’s changing the game. [But] if people aren’t buying the clothes, no one cares.”
It's been 10 years now since Siriano embarked on this journey, and many could argue that he is at the height of his career. From his collections to his castings to his celebrity support, many are looking to the 32-year-old as an example of how to not just do something well, but to do something authentically. To celebrate that, we gave some of his closest collaborators — ladies like Christina Hendricks and Coco Rocha and Danielle Brooks — the chance to open up about just how Christian Siriano has championed women since the very beginning — and how he's helped make not just them, but any woman who has worn his clothes, be the very best versions of themselves.
Christina Hendricks "I have only ever felt complete respect and admiration from Christian. He works from a place of artistry and collaboration, never from ego. He has never tried to change or fix me, just celebrate who I already am. And he treats every woman with that same respect. I feel proud and powerful when I wear Christian’s work."
Danielle Brooks "Christian is that rare designer who designs exquisitely for EVERY woman. He puts just as much passion and creativity into a dress, whether it’s a size two or 22. When Christian chose me to be the face of his first line with Lane Bryant, he not only made me feel and look beautiful, but most importantly, he made me feel worthy. He has changed the design landscape for all women in such a special and inclusive way, and I am so thankful that he chose me to be a small part of his incredible journey."
Nykhor Paul "Every season, Christian helps me channel my inner Cinderella! I feel bold and confident. His designs are always so strong and electric for every shape and color. He empowers women in a way that, in one of his dresses, it's as if we're living in a fantasy!"
Candice Huffine “I’ve spent nearly two decades making my way in an industry I haven’t always 'fit' into. Christian Siriano is a designer who sees me as a woman worthy of fashion, luxury, and respect. He sees no size and no setbacks, only the beauty and truth of the women he dresses. I feel very lucky to be friends with and working alongside a man with his kind of inclusive, forward thinking. It’s with his vision and commitment that this industry will be changed forever!”
Coco Rocha "Christian has had an incredibly impactful decade in New York fashion. As far as diversity and inclusivity, he has absolutely set the lead through his actions. His love for women — all women, regardless of skin color or size — is sincere and authentic. I've seen brands experiment with a token curvy girl on the runway, or a season where they use a few models of color — but if it’s just an experiment for a season, its not authentic and it doesn't deserve to be celebrated. Inclusivity is not a gimmick for Christian, it’s not just a just a 'trend' he is tapping into — it’s his DNA as a person. Christian has had to fight to be included in the New York fashion industry himself. For a long time, the industry viewed him as an outsider and they looked down on his pop culture moment on Project Runway. But he persisted. Through hard work, heart, and talent, he has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. And the industry is much better off for having him."
Kelly Clarkson “I love Christian because he can dress any size of woman, and I have literally been all of those sizes. Ha! We all come in different, beautiful shapes and colors, so I’m thankful that he fills this role for all of us woman, and I hope other designers will follow his lead.”
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Here's a funny thing about people: Most of them, no matter how jaded, keep close to their chests some sort of secret life dream. Not the usual stuff, like having a six-figure salary or owning a house or getting married, but a real out-there dream, an intangible hope or aspiration, the kind of goal that you'd only be able to reach by some strange twist of fate, and even then you'd constantly tiptoe around in fear of the moment you jolt to your senses and find it was, in fact, all a dream. Maybe you've always wished you'd become an astronaut, or been raised in a traveling circus, or dropped out of college to travel the world off the grid, sending your loved ones postcards from places they'd never even heard of.
I, too, have a dream like this. All I've ever really wanted — really, truly dreamed of, knowing full well it'd never happen — is perfect skin, or at least the appearance of it. (That, or having been born with a sizable trust fund, though it's clearly way too late for that now.) I'd only ever aspired to get as close as possible, because nobody has perfect skin, and especially not me, right? But I never thought I'd actually get this close, or that a primer, of all things, could make it happen.
From the outside, Tatcha's Silk Canvas Face Primer doesn't look a damn thing like a primer; more like a flying saucer, or maybe just a powder compact, depending on the reaches of your imagination. Unscrew the top of the disc, and you'll start to get a better idea of what's inside: a pressed balm, like a pale pink putty, meant to be extracted with the aid of a shiny little spatula (included!), which you then use to scrape the salve up to the spatula's line for the perfect amount of product.
Once you start massaging the balm into your skin, bit by bit, you'll see what makes it different. It's thick, for one, and gives skin a velvety, cushioned look and feel. But it doesn't feel heavy, or like it'll melt off your face with or without makeup; rather, it just feels smooth and silky, which is likely related to the three different types of silk the formula is infused with. (Fibroin, sericin, and silk powder — they're all actually in there, I checked.) Powder and liquid foundation both seem to glide on top of it, blending smoothly and easily without clinging to dry spots or creeping into fine lines. The soft-focus effect lasts all day. My makeup stays on. My skin looks... perfect?
This primer also promises that the light protective film it creates between your makeup and your skin prevents makeup and environmental debris from clogging your pores, and the Japanese superfood "trinity" of green tea, rice, and algae actually makes skin more youthful and radiant over time. This, I cannot confirm, but I do know that, every time I use it, I'm seriously impressed by how youthful and radiant my skin looks. And really, seeing is believing — which you would've known, if only you'd actually grown up in that traveling circus.
Tatcha The Silk Canvas Face Primer, $52, available at Sephora.
(Ed. Note: This product is currently sold out, but will be restocked on February 27.)
