All eyes are on 22-year-old Timothée Chalamet for his breakout roles in Call Me By Your Name and Ladybird, both of which are nominated during tonight's Oscars. In fact, Chalamet is the third-youngest actor to ever be nominated for Best Actor, and the youngest in 80 years. If you, like us, are wearing your best Timmy merch in front of your television while rooting for his win, you're not alone. Because screenwriter James Ivory, who adapted Call Me By Your Name to film , is the Timothée stan in all of us, donning a custom shirt with the young star's face on it on tonight's red carpet. And just like that, our Oscars evening has already peaked, hours before the show even starts.
In one of the last scenes in CMBYN, Chalamet's character Elio Perlman wears a shirt sporting dozens of hand-drawn faces, which launched a thousand frantic eBay searches for a dupe. Ivory's button-down of a line drawing of Chalamet's mug is a clear (black-tie-appropriate) homage to that. Ivory is also nominated tonight for Best Adapted Screenplay for CMBYN, and he told the LA Times ' Tre'vell Anderson that he's giving the shirt to Timothée after tonight's festivities. Best hand-me-down ever, or best hand-me-down ever?
The first question that comes to mind though is simply, Ivory, where can we cop this merch? We're so ready to replace our usual white button-up or band tee with one that shows our true passions. But before we take a sharpie to one we already own, let's take a look at what's already on the market. While we comb the deep Internet for who's responsible for Ivory's, click ahead for the Chalamet and Call Me By Your Name merch you can buy right now. And if they both win tonight, now, that's a justified purchase if we've ever seen one.
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Tonight, Ronan showed up to the 90th Academy Awards red carpet debuting a new haircut hitting just below her ears — and we were shocked. While stars tend to bring the glam for the biggest awards ceremony of the year, it's not often we spot a celeb with a fresh cut styled, well, straight. We knew the Oscars would be different this year — for more than one reason — but we didn't expect the first round of change to show up on the pre-show.
Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films.
Variations on the bob never go out of style. In fact, celebrities consistently go back to the timeless length year after year. But we don't think Ronan pulled all her inspiration from her peers — not this time, at least. Is anyone getting major Lady Bird vibes with this blunt style?
Sure, Ronan isn't actually an angsty teen from Sacramento finally coming into her own before college, but she's pulling off the chop like she is thanks to celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel. He told Us Weekly that the cut happened late last night after Ronan left the Independent Spirit Awards. “She was so excited about the change,” Abergel revealed to the publication. “Saoirse is a true collaborator, always willing to change and morph.”
Even if Ronan doesn't snag the golden statue tonight for her role in the film, we think she already won with her new look.
Tiffany Haddish is having one hell of a weekend. On Friday, there was speculation Beyoncé referenced her in her latest single with DJ Khaled, “Top Off.” On Saturday, Haddish lost her Fendi bag, only to have a “magical soul” return it with everything inside (including her maxi pad). And on Sunday, the Girls Trip star attended the 90th annual Oscars wearing a glamorous nod to her heritage.
She arrived on the E! News red carpet, announcing that “the princess of Eritrea has arrived.” She chose an authentic Eritrean dress to honor her late father. “My father is from Eritrea and he passed away last year, and he said I’d end up here. And if I ever end up at the #Oscars, [he said to] to honor my people” she told E! News’ Ryan Seacrest. “So, I’m honoring my fellow Eritreans.”
The habesha kemis is an ankle-length dress typically worn by Ethiopian and Eritrean women to formal events. Habesha women usually wear a a shawl, called a netela, with the gown. The actress looked stunning in her cream habesha kemis, complimented with black accents and a coordinating black netela. The look was a big hit on Twitter with users sounding off about how much this act of representation for Eritrean meant.
Keep reading to see various (and much warranted) reactions.
Okay actually Tiffany Haddish in traditional Eritrean dress is also good, bc the elderly doorman watching the red carpet with me LIT UP when he saw it, and left his desk to explain to me that this style of dress is from his home country and he finds the embroidery so beautiful... pic.twitter.com/3bNTlnrwvp
From the bleached, unkempt brows to the press-on French tips and purposefully beer-coated hair (the most realistic way to obtain that gravity-defying '90s volume and texture, of course), Margot Robbie's transformation for her highly-acclaimed turn as infamous figure skater Tonya Harding was staggering, to say the least.
But while her fresh-faced appearance at tonight's 90th Annual Academy Awards, where she's nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for I, Tonya, might not have involved quite so dramatic of a makeover (or make under, rather), Robbie did make one significant beauty change before hitting the red carpet earlier in the evening. The actress traded in her sleek, elegant, shoulder-length bob for something a little shorter, a little edgier, and a lot choppier.
Celebrity hairstylist Bryce Scarlett, who also works with stars like Natalie Portman, Gigi Hadid, Brie Larson, and Emma Stone, used Moroccanoil products to perfect the style, which is one of the best examples we've seen of the A-line hair-cutting technique that's spiking in popularity among celebrities right now. The choppy ends are shorter in the back and angled to be longer toward the face, for cool, subtle movement that doesn't need a ton of fussy styling to look chic. Just add in some bendy waves and luminous, rosy makeup courtesy of Robbie's go-to makeup artist, Pati Dubroff, who used all things Chanel on the Oscar nominee, and you've got a winning look on your hands.
“Tonight’s look was inspired by Margot’s Chanel couture gown," Scarlett said. "Her dress was extremely feminine and elegant, and we wanted to take the length of her hair up to make sure that it felt very classic and modern to go with her gorgeous dress.” If the rest of Robbie's Oscars night goes as well as her new haircut, a rad new cut isn't the only thing the actress will be getting compliments on come tomorrow morning...
The Academy Awards might be the entertainment industry's biggest, most important night of the year, but the red carpet doesn't always lend itself to particularly adventurous beauty moments. Classic Hollywood glitz and glamour is one thing; out-there hair and makeup is another, and with so many meaningful cultural shifts and weighty topics to focus on this year, playing it safe has never been... safer.
But because it's not an Oscars ceremony without at least some beauty inspiration to fuel our next hair appointments, a handful of stars opted for luxe, statement-making, and, in some cases, fresh-from-the-garden accessories to top off their award-winning looks. Ahead, the eye-catching hair accessories that made the 90th Annual Academy Awards worth watching, if only up to the part toward the end of the show where Maya Rudolph and Tiffany Haddish get to present an award together. (That's the best part.)
As a general rule, hair accessories do not exist in nature — but in this particular case, celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak placed individual flowers into Haley Bennett's hair to bring her whimsical look to life.
Photo: VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images.
Tiffany Haddish wore a gravity-defying updo topped off with elegant gold jewelry to complete her look. It was an homage to her late father and was inspired by the traditional dress of northeast African country Eritrea.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Lupita Nyong'o and hairstylist Vernon François were inspired by images of Amasunzu hairstyles, which are traditional to Rwandan culture. To finish off the clean, sculpted look, François wove gold thread through Nyong'o's hair using a classic stitch technique.
St. Vincent, in true St. Vincent form, wore a large black flower perched atop her blunt bob.
Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.
Singer-songwriter Andra Day wore tiny pink flowers throughout a major ponytail, thanks to the handiwork of L.A.-based hairstylist Tony Medina.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Celebrity hairstylist Vernon Scott crafted this incredible intricate design on Black Panther star Danai Gurira.
Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.
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Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel gave the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood a quick Black Panther update, informing us all that Ryan Coogler’s Marvel film about the first Black superhero had made an additional $48 million dollars over the weekend, breaking even more records. Even though Black Panther will be rewarded at next year's Oscars, the film had an incredible presence during this year's awards. Just take a look at its cast — they didn't wait for Hollywood to give them their moment. They took it.
On Sunday, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Chadwick Boseman, and Daniel Kaluuya (who is nominated for his role in Get Out) walked the red carpet, bringing the magic of Wakanda with them. A pic of Kaluuya embracing Nyong’o and Guirira in a sweet-looking whisper went viral on Twitter. Another photo showed Boseman making the Black Panther power pose.
To be honest, we aren’t surprised this cast showed up like this considering how they've demonstrated just how savvy they are about fashion. From how they shut down the red carpet down at the film’s LA premiere, to how costume designer Ruth Carter carefully reimagined an Africa history, to how the movie influenced an entire New York Fashion Week collection.
Click ahead to see everyone’s Oscars looks and tell us Nyong’o and company don’t look like the Oscar trophies they deserve to win next year.
Nyong'o called her dress Vibranium (the material the Black Panther’s suit is made of) by Versace.
Danai Gurira is keeping the momentum with her warrior hair jewels.
When his isn’t barking at colonizers who speak out of turn, Winston Duke is a vision in and out of fur.
We love that Chadwick Boseman and Duke appear to be matching, like they’re in a boy band.
Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Winston Duke look positively regal.
Kaluuya appears to be coordinating his look with Nyong’o (and we’re here for it).
“Wait, Tiffany Haddish said WHAT during your interview?”
Yes, Wakanda forever.
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Beyoncé rocked sunglasses throughout the course of that evening, so we've barely had a real look at what the upcoming Glossier launch will really look like — until now. Tonight, Lidstar debuts on the Oscars red carpet on the eyes of some of our favorite A-listers, like Allison Janney, Greta Gerwig, and Tiffany Haddish.
But Lidstar isn't your regular pressed powder shadow. For its first and only foray into the eye makeup category, the brand has launched six creamy formulas that you can sweep on with a doe-foot applicator for a barely-there look or layer for a glittering, smoky eye. Available now on Glossier's site, the shades include Fawn (a shimmery bronze with a hint of lavender), Slip (iridescent pink blush), Herb (a deep, copper green), Moon (a glittery Champagne), Lily (an opalescent purple), and Cub (a warm, dusty rose).
Click ahead to check out every star to rock Lidstar at the 90th Academy Awards.
Allison Janney
Makeup artist Collier Strong wrote on Instagram that this Oscar's makeup kit was his favorite setup of the entire year — and we think we know why: He used Lidstar in Moon and Fawn on the Oscar winner.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Tiffany Haddish
To complement Haddish's nod to her Eritrean heritage, makeup artist Dionne Wynn added a regal finish with bold brows, a vibrant lip, and a colorful eye thanks to a mix of Herb and Moon.
Ross watched the festivities from the star-studded Vanity Fair Oscar Party, but first, makeup artist Lisa Storey topped off Ross' fresh beauty look with a plum lip and bronze smoky eye.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/WireImage.
Maya Rudolph
Matching your dress to your makeup will always be our favorite red carpet strategy, but makeup artist Molly Stern made sure to keep Maya Rudolph's eye subtle while the lip demanded attention.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
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We're pleased to say that it's been a year for heroines. We've had Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, an unconquerable warrior. We've seen Lupita as Nakia in Black Panther, a member of Wakanda's elite band of female warriors. And, all the while, we've supported countless women who have bravely come out to share their stories in support of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements (which were both borne from Hollywood).
So, what do heroines wear? Something strong, something electric — and something that protects women as much as it celebrates women. And tonight, it's no surprise that some of the most forceful female leaders in Hollywood showed up looking like a team of Joan-of-Arc warriors.
The looks themselves featured highly reflective metallic materials (or shall we be more specific, vibranium?), and sculptured, structured shapes that formed strong silhouettes that resembled armor. And of course, these badass looks by the likes of Versace, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and Dior were worn by some of the very women that have carried these powerful-warrior roles, from Lupita and Gal to Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lawrence, who have all played shit-kicking, patriarchy-smashing women in their careers.
And, during an evening when we're used to seeing frothy, princess-y gowns with ball skirts and tulle sleeves, these heavy-metal ensembles present an alternative. Even tonight, we saw a sea of white and oat-colored dresses that played it safe to say the least, with bright highlighter pinks and oranges on the other end of the spectrum. But with these looks, somewhere between the two extremes, we got a taste of powerful grace that demands attention without subtlety, swapped puffy shoulders for shapely, sharp, padded ones, and flowery embroidery for sleek, reflective sequins that almost look welded together.
We couldn't think of a better way for tonight's clothes and dresses to represent the Hollywood year we've had: of activism, female empowerment, and quite literally fighting the man.
Click ahead to see these shiny looks in all of their glory.
Lupita Nyong’o in Versace
Lupita Nyong’o in Versace
Gal Gadot in Givenchy
Gal Gadot in Givenchy
Sandra Bullock in Louis Vuitton
Sandra Bullock in Louis Vuitton
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
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After 90 years, there have been enough iconic beauty moments on the Academy Awards red carpet to keep us inspired and satisfied for decades to come. But have you ever wished you had the chance to check out what went down before the world's biggest stars arrive? Although we'll never be blessed to see the candid moments of Audrey Hepburn combing her choppy bangs, or Elizabeth Taylor drawing on her cat-eye, we do have the luxury of seeing our favorite stars of 2018 prepping for the big night — and we can thank Instagram for that.
Most viewers would probably claim that inside the Dolby Theatre is where the excitement starts, but we say it begins far earlier. The real magic — where stars get their under-eye bags deflated, their hair sprayed, and their body highlighter buffed to glow-y perfection — takes place hours before. Sure, we're eager to see who snags the gold statues tonight, but we're even more excited to check out the kind behind-the-scenes moments going down right now.
Luckily, we've snagged the best pre- pre-show photos of our favorite stars, like Armie Hammer, Laura Dern, and Zoey Deutch getting primped and prepped on Instagram. Click ahead to see our favorites.
Hairstylist Jamika Wilson puts the finishing touches on Viola Davis' gorgeous natural curls.
Keeping her makeup simple, but smoky, Gina Rodriguez snaps a selfie before kicking off the night.
After dealing with a family-wide sickness all weekend, it looks like Armie Hammer is fully revived and ready to cheer on his Oscar-nominated co-star Timothée Chalamet.
If you ever need to know how to shut down the red carpet, Tiffany Haddish is here to show you. To fulfill a promise to her late father (who is from Eritrea), Haddish topped off her Eritrean dress with a matching, traditional gold headpiece.
Laura Dern gets zhuzhed by hairstylist Creighton Bowman before making her way to the red carpet.
Leave it to Zoey Deutch to look chill as hell before the Oscars. And is there anything more Hollywood than getting your lips lined in Chanel by makeup artist Kate Lee? We didn't think so.
From start to finish, Isla Fisher gave us a sneak peek at what the glam process is really like.
Nicole Kidman isn't even nominated tonight, but that didn't stop her from stealing the entire show.
One sleek new cut coming right up for Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan thanks to hairstylist Adir Abergel.
Yes, rollers are the best way to score your fullest waves — just ask Jennifer Garner.
It's all in the details, and for Emma Stone, tonight was all about the pink and purple combo à la makeup artist Rachel Goodwin.
Real life Wonder Woman saved the day red carpet with her berry lip and chic updo.
Updos aren't always the most comfortable styles, but damn, can they make the look. And Mark Townsend 's intricate plait on Kelly Marie Tran is no exception.
Final touches are crucial, especially for Salma Hayek's purple-y lip.
Follow Daniel Martin and Elisabeth Moss' lead and spice up your otherwise bare look with a fuchsia lip.
Ryan Richman won't let one hair stray out of place — especially not for Sarah Hyland's Oscars after-parties look.
The only thing better than seeing Rashida Jones on the red carpet is finding out her berry lip was a $7 pick from the drugstore.
She may not have been nominated, but Jessica Williams' stunning curls should win an award for last night's red carpet.
Sienna Miller goes old-Hollywood with her retro waves, and new-Hollywood with a modern pink-eye and red-lip combo.
Finally, we know Emma Roberts' no-filter secret.
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We can come up with a laundry list of beauty treatments that make us feel like a million bucks, but living like an A-lister isn't always the most wallet-friendly. We have to make beauty sacrifices in order to pay our rent and eat dinner, and one of those is not booking a manicure every time we get a tiny chip. Luckily, the at-home mani is easy to master, and will make you feel just as shiny and fancy as the salon version once you do.
The trick is to not fall into a rut and pick the same old shade over and over again. To get you inspired to stay in tonight with a glass of wine, a fresh bottle of polish, and a dotting tool, we tapped nail artist and Sally Hansen Global Color Ambassador Madeline Poole to show us the cool trends of the moment.
Sally Hansen recently launched its new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure® Madeline Poole Collection with Poole, the mastermind behind these Oscar-inspired designs, in five shades (Material Pearl, Say It Lycra Mean It, Slime Scene, Mallratz, Vinyl Tap, Call Me On My Shellphone) inspired by Poole's childhood. "The colors are nostalgic from the late '80s and early '90s when bright colors were abundant and embraced," Poole tells Refinery29. "All of the colors are shades that I find myself frequently wanting to use but not being able to find in the right formula blend."
Ahead, check out the shades in action, which will be available later this month for $7.99, then follow Poole's step-by-step tutorials for each easy nail art look.
The Look: Tiny semi-circles
Step 1: Paint two coats of a nude polish to every nail (this will offset the brighter designs to come later.)
Step 2: Dip the tip of a sewing pin or bottom of a pen in the colors of your choice. "Practice on paper to get a feel for pressure and size," Poole suggests.
Step 3: Dot the circular shapes to your nail. This example uses multiple shades, but feel free to stick to whatever you vibe with the most.
Step 4: To achieve the two-toned design, grab a extra-thin striping brush to divide the circles in half, then fill in one side with the contrasting color.
The Look: Striped tips
Step 1: Start on the stripe that will be closest to your cuticle and draw a straight line from one side of the nail to the other. Tip: Skip the brush and use tape for a more precise line that doesn't require a steady hand or pro kit.
Step 2: Fill in the entire line with polish. Poole suggests that you treat this like your winged liner: "Sometimes I mark off dots along the nail and connect the dots so that I can be sure my lines are going to be level on the nail." Let that first layer of color dry.
Step 3: Switch colors and paint the second stripes on with a brush.
The Look: Round stripes
Step 1: Start off with two coats of Mallratz. Let it dry.
Step 2: Use a striping brush to paint on rounded stripes in Slime Scene.
Step 3: Clean up and sharpen the uneven edges of the lighter green polish with Mallratz on a striping brush.
The Look: Gradient
Step 1: Fair warning: This is an AP-level look. Poole finds it easier to skip the sponge, but that's up to you. Mentally divide your nail into thirds: bottom, middle, top. Paint one coat of Slime Scene along the bottom, closest to the cuticle.
Step 2: Paint the top third of your nail in Say It Lycra Mean It.
Step 3: In a dish, blend both polishes together with a little bit of base coat. This will thin them out and make it easy to create the ombré effect.
Step 4: Quickly — before the polish blend dries — paint the mixture in the bare, middle section of the nail. Since these combined polishes are thinned out, it will be easier to make all three appear cohesive.
Step 5: Use a top coat to finish off the look. Poole says that using a top coat is essential as the last step in order to really melt all three colors together.
The Look: Circular center
Step 1: Paint every nail with two coats of Say It Lycra Mean It.
Step 2: Use a striping brush to paint circular shapes onto the center of the nails in Call Me On My Shellphone. As an alternative, use the same household tools used in the semi-circle look.
Step 3: To perfect the circles, lightly go around the shapes with Say It Lycra Mean It on a striping brush.
Et voila, you have the raddest nail designs of the season.
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You always want what you can’t have — especially when it comes to beauty products. That’s why we’re getting the inside scoop from your favorite retailers on what’s selling out right now, how to sign up for waitlists, and where to go to find the next best thing. Because if everyone’s buying it, you know it has to be good.
Every so often we happen upon a product that offers endless possibilities, like a lipstick that doubles as blush and shadow or a liquid highlighter that can be worn solo or mixed into foundation for a custom glow. It's rare that eyeshadow ever falls into this category, that is, unless you're talking about Nars' Dual Intensity Shadow.
The shade Cassiopeia might not look like much in the pan, but the frosty white powder with duo-chrome pink shimmer is one of the most versatile we own. You can brighten up your complexion by sweeping it all over your lids and cheekbones, tap it onto the inner corners of your eyes to try your hand at on-trend eye strobing, or layer it over your favorite neutral products to add a little sparkle anywhere on your face.
However you choose to wear it, you'll soon discover why the shade is sold out everywhere — from Sephora to Nars' site. Sadly, until the workhorse shade is restocked, you'll have to look to other options. Ahead, check out five shimmery finds that'll fill the void at every price point.
Dust this shadow on dry for a sheer wash of color, or sweep the powder on with a damp eyeshadow brush (we like misting our brushes with setting spray) to create a more opaque, almost metallic version of the shade.
Makeup Geek's loose pigments have a touch more shimmer than Nars' Dual Intensity formula, but the shade Light Year, a pearly-pink powder, is a near close match to Cassiopeia.
Want something with a little more shine? These liquid shadows take the mess out of glitter by packing a heavy dose of duo-chrome shimmer into a quick-drying, budge-proof formula.
Urban Decay's Afterglow Highlighter deserves a mention, too. Don't be fooled by how the product looks in the pan, when swiped onto cheekbones or eyelids the shade comes off as a soft, icy pink.
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Every year, the world ends in a desert near California City, California. At least, that’s the case for the attendees of Wasteland Weekend, an annual Mad Max -inspired, post-apocalyptic gathering. Part-Burning Man, part-LARP camp-out, the success of this event (and other copycats like it) may hint at humanity’s collective obsession with the end of days. Since its inaugural event eight years ago, Wasteland Weekend has grown in popularity from a few hundred wastelanders to a mass of nearly 2,500 dust-covered revelers.
Men and women from all over the United States, and, surprisingly, from each end of the political spectrum, set aside their “old-world” lives for a few days of fully immersive, worlds-end role play. And in today’s divided climate, where it feels like we’re just one “big button” push away from the apocalypse, that’s saying a lot. But ironically, both politics and religion are outlawed at Wasteland Weekend. Costumes, though, are mandatory.
In distressed denim, studded football pads, and recycled, well, everything, wastelanders are able to self-actualize who they’d want to be at the end of the world, even if that person is a variation on their real-life personas. So, what’s so appealing about the apocalypse? And is Wasteland Weekend a place of reinvention or destruction? By creating an entire event in a parallel time and space, wastelanders both engage with and dismiss the “real world.” There’s an inherent conflict there. At least for one weekend, these opposites can intermingle and rave on in the desert.
For some, however, this doomsday aesthetic doesn’t just end when the Thunderdome comes down. There are a select few who’ve taken Wastelanding into the real world, and have chosen to live off the grid and adopt Wasteland principles 24/7. Come with us as we explore what possible joys the apocalypse has in store.
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Fans of The Walking Dead have known Danai Gurira as the fierce katana-wielding survivor Michonne since she was first cast in the enormously popular show in 2012. But if that role wasn't enough to solidify the actress's status as a soon-to-be household name, then her appearance as Dora Milaje leader Okoye in Black Panther is sure to seal the deal.
Gurira's depiction of fearless feminine strength is a true standout in the smash hit movie, and her look on last night's Oscars red carpet proved that her powerful presence isn't limited to the characters she portrays on-screen. With the plunging back of her strapless gown, it was the perfect opportunity for the star to showcase the jaw-dropping work of her hairstylist, Vernon Scott.
Scott, who’s also worked with Amber Rose, Zayn Malik, Teyana Taylor, and Kanye West, is known for his sharp, sculpted, ultra-precise cuts that are more art than hairstyle. He tells Refinery29 exclusively that the look was far from spontaneous — in fact, it was carefully planned to the very last detail ahead of time. Scott started with a storyboard of photo references, looking to traditional, ancestral tribal African design on the skin and hair as his inspiration. "I basically just translated that and I said, 'Well, I want to paint the design to give it a three-dimensional feel," he explains.
The entire process started a few days before the actual event so that Gurira's hair grew a little higher in the area where the design was to be placed, with the hair around it cut close to the head for what Scott calls an "inversion" effect. "I wanted the design on the side of her head to literally levitate, to exist above everything else," he says. When it came time for the final touches, the stylist used white eyeliner finished off with a holding spray to ensure it stayed in place all night.
Needless to say, Scott's careful planning was worth it: His client's look was hands-down one of the best of the night. We can't wait to see what he comes up with next... especially when next year's Oscars rolls around, because it's anyone's guess how many nominations Black Panther will inevitably land.
If you ask us, no workout is complete without a killer playlist — and running is no exception.
Whether you prefer the trails or the treadmill, the right songs can make the difference between a good run and great run. (No, that isn't just your addiction to pop talking.)
Plus, music has actually been found to improve people's performance during cardio workouts. A 2009 study, for example, suggested that music helps us power through fatigue more easily. See, even science wants you to run for your life with Yeezy at full volume.
We asked R29 staffers to share their favorite running songs, and they did not disappoint. Today, we've added five dance tracks we can't get enough of.
Below, check out our previous running playlists for even more jams.
Check back in the following weeks for more of your favorite tracks — and don't forget to check out our regular workout playlist, too.
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Back in the mid-'90s the Barenaked Ladies had a popular song called "Everything Old Is New Again" — which is probably the last time you thought about the latest trend to sweep the beauty world. As the song points out, everything in life circles back eventually — this we all know — but to be honest, we did not see this one coming. Enter: hair bows.
On both the runways and red carpets, celebs and models alike are finishing off their updos and blowouts with big ol' bows. And we're not talking about high-end, kindergarten- inspired, $300 accessories — we're talking about classic, run-of-the-mill craft store ribbon tied just like you did back in grad school.
Sure, there are a few pops of color and variations in texture ahead, but for the most part, these feminine styles feature basic ribbons securing classic braids and ponytails — just like you remember from childhood. And guess what? It's actually really chic and far from fussy.
Don't believe us? We don't blame you. Keep clicking for the proof — and get ready to fall back in love with the cool-again style.
Mandy Moore
Moore's a woman who loves a good hair accessory — or perhaps it's just her go-to hairstylist, Ashley Streicher, who pins them on when she's not looking. See: Her Instagram bio gives a shout-out to bows.
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.
Emily Ratajkowski
Ratajkowski secured her loose side braid with something delicate earlier this month in Paris — and the result is shockingly cool.
Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images.
Streetstyle S/S 2017
Who said grosgrain has to be girly? During London Fashion Week, a model added a feminine touch to her braids with a coordinating ribbon.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
Tory Burch F/W 2017
Models rocked a center part and a few loose tendrils with their ribbon-tied ponytails.
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Tory Burch.
Sienna Miller
Miller went for two classics for the Golden Globes this year: a black bow atop her high pony and a strand of pearls.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Temperley London F/W 2017
If you really want people to see your bow, try tying it to the side.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Riley Keough
Talk about fast fashion! Keough's glam squad Postmated the fabric used for her bow just in time to send her off to the Golden Globes, according to Vogue.
Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage.
Marchesa F/W 2017
Marchesa also sent its models down the runway with big bows, glowing skin, and natural-looking brows.
To make sure your bow doesn't slip off simply thread it through your ponytail's elastic then make your bunny ears.
Photo: Matteo Valle/Getty Images.
Dove Cameron
The velvety material of Cameron's bow really popped on her blond hair earlier this month at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Emilia Wickstead F/W 2017
Go long or go home!
Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage.
Streetstyle F/W 2017
Know your way around a hot glue gun? ( C'mon, is it really that far off if you clicked into a bow story?) Affix your bow to a small barrette for a foolproof look.
For her first Golden Globes appearance, hairstylist Ryan Richman paired the Stranger Things actress' simple ponytail with the trend of the night: a black ribbon.
Christina Hendricks
The Good Girls star stepped out at the Golden Globes rocking her signature bangs with a peek-a-boo bow to boot.
Photo: Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.
Margot Robbie
Thanks to hairstylist Bryce Scarlett, Robbie stunned the A-list crowd at the Critics' Choice Awards with a free-flowing velvet ribbon.
Photo: JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP/Getty Images.
Millie Bobby Brown
To soften the edge of her space buns, Brown added two black ribbons to the look we'll most likely copy ASAP.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Maria Menounos
Menounos accessorized her braids-bun hybrid with a black silk ribbon for the Oscars red carpet.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.
Emily Ratajkowski
Ratajkowski finished off her messy, I-literally-woke-up-like-this ponytail with a wine-red ribbon that matched her gown.
Photo: J. Merritt/Getty Images.
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Rei Kawakubo, the Japanese designer and mastermind behind Comme des Garçons, the company she founded in 1973, is often regarded as light-years ahead of her peers in the fashion industry not just in terms of her design capabilities, but also her vision that brought shopping experiences like Dover Street Market to life. But it seems like the latest subject of a Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute retrospective isn’t as progressive when it comes to inclusion and diversity.
On Monday, Kawakubo presented Comme des Garçons’ fall 2018 collection, and for the first time in 20 years, Black models appeared on the runway. The last time Comme des Garçons featured an identifiably Black model was Chrystèle Saint Louis Augustin in the fall 1994 show, Ellereports. Four of the 16 models who walked in the fall 2018 show were Black, with two earning the highly coveted opening and closing spots. While this ratio should be applauded and is certainly more inclusive than most lineups this season, it’s 2018, and it shouldn’t have taken so long for Kawakubo to get with the times. Diversity on the runway isn’t a new or unheard-of initiative.
Refinery29’s Connie Wang noted that Comme des Garçons, and Kawakubo herself, are often able to sidestep criticisms and accusations of racism by treating runway models as literal mannequins, covering their faces with wigs or makeup. She wrote, “To Kawakubo, the runway is not a place for people to use her clothes for their interpretation; it is a place for her to use people to relay her interpretation through clothes.” But the lack of racial representation, especially when Comme des Garçons counts Black celebrities like Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Tracee Ellis Ross (who all wore the label to the Met Gala) as fans, still feels intentional.
Stylist and consultant Shiona Turini touched on this on Instagram. She posted a photo from Monday’s show of a Black model, captioning it: “I have always been deeply conflicted about my undying love for @commedesgarcons and the fact that I’ve never seen a Black model walk in the show ...But yesterday my heart sang as I watched a Black queen open the show. Then another one followed. Then two more - with one closing. They like so many models before them performed the label’s ceremonious runway dance, an unhurried empowered strut. The show is always a highlight for me particularly because of Rei Kawakubo’s vision.”
For Turini, a self-described admirer and longtime customer, she’s “over the moon to know that that actually does includes Black women, women who look like me. I left that show so moved and so hopeful for the change that I’m seeing in our industry. Black representation matters.” If that's all it takes to further endear industry players like Turini to the brand, then Commes des Garçons shouldn't think twice about maintaining — or upping — its diversity in future seasons.
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By the time the Oscars rolls around, the red carpet can feel a bit like Groundhog Day. It's the same awkward questions about how nervous stars are, the same dozen fashion labels name-dropped, and the same versions of the same blush-hued princess dress. But things have been different this year.
It started with the #TimesUp blackout during January's Golden Globes, where a missive to wear all black to protest gender disparity resulted not only in some uniquely stunning looks — from Tracee Ellis Ross' satin turban to Clare Foy's Stella McCartney suit — but also in a unprecedented show of solidarity. For the first time, nearly everyone in Hollywood agreed that the red carpet could be a place to bring attention to real feats of activism. The icing on the cake was that it firmly established the connection between what actors wear and what they have to say. During each subsequent awards, it became clearer that the public began to expect that the clothing actresses wore would be a way to talk about the issues they care about. For fashion people, this was a moment to celebrate. We've always known that clothes should communicate something. But for that idea to become a cultural norm has done something amazing for the red carpet.
So, tonight's fashion speaks volumes about the topics at the forefront of conversation: The strength of women. The talent of black creatives. The beauty of originality. The way women's talents seem to blossom with experience. While there may not be one color that everyone is wearing tonight (for better and worse), we're stoked to see that women and men are using the red carpet as a platform rather than just a photo op. Click ahead to see our favorite looks that are closing out a season to remember.
Saoirse Ronan of Lady Bird went for a pretty pink number that's a simple column in the front, and a big ol' present in the back. We love the finishing touches of the matching Barbie-wardrobe pumps paired with minimal accessories.
Viola Davis loves a color moment, and this bubble-gum pink Michael Kors dress is a stark contrast to the more conservative gowns she's donned this past awards season. She saved the best for last tonight, completing the look with a coordinating clutch and some hoops.
If less really is more, this look is proof. Danai Gurira looks stunning in a satin, pale-pink column gown by Gabriela Hearst that plunges at the back.
It's a good night for everyone in the St. Vincent Appreciation Club, because you can't not love this dramatic Saint Laurent look. Super-sheer tights and a ruffled headpiece complete this standout ensemble.
Jennifer Lawrence was a Joan of Arc in a metallic Dior gown that was both structured and sensual.
Elza Gonzalez makes a case for body-con on the red carpet in this slinky, banana-yellow number by Ralph Lauren. The sports bra-like neckline gives this dress an almost athleisure feel.
Hold the phone — this Mary J. Blige look is demanding every ounce of our attention. She's sparkling in a bright-white, corseted Versace gown.
Allison Janney goes half superhero, half ribbon dancer in this can't-miss red gown by Reem Acra. Finished off with a coordinated clutch, this look's dramatic, yet surprisingly classic.
Photo: Getty Images.
Diane Warren is unsurprisingly badass in a strong-shouldered suit by Saint Laurent. We're always fond of a suit on a red carpet — but a bedazzled, pointy-shouldered one? Here for it.
Photo: Getty Images.
Zendaya nails it in a one-shouldered waterfall dress in one of the hardest-to-pull off colors for the red carpet: chocolate brown.
It can be easy to blend in when you wear black on the Oscars red carpet, but Fatma Al Remalhi's look is anything but boring. The metallic details on the robe make this ensemble feel both elevated and elegant.
Photo: Getty Images.
Orange you glad Greta Gerwig wore this Rodarte gown? (Sorry, we had to). This creamsicle color isn't one we typically see on the red carpet, but we think Gerwig pulls it off without a second thought.
Though not the most statement-making red carpet look we've seen from her, Laura Dern's white dress by Calvin Klein is fresh and flirty.
Are you kidding us with this, Lupita? Every time we think you can't one-up yourself, you bring it to the next level of glam. Tonight, she's in Versace, and it's the exact warrior-princess vibes we were hoping for.
The red carpet isn't immune to the polka dot trend we've been seeing in stores everywhere. Here, Phoebe Waller wears a puffy-sleeved gown by Vionnet that elevates the trend for a red carpet moment.
Photo: Getty Images.
Years later, and we're still seeing people chase the deep plunge that J.Lo made famous. On the red carpet, Betty Gabriel wears a teal gown by Tony Ward that dips down low on both the front and back sides.
Photo: Getty Images.
Allison Williams always looks great when she channels her inner Hollywood glamour — and tonight, she looks nearly angelic in Armani Privé.
Photo: Getty Images.
Sure, Margot Robbie is a showstopper in just about anything, but this Chanel gown feels a notch above the rest.
Sanrda Bullock kept things modern, if not futuristic, in a sequin halter dress by Louis Vuitton.
"Earthy" in every sense of the word, we can't help but acknowledge the mossy charm of Haley Bennett's statement Dior gown.
We always respect a red carpet look that comes with a story, and Tiffany Hadish's Eritrean dress tells one that's guaranteed to make you mist up.
Sandy Martin keeps it classic and cool with a flattering cigarette trouser and smoking slipper, and a floral jacket and pussy-bow blouse up top.
Leave it to Andra Day to bring the dress drama to tonight's red carpet, where she went with a voluminous Zac Posen gown serving Marie Antoinette realness. She even struck a few next-level poses for the occasion.
For whatever reason, we would've expected Emma Stone to wear yet another princess gown on tonight's red carpet, but as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, she opted for a blazer-and-pant pairing instead in a red-and-pink color combination that's been a hit on the runways, too.
In a fresh change of pace from the sequins and chiffons we're used to seeing on the carpet, Maya Rudolph went a far more minimal route, proving that turtlenecks do, in fact, have a place on the carpet.
Miley Cyrus pulls off one of our favorite FW 2018 trends, spliced colors, in a Prabal Gurung creation.
Add another one to the lineup of ladies channeling their inner Joan of Arc. Tracee Ellis Ross isn't messing around in this sharp shouldered Balmain gown.
We were really hoping for more on trend yellow moments last night. Emma Roberts delivered in a pale, sequined Prada dress.
Fun fact: Christian Siriano dressed a total of 17 women for the Oscars last night. That has to be some kind of record. Our favorite pick from the Siriano posse last night was definitely Janelle Monáe who blew us away in this fire engine red suit and skirt combo.
As much as we loved Salma Hayek's custom Gucci gown she wore to the awards ceremony, her Gucci x Dapper Dan Atelier afterparty dress was the real winner.
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When we're just wrapping up one cold-weather season, we don't always know what awaits us the next time around, trend-wise. Sure, we watch the runways like hawks and try to predict what crazy trends will infiltrate where we shop, but sometimes all we have to do is take a look at Instagram to see the photo-worthy pieces that are sure to blow up. And lately, there's a coat by Copenhagen brand Saks Potts that Insta-girls everywhere can't get enough of. On the streets of New York Fashion Week and at the showrooms in Paris, this one puffy-sleeved coat style in particular is taking over our feed.
Saks Potts is becoming synonymous with its short and long jackets and coats that feature oversized fur or shearling collars and sleeves. These statement pieces look perfect with everything from denim to leggings and have already been seen on plenty of influencers, models, and editors, so we’re anticipating that the spruced-up outerwear will be far from a one-and-done hit after this season. We’ve long awaited an over-the-top, glamour-bent trend wave to follow minimalism and athleisure, and the quick adoption of Saks Potts keys us into the idea that we’re not the only ones feeling that way. In other words, splurging on this brand is justified, since these coats are likely to stick around the next few winters.
They currently come in solid-color leathers like pink and brown as well as oversized plaids and leopards, and new colors and patterns will be out next fall. If you don't wear real fur, this trend won't exactly be your cup of tea, but (like me) you can always try to hunt down a vintage version, or await the faux Zara or H&M take that's sure to happen in a matter of time.
Click ahead to see the coat in action and shop the ones already available right now, if you're not totally in spring mode yet. You could be getting a head start on the trendiest coat of next fall.
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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.
Today: a writer and freelance copywriter who makes $16,825 per year and spends it on Glossier perfume. Editor's note: All prices have been converted to U.S. dollars.
Occupation: Writer/Freelance Copywriter Industry: Creative Age: 26 Location: London MySalary: $16,825 My Fiancé's Salary: $70,000. (My fiancé and I combined our finances a couple of years ago. At the moment, and much to my discomfort, I am relying on him financially while I get myself properly set up with freelance clients.) Combined Paycheck (1x/month): ~$5252, after tax
Monthly Expenses Rent: $1,892 Student Loan Payments: $0 at the moment. (I don't earn enough and have about $2,500 worth of credit card debt that I'm trying to pay off ASAP.) Netflix: $9.80 Gousto Weekly Food Box: $168 Council Tax: $195 Electricity: Varies depending on usage, but at the moment it's about $32. Internet: $68 Phone Bill: $0. (I'm still on my family plan, which I should probably change at some point.) Savings & Charity: Currently $0. (I left my job over a year ago due to anxiety-related problems and wasn't able to work for a long time afterwards. I've been freelancing properly since November, but am not making a decent wage quite yet. Until I am, and until I've paid off my credit card, contributions to savings and charities are on hold.)
Day One
8 a.m. — My boyfriend's alarm goes off. (Side note: Even though we're engaged, I usually just refer to him as my boyfriend.) He jumps straight out of bed (how?) and potters around getting ready. I promptly go back to sleep. Say goodbye to him, then snooze for a little bit longer.
10:30 a.m. — I justify sleeping this late because I'm fighting off a near-constant sinus infection. For breakfast I have a bowl of overnight oats, which I make in bulk most weekends. This week's huge batch contains blueberries, bananas, chia seeds, oats, coconut yoghurt, almond milk, and leftover flax seeds. I eat while sitting in front of my SAD lamp (for Seasonal Affective Disorder). I'm prone to Vitamin D-deficiency, so I've borrowed my mum's light to see if it helps me feel better in the winter.
11 a.m. — Today is Book Day. Most weeks, I work on a self-imposed schedule of three days freelance copywriting followed by two days of work on my novel. Without it, it can be all too easy to neglect the novel, as it (currently) doesn't make me any money. This week, I moved my book days to the beginning so that I can work on sending chapters to an agent before the end of the month – eek! Before I start, though, I have a bit of wedmin (wedding admin) to do. My boyfriend and I have been engaged for five-and-a-half years and have finally decided to get the wedding ball rolling. I bought a dress last week, and we're trying to tie down a venue now.
2 p.m. — Time has seriously run away from me. After some heavy wedmin, a chat on the phone with my mum, and lunch consisting of a big bowl of roasted veggies, quinoa, and hummus (homemade in bulk; our hummus consumption is too vast to justify buying it), I finally make my way into my pseudo-office. Then, I Uber to the dry cleaners with the aforementioned wedding dress. (It was a sample sale purchase, so it was recommended that I get it cleaned). $16.36
3 p.m. — Get to the dry cleaners and it turns out it's going to cost over $190 for the clean! This is more than double what the bridal store estimated, but I saved so much on the dress that it should still work out as a good deal over all. I hand over my card, feeling a little sick and a little too flustered to question the cost. On the way out, I decide I'll bring it up when I collect the dress. $196
3:30 p.m. — Stop to grab coffees for me and my boyfriend. I get access to the shared workspace that I use as an office through his work (and it's free!), and his office happens to be in the same building. We chat for a couple of minutes after I give him the coffee, and then I settle in for some writing while munching on a homemade cookie. (I used a cookie recipe from Lucy Watson's cookbook and was initially skeptical of buying a cookbook written by a reality TV star, but these cookies are SO GOOD. They're vegan but they don't taste it). $7
6 p.m. — Multiple breaks throughout the afternoon for snacks (lentil chips and then peanut butter and banana) and random internet browsing.
6:45 p.m. — Meet my friend for salsa class. We signed up a few weeks ago, inspired by our New Year's resolutions. As a socially awkward person with no coordination, dance class is a challenge for me, plus it's an additional expense, but it's good for my mental health. It's actually quite fun and I get see to see my friend on a weekly basis, which is lovely. I have a splitting headache when I arrive but hope I'll forget about it once we start.
8:30 p.m. — Head home after an hour of dancing very close to people I don't know and making awkward small talk with a fellow classmate. Still, it was fun and my headache is gone. My friend and I walk to the Tube while discussing how nice it is to spend time in class where you can't check your phone or really think about anything other than the choreography. We hug and make plans to hang out in a week or so. I spend the rest of the journey thinking about the bagel I'm going to make when I get home while also indulging my inner emo teenager by listening to 30 Seconds To Mars. (I recently discovered I love them. Jared Leto is a beautiful man. I have no shame.) $8
9:30 p.m. — I mooch about the house while I wait for my boyfriend to get back from football – I said I'd wait for him to eat, as he hasn't had dinner yet either. Chuck a load of washing in and feed Gerty, my sourdough starter. We were given a sourdough class for Christmas, and it was there that Gerty was born. For the next week, I have to feed it water and flour before I can use it (her? - the teacher heavily anthropomorphized her own starter, and now I feel the need to as well) to bake. My boyfriend gets home and we have bagels — his with avocado and goat's curd, and mine with avocado and vegan cream cheese. We watch old episodes of Travel Man while we polish off the last of the cookies, and then get to bed around 11.
Daily Total: $227.36
Day Two
9 a.m. — Boyfriend yells from the kitchen so I drag myself out of bed to see what's so exciting. Our sourdough starters have doubled in size overnight and look like tiny bready monsters. He leaves, and I eat oats for breakfast while watching Friends. Spend the morning reading up on the best way to approach agents for my novel.
11 a.m. — Grab a quick shower and douse myself in the last of the Glossier perfume tester I had. Fortuitously, it arrived just as I ran out of my regular perfume. It's cheaper than my usual and smells lovely, so I decide to order a full bottle online. $63
12:30 p.m. — Another portion of roasted veggies, quinoa and hummus for lunch. Watch another episode of Friends, then do a quick Headspace meditation. (I can keep my anxiety much more under control if I meditate everyday.) Check the sourdough starters and notice Gerty is bursting out of her plastic container. Hurriedly transfer her into a bigger jar before she explodes everywhere.
1 p.m. — Wander to my favourite coffee shop and am chuffed to get my usual seat, nestled away in a little nook at the back. Order a coffee which comes with a biscuit (this place is the best), and get to work on editing and writing. I was planning to contact book agents soon, but all the advice I read earlier has convinced me of the need to do one more, fine-tooth comb-through of my book before sending the first chapters off. $3.40
3:30 p.m. — Starting to get peckish. The cafe doesn't have any vegan cakes, so I panic and order another coffee I don't really need just so I can have the biscuit. Fun fact: Lotus biscuits are vegan. (I'm not strictly vegan but have noticed my skin and mental health are better when I avoid dairy, so I tend to follow a vegan diet most of the time.) $3.40
4:10 p.m. — My attention is lagging a little. I'm trying very hard not to just rewrite everything in the book, which is what I've done on each of my previous three edits. I decide to get my second coffee to-go to have tomorrow and then head home. On the way, I stop at a bookstore to do research – I want to have a look at how successful fantasy authors start their books and to get an idea of how long their chapters are. I spend a bit of time flicking through some novels, including AGame of Thrones, and my absolute favourite fantasy series, The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. Reading Hobb was what inspired me to finally start working on my own book, so looking over her first trilogy now is oddly nostalgic and emotional.
5 p.m. — Snack on homemade rye bread with a little vegan cream cheese while I watch Friends. Almost immediately cut another slice and have it with honey. Finish with a few lentil chips. Spend an hour or so on the phone with my mum and then my nan.
7 p.m. — Boyfriend texts to say he's on his way home and inquires about our dinner plans. Usually, on nights when he's home a little later, it's my turn to cook – and vice versa. Our weekly Gousto box arrived earlier today so we have three meals to choose from, but I'm beginning to feel pretty tired, so I suggest leftovers. I lie around until he gets home, and then we snack on rye bread with a yummy sheep's cheese. Feel a little better after eating.
9 p.m. — Remember we need to feed the sourdough starters. I do so while wishing Gerty was actually a small fluffy animal instead of a jar full of fermenting yeast, but you can't have everything.
11 p.m. — I go to bed but feel surprisingly awake. I want to read but I know I'll get sucked in and not be able to stop. Manage to resist the urge, toss and turn for a bit, eventually fall asleep, and end up dreaming about the book I didn't read.
Daily Total: $69.80
Day Three
6 a.m. — My boyfriend's alarm goes off at an unholy hour, but I barely even register it. All I notice is the vague buzzing of the sound trying to break into my comfy-ness and the fact that it's still dark outside. I'm pretty sure he showers, but either he's gotten very good at getting ready quietly or I've gotten great at sleeping through the noises, as I hear nothing.
10 a.m. — I set my alarm for 9 but inexplicably end up snoozing for an extra hour. Prat about on my phone for a bit, then get up. Breakfast is oats and SAD light (again) while watching Friends. Then, I decide I'm going to work on my book. Technically, it should be a freelance day, but I'm waiting on work requests from my clients so I don't have any projects to work on right now. I could (and probably should) use the time to look for other work, but I'm feeling in the flow with my novel and want to try and power through as much as possible. I'll make up for it with an extra day of freelancing next week.
12 p.m. — Quick break to speak to my nan. She rings up to very kindly offer to pay for my wedding dress. I absolutely wish I could refuse all offers of help for things like this, as I'm very grateful for all my family has done for me and would like to be in the position to give them something back, but unfortunately, my boyfriend and I don't have the money to pay for everything wedding-related ourselves. I try to refuse my nan's offer, but she insists. I'm very grateful and promise her a big hug at the weekend.
1 p.m. — Decide it's probably time to get dressed. I'm going out to dinner tonight with my boyfriend and his coworkers, so I decide to wear a green & Other Stories dress I got a couple of Christmases ago. I love this dress but don't wear it that much, as it always needs ironing and I'm very lazy. I get out the ironing board and whiz the iron over while I talk to my mum on the phone about plans for this weekend; we're visiting her and my dad while also checking out a couple of potential wedding venues. Then I make a bagel with vegan cream cheese and avocado for lunch, being very careful not to spill on my newly ironed dress, before getting back to writing.
2:30 p.m. — Coffee break. Dress is creased. Already. What even is the point of ironing? Urgh. Make a coffee using my Nespresso – I usually brew with a V60, but I'm out of beans so I have to go with my backup. Take a quick online survey to try and qualify for paid market research. I do these as often as I can, as you can get paid over $70 for them, which is a great supplement to my freelance income.
5:30 p.m. — Do a quick meditation, then have a ten-minute rest before heading out to get the train to Central London. Meeting my boyfriend at his office. $3.65
6:30 p.m. — It's freezing! We walk from the office to a cute, gastropub-type place that sources its meat and fish locally. Get to know boyfriend's colleagues over bread and wine, then I have a starter of halloumi and butternut squash followed by pollock. Boyfriend has rabbit mac and cheese to start, then shares a colossal steak with one of his coworkers. The food is yummy but I start to feel sick halfway through my main (what is wrong with me at the moment?), so I get the rest in a box to take home. $107.80
9:30 p.m. — We head to a nearby cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe that is nestled among a bunch of townhouses. The fresh air makes me feel better and much less sick. I have a rum and lime concoction followed by a smoky, barrel-aged rum drink that I order mostly for the smell. Boyfriend has two of the smoky ones, followed by half of mine, as I start feeling sick again. $71.56
10:30 p.m. — It's cold and dark so my boyfriend decides he wants to Uber home. He puts it on his credit card. We get back and I remember I was wearing foundation, so I have to pay more attention to removing all my makeup. Before my boyfriend passes out, we discuss the fact that we've spent quite a lot of money. It isn't ideal, but it was a special occasion, as one of the girls who was at dinner is relocating at the end of this week and we both think it's really important to make time for friends. Plus, we don't do it that often.
Daily Total: $183.01
Day Four
10 a.m. — Usual routine of waking up, saying bye to my boyfriend, then conking out again. Really must get out of this habit. I eventually drag myself out of my warm bed and make porridge for breakfast. Given my odd, sick-y feeling, I decide to just leave it plain.
1 p.m. — Have a hectic morning trying to organise bits and bobs, including a potential Secret Cinema trip with a group of friends. The only tickets available are $110 a pop, which seems far too steep. I leave it and lament the time wasted. I accept that it's going to be one of those days where I don't have time to get much done, especially given we'll be driving down to my parents' house later. Have a quick lunch of peanut butter on a wholemeal bagel, a stick of vegan cheese, and freshly ground (by me) coffee in front of the SAD lamp. Then I jump on the train. $5.89
3:20 p.m. — I pop into my boyfriend's office to meet the most adorable little puppy who belongs to a coworker. I want to take him home, even though he threatens to snag my cosy jumper with his tiny teeth. Grab a coffee ($3.40) as I can't be arsed to grind any more beans when I get home, then head to the dry cleaners' to collect my wedding dress. The nice man working there assures me I didn't overpay and shows me the prices of a few other comparable dresses. Grab an Uber to avoid getting my newly-cleaned dress all grimey from the Tube, and am home $17.20 later (this'll go onto the wedding budget eventually, as it's technically a related expense). $20.60
5 p.m. — Get in an hour or so of writing before my boyfriend arrives home. Quickly pack far too many items of clothing for a long weekend, and jump in the car to set off.
7 p.m. — Feels like we've been driving for yeaaaaars. London traffic is the worst. Stop to get food and we share vegetarian nachos with beans, cheese, and guac and veggie chili from one of the service station shops. Not great, but not as horrible as I expected ($10.79). I also grab a bag of my absolute favourite car snacks, spiral salt and vinegar crisps from M&S, along with a bottle of water, as we've drunk the one we filled up ($3.44). Boyfriend claims to hate the crisps but helps me demolish them within five minutes. We won't make it all the way to Devon on the petrol we have but don't want to pay for a whole tank at extortionate service prices, so we fill up enough to get us there ($28.06). $42.29
10 p.m. — Finally arrive at my parent's house. They greet us in a flurry of excitement and immediately whisk me upstairs so I can show them my wedding dress. We chill and catch up for a little bit but everyone's tired, so we head to bed around 11. I proceed to have a moderate panic attack for no reason I can discern, and watch Modern Family until my brain shuts off enough to sleep.
Daily Total: $68.78
Day Five
7:30 a.m. — Hear my dad say goodbye, which means that it's time to get up. I feel absolutely horrendous, and am not sure if it's a hangover from last night's anxiety or something physical. The joys of GAD. I manage one piece of buttered toast for breakfast and my lovely mum packs me one for later. Quickly feed Gerty (yes, we're the people who carry our sourdough starters around the country), dump half a can of dried shampoo over my head, and we're out the door by 8:30.
8:45 p.m. — Stop for petrol at Tesco as we have a voucher, but my boyfriend pays at the pump and forgets to use it – whoops! We get on the road properly and I attempt to sleep off whatever it is that's ailing me. I wake up feeling better, and eat the piece of toast Mum packed for me. $69.47
10:45 p.m. — Cornwall is so pretty! We make our way down windy little roads and through cute villages to the first of the wedding venues we're viewing today. It's an impressive-looking country house with a driveway a mile long, and we're suitably wowed. There's even an old Georgian bathhouse to have the ceremony in. The inside isn't as nice as the outside, though, and it's a little more expensive than we first thought it would be, so we leave with a lot to think about. Drive through the deer park(!) on the way out, and coo over all the sweet animals.
12 p.m. — Quick lunch before our next viewing. We're both starving and find a pub just off the main road. I get a winter club sandwich, which consists of turkey, bacon, cheese, stuffing, and cranberry sauce (goodbye Veganism), and my boyfriend gets a pork bap – plus we share chips. $25.96
1:45 p.m. — The next place we're viewing is an actual working farm, complete with chickens, pigs, and cows. We're shown the venue, plus the two barns which would be used on the day, and are told that all of the food would be made in-house using ingredients that are grown or bred on the farm. It's beautiful and has a really nice, homey vibe that really suits us. My boyfriend is sold and totally in love with it, and after a little discussion, I agree. We're quite budget-conscious too, and it would be a bargain for a last-minute, midweek date in September.
3 p.m. — We stop and grab a coffee to-go, plus a bottle of water. We decide to text our closest friends and make sure they're free on the date we're considering for the farm wedding, and I email the venue to provisionally hold it. $4.63
5 p.m. — Back home! I'm supposed to be taking part in a paid research interview online, but I dial into it only to be told it's cancelled. Luckily, they tell me they'll still pay me the full compensation, which is a massive bonus.
6 p.m. — We spend the evening chatting to my parents about the venue and discussing plans/ideas for the wedding in general. It's all becoming very real, very fast! We get fish and chips from the local chippy, which has recently been named best in the U.K. (apparently). Parents very kindly pay. We all conk out at around 11.
Daily Total: $100.06
Day Six
8:30 a.m. — We're planning to drive to my nan's, who lives an hour away, for the rest of the weekend, so we get up, shower, pack, and head out. No petrol needed this time!
12:30 p.m. — Get to my nan's and everyone is famished. She makes us ham and cheese rolls with leftover Christmas chutney and we devour them. Then, it's time to show her the wedding dress. She approves, which I'm very pleased about. We have a lot of strong, fierce women on my mum's side of the family and we're all very close, so she will likely be involved in the wedding almost as much as my mum will be.
2 p.m. — There's a mother-of-the-bride shop that we've always admired quite close to my nan's house, so we decide to head over for a browse, now that we're actually planning a wedding. We meet my two cousins there, along with their other nan who is basically part of our family. There are loads of amazing things in the store, and we dash around pulling out dresses for my mum and nan to try. Mum isn't feeling it, but my nan gets the most gorgeous beaded, Art Deco-style dress that looks like it's made for her. We all get a bit teary, and I take the opportunity to ask my cousins to be bridesmaids. I don't have any siblings, and, as I said, our family is quite close, so they're probably the nearest people I have to sisters.
4 p.m. — Tired out from the emotions following my nan's purchase, we head over the road for a hot drink and sit down. Everyone except me gets hot chocolate, and I have a peppermint tea. My cousins' other nan sneakily pays and I give her all the change I have to cover my and my mum's drinks. $4.21
6 p.m. — We get home, show my dad and boyfriend my nan's dress, and then my boyfriend and I Facetime his parents to tell them about the quickly moving plans. (When I started this Money Diary, I did not expect it to essentially become a diary of wedding planning!) My youngest cousin and her new boyfriend arrive, and we all decide to order Indian food. My boyfriend and I get vegetable biryani, aubergine, cauliflower and mushroom bhajis, and peshwari naan to share. It's really yummy. Mum and dad pay, and I intend to pay them back for our share but totally forget to mention it. Will have to message them and transfer the money.
11 p.m. — After more chatting, it's bedtime. We're sleeping in the conservatory and it's freezing, so I layer up and we climb into bed with a hot water bottle.
Daily Total: $4.21
Day Seven
9 a.m. — Manage to sleep until 9 and then have toast and jam for breakfast. Have a minor panic that I haven't been paying Gerty much attention until I realise it's time for her to chill in the fridge for a week, according to our expert teacher. She's in the back of the car, which is basically a fridge anyway.
12 p.m. — Everyone is coming over for lunch today. My two cousins, the one boyfriend, and the additional nan all arrive, and we sit down to a roast featuring the biggest joint of beef I've ever seen. My parents actually got it for Christmas, but we had so much food then that it ended up in the freezer. I load up a plate with veggies, beef, and the all important Yorkshire puds. We follow it with three types of dessert: toffee pavlova roulade, lemon meringue pie, and Viennetta, all with ice cream. I roll away from the table feeling stuffed.
3:30 p.m. — We catch up more over coffee, then get back on the road to head back to London. We fill up with petrol (again), and I grab a packet of crisps because I'm a greedy monster. Stop for a wee halfway through the journey and manage not to buy any snacks. $55.87
6:30 p.m. — We go straight to our friends' house and I promptly put on PJs; usually I'd go for tracksuit bottoms but all I have are PJs from the weekend. Plus, we all lived together at university and visit one another's house on an almost weekly basis, so the time for dressing up has long since passed. I help one of the guys make bread-and-butter pudding while the others decide to order Japanese food. I realise I've eaten more takeout than not this week, which is definitely not usual. My boyfriend and I order California rolls, vegetable dumplings, prawn Katsu rolls, and tuna maki to share. One of the guys pays and will put our share on Splitwise, the app we use to keep track of monies within the group. We'll either pay it later or it'll cancel out against something else we've paid for. We end up severely under-ordering and are very grateful for the huge helping of bread-and-butter pudding we have for dessert.
11 p.m. — We play board games after dinner. Between us all in this group, we probably own over 50 of them. Tonight, we play the next installment of Pandemic Legacy Season 2, a game that continues on each time you play. When we're finished, we drive back to our place with one of the guys in tow – he and my boyfriend are planning to watch the Super Bowl. I potter around, unpacking a little and transferring Gerty to the fridge, and consider joining them. Watch for ten minutes before I decide I'm too knackered, and I end up going to bed around midnight.
4 a.m. — Boyfriend comes in after the Super Bowl is over and our friend has Ubered home. He sets an alarm for 10, which I think is somewhat ambitious, and I decide I'm very glad I didn't stay up watching the game.
Daily Total: $55.87
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