Stephanie Linnartz is the Global Chief Commercial Officer at Marriott International where she oversees a wide range of critical business functions including brand management, sales, marketing, revenue management, digital, distribution, consumer insights + innovation, and information technology worldwide. She has been with the company for more than 20 years and worked her way up from a financial analyst. Stephanie’s purview now includes Marriott International’s portfolio of more than one million rooms across 7,000 properties and 30 hotel brands spanning 132 countries and territories with 750,000+ managed and franchise associates. Here’s how she feels powerful…
I feel most powerful when… Making difficult decisions. There are many situations that do not have a straightforward or easy answer and I need to choose a direction and lead my team. I gather as much information as possible, listen to get input from my team and others who have a point of view on the subject, and then really think through the potential outcomes and impact of different scenarios. Being a leader is often about making tough calls, and I try to do it as thoughtfully and with as much information as possible. It’s a very powerful feeling when we come out successful on the other side.
What does power mean to you? Power can be a loaded word. I prefer the word strength which to me, speaks to one’s power but with a sense of self-awareness, ownership, and attitude. Attitude in particular is incredibly important.
There is a quote from an author named Sherrie Eldridge that sits on my desk and I refer to often. It reads in part: “The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”
There is much in life and in work that we can’t control. The part we can always control is how we react. Staying self-aware and harnessing that choice gives us strength, or even power, over our own situation and often influences those around us as well.
What do you do when you feel powerless?
Meditation and running help me clear my mind, find space to breathe, and calm me down after a stressful day. Whenever possible, I try to run outside to connect with nature and the world around me. It always leaves me feeling re-energized and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
What’s your power anthem?
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. To me, the song is about so much more than a break up. It’s about the discovery of personal strength following a tough situation and a great reminder of the power and resilience we all have inside of us.
Who’s your power icon?
Michelle Obama. She is strong, accomplished, relatable, funny and she has a great sense of style. What I find most inspiring is the way she has used her position as a public figure to encourage the next generation of female leaders. I believe that’s an obligation we all have and the ultimate display of power. I have been fortunate in my career to have some amazing mentors who helped inspire me early on and I’m always looking to give back to the next generation.
What do you wear when you want to feel powerful?
A classic dress and a great pair of heels, but always coupled with a strong sense of self, a clear purpose, and confidence!
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There's no denying that red can be an intimidating makeup color — and for good reason. It can look theatrical if not properly blended into the cheeks and requires precise application on the lips. And the eyes? That's the hardest technique to master.
While celebrities and bloggers make red eye makeup look easy, there's always the fear that it can turn out more Halloween that hot. But we're here to say that doesn't have to be the case. As with any bold look, it's important to swatch products in-store until you find one that works with your unique complexion. What's more, it's important to always start with an eye primer for true color payoff, then ease in with a light wash of color or smudge into your lashline to start. And when all else fails, wash it off and try again.
Ready to give it a go? We've rounded up a few of our favorites to help kick off your search for the perfect red, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Nars Pure Pops Single Eyeshadow
It's easy to master the red trend with this bold, highly-pigmented shadow.
NARS Pure Pops Single Eyeshadow, $, available at Barneys New York
Pat McGrath Labs EYEdols Eye Shadow
If you've been wanting to try Pat McGrath's celeb-approved shadows, but don't have celeb-like money, try a single pan. It comes in ruby red and won't break the bank.
PAT McGRATH LABS EYEdols Eye Shadow, $, available at Sephora
Marc Jacobs Beauty O!mega Gel Powder Eyeshadow
Bright reds aren't everyone's cup of tea, and if that's your case, you can go for a brownish-red that will still standout on your lids.
Marc Jacobs Beauty O!mega Gel Powder Eyeshadow, $, available at Sephora
ColourPop Main Squeeze
This under-$15 palette has all types of reds, from strawberry red to burnt coral, so you can achieve any look imaginable.
Come winter, we've only got one thing on our mind: staying warm. While tights, chunky sweaters, and yes, leggings, deserve a shout-out for helping us stay heated, the real MVP of the latter half of the year is our trusty outerwear. From a fluffy sherpa jacket to the quintessential robe waist-tie, our coats are what keep our spirits up, no matter how cold it is outside. And when you're over it and want to wear the same sweats and tee combo for the third day in a row, your coat has you, and your outfit, covered. Literally.
As our tastes in outerwear varies from cropped and furry to sleek and knee-length, so do our budgets. The cost of a nice coat can run higher than we're comfortable shelling in out in one setting, so we set out to prove you can still get a good coat for less than your holiday flight home. Ahead are 24 picks under $150 that are a far cry from the same black pea coat you've been wearing out for years. Bring it on, winter.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
BLANKNYC Marigold Plaid Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
Boon The Dress Caramel Faux Fur Coat, $, available at Pixie Market
Which We Want Ghyslaine Long Denim Shearling Coat, $, available at Need Supply
Moon River Faux Shearling Zip Up Hooded Jacket, $, available at Verishop
Everlane The ReNew Snap-Front Liner, $, available at Everlane
Ever since Stranger Things premiered back in 2016 (and basically singlehandedly revived ’80s nostalgia), some things have never been the same: Eggo waffles. Rainbow string lights. And in the case of one of the show’s teenage protagonists (and internet boyfriend), voluminous ‘dos on men.
Just in time for Halloween — which is less than two weeks away — Bumble and bumble is teaming up with the Netflix hit show for a limited-edition kit that has everything you need to recreate some of the characters’ most iconic looks, and we got the exclusive deets.
The Awesomely Big Hair Duo features sample sizes of two of Bumble and bumble’s most popular products, Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray and Spray de Mode hairspray, and launches exclusively at Sephora today. Whether it’s Steve Harrington’s gravity-defying tousled mop, Nancy Wheeler’s working-woman permed bob, or Barb’s curly crop (#justiceforbarb), volume — and lots of it — has been an ongoing trend with many of the characters’ signature hair looks. Now, with the brand’s texture spray and flexible hairspray (a backstage mainstay), you can DIY their looks and take your Stranger Things costume to the next level.
Bumble and bumble; Stranger Things duo; Thickening dryspun spray 60ml 41g 1.5oz; Spray de Mode hairspray 100ml 77g 2.7oz; THK SDM; box carton; product shot; crop
“This partnership couldn’t be more perfect to celebrate big hair during one of the most creatively-driven moments of the year,” Amber Garrison, SVP and Global General Manager, Bumble and bumble tells Refinery29. Plus, Halloween aside, sexy, cool volume is always a good idea: “Clients can use [the products] separately or together, depending on their desired end look,” Garrison adds.
In addition to being the ultimate “big hair, don’t care” starter pack, the $24 duo also knocks off $6 the à la carte price for both products, making it a pretty good deal if you already use the stylers and looking for travel-friendly sizes to take with you on the road. After all, if anything were to render hair impervious to Mind Flayer attacks (seriously, how did Steve’s hair not get messed up during that mall scene?), we’d bet good money on this one-two punch of volume and hold.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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In order to talk about 2019 Cat Marnell, one needs to understand the past iterations of Cat Marnell.
There’s 2012 Cat, who snorted bath salts to avoid writing a story for the now-defunct XoJane.com, where she was a popular and controversial beauty director. She was known for incorporating her party lifestyle (as documented in her Vice column “Amphetamine Logic“) into her health and beauty coverage. There’s 2013 Cat, who signed an impressive six-figure book deal to tell her one-of-a-kind story about being a blonde media darling with an out-of-control drug habit (her description). Before that, there was Cat the Intern at Nylon, Teen Vogue, and Glamour. By 2017, Cat Marnell had become a New York Times best-selling author.
“I’m an idiot,” Marnell says almost immediately when I call her to talk about the audiobook — part travel diary, part self-help, and entirely her signature rambles. It’s an unexpected follow-up to her hilarious and intense memoir, which she refers to as “Murder” (the aforementioned NYT best-seller How to Murder Your Life). She goes between calling herself an “idiot” and “crazy,” frequently during our conversation, as if she’s trying to beat everyone else to the punch. At 37, Marnell has had years of practice being self-deprecating, but she also has some life lessons worth sharing. Some are simple (don’t bring a suitcase full of just wigs and shoes for a backpacking trip across Europe), while others are profound (“be a fountain, not a drain” of your own happiness).
Told over the course of five chapters, Marnell’s new project documents her summer in Europe following a complete and total mental breakdown after the release of Murder. She flooded, and totally ruined, her Chinatown apartment in an event she described as a “beauty Chernobyl.” Left with scars, burns, and practically no hair (Marnell never specifically describes what happened in that apartment, but still sticks to wigs), she escapes to Europe to solve her problems. And it kind of works. For over 100 days, Marnell travels solo from Croatia to Germany to England to Romania to Italy to Poland and beyond. She’s following her favorite artist Pete Doherty (she even once followed his path all the way to a fancy rehab facility in Thailand), and indulging in heavy pours of white wine while avoiding real life — a graffiti artist ex-boyfriend, her agent, sobriety, responsibility. The result is an immersive storytelling experience full of Adderall, loneliness, and something Marnell calls “wizard walks,” narrated by one of the most polarizing and recognizable writers born of the Internet.
But that was more than two years ago. 2019 Cat is good. She’s back in New York staying in an Airbnb (temporarily), and she says she’s weaned herself off Adderall. She says she’s not sober, but she’s trying to get shit done. She has bills to pay and stories to tell.
Refinery29: Where are you right now?
Cat Marnell: “I am on a stoop on North 5th St. in Williamsburg, looking at a bulldozer.”
How long have you been back in New York?
“I’ve been back, on-and-off, all month. It is very annoying because it is Airbnb for me now, which is very hard to do in New York. Once you travel in Europe, you’re like, It’s no wonder that people don’t come here. When you’re overseas you find that people don’t come to New York. They all want to, but they can’t fucking afford it.”
Who approached whom for this collaboration?
“I met with Audible the spring after How To Murder Your Life came out. It was the one meeting I took as I was actually having a complete fucking mental breakdown and snapping. I showed up at the bar with a rainbow wig, and I met with this guy Andrew (Eisenman) from Audible — shout him out! Love him — and I found out that Audible, which I didn’t know that much about because I was writing my book and also in a drug haze, wanted original content from published authors. I thought it was pretty modern. What I originally thought of when my agent sent through that request, because I usually just say no to everything — how sad is that? — was Howard Stern working with satellite [radio]. I know it is completely different, but I really admire Howard Stern. I just liked the idea of doing something new. I just wanted to switch it up.
“One of the ideas that we settled on was ‘self-help.’ Like I said I was going through a bad time, and I just wanted to ditch New York. I bought The Andy CohenDiaries on the way at the airport, [and] I read it on the plane over there and was enjoying it so much I was like, Okay I’m going to keep a diary and see if I can sell it. And then I did. I actually sold it to Audible while I was in Europe.”
I’m sure you had enough within just two weeks for them to publish.
“Oh yeah, I always do more than I have to. I’m an idiot. Like when my book was turned in, it was way longer than they wanted. I turned in, initially, 800 pages. They cut it down to 300. I basically wrote two books. I’m an idiot.”
Did this make you look at your voice in a different way? Have you listened to it?
“Because I’m so tired all the time, it was definitely a flattened version of me, but that’s fine…I felt like this kept it very real, because I was exhausted. Because I wrote it on the train [while traveling], it kept me going. I am someone who gets depressed and gets nostalgic. I was in bed my whole fucking 20s, you know what I mean? I would give myself 20 minutes of staring out the window [of a train], and then I would pull out the computer. That’s when I would write. I was always fucking exhausted when I was writing it, but it was real.”
“I just didn’t want the book to be all about drugs. Getting off of that stuff has made me so much happier.”
– Cat marnell
How did you gather your source material?
“I just love diaries. I just want to keep writing diaries. I’d rather read that than anything from other people right now. It’s just more real. Our guess our brains have changed, and we can’t read elevated stuff. Or maybe that’s just me. “
Do you consider yourself an influencer at all?
“I’m a bad influencer. I’m proud to say. Whether I’m sorting bath salts or escaping, whenever I hear the word influencer, I think ‘bad influencer,’ you know? I never worried about recommending PCP to anyone because I always knew they wouldn’t know where to find it! I only knew where to find it because I was a fucking scumbag. I do not have the hustle to [be an influencer]. That is the worst thing about my life. I look at them, and they get their hotel rooms [for free]. I always intend to do that, and do, like, an initial email. Even getting the free train ticket to EuroRail, I sent an initial email, and then I never followed up. It’s just not me! I always just pay for it. I would be in the worst place if it meant I didn’t have to talk to anyone.”
How would you describe your travel style?
“I guess, in a negative way, I am an ‘adult child.’ That is what responsible people would say about me. Other people would be like “Oh, she’s so free!” But I don’t need anything. Honestly, sometimes, if there was a safe place to sleep on the street, I would do it.”
What are “wizard walks?”
“First of all, I used to take a lot of speed. You don’t need that for a wizard walk, though. The whole ‘wizard’ thing is played out now, but think of a carnival, or a fairground. During the day, it looks like nothing. That is how I am during the day. That is how my brain is during the day. Right now, I look like shit. I’m wearing sweatpants and I look sad, just sprawled onto these steps. That is my brain during the day.
“But the way carnival rides look lit up at night, my brain is the carnival. [It’s] so glowy and awesome at night. That is the wizard thing. I’ve always connected with cities at night, the glittering night lights. I look better at night, I feel better at night, and so I take these night walks.
“You can go to the best cities in Europe, and then everything at night is completely empty and it’s all lit and glowy and enchanting. Nothing is enchanting during the day — it’s just not. It’s sunny, and it’s pretty, but enchantment is only at night. Even a string of fucking Canal St. bulbs just strung up, or LED lights — that’s my speed. In Europe, everything is a fucking castle — well technically it’s a fortress, but in your American brain you’re like, That’s a castle!. It’s all glowing in the distance, and you put on electronic music and just wander over there. It’s awesome. I’m crazy, though, I’m crazy. You get the energy. It charges your brain for real. Night walks are my thing.”
Is How To Murder Your Life still being adapted into a TV series?
“It’s going to be a limited series with Sony TriStar. I can tell you that it will have the showrunner Esta Spalding, who is the showrunner for the Kristen Dunst God thing [On Becoming a God in Central Florida]. My co-writer is Jessica Caldwell, who has worked on Billions. I love them. I am very excited. I am involved, not because I want to make it accurate about me, but because I want to want it awesome. I want to elevate it. We are creating a fictional world, but I want to come at it from a place of humor and energy — some crackling different stuff. I’m not a big TV person. I don’t watch any TV. I don’t have the patience for it because I find it all to be quite hackneyed and cliché. The second something is played out I’m like, No, I can’t watch this. I have cities to walk around in!”
A piece about your finances went viral earlier this year. Do you feel like you’re in a better place financially now?
“Not at all, actually. I backslid. I don’t have any money coming in anymore! Well, I do. But the TV show money is so far away. I need to sell a book. That’s what I am going to do. Next month. I’m going to fucking Europe again. It’s cheaper! All I do in New York is go to the fucking Buffalo Exchange to buy shit I don’t need.
“Tax extensions are due. I’m just piling up fines again. When you’ve been in tax debt hundreds of thousands of dollars, like I used to be, being in debt $20,000 doesn’t feel like anything. Try telling my mom that. Even my storage unit — I owe them like $800, and I can’t get in. I don’t have any of my dresses. I don’t have any of my shoes. I can’t get in. I am miserable.”
Are you still wearing wigs?
“Of course, I have to. I can’t even get into that. I am trying to get some sort of wig sponsorship, but I’m not sure that is going to happen. I wear bad ones, too…I don’t know how to do anything. I can barely keep up with my email. I can’t hustle for anything. I wind up paying for everything. It’s annoying.”
I am trying to get some sort of wig sponsorship, but I’m not sure that is going to happen.
-Cat Marnell
A person who’s been in the news a lot recently has talked about how much she looks up to you…
“Are you talking about Caroline Calloway? C.C.? Good for her, I hope she flourishes and thrives. I DM with her all the time, and I definitely feel protective of her, as someone who can understand what she is going through in a unique way. The advice I gave her was just to work out through all of this. I said, Caroline, work out. Even if it is just half an hour a day. It is going to keep this entire experience that much more clear for you. That exercise is going to affect the other 23-and-a-half hours in the day in a good way.
“I only have two pieces of advice for anyone, ever: travel and work-out. I really do think for her, you have got to snap out of it sometimes. But it’s intoxicating when it first happens. Hopefully, she seems to be monetizing everything. It’s harder than you think to monetize.”
People want to hear from you, and her, all the time. They also want to judge.
“Everyone hates Kim Kardashian — well, I guess they don’t anymore — but being polarizing has made all these people’s careers. It’s annoying that Caroline will try to charge money for things, and people will attack her for that. I really don’t see how that is scamming. And also the vitriol. People are negatively obsessed with her. Howard Stern has the same thing where people are obsessed with hate-listening to him, and it’s almost like hate-fucking. Hopefully she can just make that into something, and I think she will. I like that she is just obsessively creative, because yeah, people are fucking disorganized. Disorganized creative people are a thing.”
After this experience, do you have any new cures for loneliness?
“Oh, God. Well, you know, I am off Adderall now. I’m not sober or anything…But on that trip, I took my supply and just took less and less and less and less, so I was down to crumbs by the end. I just didn’t want the book to be all about drugs. Getting off of that stuff has made me so much happier. I don’t know why I just bought up drugs…”
Because going off was your cure for loneliness?
“There’s no cure. I am actually lonely all the time, but I realize that is not going to change. It doesn’t matter if I become a quote-unquote famous person or anything. If anything, fame has made me more self-protective and weird and withdrawn. I am trying to meet up with people more. Like someone hit me up last time when I was in London, inviting me to dinner. Usually I don’t do that stuff, but it turned out being amazing. I made these new friends in London, and I feel like my whole life over there opened up. Now I can actually move there and know people.
“People need to be brave. Human connection does not come naturally to me. It has nothing to do with social media — this came before all that shit. It just doesn’t come naturally to me. I was always surrounded by people like my graffiti writing friends who protected me from the real world. When I was in Europe, I didn’t have anyone. You learn to stand on your own. But you have to make an effort. I sound like my dad. [Laughs]”
Check out this clip from Self-Tannerfor the Soul, below.
Interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
If you are struggling with substance abuse, please call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free and confidential information.
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Welcome to Money Diaries, where we’re tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We’re asking women how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
Today: an Account Executive working in Financial Services who has a $120,000 joint income and spends some of her money this week on pumpkin spice seasoning.
Occupation: Account Executive Industry: Financial Services Age: 24 Location: St. Petersburg, FL My Salary: $50,000 My Husband’s Salary: $70,000 (We have a joint account and all monthly expenses are shared) Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,800 Gender Identity: Woman
Monthly Expenses Mortgage: $1,500 (just closed on our first home a month ago) Student Loans: $150 (minimum monthly payment, my husband paid off $35,000 in the last four years and we have about $5,000 left) Utilities: $300 (electric, trash, water, internet) Car Insurance: $337 (for two cars — both paid off) Health insurance: free thanks to military Cell Phone: $150 (for two phones) Netflix: $0 (thanks to my in-laws!) Tithing: $840 Savings: Both my husband and I contribute 10% of our gross income to 401(k)s, which are matched for the first 4%. We contribute 5% each month to a 529 plan for any future child(ren) and 5% into a Roth IRA. After that, we put $2,000 each month into our general emergency/savings fund which currently stands at $5,000.
Day One
5 a.m. — My husband, E.’s, alarm goes off and he continues to press snooze every 10 minutes until around 5:30. He’s active duty military, so he works a unique schedule of 6:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. and after four years of service is basically immune to waking up before the sun.
7 a.m. — I typically like to exercise in the morning, but haven’t found a solid routine yet (we just moved) so I get up at a “normal” hour and get dressed and make my breakfast smoothie — a concoction of spinach, protein powder, yogurt, banana, and almond butter that I’ve been drinking every morning for almost a year now. I love that it’s one less decision I have to make during the day.
9:30 a.m. — Things are a bit slow at work, so I decide to start researching gyms in the area to join. I text E. about a few options and we decide the YMCA is the best and easiest for what I’m looking for. I fill out an application online for a single membership, which is $42 per month plus an initial $74 join fee: (E. has a free gym at work) $160
5 p.m. — I come home to find E. inside tending to a leak that has formed in our ceiling. We closed on our first home a few weeks ago, so this is less than desirable. We discuss possible problems and E. retreats to the couch to search for roof repair companies in the area while I start dinner.
6 p.m. — I know many people (ahem, my husband, E.) find cooking a chore and an overall time suck, but it’s a super therapeutic activity for me. I grew up in a family that cooked every night, so it gives me a sense of comfort to be creating in the kitchen. Tonight, I’m experimenting with a chicken sausage and vegetable sheet pan dish. I also bake and shred six chicken breasts for lunches for both of us throughout the week.
8 p.m. — We start our tidying, showering, organizing routine before doing our nightly decompressing activities, which vary. It’s been raining all night, so I make myself a cup of tea and retreat to bed to start my new book. Yes, I’m 80 years old at heart. E. stays in the living room to watch a movie on Netflix that he knows I wouldn’t like. We are both introverts who spend time with people all day during our jobs, so this time apart at night is integral to allowing us to feel recharged for the next day.
9 p.m. — E. comes into bed and I finish reading. We are hoping to get our first pet this year, so we look at photos of dachshunds for adoption online and brainstorm names (Sonny? Rocky? Manny? Why do we only like names that end with Y?) and finally roll over to go to sleep.
Daily Total: $160
Day Two
5 a.m. — E.’s alarm goes off and we continue to fall in and outside of sleep until around 5:45. E. gets in the shower and makes enough noise that I’m up and at ’em too. This morning, I have some additional momentum because I’m a brand new member of the YMCA! Woohoo! We both leave the house at 6:30. Him, to work, and me, to the gym.
6:40 a.m. — This gym is only half a mile from our house, so I’m able to make the most of my exercise time. This morning, I do some free weights and a series of squats before hopping on the treadmill for two miles. Even after just 20 minutes, I can feel the endorphins kicking in and my energy levels rising. Ahhh, the beauty of a morning workout!
7:30 a.m. — I arrive back at home and am faced with the decision to scroll Instagram for 10 minutes or meditate using my Headspace app. I know deep down in my soul which option will be better, but Instagram wins today. 10 minutes inevitably turns into 15… then yikes, I’m late! Get showered, dressed, whip up my smoothie, and leave the house around 8:20.
9:30 a.m. — Work, work, work. This morning I’m in several trainings to learn our project management system. E. texts me to tell me that his team went to an offsite event and stopped for a fast-food breakfast after, where he treated. $32.19
11:30 a.m. — I head to the department staff meeting. Before we moved, I worked for a company of 12 and now I work for a company of about 12,000, so it’s been a big adjustment. It’s my first staff meeting, so I get publicly introduced in front of about 200 people, which is awkward, but I appreciate the sentiment.
12:30 p.m. — The company I’m working for assigns a mentor to new associates to help them get settled and answer any questions they might have during the first few weeks. I get lucky and hit it off right away with my mentor, so we make plans to grab lunch together today. I eat my leftover chicken sausage sheet pan meal, which I threw over some spinach with olive oil and lemon this morning.
5 p.m. — I head out of the office and back home. I arrive home to E. telling me that our dishwasher is no longer working. We do some tinkering and find that our kitchen sink drain is no longer draining either. Fun! We start researching plumbers and complain about the woes of owning versus renting.
6 p.m. — I use the chicken I prepped last night to make sesame chicken pasta and E. eats shredded chicken over some whole grain chips with melted American cheese. We didn’t live together before we got married and were shocked to learn how different our eating habits were. About a month into our marriage, we decided we were both much happier cooking and eating our own separate meals, so that’s what we do.
7 p.m. — I go to throw in a load of laundry and discover that it’s in use by our renters. Our home has a detached one bedroom/one bathroom unit that we’ve rented out, but we have a shared outdoor laundry room. We’ve been super pleased with the decision to have renters (and to earn the extra $900 per month), but there are sacrifices as well. Laundry goes back into the bin for another day! As I’m cleaning up the kitchen, E. comments that it feels warm and goes to check our AC. 80 degrees. No bueno. Especially in Florida. We proceed to turn on all our fans and research AC repair companies in the area.
8 p.m. — We try to watch Netflix to distract ourselves from the rising temperature in the house, but it doesn’t work and we end up getting into a heated discussion about who decided to purchase such a poorly renovated home (hint: we both did).
9 p.m. — I start to feel very overwhelmed with everything going on in our lives (new jobs for both of us, new house with issues, large emergency purchases), so I retreat to the bedroom to meditate while E. watches Netflix (his personal version of meditation). I started meditating after a surprising and severe bout with anxiety a few months ago and have seen it work wonders for my mental health during times of stress! I do a quick guided meditation and go back out to tell E. how I’m feeling. We eventually get out all of our frustrations and make a plan for how we will deal with these unexpected issues in terms of work schedules, finances, attitudes, etc. by cutting back on our “fun” budget and considering picking up second jobs to ensure we can pay for these house expenses without going into debt.
11 p.m. — Our heart-to-heart conversation, plus the heat, kept us up much later than usual. We eventually collapse into bed.
Daily Total: $32.19
Day Three
5 a.m. — The alarm comes miserably early after a meager six hours of poor, heated sleep. Since it’s so hot, it’s useless to try to get more sleep, so we snooze until 6 and head to work and the gym.
8 a.m. — I leave a bit earlier than usual and decide to run by Starbucks to pick up coffee after our late night. I’ve replaced my daily coffee with decaf or green tea since the aforementioned anxiety flare-ups, but decide to make an exception today by getting a half-caf, to which I generously add creamer and several shakes of cinnamon and nutmeg. My Starbucks card has stayed stocked thanks to birthdays and Christmas, so the coffee is covered.
1 p.m. — I heat up my lunch of sesame chicken pasta and browse some of my favorite online stores. My new work environment is business casual, with an emphasis on business so I need to up my game a little bit. I find my way to the sale page of VICI Collection and order a snakeskin cami, a pink blouse, and olive green pants. They are offering 20% off of the sale items too, so the total comes to $57.15. Seems like a great deal to me! $57.15
4:45 p.m. — I sneak out of work and meet E. at a local market to pick up flowers and a card for his mom’s birthday. We drive over to my in-laws house to see her and deliver the birthday treats. After living far away from both of our families during our first year of marriage, I take a moment to appreciate how awesome it is to live close to one set at this time in our lives. $14.25
6:30 p.m. — I heat up leftover sesame chicken pasta for dinner and E. heats up a frozen pizza. We catch up on our days while eating on the couch because we don’t have a kitchen table yet — hello, new homeownership!
7 p.m. — I place an Amazon order for a few household and personal items we need and tell E. before I do, in case he wants to add anything to the order. This begins a discussion that I should’ve seen coming about E.’s disapproval of Amazon. He thinks we’re becoming “too reliant” on technology and tries to convince me to go to the store to get the items instead. I try to persuade him with my argument that Amazon’s prices are better and I will inevitably spend way more frolicking the aisles of Target than I would placing a single order on Amazon. He gives up on the argument and I place the order for Swiffer wipes, concealer, lip gloss, and Elderberry vitamins. $36.17
8:30 p.m. — Exhausted from last night, we get into bed early, cuddle a little, and pass out.
Daily Total: $107.57
Day Four
5 a.m. — Alarm goes off and we are both feeling extra ambitious apparently and get up after only a couple snoozes. There’s a 6 a.m. spin class at the Y that I’ve had my eye on and I feel excited that I’ve made it up in time to go.
7 a.m. — Finish the spin class and feel great! Head home, shower, get dressed, make my smoothie, and drop off dry cleaning on the way into work.
12 p.m. — E. calls during lunch of leftover sesame chicken pasta to say the roof repairman, plumber, and HVAC company came to look at the house. The damages: roof leak patch, new garbage disposal installation, and an HVAC duct patch. I have a mini-heart-attack when I hear the total, but try to remember that these are emergency purchases and won’t be occurring often. We pay them all that day with money from our emergency fund. $1,000
5:30 p.m. — Thursday nights are small group night at my church. We are still relatively new to town so I’m making a conscious effort to be involved as much as possible. I meet some girls in my group for dinner at a nearby restaurant. $10.73
9 p.m. — I get home and chat with E. about small group while we get ready for bed. E. says he’s having trouble winding down, so I offer to give him some of my YoungLiving essential oils. I decided to pull the trigger on getting a starter kit a few months ago (spurred by aforementioned anxiety episode) and have been having fun experimenting with them. I have no interest in selling them or even purchasing them frequently as they’re pretty expensive, but I will say that after using them, I’m a skeptic turned believer. After some complaints, I convince E. to let me put a few drops of lavender on the soles of his feet before I do the same for mine. We both pass out in under 10 minutes. Success!
Daily Total: $1,010.73
Day Five
5 a.m. — Alarm goes off and we both snooze excessively until around 6:30. That Lavender oil really works! E. scurries around as he’s semi-late and we both head out the door around 6:45.
7 a.m. — Since I have less time this morning, I mix it up and do a walking incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes while watching the TODAY show. It’s not super strenuous, but enough to work up a sweat. I also read in a magazine that walking a minimum of one mile per day eliminates the chance of Alzheimer’s by 70%. I don’t know if that’s 100% true, but I always feel accomplished if I can get my mile in!
12:30 p.m. — We’re out of leftovers, so I head to the cafeteria to grab a salad for lunch. Typically, I like to make my own meals, but their salad bar is incredible and super inexpensive for what you get. I get a spinach and quinoa salad with chicken. E. texts me to tell me he picked up Chick-fil-A. $14.25
4:30 p.m. — Everyone is heading out early for the weekend, so I join them and swing by to pick up our dry cleaning. I never had anything dry cleaned until I started my first big-girl job (per E.’s suggestion), so this cost always annoys me, but I understand it’s an essential adult activity. $47.17
6:30 p.m. — As a part of our debt-free plan, we decide to turn on our Uber Eats App while we heat up a frozen pizza and wait to see if we get any hits. The first year of our marriage, we decided to tackle E.’s student loan debt pretty aggressively and found that driving for Uber Eats was a great way to earn extra money while still being able to spend time together!
6:30 p.m. — We get a hit and end up driving until around 11. We have a well-oiled system where he is the driver and I am the runner. It’s very efficient because we don’t have to worry about parking so we can pick-up and deliver in record time. I secretly love doing it because it’s a fun way to discover new restaurants and new parts of town that I’ve never seen! We earn $100 without subtracting for gas, which will be around $5-10.
11 p.m. — We’re exhausted from a busy night and pass out immediately.
Daily Total: $61.42
Day Six
7 a.m. — After waking up at 5 every day, we don’t do sleeping in very well, so we wake up around 7 and snuggle and until I roll out of bed at 7:30 for my spin class at the Y.
9 a.m. — I go to my class and come back to find that E. has brought me a bagel from a bagel shop down the street, where he also picked up coffee and a bagel for himself. He scarfs down his bagel, while I scramble eggs with spinach to put on mine with some mashed avocado and Everything But the Bagel seasoning. I find a strange amount of joy and satisfaction in turning an average food item into something extraordinary with a few small touches! $8.12
11 a.m. — We eat and make our plan for the day which includes various trips around town to stock up on things we need for the house. We stop at a local charity thrift store to drop off a bunch of clothes we no longer wear, then to Bed Bath and Beyond where we buy a shower curtain, bath mat, drawer organizers, and drying rack. We use a 20% off coupon that we received in the mail. Yay! $52.15
12 p.m. — Next, we head to Target to scope out furniture. I try to convince E. that we should wait to find more unique items, but he is anxious to get the house in order and claims that chairs are a necessary purchase. We find a pair of non-antique/unique chairs for our desk and vanity. I find a couple of throw pillows on sale and a pair of shoes I need for work, as well. Oops…Target does it again! $142.78
1 p.m. — We’re both a little hungry and realize we don’t have much at home, as our scheduled grocery run is tomorrow, so we splurge on two juices at the new juice place in town. The cashier tells us that if we download their app, we get an additional 10% off. $20.15
3:30 p.m. — I get a call from a random number and decide to answer on a whim. It’s my best friend’s boyfriend…. this can only mean one thing. He tells me he’s planning to propose in a few weeks! They have been dating for over four years and are an excellent couple — I’m so excited for them! He invites E. and I to the proposal party where they live in Texas and I tell him we will talk about it and try to make it.
3:45 p.m. — I tell E. the news and we both try to justify the cost of flying and attending the party, but decide that between all of the emergency house costs and a wedding we just flew to this past month, it would be financially irresponsible to do so. We both marvel at how easy it is to fall into credit card debt because saying no to fun stuff sucks. We’re both bummed, but try to comfort ourselves by getting excited about the actual wedding.
4 p.m. — E. heads outside to do some yard work and I text my in-laws to ask if we can come over to watch college football, as we still don’t have our cable hooked up yet. They say yes and then ask us for our pizza order…. YAY!
5 p.m. — We shower and head out to pick up a six-pack of local beers to bring over. We hang out and watch football while lamenting about our house woes. I find some Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter in their cabinet and have a few spoonfuls for dessert. Nobody judges me. Life is good. $9.99
Daily Total: $233.19
Day Seven
8:30 a.m. — We didn’t get home last night until around midnight and are both useless without seven or eight hours of sleep, so we “sleep in” until 8:30. We made plans to meet some new friends at church at 9:30 and debate skipping and snuggling in bed all morning (read: having sex), but eventually drag ourselves out of bed and get ready.
11 a.m. — The church we attend is downtown, so we decide to walk around to find a brunch spot. We choose a casual crepe place with awesome outdoor seating and order one crepe each with one sweet one to share. Mine is eggs, mushrooms and caramelized onions, which I proceed to smother with hot sauce. E. gets chicken, brie, apple, and spinach and we split one with peanut butter, bananas, and honey. E. pays with our joint debit card and adds a tip. I’m not usually one to tip at a fast casual restaurant (I know, shame on me) and always appreciate this quality in my husband when I see him do it! $42.14
12 p.m. — During brunch, we decide to knock out our grocery shopping before heading home. I tell E. I want to make a Trader Joe’s run as well, so we stop there first. We make a split second decision to just do all our grocery shopping there. Twist my arm! We grab carrots, spinach, berries, four bags of frozen vegetables, frozen sweet potato fries, chicken breasts, chili lime chicken burgers, butter, pumpkin muffin mix, black beans, white beans, chicken broth, crackers, brie cheese, spicy dill pickles, ginger tea, hemp seeds, green peppers, pumpkin spice seasoning, umami seasoning, macro bars, and kombucha. $101.20
1 p.m. — Stuffed from brunch, we arrive home, put away the groceries, and lounge on the couch before going over our weekly budget for the upcoming week. E. leads the charge on this venture, but we are both responsible for ensuring financial responsibility. This is when we outline our meal plan for the week to ensure we bought enough food, communicate about any meals out we may have planned, and discuss any purchases we need to make outside of essentials. While this may sound strict to some, we’ve found that it gives us the freedom to spend money we earn without any guilt!
2 p.m. — We know that talking about our financial goals makes us frisky, so we finally cash in on what we missed out on this morning!
3 p.m. — E. says he needs to go to Lowe’s and asks if I’ll join. Let it be known that E. asking me to visit Lowe’s is like me asking E. to go on an all-day shopping venture to an outlet mall. Thankfully, I’m told on this trip we will stay safely in the outdoor area. E. is a man with a plan and we buy enough plants, flowers, mulch, and rocks to fill up a giant cart. E. spots a display of pumpkins and says we should get one. I’ve been holding out for a real pumpkin patch experience, but E. says no such thing exists in South Florida, so we make do. We pick out a big orange pumpkin and two smaller white ones for our front porch. $142.14
4 p.m. — Back at home, we put on our gardening gloves and get down to business! We rip up and plant 10 new plants in front of our front porch and around the side. We’re almost halfway done when E. comes across a garden snake hiding in the mulch which signals it’s my time to go inside.
5 p.m. — I check to see if the laundry is free and it is…. small victories! I quickly throw a load in and put in headphones to call my parents. We chat about their jobs and the nice weather in Tennessee while I start prepping dinner. I decide to get wild and throw together a little fall-inspired charcuterie board with snacks we got a Trader Joe’s. I lay out pumpkin seed crackers, a handful of cashews, sliced brie, and the spicy dill pickle chips. I’m so pleased with my creation!
5:30 p.m. — I’m re-energized from my snack and conversation, so I decide to power through the rest of the chores for the day. I fold and put away E.’s and my laundry, make the bed with fresh sheets, vacuum the house, Swiffer the house, and clean the bathroom.
6 p.m. — Cleanliness is E.’s love language, so he’s over the moon when he sees that I’ve tidied up while he was outside. We have tried to implement a habit of thanking each other for doing large and small tasks, even when they’re necessary. I start to whip up dinner while E. hops in the shower. We had leftover pre-made meatballs in the fridge that didn’t get eaten last week, so I use those, pasta, and marinara sauce to make spaghetti and meatballs. I use spinach, chopped green pepper, olives, and cashews to make a small green salad. Our realtor gave us a bottle of wine as a house warming gift when we closed, so I decide to open that as well.
7 p.m. — We settle into our dining spot on the couch and I win tonight’s watching war. The new episode of Modern Family, it is! Yes, I realize I’m 12.
8 p.m. — D. cleans up in the kitchen while I procrastinate my nighttime routine by scrolling through Instagram. I silently berate myself for not asking E. to take a picture of me at brunch because I thought of a really clever caption. I spend five minutes being bummed about it and then realize this is why I have also considered deleting my Instagram indefinitely.
8:30 p.m. — I put on a quick face mask, hop in the shower and crawl into bed beside E. We watch some funny videos on YouTube together before snuggling and falling asleep around 9:30.
Daily Total: $285.48
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Kylie Jenner attends the premiere of Netflix’ Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, USA 27 August 2019. The movie traces the Houston rapper’s rise to super-stardom, focusing on the months surrounding the release of his album ASTROWORLD and is opening in the US on Netflix 28 August 2019.
Premiere of Netflix’ Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly, Santa Monica, USA – 27 Aug 2019
“Rise and shine.” A simple, innocuous morning greeting that will never again be the same. It all started when Kylie Jenner recorded a Kylie Cosmetics office walking tour that culminated in the waking of her daughter Stormi, who was already awake, as evidenced by the fact that there was a camera person in her room and Stormi was sitting up in her crib. But that’s besides the point. To rouse Stormi from bed, Kylie opened her mouth and unleashed a melody so iconic it has already become the stuff of memes, ring tones, and a possible sample on a forthcoming Ariana Grande song. She sang “rise and shine,” which sounded more like “ruuuhise and shuynnneee.” And it spawned a series of memes, my favorite of which invokes the Sun Baby from Teletubbies, except it’s Kylie’s face as the sun.
Kylie has fully embraced the memification of her song. Her Instagram bio is now: “rise and shine.” And her sisters love it as well. Kendall even took to Twitter asking for a step-by-step guide to making it her ring tone, as many members of the Twitterverse already have.
Well, here’s how to do it, Kendall. Step one: Watch Kylie’s office tour video and go to the part where she wakes up Stormi (around the 15:18 minute mark). Record with glee via your iPhone’s Voice Memos app and save it as “Rise and Shine” or something of the like to Files. Then, open up the iOS GarageBand app and select Audio Recorder in the top menu. Click on the wrench icon in the top right corner and select Metronome & Count-in > No sound. Underneath that, there’s a plus sign, where you can manually adjust the amount of bars of the sound bite.
From here, click on the middle icon on the right side of the top panel — the one that looks like mini tracks, followed by the loop icon (the one that looks like a little lasso) on the right hand side. From here, you’ll be prompted to import from Files. Hit Browse and select the Voice Memo you just recorded, which you can then drag onto the track screen. Finally, click on the triangle icon in the top right corner and select My Songs > Share > Ringtone > Export. From here, you can go into your Alarm settings, and your very own Kylie song should be right there in the Ringtones menu to choose from.
Still, I have many remaining questions about “rise and shine.” The first and most pressing: Is this how Kylie typically rouses Stormi from bed? Also, will we get an EP?
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We asked and you answered: after a month of polling, we've finally digested all 180+ travel ensemble submissions from enthusiastic (and wanderlusty) Refinery29 readers. We dug through your highly specific responses, distilling down repeat outfits and popular style opinions to craft the shoppable outfit guide ahead.
Aside from confirming that the majority of you jet setters lean on leggings as an on-the-go article of choice (42% to be exact), we also received more surprising intel from those who swear by comfy maxi dresses and flowy midi skirts too. When talking travel accessories: sneakers and flats were not-so-shockingly the leading shoe selection, while sweaters and blanket scarves topped the list as must-have airplane essentials. In addition to overlapping wardrobe basics, there were repeat brands that ranked as trusty transit favorites — from the ever-popular likes of Athleta to Everlane, Converse, and Levi's.
Scroll on to check out 29 looks that made the TSA-approved cut — from athleisure casual to comfy luxe and dressy layers — along with quotes from the IRL travelers who actually wore and recommended them.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.A Midi Skirt
“A midi dress or skirt, a cover-up shawl, and slip-on flats. The midi-length helps me stay elegant, while the openness helps me relax in comfort. The shawl is essential for too-cold planes or something to roll up into a pillow for a mid-flight nap. The slip-on flats make security easy, keep my toes covered from the cold, and prevent a sandal blow out.” — Liz, travels once per year
ASOS DESIGN floaty midi skirt with button waist detail in leopard, $, available at ASOSStretchy Black Pants
“Stretchy black pants and a blazer. I always get cold on flights, so having a blazer (even in the dead of summer) is a must. Black pants look chic no matter what and can be worn multiple times on a trip. I love this pair from Everlane (go one size up for a more comfortable flight). I tend to wear pointed mules in the summer because they are easy to slide on and off for security. During cooler months, I always wear compression socks on flights (these nude Amazon ones are great). Call me a granny all you want, but I’ll be the one laughing when your swollen feet hurt after your flight.” — Morgan, travels weekly
“Jeans with a simple cotton shirt and a sweater that cocoons me and serves as my blanket. I once decided to be cute and wear a sweater that was slightly sparkly — got myself a full pat-down.” — Dionne, travels five times per year
"Sneakers, compression socks, comfortable denim, sweatshirt, neck pillow, and noise-canceling headphones. Comfort is key and I bring a sweatshirt since sometimes the airlines get cold. Compression socks are a necessity since I travel long hours and they prevent swelling." — Karen, travels eight times a year
NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans In Sure Stretch® Denim, $, available at NYDJA Maxi Dress
“A maxi dress and comfy flip flops. Maxi dresses are super comfortable, there's usually no metal on them and they go with any season and location. The comfy flip flops for ease at security and to be comfy on the plane without having to take my shoes off.” — Elizabeth, travels 2-3 times per year
Amazon Basics Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at AmazonLeggings
“Lululemon leggings, compression socks (only put them on in-flight), sneakers, t-shirt, and some sort of sweater/cardigan” — Anna, travels every six weeks
"I'm obsessed with the Athleta Skyline pants for when I travel — lightweight, comfortable, with deep pockets for passports/etc. They also look quite professional when paired with a chic/simple tucked in t-shirt. They're as comfortable as leggings, but they actually qualify as pants (sorry, leggings.)” — Paige, travels every 4-6 weeks
“High waisted black skinny jeans (with lots of stretch to stay comfy), lightweight cashmere sweater, white t-shirt, and a beanie. This keeps my super comfy, while still looking put together. Layering up helps me navigate warm airports and cold planes with ease. The beanie allows me to tuck my hair up out of my face while avoiding ponytail lines. It is also great for shutting out the world and catching a quick nap!” — Erin, travels around 4-5 times per year
“My fav go-to outfit is this cotton black dress. It's like a maxi t-shirt sleeveless that looks great with every pair of shoes. I usually rock a white pair of leather converse and a thick navy blue or black sweater.” — Anayo, travels once a month
“I like to wear a matching leggings and top or jacket set. I feel the most comfortable in leggings (when I travel or otherwise!) and when paired with a matching top and jacket, it looks so much more put together, sleek, and cool. I also always wear a clean pair of black or white sneakers that go with everything. Sneakers are very important when you're running late for a flight!” — Melissa, travels once a month
“I like to dress up when I travel, but I also want to be comfortable. Everlane is the best. I have a couple go-to dresses that I wear alone in warmer weather, and then dress up with a blazer in the colder months. One is the Luxe Cotton Midi Tank Dress and the other is the Luxe Cotton Side Slit Tee Dress.” — Rebecca, travels 6-7 times per year
Everlane The Luxe Cotton Side-Slit Tee Dress, $, available at Everlane
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It's common knowledge that many drugstore makeup and skin-care products are just as good — if not better — than their more expensive counterparts. But, there are still some items that you can't be cheap with, especially when it comes to your hair.
"Most of the drugstore blowdryers come with high heat and very little power, which means you're actually taking longer to dry your hair," hairstylist Kristen Keller once told us. "The longer you expose your hair to that kind of heat, the more damage you'll be doing. Think lots of frizz and breakage."
For the record: We're not saying that there aren't good budget dryers out there (check out some of our favorite ones here). However, the below picks beloved by celebrity stylists and seasoned salon pros alike are all worth the extra coin. Find out why, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
T3 Cura Luxe
"This blowdryer is the dream. It cuts down on dry time and has five different heat settings, so hair stays healthy. However, my favorite little extra is the handy volume-boost switch that I like to use for a quick rough dry. Then, I switch it off for a silky, smooth finish — it's a real game-changer." — Laura Polko, celebrity stylist
T3 T3 Cura Luxe Hair Dryer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Parlux 3200 Plus
"My favorite blowdryer is the Parlux for two reasons: It weighs less than a pound, and it's ceramic. The weight makes it easy to hold for hours on end, and the ceramic helps eliminate static while making sure I don't fry the cuticle of the hair." — Cristina B, hairstylist at Warren Tricomi Salons in NYC
Paralux Paralux 3200 Plus Hair Dryer, $, available at Paralux
"If you know anything about me, you know I'm a lover of innovation and new technology. The Dyson Supersonic hairdryer is just that. The motor is much smaller, but still very powerful, so I can dry hair much faster without the strain on my wrist. Plus, the aesthetic is so gorgeous.” — Jen Atkin, celebrity hairstylist
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $, available at Sephora
“A blowdryer is as important to a hairdresser as [his or her] scissors. Invest in a great one, like the BaByliss Pro Volare V1 Dryer, because it really will dry hair faster, with less damage, and so that it looks smoother and shinier." — Nathaniel Hawkins, celebrity stylist
BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Volare V1 Ferrari-Designed Engine Full-Si, $, available at Amazon
"Halfway between a practical hair tool and an objet d'art, T3 has won my heart again with this travel-friendly hair dryer. It's lightweight and takes up minimal room in a crowded carry-on, but is still powerful enough to get the job done. Run, don't walk, while it's on sale!" — Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty and Wellness Market Writer
T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer with Dual Volt, $, available at Ulta Beauty
"I dare you to not get your whole head dry in under 20 minutes with this dryer. Its long nozzle makes it easy to control for a rough dry or a full blowout look. It also always seems to make my hair so much shinier than it would be straight out of the shower and I love that even though I’m heat-styling my strands, the dryer never makes them look damaged." — Samantha Sasso, beauty writer
Bio Ionic Powerlight Pro-Dryer, $, available at Amazon
"I will sacrifice shoes and outfits to fit this blowdryer in my carryon when I travel. Nothing dries my thick, waist-length hair faster — and I rarely have to follow up with an iron for smoothness or shine. It has cut my drying time in half — which means more exploring, and less bathroom time, on vacation." — Cat Quinn, beauty director
Harry Josh Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000, $, available at Target
"After a sweaty workout, I need a blowdryer that gets super hot fast so I can dry my roots and be out of the door. This one gets the job done — plus it's cute!" — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer
NuMe Signature Hair Dryer, Turquoise, $, available at Amazon"Sounds shallow, but I was first attracted to its matte black packaging that looks chic on my vanity table — but it's the ionic technology and multiple speed settings (which shaves minutes off my blowdry in comparison to other ones I've tried) that keeps me coming back." — Kelsey Castañon, R29 beauty news editor
Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry High Performance Dryer, $, available at Ulta Beauty"Don't be fooled by the sleek, featherlight design: this baby is built with a beastly Korean brushless motor, guaranteed to last 10,000 hours. It has a great cool-shot setting, which is ideal for minimizing direct heat on my natural hair." — Khalea Underwood, R29 beauty writer
Amika Immortal Power-Life Dryer, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueLike this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
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My eyebrows are rubbish. Not only are they the same uninspiring beige color as my skin and hair, they’re also as thin and patchy as a 13-year-old boy’s upper lip. To add insult to (literal) injury, I’ve got matching scars under each one (left eye courtesy of a hockey stick, right eye courtesy of my brother and my grandmother’s placemat). To top it all off, an operation I had when I was too young to remember means my right eyebrow rests considerably lower on my face than my left.
This was all fine. (And I don’t mean “fine” in the passive-aggressive, actually really not fine sense. I mean I genuinely didn’t care.) I hadn’t even thoughtof my eyebrows as their own entity until 2011, when designer Christopher Bailey first cast Cara Delevingne in a Burberry campaign. All of a sudden, eyebrows were the only feature worth talking about.
Since then, I’ve had many emotions about my eyebrows. I’ve been sad about them, angry at them, and totally indifferent. I’ve been through so many different brow products I’ve lost count. I’ve tried pencils, I’ve tried powders, but nothing has managed to make my brows look like anything other than two anemic caterpillars slopped lazily above my eyes.
Then microblading came along and I’ll admit I was tempted. The pictures I saw on Instagram were so good and natural-looking but the price tag made me hesitate. In that time, horror stories about badly-tattooed brows started doing the rounds. Obviously, I knew that a reputable salon would be fine to carry out the treatment after compulsory patch tests and a thorough consultation. But after seeing my third “Woman’s Hair-Raising Microblading Fail Leaves Her Looking Like Angry Bird” headline, I decided that, nah, microblading wasn’t for me.
This is why brow lamination piqued my interest. The technique, which originated in Russia and spread to the UK and beyond earlier this year, involves lifting and tinting the brows with a hypoallergenic serum, hair by hair. This achieves a finish similar to microblading but doesn’t actually involve any blades or downtime, like scabbing and healing. In London, prices for brow lamination start from £75 (around $85 USD) and the results last for a month.
I decided to give it a go, and headed to Brow Bar BBM in Knightsbridge to try it out. I walked in just as a blonde girl with very dark brows left the salon. Her look concerned me. Was that what my future held? I just wanted something natural…
I needn’t have worried, though. The treatment, which was delivered by a very nice Russian brow technician (who looked quizzically at my lack of brows) is pain-free, and the color my brows ended up was totally my decision. “It’s like a perm for your eyebrows,” the expert told me as I sat down.
First, the hypoallergenic “lifting” serum was painted on, and my eyebrows were covered in cling wrap while the serum worked its magic on each hair. This process was repeated several times before the actual tinting took place. The technician finished up by brushing my eyebrows into a shape that suited my face, and voilà: 50 minutes later, my brows were done.
The results are, quite frankly, astounding. Unlike some brow treatments which can make them look drawn on or flat, I appear to have grown actual thick eyebrows. They look like they have a personality; a purpose. They have a great shape and they simply look like eyebrows. Even my technician laughed at the difference.
She sent me off on the premise I follow two rules. 1) I don’t get my brows wet for 24 hours (perhaps this is the perm similarity?) and 2) I brush them every morning. I do this dutifully every day, marveling at their new thickness.
However, £75 for a treatment that lasts a month means that, for me, this will be a one-off — I can’t justify spending that amount on a regular basis. That said, if I had a special occasion coming up, like my wedding or meeting Rihanna or something, I’d absolutely go back. Secretly though, I’m hoping my brows will just stay like this. So far it’s been over a week and there’s been no decline in their quality, so fingers crossed this is just my reality now.
Either way, it’s really nice having eyebrows, and I don’t think I realized how much of a difference a good set can make to a face. In fact, according to the “inspirational” and somewhat bananas quote from Saoirse Ronan on Brow Bar BBM’s website, “If you don’t have eyebrows, you don’t really have a face.”
So, if you see me next month sans face, you’ll know that the magic’s worn off… and I’m busy deciding if the third Friday of November is enough of a special occasion to get my brows done again.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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For any beauty lover, dressing up as a character from the hit HBO show Euphoria this Halloween is a bit of a no-brainer.
The makeup on the show — as we've already stressed — is extraordinary, with lead makeup artist Doniella Davy using things like paint, rhinestones, metal studs, chains, and chunky glitter to turn each character's face into an expressive piece of art. Beyond using your standard art supplies as makeup, Davy also helped popularize Face Lace, a brand that specializes in ornate, stick-on face appliqués that mimic elaborate, futuristic makeup.
Soon after the holographic pieces were seen on the faces of both Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya) and Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer) on the show, the stickers made their way onto Instagram bloggers and New York Fashion Week models alike, effectively becoming synonymous with fearless Gen Z beauty. Even Lady Gaga's Haus Beauty understood the hype, collaborating with the brand for her own custom appliqués.
Now, while Face Lace itself is based in the UK, which can mean a hefty shipping fee, the stickers are also sold at online retailers like Dolls Kill, Cyberdog, Nigel Beauty, and Manhattan Wardrobe Supply. So in anticipation of this Halloween, we decided to track some Face Lace stickers down and try them out ourselves. Ahead, our honest, unfiltered reviews.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Face Lace Thor Adore
Face Lace Thor Adore, $, available at Face Lace"The fancy eyeliner and shadow looks that I attempt to create for Halloween usually end up looking a hot mess, so I love that Face Lace eliminates the potential for error. Just pick a sticker, and put it on your face. You'll instantly look like you put a lot more effort into your look than you did.
"I loved the lightning style of these stickers. They were super easy to apply on top of my makeup and were equally easy to remove. When you peel them off, be sure to pull towards the grain of your brows to avoid accidentally waxing them off. You can catch me on October 31 at my desk, in plain clothes, with these on my face." — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer
Face Lace DazzleDots, $, available at Face Lace"I'm experiencing some serious Halloween indecision this year, so I'm thinking that going avant-garde with my makeup is the easiest way out. I was immediately drawn to this multi-pack of holographic shapes because I thought I could put my own spin on the Euphoria look.
"I wanted to create a broken outline around my eye, with a tiny piece in my inner corner (which I believe Jules wore on the show at one time) and two curved lines above and below my eye. The effect worked in a cool, editorial way, and I have to say these stickers really stick, so place carefully. I'm also intrigued by the star stickers that come in this pack, which just might make it onto my temples come Halloween. " — Rachel Lubitz, senior beauty writer
Face Lace Spikelihood, $, available at Face Lace"A year ago, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about Generation Z. Then, I watched Euphoria and decided that 1) I wish I was born a few years later and 2) they REALLY know makeup. Unlike those of us who grew up in the Glossier generation, Euphoria is all about a "more is more" aesthetic. Unfortunately, I'll never be as cool as Rue or Jules, but I can definitely try to be with these feathered eye stickers.
"Thanks to HBO's teen drama and Lady Gaga (who wore custom Face Lace while flying into her Super Bowl halftime performance), face decals have gone mainstream, and they make me look hella good even on the days I don't wear concealer. While wearing anything from Face Lace makes me feel like a middle-aged man going through a mid-life crisis, pretending like I'm 17 again — even if only for a few hours — is totally exciting." — Samantha Sasso, beauty writer
Face Lace Dazzliner, $, available at Face Lace"I went for the subtle approach with this Face Lace (if subtle is even possible when wearing face stickers). As someone who has never seen one episode of Euphoria and doesn’t participate in Halloween, I decided that the floating crease look is one that would suit my natural makeup style.
"The stickers were very easy to apply (although I accidentally put two different sizes on my lids), and they were just as easy to adjust once they were on. It took me a few different attempts to get the placement just right, but the stickers stayed tacky the entire time. My only complaint, you have to put a little makeup on to pull off this sparkly look." — Jessica Cruel, deputy beauty director
Face Lace Dazzle Underliners, $, available at Face Lace"I had two expectations when testing these strips out: That they'd be difficult to apply, and that I'd hate how it looked. I was wrong about both. I applied them in seconds — even with long acrylic nails. It's a lewk, for sure. I'd wear these face decals for Halloween, festivals, concerts, or wherever I want to be extra." — Thatiana Diaz, beauty writer
Face Lace Dazzle Underliners, $, available at Face Lace
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Halloween inspiration often comes in waves based on current pop culture moments. One year it's all about Left Shark, and the next you're bobbing for apples with four Lady Gaga look-alikes at the company Halloween party.
This year, you can expect plenty of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin costumes, but if you're thinking of going as Baldwin, there's one important question to answer: Are you blonde enough to pull it off?Because in order to do the leggy model justice — and so many other pop culture icons, for that matter — you have to get one thing right: the hair.
So, to make your life a little easier, we recommend starting your costume from the top down. Whether you're planning to buy a wig or just styling your own hair, we have all your Halloween hair inspiration ahead. These looks range from a Cher's waist-length black hair to a platinum Xtina with colored streaks, but each one is a Halloween classic.
Cher
Cher's look is all about jet-black, pin-straight hair parted right down the middle. Hairstylist Harry Josh let us in on the secret to Cher's iconic hairstyle: an ironing board. "She used to actually iron her hair on an ironing board to get it that straight and smooth," Josh told us. Now, we have flat irons, but you get the gist.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
Soft fluffy curls, indigo eyeshadow, some high drama blush draping, and a glossy berry stained lip — and you've got a costume that disco dreams are made of.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
Marilyn Monroe
To really pay homage to Monroe's coiffed blonde hairstyle, you'll probably need a wig. Or, if you already have the color, you can take a cue from Lady Gaga and grab the Velcro rollers to recreate the curly bob. Either way, a red lipstick is a must.Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images.
Janet Jackson
Name a more iconic box braid hairstyle than Janet Jackson's high pony in Poetic Justice... we'll wait. Don't forget to stock up on headbands and hats to accessorize the look.Photo: KMazur/WireImage.
Jackie O.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis invested time into her hair. To get that signature bouffant, you could run to your local Drybar with this White House photo for inspiration. Or, opt for an at-home blowout. After you add volume with a round brush, make sure you have have some hot rollers on hand to help with perfecting those curled-under ends.Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images.
Audrey Hepburn
With a high ballerina bun and a teeny tiara, you can easily recreate this Breakfast at Tiffany's look. Bonus points if you already have wispy baby bangs.Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images.
Tina Turner
If you're going to an '80s party, Tina Turner's shag hairstyle is the perfect look. To get in the mood, jam out to "What’s Love Got To Do With It" on repeat as you tease your hair (or wig) to the max.Photo: Francis Apesteguy/Getty Images.
Christina Aguilera
A hair icon of the early 2000s, Christina Aguilera made us beg our moms for a crimper and colored hair extensions. And if this inspiration isn't doing it for you, look back at how Kylie Jenner styled Xtina circa Halloween 2016.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Just got new face-framing fringe? Then, you won't have to do much to pay homage to one of fashion's finest. Obviously, bangs are a must for this one. High-waisted jeans are also strongly encouraged.Photo: REPORTERS ASSOCIES/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images.
Selena
On stage, Selena Quintanilla typically left her long black hair down, but she's often memorialized by her red-carpet appearance at the '94 Grammy Awards (after winning for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album). There she sported a stunning updo with piece-y curls framing her face and her signature red lip, of course.Photo: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images.
Twiggy
Before Victoria Beckham came along, Twiggy was the classic "it" girl. If your hair is blonde and short, this look is totally doable with a little styling mousse, a side part, and mascara dotted across your lower lash line.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
Diana Ross
Known as the Queen of Motown, Diana Ross rocked many different hair looks that you can mimic. The only requirement: The hair must be big. Everyone — from Yara Shahidi to Rihanna — is wearing big curls inspired by the music icon, but none can touch the fabulous, high-glam that Ross made famous. For this look, you'll need an Afro pick and a mic to carry around.Photo: Harry Langdon/Getty Images.
No Ariana Grande costume is complete without a high-and-tight ponytail spilling down the front of your oversized sweatshirt.Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
Nothing's scarier than a last-minute costume scramble. Click on over to Spooky Town now and shop our editors' curated collection of Halloween outfits and accessories. We even included some tasty treats!
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Over one million people have watched the YouTube video. Shot from above, viral recipe video style, a disembodied hand pours bleach into two cups of human pee. They both begin to fizz, but one fizzes more than the other. This is a “bleach pregnancy test.”
Dozens of similar videos have been posted to YouTube over the past five years, many of them racking up hundreds of thousands of views. They claim that if you mix a pregnant person’s urine with bleach, it will fizzle and foam. Supposedly, the reaction is caused by the bleach’s reaction to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a pregnancy hormone that can be detected in urine.
However, experts say that they have no idea where this viral trend comes from, and there’s no proof that it’s true. According to Planned Parenthood, “The ‘bleach test’ — adding bleach to your urine — is 100% myth. It cannot accurately tell you whether or not you’re pregnant.”
There is tiny a grain of truth in the tests: drugstore pregnancy tests work by measuring the amount of hCG in your pee. After a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, your body begins releasing hCG, which prevents your uterine lining from shedding and stops your period. During the early days of pregnancy, your levels of hCG increase rapidly. By the time you’ve missed your period, they’re easily detectable by a drugstore pregnancy test.
However, there’s no evidence that bleach reacts to urine with hCG differently than any other kind of urine. And in fact, inhaling bleach fumes can be harmful, so bleach shouldn’t be played with. If you want to take a pregnancy test, it’ll both be safer and more accurate to purchase an over-the-counter test — these often cost less than $10 and are available at most drugstores, as well as online. A blood test, which is done at a doctor’s office and measures the levels of hCG in your blood, is also an accurate way to tell if you’re pregnant.
Bleach is just one viral DIY pregnancy test — others include mixing your pee with toothpaste, sugar, or baking soda. Doctors say that none of them work. “Having an accurate answer is well worth the cost of a pregnancy test from the drug store or a visit to your doctor,” Caitlin McAllister, MD, chief Ob/Gyn resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, previously told Refinery29.
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As much as we love nude lipstick, sometimes we want a lip color that pops — especially through the colder months when accessorizing is best done on the face. What's a statement coat without a bold lip? But even though we're searching for ways to experiment with different shades and textures, red lipstick is the product that will never steer you wrong.
The good news: There are tons of red lip options on the market. The bad news: There are tons of red lip options on the market. When looking for the right one, you have to take into account formula, color, and your skin tone. So, we asked a few R29 staffers to share their go-to reds. We're talking about the ones that have lasted through long nights, gotten them compliments, and impressed them enough to become a permanent part of their makeup collection. Ahead, the red lip colors that have our hearts... for now.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Red Square
"I own a couple shades of Nars’ matte lip crayon, and I may as well toss all my other red lipsticks because I’m constantly going back to these two. The creamy, insanely-pigmented formula glides on like butter and stays put for a couple hours before I need to reapply. Red Square is a gorgeous orangey-red (perfect for my olive skin), and Cruella is a true, rose-petal red that I reserve for special occasions and date night." — Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Market Writer
NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil, $, available at Sephora
MAC Russian Red Lipstick
"When it comes to red lipstick there is none more iconic than MAC. Ruby Woo, Russian Red, Lady Danger... I never met a MAC red that I didn't like. But my favorite is Russian Red, because it's a little deeper with a brick undertone. As with all MAC lipsticks, the matte lasts forever without feeling too drying. And every time I wear this one, I get the inevitable question: What lipstick is that?" — Jessica Cruel, Deputy Beauty Director
Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip Velvet Matte in Red The News
"I always stayed away from red lipstick, because honestly, it was intimidating for me. But then, a makeup artist suggested I try this one out, and as hesitant as I was at first, I ended up loving it. It was the perfect red for my tan skin, and it was so easy to apply with its doe-foot applicator. Plus, it stays put through everything — I'm talking multiple cups of coffee. It's the one lipstick my boyfriend isn't afraid of kissing me with, and it's red!" — Thatiana Diaz, Beauty Writer
Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip Velvet Matte, $, available at Bobbi Brown
Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick in Thrillest
"I’ve never met a Kosas lipstick that I didn’t love; the brand’s founder, Sheena Yaitanes, has perfected colors that magically look good on everyone. I don’t want to talk Phoenix up too much, because it’s limited edition and will therefore break your heart, but it’s the most gorgeous, fiery red that somehow — also as if by magic — feels low-maintenance and wearable for every day (or at least two or three days a week). It’s warm, but not so warm that it skews orange, and the formula is super hydrating without sacrificing that velvety semi-matte finish. I stan… even if the shade name reminds me of Ben Affleck’s truly appalling back tattoo."— Rachel Krause, Senior Beauty Eriter
Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Heroine
"Ever since I discovered this lipstick in September, I feel like I've been the president of its fan club. I'm far from alone in loving it. Porn stars, brides, and teachers all clamor for this formula that can last through hours of eating, drinking, chit-chatting, and well, everything a porn star may do. While Pioneer is a favorite red shade for many, I'm more into Heroine, a red-orange that wakes up my face no matter how little I've slept." — Rachel Lubitz, Senior Beauty Writer
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick — Heroine, $, available at Maybelline
L'Oréal Colour Riche Red Lipcolour in Blake's Red
"Honestly, someone could slap 'Blake Lively' on a battery and I'd buy it, but L'Oréal actually collaborated with the actress (and all-around goddess) to create this perfect red lipstick that is knock-me-out good. It's matte, but not too dry; soft, but not too creamy; and I love everything about it." — Samantha Sasso, Beauty Writer
L'Oréal Colour Riche Red Lipcolour — Blake's Red, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in Lady Balls
"Meet my power red. It's the one I paint on when I need an extra boost of confidence before a long day at work, and the one I put on when date night with bae rolls around. Aside from its sexy, fire-engine pigment, which stands out on my medium complexion, this matte product stays on for hours. It has lasted me through many kisses, cocktails, and dinners — as a true partner-in-crime should." — Aimee Simeon, Beauty Writer
Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick, $, available at Sephora
Revlon Live Boldly Super Lustrous Fire and Ice Lipstick
"I keep this lipstick on display on my vanity — both because it's my go-to red, but also because I love the message of this particular tube. Whenever I have a big meeting or am nervous about something, a swipe of this gives me the extra push I need to walk in with confidence — or, at the very least, fake it." — Cat Quinn, Beauty Director
Revlon Live Boldly Super Lustrous Fire and Ice Lipstick , $, available at Target
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MALIBU, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Hailey Bieber attends the Saint Laurent Mens Spring Summer 20 Show on June 06, 2019 in Paradise Cove Malibu, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Hailey Bieber caused some confusion when she posted an Instagram story explaining that she is “claiming” Halloween for Christians. During a fan Q&A, Bieber posted a long answer in response to the question, “Halloween yes or no.” Bieber has since deleted the message, but writer Taylor Trudon captured the lengthy statement while it was still live.
“I’m a Christian. Do you have any idea what that means historically?” she wrote. “It means I redefine everything in culture. Pagan Feast of Winter Solstice? Oh that’s now JESUS BIRTHDAY. Pagan Feast of Spring Planting? Oh that’s now EASTER WEEKEND. Pagan Celtic Festival involving dressing up and warding off evil spirits? Oh now it’s ALL SAINTS DAY and we celebrate the VICTORIOUS CHURCH THAT HAS BEEN OVERCOME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB!!! CANDY PLEASE!!!”
She added, “I’m not afraid of the world. I’m not afraid of any devil or demon or incantation. They are terrified of me. Halloween is now MY HOLIDAY and I am claiming all candy for the glory of God and the celebration of the Saints. What now? I’ll dress up however I like! My favorite characters, pop culture stuff, whatever. It’s my party and you’re invited. I’m alive today and a Saint tomorrow. Give me candy.”
Bieber is right: while the origins of Halloween are in the Celtic festival of Samhain, Pope Gregory III declared November 1 as All Saints Day back in the eighth century. It didn’t take long for All Saints Day to incorporate some Samhain traditions. According to the History Channel, after All Saints Day was introduced, the evening before All Saints Day became known as All Hallows Eve, and then Halloween.
However, some Christians believe that celebrating Halloween “glorifies” the devil and witchcraft. In an article for the Christian Post, Life Church pastor Jamie Morgan writes, “Setting aside a day to celebrate evil, darkness, witchcraft, fear, death and the demonic brings disdain to God. Period. A Christian celebrating Halloween would be like a Satan worshiper putting up a nativity scene at Christmas while singing, ‘Happy Birthday, Jesus!’ The two just don’t go together.”
Some of Bieber’s Christian fans have criticized her decision to celebrate Halloween. In an Instagram Story shared earlier this month, she asked for costume ideas. According to StyleCaster, some fans responded to the question with comments like, “FAKE CHRISTIAN.”
“I’m here to represent Jesus through me for other people — for His will to be done,” she said in the docu-series. “I think that the second that we feel like we’re too high and mighty, we’re always reminded that it’s not about us. Nothing is about me, or you, or really anybody. It’s about us being a vessel for Jesus to be seen.”
So there you have it. Bieber is a Christian and she’s celebrating Halloween.
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There’s an old adage that lends itself particularly well to dramatic hair transformations: no risk, no reward. For beauty influencer Micaéla Verrelien, dyeing her curls a few shades lighter was a way to switch up her look for fall, but she wanted to make sure she didn’t do any harm to her own hair or her brand-new $1,300 extensions in the process. So, how did she keep it hydrated? Three products that lock in moisture post-color, courtesy of Ulta Beauty: the PATTERN Hydration Shampoo and Heavy Conditioner and the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. By counteracting the damage with plenty of moisture, Verrelien nailed the art of the healthy hair transformation.
“I’m so happy that now I know how to take care of my hair at home,” she says. “When you dye natural hair you need that much more moisture, so I’ll definitely be using way more conditioner and taking care of my hair.”
Watch Verrelien maintain healthy, moisture-rich locks while taking her hair from black to brown in this episode of Hair Me Out, above.
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Warning: Spoilers for episode three of Modern Love are ahead.
If there’s one thing the new Amazon Prime series Modern Love — based on the eponymous New York Times column — reaffirms, it’s that romance is complex. And, as the show deftly displays, dating can be further complicated if you struggle with mental health. In the third episode of the series, “Take Me As I Am, Whoever I Am,” Anne Hathaway portrays a woman who’s combating the symptoms of bipolar disorder as she navigates the world of dating and professional life.
In the series, we see Hathaway’s character be charming, “sparkly,” productive, and endearing. “I met a man in the [supermarket] peach aisle,” she sings. “There’s not a cloud in the sky.” We also see her spiral into depressive episodes and have days where she can’t get out of bed. She struggles to find love, and ultimately pushes away a budding romance with a character played by Gary Carr.
The story is based on a personal essay, and the screen adaption does a good job of detailing the intricacies of relationships and mental health disorders. However, Dr. Sherry Benton, Ph.D., ABPP, and the founder and chief science officer of TAO Connect, points out that it’s just one person’s story, and that many people have successful, stable relationships, despite their bipolar diagnosis.
Benton notes that there are different types of the disorder, including bipolar I, which involves swift mood changes from mania to depression, and bipolar II, which involves milder mood elevation that will alternate with periods of depression — which is likely what Hathaway’s character would have been diagnosed with. There’s also cyclothymic disorder, which involves having those symptoms for breifer periods.
Benton also notes that bipolar disorder is generally treatable. “If people are on medication, which usually includes lithium and maybe antidepressants, and do good self-care — managing their stress, diet, doing exercise, getting regular sleep — they can live a pretty symptom-free life and their relationships do just fine,” Benton explains.
Dr. Roger McIntyre, MD — a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto and director at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) — agrees. However, he adds that it can take a toll on relationships. “Being bipolar, by definition, impacts your interactions with others in a significant way,” McIntyre says. “The nature of the symptoms can cause [people] to be more withdrawn and less interested at one point, and more manic at another… sometimes leading to irritability, anger, and impulsive behavior.”
With that said, Benton says if someone who has bipolar disorder is in a relationship with the right person, it can be a really good thing for their wellbeing. She notes that one of the biggest risks for those with the condition is undergoing a lot of stress, which might stop their medications from working as well. She notes that having a partner to check in with during these times can be helpful. They also might be able to spot subtle mood changes before their partner with the condition does.
McIntyre agrees, but adds: “The chaos of relationships can destabilize people with bipolar disorder… But the stability of healthy relationships can have a positive effect on them.”
The Modern Love episode ultimately shows how Hathaway’s character’s condition negatively impacts her dating and work life. The lesson she gleans is that she needs to be more open about her condition. In a final scene, she’s seen including her diagnosis in her profile for an online dating website.
However, McIntyre says that disclosing the condition upfront isn’t right for everyone. “There needs to be nuance,” he says. “For some people, not all, they need to make the disclosure at a time that’s right for them in a way that’s right for them… Do you always need to disclose your illness to your partner? Yes, but it needs to be personalized. I’ve seen these disclosures being encouraged long before people were ready, and that had negative consequences.”
Ultimately, McIntyre says that those with bipolar disorder shouldn’t get discouraged by Hathaway’s portrayal.
“Just because you have bipolar disorder doesn’t mean you can’t have fulfilling, stabling, loving, great relationships,” McIntyre says. “A lot of people think it would be impossible, but that’s not really true. There are certain biases and distortions that are influenced by Hollywood, frankly, and other personal experiences. But that’s not the reality.”
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PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: A Vuitton bag is seen, outside Lacoste, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Spring Summer 2020, on October 01, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
That sage in bloom that’s like perfume, deep in the heart of Texas, might actually be Louis Vuitton cologne wafting into the air at their new leather goods workshop. On Thursday, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy chairman and chief executive officer Bernard Arnault welcomed Donald Trump in rural Alvarado, Texas for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This shows two commitments: One, the commitment of LVMH to the American market, and two, the commitment of President Trump to the American worker,” WWD notes Arnault said. “I have always been close to the U.S. since the beginning of the Eighties when I lived here. You remember that France, a beautiful country, was becoming a little bit socialist at the time, and so I tried to find a country where business was welcome. So I lived here in New York, and that’s where I learned to do business in the American way, the efficient way,” Arnault continued.
Arnault also praised Trump in an interview with the fashion trade paper, saying: “We are very honored to have the president of the United States. I’m not here to judge any types of policies,” said Arnault. “I’m here to work with my brand and we are going to, over five years, have 1,000 people working here and that’s what matters.”
LVMH bought the land in 2017 and now the 100,000-square-foot factory sits on 265 acres. The land is named Rochambeau Ranch after the French general who helped the 13 colonies win independence during the Revolutionary War. The factory will employ 150 people. This is the third American factory for the brand, the other two are located in California.
“This is domestic manufacturing for domestic consumption…And I have yet to meet a single client who doesn’t want Made in the U.S.A. You can have in the store at the same time two identical bags, one made in France, one made in the U.S.,” Louis Vuitton chairman and chief executive officer Michael Burke told WWD.
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Jenny Owen Youngs has a new EP coming on November 15, and this track from it just shot to the top of my fall music playlist. It feels a great track to listen to while having a hot apple cider on an evening of stargazing in your coziest beanie. Youngs’ voice is wistful and quiet, the perfect pairing for a chill evening.
Yuna feat. Tyler, the Creator “Castaway”
Malaysian pop singer Yuna is worth obsessing over. This track with Tyler, the Creator, has a touch of traditional Malaysian folk music, with its percussion-focused sound, blended with some Bollywood sounds. But it also has a melody that, once it washes over you, feels like the softest brush against your soul. Let’s get lost.
Skott “Midas”
Thanks Sweden, you’ve done it again: now I’m fixated on another pop song by yet another genius songwriter from the country that makes way too much catchy music. Skott’s “Midas” is a stripped-down take on longing and romance, with just the right touch of historical references to make a nerd like myself appreciate it.
Laumė “Spells (Oedipusi)”
This track from Laumé may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly for me. It’s the new project from New Zealand-born songwriter Kim Pflaum, the former frontwoman and co-founder of Yumi Zouma. It’s taking me back to bloghouse tracks from the 2010s, in the best way. I’m hearing shades of Caribu, Washed Out, and Hot Chip and I like them all. I am under the spell.
Grace Carter “Fired Up”
Grace Carter has been everyone’s favorite this year and, with “Fired Up,” she should be on your radar, too. It’s about her first time falling in love and just listening to people sharing stories like that makes me happy. The light, almost tropical beat, of this song keeps it romantic while her voice brings all the sincerity you could want.
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Ask a cinephile to identify the best part in Pretty Woman and they’ll likely hesitate between Vivian Ward's victory strut into a Rodeo Drive boutique ("Big mistake. Big. Huge!") and her charming homage to Prince during the walkman-in-the-bathtub scene. But flip the question over to an accessories fiend like myself and you'll get the consistent response, delivered with conviction, that the most unforgettable part happens with the introduction of a Fred Joaillier ruby-and-diamond sparkler — an item with such dazzling personality, it could be considered its very own character.
The problem with this film genre is that it exists only in a utopian Hollywood vortex of great romance, even greater hair, and happy endings. It's a universe in which chivalrous men in suits actually go around offering ("quarter-of-a-million" dollar) jewels on loan for an evening at the opera. This brief, yet sparkly five-second interval of Pretty Woman completely sets my heart aflutter, only to leave me drifting slowly back to reality as the closing credits begin to role, my neck noticeably bare and my outlook on life pragmatic once again. Except that now we live in the world with Amazon, which means anything is possible and affordable — even your very own, over-the-top Vivian Ward moment. No man required, just internet access and a shipping address.
I know this from experience after being tasked with finding this very necklace for my aunt, who decided she was going all-out rom-com for her son's wedding with just seven days to go until the big event. Considering the fact that Vivian's famous bling was made with 23 pear-cut rubies (!) at the centers of diamond-encrusted hearts (!!) all set in 18k white gold (!!!), this was no easy feat on my part, especially on a budget. But leaning all the way into my role as bridesmaid, I was determined to come up with a suitable alternative and went to the same place where I always go when in need of something in a pinch: Amazon. And there, among its plethora of hidden gems, was a replica of the necklace fit for a real star (my aunt and Julia Roberts included). Even though its stones are synthetic, the necklace has glitzy appeal without being gaudy along with over 40 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars — all things that had me adding it to my cart immediately.
So the only thing it seems Amazon can't do is deliver Vivian her knight on a white horse. Whether you're the mother of the groom, a wedding guest, or simply a big fan of Julia Roberts (aren't we all?), shop the necklace in a range of color options that'll have you channeling your inner Pretty Woman without the six-digit price tag (just ask my aunt!).
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EVER FAITH Teardrop Necklace And Earrings Set, $, available at Amazon
EVER FAITH Teardrop Necklace And Earrings Set, $, available at Amazon
EVER FAITH Teardrop Necklace And Earrings Set, $, available at Amazon
EVER FAITH Teardrop Necklace And Earrings Set, $, available at Amazon
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