In October, Burberry announced its president and chief creative officer Christopher Bailey would be stepping down from the British fashion label after 17 years. And as a final send-off, he’s putting the label's signature plaid where its figurative mouth is when it comes to diversity. To prove the British fashion house isn’t all lip service, on Monday, the company announced two cool ways it's promoting diversity around the world.
“My final collection here at Burberry is dedicated to — and in support of — some of the best and brightest organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth around the world," Bailey said in a press release. "There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity lies our strength, and our creativity.”
When Bailey premieres his fall 2018 collection on Saturday in London, expect to see a new iteration of Burberry's check — an LGTBQ Rainbow check, which the label refers to as an “emblem for optimism and inclusiveness” — appear numerous times throughout the collection. The Rainbow check pieces will be available to shop immediately following the runway show — and you’ll probably want to right then and there, considering the OG version is Rihanna-approved. In addition to the items, Burberry announced it has made donations to three charities within the LGBTQ communities: the Albert Kennedy Trust, the Trevor Project, and ILGA.
“It has been a truly inspiring place to work and the decision to leave was not an easy one. I do truly believe, however, that Burberry’s best days are still ahead of her and that the company will go from strength to strength with the strategy we have developed and the exceptional talent we have in place led by Marco,” Bailey said in October. “I would like to thank all my colleagues as well as Sir John Peace and the Board for all their support and faith in me over the years. I am excited to pursue new creative projects but remain fully committed to the future success of this magnificent brand and to ensuring a smooth transition.” An inclusive end is a progressive start, for sure.
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The trusted dentist’s recommendation is classic canon in the toothpaste ad sales game. Sometimes, a voiceover tells us that nine out of 10 dentists prefer a certain toothpaste. Other times, a white-coated “dentist” (who may or may not be an actor) explains why a particular paste is the only one good enough for his or her own teeth. Either way, we never really know what dentists like best. It’s a worthy question that we even neglect to ask at our own dental appointments, as we become so overwhelmed by what’s about to go down in the chair that all logical inquiries go out the window.
In order to get to the bottom of what should be a NBD question once and for all, we’ve asked top dentists to share their top pick for whitening toothpastes. As it turns out, deciding factors boil down to much more than optimal minty freshness or even overall tooth whitening ability. Like with most beauty products, texture, ingredients, and technology play a big part. Ahead, see what celebrity dentists really use to magnify pearly whites.
New York-based dentist and RealSelf contributor Victoria Veytsman, DDS, calls this paste her “go to,” and says she’s noticed a difference in the brightness of her own teeth since using it. “It's removes about 90-95% of enamel stains within a couple of days and is gentle on teeth,” says the cosmetic dentist behind Karlie Kloss, Dascha Polanco, and Danielle Brooks’ smiles. “It has fluoride, so it protects against cavities and it tastes great.”
Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Whitening Toothpaste, $4.79, available at Walgreens.
Don’t have time for an intensive at-home whitening treatment? Brian Kantor, DDS, a New York-based cosmetic dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor, who treats stars like Penelope Cruz and 50 Cent, suggests this toothpaste for brightening on the quick. “This toothpaste will make teeth appear brighter instantly. It contains Bluverite® technology, which deposits blue microparticles onto teeth and creates the optical illusion of whiter teeth. As with all other whitening toothpastes, it removes surface stains on the teeth and makes teeth appear whiter than they originally were,” he says.
Luster Premium White Luster Now! Instant Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, $8, available at Luster Premium White.
It may look like Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Karlie Kloss (yes, the supermodel sees multiple teeth pros) were born with perfect pearly whites, but part of their camera-ready smiles are due to the handiwork of Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Kevin Sands, DDS. When it comes to whitening teeth while brushing, he turns products in the Crest 3D White line because, “it shows results with almost no patients complaining about sensitivity.”
Crest 3D White Whitening Toothpaste, $4.49, available at Target.
Carly LeVine, DDS, has exactly the kind of A-list clientele one might imagine from a dentist who practices in the wealthy neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, though she’s careful to protect the privacy of her patients. Luckily, she’s more loose-lipped when it comes to sharing her prime pick for whitening toothpastes. Her first suggestion? Don’t get fooled by shiny packaging. “Most whitening toothpastes use abrasive particles to scrub off stains and ultimately damage the enamel,” she says. “This is my favorite toothpaste because it is low in abrasiveness.”
Rembrandt Deeply White Fresh Mint Peroxide Fluoride Toothpaste, $6, available at Target.
Michael Apa, DDS, a New York-based dentist who treats celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lea Michele, and Chloë Sevigny, wasn’t thrilled with the whitening toothpastes on the market, so he developed his own. “It's super thick and rich and, for me, texture matters,” he said. The formula also contains micro hydroxyapatite in lieu of fluoride, to strengthen teeth. “Hydroxyapatite is what teeth are made of. The raw ingredient is mixed into the rich paste to re-mineralize and scrub away stains for a gentle whitening effect. It also tastes like a candy cane, so that's always good.”
Apa Beauty White Toothpaste, $25, available at Apa Beauty.
"Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is multitasking," Dr. Veytsman says. "It has great flavor, it's non-abrasive, anti-cavity, removes stains, and it has fluoride. If you have sensitive teeth, there is also a sensitive version available."
Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste, $22.99 for original or 24.99 sensitivity relief, available at Opalescence.
"This is new-to-market [toothpaste] fights cavities and tartar, and remineralizes enamel," Dr. Veytsman notes.
This Tom's of Maine toothpaste helps get your teeth pearly white without using bleaching chemicals. The results may not be instant or dramatic, but its multitasking ability will make you — and your dentist — happy.
Tom's of Maine Simply White Natural Fluoride Toothpaste, $5.99, available at Walgreens.
Popwhite works like color-correcting shampoo: its "extraordinary purple formula," which includes xylitol, coconut oil, and peppermint oil cancels out yellow hues.
Popwhite Whitening Primer + Toothpaste, $24, available at Popwhite.
Move over, regular toothpaste: Charcoal-infused toothpaste is here, and it’s perfect for whitening your teeth while also staining your bathroom sink beyond repair. All jokes aside, this formula promises to remove discoloration without harsh bleaching ingredients.
Curaprox Black Is White Toothpaste, $29.99, available at Curaprox.
Imported from Italy, this low-key dental brand offers a host of different flavored toothpastes, all available at Sephora — this whitening variety is top-rated.
Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste, $13.50, available at Sephora.
You've probably seen this vibrant red box in the aisles of your favorite grocery store — and we're here to attest to the fact that it actually works. If you use this toothpaste regularly, you'll see whiter teeth over time, sans that annoying hypersensitivity that comes with some whitening treatments.
Colgate Optic White Sparkling Mint Toothpaste, $3.96, available at Walmart.
Teeth too sensitive for hardcore whitening treatments? Sensodyne’s gentle formula prevents gum and tooth pain and helps removes stains better than any other sensitive option on the market.
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste, $5.49, available at Target.
We've all heard that baking soda can help lift tooth stains, but you don't need to DIY your own treatment. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Neil Hadaegh recommends this cheap, peroxide-infused paste from Arm & Hammer.
Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste, $5.99 for 2, available at Target.
This whitening toothpaste is super gentle, free of any peroxides or artificial additives, and vegan and cruelty-free. It's the kind of toothpaste you can feel good about buying — plus, it makes your teeth sparkle. Win-win.
Hello Oral Care Extra Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, $4.99, available at Target.
The Bluverite technology in this formula is like FaceTune in a tube: it helps create the effect of whiter teeth in one brushing.
Luster Now! Instant Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, $7.99, available at Luster Premium White.
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There are a handful of advancements that have changed the beauty industry so profoundly, we'd liken their creation to the invention of the wheel — and one of 'em is long-wear makeup. If all this sounds a bit dramatic, we hear you, but anyone who's carefully applied a face of makeup only to have it smudge, fade, or totally disappear in a matter of hours knows the struggle.
We've made strides in almost every category of long-wear makeup, but lipstick remains the most interesting to test — namely, because a good one must be comfortable, pigmented, kiss-proof, and food-proof. And what better time to whip out a reliable bullet than Valentine's Day? Whether you plan on dancing with your squad, doing date night with your S.O., or anything else, a budge-proof lipstick is a welcome addition.
We asked our editors to share the drugstore lipsticks they fall back on when it really counts — check 'em out in the slides ahead.
"I love lipstick, but the feeling isn’t always mutual. There are few formulas that last all day without a pencil or primer, but I’ve yet to find ‘the one.’ I knew I was close when I tried L’Oreal’s Infallible Paint — right before I ripped into a big, messy cheeseburger. The lipstick applies smoothly and isn’t drying at all. After a few hours, it does fade a little, but I dig how my go-to (Cinna-Bomb) morphs into a flattering rusty brown after I've been wearing it for a while. It’s an easy lip to throw in my purse and apply while I’m on the train. Plus, it requires minimal touch-ups throughout the day." — Khalea Underwood, Beauty Writer
"This lipstick is called Superstay Matte Ink for a reason. I wore it for 12 straight hours, during which I biked across the Brooklyn bridge in 90 degree heat and ate two slices of pizza. It didn't budge. Needless to say it'll see you through a makeout session, too. " — Mi-Anne Chan, Beauty Writer
"Every once in awhile, I'll remember the beauty of a really good lip stain. Unlike liquid stains or lipsticks, this marker looks surprisingly natural on your lips and isn't messy at all. Bonus: It's foolproof for subway application and lasts through even the oiliest salad for lunch." — Sam Sasso, Beauty News Writer
"This lipstick won't last through a heavy makeout session (you'll have to sacrifice your ethics for results like that), but it does stay vibrant through the more PG activities like meeting the parents or dancing — with plenty of space — at the conservative family wedding." — Cat Quinn, Beauty Director
"Wet n Wild's liquid lipstick was one of the first I've tried, drugstore or luxe. The formula is smooth, comfortable, and it stays on well throughout the day without sucking the hydration out of my lips. My shade of choice is Rebel Rose, a beautiful dusty rose that goes with any makeup or outfit. Also, the doe-foot applicator has a slight dip in the center, which helps it hold the perfect amount of product, while the tip of the applicator is narrow and more precise." — Michaela Rollings, Associate Marketing Manager
"I have to admit that I, like many people, don't love the feeling of a matte liquid lipstick. Of course, I also hate when my lipstick fades or transfers onto my Champagne flute while trying to live my best life. This is my red lip compromise: The color is vibrant, and the formula is comfy and lightweight. Plus, it lasts all night — as long as you don't makeout with anyone or throw back three slices of pizza. For that, you'll need a quick touch-up." — Lexy Lebsack, Senior Beauty Editor
"Sometimes, the most important box a lipstick has to check is that I can put it on without a mirror. Bonus points if it looks like a wine stain for hours." — Sasso
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We’ve all heard the laundry list of unnecessary things you’re supposed to do on February 14th: inhale boxes of chocolate, go out with your “galentines”, select the perfect gift for your S.O., put on too-expensive lingerie... and these are just the first four Valentine's Day pitches in my inbox. On the beauty side of things, we're usually told to doll up for the person lucky enough to go to a romantic dinner with you.
But there is no such thing as "Valentine's Day makeup" — nor is there really "date makeup," for that matter. It's all just makeup, whether you use the occasion to wear more, less, or none at all.
Still, the night can serve as an opportunity to play with new hues, textures, and techniques — and we're always down to do that. Ahead, we rounded up ten examples of beautiful makeup you can wear on V-Day... and whenever the hell you want.
Copy Priyanka Chopra's standout look and wear violet tones on your lids and lips. The color may seem intimidating, but it's actually super-flattering on almost all skin tones.
Shimmery rose-gold eyes, dewy skin, and a demi-matte lip — we've loving makeup artist Katie Jane Hughe's contrasting textures in this look.
A swipe of pink underliner spices up an otherwise no-makeup makeup look on blogger Zolee.
Kate Bosworth let her expertly-applied red lipstick take center stage by pulling her hair back in a tight updo.
Pair a bold lip with a soft, barely-there eye like Yara Shahidi. Simply grab your favorite eyeliner pencil and apply it close to your lashline. Then, use a smudge brush or your finger to lightly diffuse the color.
Use the occasion as an excuse to finally whip out that bold, jewel-toned eyeshadow you bought on a whim and haven't attempted to wear out yet.
Tap into your vampy side with a deep aubergine lip and blinding inner-corner highlight à la model Duckie Thot.
A hardcore makeout session will only make this punk look even cooler.
Lily Collin's dusty lilac eye may be simple, but it packs a romantic punch when paired with soft waves and a pale pink lip.
Tired of all the pink and red? This smoky halo eye is perfect for a night out.
There's no time like a date to break out the smoky, blotted lip. Even if you don't snag a first kiss once the night is over, at least your wine-red lipstick will make everyone think you did.
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appearance by Mi-Anne Chan.
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If you're one of the six million people who, according to CNN, expect a marriage proposal come February 14, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, ask yourself if this is really what you want. If your answer is yes, then it's time to book a manicure.
Call it cliché, vain, or presumptuous all you want — it's a move everyone has thought about at least once. So if you're getting a ring like Cardi B this year, remember that there's nothing wrong with wanting your requisite Facebook photos to look good. But if you're after something a little more timeless than the traditional heart-shaped nail art you'll normally find on this holiday, stick with us.
Ahead, we've rounded up the coolest Valentine's Day-themed manicures to bring to your salon appointment. Best-case scenario: You lock down your soulmate. Worst-case scenario: You're left with a really rad mani.
This manicure is called The Side-Eye for a reason. It's perfect for the moments after the dreamy proposal... when you actually have to plan the wedding.
It's hard to ever go wrong with such a classic nail color. Bonus: No one will ever suspect you just love Valentine's Day that much.
When you want the bling on your ring to shine, go for a brown or neutral shade that'll make it truly pop. Not only is it classic, but when it chips no one will ever be able to tell.
These red studs are a subtle nod to the romantic holiday without going overboard.
This minimalistic design is just what you need if you can't help but wear the popular V-Day color combination.
No one can deny that on Valentine's Day, ombré nails look much better pink.
Three words, three syllables, three dots: I love you. This mani is the non-cheesy way of saying you're about to commit to one person forever.
Even if you don't get the ring (or even wanted it in the first place), you can always get the diamond nail art.
A graphic design that's on-point in more ways than one.
Jewelry isn't the only thing that has to sparkle this year.
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Since hitting the music scene in 2008, Lady Gaga has undergone a dramatic makeunder — swapping out meat headbands and mile-long extensions for cowboy hats and subtle pink streaks. Throughout the process, the talented performer and activist has always stayed true to herself, and uses every opportunity to make a powerful statement with her hair and makeup. To honor the Mother Monster, we decided to turn back the clock to revisit and recreate three of Lady Gaga's most iconic looks on one super-fan.
Gaga's beauty evolution, of course, starts with the one she maintained throughout her Just Dance period: larger-than-life lashes and super-long, bleached blond hair with straight-across bangs. Next, we're making a pit stop at the singer's very first Grammys appearance in 2010. (You know, the one where the only thing brighter than her neon pink lips and sparkly getup was her banana-yellow hair.) But no exploration of Gaga's beauty and fashion journey would be complete without bringing it full circle, to the place she's at right now — where the bold, out-there look she became known for meets Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, the talented singer underneath it all. (Who just so happens to like a basic ponytail... and sparkly pink lips and lids, of course.)
Ready to see us try out all three of Lady Gaga's extraordinary looks? Press play above, then comment below to help us pick our next celebrity evolution. And if you want to see more behind-the-scenes Gaga inspiration, check out our festival beauty diary with her here.
In 2006, a 12-year-old Letitia Wright was inspired to chase her dreams while watching Keke Palmer portray a spelling bee champ in the movie Akeelah And The Bee. And this month, children everywhere will be similarly moved — while watching Wright in Black Panther.
There is much-deserved praise being showered over the latest Marvel movie's historic, mostly Black cast. Chadwick Boseman is quietly impressive as the lead character, T'Challa, aka the Black Panther, and the nation of Wakanda's new king; Lupita Nyong'o is alluring as T'Challa's no-nonsense but loyal love interest; The Walking Dead' s Danai Gurira may have outdone herself as the badass warrior Okoye, and Hollywood legend Angela Basset is regal as ever as T'Challa's mother, the queen.
But just 20 minutes into the film, it's clear that Black Panther has a breakout star: Wright, who plays T'Challa's sister and Wakanda's princess, Shuri. Throughout the film's more than two hours, the Guyana-born actress brings the action story some comedic relief, adding a touch of necessary lightness to the dark moments that reflect the current fissures in Black communities. Still, Wright is far from the typical action movie sidekick who simply exists to further along the storyline — or the damsel-in-distress Disney princess trope. Instead, as Wakanda's technological expert, she is quite literally the brains of the entire operation, never hesitating to put T'Challa — or anyone else, for that matter — in their place. In a few epic moments, in fact, she herself becomes the action hero. And she does it all while rocking some gloriously styled braids, another of many firsts for a Marvel sidekick or Disney princess.
Even with a Blockbuster already under her belt, at 24, the actress is just getting started. So far, she's worked in a few indie films and British television shows, including a starring role in the season four finale of Black Mirror last year, "Black Museum."Black Panther is by far her biggest undertaking yet, though Wright says she wasn't intimidated, a fact she attributes to her upbringing in Guyana.
"As a kid, I grew up speaking to everyone in the neighborhood; even if you didn't know them, you spoke and climbed trees and played cricket together...there was no sitting inside and watching TV," she remembers. "Talking to people, getting to know them, telling stories, connecting...that's how I grew up. So when I went to the U.K. and saw everyone stayed indoors and was very private, that was new to me. I think my love of connecting with people through acting, I trace that back to my childhood and culture in Guyana."
Wright's family moved to the U.K. when she was seven; as a teenager, she attended the Identity School of Acting in London, a small, groundbreaking all-Black drama school. She began pursuing a film career at 17, but after a few years, she found herself battling depression; it wasn't until 2015, after she says she'd done some serious soul-searching and found God, that she was able to focus on acting full-time. That's when she landed a role in the indie film Urban Hymn ( casted by director Michael Caton-Jones, a choice that would later earn her the attention of Marvel execs) and later, a part in Eclipsed on West End , a play written by her future co-star Gurira.
"If you haven’t even got the time to write a multidimensional character, why should I waste my time playing the part?"
Wright admits that she was neither a comic book nor a science fiction fan before taking on Black Panther — she never read comic books and was only an occasional Marvel moviegoer, opting more for "indie arthouse films." But when an opportunity to audition for Black Panther came in 2016, she was immediately drawn to the character of Shuri, T'Challa's younger sister and the leader in charge of dreaming up innovative uses for the fictional nation's modern technology.
"She was such a different character from what I'd read in scripts: A young Black woman who's super smart and into technology," Wright says. "I hadn't really seen any girls on screen who were into tech or science and engineering, and I know most of the world hadn't either. So I really wanted to play Shuri not just because she’d be funny and smart and a really cool character to play, but also because I knew she’d leave an impact on young girls and young boys."
Though she's truly just getting started in her career, the current conversations swirling around Hollywood about how the movie industry can better support women — and, more specifically, women of color — are not lost on Wright. She says she's had a largely positive experience so far, but is acutely aware of how much more there still is to be done.
"Even though I haven’t been doing this for a long time, it became clear early on that there aren’t a lot of leading roles for Black women, young or old," she says. "In my own way, I've tried to challenge the status quo by being offered a supporting character script and asking the casting directors if there might be a way I can read for the lead role instead. Because why not?”
Wright adds that, though Hollywood has a responsibility to do better, she has no plans to sit around and wait for scripts to come her way. She cites actors like Viola Davis, Michael B. Jordan, Kerry Washington, even 13-year-old Marsai Martin as inspirations for one day producing her own projects instead of waiting for them to get made by someone else. And though there is often a lack of opportunities, Wright says she'll never settle.
"I’ve made a decision to not play stereotypes. I will never play a role where there was no love or care put into the character. If you haven’t even got the time to write a multidimensional character, why should I waste my time playing the part?"
It's easy to tell from the cast's on-screen chemistry that the vibe on the set of Black Panther was familial. And it was; Wright credits the brother-sister bond of her and Boseman's characters to a real life connection, and says the cast often killed time between takes by hosting spontaneous rap battles — which, she declares proudly, she mostly won. She also spent a lot of time picking the brain of Angela Bassett, whom she calls “a legend“ and says reminded her to “stay close to the ground and do this acting thing for the right reason: impact and storytelling.”
Luckily for Wright's growing fan base, they can catch the actress in next month's Steven Spielberg directed Ready Player One and returning as Shuri in this spring's Avengers: Infinity War. But before Black Panther has even hit theaters, buzz around Wright's performance and the actual comic book's storyline have led to speculation on whether Wright might one day portray the Black Panther herself — or get her own spinoff.
For now, she says, she's just focusing on the current Black Panther. It is clear by the ending (and pre-sale tickets), however, that the latest Marvel movie is destined for a sequel. Until then, fans will walk away from the first installment with the Kendrick Lamar-produced soundtrack stuck in their heads, several memorable one-liners, and a penchant for recreating Suri's signature handshake with her brother, cooly executed by Wright and Boseman. But there's one thing Wright wishes she could've taken with her.
"I wish I could have Shuri's Kimoyo beads in real life — they can project anything onto glass without a remote control!" she says. "I wouldn't even need my cell phone. I'd just project my YouTube videos onto the wall! That would be so cool...You know, Shuri is just so cool. She's so cool! How could it not be an honor to play her?"
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I remember my first summer in New York City, when I was getting over a relationship that ended after five years. My sister took me aside and gave me the best piece of dating advice I've heard to this day: "Be selfish." Not rude and mean selfish, but you-do-you selfish. Hang out with who you want to hang out with, do what you want to do, and don't feel obligated to do anything or see anyone you’re just not that into.
So I did. And rather than mope about the ending of one chapter of my life or try to squeeze in as many dates as possible, I reveled in the new life I was creating for myself. I just needed a little encouragement to get started.
Since that advice was so helpful to me, I decided to poll different women to find out the best advice they've ever received when they were single. No, "You'll meet someone eventually," or, "Try OKCupid instead of Tinder." And certainly no, "Just stop trying so hard," or, "Try not to come off as desperate." Instead, we asked women what judgment-free advice was actually helpful to them.
We found out that being single is a time to celebrate and relish — not avoid. Ahead, 10 of the best ways to celebrate single-hood.
"I called my mom right after a breakup with my long-term girlfriend and cried for hours. Because I was sad about the breakup, sure, but also because I realized that with her gone, I had no close friends. So my mom told me to just get out there and start doing things I love. That forced me to join a bunch of groups: for knitters, for gay nerds, and for writers. And that's how I met both my best friend and my next girlfriend." — Kasey, 27
"The best sex I've ever had is with a vibrator, so don't worry too much about being single. All you need are batteries and you're good to go. Plus, no emotional labor is required." — Katie, 25
"Live your life for you. I learned this on my own through a major failed long-term relationship that grew out of my 'need' for a boyfriend to make my life fulfilled and happy. No one can make you happy but you. Being single, being on your own, is the perfect opportunity for you to live your life for you. Own it and stop worrying so much about finding your other half." — Elizabeth, 25
"I'm STILL single (like, chronically), but my mom told me once that whoever is a match for me is probably out doing the same thing, too — enjoying his 20s and friends, and not needing to settle down yet. So it's fine to enjoy being single and enjoy your 20s, knowing that the right person for you is out there doing it as well." — Marshall, 26
"Find a hobby you love. Whether it's knitting, a book club, cycling, or rock climbing, finding a niche outside work is a great way to stay happy and healthy. For once in your life, you aren't tied down to anyone else's schedule or expectations. And, who knows, you could eventually meet someone else who's equally passionate about your hobby — and then you've got a way cuter 'how we met' story than just 'we met on Tinder' (not that there's anything wrong with that!)." — Christina, 29
"I learned this from personal experience: Don't get into a relationship for the sake of being in one. Take your time with everyone you date, and make sure you are both on the same page with your values and with what you want. Also, don't ignore the red flags. They are usually there for a reason." — Pam, 24
"Keep your heart and mind open to the world and its ample possibilities. My last failed relationship left me so heartbroken; I felt jaded, discouraged, and unhappy. Those emotions trickled to the other facets of my life, and I felt virtually incapable of feeling any sort of passion, happiness, or fulfillment. Then it hit me: Some of my greatest and most memorable life experiences have happened as a single woman. When a person is single, they are free to direct all their energy and attention on new possibilities that don’t necessarily have to associate with finding Ms./Mr. Right, but instead on the care, well-being, and fulfillment of oneself. These might include taking on a new hobby or activity, working towards getting a promotion at work, or spending more time with friends and family." — Tania, 25
"Being 100% single is the most freeing feeling ever. I mean, 100% — that means no casual dating, no text-buddies, nada! Once you're over the feeling of initial loneliness, there's something really empowering that comes with being solo." — Lauren, 28
"Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. The worst that could happen is that the other person is not interested, but if you don't ask you will never know. My current relationship is a testament to putting yourself out there and being willing to be vulnerable. I used to wonder about the what-ifs, until I forced myself to ask those scary questions and fight for what I want and love." — Diandra, 25
"Always be yourself, and never apologize for that. The right person will accept you fully. I had to learn this myself, but boy did it pay off!" — Lorenna, 30
"I've been single so long, no one tries to give me advice anymore. I say, enjoy it while it lasts! Do whatever you want, whenever you want. Spend time with your friends. When you're in a relationship, it takes up a lot of your time — time that used to be spent with friends. And never get discouraged, because there are literally millions of people out there." — Jane, 28
"Be honest about your expectations and don't compromise them. The reason breakups happen is because that person has not met your expectations, and eventually, it leads to unhappiness." — Jamie, 39
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We count on our gym bags to do a lot for us. We'd like them to be lightweight, but we also expect them to hold all of our gear. We love it when they're water-resistant and weather-proof, but it's probably important that they look nice, too. Once we determine which features are our priority, then comes the matter of wading through the countless options on the market.
Any gym-goers who understand these woes can rest easy now. We've gone ahead and done the hard work for you. (Shopping-wise, that is; you'll still have to do the workout yourself.)
Ahead, we've rounded up some of our favorite gym bags that are available right now, from totally functional, mesh drawstring sacks to leather-look duffels. No matter your style or your preferred workout, there's something here for you. You may even look forward to your run more if you can toss your leggings into one of these beauties afterwards.
Click through to find the right gym bag for you.
This shoulder bag's large, mesh outer pocket was made for items you remember at the last minute (not that you'd ever forget your water bottle at home)
This retro-looking duffle is just the right size for a change of clothes, water bottle, and pair of sneaks — for the gym rat who travels with only the essentials.
This bag is perfect for the gym goer who's always on the move: Simply toss all your stuff in its roomy main compartment, throw it on your back, and go.
Commuting to the gym? This bag's anti-theft features (from anti-slash fabric to scan-proof pockets) will give you peace of mind while on the train or bus.
Have this bag on hand for your next retreat. It has an internal pocket for just about every need and expands to accommodate that extra pair of sneaks you had to pack.
This convertible bag is a tote, backpack, and crossbody all in one — and, thanks to anti-theft features like a sliding lock and anti-slash mesh bottom, it's the perfect travel bag.
Winter's right around the corner, and with it will come snow, sleet, slush, and other bag-ruining forms of precipitation. Keep your shoes, electronics, and any other gear safe and dry in this water-proof pack.
Rule#5, $200, available at Rule#5Photo: Courtesy of Rule#5.
This bag is big enough to hold all your gear for the gym, but it still wears easily across the body, thanks to an adjustable strap.
Under Armour, $29.99, available at Under ArmourPhoto: Courtesy of Under Armour.
This bag's scuba-style fabric gives it an overall lightweight feel, while the internal storage section for wet clothes keeps your phone and earbuds dry. Plus, it's stylish. Plus, it's a backpack, so it's easier to carry on your commute.
Sweaty Betty, $115, available at Sweaty BettyPhoto: Courtesy of Sweaty Betty.
That photo doesn't lie — this bag's strap can accommodate a whole yoga mat, if that happens to be your fitness class of choice.
lululemon, $148, available at lululemonPhoto: Courtesy of lululemon.
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People aren't just excited for Black Panther, which finally comes out on February 16, because it's a big-budget Marvel film with Michael B. Jordan's abs and Chadwick Boseman's charm. From the moment the trailer surfaced late last year, people of color of all ages took note of the kings, queens, and warriors of Wakanda (a fictional East African nation) that look just like us, with rich brown skin and textured hair.
This major moment of beauty representation required painstaking detail from hair department head Camille Friend and makeup designer Joel Harlow, who were among the group of creatives on the Atlanta-based set who took direct inspiration from African tribes along with the original comic books. "It's a very empowering film. I hope that aside from being very entertaining, there is a message here," Harlow tells Refinery29. "I hope that message is received and embraced. Certainly that was first and foremost, being respectful and honoring the heritage we were drawing from. We didn't go down a path for our makeup looks simply because they looked interesting and cool. There's meaning behind all of it, and we were very conscious about making sure that came first."
And with that meaning, there's an intentional message: "Black is beautiful. It doesn’t matter to me what you do with your hair — if you wear it straight, or curly, or nappy, or a weave, or an Afro. We’re all beautiful," Friend says. "In this movie, we have the greatest opportunity to showcase natural hair and showcase Africa. Africa has never been seen culturally like this."
Of course, there's hope for a Black Panther sequel, but the behind-the-scenes beauty team hopes that the film's impact goes far beyond the Marvel universe. "We hope that this spurs more Black-generated movies, too," she says. "I think Black Panther doing well economically at the box office shows that there is an audience for this type of movie. As people of color, if we support, we'll hopefully see more movies like it."
Ahead, get the spoiler-free details on Lupita Nyong'o's "Wakanda knots," Danai Gurira's head tattoos, and much more.
On The African Inspiration...
"We wanted to make sure we stayed true to the source material and used as many actual African tribal looks as possible," Harlow says of the makeup looks. "We have five tribes in the film: Jabari, River, Border, Mining, and Merchant. Basically, what we had to do was figure out what those tribes would look like, and in return, figure out what those members would look like.
"We used inspiration, say, for River tribe, who wear lip plates from an actual tribe called the Mursi (of Ethiopia). For the scarification looks seen within the Border tribe, we used inspiration again from the Mursi, as well as the Bumi (of Ethiopia). A lot of real tribes factored into the various facial markings and body paintings for our five, including the Himba (of Namibia), the Maasai (of Kenya), and the Nuba (of Sudan). It was important that we distinguished them at a glance, so you'd know who everyone was, even though Wakanda is modernized. We still wanted to create looks that you could trace back."
For hair, Friend turned to African culture and sought inspiration from reference books along with movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and the original Blade Runner. "I also looked at lots of modern references, like Afropunk," she adds. "Plus, Black Panther was my fourth Marvel movie, and they really gave me a lot of free range to design looks. As far as my process, the first part was African culture — looking at styles and tradition, texture, textiles, and clothes. The second part was the modern natural hair movement happening right now in real life, where women and men are proud of their texture. The third part of that was [futurism]. Wakanda is a technologically-advanced society, so I wanted to look at how that fit in to the hair."
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
On Finding The Best Base...
Because there was a glorious overload of melanin in the movie, it took a variety of foundations to achieve a perfect base for everyone — and that included a few drugstore brands.
"We used Lancôme, Black Up Cosmetics, MAC, Jordane, Iman, and more," says Harlow. "We didn’t stick with one specific product line. We were all over the place. As with any show, you use what works. You don't necessarily have to use same product every time, and you can combine tones. Some formulas were alcohol-based, some were inks, some were foundation creams, some were airbrushed, some were hand-brushed."
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
On The (Many, Many) Wigs...
When the movie trailer dropped in October, everyone was flipping out about the characters' hair. The main cast wore an assortment of locs (as seen on Angela Bassett, who plays Ramonda), twist-outs (like on Lupita Nyong'o's character, Nakia), braids (as modeled by Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri), and, as seen on Danai Gurira's Okoye, even completely-shaved heads, which were not bald caps (more on that later).
"We're really proud of the fact that a lot of the hair pieces, aside from the ones for the main cast, were custom lace-front wigs," Friend tells us. "We probably made a couple-hundred. Everything was thought out and planned carefully. There's no 1-800-African-Hair in the industry. It took ingenuity and the creativity of us as hairdressers to translate our ideas and put them on the screen."
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
On Nakia's Bold Lips And "Wakanda Knots"...
Lupita Nyong'o is known for rocking some of the most innovative natural and natural-textured hairstyles we've ever seen on-screen, so Friend knew she had to bring that same energy to her character in Black Panther.
"Her first look is what we call Wakanda knots," she says of Nyong'o's character Nakia's loose twists, which resemble Bantu knots. "We used a natural hair wig done in an ombré color, so it's dark at the roots and almost auburn at the ends. The hair is cut into a wedge shape."
For a second look, Friend pulled inspiration from Casino Royale — fitting, because the Black Panther characters spend one scene in a casino themselves. "We wanted her to look very upscale," Friend says. "We did some two-strand flat twists and pulled them out to create that explosion of hair and color." To keep Nyong'o's hair moisturized underneath her wigs and headdresses, Friend used Leonor Greyl's Masque Fleurs de Jasmin and Serum de Soie Sublimateur.
Regarding the female cast members' royal purple and fiery crimson lipsticks on display throughout the film, Harlow says that Carter had a very specific color palette for each tribe. "Within that, depending on what Lupita was wearing, we chose her lipsticks and eyeshadow that way," he says.
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
On Okoye's Shaved Head And Tattoo...
Friend says that the entire cast was committed to pulling off their looks. So committed, in fact, that Danai Gurira (who plays Okoye) shaved her head every day while filming — along with the rest of the king's warriors. It was a necessity for the actress, as her character rocks a massive head tattoo that denotes her military ranking. "Any kind of stubble would ruin the stencil," Harlow says. After buzzing Gurira down, Friend would slick on Leonor Greyl's Huile Secret de Beaute to prep her scalp for makeup. On average, it took three hours to apply the stencil, along with a half hour for shaving.
"That tattoo was incredibly difficult to create, because the head has a lot of compound curvature and shapes," Harlow explains. "It's not something that you can easily transfer a tattoo or a stencil on top of. The stencil had to be made to conform specifically to Danai’s head, and then the outline of the tattoo was cut into the stencil so that we could airbrush a layer of illustrator ink onto her head. That would give us the outline, and then we could go into little pieces to fill in the blanks."
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
On Princess Shuri's Half-Moon Braids And Tribal Markings...
If you shudder at the thought of spending three hours in the chair for a dye job, you've got nothing on Letitia Wright. It took over eight hours for Friend's team to braid up Wright, who plays Princess Shuri. "They're very small, so we had local Atlanta braiders come in and help," Friend says. "Technically, they're box braids, but we didn't do box parts. I actually don't like them on camera, because you can see all the lines. So I did a half-moon shape, which takes away those edges so you're not seeing right down the scalp. It just blends in better."
But it was impossible for Shuri's tribal makeup to go unnoticed. "Since Wakanda is so advanced, Shuri embraces that advancement completely," Harlow says. "What we wanted to do with her tribal markings is give her something authentic, but make it very crisp. If you took that same pattern without the benefit of modern tools — fingers or sticks or what have you — it'd have the same feel, but it wouldn't be as precise. That was the idea with everyone. Even though they had come from those specific tribes, the look was clean and precise because you're applying modern application techniques, as opposed to those in the past."
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
On Erik Killmonger's Locs And Scars...
"Michael B. Jordan grew his hair for a long time. When we started filming, he had like five inches on the top, and his sides and back were faded," Friend says of the actor, who plays Wakandan outsider Erik Killmonger. "We added loc extensions to his hair to give him the look, and so he could remove them after the movie. He normally wears his hair short."
Jordan's scarification looks just as believable, thanks to sculpture — not makeup. "We plotted out the look on a lifecast," Harlow describes. "We plotted everything out two-dimensionally, and then we transferred that 2D guide to a piece of Formica, then sculpted those raised scarification marks. By the time we finished, we had something like 788 separate molds containing about 100 hashmarks each."
If you're counting, that's at least 78,800 scars total!
"It was designed to be like a puzzle, where you basically cover Michael's body," adds Harlow. "And you know, Michael's not a small guy. He's worked out a couple of times. He's muscular, so it was a lot of purpose area to cover!" Sounds like such a tough job.
Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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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.
Monthly Expenses Housing: $1,833. My boyfriend and I split this evenly each month, each paying $916.50. Car Payment: $239.80
All Other Monthly Expenses Parking: $150 Wi-Fi: $73.90 split evenly with my boyfriend ($36.95 each) Phone Payment: $70 Hulu: $12.92 Health Insurance: I'm on my parents' insurance for three more months Credit Card Debt: $400-$600. I have a total of $3,000 in credit card debt ($1,500 for each of my two credit cards). Savings: No monthly savings, but this month I started to put $100 into retirement every month.
Day One
8:45 a.m. — I get to sleep in today because it's New Year's Day! I stumble out of bed after lying there for about an hour to get coffee at Starbucks, but I forgot that most places are closed on New Year's Day. I go to three different Starbucks until I found one that is open and get my coffee. $3.80
10:30 a.m. — Back at home. Time to take down the Christmas tree (the saddest time of the year) and clean of the apartment. Rent is due, so I do some math to figure out what it comes out to after utilities. It seems lower than normal — $968.20 — but I later learn that my boyfriend accidentally paid for my share of the parking. I will pay the difference next month.
12:15 p.m. — I wanted to use my Target gift card from Christmas to get a lamp we badly need for our dining area. I forgot my eyebrow liner at my parents' house when I visited over the holidays, so I get that, too. I still have about $6 on my gift card after checking out.
1:30 p.m. — I want Panera bread for lunch, but it's closed. My boyfriend and I go to Met Market and I get fried chicken and fries with aioli sauce, feeling a little guilty for continuing my holiday indulgences. I also pick up a pre-made baked potato because we are having steak for dinner and I forgot to buy potatoes at the store the other day. I find pine nut hummus for the week's lunches to go with mini-cucumbers I got at Costco. $22.59
2:10 p.m. — We go back home to eat and watch the Harry Potter marathon that's on. Then, we watch the new season of Black Mirror. Later, I remember that I need to make a few edits to a deck for work, which takes about an hour. After, I take some time to make my monthly budget. My credit card bill is adding up and it hurts!
6:45 p.m. — My BF makes steak. I'm still super full from the chicken and fries, and wind up not eating dinner. We finish our day going back and forth between Harry Potter and Black Mirror. I'm scheduled to work from home tomorrow, but feel like I should go in.
Daily Total: $26.39
Day Two
5:45 a.m. — I finally wake up after hitting snooze for an hour. I wanted an extra day to take it easy and work for home, but I still get up early to freshen up and get coffee at Starbucks. The sunrise today is beyond words. I rush to get ready so I can catch it and take a cool picture. I'm short a few cents to get a venti Americano with a pump of toasted white mocha, so I add $10 to my Starbucks app. (My coffee is $3.80.) I need to hurry if I want to catch this sunrise, so I head over to Kerry Park to take a few pics of the Seattle skyline. Bonus: the mountain is visible! In early December, I decided to create a new Pacific Northwest travel and food Instagram account. I need to make sure I'm adding content. $10
8:20 a.m. — Back at home, I make myself toast, eggs, and eat an applesauce packets before getting back to work.
1:30 p.m. — I'm still full from breakfast so I don't eat anything for lunch. Instead, I catch up on what Anna Faris is doing via her new book, Unqualified. Two hours later, I go for a workout in the apartment gym and watch the last episode of The Handmaid's Tale.
4:30 p.m. — Back at the apartment, I check on emails for work until it's time for dinner and a shower because I'm a sweaty mess. For dinner, I make turkey taco meat for my BF. There is leftover steak in the fridge and I decide to eat that with nachos (just tortilla chips and cheese) and a side of guac. It's delicious. We watch more Black Mirror and I grab an ice cream sandwich from the freezer.
8 p.m. — Black Mirror has sucked enough of my soul. I need a coffee maker to help save money (hopefully), so I buy a Keurig with the Amazon gift card I have ($36.97). I also add a holder for the K-cups ($11.20) and the 52 Lists for Happiness book I want ($18.71). "STOP SPENDING MONEY!" I tell myself — but it is Christmas money.
Daily Total: $10
Day Three
6 a.m. — I snooze for an hour until I actually have to wake up. (I question why I even set such an early alarm if I don't wake up for it.) Because I showered the night before, I only need to dry shampoo, wash my face, and put on makeup. I grab oatmeal and raspberries for breakfast and throw together leftover ground turkey and fat-free refried pinto beans in a Pyrex with a pre-packed cup of guac and an applesauce pouch for lunch.
6:50 a.m. — I'm out the door and off to work. I tell myself I don't need to go to Starbucks because there is a coffee machine at work; I need to stick to the budget I made for myself! Work is about 20 minutes away, east of Seattle, and I try to get there early enough to beat traffic. I settle into work, get a coffee, and eat breakfast.
8 a.m. — The day is still going and I grab another cup of coffee.
9 a.m. — Need…more…coffee. I usually stick to one cup so this is not normal for me. I am seriously struggling to get back into a work routine.
10:30 a.m. — My group of gal friends are blowing up my group text about going to Disneyland in March. We finally set on a date and plane tickets. Luckily for me, I got a gift card to Alaska Air for Christmas and can use it toward this trip! The plane ticket is $166.60 and I still have $133.40 to put toward a trip later this year!
12:55 p.m. — I finally am hungry for lunch. It's boring because the taco/bean/guac combo is my go-to when I'm in a hurry, but it gets boring. I think beans hurt my stomach, so I don't know why I keep putting that pain on myself. I am scheduled to be at work until 5 p.m. rather than my normal 3 p.m. today, so I need to talk a little walk. That turns into me grabbing a small mocha at the café. $4.95
3:20 p.m. — My BF texted to say he's going to the gym after work and won't be home for dinner. I text my best friend to see if she wants dinner. We decide on a pasta restaurant at 6 p.m. It's a date!
5:30 p.m. — My meeting ran half an hour late, so I call the restaurant and my friend to change the time to 6:30. Leaving at this time usually means I'll hit the worst traffic ever, but I think people are still on vacation because I get to the restaurant way earlier than anticipated. I pay to park ($6) and, since I'm early, decide to get a drink at the bar. It's still happy hour! I get the house amaro and it's my first time having it; it's sweet but bitter and smoky. Interesting. For dinner, I order the pappardelle. We split a bruschetta with smoked salmon for an app. NOMS. We split the bill and I pay with Christmas cash — $45 even. $51
8:15 p.m. — Back at home, I wash my face and get into my sweat suit. My apartment is cold and I don't want to spend money on any more heat than we need. I cozy up and dig into more of Anna Faris' life. I should hopefully be done with this book soon!
Daily Total: $55.95
Day Four
5:45 a.m. — I need to be at work on time because I have to leave promptly at 3 p.m. I grab my oatmeal and raspberries and find more leftover steak from Monday, three mini-cucumbers, a scoop of hummus, and another applesauce pouch. (This one has banana in it!) At work, I head straight to the coffee machine and then to my desk to do more work (and maybe some Instagram and Facebook scrolling).
8:15 a.m. — Last cup of coffee ... maybe. While I wait for my coffee to brew, I realize I need to pay off some of my credit cards. I put $200 to each credit card. I need to get these paid off soon. I cringe every time I look at the balance I owe. $400
9:45 a.m. — My oatmeal with raspberries is staring at me. It's time to eat.
1:15 p.m. — I have my lunch. The steak is actually pretty good and not too dried out from the microwave which is a win in my book!
3 p.m. — I leave work for a dermatologist appointment. I have a $15 copay and luckily don't need any meds or anything else. I go home after and veg out, watching TV until dinner (the baked potato I bought from Met Market on Monday). It was alright but I might be hungry later. $15
7 p.m. — I take a shower because tomorrow is Friday and I know I will probably sleep in. After, I do some scrolling on Instagram and get back to Anna Faris. My boyfriend returns from a workout and I internally shame myself for not doing the same. (Maybe I'll go TOMORROW! Or Saturday. Or Sunday?) Anyway, time for bed. We go to bed super early, around 9 or 9:30 p.m.
Daily Total: $415
Day Five
6:15 a.m. — My alarm didn't go off. Awesome. I jump out of bed and get ready. My morning routine with hair styling and no shower is almost down to 15 minutes. I pat myself on the back for showering the night before and declare dry shampooing a big win. I get to work at a decent time and realize I have a free coffee on my punch card for the café at work! I opt for a large Americano with one pump of white mocha and cream. I didn't pack anything this morning for breakfast or lunch, so I also get a scone. $2.75
11:45 a.m. — Hungry, I go to our common area to get lunch. I need to get away from my desk. It's been very slow this entire week. (I'm complaining even though I've only been in the office for three days.) There are so many changes happening in our organization so it's been a waiting game these day. Our common area has everything from pizza to burgers, sushi, ramen, buffet food. The world is our oyster! (IDK if they have oysters though.) I'm in the mood for sushi so I get a combo with an eel roll, salmon nigiri, and a cup of edamame. Luckily, the line is short today. I get my food quick and find a spot to sit and scroll online until I go back to my desk to work until my day is done. $12.50
3 p.m. — I leave work at normal time and head over to Bellevue for happy hour with my boyfriend's flag football team to celebrate the end of their season. I filled in a few games so I'm invited. His company is paying for the happy hour! I'm a little early to the party. The happy hour is connected to the Bellevue Square Mall, so I decide to do some window shopping. I repeat in my head, Look but don't touch. Look but don't touch... Fortunately, I follow my silent commands. I get to happy hour and order a Moscow Mule and pretzel. The rest of the table orders beers, nachos, fried pickles, and chicken wraps.
8:15 p.m. — The happy hour is over and I go to the store. In anticipation of my Keurig, I get creamer, K-cups, and breakfast stuff ($26.92). After that, I go to Molly Moon's; their January flavors are out so I get a pint for the week ($9.50). Delicious. $36.42
9 p.m. — Back at the apartment and my Keurig is here! I set it up and then get a scoop of ice cream and settle in for the rest of the night.
Daily Total: $51.67
Day Six
8:45 a.m. — Wow, I really slept in. I have nowhere to be so I lay in bed for a bit. It's a rainy day here in Seattle and also a perfect time to use my new Keurig. I go for the Donut Shop brand K-cup and add vanilla-caramel creamer. I'm pretty happy. I go online and work for about an hour because I wasn't very productive this week and I forgot to do something important. Oops.
10:45 a.m. — While thinking about my upcoming trip to Disneyland, I notice we'll have to take a shuttle from LAX to Anaheim. I look up shuttles and book the cheapest one for our group at $172 roundtrip. Since people will pay me back, that will be $34.40 out of pocket per person — not too shabby. $34.40
11:30 a.m. — I go get ready for the day because my boyfriend's parents and brother are in town. His brother is going back to school so we all meet up for a going-away lunch at Duke's Chowder House. I order the blackened salmon Caesar with an iced tea. We say our goodbyes and go back to the apartment.
3:30 p.m. — For Christmas, my boyfriend got me a punch card to go rock climbing, so we go get our climb on. It's been a little over a month since I've last climbed and I am rusty. I am not an avid climber and stick to the 5.7s the whole time. I am not great with holds — and not nearly as strong as I used to be. I used to be really into weightlifting but I've taken a hiatus for the last seven months or so. I'm noticing a theme, and it's that I need to get back to the gym.
5:15 p.m. — We finish rock climbing and go back to the apartment to shower. We decide on a BBQ spot for dinner to get food to-go and my boyfriend pays. I get a chicken sandwich and jo jo potatoes. It's Netflix and chill for the rest of the night.
Daily Total: $34.40
Day Seven
8 a.m. — I finally get out of bed and make coffee with my new Keurig. Only two days in and it is already a great investment! Some friends are coming over today to watch the Golden Globes and our apartment is a mess, so I do a deep clean. It's much more stressful thinking about it than doing it.
10:45 a.m. — Finished cleaning! I make myself a breakfast sandwich with bacon and eggs on seven-grain bread, then get ready so we can go to the grocery store. I allot for $50 for my portion but I'm hoping I can just use the cash in my wallet ($46). We split the bill and it's only $15.06. Big win — not only am I under budget but I have money to spare for pizza tonight! $15.06
12:05 p.m. — Back at home, I finish the rest of Anna Faris' book. Finally! My stomach starts to grumble so I eat a snack of apples and peanut butter.
4:15 p.m. — My friends are here and I order a large pizza and a side of cinnamon sticks. I pay with a coupon deal and tip. Since my friends brought other snacks, we don't split the bill. There is leftover pizza too, so there's lunch for me tomorrow! (And I'm still technically under-budget for my $50 grocery allotment.) $32.37
5 p.m. — We sit back with our pizza and cringe at all the awkwardness coming our way for three hours. From Tommy Wiseau to Frances McDormand, everything is straight up confusing. We do, however, get to watch the glorious goddess that is Oprah do her thing.
8:30 p.m. — My friends leave for the night and I clean up and get ready for bed. I'm exhausted and my throat is feeling scratchy. I better not be getting sick... I get to sleep by 9:30 and all is well in the world.
Daily Total: $47.43
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We take pride in our hair and want it to look its best, which is why our showers and medicine cabinets rival that of Sephora. (Hey, who can resist the VIB sale?) But, when you're acting as your own mixologist with your styling wares, things can get a little tricky.
Most of us know the rule of layering your skin care: in most cases it's best to go from lightest to heaviest. But what about hair products? Does mousse come before oil? How about a heat protectant? Armed with a whole lot of questions, we tapped Mark Townsend, Dove celebrity stylist, to give us the lowdown on how to layer products into wet hair before you heat style or air-dry. While every hair type, texture, and style is different, there are some general rules that will allow you to get the best results.
Whether you reply upon two, or all, of the product categories ahead, consider this your cheat sheet to ensure your styling will go off without a hitch — just follow this order before you style!
Shampoo & Conditioner Yes, this is a given, but it's worth noting. "First of all, your style absolutely starts in the shower," Townsend explains. You want to make sure you're using a shampoo and conditioner that are right for your hair type. For example, "It's crazy how many people skip conditioner because they think it will weigh their hair down, but that just isn't the case," Townsend says. Stumped? Scotty Cunha, who works with Kim Kardashian, praises this Burt's Bees deep conditioner because it's light, nourishing, and works for all hair types.
Burt's Bees Hair Repair Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner, $8.00, available at Burt's Bees.
Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler Ladies with thick or natural hair are probably already well versed in the language of conditioners, but gals with thin hair may shy away. For them, Townsend recommends spritzing in a detangler, like Dove 's, while you're still in the shower — and then rinsing it out! This tricks ensures the lightest application possible.
If your hair is on the thicker side, you'll want to spray in the detangler after you step out of the shower. But, first, squeeze out that water. "You want to get at least 50% to 60% of the moisture out of your hair," Townsend says. "The only thing that goes into super-wet hair is shampoo and conditioner."
Dove Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute Detangler, $5.99, available at Target.
"My favorite leave-in is Shea Moisture's," says Danielle Priano, who works with Selena Gomez and several Victoria's Secret Angels. "I would only use this one if you're going to wear your hair curly to keep the frizz out. If you have thin, straight hair, it will make it look a bit greasy."
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner, $10.99, available at Sally Beauty.
If your hair is on the thicker side, you'll want to spray in the detangler after you step out of the shower. But first, squeeze out that water. "You want to get at least 50% to 60% of the moisture out of your hair," Townsend says. "The only thing that goes into super-wet hair is shampoo and conditioner."
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Leave-In, $11, available on Carol's Daughter.
Heat Protectant & Oil If your detangler doesn't have an oil or heat-protectant benefits, you want to layer these in next. "Make sure you apply it from the mid-length to the ends," Townsend says.
Kérastase Nectar Thermique, $48, available at Adore Beauty.
Thickening & Volume Spray Now is time to add volume — if that's your thing — so Townsend suggests spritzing in a root-lift spray. Danilo, who's Gwen Stefani's stylist, told us that this one "will literally double your hair." Sold!
Pantene Pro-V Volume Root Lifting Spray Gel, $4.97, available at Walmart.
Mousse "If you use a mousse, you can work that in instead of a root-lift spray," Townsend notes. "I'm a big believer in mousses — they have so many moisturizers in them now. They're such a versatile product."
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Perfectly Full Mousse, $7.29, available at Walgreens.
Styling Cream Styling cream comes next, if you want it, of course. Dritan Vushaj, stylist to Lily Collins, and Gregory Russell, who's worked with Hailee Steinfeld, both love this cream from Leonor Greyl.
Leonor Greyl Eclat Naturel, $46, available at Leonor Greyl.
This new Phyto Specific product for curly girls and guys gives you gel-like hold — with the added bonus of shea butter, sunflower oil, and other moisturizing natural extracts.
Phytospecific Curl Legend Curl Sculpting Cream Gel, $28, available at Phytospecific.
Beach Spray This is also the time when you can incorporate your beach sprays or any other texture spritz you may use on your damp strands. Once you've added some height, all that's left to do is blow-dry your locks or let them dry naturally.
Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Hairspray, $42, available at Neiman Marcus.
This budget-friendly option has quinoa protein to hydrate your hair, but will still give you the gritty look you're aiming for.
The abbreviated version: shampoo, conditioner, detangler, oil, heat protectant, styling cream, and mousse, then finish with beach or texture spray. Stick to this order — no matter how many you actually use — and you'll get a picture-perfect 'do every time. If only everything in life could be this easy...
Photo: Via @marktownsend1.
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There are some people who spend hours on end prepping for fashion week events, curling their hair and contouring themselves into oblivion. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that — we love a good wave just as much as the next person. But this go 'round, we've been more drawn to the perfectly-imperfect athletic hairstyles on the ground at New York Fashion Week — also known as "athleisure" hair.
Think about the tousled ponytail moment that happens post-SoulCycle. The slightly messed-up texture almost makes it look better, right? That's the same concept that we spotted on the beauties ahead — a little frizz, a lot of slightly disproportionate buns, and uhhh... a whole lot of shoelaces. (Yes, really.)
The five Olympic rings pale in comparison to this trio of braided buns. All you need are three hair ties and a little bit of patience.
A long, Rapunzel-inspired ponytail like this one is a lot easier than it looks. Check out a tutorial here.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
Topknots are always appropriate for any season. Apply your favorite holding product (a gel, mousse, or setting spray) from root to tip and blow-dry until smooth to make sure your bun stays in place.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
In a more literal take on the trend, this attendee tied her puffs with shoelaces.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
It's your everyday post-pilates ponytail, elevated with piece-y bangs.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
There's something about second (or third) day hair that looks lived-in and luxurious.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
Elaine Welteroth swept her curls back into a no-fuss, center-parted, low bun, because no one had time for the rain that day.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
A segmented ponytail like this works when you have a show and shadow boxing back-to-back.
Photographed by Joanna Totolici.
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In porn, pizza delivery men spontaneously join your orgy, all homes have multiple plastic white couches, and lipstick lasts through a blowjob. In real life, sex tends to happen a bit differently... but there is one fantasy that’s actually within reach: Keeping your makeup on your face and off your 300-thread count sheets.
And since no one knows sex-proof makeup better than someone who has made a career out of having sex in makeup, we asked Kayden Kross, adult film star, director, and co-founder of Trenchcoatx, a female-run site for "curated smut that's never pandering or cheesy," for the products she swears by on set.
Ahead, Kross' favorite no-flake mascara, no-smudge lip trick, and more...
"[On porn sets] it used to be that they would stop and touch up every time the makeup got messed up during a scene, but then they found that fans preferred to see the story that’s told in the form of makeup that becomes more and more removed as the scene goes on. But personally, I do touch up if I feel like something doesn't look good anymore.
"If your makeup is going to come off a bit, then the most important thing is what you're going to look like underneath. One of the best tricks I ever learned is to put hydrocortisone cream on redness, whether it's razor burn or a blemish. The cream will shrink the vessels, so it's not as apparent."
Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Anti-Itch Creme, $6.49, available at Target.
"I'm really into Hourglass' hyaluronic foundation right now. I tend to be dry and I'm in L.A. on top of that, so it feels like my skin is sucking the moisture out of most foundations and it becomes tight and uncomfortable. But this has the moisture factor, looks smooth, and doesn’t seem to move."
Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, $56, available at Sephora.
"Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder is for your undereyes, but I use it everywhere."
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, $28, available at Sephora.
"I really like this mascara because it doesn’t flake. I don’t mind if mascara runs, I actually think it’s a little bit sexy if it does, but it's gross when it flakes. I've never had a single dust of black come off from this."
Urban Decay Troublemaker Mascara, $24, available at Urban Decay.
"I've been using this palette because it doesn't move too much and has nice shimmer."
Dior Eye Reviver Backstage Pros Illuminating Neutrals Eye Palette, $62, available at Sephora.
"I'm not into lipstick or lip gloss. Lipstick on teeth is very common, and now that I'm in the director role, that’s one of my pet peeves that I'm constantly checking for. I do Bobbi Brown lip liner, then I put Chapstick over it. That way, I can control the shape and pigment. It always stays on."
"I don’t do fragrance. It's not a good idea to overdo the scent because you never know which direction you're going to send a partner. It could kill a scene if it's too overpowering or reminds them of something or someone, so I do Aveeno unscented body lotion."
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream, $11.97, available at Jet.
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A pitch-perfect romantic comedy — think When Harry Met Sally... or The Apartment — is a thing of beauty. The chemistry is palpable, every quote sparkles, and there's enough realism to keep you invested. Your heart lifts, your eyes tear up, and you find yourself sitting there with a stupid grin on your face long after the end credits have rolled. This is what love is supposed to be.
Then there are those other rom-coms. Their grasp on reality is tenuous. Their scripts fall flat. Their message seems to go something like this: Find someone. Find anyone. Even if you have to betray a friend, jump through hoops, or compromise everything about yourself. If that's what love is supposed to be, count us out.
As Valentine's Day nears, we'd like to remind any singletons out there that there are a million things worse than flying solo. You could be sleeping with a guy you're not entirely sure isn't your dad, taking dating advice from a macho meathead, or slut-shaming yourself for having sex.
That's the sort of thing that happens in a bad rom-com. Meet the worst offenders right here.
She's All That(1999) Why does it take a makeover for Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) to finally be interested in Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook)? She was awesome before she took off her glasses.
Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock
On the Line (2001) Tracking down a random girl you met on the train was a lot more complicated and stalker-y before Craigslist Missed Connections came along.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Down to You (2000) In which Al (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) attempts suicide by drinking shampoo after breaking up with boring Imogen (Julia Stiles).
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Bounce (2000) Exes Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow star in yet another film in which simply telling the truth from the get-go would avoid a ton of drama.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Kate & Leopold (2001) Is New York City's dating scene really so bad that you'd give up your thriving career just to be with some guy in 1876? Have fun not voting, Kate.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Rumor Has It (2005) So, Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) runs out on Jeff (Mark Ruffalo) because she thinks Beau (Kevin Costner) might have fathered her in a romantic rendezvous that inspired The Graduate. The only reasonable thing to do, of course, is to sleep with Beau.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Monster-in-Law (2005) Fact: Jane Fonda and Wanda Sykes are the only actors with any chemistry here.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
Failure to Launch (2006) Spoiler: She's traumatized by a past relationship with a man who lived with his parents. He still lives with his parents because he's devastated by the death of his ex. What a perfect match!
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
Good Luck Chuck (2007) The good news? You'll find your one true love after having sex with Dane Cook. The bad news? You have to have sex with Dane Cook.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Made of Honor (2008) The low point is when Tom (Patrick Dempsey) shames his date for ordering fried dumplings at dim sum. The horror!
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
What Happens in Vegas (2008) How do people get into these predicaments? Why do movie judges make these implausible rulings? When are we going to learn to stop watching them?
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009) Witnessing a murder and having to hide out on a ranch with real, common folk works wonders for any marriage.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Bride Wars (2009) This brides-be-crazy farce will put you off weddings for good.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
The Ugly Truth (2009) What would "hopelessly single" girlboss Abby (Katherine Heigl) do without the boorish Mike (Gerard Butler) there to coach her on deep-throating a hot dog? Truly offensive.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
The Rebound (2009) Sandy (Catherine Zeta-Jones) bounces back from her divorce by dating a man 15 years her junior. It's not the age difference that kills it; it's her complete lack of chemistry with Aram (Justin Bartha). Skip this and soak up the much saucier May-December romance in the French film Bright Days Ahead instead.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) Of course Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is only able to pay off her debts when her dream guy secretly buys her beloved scarf at auction. How convenient.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) Connor (Matthew McConaughey) was a huge a-hole to Jenny (Jennifer Garner), and yet, he manages to get her back anyway. How refreshing.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
All About Steve (2009) Actual quote: "If you love someone, set him free; if you have to stalk him, he probably wasn't yours in the first place."
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
Couples Retreat (2009) Having marital problems? By all means, drag your three closest pals and their mates with you to group therapy. Meanwhile, singletons are flying to Ibiza in droves just because they can.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
The Switch (2010) Apparently, contaminating sperm intended for your best friend's insemination and secretly fathering the child yourself isn't a deal-breaker.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Killers (2010) Let's all make Jen (Katherine Heigl) feel bad about being a boring wife.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
When in Rome (2010) Nick (Josh Duhamel) falls for Beth (Kristen Bell), but she's convinced it's just a love spell. Girl, get over it.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Leap Year (2010) Anna (Amy Adams) wants to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day in Dublin, but gets Planes, Trains, and Automobile' d with hunky Declan (Matthew Goode) instead. Poor lass.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
The Back-up Plan (2010) Any rom-com that begins with an illustrated montage of a woman looking lovesick at every baby in her path is off to a bad start. Also, what's up with Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) going from being a woman taking charge of her fertility to someone who lets her jerk boyfriend shame her for having a pregnancy pillow?
Photo: Photofest.
Something Borrowed (2011) So...we're supposed to root for Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) to steal Darcy's (Kate Hudson) man because she didn't have the confidence to make a move on him first, or call dibs? Meh.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
A Little Bit of Heaven (2011) Two rom-com tropes we hope to never see again: 1) mystical spells, angels, and visions of Whoopi Goldberg as a wish-granting God; 2) happy-go-lucky but seriously ill heroines who can only be saved by the love of one man. This dud has both.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
New Year's Eve (2011) It says a lot when a movie jam-packs a dozen couples into one film, and yet you don't find yourself rooting for any of them.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Just Go With It (2011) This title is surely alluding to the incredulity inspired by an Adam Sandler character somehow fending off ones played by Jennifer Aniston and Brooklyn Decker. We hope Nicole Kidman, who also stars, fired her agent.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
This Means War (2012) Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) gets all reckless and dates two guys at the same time (but, you'll note, doesn't sleep with both, because that would so slutty). Chelsea Handler plays the best friend who dispenses advice like: "Don't choose the better man. Choose the man who makes you a better girl." So, yeah, it's all very barfy.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
Baggage Claim (2013) This film, in which Montana (Paula Patton) hunts down her exes in response to her sister getting engaged, treats being single like the Zika virus.
Photo: Snap Stills/REX/Shutterstock.
Aloha (2015) Sorry, but it's pretty hard to get past Emma Stone playing someone with the last name of Ng.
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
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Even if you’re not the type to buy into the Valentine’s Day hoopla, it's always nice to scoop up a little something for your S.O. And since time’s kind of ticking away here, we figured we’d help you out before February 14 hits you empty-handed. We know no two relationships are the same, which means while some partners may have their fingers crossed for jewelry, others are happy with a budget friendly framed photo of the two of you. So instead of giving you an array of flower bouquets and pendant necklaces, we've rounded up a few present ideas for the more adventurous gift givers (or those who know their other half really, really well).
Whether your idea of a date night is pizza in a double-seated rattan chair hanging in your backyard or a getaway trip to an exotic locale, we’ve got something for every type of relationship ahead. Let's just say these gifts are guaranteed to make a major impression.
Gifting a bag doesn't always have to go the route of luxury carryalls. A trendy purse that's worthy of being featured in her next Instagram is just as good.
Everything's better in twos, like this Scandinavian two-seat hanging rattan chair. Pop this in the backyard and schedule a few sunset watches with your boo.
A nice watch is one of those gifts that'll never go out of style. This tech-savvy version ups the ante by combining classic good looks with built-in notifications, fitness tracking, and customizable faces.
Are you more of the "we just get each other gifts all year" kind of couple? The least you can do is get them a card that reminds them you'll always be their person.
Roses are red, violets are blue, flower bouquets are cliché, so how about something new? This handmade ritual duo emits calming effects and cleansing — the perfect gift for an anxious or stressed partner.
The ultimate gift of hydration. This on-the-go multitasking brewer bottle is more powerful than it looks. There's a stainless steel filter for brewing tea and coffee or simply infusing water with herbs and fruit.
Maybe your gripe is that he doesn't yet own a wallet and just stuffs all of his cash into his pocket. Or maybe he already has a wallet (albeit 10 years old) and just needs an upgrade. Either way, this J.Crew option is called the "magic wallet," and with a description like that, it's worth introducing him to.
Capture all your adventurous moments with this itsy-bitsy camera, which attaches to just about any surface.
Polaroid Cube Action Camera, $149.99, available at Polaroid.
Listen, sometimes practicality is best. If last year's gift involved someone getting some sort-of appliance, these are definitely an acceptable follow up.
Give the gift of self-care. This robe is a boxing robe, comfy hoodie, and ultimate loungewear all in one.
Ace Hotel x Wings + Horns, $160, available at Ace Hotel
If you can't take them out for a romantic picnic (it is the dead of winter after all), a scent that is reminiscent of lush countrysides and a mid-day siesta will work just as well.
A look back at the past few seasons in nail trends might lead you to predict that Fall 2018 would be one of the sleepiest yet, with nudes, nudes, and more sheer nudes painted on A-list models like Gigi Hadid and Slick Woods. But you'd be wrong: This season has done nothing but prove otherwise, with the kind of wild, unexpected nail designs we haven't seen since Libertine's fur-coated fingertips for Spring 2017.
All those plain trends of the past might have left us with manicures more boring than Fifty Shades of Freed without the sex scenes (okay, maybe not quite that bad), but this year, New York's finest nail artists have resuscitated our design-loving souls with nail art so good, it deserves its own MoMA exhibit.
Color, texture, and major lengths abound: Jeremy Scott, Libertine, and Chromat have taken our manicure dreams to an entirely different planet... and we hope we never come back. Click ahead to check out the floor-grazing fringe and Tonya Harding-inspired tips you'll want to copy all year long.
Chromat
We never thought we'd find beauty in a bungee cord, yet here we are. Thanks to Eda Levenson (a.k.a. Lady Fancy Nails), CND, and Chillhouse, this graphic and bold nail is the first one on our lists.
Photo: LIZ DEVINE/WWD/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK.
Creatures of Comfort
While we love ourselves a Deborah Lippmann nude, these multi-colored, glittery fingertips are a new favorite. The only polish used? Hotline Bling, a new sheer-white polish launching in 2018, and loads of glitter to create the gradient ombré effect.
Photo: Kelly Taub/WWD/REX/Shutterstock.
Jeremy Scott
According to Miss Pop for Essie, the artist behind this teardrop look, these intricate designs can be done by hand at home — no, really. It's simple: Instead of dragging your polish brush from your cuticle straight to your fingertip, use the top of the bristles to wiggle the pigment onto the nail. Once you get into the groove, you'll have the same techno animal print mani as Jourdan Dunn and Jasmine Tookes in no time.
Photo: WWD/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK.
Gypsy Sport
If you're looking to make a subtle statement with your nail art, look to Gypsy Sport and Rio Uribe's inspiration behind the mismatched look. "I usually work with a colorful palette, but New York was the inspiration this season and that called for black and white,” Uribe told Vogue after the show. “We’re in a polarizing moment where everything is black or white, or even black versus white. I want us to break out of that narrative.”
Photo: WWD/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK.
Libertine
Last year, it was sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll; this year, it's long fringe inspired by the bottom of a Victorian lampshade from CND.
Photo: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK.
Libertine
According to CND style director Jan Arnold, this nail design was meant to look just like your favorite cable-knit sweater, right down to the touchable texture.
Photo: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK.
Adam Selman
This one might be totally devoid of funky texture, but it does make a case for looooong nails. This look isn't meant to translate to everyday wear, but if Tonya Harding can pull it off, we think we can, too.
Photo: WWD/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Who says polish can only work on your actual nail? In addition to a clean manicure, spice up your style with a solid dot right below your cuticle. Miss Pop used Zoya's Tawny and Aspen to achieve the look.
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Let's start with some Americana this week. I strongly recommend you listen to the full debut album by this trio of incredibly talented musicians. Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan are more than the perfect harmonies their voices make together: they are songwriters, some of the top musicians in the field on their various instruments, and women with a definitive point of view. Listening to this is a treat, so treat yo self.
Ella Mai "Naked"
It felt like I was inundated with Black girl magic from across the pond this week, so let's start with Ella Mai. Her song and video for "Naked" are a bit of a Lush bath bomb for the soul. It's not everyone who can articulate the way porn and Instagram models have fucked our views about our bodies up and reference resting bitch face in one breath. "Might be a bitch in the morning, so cash me at nighttime" is going to be my new Instagram bio. Honestly, some parts of the video are a bit pedantic, but the song is just so relatable. More of this in pop music, please.
Khalid and Normani "Love Lies"
Every now and again a song comes along that will make you exclaim to yourself, "Damn, that is a good song!" Ladies and gentleman, "Love Lies" is that song. You already know exactly where Khalid's voice hits you and that he could get your location. But Normani might be a surprise to some of you. If you have a long weekend, put this jam on your Sunday night playlist. It will do right by the mood.
Grace Carter "Silhouette"
While you're waiting for that next Adele album to drop (it may be awhile), fill the hole in your soul with Grace Carter. She may not have the ease of being just yet, but she does have the chops and that moody piano thing that most U.K. producers love for their singers. Honestly, Sam Smith should probably watch his back.
Kamaiyah feat. Bookie T "Hennessy on Ice "
Oh hey, I found your Friday night party jam. I guess you could use it on Saturday, too. You'll probably be seeing her all over NBA All-Star weekend, and her debut album just dropped. It's easy to imagine her becoming ubiquitous with jams like these. Since hip hop is taking over the charts, we've seen a downturn in the number of female artists owning it. I am ready to usher Kamaiyah and so many more through the door so we can even it up.
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.
In perhaps the most extensive report yet, the last of the holy trinity of fashion photography has been accused of sexual misconduct. Along with Bruce Weber and Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier — yes, that Patrick — was named among several stylists, agents, casting directors, and other industry figures to have acted inappropriately toward models while on the job. Via TheBoston Globe, over 50 models reported to have been touched inappropriately during work-related situations, the violations ranging from "unwanted kissing to rape" while working with at least 25 of the industry's top professionals. Models who contributed to the report include Coco Rocha, Abbey Lee Kershaw, RJ King, and more.
Demarchelier, who was Princess Diana's personal photographer, is one of the industry's most renowned and prestigious figures, having shot the highest of profiled celebrities on the covers of magazines for decades. However, when allegations of Demarchelier's inappropriate behavior arose in December of last year, Condé Nast allegedly suspended their relationship with him. (The publisher also suspended its relationship with Terry Richardson, Bruce Weber, and Mario Testino). Demarchelier, however, told TheGlobe he "shoots for everybody."
Upon reaching out to Demarchelier's studio, the photographer told TheGlobe that it was "impossible" that the multiple allegations against him could be true, adding: "People lie and they tell stories. It’s ridiculous." The photographer went on to note that he is married, claiming he has “never, never, never" touched a model inappropriately. He further denounced the accusations as "pure lying" by models who "get frustrated if they don’t work." The article also includes videos of models who claim photographers frequently use their status against them, saying that if they don't do what the photographer is telling them, another model will. In the report, at least six models accuse Demarchelier of unwanted advances and propositions.
Among the photographers on the list are David Bellemere, Greg Kadel, Andre Passos, and Seth Sabal — the latter two are alleged to have exploited at least two models when they were teenagers. Stylist Karl Templer (of Interview fame) was name checked as well. It's important to note that many of the models interviewed spoke on the basis of anonymity, for fear of repercussions to their career. We've reached out to Patrick Demarchelier's studio for comment and will update this story if/when we hear back.
If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call theRAINN Sexual Assault Hotlineat 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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Have you ever fallen down a shopping rabbit hole? You know, when one awesome brand leads you to another with a similar aesthetic, and then another, and then another? That's basically what happens when we shop onTictail, the easiest platform for discovering emerging brands from around the globe. Every two weeks, we're teaming up with the site to unearth a selection of brands you probably don't know about, but definitely should. Prepare to open a LOT of browser tabs.
Part of looking stylish is just knowing the right way to put pieces together — even if they don't technically "match." But with matching sets, there's no asking if two items look fine as an outfit, or wondering if your look makes sense. Instead, they ensure your ensemble is a guaranteed win — every single time.
After a long, hard week or a blah night of sleep, you owe it to yourself to let your clothes do the work for you. Forget trying to come up with a clever outfit combination (at least, on the days you #justcan't), and stick with a look that doesn't even require a second thought. Ahead, we've rounded up the no-brainer pairings we're stocking up on for those mornings when your style juices just aren't flowing. Because we've all been there, and it just isn't fun.
“Pair this breezy cotton set from Jakarta brand Renoir with a leather jacket and white kicks, and you’ll literally be able to roll out of bed and straight off to brunch.”
"No one does comfy-cool better than London-based Vinti Andrews. I’ve got my eye on this statement-making floral combination, which checks all of the boxes when it comes to spring trends.”
Vinti Andrews, $212, available at TictailVinti Andrews, $162, available at Tictail
“Not only is this look elegant — it’s made of satin, after all — it’s incredibly versatile, too. Dress it up for date night or down for daytime with a leather jacket and sneakers.”
“Terrycloth and elastic never looked chicer. The red-wine color is just the cherry on top.”
Sight Store Vienna, $109, available at TictailSight Store Vienna, $81, available at Tictail
“The allover nature print on this tee-and-shorts pairing puts me in vacation mode instantly. And given our recent weather in New York City, I’ll take whatever I can get!”
Les Fables, $63, available at TictailLes Fables, $63, available at Tictail
“No round-up of matching clothes is complete without a set of pajamas. I’ve been having a hard time choosing which I love most from Nightire Sleepwear, but this cheerful yellow print just might come out on top.”
“Take a trip to the jungle with this quirky striped-and-dotted pairing from Barcelona’s Krizia Robustella. With a look like this, you’re guaranteed to stand out — in the best way.”
Krizia, $175, available at TictailKrizia Robustella, $175, available at Tictail
“I love the timeless appeal of plaid. Wear this adorable little set with tights and your favorite booties — or, in warmer weather, with just sneakers and a smile.”
Shop.Tmp, $24, available at TictailShop.Tmp, $19, available at Tictail
“Lucky for athleisure fans everywhere, the ladies at Espalier are turning out performance staples that blend trend-forward fashion and highest-level function.”
Espalier, $155, available at TictailEspalier, $98, available at Tictail
“What screams grown-up more than matching sets of underwear? I can’t wait to get my hands on these beautiful, playful, and affordable pieces from Romanian brand Nalu, whose simple designs make looking put-together a snap.”
NALU Underwear, $25, available at TictailNALU Underwear, $36, available at Tictail
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