Are you the type of person who takes a hundred selfies a day and plays around with all the Snapchat filters? Ain't no shame in your game. For your filtering pleasure, the new Meitu T8 smartphone can help erase your dark undereye circles, whiten your teeth, and give you a goddess-like highlight. There's just one catch: As of now, it's only available in China and there's no word on whether it will make it to the U.S.
If you do find yourself in China (and with $479 to spare), you might want to get your hands on this selfie phone because the makers of the viral Meitu app have outdone themselves yet again. The phone's front-facing camera is unique among its competition because it offers "photo quality and performance similar to DSLR cameras," the company told PC Mag. And according to the magazine's resident smartphone guinea pig, your selfies will look good even in low lighting, which you know is a tall order if you've ever taken a selfie.
The phone features filters and effects that are built right into its camera, so you don't even need a separate app to edit your selfies, though you can by all means go to town with one. It can even detect your skin tone, age, and gender, and apply effects accordingly. The camera's "beautification" functions include "auto face-lift" (to make your face look slimmer), "anti-acne," "dark circles," "highlight face," "smart whitening" (to make you look paler), "tooth whitening," and "rosy" (to make your lips look pinker). You can turn on and disable these features whenever you like — and they work for group photos, too, detecting each face individually.
The phone comes pre-loaded with the MakeupPlus and BeautyPlus apps, which let you further play around with your face — like turn yourself into an anime character. Luckily, unlike the T8 phone, these apps are already available in the U.S.
Necessary footnote: While all of these face-editing features are fun to use, we'd like to remind you that you're beautiful just the way you are.
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At New York Fashion Week, the style set braved blizzards and a snow-covered backdrop. But once we touched down in London, we were welcomed with significantly warmer temperatures and the sun making a rare February appearance. But just how did fashion editors, social media stars, and models fare with the sudden switch from winter wardrobe to spring styling? Pretty damn well.
What LFW brought was a fresh dose of irreverence and playful dressing, with patent leather pants, oversized blazers (shoulder pads very much included), and lots of frayed hems (Marques'Almeida, the label behind the denim fab, is, of course, London-based). Other homegrown brands popped up quite a bit, with Christopher Kane dresses, J.W. Anderson bags, and Nicholas Kirkwood shoes spotted frequently on the streets.
The scene was, as usual, that laid-back cool we come to expect from the city: The idea that you can style a fancy coat with sneakers, that you don't need to shy away from neon colors, and that mixing weird, weird patterns is highly encouraged. And, if you ask us, that's just the kind of style inspiration we're looking for.
Here's how to wear gingham when it's still slightly chilly out (hint: pair it with shiny leather pants).
Sonia Rykiel coat, Louis Vuitton pants, Céline shoes.
We're calling it now: This will go down as the most popular bag of Fashion Month.
J.W. Anderson.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
For added effect, layer a party dress over a band tee.
Christopher Kane dress.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
When your neon hoodie compliments the street signs.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
A triple threat in velvet, faux fur, and patchwork denim. All the textures.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Eye-catching. Period.
Loewe bag.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Wearing a cardigan as a top might seem a bit odd, but we love how Kate Foley pulls it off.
Bally shirt, Marni skirt, J.W. Anderson bag.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
This season is all about accentuating the waist, so why not wear a belt over your jacket or shirt?
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
How to wear green and red together without looking like Christmas.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Never not fans of a frayed hem.
Marques'Almeida top.
One word: LOVE.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Balance out a tailored coat and wide-leg trousers with a simple, worn-in pair of sneakers.
Converse shoes.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
XXL clothing + XS bag = winning combination.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Dress up your denim with some suede boots and a belted overcoat.
Louis Vuitton bag.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Spotted: Alexander Wang's coveted collection for Adidas. Screams!
Right: Ellery top, Toga jacket, Alexander Wang x Adidas pants, Dorateymur shoes, Loewe bag.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
When your denim has seen better days...
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Ah, the turleneck. How we love thee...
Nicholas Kirkwood shoes.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Olivia Palermo wears florals...for spring...well, you know where we're going with this one...
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
More proof that the patent trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Add a pop of color to a neutral ensemble.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Because two coats are better than one.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
A lesson in layering, wearing a pinafore over a navy jumper and white shirt.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
The only way to wear your coat or jacket this season is off-the-shoulder.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
More colors, more prints, more everything.
Ellery dress.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
All-over velvet. Yes, please.
Rejina Pyo dress, Loewe bag.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Because nothing signifies the start of spring like a bubblegum-pink hoodie.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Daisy Lowe masters monochrome in a nautical blouse and midi skirt.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Though we were never a fan of skousers, a dress-over-jeans is the perfect pick for transitional weather.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Those. Trousers.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
We're all about a sweater we could potentially hide in.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A satchel and tartan skirt might sound a bit like a school girl's uniform, but when combined with a leather biker jacket and graphic sweater, it's street style heaven.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A lesson in athluxury: Dress up a puffer and sneakers with pearls and an elegant bag.
Saint Laurent bag.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Don't be afraid to play with proportions. Here, instead of skinny jeans, a boxy shearling jacket is paired with baggy boyfriend ones.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Your leather jacket doesn't always need to be black.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Gold and silver don't necessarily clash. In fact, here's proof they look pretty great together.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Wear a ruffled dress over jeans and under a structured coat for a spring take on the frilly trend.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
A how-to in clashing prints and pinstripe.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Transform a classic white shirt by layering it under a bralette.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Lots. Of. Neon.
Marques'Almeida top, Bao Bao Issey Miyake bag.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Yes, warm weather may be returning, but we're not quite ready to ditch the bold overcoats.
Peeta may have let Katniss take the reins during the Panem revolution, but the guy who portrays him was in total boss mode during his recent venture.
According to a new interview with ET Online, Josh Hutcherson has stepped behind the camera for his very first directorial debut. Though it's the perfect step for a former child actor to take in order to usher in his adult career, it's also one that gave Hutcherson plenty of jitters.
Hutcherson's new short film is a psychological thriller titled Ape, and is a part of a collaboration between Condé Nast Entertainment, Indigenous Media, and the company Hutcherson runs with his mother, Turkeyfoot Productions. The partnership is called The Big Script, and will consist of a series of five short films from young filmmakers like Hutcherson himself.
So how did the actor feel about the endeavor? He compared the experience of premiering the short film — which you can watch over at The Scene right now — to a non- Hunger Games franchise.
"I am excited. I'm nervous as well. Excitement is winning the battle, currently, but it's like Voldemort and Harry Potter with their wands pushing the streams of energy back and forth."
As with any young director, what Hutcherson really didn't want was the film to be a total flop. He told ET Online that he was terrified having to face an awkward moment in which "compliments" were actually thinly-veiled criticism:
"The thing is, I do have a keen awareness of when people are bullshitting me. I'm really afraid to be bullshitted afterwards, you know what I mean? I know the things to say to people when you don't like something, because I've been in that position many times. I'm nervous to hear like, 'The lighting was really cool!'"
Totally valid. There's nothing more disheartening than someone placating you with a non-compliment in order to avoid making an honest, upsetting critique. Fortunately, Hutcherson shouldn't worry too much: though this may be his first directorial effort, he's watched and learned from some of the best — like Hunger Games director Gary Ross and Zathura director Jon Favreau. (Okay, so maybe Zathura wasn't Favreau's best. But still!)
Maybe one day it will be Hutcherson leading a major franchise from the director's chair. I'm already here for a Hutcherson-helmed Hunger Games spinoff.
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After two years of struggling with infertility, one Texas couple is finally expecting twins. Of course, their newfound joy didn't come without difficulty, and Lauren Walker, one half of the couple, shared their story in a now-viral Facebook post.
"We prayed for 953 days, 452 needles, 1000's of tears, 1 corrective surgery, 4 clomid/letrozole attempts, 2 IVF rounds, 3 failed transfers & 1 Amazing GOD," she wrote on a post of a photo of her two onesies, one that says "Worth the wait" and the other saying, "... and wait and wait and wait."
Now, she's pregnant with twins, Duke and Diana, who are due in August 2017.
Walker and her high school sweetheart, Garyt, had been trying to have children since 2014, she told ABC.
"There was a lot of pain, hope, and fear behind each of these needles," she wrote in the post. "Each one represents a different day, a different path, a different emotion. It's a lot to take in. After a good cry, the more I looked at it, the more the needles started to blur together. Now all I see are these tiny onesies that so perfectly sum up our journey: Worth the wait. And wait, and wait, and wait."
Walker wrote that as grueling as IVF was, it wasn't the hardest part of the journey — that was going through multiple miscarriages.
"My darkest hour was going through an entire cycle and losing embryo after embryo; 5," she wrote. "Coming so far only to miscarry. Getting to where all the hope, the money, all of what could have been your children were gone. The End."
Walker told ABC that she and her husband found out early on that they were struggling with fertility, and decided to try for IVF off the bat. By the end of 2014, she said, the couple had spent $30,000 in fertility treatments, and decided to give it "one more shot" with a final embryo, but found out just before Christmas that it didn't take.
"He went into the bedroom to take the call. He came out and just looked at me and he started to tear up [and said,] 'I'm so sorry, sweetie,'" she said. "We just held each other and I let out this blood curdling scream. I was completely broken."
After taking out a $14,000 loan, the couple decided to try again in October 2016 without telling anyone, and were finally able to surprise their family with the good news.
"Life happens the way that it's supposed to happen," she told ABC. "Had this all happened the way I wanted to back in 2014, we would have different children and we would have a different life, and I know that these babies right now are meant to be here."
"Duke & Diana, you are already so loved," she wrote in her Facebook post. "Mommy and Daddy cannot wait to hold you in our arms, for we have carried you in our hearts for a lifetime."
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Rachel Bloom is coming to the big screen. Deadlinereports that Lionsgate has acquired the comedy Most Likely To Murder starring Crazy Ex-Girlfriend 's Rachel Bloom and Adam Pally.
Pally is slated to play Billy in the film. Billy, once the most popular kid in high school, returns ten years later only to see his fall from grace. His high school crush (presumably played by Bloom) is instead dating the former school outcast. But when the outcast's mother mysteriously dies, Billy is determined to prove that it was murder.
Most Likely To Murder is set to be directed by Dan Gregor, who also works on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and who wrote the film along with Doug Mand. Mand will also act in the movie.
The two have described Most Likely To Murder as “ Rear Window for stoners" — a reference to the 1954 film starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. In it, a photographer confined to a wheelchair passes the time by spying on his neighbors, eventually convincing himself that one of them has committed murder.
Both Bloom and Pally are on board to produce the film along with Petra Ahmann. Gregor and Mand will take the roles of executive producers.
This is a big week for Lionsgate, who struck a first look deal with YouTube personality Hannah Hart last Thursday. First up for the star? An LGBTQ romantic comedy.
Bloom took to Twitter to express her excitement for the film, making sure to congratulate "the father of her dog" on his directing debut.
No word on when we should expect the movie, or even when filming will begin, but this is a pretty foolproof comedy team. Until then we can get our Rachel Bloom fix by catching up on both seasons (now on Netflix), as well as learning all the songs from the series thanks to the free sheet music released back in November — because, let's be honest, no release date would be soon enough.
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After Kendall Jenner posted a pair of shoes from her latest collection with her sister, Kylie, the Twittersphere had a lot to say (and it wasn't all that positive). The model tweeted a gif of chainmail Shiloh slides from Kendall + Kylie, letting fans know that the shoes were now available on Nordstrom. And they still are, although the rest of the duo's DropOne capsule sold out within minutes. But Twitter users are calling out the slides' near-identical resemblance to Chanel's version.
Now, you don't need 20/20 vision to see the similarities between the two slip-ons: Both closures are wrapped in gold chains and sport thick, black soles. Where Kendall + Kylie's version differs from Chanel's pair, though, is really only in price ($895 versus $125, respectively) and the rope detail is woven through the gold chain on the latter. Also, Kendall and Kylie's version comes in black-on- black, tan and white, and all white editions, too (Chanel has an all white version as well).
Of course, the target Kendall + Kylie customer probably won't care because, well, who wouldn't want an affordable version of a high fashion shoe? Designer knockoffs by celebrity clothing lines (and designers ripping off of each other) is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence. (This is a particularly faithful copy, though.) Some repeat offenders include Forever 21, Steve Madden, Zara, and more. While some Twitter users replied to Jenner's tweet with sentiments such as "yas i need it," to "Can I hit Trump with it please? " others are providing direct comparisons to the Chanel pair with side-by-side imagery.
We don't know just how hands-on the sisters are in the design process, but we've got a feeling somebody's going to get a talking-to for this gaffe. (Let's not forget Jenner's tight relationship with Chanel and its creative director, Karl Lagerfeld: the model walks in the luxury house's show just about every season.) We reached out to Chanel for comment and will update when hear back.
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Our club-going, L.A. goth chic days may be behind us, but that doesn't mean our hearts are ready to say goodbye to the place that fueled an era of questionable style choices. After a few years of business difficulties, Nasty Gal, requisite fast-fashion site for the bohemian and trendy, is shuttering. In the wake of the news, the site recently began discounting its inventory by an additional 70%. And while it's rumored that Boohoo may be acquiring the brand, shopping at the Nasty Gal we once knew and loved will never be the same.
Over the last 10 years, we've patiently waited all summer for the latest Jeffrey Campbell sneakers to go on sale; we've refreshed the vintage accessories page daily for a discounted Chanel bag; we laughed at the cringe-worthy moment when T-Swift's red carpet Balmain jumpsuit was mistakenly credited to Nasty Gal (but then raced to buy the knock-off version ourselves). And, most recently, we let our grungy mascara streaks run wild with joy when Courtney Love designed a true-to-brand collection. So, let us celebrate with one last shopping spree, shall we?
Though the mega-sale has clearly been picked clean, there are still a few gems left in the mix. Ahead, we've rounded up the items we're adding to our cart, ASAP (because pieces are selling out by the minute). Go on, let yourself indulge in a little retail therapy to cope with this latest loss.
Nasty Gal Powder Room Satin Midi Dress, $98 $29.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Glamorous Catch a Tiger Denim Jacket, $138 $41.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Shellys London Cantara Satin Mule, $100 $30, available at Nasty Gal.
Nasty Gal Ingall Satin Blouse, $78 $23.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Nasty Gal You Make Loving Fun Flare Pants, $38 $11.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Bossa Skyline Choker, $15 $4.50, available at Nasty Gal.
Brashy 2000 Track Jacket, $158 $47.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Quay On the Prowl Square Shades, $48.00 $10.08, available at Nasty Gal.
Cape Robbin Valley Girl Feather Slide Sandal, $38 $11.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Nasty Gal Halle Cold Shoulder Top, $48 $14.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Chan Luu Rosalie Necktie, $40 $12, available at Nasty Gal.
Nasty Gal Cold Comfort Cold Shoulder Sweater, $68 $20.40, available at Nasty Gal.
Nasty Gal Lindsay Tulle Skirt, $58 $17.40, available at Nasty Gal.
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We learn how to use the bathroom before we even learn our ABCs. Yet, the simple act of going to the bathroom has become a political statement for transgender people.
"Some people just take bathrooms for granted, but over history, the bathroom has been a place where rights are fought," Andrea Zekis, a transgender woman from Portland, told The Rolling Stone.
Proposed legislation like the controversial North Carolina bathroom bill and now SB6, a similar anti-transgender bathroom bill from Texas, often come from fear and ignorance of non-cisgender gender identities. So a new ad from director Richard Linklater aims to fight back by educating people about what the bill really means, Pink News reports.
The video was posted on YouTube with the title, "Taking a Seat, Making a Stand." It opens with several people explaining that SB6 would force transgender people to use public bathrooms that align with the sex they were assigned at birth, and then urges viewers to "pee with LGBT" to fight the bill.
"Passing the bill discriminates against family and friends," a man with a deep southern drawl says while standing at a urinal. A transgender man comes out of the stall next to him and adds, "And me."
People in the video continue to explain that the bill will harm Texas businesses and that keeping transgender people out of public bathrooms that align with their gender is not about privacy, it's about discrimination.
The ad closes with the whole group saying, "I pee with LGBT" and one woman explaining, "because everyone pees and everyone deserves a safe place t0."
We wholeheartedly agree — how could we not? Going to the bathroom is a basic human right, and should not cause as much anxiety and fear as it often does for transgender people.
Yet, we'd be remiss not to mention that asking people to "pee with LGBT" isn't quite accurate. These bills are clearly anti-transgender, and do not target the LGBT community as a whole. As a cisgender lesbian woman I have never felt discrimination in a public bathroom.
Still, the initiative is sweet and could be a powerful way to educate people in Texas about how discriminatory SB6 is, and what they can do to stop it.
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I adore reality TV, so it pains me to say that the Mama June: From Not To Hot show on WeTV really isn’t doing it for me. Generally, I have a one episode threshold to determine whether or not I can let my brain rot in perpetuity (or at least until the season and reunions are over) and somehow not feel like a troll. But the whole thesis for Mama June’s new show is just a humongous bummer , and that’s coming from someone who dressed up as a Toddlers & Tiara girl for one Halloween in college.
Here's the gist: After hearing that her ex-husband, affectionately nicknamed Sugar Bear, is engaged to a woman he’s been dating for eight months, Mama June is convinced by her niece Amber to "diet until you're sexy" to get revenge on Sugar Bear. Her niece seems like a bit of a jerk for planting the seed in the first place, and even June throws shade and says Amber’s “gotta be adopted; she’s got perfect teeth and no tattoos, she's a freak.” Amber insists that revenge diets are “the next biggest thing in Hollywood,” which is unfortunately true, but that doesn't mean we're not tired of hearing about them. Plagued by yo-yo dieting and weight loss plateaus, Mama June decides she's going to get weight loss surgery, and the journey begins.
Before we get into everything that's wrong with this picture, it's worth noting that I genuinely don't think it's all Mama June's fault. After watching the first episode, from what I can tell, it seems like she's a victim of manipulative producers and an enticing TV deal — but then again, that's how she got here in the first place. Let's unpack...
For all we know, June had been planning on getting bariatric surgery for a while, and the show gave her the financial push she needed, but that's giving her the benefit of the doubt. Deciding to have weight loss surgery isn't just like deciding to get bangs on a whim; it's a change that effectively alters the rest of your life, so there are mental and logistical hurdles. And if you're doing it all for someone else's approval, not only is that a crazy way to spend your money, it's also a recipe for disappointment. Why? Because your self-worth should not be wrapped up in how someone else thinks you look.
"Her motivation isn't exactly right to begin with," says Jenny Choi, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Montefiore Health System. "People have different motivations for losing weight — obviously looking good to look good is one — but it's hard to maintain that feeling for a lifetime."
June doesn't even really seem to be sold on her niece's plan to impress Sugar Bear at the wedding. "I don't want him back, but I want to show him how hot I can be, and I'm not going to sulk," she says. June even tells her niece that she thinks she already looks good, which is further proof that maybe revenge wasn't her plan at all.
She needs her family's support.
You probably remember Alana, aka Honey Boo Boo, the child who coined the term "vajiggle jaggle" and drank "go-go juice" from Toddlers & Tiaras. She's in this new show a lot, for comedic relief and apparently to be the voice of reason. In the preview, Alana doubts the whole thing and tells her mom she likes the way she looks as is. When her mom starts exercising in the first episode, Alana asks, "How did we get roped into this revenge diet?" Honestly, wondering the same question, Alana!
In other previews, Alana gets teary-eyed when June asks if she's nervous that she won't come back after the surgery. Alana commiserates with Big Mike (their neighbor who helps out around the house) that there's "nothing wrong with being fluffy," especially now that she's not doing pageants anymore. While, ultimately, it is a personal decision whether or not you get weight loss surgery, Dr. Choi says people underestimate how much family support is required to keep up the lifestyle after the surgery. June asks Alana, "Are you afraid you're going to have a new mama?" She shrugs, "Yeah, I know I am!"
Exercise is not therapy.
Mama June and her ex-husband Sugar Bear haven't exactly had the easiest relationship. For the past decade, they've had a pretty volatile relationship that ended on the show Marriage Bootcamp when he revealed that he was cheating on her.
June's plan on the show is to "take out everything she’s ever hated about him on her workouts." The trainer on this new show, Kenya Crooks, seems like a spunky guy, but I'm pretty sure that his credentials as a "drill sergeant-style trainer" and "no-nonsense fitness and nutrition guru" doesn't mean he's a therapist or in any way equipped to help Mama June deal with her anger. Exercise makes you feel good, yes, but working out is in no way, shape, or form the same as going to speak with a professional therapist who has tools to help you address and work through your emotions.
Dr. Choi says most weight loss surgery patients have to have an intense evaluation with a psychologist and a psychiatrist to make sure the expectations are realistic for what's going to happen post-op. I was pleasantly surprised by how much they showed in the doctor's office in the first episode, but I have a hunch we'll see more shots of Crooks yelling at June than scenes of her sitting and talking in therapy.
She wants to look unrecognizable.
Like any episodic weight loss show, the goal is to have June look completely different by the end of the season, and the producers (I'm assuming) have landed on June going from 352 pounds to a size four at the end of this. Pretty much everyone but Mama June expresses interest in her shrinking. One of her daughters tells her, "Get small enough, you might get a hot guy to go to the wedding with you." In a preview, Amber buys Mama June a "goal dress" to work towards being able to wear. Sure, feeling good in clothes that fit you is totally a thing, but come on, Amber! Simply buying clothes that fit the body you have right now is the way to go.
The show's description on WeTV promises a "completely unrecognizable look" that will "shock the entire world." What's shocking is that people still think bodies need to be transformed in order to be desired.
The pressure is insane.
June's publicist Gina says she represents a ton of reality TV stars, but she and June are actually friends, she says. As a publicist, she tells June she's "not going to be bookable" because being big is a whole part of her brand. Then, you can hear the glimmer in her voice when she talks about the possibility of a total transformation (it's icky, even though I'm sure it's not the first time she's actually hearing about it), and she says,"If you did lose all this weight, you could get a lot of endorsement deals." Oy.
As a "friend," Gina tells June that she's "pissed off" when, initially, June doesn't take dieting seriously. June says she was afraid of disappointing Gina (valid, given the way she talks to her), and that she doesn't understand the struggles as a "big person" to lose "all this weight." June's daughter, Pumpkin, chimes in at one point, saying, "Mama needs somebody to be positive towards her, she doesn't need to stress herself out." Very true, and also she doesn't necessarily need a TV crew following her around, but baby steps.
It seems like, deep down, Mama June knows what's wrong.
This show and these family dynamics are obviously not perfect, but I do believe that Mama June knows what's important. Even though she says, "I'll find a man if I look good," she also isn't too hung up on winning Sugar Bear back or even impressing him. "Letting Sugar Bear back in my life isn't the right thing to do," she says. "It wasn't right for us to stay together for the kids; I'm just happy with me and the girls." She speculates that Sugar Bear invited her to the wedding just so she could shut it down, which shows that she knows her worth a little bit more than they let on.
There are so many outside influences swirling around her ( ahem, Amber and the TV crew), including Big Mike. He tells the kids, "Your mama needs to find a man," because he's tired of coming over to fix things around the house. The show will also send Mama June on dates so she can find a new man, but she specifically says, "I don't need dates." This show is a hot mess, and I have a feeling Mama June knows it and is just along for the ride in order to get the surgery and further her personal brand a little bit.
Sugar Bear just gets to chill.
Despite being a decidedly shitty dude, cheating on Mama June, and leaving her for some new fling, Sugar Bear doesn't have to do a single thing this entire show besides show up and stir the pot. It's safe to say that the whole point of this show is to impress Sugar Bear — and the last time I checked, his approval wasn't the litmus test for health and beauty. It's a massive double-standard, and the worst part about all of this is not only is he going to think it's okay, but this could also garner him another TV show contract.
It also makes you think about how this will all end. Will Sugar Bear walk in, give a nod of approval, and then get back to his new wife? Will he leave his new wife and repent to Mama June because she looks that good? I'm just hoping Mama June uses this as an opportunity to drop my favorite line of all time again (which I plan to use at some point in my lifetime): "I don't know her [Sugar Bear's fiancé], but I guarantee she's no me." Amen to that.
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Last night's episode of This Is Us featured a powerful scene between Randall, William, and Jack, who was not seen but definitely felt. On their road trip to Memphis, Randall and William (Randall's biological father) stop at the site where Jack's ashes have been scattered. William pays his respects to Jack, who adopted Randall and raised him as his own.
On one level, this affecting scene drives the narrative: Both of Randall's fathers are finally meeting. It also serves as a reminder that we can feel — and speak to — those we've lost. Talking about death and grief can be difficult (though there are strategies to make it easier), so ceremonious actions like these can help. Scattering ashes in a meaningful location is one way to see your loved ones off, but there are plenty of other ways to lay them to rest if they've been cremated.
Here, we've rounded up some of the lesser known memorial uses for ashes. Click through to learn how people can honor their cremated loved ones.
Make jewelry.
Whether you carry some ashes in a locket or have them converted into a diamond, there are plenty of low- and high-tech ways that you can keep your loved one close.
Decorate the patio.
Glass can be infused with ashes to create a very special sun catcher, set of wind chimes, or even light-catching beads — and some services only need a pinch of ashes.
Send the ashes on a ride.
The Eternal Ascent Society uses giant biodegradable helium balloons to send cremated remains into the air.
Launch them into space.
If you aspire to send your dearly departed to even higher altitudes, consider Celestis, which will send ashes into space, either launching them into orbit or carrying them on a round trip flight.
Plant a memorial tree.
Biodegradable Bios Urns don't just hold ashes — they also contain soil and a seed, so that you may bury the entire urn and watch a tree grow from the remains.
Create a fish's new home.
Eternal Reefs consist of environmentally safe concrete and cremated remains — and they're made to stay in a pre-approved reef site permanently.
Go out with a bang. The aptly named company Holy Smoke places ashes in live ammunition and tailors its services to the type of shooting or hunting that the deceased enjoyed in life.
Go out with a bigger bang.
There are multiple services that incorporate ashes into fireworks, and then work with the family to coordinate a display in honor of the dead. How many funerals have you been to that end with a whole fireworks tribute?
Press the ashes into a record.
Have your songs (or sounds, spoken words, total silence) of choice pressed into a record using vinyl and your music-lover's ashes.
Create art.
From digital images that feature a layer of cremated remains to oil paintings with ashes blended into the paints themselves, you can memorialize the deceased in a piece worthy of a gallery.
Make them a part of you.
If wearing ashes as jewelry wasn't close enough for you, consider adding some remains to your next tattoo. The exact risks of using human remains in tattoo ink haven't been studied, but since cremated bodies are incinerated at around 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of infection is about as high as it is with the other materials found in tattoo ink. If you're interested, just make sure to check if your artist offers memorial or ritual tattoos when you're making your appointment.
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When you're in a beauty rut, it's a little like looking in your closet and seeing absolutely nothing to wear. Sure, you have the bones to create a killer look — a bold liner here, a bottle of texture spray there — but sometimes you just need a boost of inspiration. That's why we createdShort Cuts, a series of quick, easy-to-follow videos meant to educate, empower, and excite the beauty nerds in all of us. Whether you're looking to learn something new or to refresh your current routine, there's a Short Cut for you.
If you're a beauty lover with an Instagram account, chances are you've noticed two trends popping up time and time again: Cut creases and pink makeup. Sure, the two aren't exactly new (nor do they necessarily have to go together) but aspiring makeup artists have made the duo a winner online. The only problem? It's a bit technical. Luckily, we were inspired by all the variations filling our feeds, so we decided to create the easier-than-most look above. Translation: It combines both trends and is so simple!
Press play to see it in action, then keep scrolling down to check out our step-by-step breakdown.
Step 1. Using a fluffy blending brush, dust a matte, peachy pink shadow (try this palette) into your crease for definition. As you reach the outer corners of your eyes, sweep the color into a wing as you blend.
Step 2. Layer a deeper shade of pink over the peach shade to add depth.
Step 3. Dip a flat brush into some concealer and gently lay the product onto your lid. Be sure to stop at your crease and to keep the line crisp.
Step 4. Using the same concealer and brush, extend the product into a wing following the general outline of the shadow you already applied to sharpen your flick.
Step 5. Pat a hot pink shadow over your concealer. There should be a thin line of concealer at your crease.
Step 6. Dust a bit of purple eyeshadow directly above and below the concealer line to emphasize it.
Step 7. Finish off with a few coats of black mascara.
Katy Perry, lover of props, should maybe rethink her stage set-ups for her next big performance because things keep messing up for her. The singer, who is known for her opulent costumes, set designs, and music videos, recently performed her new single, “Chained To The Rhythm” during the Brit Awards. And during her performance, Perry is once again been out-shined by one of her props-brought-to-life.
She stood surrounded by a ton of white cutout houses, about the size of her, that randomly sprung to life during the song. They danced around in (sort of) synchronization as the now blonde-haired Perry danced around the stage in a pin-striped suit.
And then one of the houses fell off the stage. A clean — no barriers — fall, straight into the audience. And Twitter is LOSING it. The moment has already been made into a clip and GIF-ed because it’s so funny (assuming no one got hurt, of course, considering it looked like a sizable distance between the stage and the ground). How in the world was this backup dancer supposed to be able to see? This was a disaster waiting to happen. Here you can see it stumbling over in the right corner.
This moment probably reminds you of an equally hilarious prop mishap which you may remember as The Left Shark. Ah, Left Shark. I am simply tickled that we get to be reminded of your existence once again; you brought viewers so much joy during the 2015 Super Bowl.
I honestly don't know what's better Katy Perry's falling house or dancing left shark https://t.co/6tb9T30yoZ
But beyond the fallen house, there are a few other elements of this 4-minute performance that we need to discuss. Perry has two ginormous skeleton puppets which many have decided are meant to represent President Donald Trump and Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The two look like muppets from hell. Perry is getting pretty good at her (not so subtle) political nods.
Did anyone else realise the skeletons on Katy Perry's Brit Awards performance is Theresa May and Donald Trump?😂 #BRITs2017pic.twitter.com/0Li55hMHV4
I get that the song is about going against conformities and breaking away from the social norms that many of us are taught to live by, and she wants her stage presence to match that but… why is Perry being so extra?! Between the first lyric video (which had tiny meals), her Grammys performance (which she sang behind a white picket fence, the official music video (which took place in a futuristic theme park) and this suburban nightmare saga, I think Perry needs to pick a theme and stick to it!!!!!!!
And to watch out for her houses. That really looked like it hurt.
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This week, Vanity Fair posted a video of Elle Fanning, decked out in ballet gear, teaching viewers how to perform a piqué turn en pointe. Just a couple of weeks ago, the magazine posted a similar video of artist Petra Collins teaching ballet. And then there was Kendall Jenner, who did a ballet-themed shoot and video with Vogue España. All three times, something that might seem strange happened: Professional dancers went absolutely apeshit. So, why would these celebrity moments lead to an outpouring of criticism from the dance world?
To professional dancers, these shoot concepts are frustrating. Their issue? They work their tails off their entire young lives for a one-in-a-million shot at this kind of opportunity. While there's usually less anger when media companies use celebs who have dance training and experience (as Fanning and Collins do), the disappointment is hard for some people to stomach. (I was a strict ballet dancer for 18 years, and have a BFA in Dance, so I've definitely been part of some of these conversations.)
To be clear, this isn't in any way about the celebrities themselves: It's about the brands who decide it's a good idea to go this route. And it seems like the idea stems from a common celeb-video trope: Have a celebrity teach a surprising skill. So what's pro dancers' point? Use them instead! There are so many dancers who are just waiting in the wings for a shining moment of getting noticed in the "real world." There are even tons who are celebrated for having great fashion sense, if that happens to be the angle of the story. And employing them for videos, ad campaigns, and other content is (hopefully) a chance for a hardworking, likely-underpaid pro to get a paycheck.
Whichever side of this debate you fall on, one thing is clear: Like actresses, trained dancers are hardworking, talented people. Just maybe try not to get them riled up.
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The Oscars are rapidly approaching, and if there’s one category you should be well-versed in, it’s Best Picture. That said, we know finding time to watch nine whole movies is difficult, especially when This Is Us and The Bachelor are still on. If you haven’t had time to watch each of the nine nominations this year, fret not. We’ll give you the gist, talking points, and odds of winning for each movie, in case you’re planning on making any bets. Hint: go for La La Land.
Here are the study materials you need to fake your way through an Oscar viewing party.
Moonlight
The Gist: What this movie about a gay man growing up in a rough part of the city lacks in plot, it makes up for in sheer emotional depth. And trust us — having already won a Golden Globe for Best Picture, Moonlight is a top contender in the Oscars race. Moonlight peers into the life of Chiron, a Black, gay man, at three different moments in his coming of age. While dealing with proximity to the drug trade and an abusive and addicted mother, Chiron also comes to terms with his sexuality in internal, abstract ways.
Let the Critics Speak
"Moonlight is both a disarmingly, at times almost unbearably personal film and an urgent social document, a hard look at American reality and a poem written in light, music and vivid human faces."
—A.O. Scott, The New York Times
"I doubt that I will see a better film than Moonlight this year."
—Mark Kermode, Observer (UK)
Odds of Winning: If the Academy's voters resists the urge to vote for a Hollywood-centric movie, then Moonlight has a very good shot at an Oscar.
The Gist: Amy Adams plays a linguist at a university whose job takes on sudden importance when she has to decode an alien language. The Heptapods, as humans name the aliens, speak in sounds that resemble whale song. But can Amy Adams' Louise make contact before humanity's protective instinct takes over, and they take action against the incomers? Following in the tracks of movies like Gravity and Interstellar that push the science fiction envelope, Arrival is just as much about human communication as it is about extra-terrestrials.
Let the Critics Speak
"A twisty, cerebral drama that just happens to involve aliens, Denis Villeneuve's film is a truly beguiling take on both the sci-fi canon and what, exactly, a grown-up Hollywood film is supposed to be."
—Barry Hertz,
"Arrival, like the Spielberg classic it aspires to, brings the beyond to us. In doing so, it asks a challenging, prescient question: Are we ready to teach, and ready to learn?"
—Andrew Lapin, NPR
Odds of Winning: We’d tell you, but we forgot our alien dictionary.
The Gist: Troy Maxson is forever haunted by being shut out from a baseball career because of his race, and his bitterness affects each of his charged interactions with his wife and son. Since Fences is adapted from an August Wilson play, much of its action is confined to the Maxon household. In this small orbit, a larger-than-life figure threatens to crowd out his family's capacity for independence.
Let the Critics Speak
"The two lead performances are stunningly complex and deeply human achievements from two of the finest actors working today."
—Kate Walsh, Tribune News Service
"It's not cinematic enough to make you forget you're watching something conceived for another, more spatially constricted medium, but it's too cinematic to capture the intensity, the concentration, of a great theatrical event."
—David Edelstein, New York Magazine
Odds of Winning: Like a baseball hit you’re sure is going to go out of the park, but doesn’t quite make it, Fences will miss a win.
The Gist: Starring Dev Patel, Lion tells the unfathomable true story of a five-year-old boy who becomes separated from his family in India. As an adult in Australia, Saroo uses Google Earth to track his family down again. The brutal sequence of five-year-old Saroo lost in Mumbai will affect anyone briefly separated from her parents in a mall. Towing the line between heartbreaking and unbelievable, Lion doesn't shy away from exploring guilt, parenthood, and the sad reality that sometimes, those who wander really do get lost.
The Critics Speak
" Lion celebrates the human will and the human need to find meaning and connection in life. If the final scenes don't have you blubbering, your humanity may need some fine-tuning."
—Tirdad Derakhshani, Philadelphia Inquirer
" Lion has one of those plot lines that feels like a Hollywood screenplay - except it actually happened."
—Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Odds of Winning: The number of hours it took Saroo to find his family on Google, divided by the number of times we sniffled during the reunion scene.
The Gist: In this plodding, dark film, Casey Affleck plays a sullen loner pulled back to his hometown to care for his nephew after his brother dies. Instead of bawling at funerals, grief is displayed through fissures in the routine and the way life persists after loss.
Let the Critics Speak
"It's painful and tragic, yet it's cut with elements of humor and laughter. Just like life."
—Adam Graham, Detroit News
"The sadness of Manchester by the Sea is the kind of sadness that makes you feel more alive, rather than less, to the preciousness of things."
—Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Odds of Winning: Seven out of ten Kleenex tissues you used while seeing the movie.
The Gist: Let's get real: who hasn't heard about La La Land, the musical that's swept America off its feet? In this movie, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play two dreamers in L.A. who tap-dance their way to love, while ambitiously pursuing their diverging career paths. It's a movie about love and dreams colliding with reality, sprinkled with nostalgia and the magic of Old Hollywood.
Let the Critics Speak
"Chazelle has reinvigorated the big-screen musical by embracing the present while paying tribute to the past, by balancing irony and innocence, novelty and nostalgia."
—Christopher Orr, The Atlantic
" La La Land is a special, special experience, and movies like this don't come around too often."
—Adam Graham, Detroit News
Odds of Winning: Golden Globes + BAFTA + tap dancing = recipe for a win.
Hell or High Water
The Gist: In this Western heist, two brothers with difficult histories unite to rob a bank set to foreclose their family land.
Let the Critics Speak
"Just as it taps into a dying corner of American society, Hell or High Water resurrects the power of western mayhem done right."
—Eric Kohn , indieWire
" Hell or High Water is set up like a cops and robbers drama, but it plays out like a complicated western — no black-hats-and-white-hats simplicity here. It's all moral shades of grey."
—Liz Braun, Toronto Sun
Odds of Winning: We’d tell you if we’d seen it. Thus, we can only assure you that Chris Pine's piercing gaze is on full (and glorious) display.
The Gist: Based on a book of the same title, Hidden Figures tells the true story of a team of Black women mathematicians who were instrumental launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Despite starting their careers during segregation and encountering discrimination in their personal and professional lives, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan established themselves as brilliant mathematical minds. This uplifting movie celebrates this overlooked trio, hidden no longer.
Let the Critics Speak
"Hidden Figures doesn't try to push many artistic boundaries, but it tells its story so well that it doesn't really have to."
—Lenika Cruz, The Atlantic
"The film hews closely to the facts in important respects, and evokes the outrages of the Jim Crow era, as well as the feverish competition of the space race, through the fascinating work of its extraordinary heroines."
—Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
Odds of Winning: One doesn’t need a job at NASA to calculate these odds. Good movie, but not going to win.
Hacksaw Ridge
The Gist: Real-life Superman Desmond Doss saved the lives of 75 soldiers in WWII without firing a single shot, and has Hacksaw Ridge(and a Medal of Honor) to prove it. Garnering a reputation for being extremely violent, the film doesn't shy away from portraying the realities of the Okinawa battlefield. While having a fairly traditional plotline, Hacksaw Ridge's originality breathed life into a genre that's been done many times before.
Let the Critics Speak
"Gibson has made a movie that's nearly pathological in its love of violence-but he nonetheless counterbalances its amoral pleasures with an understanding of the psychological devastation that war wreaks."
—Richard Brody, TheNew Yorker
"Impassioned patriotism and religious conviction constitute the core of Hacksaw Ridge, a stirring — and surpassingly violent — dramatization of the life of Desmond T. Doss, the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor."
—Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
Odds of Winning: The allied forces fought their way to victory, but we don't foresee Hacksaw Ridge doing the same.
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There's trouble in paradise. Social media stars and OG #relationshipgoals couple Alexis Ren and Jay Alvarrez have called it quits. But unlike their picture-perfect Instagram lives, the breakup is getting messy and petty.
The couple first shot to internet fame in 2015, when their exotic faraway vacations and impeccably filtered lives became featured on YouTube and Instagram. They seemed perfect. She was beautiful. He was adoring. They mingled with celebs, had plenty of Champagne on hand, and boasted a perpetual vacation glow.
Reports came to light a few months ago that the relationship was starting to get rocky. It wasn't until this week, however, that Ren officially announced the breakup on Twitter. And as perfect as their lives seemed, the veneer cracked and we're all getting a chance to see what lies beneath.
"That time you confused a lesson for a solumate," the Twitter rant-cum-explanation starts. Ouch. "I broke it so he wouldn't get blamed for ending it," Ren continued.
While that seemed like taking the high road, the tweets got more and more savage. Ren went on to say that Alvarrez was using the relationship for fame and that it had reached a point where it no longer served his business interests.
Before she ended it all with a very low blow (which was later deleted, but saved in perpetuity over at Perez Hilton), Ren said that the relationship did teach her self-love, growth, and trust. Oh, and to stay away from fuckboys.
Alvarrez didn't let Ren land the last word. On his own Twitter, he shot back. He posted a video geotagged in the Maldives (set to Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me") with the caption, "I got 99 problems and this ain't one babi." Included in video was a close-up shot of his genitalia, which Ren had described in one of her tweets as, ahem, small.
He didn't have any additional comments, so we assume he's letting the video do the talking.
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As you might've picked up on by now, we basically borrow all of our outfit tricks from J.Crew. It's okay, though, because the retailer is well aware of this — they've even created a whole series inspired by its legendary styling. Each "Style Hacks " video walks you through all the ways you can wear J.Crew staples, from the button-up to, as we see in its latest installment, jeans.
In the video, the brand's head women's designer, Somsack Sikhounmuong, explores all the possibility within the brand's extensive denim selection. He enlisted in-house editor Halsey Anderson to help answer some of their co-workers' burning questions, such as wearing a white wash in the winter (it's a 365-day-a-year garment, they insist) or cuffing your jeans (because, yes, there is more than one way).
"We are a huge fans of denim wardrobing here," Sikhounmuong told Refinery29 (and reaffirming what we already knew based on J.Crew's lookbooks),"whether it be the classic denim tuxedo or variations thereof: a chambray shirt with a denim skirt, or a pair of jeans with a tuxedo jacket." At J.Crew HQ, he explained, it's all about "denim 24/7."
Sikhounmuong actually came to J.Crew from Madewell back in 2015 — so, the designer has become well-acquainted with denim throughout his career. Through his professional experience with the blues, he's learned one thing about this category of apparel: "It's all about the fit," he said. Denim can be very technical in its construction and make-up, he explained, but ultimately what matters is whether you feel comfortable in a particular pair.
In terms of optimal look, to Sikhounmuong, nothing beats the worn-in effect — which is why he prefers reworking an old pair of jeans rather than tossing them. "Instead getting rid of them, I always like to see a bit of patching and repair — a raw frayed hem here or an over patched knee there," he noted. "For me, it's not so much about a style coming back, but more about showing more love to the ones you already own."
As far as what style might break out come spring, Sikhounmuong has his eyes on a very particular silhouette: "Although the love for our skinny jeans is still going strong, I’m kind of enamored with our higher-ish, straighter slim fits, like our crop or the boyfriend," he admitted. "With so many of the ruffles we're seeing [in tops], it's nice to cut a little of that sweetness with a more boyish fit." So, add to your cart accordingly.
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There once was a time — a foolish time — when we believed that one could recognize a basic bitch on sight. There was a checklist of sorts; a scantron’s worth of qualifications. Is she wearing Uggs? Is there a Starbucks cup in his hand? Does she claim to be a total Carrie? Has he posted a picture of latte art on his Instagram within the last two weeks?
We’re smarter now. We know that the basic bitch can take on many forms. They blend right in; you might not even be able to identify them in a crowd. Who knows? There could be one sitting right next to you. Hell, you could be one.
But there's an upside to being branded with the label — and that upside is an eyeshadow palette. A nude eyeshadow palette. (In addition to all the others the basic bitch already owns. The basic bitch dies for nude eyeshadow palettes.)
Spotted backstage at Milan Fashion Week, MAC’s Basic Bitch palette is here to feed right into your most base basic needs. Netta Szekely, a senior makeup artist with the brand, gave us a look at the goods on her Instagram yesterday, and we like what we see — eight new shadows, from a soft slate-gray called Me Me Me to Hell In Heels, a dark plum. There’s also a larger pan devoted to a pearly peach shade, appropriately named Love This Bitch, which looks like it’d make an excellent highlighter.
We asked MAC if basics everywhere could safely start their countdowns to the palette’s release, and the brand told us it’s just being tested for now. If they’re testing to see how many of us will crawl out from the woodwork and walk among the more interesting people, sipping on skinny frappuccinos and texting our friends about This Is Us until we can finally add the palette to our well-stocked collection, then it’s already a success, considering the Instagram has nearly 2,000 likes.
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We count on our gym bags to do a lot for us. We'd like them to be lightweight, but we also expect them to hold all of our gear. We love it when they're water-resistant and weather-proof, but it's probably important that they look nice, too. Once we determine which features are our priority, then comes the matter of wading through the countless options on the market.
Any gym-goers who understand these woes can rest easy now. We've gone ahead and done the hard work for you. (Shopping-wise, that is; you'll still have to do the workout yourself.)
Ahead, we've rounded up some of our favorite gym bags that are available right now, from totally functional, mesh drawstring sacks to leather-look duffels. No matter your style or your preferred workout, there's something here for you. You may even look forward to your run more if you can toss your leggings into one of these beauties afterwards.
Click through to find the right gym bag for you.
This duffle isn't just lightweight and reflective at night — it's packable to boot. Simply fold it up into its internal pocket and throw it in your carry-on.
Herschel Supply Co., $59.00, available at BandierPhoto: Courtesy of Bandier
This simple bag isn't as basic as it seems. Its smaller shape lends itself to quick trips to the gym, while its expandable side panels accommodate all of your shower supplies.
Transience, $295.00, available at Carbon38Photo: Courtesy of Carbon38.
This twist on lululemon's classic All Day Duffle is completely reflective (out of the light, it appears completely black). It also comes with a heat-resistant pocket for your hairdryer, your curling iron, or your post-gym hairstyling tool of choice.
lululemon, $178.00, available at lululemonPhoto: Courtesy of lululemon.
Winter's right around the corner, and with it will come snow, sleet, slush, and other bag-ruining forms of precipitation. Keep your shoes, electronics, and any other gear safe and dry in this water-proof pack.
Rule#5, $200.00, available at Rule#5Photo: Courtesy of Rule#5.
With its reinforced straps and abrasion-resistant base, this shoulder bag is beyond sturdy. Take it with you on your next hike or outdoor run.
Carhartt, $64.99, available at Dick's Sporting GoodsPhoto: Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods.
This spacious option can hold your yoga mat, your clothes and shoes, your valuables and makeup, and even your flat iron, for the days when going home in between the gym and the rest of your life isn't an option.
Under Armour, $69.99, available at Under ArmourPhoto: Courtesy of Under Armour.
This bag is big enough to hold all your gear for the gym, but it still wears easily across the body, thanks to an adjustable strap.
Under Armour, $39.99, available at Under ArmourPhoto: Courtesy of Under Armour.
This bag's scuba-style fabric gives it an overall lightweight feel, while the internal storage section for wet clothes keeps your phone and earbuds dry. Plus, it's stylish. Plus, it's a backpack, so it's easier to carry on your commute.
Sweaty Betty, $115.00, available at Sweaty BettyPhoto: Courtesy of Sweaty Betty.
Throw everything you need for the gym and work into this tote — with a large compartment for a full outfit change, plus an internal laptop sleeve. It can handle it all.
PUMA, $30.00, available at PUMAPhoto: Courtesy of Puma.
That photo doesn't lie — this bag's strap can accommodate a whole yoga mat, if that happens to be your fitness class of choice.
lululemon, $148.00, available at lululemonPhoto: Courtesy of lululemon.
Not only does this shoulder bag have sections inside for wet clothes, its side pockets are mesh, too — in case you'd rather let your sweaty socks air-dry.
Nike, $110.00, available at NikePhoto: Courtesy of Nike.
Speaking of mesh, this all-mesh bag is perfect for anyone who frequents a hot yoga studio and needs a bag with some serious ventilation.
H&M, $12.99, available at H&MPhoto: Courtesy of H&M.
The adjustable shoulder straps and chest strap allow this backpack to fit flush against you, making it perfect for a run. Its reflective fabric comes in handy during night runs, too.
adidas by Stella McCartney, $125.00, available at Stella McCartneyPhoto: Courtesy of Stella McCartney.
This duffel comes with a weather-resistant coating and boasts more than enough storage space for your workout — its streamlined, sportswear-inspired look is just a bonus.
Herschel Supply Co., $95.00, available at BandierPhoto: Courtesy of Bandier.
This go-anywhere tote comes with a smaller, matching travel bag for essentials.
Balsa 201, $130.00, available at Carbon38Photo: Courtesy of Carbon38.
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This story was originally published on January 26, 2017.
If there’s one tradition that hasn’t been uprooted in this Trump presidency, it’s the one surrounding the First Lady’s wardrobe. Most first ladies have historically laid low when it came to broadcasting strong political views, opting for subtle cues, instead. Michelle Obama was the primo example of that. We’ve written before about the innumerable ways that she used her clothing to communicate values, like inclusivity, globalism, and supporting small businesses. Those efforts often translated into lucrative opportunities for the designers whose work she wore, too. During the Obama presidency, any time that the fashion industry and FLOTUS converged, the benefits were felt across both The White House and the retail floor.
How First Lady Melania Trump and the fashion industry converge in this new world order presents a complicated problem for Melania, who wants to be seen as stylish, and the fashion industry, which wants to avoid controversy. As a former model and fashion insider, Melania is the very picture of a put-together first lady, and she is personally liked by some designers and critics. But her connection to an administration that the fashion industry has by-and-large denounced has created tension between them. Designers and the brands they represent are questioning whether it’s worth it to promote their own clothing if and when she wears it. Given the foreseeable fallout — brand credibility, the potential for boycotts — the stakes are high. Which leaves them with another possibility: not engaging with her at all. For the next four years, we'll attempt to measure whether this non-engagement becomes an enduring aspect of her tenure, by keeping tabs on whether designers and brands decline to self-promote when FLOTUS wears their wares.
To understand why this is such a big deal for brands, it helps to understand how a first lady usually receives the clothes she wears in the first place. For official events like state visits or balls, designers often offer clothing as a gift, which the first lady would accept on behalf of the U.S. government. After she wears them, all gift pieces are stored by the National Archives as historical artifacts — not in her closet.
First ladies also do not “borrow” clothing the same way that celebrities do for red carpets, since that could lead to questions of ethics, becoming a liability for POTUS. Anything that isn’t a gift is typically purchased out-of-pocket — and not using federal, tax-collected funds. Nevertheless, any First Lady Moment is typically a big press moment, and PR agencies will immediately blast out press releases about her outfit to fashion media following an event.
Judging from appearances on the campaign trail and her short time as FLOTUS, it seems that Melania has had a far smaller circle of designers willing to work with her on custom “gifts” than Michelle Obama. She worked with former Carolina Herrera creative director Herve Pierre on her inaugural gown and Ralph Lauren on her Inauguration Day suit. She has also tapped into indie designers, like Alice Roi and Norisol Ferrari for other daytime events. During the campaign, she purchased the majority of her clothing, which has left certain liberal designers, including Roksanda Ilincic in tough positions. While some designers have answered questions from the press for articles about their pieces, the brands themselves have opted out of sending the typical PR email blasts and have avoided sharing images on their social media accounts. This stark lack of press — a black hole — is unprecedented in modern coverage of a woman in the White House.
Because of Melania’s intimate connection to Trump and his politics — and because she’s never given any reason for us to think otherwise — it’s impossible to separate what Melania stands for from what Donald does. And in many ways, fashion designers are finding that they have to wrestle with the same kind of guilt by association. When Melania purchases designers' products and wears them, it sullies the image: At worst, it can come across as a passive endorsement of Trump’s politics. At best, it’s confusing for brands that make progressiveness and inclusivity part of their mission. Either way, the easiest tactic for brands to take is one that Melania herself has perfected: staying silent.
To see if Melania’s fashion PR black hole exists in the first place, and if so, how big it grows, we’re going to keep tabs on what she wears during her husband's administration and whether the brands themselves actively disengage with self-promotion. We consider emailed PR blasts as publicity, as well as tweets and Instagrams from brands' official accounts. Where appropriate, we will note if designers and brand representatives have given interviews to media about the looks, which we do not consider self-promotion, but is important to note nonetheless. Ahead, take a look at the changing relationship (or lack thereof) between the First Lady and the fashion industry.
February 18, 2017 — No Press About Alexander McQueen Dress
The Alexander McQueen brand did not issue a press release about this fit-and-flare red dress Trump wore to a rally in Melbourne, Florida. The brand did not post on social media either.
While Alexander McQueen has been conservative about promoting when celebrities wear the label (it has mainly stuck to posts about red carpet appearances that the brand has had a hand in styling), it has acknowledged instances where Michelle Obama wore the brand on Twitter.
Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images.
February 15, 2017 — No Press About Karl Lagerfeld Suit
Karl Lagerfeld's eponymous label did not send out a press release nor post on social media about the double-breasted skirt suit Trump wore to greet the Netanyahus at The White House.
Separately, Lagerfeld gave an interview in the Wall Street Journal that mentioned Melania ("Mrs. Trump is a very nice woman and pretty handsome. Good body, no?"), but did not bring up whether he would be happy to dress her in either Chanel nor his own namesake label.
Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Images.
February 11, 2017 — No Press About Calvin Klein Dress And Cardigan
Calvin Klein did not issue press releases, nor post on social media about the cashmere dress and cardigan set that Melania Trump wore to tour the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens with the prime minister of Japan's wife, Azie Abe.
It should be noted that this dress is from Francisco Costa's era at Calvin Klein, and since the label went through a rebranding under Raf Simons, it has primarily focused on promoting its own campaigns over celebrity outfits.
Photo: GASTON DE CARDENAS/AFP/Getty Images.
February 10, 2017 — No Press About Michael Kors Outfit
Trump wore a Michael Kors button-up and white trousers to arrive at Mar-a-Lago with Shinzo Abe. The brand is typically generous with press releases on celebrity dressing and posting on social media, but did not engage in this case.
The same day, the sent a tweet celebrating a Michael Kors look worn by Kerry Washington, who's been a vocal about her opposition to Donald Trump.
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images.
February 4, 2017 — No Press About Dior Dress
Melanie wore a bright-pink Dior gown to attend the Red Cross Ball at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Dior did not issue a formal emailed press release, and the dress did not show up in Dior’s various social media updates. Michelle Obama did not wear Dior during her time as First Lady, so we weren’t able to compare Dior's tactics about publicizing non-Hollywood celebrities.
But, take this as you will: Dior did recently repost an image of Rihanna in its “We Should All Be Feminists” shirt, which many of their fans saw as an endorsement of Rihanna’s anti-Trump, pro-women stance.
Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images.
February 3, 2017 — No Press About Givenchy Dress
Givenchy has not confirmed whether Melania’s split-sleeved red dress is their design, but it’s widely believed that the dress that Melania wore to travel to Mar-a-Lago for Donald Trump’s first weekend vacation was Givenchy. If so, this dress marks a return to the European luxury designers she favored during the campaign (Melania favored American designers during the first blitz of outings surrounding the inauguration).
As such, Givenchy has not done any press about this moment either. As a point of comparison, the brand frequently publicized Michelle Obama whenever she wore the brand.
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images.
January 21, 2017 — No Press About Alice Roi Coat
Melania wore an Alice Roi coat to the National Prayer Service at The National Cathedral. Roi gave an interview with WWD, which confirmed that she and Trump are friends, and are planning on working together in the future. Said Roi, "We’ve already begun to design other pieces together. We made a few more she hasn’t worn yet. I expect to dress her all the time."
That said, Alice Roi did not update her Instagram since her last post on January 14, with images of Melania, even though she has posted pictures of other celebrities wearing her clothes. Her Twitter is not active.
Photo: Olivier Douliery/Pool/Bloomberg.
January 20, 2017 — Some Press About Hervé Pierre Gown
The former creative director of Carolina Herrera, Hervé Pierre, created the custom dress for Melania Trump to wear during the Inauguration ball. This is the first time Pierre has created an item under his own name, which he disclosed to WWD, Harper's Bazaar, and The New York Times. He does not have a formal press team, nor an official Instagram account.
Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images.
January 20, 2017 — No Press About Ralph Lauren Suit
Ralph Lauren confirmed to multiple outlets that it dressed Melania Trump for the Inauguration (and also dressed Hillary Clinton), but did not comment further. The brand did not send out a press release, nor did it post on Twitter nor Instagram. Though the brand consistently posts photos of celebrities wearing its clothing, it has not traditionally engaged with press around members of politics.
Ralph Lauren has already seen a backlash, as some of its customers called for a boycott. But, some outlets are reporting that Ralph Lauren's stock has risen since the inauguration.
Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Pool/Getty Images.
January 19, 2017 — Some Press About Reem Acra Dress
Melania chose a shimmering gold dress by Lebanese-born, New York-based designer Reem Acra to a dinner at Union Station the evening before the inauguration.
Although Reem Acra's PR agency, Purple PR, sent out blasts about celebrities who wore Acra to The People's Choice Awards just the week prior, Purple PR has remained largely silent about Melania, and sent no emails. The design house instagrammed an image of Melania accompanied by the caption, "The First Lady of the United States. #ReemAcra," and received over a thousand comments both in extreme support and rebuke. In contrast, the previous post of a lookbook image received just 30 comments. The brand has been retweeting various articles featuring the dress, including an article by Allure that mistakenly attributed Reem Acra as the designer of a Norisol Ferrari coat.
Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images.
January 19, 2017 — No Press About Norisol Ferrari Coat
Melania wore an NYC-based independent designer brand, Norisol Ferrari, coat to the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Ferrari gave WWD an interview, which supported Melania as a woman, but did not endorse the president. "I really saw a person who is being misunderstood who is being scrutinized. She’s a woman and a mother and I am pro-woman. I don’t believe that my political affiliation has any relevance in this appointment."
Ferrari instagrammed a graphic on January 12, 2017 that said "I Am Pro-Women," with the caption: “I believe together we can do anything,” and a variety of feminist hashtags, but has not instagrammed anything since. Ferrari did not send an official press release, but her quotes were included in an official statement sent by Melania Trump's office.
Ferrari's husband and business partner, Lawrence Lenihan, retweeted a complementary Vogue article about the look on January 19.
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images.
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Fashion’s month-long marathon has made its pitstop in London. For beauty editors, that generally means buzzing around backstage to get the lowdown on the latest looks. But not for us. Well, not at Topshop Unique at least, because we were given exclusive access to their test shoot.
Taking place 48 hours before the show, we spent the afternoon at Topshop HQ, watching the newest beauty trends unfold courtesy of hair, makeup, and nail royalty, Duffy, Lynsey Alexander, and Jenny Longworth, respectively. We also got to swoon over model of the moment Lily Jean Harvey, snapped up by Topshop for the SS17 campaign. Here’s what we learned.
The Inspiration
The inspiration behind the collection is cool-girl urban traveller meets '90s northern raver. (Say that three times fast!) How does this translate into beauty? “Makeup-wise, it’s quite understated and raw,” reveals Alexander. “We wanted to create a look that reveals what the girl is rather than allude to a certain season. So although she’s a traveller she’s still very British and cool. Think Kate Moss in the '90s, but with references from Helmut Lang’s most iconic '90s campaigns, where everything is undone.”
Photographed by Matt Monfredi.Photographed by Matt Monfredi.
The Makeup
To achieve the raw base, Alexander prepped models' skin with Topshop Glow Prime & Finish “Our girl is a bit of a Manchester raver, so there’s Hacienda influences in there, hence the reason we’ve gone for this sweaty, kind of luminous skin.” The trick to pulling it off? “It’s about applying shine in the right places, so that you’re on the right side of luminous” advises Alexander. “It’s not grungy, it’s a girl who’s very evanescent and alive.”
For the shows, Alexander admits she can afford to rub the Glow Prime all over the models' faces because of the lighting — and how young they are. For us mere mortals, she recommends applying to just the high points on the face. “So cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, brow bone, and bridge of nose; and of course, if needed you can apply concealer beforehand for coverage.” Next up? A swipe of Topshop Contour Wand. “This gives a slight structure, but it shouldn’t be a strong feature” warns Alexander. To apply, forgo the sponge on the end and use fingers, she says. “Warm hands really help to melt the formula into the skin, making the finish natural rather than overly sculpted.” This was followed by a smattering of Topshop Cream Blush in Dalliance. “It’s an outdoorsy boy blush rather than young and sweet.”
Photographed by Matt Monfredi.Photographed by Matt Monfredi.
A fabulous terracotta orange shade was applied to the mouth using Topshop Lip Paint and Lip Mattifier (out in March 2017). The lip is then blurred with a cotton bud to give a feathered effect. To ace the application, “blur it with small back-and-forth motions and keep it slightly more accentuated in the middle” says Alexander. Eyelids were treated to a wash of Vaseline, while lashes were coated with Topshop False Lash Intense, before being pinched together, using tips of finger and thumb. “We want this crunchy lash, that gives the appearance of lots of layers.” Brows were brushed up to give them a British stamp. “It’s about an accentuated, handsome eyebrow,” exclaimed Alexander. “It’s not about the '90s brow in a really over-plucked way! It still has to look modern.”
Photographed by Matt Monfredi.Photographed by Matt Monfredi.
The Hair
The hair look is really simple, reveals Duffy. “It’s a center parting with straight, clean, beautiful one-length hair. Everybody’s got used to that Kardashian look, where hair is overly layered, so we’re going against the populace which is quite nice,” he declares. Taking the inspiration of a worldly, travelled girl into account, Duffy explains it’s a "considered rawness" that's "done intentionally, but made to look stripped-back, which sits with their traveller vibe and '90s effortlessness.” He starts with a centre parting and generous application of L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli. Some extensions were also added to give it that teenage, unaffected feel. However, Duffy explained that “it’s not Donatella Versace or Barbie doll '90s, where every single girl is identical. If some models have a bob or a=Afro, we’ll keep it that way for individuality.”
Photographed by Matt Monfredi.Photographed by Matt Monfredi.
Using a straightening iron, Duffy sections the hair and runs the iron through from root to tip. “The key is to really flatten the cuticle and make it super shiny and compact so as the model walks, their hair shatters.” To recreate at home, “skip the big blow dry as you don’t want volume at the roots” he advises. “Good shampoo and conditioner are also key, along with plenty of heat protection spray. L’Oréal Tecni Art Constructor is my go-to and I finish with a generous mist of L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Soft to hold.”
The Nails
To complete the look, manicurist Jenny Longworth opted for the era's quintessential nail look, a French manicure. A flash of Topshop Gel Nails in Mimic, is swept onto the tips before finishing with a vibrant layer of Topshop Gel Nails Topcoat.
Photographed by Matt Monfredi.Photographed by Matt Monfredi.
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