If you're wondering whether every person in Milan owns a Gucci Marmont bag or Princetown velvet slippers, we're right there with you. As the third stretch of the fashion month circuit gets underway in Italia, it's becoming easier to spot just what trends reflect each city. Where New York saw puffers and a whole lot of see-through bags, and London had Burberry trench coats aplenty (of course), Milan's style set is sporting a lot of Fendi (hello, return of the double-F logo) and Moschino (whose latest collection subtly gave the middle finger to President Trump). We're also seeing some of the season's overarching looks filter in — from the practical parka to yellow, the color of the moment.
But just because we're on day who-even-knows of this month-long whirlwind doesn't mean the street style is any less inspired than it was on day one. In fact, the over-the-top Milan aesthetic is just the jolt we need to get us through the home stretch.
Disappearing makeup is one of life’s little injustices. After exercising an almost inhuman amount of self-control by dutifully getting up early rather than hitting snooze, only for your painstakingly applied makeup to slide off by the time you grab your 4 PM snack, renders it something of a Sisyphean task. I don’t know anyone who’s not experienced this at some point – myself included. On the whole, my face can hold onto eyeliner (specifically Charlotte Tilbury Liquid Eye Pencil), mascara (Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curl Addict doesn’t crumble), and brow gel (Glossier Boy Brow can survive even the sweatiest of sauna sessions). Everything else? It’s a veritable Slip 'N Slide.
"It’s all about understanding your skin type," confirmed Chantecaille’s global makeup artist, Shareen Gerald. "Knowledge is power. Does it always all come off by 1 PM? Then you need to think about using primer. If you’re working with a very oily skin type like that, look for a mattifying primer that feels slightly velvety on the skin. It’ll give your skin a little bit of grip, and as long as you choose an oil-free version, it won’t clog your pores."
Then, there’s the matter of setting sprays, which are pretty Marmite in the beauty community. Some people love them; others think they don’t really do anything. But Shareen says, "I’m a big fan of setting sprays – the Chantecaille Rosewater is great for setting makeup, or Cover FX Mattifying Setting Spray if you really need to lock in makeup. If you want your highlight to pop, spritz your face then apply powder highlighter while it’s still wet. It’s not a subtle look!"
Most of my makeup education came from my days working on the shop floor of a high-end beauty store. Being of a drier skin type, I used to avoid powder like the plague, but my colleagues showed me that a light dusting was the difference between your makeup looking like a Raphael or a Picasso after lunch. (I love By Terry Hyaluronic Powder, which has hydrating hyaluronic acid for ultimate smoothness).
"Powder is really key," says Shareen. "It’s the one thing most women don’t do enough of when it comes to applying makeup. It really doesn’t have to be cakey, just a light dusting of Chantecaille HD Powder over your face right at the end is all you need. I do my lipstick first, then once I’m done perfecting that a little, the makeup will have settled into my skin somewhat and I can concentrate the powder where it’s needed," she added.
So by now you’ve stocked up on mattifying primer and translucent setting powder – but how to go about applying it? Shareen let me in on a secret: "If a client needs super long-lasting makeup, I’d apply a powder blush first, then a cream blush on top of that. The layering of textures helps keep everything in place, and powder then cream keeps it looking relatively skin-like." When I pressed her about drier skin types, Shareen advised mixing a drop or two of facial oil into your foundation, or applying it before your base. "Not only will it give you a luminous finish, but it helps ‘confuse’ drier skin types. Skin like that always wants comfort [and] hydration. But do this, and your skin will take the oil for hydration purposes first before it eats away at your makeup.’"
Holistic aesthetic doctor, Rabia Malik, GP, gave oil a thumbs-up too. "If your skin looks patchy and clumpy with makeup by afternoon, a drop of facial oil is a good idea – I like jojoba," she says. However, she had some more long-term advice, too. "Before I would advise certain kinds of foundation, if your makeup is constantly sliding off or going crumbly, you need to cleanse and exfoliate better."
She’s right: You can’t produce a great artwork, be that a Raphael or a Picasso, on a poor quality canvas. I really like the Murad Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel for this – it’s a two-phase treatment with a professional-grade retexturizing swab and hydrating sheet mask to exfoliate and nourish in turn.
If you’re worried about long-wear makeup damaging your skin, Dr. Malik had some words of comfort. "What makes it long-wearing is just different pigments that don’t break down so quickly, so providing you choose an oil-free version, you should be okay. However, be careful to cleanse very thoroughly in the evening."
Update: Think back to ten months ago, and you might recall hearing some major news about Glossier getting one step closer to total beauty-world domination. Even so, few expected that the empire of the millennial-focused brand-that-could would soon grow even bigger — and yet that plan has officially been kicked into high gear.
Four days ago, a screenshot of a company-wide email sent from founder and CEO Emily Weiss appeared on the brand's Instagram with a huge announcement: "Dear extended Glossier team, I’m writing to share some exciting news with you: We’ve completed a Series C fundraise, which means that our loyal venture capital partners have chosen to invest an additional $52 million dollars in our three-year-old company. Why? Put simply: they deeply believe in us, because we deeply believe in you.”
This basically informs the rest of us that Glossier isn't going anywhere any time soon... because with millions lining its pockets, you should expect to see those pink Ziploc bags in every corner of the world. And the brand continues to roll out best-selling launch after launch, so if you're not on the bandwagon yet, we suggest you follow Beyoncé's lead sooner rather than later. Whether you like it or not, the Glossier effect is here — and it's $52 million strong.
This story was originally posted on April 13, 2017.
Glossier has established itself as the Instagram-friendly, millennial pink-packaged, cool-girl brand that has the whole marketing thing down pat. (We feel so cool every time we receive a brown paper box stamped with a minimalist smiley face, and don't even get us started on how perfect those pink Ziploc bags are for travel.)
The brand “reset the beauty game” by delivering a solid skin-care routine for an affordable price — but that was almost three years ago. Now, with plenty of products in the lineup rapidly gathering their own cult followings (hello, Haloscope), it seems as though the makeup brand is ready for its first major growth spurt — and it’s a big one.
Today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a press release that delivered a surprising announcement: “Glossier to expand and create 282 new jobs.” If you’re thinking, holy shit — well, we're right there with you. Almost 300 job opportunities for beauty lovers suddenly hitting career boards is a damn good reason to move to NYC, where the brand is based.
To accommodate the growing company, Glossier is moving to a bigger headquarters, plus launching retail stores, international shipping, and many more products (including two more categories).
The press release mentions that the massive expansion will come from the State of New York's economic development agency, Excelsior Jobs Program, which will fund the company’s expansion with $3 million in performance-based tax credits.
Glossier founder Emily Weiss posted a response to the news on her lifestyle site, Into the Gloss, earlier today. She wrote that this isn’t the first time she’s asked to borrow money to build the Glossier empire, but apparently, third time's the charm. According to Weiss, Glossier recently filed a $24 million Series B ( Forbes reports it “among the largest rounds raised by a woman CEO in recent years”) — solidifying the cult brand's customer and market value. "Very few people told us no," Weiss said. "This cash infusion will help us see through our vision of Glossier becoming a truly global community."
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.
Today: a behavioral health manager working in mental health care who makes $52,000 and spends some of her paycheck this week on a Kiehl's turmeric mask.
Monthly Expenses Rent: $525 for my half of a one-bedroom apartment that I share with my boyfriend. (Utilities are included.) Health Insurance: $0. (I'm on my parents' insurance plan until I turn 26.) Car Loan Payments: $140 to my dad Hulu, Netflix & Xfinity: $0. (I use the accounts of various friends and family members.) Massage Therapy: $52. (I go to a massage school and this is my monthly cost for an hour-long massage/cupping session with tip. I have chronic neck and back pain and massage is incredibly helpful.) Chiropractor: $25 copay. (Again, this is necessary for my chronic pain.) Therapist: $0. (My insurance covers all of my therapy copays!) Savings: Varies, but I usually try to save between $500-$1,000/month depending on my spending habits. Retirement: I don't have a 401(k) set up yet (poor planning for the future, I know) but I am hoping to invest about $5,000 in Ellevest in the next few months.
Day One
10 a.m. — Wake up with sun shining brightly in my face (a rarity during Seattle winters), and snuggle with my boyfriend, *B. He hops out of bed to make coffee and brings me a cup in bed, a sweet little gesture he makes every morning that means a lot to me. I drink my coffee and read in bed for a while. I am obsessed with memoirs and mysteries and am currently making my way through all of Lisa Gardner's mysteries. Her plot twists are unparalleled.
11 a.m. — B. makes cinnamon toast with bread that his mom made for us! It is delicious and reminds me of what I ate for breakfast as a child. After finishing up our toast, B. pulls me back into bed for some quality time before we both head to work ;).
2 p.m. — Leave my apartment and go to work, which is only about a 15-minute trip.
3 p.m. — I eat snack with my clients and then peruse the internet. I've been waiting for a sale on glasses through EyeBuyDirect for a few weeks and today all frames are BOGO so I decide to go for it! I buy six pairs of frames knowing that I will probably return at least four. There is a tool for "trying on" the glasses online by uploading a photo of yourself but I never know how the glasses will look until I actually try them on at home. $163.23
6 p.m. — Spend the afternoon hanging out with my clients, playing card games, and watching a Disney movie. Dinner is chicken fingers, seasoned fries, and carrot sticks with my clients! I dunk the carrots in a solid amount of ranch dressing because I loathe carrots. The group of clients we have right now is on the quieter side so my coworker and I spend time telling jokes.
10 p.m. — Say goodbye to the few clients who are still awake and then go to a grocery store near my apartment. I pick up a random assortment of items including a tin of raspberries, cotton pads, ice cream, chips, milk, and turkey bacon. $17.52
12 a.m. — After I get home I light candles (a nightly ritual for me – I am a candle maniac) and do my skincare routine. I read in bed for a while and wait for B. to come home from work. When he gets home we talk about our respective days, snuggle in bed, and eventually pass out.
Daily Total: $180.75
Day Two
10 a.m. — Wake up and snuggle in bed with B. for a while, the most peaceful part of my day. I usually don't set an alarm unless I have to be at work early for a meeting, which makes my slow-moving mornings that much nicer. B. makes coffee and brings me a cup in bed while I read and mess around on my phone. B. eventually joins me back in bed and we enjoy sexy time before cleaning our apartment. This is a Sunday morning ritual for us: I clean the kitchen, living room, and bedroom and B. takes on the bathroom and the vacuuming.
1 p.m. — Give B. a big kiss goodbye and go to work. Once I get there, I pick out an apple with almond butter and chat with newly admitted clients.
3 p.m. — It is an incredibly quiet day at work so I decide to do a little bit of online shopping. I see that there are super cheap tickets for a musical I love ( The Last Five Years) so I buy two ($25) and text a friend to see if he wants to come. Thankfully, he is down and free on the night I booked the tickets! I want to do something fun and special for Valentine's Day with B. because I am mushy like that but also because it is going to be our last Valentine's Day in Seattle. (We are moving in the next few months.) I find a cool event at a distillery where you get a tasting of their liquors and then get to make your own hot chocolate with the alcohol you like the best. I buy two tickets and plan on surprising B. with them tonight! ($43.66) $68.66
5:30 p.m. — Tonight, my coworker is covering dinner with the clients so I eat with another coworker in our break room. Dinner is mac and cheese with lots of hot sauce! I snag fresh veggies from the fridge to munch on as well. Once perk of working at the facility I do is that we always get meals/snacks during the workday, which definitely saves me money on food costs. (Although I love to eat out so it's probably not saving me THAT much money.) I notice that two of my Poshmark bids went through. I am the proud owner of a new sundress, earrings, and a cuff with my favorite stone, ocean jasper. $30.98
8:30 p.m. — Eat the last snack of the day with the clients; this time I choose a Choco Taco and munch on it while playing trivia at my table. These clients know so many random animal facts, it is amazing! I learn that octopi have three hearts and that a group of parrots is called a pandemonium. After snack I head home and B. is already there since he had the day off. We snuggle on the couch, I pour myself a glass of rosé, and we watch the new Blue Planet 2. We are obsessed with the Planet Earth series and spend the next hour geeking out over how cute puffins are.
11 p.m. — Early to bed for B. and me. I do a quick face mask with Farmacy's Honey Potion (my saving grace for moisturizing – it always makes my skin glow). Then I finish up with the rest of my skincare routine: Acure's glowing serum, retinol from The Ordinary, and Origins Night-A-Mins moisturizer.
Daily Total: $99.64
Day Three
9 a.m. — Up and at 'em for an early day. I complete my skincare routine (The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, REN Radiance Perfection Serum, One Love Organics Morning Glory Caffeinated Firming Serum, and then I mix up Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate with Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum as well as Origins Matte Moisturizer) and brush my teeth. Then, I throw on mascara and a bright red lipstick and I am good to go. Give B. a big kiss goodbye and drive to work.
10 a.m. — Answer urgent emails when I get to work and then have morning snack with the clients. Today is a banana, a spoonful of Nutella, and coffee to get the day started.
12 p.m. — Work, work, work, work, work, work. I feel like this day will never end. I was promoted to a management role a few months ago and it has been extremely busy managing my team and the clients at the same time. I snag leftover tomato soup and salad from the break room and eat at my desk (sad, I know). The tomato soup is amazing and I thank the chef who makes all the food for the clients and staff; she is a fantastic cook!
3 p.m. — I grab a brownie for snack with the clients and eat that with a glass of milk and water. It has been a tough day for the clients so I try to keep conversation light and playful. After snack, I interview a potential new hire and decide that she would be a great fit for our team. I have a couple of meetings with various coworkers that fill up my afternoon and make it pass quickly.
6 p.m. — I jet out of work and head over to U-Village, a beautiful outdoor mall in between my work and apartment. I have my eye on a turmeric mask from Kiehl's and since they have a deal where you get extra goodies if you spend over $85, I end up buying a microdermabrasion re-texturizing scrub as well. I got a sample of this scrub a few weeks ago and haven't stopped thinking about it. I will definitely be using both the mask and scrub for a little at-home facial tonight. I poke through Anthropologie and the Gap as well but don't find anything that's calling my name. I leave the mall and drop off books at the library, picking up two new books that I had on hold – Find Her (another Lisa Gardner mystery) and Marcus Samuelsson's memoir, Yes, Chef.$88.06
8:25 p.m. — I order pad Thai with extra chicken and spring rolls, and get it delivered to my apartment. With my $10-off coupon it's a pretty good deal for the amount of food that I get. I give myself a facial with my new products from Kiehl's and watch Law & Order: SVU while eating my dinner. I fill the bathtub and pour myself a glass of rosé while soaking in the tub with a Lush bath bomb. The water gets cold after only 20 minutes so I hop out and moisturize head to toe. $15.34
11 p.m. — I take a Lyft Line down to the restaurant where B. works to meet him for a drink once he gets off work. $3.63
12:30 a.m. — B. and I catch up on our busy days while sitting at the bar; he orders a beer and I get a glass of rosé. We enjoy relaxing and chatting with some of his coworkers until I realize that I can't stop yawning, which means it's time to leave. The staff at B.'s restaurant loves him and they have gotten to know me pretty well, so our drinks are free! I tip the bartender $5 as a thank you. B and I enjoy the walk home from the restaurant to our apartment, which is made especially pleasant by the fact that it is not raining. $5
Daily Total: $112.03
Day Four
10:30 a.m. — Wake up and snuggle with B. before getting ready. I quickly throw on comfortable clothes, do a quick skincare routine, and brush my teeth. Give B. a kiss goodbye and leave for a doctor's appointment. I have been having abnormally high inflammation on my blood tests and my doctor has been running consistent tests to try and get to the root of the issue. I get my blood drawn and only wince a little. (I am pretty terrified of needles.) No copay because my parents' insurance is amazing.
11:20 p.m. — I notice that my gas tank is low so I fill up on my way home. I get 10 cents off per gallon due to Safeway reward points. After filling up, I drive home and watch the newest episode of The Bachelor while lying in bed. B. has the day off too and is watching a soccer game in the living room. I eat leftover pad Thai while I try to keep my mind off the inflammation thing; t scares me a little to know something may be wrong but not know exactly what it is. B. interrupts my pity party by providing some very welcome sexy time. $26.81
2 p.m. — B. and I shower and get ready to go see a movie! We walk from our apartment toward downtown, stopping at a 7-Eleven to buy candy before the show – strawberry sour straws for me ($1.39) and B. buys his own gummy candy. We enjoy the walk to the theater and purchase tickets for Den of Thieves ($5). $6.39
6 p.m. — The movie was alright; the way women were portrayed in the movie made me really mad and the general violence was not for me. I guessed the twist very early on in the movie but B. was blissfully unaware and surprised at the end. We decide to go grab food before trivia tonight and check out a couple places before settling on Rachel's Ginger Beer. B. pays for our chicken sandwiches and we dig in. I get an Asian-inspired sandwich while B. gets one with spicy sauce and jalapeños.
7:10 p.m. — We swing by one of my favorite coffee spots, where I get a caramel latte and split a pear and almond tarte with B. The coffee is delicious and we both finish the tarte in a matter of minutes. After people-watching through the window, we head over to the bar where they are hosting trivia. $12.36
8 p.m. — B. and I manage to get seats by the bar and we are pumped for trivia. We decide on a team name and B. buys us both beers. I give him $3 to cover mine; he gets a Tecate and picks a Bohemia for me. $3
10 p.m. — Whomp, whomp — history repeats itself and we score in the middle of the pack. We felt confident about a lot of our answers, but only got about 70% right. We cut our losses and start walking home. About halfway there, I get a hankering for chips (Cheddar and Sour Cream Lays are my weakness). Before I ask my boyfriend if we can stop at the store, he says he is also really craving chips. I give him a big kiss and tell him I was thinking the exact same thing! We each buy a bag of chips and walk the rest of the way home. $3.29
11 p.m. — We arrive at our apartment and break into the chips while watching more Blue Planet 2. This episode is all about the deep ocean and while I find it fascinating, it also creeps me out a little. We jump in bed after finishing the episode and fall asleep spooning.
Daily Total: $51.85
Day Five
10 a.m. — Spend a lazy, sexy morning in bed with B., and after an hour or so we finally roll out of bed for coffee and breakfast. B. makes coffee, eggs, bacon, and more toast from the bread his mom made for us. We chat over breakfast and then B. heads to work – I have the day all to myself! I hop back into bed with delicious lavender Earl Grey tea and read for a while.
12 p.m. — Make another cup of tea and spend time writing in my journal while watching America's Next Top Model and doing a few face masks. I choose a brightening pumpkin face mask by Andalou Naturals, followed by a clay mud mask by Kiehl's, and then finish with the turmeric mask I bought a few days ago. My skin is glowing after this pampering.
2:30 p.m. — I get a call from a market researcher and video chat with her for about half an hour. I sign up for market research and focus groups as a side hustle and I bring in a couple hundred dollars a month just by doing this for an hour or so per week. I use the gift cards and money I get from these studies to pay for skincare, clothes, and travel. This research interview pays $85 in the form of an Amazon gift card, so I peruse Amazon after finishing the call, but I don't see anything I really need at the moment.
3 p.m. — B. loves movies and we have been wanting to come up with a way to watch movies since we take forever to agree on one that will fit both of our tastes. I pick out a scratch-off movie poster online that has 100 of the top critically-acclaimed movies, which will be an amazing gift for B. for Valentine's Day. I order it and pay for express shipping so it will be here in time. I have plans to meet a friend for happy hour, so I quickly get ready and run out the door. $22.95
4 p.m. — I drive over to a small Mexican restaurant for happy hour and order a winter sangria while I wait for my friend to arrive. I take one sip of the sangria and feel it almost immediately, so I decide to order chips, salsa, and a few tacos to soak up the alcohol before I keep drinking. My friend arrives and we have such a wonderful time catching up. He has a few margaritas and orders tacos for himself as well. In college, we used to go swing dancing almost every week. Neither of us has danced in a while, so we decide to go dancing together soon. $36.56
6:30 p.m. — I arrive home feeling incredibly tired even though I did almost nothing today! I am supposed to meet another friend for a late night walk but text him and let him know that I probably am not going to make it tonight, and we take a rain check for later in the week. I crawl into bed and read my book for a few hours, then end up falling asleep for a surprise nap.
11 p.m. — Wake up with a start to my birth control alarm going off on my phone! I had no idea that I slept for so long but I feel a lot better. I take my pill and then clean up my apartment a little, doing dishes and tidying up the bathroom. I read more and B. comes home around midnight. We chat about our days, get ready for bed, and then fall asleep almost immediately.
Daily Total: $59.51
Day Six
9 a.m. — Wake up to my alarm and quickly get ready for work. On Thursdays, I have a ton of meetings starting at 10 a.m.
10 a.m. — Arrive at work and drink more lavender Earl Grey tea and sit in on my first two-hour meeting. We talk about each client's progress, and how they are doing so far in treatment and with each medical provider. After the meeting, I interview a candidate for my team and it goes very well. I email back and forth with HR about the position during the early afternoon.
1:30 p.m. — Snag leftover lasagna and a roll from the staff kitchen and then eat at my desk while checking my emails. I get an email that I have been waiting for a long time: acceptance into a graduate program for my master's in counseling! I tear up a little and text my family members and boyfriend. I whip out my card and pay the $500 deposit to secure my spot for the fall, which will eventually go toward tuition for the fall semester. I have been working toward this for several years and finally feel ready to go back to school, knowing that my heart and passion is in the mental health field. $500
4 p.m. — Drink coffee and eat animal crackers at my desk while working on training and onboarding materials as well as scheduling my team for the upcoming month.
6:30 p.m. — Leave work to meet a friend at a free DIY Valentine card-making event at a local coffee shop. I am apparently on an Earl Grey tea kick and I don't feel like drinking alcohol so I sip on that while catching up with my friend. We each make several cute cards with the provided materials. $3.50
8:30 p.m. — I drive home and end up ordering delivery from my favorite Indian restaurant. The chicken tikka masala arrives at my door in less than 30 minutes and I am one happy gal. I celebrate by myself and plan to go out with B. this weekend to officially celebrate my acceptance to school! I watch Law & Order: SVU and the latest episode of Project Runway All-Stars(I love Fabio!) while munching on my dinner. $18.26
10 p.m. — I paint my nails and then read my book while waiting for B. to come home. He finally arrives around midnight and gives me a huge hug, telling me he is so proud of me for my grad school acceptance. We spend time talking and laughing, then go to bed around 1 a.m.
Daily Total: $521.76
Day Seven
10 a.m. — Wake up and have a nice romp in bed with B. I don't have to work until noon today so we get time to lay around and cuddle. B. makes coffee and brings some to me in bed. I drink while reading and then get ready before I leave.
12 p.m. — My boss isn't at work today and I have a meeting-free schedule, so I have time to work on various projects and get materials together for the onboarding of a new employee. I grab leftover spaghetti and meatballs from the client lunch. Eat at my desk and chat with my coworkers while eating cake that one of them brought from an amazing bakery. Work through the afternoon, have dinner and snack with the clients, and handle some minor disasters along the way. One thing I love about my job is that I never know what is going to happen when I walk through the door in the morning.
8 p.m. — Head home to quickly put on makeup and change my clothes before going to karaoke with friends! A friend picks me up and drives me to the karaoke bar, something I really appreciate since I don't have to spend money on a Lyft. We get a room and the four of us belt out everything from "Party In The U.S.A." to "Humble" to "The Circle Of Life" over the next two hours. I drink two glasses of house rosé and get nice and warmed up – ready to belt out all the high notes. After the two hours are up, we each pick up our own tabs for drinks and two hours of singing. $27.46
11:30 p.m. — After leaving the karaoke bar, we head over to the restaurant/bar where B. works and each order a glass of rosé. B. brings us complimentary food and we play "What Do You Meme," a hilarious game that I bought him for Christmas. When B. gets off work, he joins us at the table and hilarious chaos ensues as we scream over the already loud music and voices in the bar. B. kindly picks up the tab for our drinks since he gets a discount – what a gentleman!
12:45 a.m. — After we are all tired from several glasses of wine, we go our separate ways. B and I walk home and fall asleep almost immediately. Wine drunk is truly the best drunk.
Daily Total: $27.46
* Name has been changed for anonymity.
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It would be a dangerous, dangerous life if Instagram had more of a shopping feature that allowed you to click and buy something as soon as you double-tapped it. Sure, some brands are starting to link their products for purchase, but I recently stumbled upon one pair of earrings that made me want to add-to-cart as soon as I saw them.
Recently launched and sold as a pair, these Peter Do heart earrings are made in New-York, crafted from rhodium, and are each actually functional lockets — and I can totally see girls everywhere loving them as soon as they get some traction. Since so many of us had lockets growing up, these definitely tap into our desire for nostalgia. But, there's also something refreshing about a fun, everyday earring that's something other than a hoop. (While I love my hoops, it's starting to feel like that's all anyone is making.)
Plus, these earrings, along with a few other accessories (like sheer knee-high socks!) are just teasers to a larger, full ready-to-wear collection Peter Do is launching this summer. And that's why we love discovering brands on Instagram — not only can you find something basically brand new, but you can also watch smaller brands grow and expand. For now though, we'll be shopping Peter Do's current selection ahead, and keeping a close eye on what the label does next (whatever it is, we bet it's going to be good!).
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But belted shirtdresses have come a long way from the poplin standard of their past. Now, there are bold color options, plunging necklines, mini skirt and bell sleeve duos, and midi-length styles in silk from head to toe. Basically, it's 2018's emerging "throw on and go" winner that we'll be reaching for through the warmer months. So suss out the options ahead, top off your look with a pair of our choice spring shoe, and revel in the warmer days to come.
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A group of 45 music festivals, organized by Keychange under the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and PRS, announced that they are committing to achieve 50/50 gender balance by 2022. They will place 50% women on their festival line-ups, on their conference panels and as speakers, and on their commissions. Sadly, very few of the festivals on their list are American.
However, I wouldn't be surprised to see this decision influence the booking practices we see at festivals in America, like Coachella, Lollapalooza, South by Southwest, and Governor's Ball. Not only will this initiative offer, in short order, proof that women can sell tickets just as well as men for festivals, but it will give women who may previously not have been invited a voice on panels and at conferences where the international music community can hear them speak.
And, it will push the rest of the industry forward. By not waiting for record labels to sign more women before they get booked for festivals, sending the message that more women are not just needed but required for spots can change the conversation between festival bookers, artist managers, and labels.
“I remain utterly outraged by the depressing statistics surrounding female representation in every aspect of the global music business," Shirley Manson, singer in Garbage and ambassador for PRS. "I am exceedingly grateful to the PRS Foundation for their initiative in trying to put this to rights for we absolutely and urgently MUST put it to rights. We are doing a great disservice, not only to women of all races and socio-economic backgrounds but to all genders, culture, and society in general by allowing the status quo to continue."
European music fans see a lot of festivals they might attend on the list, many of which bolster the careers of up and coming artists. The By:Larm music festival in Oslo, Norway, for example, is one I have been to and spoken about the American music industry. While I was there, so were representatives for many American labels and music festivals, looking for the next great thing to add to their line-ups. There is a trickle-down effect that can only help female artists.
A slew of male music execs, from Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun to Metallica and Muse's manager Cliff Burnstein to some of the most powerful tour bookers in the game, recently signed an open letter to the Recording Academy that was created by Tom Windish of Paradigm Talent Agency, who books tours (including festival appearances) for Lorde, Coldplay, and Diplo, among many others. "We are writing to stand alongside and in solidarity with the women who penned letters to you regarding gender disparity and ask that more significant and robust action be taken by The Recording Academy to answer their call," it read. Something those men are in a position to influence even more directly, as it is their livelihood, is festival culture. Imagine if they took their open letter to Coachella.
Looking back at Coachella line-ups from the past, it's obvious the festival has heard the years of complaints about gender equality and has stepped up its bookings for females. This year is its most female-friendly line-up yet, and the past two years, including Lady Gaga's turn as the fest's second female headliner in 2017, have shown steady progress in gender equity. Coachella sets the tone for every other festival. There are numerous bands who go from it to playing Governor's Ball to Bonnaroo to Lollapalooza and every small festival in between, and that's the backbone of their summer touring plan. It's no stretch to say they created and lead the festival industry as we know it in America. If they come on board with an initiative like Keychange, it would not only send a signal that they want to be leaders in the push for equality for women in music, but it would completely change the livelihoods of many women in bands.
I'd love to see each and every one of the operating companies for the biggest American festivals (who are all men) join this initiative. It will hold them accountable in the strides they're already taking and send the message loud and clear that women have worth in the music business.
Last week, the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu became the first in the world to offer free, publicly-funded breast implants to men and women, The Guardian reports.
The state health department launched the service at a clinic in the capital, Chennai, on Wednesday, with the full support of its state health minister, C Vijaya Baskar. “Why should beauty treatments not be available to the poor?” he asked. “If we don’t offer [the procedure for free], they may opt for dangerous methods or take huge loans for it.”
Previously, the clinic had already been providing reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients, but this is the first time it's offered services to people who wanted to change the size or appearance of their breasts for health or other cosmetics reasons. Going forward, the clinic will also be providing free cleft-lip surgeries for children, and hand transplants, among other procedures.
One former public health director for the state, Dr. S Elango, isn’t crazy about the new program. “[It] sounds populist, but it is not an ideal public health program,” he told the Times of India, per The Guardian. “State funds are required for emerging non-communicable diseases and communicable diseases. It is sad that we are now focusing on beauty instead of life-saving surgeries.”
Dr. V Ramadevi, the head of plastic surgery at the clinic, argued otherwise. “There is a psychological benefit,” she said of her patients, some of whom have sought breast reductions to alleviate back and shoulder pain, and others who’ve pursued the surgeries for a boost in confidence. “Many girls who have larger breasts don’t like to go out. There is no reason this surgery should be restricted from the poor.” And if it'll help protect those same people from the dangers of cheap black-market plastic surgery, then it does become a viable public health program by association.
We're at least a few hundred red carpets deep into 2018, yet somehow, we're still not bored. With a storied history rich in Hollywood waves and extensive contouring, step-and-repeats can be, well, repetitive. But at last night's 2018 American Black Film Festival Honors Awards, we got all of the innovation that we need right now. The looks didn't stop at natural textures, braids, twists, and colors — although there were plenty of beautiful examples of those, too. We also got to see those same styles reimagined in modern ways that serve as nifty ways to extend the life of our protective styles. Ahead, see the looks that Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Angela Bassett, and others wore last night.
Braided High Ponytail
Glow 's Sydelle Noel rearranged her braids into a regal side ponytail and covered her elastic by wrapping a plait around the base. Aside from this being a chic way to get your hair out of your face, a high ponytail also works well when you want to hide the looser braids in the middle of your head.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Fulani Braid Detail
To add some dimension into her pulled-back style, actress Tichina Arnold added two thin cornrows and a golden bead to the front of her ponytail. If edge control is no help to your hairline when it's hot out, braids like these will distract from the puffiness.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Angled Afro
"We’ll be seeing the return of the triangle: flatter on top and wider on the side," Wes Sharpton of Hair Story Studio told R29 in December. His prediction came into fruition once again on actress Zoe Renee.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Queen Curls
Angela Bassett, who plays Queen Ramonda in Black Panther, is only missing a crown atop these voluminous, blown-out waves. If you want to add a little definition in certain sections, try using a mini flat iron, then break up the curls with your fingers to keep things feeling soft.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Crochet Colors
We already know that Issa Rae is a big fan of crochet braids, but last night she took her signature look to another level by looping in a few strands of auburn to break up her brunette color.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Curly Fro-hawk
If you've got a tapered cut, then She's Gotta Have It 's Dewanda Wise has some inspo for you. Grab your favorite gel, along with a heaping handful of bobby pins, to push your curls front and center.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
Boss Bun
Hairstylist Marcia Hamilton slicked Tracee Ellis Ross' curls back into a classic chignon — all the better to see her danglers and pretty pink lipstick.
Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
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BeautywithMi, hosted by Refinery29's beauty writerMi-Anne Chan, explores the coolest new trends, treatments, products, and subcultures in thebeautyworld. Follow along on her wild beauty adventureshere.
Chiu doesn't wear a stitch of makeup (save for a little Kjaer Weiss lip pencil in Mauve), and she doesn't need to; her skin is crystal-clear and naturally dewy. I wouldn't have guessed she's a day over 32. She's 43.
Some attribute Chiu's skin to genetics, she says, but there's no denying a strict skin-care routine has something to do with it, too. A licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and expert in Chinese medicine for over a decade, Chiu has made a name for herself in the holistic beauty world.
Recently, facial acupuncture has gone from fringe beauty technique to relatively common practice, namely for its ability to significantly lift and brighten the face. I found myself not only on her table, but attending one of her gua sha classes earlier this month. Two weeks later, I'm floored by the results: clear, dewy skin and next to no redness.
For those of you who are new to acupuncture, here's a quick crash course: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves placing ultra-fine needles on systematic points to improve tone and increase the circulation of blood and lymph. The practice has been shown to help with a host of issues, from depression to arthritis to carpal tunnel. On the face, it can help clear congestion, minimize acne, and reduce redness and inflammation.
Unlike most facials, Chiu's treatment doesn't involve masking or extractions — instead, she focuses on needling the neck and face (with a few needles placed in strategic points on the body) catering her technique to each client's skin concerns. In all honesty, facial acupuncture isn't relaxing during the procedure. According to Chiu, this is completely normal. She says it's common for people to experience discomfort during the treatment, but intense relaxation after. She finishes each treatment with an ultra-soothing 15-minute session of gua sha and cupping.
Still, facial acupuncture isn't for everyone, but gua sha is an easy way to contour and lift the face from the comfort of your own home once you understand how to correctly do it (although I highly recommend booking a professional treatment to see maximum results). Chiu conducts monthly classes to teach clients how to maintain their results at home with gua sha and even has a video explaining the entire process and an online shop where you can buy a jade tool.
I've been using gua sha almost daily since learning about it and I can attest to its ability to tone the face. Sure, it's not like I can skip contour powder, but it does wonders to reduce inflammation — especially after a long night of tequila sodas. Curious to see acupuncture and gua sha in action? Check out the video above and subscribe to Refinery29 's YouTube channel for more videos like this.
Ivanka Trump said in a recent interview that she believes her father's denials of the sexual misconduct allegations against him over the accusations of at least 19 women.
In an NBC News interview, when asked whether she believes her father's accusers, the first daughter and White House adviser, said:
"I think it's a pretty inappropriate question to ask a daughter, if she believes the accusers of her father when he's affirmatively stated that there's no truth to it.
"I don't think that's a question you would ask many other daughters. I believe my father, I know my father, so I think I have that right as a daughter to believe my father."
“Do you believe your father’s [sexual misconduct] accusers?” -@PeterAlexander
“I think it’s a pretty inappropriate question to ask a daughter if she believes the accusers of her father when he’s affirmatively stated there’s no truth to it.” -@IvankaTrumppic.twitter.com/23AVPgcOdE
At least 19 women have accused President Trump in cases ranging from sexual misconduct to rape, but the White House has dismissed all of the allegations. One of the women, Rachel Crooks, is now running for office, hoping to win a seat in the Ohio state legislature. She has said she was inspired to run because even though the #MeToo movement has taken down many powerful men, the president has not faced consequences for his own actions. Crooks asserts that he kissed her without her consent in 2006.
In an unusual statement — since he's mostly stayed silent on the allegations — the president angrily lashed out at Crooks last week, saying he doesn't even know her. He has also threatened to sue the women in statements made during the 2016 presidential election (he has not done so), and is now facing a defamation lawsuit brought by one of his accusers, Summer Zervos, a former contestant on The Apprentice who claims Trump groped and kissed her without consent.
Ivanka's statement about propriety is curious given that she is a public figure and a senior adviser at the White House. It is certainly appropriate for a journalist to ask her about a newsworthy set of allegations that's in the public eye. Additionally, her defense of her father — taking his words at face value over the words, and evidence, of a considerable number of women — seems to be a classic example of victim-blaming, or believing the accused over the accuser.
It would be interesting to ask Ivanka what she thinks about the actual rarity of false accusations; only approximately 2 to 8% of rape reports are false, according to a 2010 study of students at one university. While the study is narrow, there's a paucity of data precisely because at least two out of three rapes are not reported and many survivors are afraid to speak out, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
Another worthwhile question: Does she truly not think her father walked in on beauty pageant contestants in their dressing rooms while they were naked? He himself has said to Howard Stern, “You know, they’re standing there with no clothes. ‘Is everybody okay?’ And you see these incredible-looking women, and so, I sort of get away with things like that.” Or does she not believe this qualifies as sexual misconduct?
President Trump famously said, "When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything." Does Ivanka not believe that this display of bravado constitutes as bragging about sexual assault?
Earlier this month, the president sent a tweet slamming the #MeToo movement, just a day after he expressed sympathy for former White House aide Rob Porter, whose two ex-wives have accused him of violently attacking them. In it, he claimed that people's "lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation." But he is still president.
We'd also love to ask Ivanka whether she meant it when she tweeted in support of Time's Up — the legal defense fund launched by celebrities to help survivors of sexual assault and harassment challenge their attackers — just last month.
"Just saw @Oprah's empowering and inspiring speech at last night's #GoldenGlobes. Let's all come together, women & men, & say #TimesUp! #United," she wrote in her tweet. In the speech, Oprah Winfrey told powerful men who abuse women that their time is up as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille award.
How does this rousing call for solidarity square with Ivanka's comments that she doesn't believe 19 women — women who have nothing to gain from sharing their pain with the world and everything to lose? Women some of whom have been threatened to drop their lawsuits and are too frightened to appear in public?
The White House has declined to comment on Ivanka's statements.
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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More often than not, we spend our lunch break dashing to the nearest restaurant for an overpriced bite (or mindlessly devouring a PB&J sandwich at our desk). It’s high time to break the habit. Instead, let’s opt for a delicious, healthy meal in minutes and spend the rest of our time doing something way more exhilarating. A great way to get started? Try Healthy Choice Power Bowls — and a few of these other stimulating lunchtime activities. (Hint: They’re far more exciting than a PB&J sandwich.) Watch below, and get ready to feel pumped up.
How to Let Loose
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Back in mid-November, country singer Carrie Underwood fell on the front steps of her Tennessee home. According to The Tennessean, Underwood suffered “non life-threatening injuries including a broken wrist and cuts and abrasions." Soon after the public found out about the minor accident, Underwood took to Twitter to assure fans she would be just fine. Then, by early January, Underwood clarified that her fall was much more than a broken wrist and some scratches. In fact, it resulted in her needing between 40 and 50 stitches on her face. Now, after months of not being photographed, Underwood posted her first selfie.
Over the weekend, Underwood posted a selfie beside her husband Mike Fisher while holding red X's over their mouths. Although the post was to spread awareness for End It, the movement against human trafficking, most fans pointed out this is the most we've seen of the singer in 2018. After the news broke that she suffered a far more serious accident than we were previously led to believe, it also surfaced that her appearance might've have changed due to the fall's damage. However, after a fan caught Underwood in public in December and snagged a photo for her Twitter, fans were quick to rally behind Underwood with support for her recovery.
Initially, Underwood broke the news in a fan letter on her website regarding the real effects of the fall, ending the note with an optimistic warning: "I am determined to make 2018 amazing and I want to share things with you along the way. And when I am ready to get in front of a camera, I want you all to understand why I might look a bit different."
So far, commenters have been saying the singer looks happy and healthy — which is all that matters. And the fact that Underwood used her first time back in front of the camera to do some good in the world shows just what kind of person she is.
I am mixed race, 23 years old, and a 'new face' model on my first full ‘fashion circuit’ of New York, London, Milan, and Paris. I started modeling a year ago, entering the industry at a time when it could no longer drag its heels in terms of diversity and model welfare — for me, this unbelievable opportunity is an indication of the broadening of fashion’s inclusion of different ages and ethnicities. And while that isn’t to say the industry hasn't been slow in its uptake (and still has a considerable amount to improve on), I do believe modeling is a vocational choice that is an incredibly selective privilege.
Sies Marjan Fall Winter 2018, New York Fashion Week, 11 Feb 2018Photo: Jonas Gustavsson/Sipa USA/REX/Shutterstock
Being a model is one of those careers that when it's good, it's exceptional; but when it's bad, it can be mentally and physically exhausting. It's a job that requires you to be available 24/7; there are no set starts or finishes, and call times vary from location to brand to job type.
New York Fashion Week is the most important step for new models because it can decide how well you will do throughout the rest of the fashion calendar. As I am a new face, my schedule during this period was especially erratic. I needed to meet all of the casting directors a week before to then be invited back for specific castings for the shows. As soon as I landed in New York, my agent warned me that ‘I would hit the ground running,’ and I immediately began dashing across Manhattan to get to the various casting locations. The casting days during fashion week can be tedious; quite often you will be in long lines with dozens of other models for hours. Then you wait to receive an email that could confirm a callback, or hopefully a fitting, for the show. The toughest part is rejection.
My first experience walking a New York show was with Tom Ford, which was overwhelming. I was deeply inspired by the dedication he and the in-house team had in custom-making the sequin suit I wore for a show that would be over in minutes. I was particularly impressed not only by how diversely James Scully had cast the show models, but also by how diverse the makeup, hair, and dressing teams were. It humbled me to be sharing this moment not only with other models of color, but also with the people of color who worked the show.
Photo: Melodie Jeng for models.com.
As the scope of diversity continues to broaden the industry, so have my friends' nationalities, which continue to educate my worldview. I respect the models of color who began their careers when there just weren’t the same welfare protections I am now experiencing. They have worked hard for years to be given a respected place in the upper echelons of the industry, and through the stories they have told me it is incredible to see how much the attitudes of the industry have already changed. These girls have been the ones who have given me the best advice, shaped my perspective, and saved me from the expense of model apartments by letting me crash at their homes in New York and Paris. Fashion gets a lot of stick for its vapidity, which there certainly is a lot of, however, there are also the genuine connections you can make with people you work with.
Photo: Melodie Jeng for models.com.
This New York Fashion Week was also meant to be the first time shows would have private dressing areas for models backstage. Having been publicized by The Model Alliance, this seemed like the most active confrontation by the industry in dealing with its own #MeToo problems. In addition to Tom Ford, I was also honored with walking for Sies Marjan and Derek Lam, and each show had its own separate area for us to change in with our dresser, and robes for us to wear while getting ready. However, this wasn’t the case for all of the shows. One of my friends had a completely different experience during the same week; out of the eight shows she walked, three of them did not have any private dressing areas. Her definition of a private dressing room was an area in which "there is a place to change without photographers present." Although steps such as the ones being publicized are edging in the right direction, they are still only guidelines, which allows some brands to continue trivializing concerns surrounding models' working conditions.
My agency, IMG, prepped all of us new faces for the lows and highs of fashion week. We had a nutritional session with a chef, met the team who’d be on call for us, and had a discussion with the casting director Ashley Brokaw, who books shows like Calvin Klein. The evening reminded me that although it can be isolating, every new face is in a similar position, which formed a sense of camaraderie. Preparations like I received are relatively new and not a statutory requirement. Like a lot of the changes now being made within the industry, it is still left to the discretion of individual companies to choose how, and if, they implement protections for models as employees.
I am optimistic about fashion not falling behind on welfare and diversity. I believe we are already seeing a lot of progression, which is being spearheaded by advocates like Scully, Brokaw, and others. The next steps need to be strides towards non-negotiable set standards for everyone employed by the fashion industry, which unlike the privileged position of modeling should be expected and not have to be demanded.
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When it comes to our love of primetime television, we can't imagine anything more devastating than Jack Pearson's death... But then Milo Ventimiglia, the actor behind the character, shaved his mustache, therefore solidifying the fact that — despite theories — we've probably seen the last of our beloved This Is Us TV dad.
Truthfully, we’ve never sobbed as hard as we did when we saw the reflection of the Pearson father's body in the Super Bowl episode. And while the actor’s missing facial hair doesn’t require requesting a personal day from work, it's still upsetting for the show's superfans.
But there is one bright side to this major change: It appears Ventimiglia called his on-screen wife, Mandy Moore (Rebecca Pearson), for a hairstylist recommendation. Streicher is Moore’s longtime hair guru and partially responsible for Moore's most recent brush with blonde. Now, it's clear that Ventimiglia is following her lead, trusting Streicher with his 'do.She posted an Instagram photo revealing Ventimiglia's new look today: "Keepin’ it in the Fam #ThisIsUs end of season chop for @miloanthonyventimiglia ❤️ #momANDdad#jackANDrebecca#STRIIIKEhair#STRIIIKEinthemirror series." Although we can't confirm Streicher is behind both his trim and clean-shaven look, we can sink into the warm fuzzy feelings that this TV couple is just as close IRL.
It’s not unusual for actors to shed their recent character’s style immediately after wrapping filming. Since This Is Us officially finished production on season 2, it appears the cast members are ready for a minor break from the Pearson family — and we don’t blame them. After all, this season was heavy. Eventually, we'll get over this one, but for now, we'll be watching compilation videos of Jack Pearson's best moments on YouTube, specifically scenes in which he's rocking that dad 'stache like a pro.
The prime minister of New Zealand was described as "attractive" and asked about the conception of her baby during a widely criticized interview on an Australian current affairs show.
60 Minutes journalist Charles Wooley has come under fire for his sexist line of questioning during the interview, in which he said he was "smitten" with Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's youngest leader since the 19th century, who is pregnant with her first child.
Wooley referenced Ardern's appearance during the show's introduction, which aired on Sunday night, saying he had "met a lot of prime ministers in [his] time," before adding: "But none so young, not too many so smart, and never one so attractive.” He also said that, like the rest of New Zealand, he was "smitten" with her.
With an unexpected - but very exciting - pregnancy, when @jacindaardern gives birth in June, she’ll become the first elected female western leader to have a child in office. #60Minspic.twitter.com/mCB9rxeT81
Even more cringe-inducing were Wooley's questions about her pregnancy, which she announced in January, three months after taking office. (Ardern will become only the second female world leader to give birth while in power – Benazir Bhutto gave birth to her daughter while she was Pakistan's PM almost 30 years ago.)
“One really important political question that I want to ask you,” Wooley said to Ardern, who was accompanied by her partner, Clarke Gayford, during the interview. “And that is, what exactly is the date that the baby’s due?”
When Ardern responded June 17, Wooley said it was "interesting how many people have been counting back to the conception ... as it were." The pair both laughed awkwardly, but Gayford looked particularly uncomfortable, blushing and asking, “Really?”
Wooley then, somewhat incongruously, referred to his own experience of conception: “Having produced six children it doesn’t amaze me that people can have children; why shouldn’t a child be conceived during an election campaign?”
To which Ardern replied while rolling her eyes: “The election was done. Not that we need to get into those details.”
Viewers around the world have watched the interview online in shock, with Wooley's questioning widely lambasted as "creepy," "cringeworthy," "sexist," and "pathetic" on social media, particularly by New Zealanders, who swooped to their PM's defense.
That's gross -,what a sexist and pathetic and distinctly uncomfortable piece of "journalism"
Dear New Zealand 🇳🇿, our best mate, you know how everyone has a creepy Uncle you need to avoid at Xmas parties? Sorry we got him to interview your PM. Please tell @jacindaardern we reckon it was gross.
This is cringeworthy. Of course, such interviews are common with male politicians when their partners are expecting a child, so it's all fair. Oh wait. Such weird ass crap has never been inflicted on a male politician.
Wooley: I'm here today with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her domestic partner Clarke Gayford. *Turns to Gayford* Wooley: So mate when did you knock her up?#60Minutes#OfShite
PM Jacinda Ardern should have walked from the so-called interview on 60mins. Not an interview. It was demeaning. PM give yourself permission to remove yourself from such abuse.
60 Minutes is outdated, superficial tosh. Expecting an in-depth, respectful interview of Jacinda Ardern was naive. What actually happened was revolting.#auspolhttps://t.co/HWpOBTGjvX
Is Charles Wooley past it? Seems a very sexist interview, even creepy can't imagine him asking a male PM these questions. Get with the times. https://t.co/OXumHkTIVv
Ardern has since said she was unfazed by the interview and wasn't offended, adding that she was used to such lines of questioning from media. "You're assuming that I haven't been asked that question before by New Zealand media as well," she said in a press conference on Monday.
"At the time certainly... that question threw me a little bit, but it would be going a bit far to say I was somehow offended by it. I wasn't. It's one I think put under the heading of too much information," she continued.
"I haven't spent a lot of time analyzing it. Maybe I've lost all of my sensitivity, maybe it's just that I'm from Morrinsville, I don't know, but I just wasn't particularly fazed by any of it," she added.
Gayford's take on the interview, meanwhile, was more in line with the reaction on social media. He alluded to the program in a cryptic tweet containing picturesque photos of New Zealand: "A perfect place to escape for 60 Minutes or longer where required."
Hey NZ this is you. A perfect place to escape for 60 Minutes or longer where required. Yesterday, Mokohinau Islands. Bloody magic bro. pic.twitter.com/mtHenrrXNB
Wooley described the criticism of his interview as "Orwellian" and defended his questions by saying Australian audiences wouldn't have been interested in domestic policy questions. Speaking to New Zealand's Newstalk ZB, he said there were "so many different meanings" to the word attractive, "from good looking to gorgeous to likable," but he admitted his wife had accused him of "gushing" over Ardern.
Referring to the uproar, he said: “It’s a bit Orwellian, you know, I think you got to be so careful with newspeak and thought crime and everything else; we suffer the same thing in Australia.”
Refinery29 is teaming up with The Laughing Cow for an #AntiRoutine mission that's all about shifting your perspective to unlock new possibilities. Say goodbye to your monotonous routine and instead, make the choice to switch it up with simple lifestyle changes that will garner lasting, positive effects. Ahead, one writer takes on the challenge.
Somewhere and somehow down the line, I developed an obsession with perfection. It's pretty apparent; from the tiniest of tasks to assignments at work, very rarely is anything I do "good enough" — at least, to me. While being so "type A" is often frowned upon, I don't fully agree.
I believe my type A-ness has fueled my success — from surviving a rigorous college to landing a job as an editor in New York City, a place I've dreamt about forever. Still, despite these accomplishments, I admit there's a major drawback: I'm not that happy.
Not too long ago, I found validation in popular Instagram memes like, "Work harder than you think you did yesterday," from author Alex Elle. Perhaps it's a little silly, but to me, sayings like this told me that if I continue busting my ass — taking advantage of every moment there is — I will leave behind a "legacy" worth mentioning. Always do more, never less. It took a much-needed, involuntary wake-up call from a friend for me to realize that too much structure, discipline, and sacrifice was having a negative effect on my productivity, mood, and overall wellbeing. Frustrated and desperate for change, I hired a certified life coach to help me stop having my act together.
The key to a more stable life lies less in controlling the world outside of you and more in cultivating a strong sense of self.
Unlike therapists who often work with issues of the past, life coaches tend to focus on the present and the future. Mine — coach Ryann Pitcavage — believes in taking a holistic approach. I came to her seeking ways to ditch my type A personality for good, but through our sessions, she helped confirm a paralyzing fear I've been carrying around for years: failing. Subconsciously, fear of failing fuels my strict diet for success and bolsters the importance of having a safety net, aka perfectionism. It then continues to manifest as various routines. Life itself has become a mere formula for me: The more success, the tighter I hold onto routines, no matter how miserable they make me.
Yet, the reality is, "We don’t really grow in our comfort zones," Pitcavage says. "Limiting ourselves to our comfort zones is an easy way for us to feel confident, powerful, and in control without actually having to take any risks." Makes sense, right? Sure. "We fear taking risks because we deeply fear messing up," she continues. "Therefore, we limit our growth, as we actively avoid too many new, unknown, uncertain things." Here's the kicker, though: "We give too much meaning to our failures or errors; rather than simply seeing them as mistakes, we see them as inherent character flaws in ourselves — that we are a failure rather than being a human who is experiencing a failure."
While Pitcavage's coaching gave me several "aha" moments, the statement above resonated with me the most. I've spent so much time striving for perfect that the stakes of leaving such behavior behind became higher than anything else I had to lose. Why? This space of being "the overachiever" is where I've gotten my "acceptance, approval, praise, recognition, love, etc.," Pitcavage ultimately concluded.
Unless you intentionally seek out experiences outside your comfort zone, your sense of personal power will be dependent upon ups and downs of crises that happen in your life.
In an effort to rewire my brain, she offered an explanation: "The key to a more stable life lies less in controlling the world outside of you and more in cultivating a strong sense of self." Furthermore, she said my progress should be intentional. "Unless you intentionally seek out experiences outside your comfort zone, your sense of personal power will be dependent upon ups and downs of crises that happen in your life."
Bingo! I needed to be challenged. Therefore, for a week in January, I set out to loosen up and relinquish control.
Illustrated by Xaviera Altena.
Email was the first step. My type A personality enables my bad habit of checking work emails long after I've left the office — I refresh my phone's mail app at least five times during my evening commute, scanning three different inboxes for unreads and anything marked urgent. And it gets worse when I finally make it home — throughout dinner, while catching up on shows, and especially right before bed, my fingers stay busy typing away responses.
So to confront FOMO directly, on Monday around 6:30 p.m., I made the conscious decision to stash my phone far away from reach, only pulling it out once back at my apartment to charge for the upcoming day. Of course, I scrolled Twitter a few times and responded to texts, but fighting the urge to email was surprisingly easy. And in general, I felt way less anxious, which honestly led to the best sleep ever.
For the next 72 hours, I tasked myself with finding opportunities to be more spontaneous. I updated my online dating profile, adding pictures and quirky details about myself in hopes of sparking new interests. It paid off, too, and I soon matched with a Harlem-based attorney. He seemed sophisticated, more so than anyone else I had previously considered, and he was physically out of my comfort zone, since I reside many train stops away in Brooklyn. Making the first move was my second bold step. Swapping numbers and feeling safe agreeing to go on a date planned completely by him followed suit. The only details I knew were when and where we'd meet — a far cry from my usual first dates, which I tend to schedule at familiar spots near my apartment or job, so I have an escape route should anything go wrong.
On this date, I lowered my guard and ended up learning a) attorneys are great at asking questions, meaning I don't always have to take the lead, and b) not every connection needs to be a "love connection." Getting to know someone should be fun! Less pressure opens doors, if I can remember to keep my mind open as well.
Another cool benefit of the date was discovering how much I truly enjoy Harlem, a neighborhood I hadn't previously explored. As a Black journalist and creative writer, the neighborhood's historic and cultural vibes spoke to my soul. I can't wait to return on a slow summer weekend and explore with friends.
Illustrated by Xaviera Altena.
On Saturday, I chose to expand my taste for global cuisines. Taking a peek at my past food delivery orders, it was obvious I'm very faithful to Italian, Thai, and Mexican dishes — so I decided to head to a Jamaican spot in Queens, ousting my habitual dining habits. Looking over the menu, I ended up chatting for hours with my Caribbean-born waiter, who was eager to diversify my palette. He encouraged me to try delicious goat stew, rice and beans, grapefruit soda, and a new favorite of mine: fried ripe plantains. And after hearing his many stories about growing up in Jamaica, I even decided to begin planning my first international trip — a goal I'd put off due to "not having enough time."
'Perfect' has lost its magical spark, its authority, and its place in my 'routine.'
My last challenge really involved pushing myself to the edge: participating in a hip-hop cycling class. For context, I barely have rhythm on the dance floor, let alone while riding a stationary bike and doing coordinated hand-arm movements in a crowd of hardcore spinners. I was sure I'd be judged. Setting fear aside, I went for it. "Intense" doesn't even begin describe what I endured over the course of 45 minutes. But as hard as it was, I still had an amazing time. Hair crazy, legs sore, heart pumped — I would gladly do it again. I came to class with assumptions about being laughed at, yet I left relieved, feeling healthy and inspired.
I'm proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone for the sake of my own happiness. Not only do I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, but I'm also better equipped to handle whatever stunt life has in store for me, and I'm thankful to the life coach for assisting me in pulling me out of my fear. "Perfect" has lost its magical spark, its authority, and its place in my "routine." From now on, I intend to turn failure on its head by celebrating it as a means to grow stronger, learn deeper, and become a better me.
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Nordstrom continues to show the fashion industry what true size inclusivity means. Back in October, the retailer introduced a new way to shop, inspired by the success of Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede’s company Good American, which insisted Nordstrom merchandise its 00 to 24 range together, instead of separating the straight sizes from the plus. And on Friday, Becca McCharen-Tran, the designer behind Chromat, revealed Nordstrom wasn’t content with simply reorganizing its merchandise.
On a panel for the opening of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s latest exhibit, “The Body: Fashion and Physique,” McCharen-Tran spoke alongside designer Christian Siriano and professor Kim Jenkins about fashion's progress towards a more diverse and inclusive industry, dropping a major gem along the way, Fashionista reports. According to McCharen-Tran, Nordstrom placed a pretty big order of her “future-forward body wear,” all the way up to size 3X.
To say it was a shock would have been an understatement. When Chromat started using curve models on the runway five years ago during its spring 2015 collection, retailers were hesitant to stock its pieces in over a size large. “We were so surprised,” McCharen-Tran tells Refinery29 of not getting a response. "That’s why the order with Nordstrom is so important. It’s the first time a retailer has been so supportive of our curve inclusive mission."
“This will be the first time we are producing up to 3X, so I am equally nervous as I am excited about it's launch next month,” she continues. The launch is timed to happen in March or April, and the label has “partnered with a great factory that is experienced in producing curve sizing for other swim global brands.” McCharen-Tran, meanwhile, says Chromat has "worked hard to engineer the grading based on the curve fit tests [they've] been doing over the last five years."
To see a brand that's authentically championed and celebrated all types of women finally earn recognition on a broader stage is just another step the fashion industry has taken in the right direction. We've seen plus representation on the runway increase, we've seen popular retailersextend their offerings, and we've seen new labels disrupt the landscape. And now's the time for other department stores to reevaluate what their customer really wants — because we have a feeling it's a whole lot more of this.
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For such a widely respected wardrobe staple, after time, the black blazer can start to feel, well, pretty lackluster. Of course, it's a classic item you're told you have to have — and if you work in a traditional work environment, might even need — but if you're still wearing the same old piece that you bought at your local mall in 2008, you may be due for an upgrade.
It only takes a few standout variations to restore your faith in this trusted closet essential. Lately, we're seeing everything from tuxedo-inspired cuts to double-breasted fronts, boxier silhouettes, inverted lapels, and even fresh fabrications like silk or velvet. If you're feeling extra bold, you can go for embellishment, or something completely untraditional, like a tie-front. All we're saying is, if the first word you think of when you look at your black blazer is underwhelming, you're not alone. That's why we've found the next best thing.
Click on for 20 black blazers that will restore your faith in black blazers, we swear.
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After several seasons of snakeskin (faux, of course), zebra patterns, and teddy textures, the fall 2018 season marks the triumphant return of the leopard print coat.
The revival kicked off with Victoria Beckham's final show on the New York Fashion Week schedule before her London homecoming. While all the front row chatter should have been around her 10th anniversary, what captured fashion's finest — and thus our Instagram feeds — was instead the belted leopard print trench coat she showcased.
Styled simply with a high-necked black blouse, tailored trousers, and patent black shoes, it was a fresh and contemporary take on an enduring staple. “Everyone’s obsessed with this leopard-print coat,” she told British Vogue after the show. “It was based on a Venetian upholstery fabric which was super heavy, woven in one of the oldest factories in Italy, and we reworked it as a chenille jacquard.” By steering clear of the faux texture with which the likes of Shrimps and Alexachung have spoiled us and instead opting for a heavier fabric, Beckham brought the '60s signifier into 2018.
While we still love our vinyl trenches, teddy coats, and puffers, it's hard to not fall for leopard once again. Time to dig up the faux-fur number you put into storage all those years ago. Or, if you're looking for something new, there's plenty of options to buy right now.
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