On Friday, model, actress, and Queen of Instagram Stories, Emily Ratajkowski wed actor and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard. The newlyweds made it official in a civil ceremony at City Hall in Manhattan.
In a series of three photos shared in her Insta stories, Ratajkowski revealed, “Soooo, I have a surprise, I got married today.” In the first photo, we see Ratajkowski rocking a pantsuit in a bold shade of 2018’s “new millennial pink. ” Though, the best part? The suit reportedly cost $200. Ratajkowski's double-breasted jacket costs $129, while the matching flared trousers are $69.90.
The mustard-yellow number is also reportedly from Zara and the cut, with its plunging neckline, is quite reminiscent of the iconic number Bianca Jagger wore when she wed Mick Jagger in the ‘70s (you know the one). 'Atta girl.
While revealing one’s new marital status via Insta stories may seem like a low-key rollout for such a milestone (especially for a big name celebrity), let’s not forget Ratajkowski has the most-viewed stories on Instagram —more than the Kardashian-Jenners and yes, more than the Hadid sisters.
With more than 16 million followers, it’s only right such a moment was shared on the platform she pretty much owns. In a 2016 essay for Lenny titled “Baby Woman,” the model explained that she utilizes Instagram "to make her mark on the topic of feminism.”
Little is known as to when the she and Bear-McClard officially began dating. Though they have were spotted together previously in December attending a Knicks game. As for Bear-McClard, little is also known about him.
According to IMDB, he’s produced indie films like Good Time (2017), which starred Robert Pattinson and Heaven Knows What(2014).
Despite all of the boot trends that have tried to woo us over the past year — from sneaker-boots, to slouchy boots, to the inescapable sock boots — there's one style we still run home to every time: the lace-up boot. Because the badass, moto-inspired look never goes out of style.
Fortunately, there's no shortage of lace-up boots on the market. Whether it's a classic Dr. Marten or a fresh, platform variation of the silhouette, the lace-up boot looks just as good with leggings and a tee as it does a dress and trench coat, which might be why it withstands the fleeting trends that come and go season after season (that, and they're actually practical for winter conditions).
Since the lace-up boot isn't just another fad (it's here to stay!) click ahead to add one — or three — to your arsenal. Because once you do, the only thing you'll be wondering is why it took you so long.
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I, like most of us, frequently have to get ready in a pinch in the morning. Just the other day my bathroom was out of commission, I'd had one too many glasses of wine the night before, and my cat kept me up until 3 a.m. meowing incessantly at the birds living outside my apartment window.
Needless to say, I needed something that would make me look like someone who has proper access to a quiet bedroom and a working bathroom — and I was running late. I don't often reach for new products when I'm pressed for time, but for some reason I gravitated toward Laura Mercier's Flawless Fusion concealer. As you might guess, I'm glad I did.
The concealer — which is brand-spanking-new and comes in 12 shades — is blendable, yet opaque, dewy, yet comfortable, and leaves a skin-like finish that doesn't feel or look like heavy makeup. It has the power of the brand's cult classic Secret Camouflage concealer (a two-pan cream concealer that I find cumbersome to use daily), but with a dewy finish that's easier to use on the go. It also has a plush, flexible applicator that makes it easy to dab all over the face without having to re-dip for more.
Earlier this afternoon my coworker Sam Sasso described my skin as "glowy, but not in an oily way" — the seven words an oily-skinned individual revels in hearing. Now, I know this entire ordeal means I have only tried this thing a few times, but if it performs this well on one of my skin's worst days, then I'm sold.
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer, $28, available at Laura Mercier.
Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: an executive recruiter working in professional services who makes $80,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck on a pair of black Vince Camuto booties.
Occupation: Executive Recruiter Industry: Professional Services Age: 26 Location: Austin, TX Salary: $80,000. (Plus ~$20,000 in bonuses paid out as I reach milestones on my projects at work.) Paycheck (2x/month): $2,485.69
Monthly Expenses Rent: $947.50. (I live in a two-bedroom apartment in South Austin with my boyfriend. We split the rent evenly.) Student Loan Payment: $300 Auto Loan Payment: $379.48 Phone Bill: $57.84. (I'm on a family plan with my boyfriend.) Utilities, Netflix & Internet: $0. (I have an agreement with my boyfriend where he pays the bills and I pay for all our groceries. It more or less evens out.) Health & Dental Insurance: $8.92 pre-tax
Additional Expenses Auto Insurance: $515 for six months Renter's Insurance: $229/year
Day One
7:15 a.m. — I wake up way later than usual and struggle to keep my eyes open. I got plenty of sleep, but I'm still exhausted because my boyfriend and I have had family in town (including his daughter) for the last week. This morning, I'm dropping off my parents and sister at the airport before I resume my regularly scheduled life. After scrolling through Facebook and Instagram and playing Word With Friends, I finally get out of bed. I bundle up because it is unusually cold outside (29 degrees! In Austin!), and greet my boyfriend and dog. I down a chocolate protein shake with a little cinnamon added in for flavor and then pick up my family from their hotel and drive 20 minutes to the airport. I'll miss them once they're gone, but for now I'm ready for a few days of normalcy post-holidays.
9:45 a.m. — Traffic wasn't too bad this morning and I make it home at a reasonable hour and start my work day. I work from home, so my schedule is pretty flexible. That said, I have a heavy workload at the moment and I'm motivated to wrap up some of my current projects before new ones are added. Not to mention that reaching project milestones means more monthly bonuses for me and getting closer to my goal of becoming debt-free by the end of the year. (I'm using Dave Ramsey's debt snowball method.) One things I love about my job is that I have uncapped earning potential. With my current workload, at a minimum, I will earn $95,000 in total comp for the year, but I expect that it will be more based on last year's numbers.
12 p.m. — My boyfriend and I need to make a grocery run so that I can make chili for dinner tonight. Ideally, this would have already been prepared in time for today's lunch, but I didn't have time to shop while the family was in town. I buy gas at Circle K on the way there. I can't believe it's gone up almost $0.20/gallon in one week! $20.06
12:30 p.m. — We head to Target where we pick up two bell peppers, two cans of black beans, eggs, almond milk, and sparkling water. This will only hold us over for a day or so, but the longer shopping trip will have to wait. We stop at the Starbucks in the shopping plaza (the one at Target is always understaffed with a huge line), and I pick up the trenta unsweetened black iced tea that I've ordered on my app. It's usually $3.19 but I pay with a gift card my friend gave me for Christmas. $16.51
1:30 p.m. — Back home, I bake some of the chicken tenders that we bought for my boyfriend's daughter in the toaster oven. While they are cooking, I buy a pair of black Vince Camuto booties that I've had my eye on and two pairs of fleece-lined tights from Nordstrom online. I might have to go to NYC on a business trip at the end of the month, and my old black boots finally died after a recent trip to London. $162.27
5 p.m. — I call it a day and head to the kitchen to eat a bowl of the chili that I put on to simmer after lunch. I somehow forgot to buy half of the ingredients that I needed, but it tastes good anyway. My boyfriend and I decide to stay in and watch Netflix tonight. I play games on my iPad, and we go to bed around 9:30.
Daily Total: $198.84
Day Two
7:30 a.m. — Slept in late again! I must have been seriously wiped from last week. I get out of bed, throw on comfy pajamas, and down a protein shake. I forgot to add cinnamon, so it's pretty gross. I crack open the new bottle of mineral oil that I ordered last week from Williams Sonoma, and apply it to my wooden cutting board. It makes an immediate and noticeable difference in the appearance and texture of the wood. I leave it on the counter to soak in and plan to add another coat later. I head to my home office to begin the work day.
11 a.m. – I get confirmation that our managing partner does, in fact, want me to come to the NYC office at the end of the month, so I book my flight and hotel. Delta has a convenient direct flight to JFK for less than $300, so I book that and pay a premium for preferred aisle seats. I log in to my boyfriend's Starwood Preferred Guest account (he has platinum status and gets better rates) to book my hotel. I find a great deal on a hotel ($440.51) that's just a short walk from my office, and book it. ($775.11 expensed)
12:30 p.m. — Leftover chili for lunch with mandarin flavored sparkling water.
4 p.m. — Today is a very busy workday full of candidate calls, planning, and writing bios for a client deliverable that is due tomorrow. I resolve to finish half of them today and do the offer half in the morning.
6 p.m. — Leftover chili for dinner and boyfriend and I catch up on Fixer Upper before bed.
Daily Total: $0
Day Three
7 a.m. — I'm slowly creeping back toward my normal 6:30 a.m. wakeup time. Perhaps my internal clock will reset over the weekend. For now, I forgo my usual phone scroll and hop out of bed to get dressed right away. My boyfriend (who also works from home) and I are planning to check out the H-E-B near our apartment this morning to determine if it will fit our grocery needs. We just moved to Austin a couple of weeks ago and have yet to find our go-to grocery store. I down my protein shake, drink a glass of water, and make myself a mug of tea before working on a request that my boss sent me late last night. I finish up those emails and we head out to the store.
9 a.m. — Oh man, I'm starving! In the car on the way back from the store, I eat pepperoni slices that we bought at the deli and drink a bottle of unsweetened iced tea. The store was kind of a bust (we only eat organic and they didn't have a great selection) so we left with just a few staple items: black and cannellini beans, canned tomatoes, baby carrots, bell peppers, avocados, chipotle hummus, baby spinach, deli meats, chicken stock, pistachios, a rotisserie chicken, and my iced tea. The search for the perfect store continues. $98.44
11 a.m. — Scrounge around in the kitchen for lunch; end up eating a bowl of rotisserie chicken and baby carrots.
5 p.m. — Another very busy day at work. Everything that was pushed out for the holidays is coming back to haunt me. I spent three hours finishing up a report to send to one of our clients, made some calls, and call it a day promptly at 4. My company does early release every Friday, which is one of my favorite perks. We ate the last of the chili yesterday, so tonight I make beef stir fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and onions. I buy all of our beef from Crowd Cow (super cool online company that lets you buy "shares" of a cow from a local farm), and one order usually lasts the better part of a month. In late December, I placed a huge order for steaks, a roast for Christmas, stew meat, stir fry pieces, and 14 pounds of ground beef that we're still working our way through.
Daily Total: $98.44
Day Four
7 a.m. — Saturday is here! I've been looking forward to today all week as we're taking our dog to her first ever Vizsla meet up. There will be 20-plus dogs of the same breed for her to run around and play with. I'm curious to see if a lot of her behaviors are breed traits that will be mirrored in the other dogs. I quickly get dressed, down a protein shake and a few slices of bacon that my boyfriend prepared, and get ready to head out. The meet-up is at a dog park on the far side of town so we leave a little early to give ourselves time to get lost. We pull into a Starbucks drive-through on the way for an order of egg white sous vide bites and a trenta unsweetened iced green tea. My remaining gift card balance won't cover the $8.55 needed to pay for this order, so I load $30 onto my card. $30
11 a.m. — The meet-up was so fun! There were a ton of Vizlas, and it was so cool to watch them all run around together. Our dog passes out as soon as we get into the car, and we drive straight home. I eat a bowl of rotisserie chicken and carrots for lunch.
4 p.m. — We met with two dog sitters from Rover today, and found a great sitter for when we're away visiting family next month. I book the stay on our drive home, and Rover immediately bills it to my card. $160.50
6 p.m. — Dinner was fun to prepare tonight as it was my first time using the spiralizer that my boyfriend got me for Christmas. I made zucchini noodles with chicken in a lemon garlic brown butter sauce. It was delicious and there was a little bit leftover for another meal!
Daily Total: $190.50
Day Five
9 a.m. — I'm meeting up with a girl from Bumble BFF at the dog park for a puppy playdate. I get up, bundle up for the cold weather, down my protein shake, and head out to the park.
11 a.m. — OMG. I got stood up! This has never happened to me before. It's such a weird feeling! My dog and I meet some other dog owners and dogs at the park and have fun anyway. I pull into the drive-through at Starbucks on my way home and use my free drink reward to purchase my go-to iced tea. I get home and heat up leftovers for lunch.
1 p.m. — As part of our plan to get serious with our finances, my boyfriend and I each bought a three-month gift subscription to MoviePass for Christmas to maximize our "fun money." For the $30 that we both spent, we can see a new movie in theaters every day for the next three months for no additional cost. We just received our cards in the mail this week, and today we've decided to test them out for the first time. We go to the Cinemark by our house to see the latest Star Wars movie.
4 p.m. — The movie is a lot of fun! We decide to pop into Sam's Club afterward to see if it makes sense for us to buy a membership. The main benefit would be the discount on gas that we'd receive as members, since my boyfriend's car requires premium fuel. We explore for 30 minutes and decide to do it.
6 p.m. — I make dinner (lentil pasta with a beef and veggie sauce), and we watch TV for a few hours before bed.
Daily Total: $0
Day Six
7 a.m. — Up and out of bed promptly this morning. I drink my protein shake and settle in at my desk. Today is going to be extremely busy, and I'm planning to cut out early to meet another match from Bumble BFF. I have an urgent request from my boss for a project and I dive into that first.
11 a.m. — Leftover pasta for lunch and back to churning out emails for the next few hours.
3:30 p.m. — Wrap up a great call with a fabulous candidate, send a note to my boss letting him know, and then shut down my laptop for the day. I quickly primp before leaving to meet my new Bumble BFF in downtown Austin.
6:30 p.m. — The meeting is a success! We share a lot of the same views on relationships and the world. Definitely a keeper. I order one skinny margarita and a trio of tacos for dinner. We each pay our own tabs, and agree to get together again soon before leaving. $20
9 p.m. — I turn in early and browse the web on my iPad before going to sleep.
Daily Total: $20
Day Seven
7 a.m. — I guess this is my new wakeup time. I play Words With Friends in bed and check Instagram before getting up and hopping in the shower. Afterward, I drink a glass of water, put water in the tea kettle to boil for my morning tea, and drink a protein shake. I'm feeling extra hungry today so I also microwave three slices of bacon. Work continues to be pretty busy. This morning, I focus on finally clearing out my inbox post-holiday, and take a couple of calls.
11 a.m. — Lunch time rolls around, and I remember that I was planning another experiment for lunch and dinner today. I am attempting to make pasta e fagioli soup with lentil pasta but what comes out definitely isn't soup. It smells and tastes pretty good, though. I suppose I'm going to strike out sometimes when trying new recipes. Gotta keep at it to diversify our menu.
1 p.m. — My boyfriend and I are visiting his grandparents in Northern California next month and were originally planning to stop in Napa for a couple of days, too, but we ended up canceling our hotel reservation to save money. We're kind of regretting that decision, so my boyfriend checks his Starwood Preferred Guest points balance and we have just enough to stay in Napa for two nights for free, so we book it. We each buy a $75 ticket for the release party for Silver Oak 2013 Napa Cabernet and call it our Valentine's gifts to each other. We also have a membership to one of the wineries up there that includes a free tasting whenever we visit, so it should be a pretty budget-friendly trip. $75
4 p.m. — I have a craving for Starbucks and I convince my boyfriend to go with me. I order my iced tea through the mobile app. The cost is deducted from my remaining gift card balance. My boyfriend doesn't want anything, but drives me there anyway. That's real love!
6 p.m. — We both heat up leftovers for dinner, and watch a few episodes of Travelers on Netflix before going to bed.
Daily Total: $75
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A good cleanser is fundamental to a healthy skin-care routine, whether your preference is a heavy-duty oil for washing away tough makeup, a gentle, soothing cream, or a blemish-busting foam with BHA. But with all the many options out there on the market (and on our bathroom shelves), perhaps we're doing ourselves an injustice by forgetting the humble bar soap.
Maybe it's nostalgia, or maybe just a return to essentials — but bar soaps have come a long way since the sulfate-heavy, overly fragrant ones your grandma kept next to her sink. These days, cleansing bars are teeming with the same natural, skin-saving ingredients as your favorite go-to cleanser. In other words: they're back.
SkinOwl founder Annie Tevelin says that there are a few reasons for the soap-bar resurgence. "I've seen a huge upswing in minimalist skin care, and the 'less is more' mantra has never felt more relevant," she says. "Solid soap bars are easy to use and efficient in that way — and, most importantly, people are finally seeing how well they work on the skin." There are even a few benefits to using soap bars over their liquid counterparts: They last longer, contain only the necessary ingredients rather than preservatives sometimes used in balms and gels, and require no plastic packaging, which is always a plus for the planet.
One thing to note: As Sisley facialist Elsa van Twist explains, most cleansing bars don't actually remove makeup, but should be treated more like a second cleanse after you've taken yours off. Think of it as an addition to your existing skin-care arsenal rather than a replacement, and you're good to go — all you need is a cute soap dish.
No doubt about it, this is a very expensive bar of soap... but it's also the best bar of soap. If you can afford it or just happen to have a birthday or anniversary coming up, this nourishing, soap-free (confusing, but true) cleansing bar leaves skin feeling clean and purified without drying.
Sisley Paris Soapless Facial Cleansing Bar, $67, available at Nordstrom.
You can't go wrong with this classic soothing cleansing bar, which removes impurities and refreshes skin as well as your favorite cold cream — with a lot less mess.
Avène Cold Cream Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar, $10, available at Amazon.
Packed with a rich, nourishing micro-algae blend, this gentle cleanser is dreamy for oily skin types that could use a bit of a "detox."
Estée Lauder Nutritious Micro-Algae Cleansing Bar, $28, available at Estée Lauder.
Protect your natural moisture barrier, soothe inflamed skin, and add a little more millennial pink to your beauty routine with this sensitive skin-friendly formula.
Erno Laszlo Sensitive Cleansing Bar, $38, available at Dermstore.
Available in four different formulas depending on your skin type (and all with the option to get a handcrafted tray and travel-size bar for $12 extra), SkinOwl's Beauty Bars are all formulated without coconut oil, which makes them especially good for breakout-prone complexions. Tomato is our favorite for oily, easily congested skin.
SkinOwl Tomato Beauty Bar, $24, available at SkinOwl.
This all-natural brand uses wild harvested Siberian herbs and berries rich in oils and vitamins to clean skin, while activated carbon draws out pore-clogging impurities.
Natura Siberica Northern Soap For Deep Facial Cleansing, $15.83, available at Ecco Verde.
For an affordable option that's perfect for controlling sebum production on oil-prone skin, this charcoal-based bar keeps breakouts at bay.
Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap, $3.69, available at Target.
This gentle yet effective formula cleanses and draws impurities out of oily, acne-prone skin.
Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Soap Bar, $12, available at Sephora.
Like a mud bath in bar form, this one actually isn't soap at all — rather, it's 100% Umbrian clay, which becomes an in-shower mask when it gets wet without losing its solid form.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Treatment Bar, $40, available at Sephora.
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If you’ve read Trevor Noah’s autobiography, Born A Crime, or recall him spilling tidbits about his childhood on The Daily Show, then you already know Noah’s mother is an impressive woman. And now, Lupita Nyong’o will bring her bravery to the big screen.
Both Noah and Nyong’o excitedly announced that the Black Panther star would play Noah’s mother, Patrice in the film adaptation of his book. “My mom is a powerful woman who could easily be one of the beautiful soldiers in Wakanda,” said Noah on Instagram about Black Panther’s fictitious utopia. “So it's beyond a perfect fit that she would be portrayed on the big screen by the radiant and regal Lupita Nyong'o. I'm beyond excited.” The caption also reposted a message from Nyong’o, which also discussed her excitement.
Despite Noah’s knack for comedic delivery, skillfully shown throughout his book, his story of growing up with a Black mother and Swiss father in South Africa during Apartheid is no laughing matter. When his parents met, interracial relationships were illegal and cause for arrest.
Under the Immorality Act of 1927, “illicit carnal intercourse between Europeans and natives,” was strictly prohibited. Noah's lighter complexion and interracial features, in particular, made him a target when they appeared together in public. As a tot, even the act of holding hands with her in public could attract violent repercussions. Outings together on the street were strategically camouflaged; his father, Robert, walking on the opposite side of the street. He often needed to walk behind his mother, alone. He also discusses how often Patrice was arrested for seeing Robert.
“On and off my mom would spend a week in jail. She would spend a day in jail here, a week again, a week and a half, two weeks,” he said in an interview with NPR. Though at the time Noah was too young to know what was going on. “My grandmother tells me stories of how, you know, because I would be at the house I wouldn't notice that my mom was gone because she would be at work sometimes. So it was just like time when my mom would be gone and my grandma would tell me she'll be back. And nobody knew where anybody was.”
Born A Crime won the James Thurber Prize for American Humor and two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Literary Work.
Nyong'o, who actually asked Noah if she could play his mother after reading the book on the set of Black Panther, is also a producer on the project.
Sheet masks have become regular fixtures in our skin-care routines, thanks to the Korean beauty trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Our approach to skin care is moving ever further away from the straightforward cleanse/tone/moisturize routine that dominated the '90s and early 2000s; multiple cleansing steps, layering products, multi-masking, and essences are leading the way in our pursuit of perfect skin.
And hair care, too, is looking towards at-home treatments that deliver salon-quality results, and it's starting with something we're already obsessed with: sheet masks. This month, Redken launched its All Soft Mega Recovery Tissue Cap Mask, proving that the hair-care industry is adopting the same attitude we apply to skin care and its constant advancements.
Like most sheet masks, Redken’s newest innovation is a convenient way for a time-conscious customer to up hydration levels. Similar to a shower cap, think of it like a 10-minute makeover for your lackluster hair. It’s designed to soften, combining ingredients like cactus extract, aloe vera, and argan oil to instantly condition, lock in moisture, and leave hair easier to style. Simply apply after your shampoo, leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse as normal. The intense treatment is meant to be used weekly — and, at $8 a pop, it's cheaper than your daily coffee habit.
Briogeo's version, the Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Cap System, offers a similar intensely moisturizing result, but with the additional step of applying the deep-conditioning mask first, then covering the hair with a cap lined with argan oil beads; South Korean beauty brand Kocostar offers the Home Salon Hair Pack. As for now, the selection of hair sheet masks is much more limited than the ones for your face, but the way things are going it won't be much longer before they're lining the shelves of drugstores everywhere.
After all, the appeal is obvious: They’re a convenient and tidier alternative to the traditional format of a cream mask, while offering the same results. Not only does a hair sheet mask lock in moisture, it also seals in the benefits from your shampoo and nourishes damaged tresses. They're particularly useful during winter weather, when hair is left dry and often dehydrated from the cold. If you're after a quick fix for silkier locks, it's time to pick up your first sheet mask today.
Ninety percent of the time, I don’t believe in magic. But every once in awhile, I find the Hermione Granger inside of me swearing that magic is the only possible explanation for something out of the ordinary that happens. Take, for instance, a manicure that lasts well over a month — without a top coat. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. And when it comes to my horribly dry, rough cuticles, anything that can make them feel soft and moisturized in the long-term must be magical. It's certainly no "Felix Felicis," but Captain Blankenship Avocado & Peppermint Hand, Cuticle & Foot Balm is the one product that has done just that.
Similar to other multi-use balms, the formula is a thick wax that melts with the heat of your hands. But unlike others, this one doesn't leave you feeling all greasy and sticky. Once you rub it in, it glosses over dry spots and leaves the skin feeling smooth all day long. As someone who suffers from persistently dry hands, I usually find myself reaching for hand lotion multiple times throughout the day. But this balm is different. The blend of multiple oils and butters ensures that I only have to apply it once — and that I won't be picking at rough bits until they're painful and red.
The highlight of the product, though, is definitely the scent. Some cuticle creams go the lemon-scented route, which always inevitably smells like dishwashing liquid. But this smells like peppermint candy and a cozy home during the holiday season, thanks to a combination of peppermint, sweet orange, and myrrh essential oils.
So maybe the balm isn’t really magic, but genius formulating instead. All I know is that it's made my hands feel like they won't split open the minute a freezing gust of wind touches them, and that's about as close to magic as I can get without hopping on a train to Hogwarts.
Captain Blankenship Avocado & Peppermint Hand, Cuticle & Foot Balm, $24, available at Sephora.
Ava DuVernay's adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time hits theaters March 9. An epic film adaptation of this classic children's book is long overdue and eagerly anticipated. The film's cast is as beloved as the book, including Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon as the guiding "Mrs." characters. You may be surprised to learn that Oprah was not the first person DuVernay cast in the star-studded lineup.
In fact, the first person DuVernay thought to cast in the role of one of the three celestial guides known as the "Mrs." was Mindy Kaling. In an interview launching this year's "What She Said" conversation series at the W Hotel, DuVernay reminded the audience of how much Kaling has done in her career thus far. Most of us were likely first introduced to the actress when she played Kelly Kapoor on The Office.
Kelly was underrated and I always wished she was on the show more. Aside from making us laugh in front of the camera, Kaling was a writer, executive producer, and occasional director for the hit show throughout most of the time it was on the air. "I don't think people really give Mindy credit," DuVernay shared according to the Los Angeles Times. "She's a woman of color with a show with her name on it. … She represents someone you never see in television, and on film, she is so important to the culture in that way."
The director knew from the beginning that she wanted to bring together a diverse cast of characters to play the "Mrs." in A Wrinkle In Time. Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon make up the other two in the trio. "I wanted the Mrs. of all different shapes, sizes, ages, cultures, races," DuVernay explained in the interview."I knew I wanted a black one and a white one and someone who was not either." In a time where strong women, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our conversations, this movie couldn't have come at a better time.
DuVernay spoke highly of Winfrey and Witherspoon. Left without words to describe Winfrey, she portrayed her as someone easy to be around. "Sometimes I sit with her and forget that she is a billionaire two times over… I won't even think about that – until the butler walks in," she added. She described Witherspoon as "a force" for wanting more from Hollywood than to be merely a pretty face in front of the camera and choosing to use her influence to champion other women in the industry. Disney asked DuVernay to take the project on, making her the first woman of color to direct a film with a budget over $100 million.
If the "Mrs." are meant to guide and inspire the story's young protagonist, Meg Murry, then it seems like DuVernay did a brilliant job casting women who are equally inspiring off camera.
You never want something until you can't have it. So, each week inThe Sell-Out, we're getting the scoop from your favorite retailers on what's selling like crazy. Watch this space to find out what everyone's buying, sign up for wait lists, and keep tabs on restocks.
Your leather jacket can say a lot about you, so why not get one that truly lets your personal style shine? Of course, a black moto jacket will never go out of style, but we think it's safe to say a bright red one won't either. And it seems like shoppers tend to agree. Because this season, The Mighty Company (and its retailers, including Shopbop and Revolve) can't keep “The RCR” leather jacket in stock – especially the Ferrera and Verona versions.
If you already have a classic moto in your closet, consider this popular red-hot style to be the latest iteration your wardrobe needs. These LA-designed pieces are made with the most buttery leather and only get better with wear (and you know you'll be wearing it a lot). The fit is tailored, flattering, and, as the brand tells us, is resonating with women of all ages. And later this month it'll be launching at Saks, which means its popularity will definitely not be waning. Convinced yet?
This might just be the new leather jacket you've been looking for. Click ahead to scoop it up before someone else does.
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In Refinery29'sSweet Digs, we take a look inside the sometimes small, sometimes spacious homes of millennial city dwellers. Today, 30-year-old Julie Leung shows us around her 700-square-feet lofted studio in downtown Brooklyn.
In New York, locals like to say they're constantly looking for a significant other, an apartment, or a job. In her 20s, author and marketing director, Julie Leung happened to always be looking for an apartment.
"Basically, once every six to 10 months I had to find a new place. I was either getting priced out or I moved in with a boyfriend and we broke up," she says. "My parents got so tired of it." So the family hatched a plan; while many might think of home ownership as something that comes after a wedding, Julie decided to jump ahead and become one of the lucky New York City homeowners as a single woman, landing an efficient 700-square-foot studio in downtown Brooklyn.
As life would have it, Julie met Kyle a month or so after moving in. The OkCupid date eventually led to marriage, and once Kyle moved in, the apartment needed a transformation. One extra person meant a need for extra storage, requiring creative solutions to the open layout to make room for the books, gear, and clothes he brought in. With a little help from Ikea mirrors and room-dividing bookshelves, the little studio turned into a spacious-feeling Brooklyn oasis, thanks in part to its tall ceilings, large windows, and lofted bedroom. Which is all to say, Julie's search for the New York City trifecta might just be over.
Take a tour of Julie's sweet digs in this video, then click ahead to learn more about her buying process and home style.
What is the worst apartment you've ever lived in?
"When I first moved to New York I was living in a place in Bushwick for $900 where we basically had a pet mouse. It wasn't a mouse that we wanted; it was a mouse that just ran around the walls and I named it Ivan. It was the only way for me to adapt to living with rodents. We also overflowed the toilet a few times; one time we had to hand scoop out the water. It was so awful. Again, nothing bad in the apartment; it’s just when you’re really poor and living on assistant-level pay in New York, you just kind of deal with a lot of things. So many things would be leaking, there were furry centipedes that would crawl up the walls. On the second floor there was always a couple fighting really loudly, John and Chelsea, and you could tell because they would yell each others' names. So we would always be like, oh John and Chelsea are fighting again."
So now you own your place. How did you find the spot?
"I found it in the weirdest way. I actually looked in the window of one of the real estate offices that litter downtown Brooklyn and saw it, and then I called in about it. It took me two months to find the spot, but the process of buying took many more months. It was a four month process to get all the paperwork in order and go through the board interviews.
Did you negotiate at all?
"We were able to negotiate the price down just a little. I think the original owner was really looking to move, so we were able to take around $10,000 off the listing price. Again, this was in 2012 before Brooklyn real estate got out of hand, so we got it down to the $280,000 to $300,000 range."
"My parents had been saving up for many years to send their only child to, you know, Harvard, and I ended up going to state school and becoming an English major, to their disappointment. So the money that they saved for me to go to an Ivy League college eventually went to the down payment for this particular unit."
Was there anything surprising that struck you about the buying process?
"I think the most surprising thing is just the competition. Even back in 2012 when it wasn’t so hot, there were still a lot of people in the open houses. You feel this pressure to make a call. Luckily I didn't spring on anything I later regretted, but I can see how people feel pressure to move fast, because there are so many other people looking. The other piece in terms of home-buying is just how the board goes through every statement, every part of your financial history, and it can feel a little invasive. But they are looking closely to make sure that you're going to be able to pay for this."
"You know how those restaurants have a mirror and you think it’s a huge place? That trick completely works in a small space. We bought a giant mirror, turned it horizontal, and put it up in the dining room area. It opens the space a lot more and it’s super cheap to do. The mirror itself was like 99 bucks at Ikea."
How do you stay organized?
"I think we’ve had to deal with a lot of donating and paring down. I don’t think we’re perfect at it quite yet, but we’re forced to pick our darlings when we’re living in such a small space. We can't put everything up because then they'll just detract from each other. So we always ask, how much do you love this thing versus how much do I love this thing? Between Kyle and me, we both have a lot of things we're fighting for."
"One of the things we are consistently having to do is cut back on our Funko dolls. I feel like if we lived in the suburb we’d have, like, an entire cabinet full by now, but we’ve managed to keep ourselves down to four Funko dolls and no more.
Sometimes we’ll bargain. If I get to keep my Westworld figurine up then I have to also put the Attack on Titan thing next to it. Luckily, we tend to end up on the same things often."
Anywhere that doesn't apply?
"The kitchen. This is where we draw battle lines. Our rule is, if you brought the most stuff in, it's up to you to organize. So since he brought the most stuff into the kitchen, that's his domain. He has to figure out places to put things, especially since there are a lot of places I can't reach, with high shelves."
Michelle Obama has something coming for us in November and, no, you won't find it in the voting booth.
Today former First Lady Michelle Obama announced that her upcoming memoir will be published by Penguin Random House on November 13, 2018. The book, titled Becoming, will trace Obama's story from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her high-flying career and role in the White House.
"Writing Becoming has been a deeply personal experience," Obama, who previously wrote 2012's American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America, said in a social media post. "It has allowed me, for the very first time, the space to honestly reflect on the unexpected trajectory of my life. In this book, I talk about my roots and how a little girl from the South Side of Chicago found her voice and developed the strength to use it to empower others. I hope my journey inspires readers to find the courage to become whoever they aspire to be. I can't wait to share my story."
According to the book's web page, Becoming will also have a sort of Lean In -style examination of being a working mother.
"In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her — from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address," a publishing brief reads.
"With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it — in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations — and whose story inspires us to do the same."
Her publisher also announced they will donate one million books to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need in the U.S. and Canada.
She's not the only one in the family with a potential bestseller coming out. Former president (and author of Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope) Barack Obama also has a memoir coming out with Penguin Random House.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: a recruiting director working in executive staffing who makes $70,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck this week on basketball tickets.
Occupation: Recruiting Director Industry: Executive Staffing Age: 27 Location: Brooklyn, NY Salary: $70,000 Quarterly Commission: $110,000-$150,000/year Paycheck (Weekly): $765.45 (after healthcare and commuter benefits deductions)
Monthly Expenses Rent: $770 for my room in a three-bedroom apartment Student Loan Payments: $345 Electricity, Gas & Internet: ~$80 Car Insurance: $193.66 Phone Bill: $106 ClassPass: $75 Therapy: ~$150 after medical reimbursement Hulu: $7.99 The New York Times App: $7.50 Texture Magazine App: $9.99 Netflix: $10.99 MetroCard: $121 monthly unlimited card, taken out of weekly paycheck pre-tax
Additional Expenses 401(k): 3% of salary, pretax Roth IRA: ~$300 Charitable Donations: $50, split between End the Backlog, ASPCA, and Shatterproof
Day One
10 a.m. — Enjoy sleeping in a bit because it's Sunday. I'm eventually forced out of bed to feed my kitty; he won't stop crying and licking me for attention until I fill his bowl. Wander into the kitchen and make a breakfast of kiwi, raspberries, a piece of toast with peanut butter, and coffee with almond milk. Scroll through social media and read a few New York Times articles before getting ready.
12:30 p.m. — Meet a friend for a barre class in Williamsburg. I've never tried barre before but have been on an exercise kick lately and I'm willing to give it a shot. This studio isn't covered by my ClassPass membership, but as long as I use my full membership credits monthly, I don't feel guilty about paying out of pocket for a few additional classes. $34
2 p.m. — We continue our lady time with brunch at the most adorable little spot around the corner from the barre studio. I order eggs, toast, and hash browns with a gin and cucumber cocktail that I drink a little too quickly. I have a wonderful afternoon catching up with my friend, and we make a promise to make this a regular Sunday tradition. It's a far cry from my usual "drunk brunch" Sunday activities! $35.04
4 p.m. — I part ways with my friend and take the subway back to my neighborhood. Swing by the grocery store to pick up a few items for the week – onion, spinach, zucchinis, avocado, tomatoes, rice, a can of crushed tomatoes, rolls, ground turkey, and ground beef. $33.39
5:15 p.m. — Get back to my apartment and unpack the groceries. Cooking and unwinding on a Sunday evening is one of my favorite parts of the week. I prep meals for the next few days, including my perfected tomato sauce recipe, meatballs with the ground beef, tacos with the ground turkey, and Spanish rice.
7 p.m. — Shower, apply a face mask, and spend a few hours on the couch watching Hulu with my two roommates. We've been re-watching the last season of Broad City before binge-watching the newest season. I snack on two meatballs and a roll plus a few Swedish Fish from my secret stash. These fish are my weakness.
10 p.m. — I crawl in bed and my kitty sprawls out on my chest in a way that makes any movement on my end nearly impossible. If only he weren't so cute! Read a few chapters of David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell before going to sleep.
Daily Total: $102.43
Day Two
6:30 a.m. — Alarm goes off and I groan at the thought of facing a Monday. I end up hitting snooze for nearly an hour before getting out of bed to feed my kitty. Pack my lunch of zucchini noodles and meatballs in sauce and my breakfast smoothie, which I made from oats, coffee, almond milk, peanut butter powder, and a frozen banana.
9:45 a.m. — Get to work and I'm only a few minutes late – a miracle given the subway delays and sweaty train cars that I dealt with this morning. I'm immediately thrown into a work tornado; calls are coming in so fast I can't even finish a conversation before a new call beeps in. I chug my smoothie as I conduct a few phone interviews and prep a nervous candidate for his interview with my client later.
1 p.m. — I am mentally drained when my work BFF pops into my office and convinces me to come with him to Chipotle. I had every intention of eating my packed lunch but an escape from the office and guacamole are too tempting. We have a good catch-up about our weekends during the walk. The person at the counter forgets to charge me for the guac and I take this as a sign that this excursion was meant to be. $13.12
4 p.m. — After a few more hours of general craziness at my desk, I come out of my office to joke around with my team.
6 p.m. — Leave the office and head out as a team to a local Irish pub that has become our go-to. We don't typically go out on Mondays but two of my employees are leaving us this week, and tonight is the only night that works for the group to get together one last time. I also invite a few former employees from the last few years, and the night becomes a really fun going away and reunion celebration. The bar gives everyone a free shot with their first drink, and after five beers, I'm feeling quite good. $25.60
12:30 a.m. — The group dwindles down to just a few committed drinkers, but eventually someone remembers that it's a Monday and we should all head home. I really try to be good about not wasting money on Ubers, but after so many drinks and given how late it is, I order a car. It's pricier than usual but worth it to be home and passed out before 2 a.m. $43.55
Daily Total: $82.27
Day Three
6:30 a.m. — Is there any sound worse than your alarm screeching before 7 when you're hungover? I eventually force myself out of bed, feed the kitty, take a few Motrin, and get ready for work. I make a quick smoothie before heading out.
9 a.m. — I have my weekly therapy appointment on Tuesday mornings. I started going to therapy awhile back after a bad breakup, and my sessions have transitioned from crisis management to part of my self-care routine. We have a really good session and I leave ready to take on the day and 2018 in general. What hangover?
10:30 a.m. — Get to the office and my smoothie isn't enough to get the day started, so I run down to the café in our building and get a whole wheat everything bagel with avocado spread and a coffee. Once upstairs, I get a call from a client letting me know they're ready to make an offer to my candidate. I'm so happy! Aside from the commission, I've been working with this candidate for months and am thrilled to have finally gotten her an offer. $5.66
1 p.m. — After a few hours of work, I head downstairs for my daily cigarette. I've been a smoker for a few years and am really trying to quit. I bought a vape that I use to replace the habit throughout the day but I'm still treating myself to one actual cigarette per day for the time being. Baby steps! I grab a Diet Coke from the café downstairs on my way back in. $1
1:30 p.m. — Eat my packed lunch from yesterday while I meet with my employee whose last day is today. We tie up a few loose ends and then spend time reminiscing and making promises to stay in touch. I'm really going to miss him!
6 p.m. — Spend a few hours meeting candidates in back-to-back interviews. I really need to find a replacement to help with my loss of recruiters this week, but I have yet to meet anyone that could be a good fit, which is really frustrating. I give my employee a huge hug when he leaves and try not to tear up.
8:10 p.m. — Phew! Finally done in the office. I tend to stay late most nights to get work done in the quiet when my team leaves, but I'm anxious to get home. Hop on the subway and heat up tacos and rice for dinner when I get back to my apartment.
11 p.m. — Finally crash in bed after cleaning up the kitchen and doing dishes. I don't have the mental capacity for a book tonight, so I read a bit of InStyle on my Texture app before passing out.
Daily Total: $6.66
Day Four
5:45 a.m. — After a few hits of the snooze button, I force myself out of bed. Even my kitty is too tired to be up – I can't rouse him until he hears the musical sounds of his canned food. I prep my usual smoothie, pack leftover tacos and rice for lunch, and leave the apartment.
7:30 a.m. — Early morning spin class! This one uses my ClassPass credits. I shake off my sleepiness within a few minutes and hit a new personal high score on my bike. I credit these new floral leggings I bought last week at Old Navy for giving me life this morning. I shower, change, and blow my hair out in the locker room before heading to work.
9:15 a.m. — I have every intention of drinking my breakfast smoothie this morning, but I run into my work BFF on the way into the building and find myself going to the café with him for more sustenance. I order the usual bagel/avocado and coffee and leave my smoothie for later. $5.66
1:45 p.m. — I snag a dollar from work BFF to grab a Diet Coke downstairs, as I'm out of cash. We tend to go back and forth with spotting each other for various snacks and drinks and always just consider it even. I also enjoy my daily cigarette before heading back upstairs to eat my tacos and rice for lunch.
5 p.m. — Have a long meeting with my boss about 2018 goals and the recent changes in my team. We blew past our 2017 revenue goal, so we're increasing our goal for 2018 significantly. I'm confident that this will be attainable, but with the loss of two recruiters this week, it'll be a bumpy ride for the first few months.
7:30 p.m. — I finally head out of the office. Another late night, but I had a heart-to-heart about the future of the company with one of my most senior recruiters after everyone left, so I'm considering it a night well spent.
8:45 p.m. — Swing by the grocery store on the way home to grab a roll, avocado, and toilet paper. My roommates and I all grab household items as needed and because no one ever feels like they're doing more than they should, we just call it even and don't keep track. $6.70
9:15 p.m. — I make a meatball sub and side salad for dinner along with a few more Swedish Fish as a treat. I force my roommates to watch The Bachelor with me against their will – this is one guilty pleasure that I have zero guilt about.
11:15 p.m. — Switch up the reading tonight with Difficult Women by Roxane Gay and cuddle up with my kitty to sleep.
Daily Total: $12.36
Day Five
5:45 a.m. — Another painful wakeup time. Kitty is giving me a dirty look this morning; he doesn't approve of me interrupting his beauty sleep this week. I feed him, pack my lunch, and head out.
7:30 a.m. — This morning's workout is an amazing class a coworker introduced me to recently: It's a mixture of cardio, weights, and hip-hop. Is there any better way to start your day than with a little twerking? I pay for this class out of pocket because it isn't on ClassPass. I shower and get ready at the studio before leaving for work. $32
9:20 a.m. — Once again, I give in to the temptation of grabbing breakfast downstairs at work and get a bagel and coffee. I'm already getting bombarded with calls before I even make it upstairs. $5.66
11 a.m. — This morning is hectic but in a good way. I am close to closing a placement that would be huge for me — if it goes through, my commission would be about $10,000. My candidate's and the client's feedback are really good, and I cross my fingers that we'll make it through the salary negotiation stage without any major problems.
2 p.m. — I'm out of cigarettes so I reluctantly head to the pharmacy for a new pack. Going through a pack every few weeks instead of every few days is definitely helping my wallet, and I pat myself on the back for the progress I've made. I also grab a lighter, a bag of almonds to snack on at my desk, and two Diet Cokes; the extra one is for my work BFF. Back at the office, I eat lunch from home. $19.99
6 p.m. — Time to say goodbye to the second person leaving my team! I try to keep an open dialogue with my team about their career goals, even when it doesn't include staying with me forever. Because of that, I was able to place this employee at one of my clients! I try not to tear up when I give her a hug and remind myself that we will continue to speak daily.
7:40 p.m. — Finally leave the office and go to my nail salon for my semi-regular gel mani ($34) and neck massage ($14). In addition to doing a great job with nails, this salon is my fave because they are always playing a rom-com on TV for their customers – tonight's is The Proposal. I leave a $10 tip. $58
8:50 p.m. — My absolute favorite pizzeria in the city is across the street from my nail salon, and I grab a slice and Diet Coke after I do my nails. I enjoy having the entire night feel like a treat. $5.15
10:30 p.m. — Finally home! I tidy up the apartment, make a smoothie and lunch for tomorrow, and crawl into bed. I pick up Difficult Women but only make it a chapter before falling asleep.
Daily Total: $120.80
Day Six
7 a.m. — Sleeping in feels amazing this morning! I hit snooze a few times but get up quickly when I hear something crash in the kitchen. Kitty was getting impatient for breakfast and knocked a bowl off the counter; luckily, it's not broken! Get ready for the day and head out.
9:45 a.m. — I resist the bagel temptations this morning and I drink my smoothie at my desk and hunker down for a busy Friday.
11 a.m. — Take a break from work and browse the Internet a bit. I order a new vape (I dropped mine the other day and it has been leaking slightly since.) I don't want any excuse to not stick with this new lifestyle, so I'd rather pay for a new one ASAP before the leak worsens. $28
1:30 p.m. — Eat the last of my tacos and rice for lunch. I also bring a second helping for my work BFF. He was drooling at the smell of it all week, and I generally bring him leftovers at the end of the week instead of throwing away the extra food I make. Cooking for one person is a difficult science when it comes to portioning.
3 p.m. — I spend another few hours interviewing candidates for my team, and I meet someone I love! She has everything I'm looking for and her answers to my questions don't sound overly-rehearsed. I thank the recruiter who found the candidate and start the process of getting internal approvals to hire.
5:30 p.m. — We've all had a long week here at work. Some of my recruiters come over to hang and chat for the last few minutes of the day, and I let them leave a few minutes early.
6:30 p.m. — I meet up with a friend for a long overdue dinner and catch-up. We have reservations at a restaurant near Union Square that has a very weird, almost creepy, Victorian vibe. I love it. I order a BLT with avocado and a side salad. I also enjoy two glasses of sauvignon blanc. We have a great time but are both tired from the week and decide to call it a night after dinner. I put the bill on my card, but she Venmos me for her meal on the spot. $49.97
10:45 p.m. — I get home and am exhausted, so no reading tonight. Instead, I watch Parks and Recreation on Netflix before bed. I've watched the series twice already but can never get enough Ron Swanson in my life.
Daily Total: $77.97
Day Seven
10:15 a.m. — I could have slept in longer, but my kitty had other demands. I get up to feed him but then crawl back into my warm bed and grab my book. I have no plans any time soon and enjoy the lazy morning.
12 p.m. — Finally extricate myself from bed and head to the kitchen. I make coffee with almond milk and brainstorm breakfast ideas. I end up combining leftover ground turkey, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and spinach and throw it in a tortilla for a breakfast taco. I chat with my roommate and then we watch Broad City.
3 p.m. — I finally motivate myself to start my laundry. The amount of dirty laundry that has piled up in my closet is actually ridiculous. I do two loads ($10 total) but I'm stuck paying a $1.75 ATM fee at a corner store because I didn't plan ahead to get cash at my bank. The laundromat is a block away so I come back between loads to clean the apartment. $11.75
6:15 p.m. — I finally finish my afternoon chores, shower, and get ready for the evening. I head to Manhattan to catch my college basketball team play at Madison Square Garden. I haven't been to a game yet this year but try to come out for a few and show my alumni spirit! I Venmo my friend on the way for my ticket. $40
7:10 p.m. — Meet up with two friends for pizza and beer that all the students and alumni have deemed the go-to pregame spot. I grab two slices ($5.90) and a beer for myself and the others ($16.50). $22.40
8:20 p.m. — Game time! We are most assuredly going to lose — the opposing team is fantastic —but it's nostalgic and fun to be back at a game. We grab two more beers each (we're taking turns paying) and make friends in our section. The game is much closer than it should have been, and we're happy to see our team do better than expected. Madison Square Garden is still wild with fans, and everyone spills out onto the street for the next adventure.
10:30 p.m. — We go to a local bar that is again packed with my school's fans, both students and alumni. While standing in line for the bathroom, my friend and I hit it off with cute guys wearing lacrosse shirts from our school. Unfortunately, we realize that they are current athletes and not alumni ... talk about feeling old! We quickly dodge the situation before they realize how old we are and head back to our table. We all split a pretzel and a few more drinks and divide the bill evenly at the end of the night. $20.53
1:45 a.m. — Feeling quite proud of myself because I resisted an Uber even after all the drinks tonight! After a long subway ride home, I dive into bed and don't even make it through one episode of Parks and Recreation before falling asleep.
Daily Total: $94.68
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Jennifer Lawrence is thinking about the next step in her career. She wants to try her hand at working behind the camera, and she plans to do that with a docu-series alongside former E! News anchor Catt Sadler. The series, directed by documentary filmmaker Stephanie Soechtig, will address the gender wage gap in Hollywood.
In her typical charming and exuberant fashion, Lawrence announced the project by accident while promoting her new film Red Sparrow. "I would like to direct one day. I think it's important to start getting behind the camera, producing, so I can have more control over who gets hired and make sure I can be a part of it, and make sure there's diversity on all our films," she continued. "I'm going to be EPing a show with Catt Sadler, actually, which I wasn't supposed to announce, but I am." The actress quickly caught herself as she spoke to Audrey Gelman, co-founder of women's co-working space The Wing in New York City, during their interview. Not much is known about the project, other than it is taking a detailed look at issues facing women today. According to The Hollywood Reporter, they are looking to fast-track the series once they partner with a distributor or production company.
When Sadler left E! News after finding out that her male co-worker was paid roughly twice her salary, Lawrence was a vocal supporter. She praised Sadler as she shared her essay explaining why she left. One of the most prevalent themes in Sadler's statement was encouraging women to know their worth, a message echoed by Lawrence in an essay she wrote for Lenny Letter on equal pay in 2015. "When the Sony hack happened and I found out how much less I was being paid than the lucky people with dicks, I didn't get mad at Sony. I got mad at myself," Lawrence wrote saying that she wished she had negotiated more rather than settling early.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in January, Sadler spoke about the growing friendship between her and Lawrence. "Jennifer Lawrence has become a friend of mine — really, a hero of mine," Sadler shared. "Long before my own experiences, her voice has been an empowering one and one I’ve always admired. To have her in my corner is hard to put into words, to be honest."
By using their platforms to speak to the gender pay gap, Lawrence and Sadler have made great strides for not only themselves but for other women who were worried about coming across as "demanding" or "difficult" by doing the same.
"Delta is reaching out to the NRA to let them know we will be ending their contract for discounted rates through our group travel program," the airline announced. "We will be requesting that the NRA remove our information from their website."
Delta is reaching out to the NRA to let them know we will be ending their contract for discounted rates through our group travel program. We will be requesting that the NRA remove our information from their website.
"United is notifying the NRA that we will no longer offer a discounted rate to their annual meeting and we are asking that the NRA remove our information from their website," United Airlines said in its statement.
United is notifying the NRA that we will no longer offer a discounted rate to their annual meeting and we are asking that the NRA remove our information from their website.
Though many have praised the airlines for taking action, many conservative critics have lashed out at the decision and said they would take their business elsewhere. Former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin also accused Delta and United of "punishing law-abiding citizens."
Will be interesting to see how this plays out...punishing law-abiding members. https://t.co/wr2up3AukQ
The NRA issued a statement refusing to back down from its unflinching defense of gun rights.
"Let it be absolutely clear," the organization tweeted. "The loss of a discount will neither scare nor distract one single NRA member from our mission to stand and defend the individual freedoms that have always made America the greatest nation in the world."
Let it be absolutely clear. The loss of a discount will neither scare nor distract one single NRA member from our mission to stand and defend the individual freedoms that have always made America the greatest nation in the world. #StandandFight#NRA#2Ahttps://t.co/4kzNq9GDLq
Delta and United are just two of roughly a dozen companies that have cut ties with the gun lobby this week following public pressure. That includes a number of car rental brands, with Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, and Enterprise ending their discount programs.
Many are now calling on FedEx to follow suit, or risk being boycotted.
My Mom asked me to stop using @FedEx until they stop supporting the NRA. And I never say no to my Mom. UPS, time to shine. https://t.co/LvYV4aUhc4
We root for the contestants on The Bachelor because we enjoy seeing their personalities shine through in their interactions with the man they are falling for, and we genuinely want to see true love blossom on television — or at least get lost in the fantasy of it. But, as much as we enjoy The Bachelor's contestants, it's no secret that they all share one distinct feature: they are all thin and able-bodied, conforming to a very rigid standard of beauty.
We're not the only ones who've noticed this trend. Even the Bachelor production team is well aware that they only cast thin women — Robert Mills, Senior Vice President of Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night Programming at ABC, spoke directly to the lack of body diversity to Entertainment Tonight; when asked if the network would consider casting more diverse women, he replied "Absolutely. We’d [cast for more body-type diversity.]" Great! Yes. That is awesome and exactly what we want to hear!
Unfortunately, he then followed up that declaration by saying that "a lot of it does revolve around who the lead is and who the lead wants to date. What you don’t want to do is say, 'We’re going to put on somebody who’s more curvy,' and then they’re gone the first night. It’s hard, but we’re all for as much diversity as possible." If this seems like Mills is shirking off the network and production's responsibility onto the Nick Vialls and Arie Luyendyks, well, that's because he is.
It's clear that Mills isn't giving the Bachelor enough credit. Do they really cast men so shallow that they'll send a curvier woman home right after the limo drops her off? Or a woman who arrives to the mansion in a wheelchair? Cynically, the answer could be yes, but these single men are ostensibly going on the show to find love, and they understand that they'll be meeting lots of different potential partners. Who's to say they won't be attracted to a stunning, successful woman who is bigger than a size 4? Give both TheBachelor contestants and the Bachelor a chance to prove the world wrong.
Let's also note that men who compete on The Bachelorette often are much more diverse in their body types. In Rachel Lindsay's season, we saw Kenny King, who is a pro wrestler and has, well, a wrestler's figure. Iggy, by comparison, does not, and that's not slight against him, just a statement of fact. His less-chiseled body type was not even a point of discussion on the show, and it shouldn't be. Iggy's figure didn't make Rachel any more likely to send him home.
Lots of television shows are making an effort to cast more body-diverse actors, but we know it isn't enough. The Bachelor isn't just a popular show — it's a cultural force that dominates its time slot. It has a duty to reflect the reality of its viewers. Audiences, mainly women, would be delighted to see some Bachelor contestants who look like them, who shares their values and struggles.
Representation is everything. A diverse cast of women would do away with the myth that plus-size women don't enjoy active, fun love lives, and reinforce the idea that plus-size women are deserving of love and desire. The Bachelor can demonstrate that men aren't shallow creatures who only find one type of woman attractive — and reinforce that no matter what their bodies look like, women are beautiful.
Gucci, the recently rebooted ready-to-wear and accessories brand that is beloved by everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Millennials (and us!), regularly makes a point to reach out to youth culture. They work with acclaimed young artists like Petra Collins and have committed to going fur-free in an effort to connect with their fans.
Now, Gucci is putting their money where their heart is. The storied fashion house has donated $500,000 to the March for Our Lives, according to Business of Fashion. The March is being organized by student activists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in response to the school shooting that left 17 of their classmates and teachers dead. BoF further reports that Gucci is sending an envoy to the March on behalf of the company.
Giant brands rarely adopt a political posture, so why is Gucci taking a stand? For the label, it's not just about courting millennial customers or representing their brand — it's tragically personal. Two Gucci employees were among those shot at the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL in 2016. Leonel Melendez was a manager at the Gucci boutique at The Mall in Orlando, and he survived the shooting; Javier Jorge-Reyes, a Gucci salesman, was killed.
Creative Director Alessandro Michele said in a statement that he is "moved" by the "courage" of the students. "My love is with them and it will be next to them on March 24. I am standing with March for Our Lives and the strong young women and men across the United States who are fighting for their generation and those to come."
The company also said that "we stand with March For Our Lives and the fearless students across the country who demand that their lives and safety become a priority. We have all been directly or indirectly impacted by these senseless tragedies, and Gucci is proud to join this movement with a donation of US$ 500,000." The company joins George and Amal Clooney and Oprah Winfrey who have donated $500,000 to the March. The March for Our Lives takes places March 24 in Washington, D.C. and cities around the country.
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You always want what you can’t have — especially when it comes to beauty products. That’s why we’re getting the inside scoop from your favorite retailers on what’s selling out right now, how to sign up for waitlists, and where to go to find the next best thing. Because if everyone’s buying it, you know it has to be good.
Those with acne-prone skin are in a frustrating bind when it comes to makeup: If you don't want people to see your breakout, you have to wear foundation. But if you wear foundation, you clog your pores, which worsens the breakout.
"Extended contact with makeup on the skin can lead to irritation, inflammation, and more acne breakouts," says Joshua Zeichner MD, Director of Cosmetic & Clinic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. And while most dermatologists will tell you that going bare-faced is the best thing you can do for your burgeoning spots, that isn't always an option. That's why Dr. Zeichner recommends reaching for formulas that contain salicylic acid to keep pores clear. One of our favorites? ELF's Acne-Fighting Foundation, which is sold out in all but one shade on the brand's website.
At $6 a pop, the salicylic acid-, witch hazel-, tea tree-, and aloe vera-infused blend is a no-brainer for acne-prone skin (not to mention one of the brand's most popular products). If you miss your chance to buy, or want to dip your toes in something new, keep on scrolling.
This creamy foundation offers full coverage and a demi-matte finish that never looks mask-like on our skin. The only downside? There are a measly five shades in the lineup. Thankfully, the foundations ahead have more to choose from.
Fans of medium coverage will love this classic drugstore find. It's more sheer than ELF's offering, and it also contains salicylic acid to treat pesky zits.
This foundation neutralizes redness and conceals blemishes while treating them with salicylic acid. Just remember to blend the pigments by shaking the bottle before sweeping the full-coverage liquid onto your skin.
For acne-prone patients, Dr. Zeichner is a fan of mineral or powder foundations. This one, which comes in 40 shades, is one of our favorites thanks to its buildable formula that's packed full of kaolin clay to absorb oil.
These vegan makeup drops don't contain acne-fighting ingredients, but they were formulated with acne-prone skin in mind. The product is free of common irritants like fragrance, parabens, triclosan, and sulfates, and can be worn solo or mixed with moisturizers or other foundations for custom coverage.
Dermablend Professional, $40, available at DermStore
We know this isn't a foundation, but we had to give this lightweight concealer an honorable mention. It doesn't quite have full coverage (it's closer to medium), but the lightweight blend manages to conceal zits, scars, and redness without looking the slightest bit cakey on our skin. It's also packed full of oil-absorbing kaolin clay and acne-fighting ingredients like sulfur, witch hazel, and tea tree oil.
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We’re so often taught not to speak of politics or religion. It’s too antagonistic, too divisive. But for Israel’s burgeoning drag community, it’s also essential. An oasis of acceptance for the LGBTQ community who are otherwise marginalized in the Middle East, Israel — especially Tel Aviv — is known not only for its relative tolerance, but for having pride in its queer citizens.
These freedoms, however, present their own type of paradox. It’s because of their country’s tolerance that Israelis have the ability to speak out against intolerance. Ask any one of the drag queens regularly performing in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and there’s still more to be done to achieve true equality. While everyone is required to serve in the Israeli military, for example, same-sex marriage is still technically unrecognized by the state. It’s this type of discrepancy that’s dissected on the drag stage by a new crop of Israeli queens.
In makeup and gender-blending ensembles, they push the envelope of performance art, mixing religious symbols and other taboo topics with stilettos, glitter, and Rihanna. Moksha, an observant Jew and Hebrew teacher by day, headlines at an underground drag club in Jerusalem in full tzniut, or modest dress, that abides by Orthodox Jewish standards. We follow an Israeli soldier who’s chosen the drag name of “Diamond” because he, like his beloved country, is multi-faceted and strong like the stone. Avant-garde performer Asis D’Orange, the 2017 winner of the Tel Aviv Drag Star competition, uses his controversial act (think: Marilyn Manson, a bucket of pink paint, body harnesses, and the Israeli flag) to jumpstart a conversation that many are uncomfortable with having — even other queens:“Conflict is a gate to come closer and to understand one another.”
By using their platforms — and platform heels — to open that gate, Israeli drag queens prove that politics and religion can, and should, take center stage, and build not only a productive dialogue, but also a supportive community. In this episode of Style Out There, we explore how colorful gray areas can be.
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In some ways, Shion Fenty's campaign is similar to that of many others taking place this year across the U.S. She's a 37-year-old Black woman, a first-time candidate, and is facing two middle-aged white men in the primary. But there's something that sets her apart from the wave of other women of color running for office this year: Fenty is a Republican.
The fact that she's a Black woman and the daughter of immigrants in a Virginia congressional district that recently turned blue would make many think she's a Democrat. But the fashion designer and business owner doesn't resent that assumption.
"They automatically stereotype you: 'Since you're African-American, you must be Democrat.' So I get a lot of shocked faces like, 'What the heck is going on?!' and a lot of people have been ... kind of suspicious," she told Refinery29. "Once people talk to me, and they get to know me, and they understand where I'm coming from — after that they've just been very welcoming and very open."
Fenty's lighthearted, optimistic tone sounds like a contrast with how many other women, typically spurred to action by Hillary Clinton's loss and President Trump's policies, talk about running for office. There's anger and passion in their voices. That ire doesn't seem to exist within Fenty, though she comes across as someone who deeply cares about changing things for her community.
Fenty's parents migrated from Guyana and she was born two months later in Brooklyn, NY. She was the second of seven children, and moved to Virginia when her parents divorced. Fenty said she had "a typical life"; she went to school and worked, even though at times, her family had to rely on public assistance. But what changed her most growing up was seeing her mom take on the American dream by becoming a small business owner. Inspired by her mom, Fenty focused on being a fashion designer and having her own business.
"I've never had any political aspirations," she said, adding that she has always cast a ballot based on "who I felt was right for the moment."
Throughout the years she has volunteered with low-income and foster children. Seeing the problems some of the kids faced — struggling schools, incarcerated parents, abusive homes — spurred something in her. Grassroots work, she reasoned, was not enough.
"There has to be a holistic view of helping out these kids. It's more than just, 'Oh, let's make the schools better.' It's how can we invest in the community," she said. "I realized this issue is bigger than just volunteerism. There are some things that have to be done on a federal level and local level."
When a friend suggested she run for office, Fenty was skeptical at first. She said, "Why would I do that?" But after doing some research and deliberating for more than two months whether it was worth it to throw her hat in the ring, she decided that by running she could "give everyone the voice they need."
Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin currently holds the 4th District seat Fenty is vying for. But before she can face him, she needs to defeat David Leon and Ryan McAdams for the Republican nomination. When she announced her run, Fenty said the federal government "had too much control over our personal, academic, and economic successes," so it was necessary "for policies that will return that control where it belongs: back home to our families and communities." Her platform is based on three components: workforce and small business development, education, and immigration reform. She opposes the No-Child Left Behind Act and Common Core standards, wants to reform the student loan financing system to prevent young people from racking up more student debt, and is interested in helping small business through regulatory and tax reform.
Millennials are the next biggest voting bloc. We're going to be the leaders, and we don't want to do things the way politics have been done in the past.
Fenty said that having a platform aligned with the GOP is the way to fix the issues in her community. And in an interview with Reaching Out with Zack Carter, she said that Democrats have not fulfilled their promises to communities of color like hers. (Her district, however, was under Republican control between 2002 and 2016, when McEachin won.)
But onto the million-dollar question: How does a Republican woman of color feel about certain factions of the Trump base that are known for their racial biases — ranging from micro-aggressions to straight up white supremacy? Fenty responded to that inquiry diplomatically (or totally sidestepped it, depending on who you ask).
"All of this stuff is just based out of fear, and when people are afraid of things they push back, they resist because they don't know," she said, adding, "I take it as a challenge to educate and bring a different perspective."
Fenty has some months to go before she faces her opponents in June's Republican primary. But she's already thinking about what her candidacy can represent in the future for young people and for women.
"Millennials are the next biggest voting bloc. We're going to be the leaders, and we don't want to do things the way politics have been done in the past," she said. "We want to focus on what are the needs now, how can we bring help to people now, and how can we do it with the utmost ethics and transparency possible."
2018 will see anunprecedented number of female candidatesin ballots across the country.More than 500 womenare currently runningfor the House, Senate, or governorships— and that's without taking into account the number of candidates vying for local and statewide seats. Refinery29 is committed to spotlight female candidates, but particularly women of color, who have risen up to the challenge to say: "It's our turn."
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