Plant ladies are the new cat ladies among the millennial generation, and not only because so many of us are living too frugally and precariously to be able to look after an animal: They're low-maintenance, affordable, good for our mental health, and, most importantly, make for a great Instagram photo.
The once-tacky artificial plant may be coming back into vogue in the interior-decor sphere — they'll never die, unlike even the hardiest succulent, and are more realistic than ever before — but now there's a new reason to remain loyal to real houseplants: our skin health.
Indoor greenery actually helps to increase moisture in the air and therefore combat dry skin, according to a study by the Royal Horticultural Society — a welcome finding as winter draws near, when the contrast between freezing air and indoor heating can wreak havoc on our largest organ. The recent research, a collaboration between the RHS, the UK's University of Reading, and PhD researcher Curtis Gubb, found that houseplants can reduce dry-skin symptoms through evapotranspiration, whereby they lose water through their soil and leaves.
Tijana Blanusa, principal horticultural scientist at the RHS, described houseplants as "a simple and affordable way to reduce air dryness indoors and alleviate symptoms of dry skin, while providing multiple other benefits — for human psyche and physical health."
Dr. Blanusa added that "thirstier" plants — those with large canopies and high transpiration rates that require more water to grow well — can provide humidity benefits. "In our study of seven varieties, the best performing were peace lily (Spathiphyllum) and ivy (Hedera), but there are likely to be many other species whose characteristics lend themselves to the job and need to be tested still," she said.
Plants can lose as much as several hundred milliliters of water per square meter of leaf area depending on their type, size, and condition within a room, Dr. Blanusa explained. That means a plant like the peace lily, which stands at about 20-inches tall and 12-inches wide, transpires around 100 ml of water and more in a day — equivalent to a small teacup evaporated.
Dr. Blanusa also said that the more the merrier when it comes to reaping the benefits of houseplants. "Usually multiple plants in a room are required to have an effect," she added. "Studies have found that a mix of shapes, sizes, and colors influences positively parameters like self-reported productivity and wellbeing, and even some physical parameters such as pulse rate."
Plants also capture dust and particles from the indoor air, meaning that plants with leaf areas are particularly beneficial. "A number of chemical compounds, such as those found in paints and furnishings, as well as gasses emitted in cooking and burning can be removed by houseplants," Dr. Blanusa said. But more research is needed into the exact number of plants, and their combinations, required.
The skin-boosting benefit of plants is no secret among professionals who work with greenery every day. Emma Sibley, owner of London Terrariums, believes working around plants all day has changed her skin for the better. "I notice such a big change in my skin as we go into winter and since working surrounded by plants. I'd like to think the plants have played a pivotal role in hydrating my skin [and health]," she told Refinery29. "My colleague and I have never been ill since we opened the shop."
Her personal favorites are the peace lily, for its air-purifying qualities and responsiveness to being watered, the fishbone cactus — "a fun hanging succulent with wavy leaves like a Matisse cut-out" — that looks great hanging from your ceiling, and moss. "Nothing smells as clean and outdoorsy as a jar of moss," Sibley said.
Freddie Blackett, founder and CEO of UK-based plant delivery service Patch, said it was great to see the benefits of houseplants for both the skin and respiratory system being discussed more widely. His favorites include the company's Rapunzel, or Golden pothos (which he said looks wonderful tumbling from a bookshelf and was found by NASA to filter the air of many common household pollutants), and — again — the peace lily.
"The best thing about living with plants, and the driving force behind what we do at Patch, is that they help create a relaxing, natural environment," Blackett said. "As you care and nurture them, they start to care and nurture you back." And you may end up saving money on moisturizer this winter.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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You either love Halloween and start planning for it on November 1 of the previous year, or you wait until the last-minute and hope the day passes by without any fanfare. If you fall into the latter category, you're likely all too familiar with being roped into a party and having zero idea of what to wear. And the last thing you want to do is spend $49.95 on a polyester costume you'll never use again — especially after you wait 45 minutes in line.
To save yourself the Halloween heartache, let's take a look at our own closets, shall we? The black dress that's saved for "special occasions" or the white button-up that's part of your weekly rotation can easily get new life on All Hallow's Eve. And you might be surprised what you can come up with.
Ahead, we've rounded up some thought-starters that even the most last-minute costume planners can pull off. You may claim you're not a "Halloween person," but with these easy-to-master looks, anyone can make the holiday their own.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Closet Item: A blue hoodie The Costume: Damian from Mean Girls "She doesn't even go here!"
Comme Des Garçons Play Zip Hoodie, $302, available at NordstromPhoto Courtesy of Nordstrom.
The Closet Item: Minimal workout set The Costume: Kim Kardashian West Anyone else remember Paris Hilton's ode-to-Kim-costume last Halloween? Grab a platinum wig and some nude sock boots and voila! you can be KKW for a day, too.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging, $68, available at Girlfriend CollectivePhoto Courtesy of Girlfriend Collective.
The Closet Item: A conservative black dress The Costume: Grace Coddington We know you want to avoid the Halloween store, but seriously, all you need for this one is a long, curly orange wig and your copy of Grace: The Memoir.
Zara Dress With Pleated Sleeves, $49.9, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.
The Closet Item: A white shirt The Costume: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's If you really want to complete the look, add just add a sleep mask and some tassel earrings.
Topshop Boutique Deconstructed Shirt, $125, available at Topshop
The Closet Item: Anything black The Costume: Black Friday With a bunch of shopping bags in hand, an all-black outfit, and some running shoes, you're ready to find the best deals (a month early, of course).
ASOS CURVE Curve Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top, $19, available at ASOSPhoto Courtesy of Asos.
The Closet Item: A slip dress The Costume: Freudian Slip Because you're just that punny. If you're feeling extra-crafty, add some examples by writing right on the dress itself.
Silk Laundry 90s Silk Slip Dress, $169.79, available at Silk LaundryPhoto Courtesy of Silk Laundry.
The Closet Item: A leather jacket The Costume: Go, Greased Lightning It doesn't get much easier than this.
VEDA Jayne Classic Leather Jacket, $998, available at Shopbop
The Closet Item: A trench coat The Costume: Sherlock Holmes No mystery gets passed you — including who ate the last Jolly Rancher at the Halloween Party.
& Other Stories Oversized Utilitarian Trenchcoat, $179, available at & Other Stories
The Closet Item: Over-the-knee boots The Costume: Ariana Grande Throw those sky high boots on with an oversized hoodie and you're set to be this summer's most talked about pop star.
Stuart Weitzman The Hiline Boot, $798, available at Stuart WeitzmanPhoto Courtesy of Stuart Weitzman.
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Frankly, it's not that time-consuming to find a lipstick you like. Chances are you have collected hundreds just because you mildly enjoyed the color at the store. And yet, our 2018 goal is to find The One. Our lipstick soulmate. The shade we would commit to for life — and if it asked, renounce every other tube and never look back. How can you make this happen? Sometimes, it's just written in the stars.
Sure, thanks to helpful guides like this and this, you could simply pick a lip color that flatters your skin tone. But there may be a better way. In fact, considering we've already based our favorite makeup trends on our zodiac signs, we figured it would be a smart move to do the same for our ride-or-die lipstick — and Bite Beauty just made it easy.
Starting now, Bite will roll out new lipstick shades in the popular Amuse Bouche formula based on your astrological sign. But we're obviously not the only ones tapping into our horoscopes for some inspiration: These shades continue to sell out on Sephora. Luckily, the brand will continue unveiling more shades every month — so when you do have the chance to snag your sign, we suggest you do it fast.
Aquarius
First up: Aquarius, a deep, funky berry color that, according to the brand, is "an inventive take on a classic." And it makes a lot of sense. The one trend we thought Aquarius should try this year was a don't-fuck-with-me-lipstick — and this bold shade definitely fits the bill.
Bite Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Aquarius.
Pisces
Pisces is known as the dreamiest sign in the zodiac — and certainly the most adaptable to their environments. That's why this peachy, burnt sienna shade is a perfect addition to their everyday beauty routine.
Bite Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Pisces.
Aries
It only makes sense that the first fire sign in the zodiac gets its very own don't-eff-with-me red lipstick from Bite. But even if you're not an ass-kicking energetic sign like Aries, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider adding some heat to your life with this bold, vibrant shade.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Aries.
Taurus
Since Venus — the planet of love — rules over Taurus, it makes a lot of sense for this lipstick to be a sensual, neutral-but-better mauve. The dusty rose will be your new go-to, whether you're out on a date or practicing some self-care all on your own.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Taurus.
Gemini
Gemini is the Latin word for "twins," hence the symbol commonly used to represent the zodiac sign. To embrace this duality, the brand launches its first dual-sided lipstick in the collection. While one side boasts a warm nude — for your chill nights at the neighborhood Tex-Mex spot — and the other a cherry-red — for that third Hinge date — you've got both of your best sides in one.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Gemini, $26, available at Bite Beauty.
Cancer
Cancers like making themselves — and others — feel safe and secure. This cool neutral does just that for the moon sign: A deeper-than-usual nude is sexy, but equally wearable for an afternoon brunch.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Cancer, $26, available at Bite Beauty.
Leo
Can't-look-away shades are perfect for the star of the zodiac show, but nothing screams Leo better than a bold, glittery gold lipstick.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Leo, $26, available at Bite Beauty.
Virgo
Leo season brought us the most dramatic lipstick to launch in the Astrology collection, but Virgos are toning it down with a juicy berry for September. As the practical perfectionist in the zodiac realm, it only makes sense that our Virgos were bestowed with the most autumnal shade for the season.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Virgo, $26, available at Bite Beauty.
Libra
Libras, by and large, get along with everyone. So what shade makes more sense than a flattering, easy-going brown lippie for the chill, harmonious sign?
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Libra, $26, available at Bite Beauty.
Scorpio
Although it might be surprising to see such a fiery shade for a water sign, the powerful hue is a perfect match. Not only is Mars one of the house's ruling planets, but Scorpios have a reputation for being some of the most seductive, spellbinding people you'll ever meet — hence this eye-catching orange-red.
Bite Beauty Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Scorpio, $26, available at Bite Beauty.
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In a video obtained by CBS News, he can be seen saying that though he was initially diagnosed with bipolar, another doctor told him, "I wasn’t actually bipolar, I had sleep deprivation which can cause dementia 10 to 20 years from now when I wouldn’t even remember my son’s name."
On the track "Yikes," West’s lyrics state, "That’s my bipolar shit," and, "That’s my superpower n----, ain’t no disability." He later spoke to radio host Big Boy, confirming he was "diagnosed with a mental condition," but that he felt that it was his superpower because it helped him creatively.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 2.6% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar, which causes dramatic shifts in someone's mood, energy, and ability to think clearly.
We don't know what West himself is going through in regards to mental health, and can't speculate, but Arash Javanbakh, MD, a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, says that bipolar disorder can be difficult to truly pin down — especially because it's usually diagnosed by examining patterns in a person's life as well as their mental health history instead of by looking at any first-impression symptoms.
Dr. Javanbakh says that while he personally hasn't seen sleep disorders misdiagnosed as bipolar, sleep can certainly play an element in bipolar disorder.
"Any stressor can trigger a manic or hypomanic episode in someone who's vulnerable, and insomnia is one of those stressors," he says. "We want to make sure patients who are bipolar get enough sleep, because sleep deprivation can lead to a manic or hypomanic episode. But that doesn't mean insomnia causes bipolarity."
Ultimately, bipolar is a complex disorder, and can often be the subject of confusion. If you're experiencing symptoms like manic episodes, breaks from reality, changes in mood, and decreased need for sleep, it's best to contact a mental health professional who might be able to help you.
If you are struggling with bipolar disorder and are in need of information and support, please call theNational Alliance on Mental Illnessat 1-800-950-6264. For a 24-hour crisis line, text “NAMI” to 741741.
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If you had to guess the most expensive holiday, there are a few obvious contenders: Christmas (of course), Valentine's Day (chocolate and flowers really add up), and maybe Father's or Mother's Day because, well, you have to give back to the two people who literally gave you life. But would you ever think Halloween is in the top five? Probably not.
On average, Halloween costumes will cost women a whopping $77 this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Add candy, decor, and pumpkin-flavored cocktails to the mix and that budget quickly increases. Sure, that number pales in comparison to the $967 holiday shoppers plan to shell out this winter — but when you have loans and rent checks to pay, dropping a few extra bucks on a Stranger Things polyester outfit seems like a recipe for buyer's remorse.
Luckily, we're no longer 10 years old and we don't have to visit Party City to land a cool costume. These days, you can just make a board on Pinterest, do research on YouTube, and pay a visit to the drugstore. In fact, brands like Nyx, Wet n Wild, and Rimmel have all launched Halloween-friendly makeup products that keep your October 31 festivities on budget.
Ready to be frighteningly frugal? Keep clicking for the best drugstore makeup products to shop for Halloween.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Dressing up like a '90s icon? Then it's time to invest in a glitter eyeliner. Wearing it in the daylight might feel nostalgic, but rocking a strip of black glitter on All Hallow's Eve is just plain cool.
Rimmel London Ink Me Halloween Liners, $7.29, available at CVS stores.
We didn't need an excuse to wear temporary face stamps before, but these spookier options — skulls and lightning bolts — just hit the top of our Halloween shopping list.
Rimmel London Ink Me Halloween Stamp Tatoos, $7.29, available at CVS stores.
Some costumes call for faux tattoos. Instead of spending hours drawing the ink on with a Sharpie marker, consider streamlining the process with tattoo stickers.
Rimmel London Ink Me Halloween Stickers, $7.29, available at CVS stores.
This year, Nyx bundled some of its best-selling products so you can transform into characters straight from DC Comics without hitting your credit card limit. This six-product kit includes everything you need (rainbow eyeshadow and all) to be the antihero we hate to love, Harley Quinn.
NYX Cosmetics Harley Quinn Bundle, $50, available at Nyx Cosmetics
Not interested in being the "bad guy?" This kit has everything you need to be Wonder Woman, minus the lasso.
NYX Cosmetics Wonder Woman™ Bundle, $40.4, available at Nyx Cosmetics
This $4 palette suspends its glitter specks in a gel formula that really grips your skin all night long.
Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Glitter Palette, $3.99, available at Wet n Wild
Goth makeup just got iridescent (and way more wearable) thanks to this opalescent gray from Wet n Wild.
Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Color Icon Shade Shifting Blush, $5.99, available at Wet n Wild
This is the best drugstore highlighter, ever. So, why not add the new pearly white iteration to your collection? You can use it for your unicorn costume, then sheer it out for the office.
Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers MegaGlo Highlighting Powder, $4.99, available at Wet n Wild
Free-handing your galaxy makeup can get messy fast. Use celestial stencils to keep the lines so precise, you'll spot your photo on Pinterest by November 1.
Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Face and Body Stencil, $1.99, available at Wet n Wild
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Update: Just hours after news broke this morning that Estée Lauder planned to begin injunction proceedings against Brandon Truaxe and Deciem Beauty Group, Truaxe responded to the legal notice sent to him by a lawyer representing the Estée Lauder Companies in yet another series of email screenshots posted to Instagram.
In a message addressed to "Counsel Gelowitz," Truaxe states, "I have no further legal comments at this juncture but will advise you the instant I do," and again accuses Deciem's Board of Directors of having "committed or been accomplice to financial crimes and otherwise." He says that he will be looking for a lawyer "just as soon as our audience receives this update."
Before sharing the screenshots, Truaxe had continued to post strange photos and messages to the Deciem Instagram account, including two unsettling images that directly address Donald Trump, and called out beauty and personal-care companies Coty and P&G in the captions.
This story was originally published on October 11, 2018, at 11 a.m. EST.
In a bizarre video shared to Instagram on Monday, Deciem founder Brandon Truaxe announced that the company would be shutting down all operations “until further notice.” This morning, after three full days of confusion and speculation among fans, social-media followers, and QAnon supporters, Truaxe posted another update: screenshots of a legal notice, which appears to have been sent by Mark Gelowitz, a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Toronto, on behalf of the Estée Lauder Companies, which own a minority stake in Deciem, and spells out the company’s alleged intentions to sue Truaxe in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
“3 emails to say less than one word but more than 0 words,” Truaxe captioned the photo series, which shows the original email reportedly sent from Gelowitz summoning Truaxe to a Toronto court house to appear before a judge this morning at 10:30 a.m. ET to schedule a reading on injunctive relief, along with the company’s notice of application. Estée Lauder confirmed in a statement to CBC News that they have, in fact, taken legal action, but declined to comment further on the pending litigation.
The supposed filing shows that Estée Lauder seeks to remove Truaxe from Deciem’s Board of Directors, remove him from any employment at with Deciem (including President and/or CEO), and appoint Nicola Kilner — Deciem’s co-CEO, who Truaxe briefly eliminated from the company earlier this year before reinstating her position — as the sole interim CEO of Deciem. In addition, Estée Lauder asks to prohibit Truaxe from employing or terminating any Deciem staff, communicating with employees, suppliers, or business partners, and issuing statements on any of Deciem’s social-media accounts.
If Truaxe’s most recent post to the Deciem Instagram account is to be believed, he is currently in Amsterdam; this morning, he tagged the Hilton DoubleTree hotel chain to accuse them of placing a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniel’s outside his suite. The series of photos also shows his room number and date of departure, implying that his presence in Toronto is not to be expected in court this morning. We’ve reached out to Deciem and the Estée Lauder Companies for comment, and will update this story when we hear back.
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Just like her TV star family, Kim Kardashian West's hair and makeup looks are a lot to keep up with on the regular. The KKW Beauty founder is a wealth of beauty surprises. One moment she's dropping makeup bundles and fragrances out of the blue, and the next she's changing up her hair from a neon-green wig to a blunt bob. Seriously, we've got whiplash — and she does it all with a face that is painted to a T.
But behind every Kim selfie or over-the-top red-carpet moment is a Halloween costume waiting to happen. Emulating her look on a daily basis is a lot to ask (even Kim has a team of people to help her get ready), but this is a special occasion and taking hours on your hair and makeup is expected.
To help you craft the perfect KKW costume, we've rounded up some of her looks that can easily flip into a last-minute costume. You don't need to hire a glam squad to shut down the Halloween party, either. All of the looks ahead are as easy as throwing on a wig, using makeup you already have at home, and taking a selfie (of course).
Put your KKW Ultralight Beams glitter to use and transform into a shimmery Kim. You can get a glitter catsuit or, depending on how committed you are, douse your entire body in sparkles. Once you're covered in glitter, fasten on a gray, full-lace wig slicked into a ponytail.
For the 2016 Met Gala, Kardashian West walked the red carpet with her famous eyebrows bleached blonde. To copy her edgy makeup, you can follow this simple tutorial on how to hide your brows.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
If biker shorts and dad sneakers are already a regular part of your wardrobe, all you're missing is a pink wig to channel this Tokyo moment.
If you took a page out of Kardashian's book and chopped a bob this year, then you're already one step ahead of the game. The hair is the focal point of this costume. To take it a step further, use the exact lip color she's wearing by mixing KKW Beauty lip liner in Peach 2 and crème lipsticks in Peach 1, 2, and 3.
Halloween makeup isn't limited to bloody and gory looks. You can copy this blue winged eyeshadow for your office Halloween party, and still wear it to the costume party later that night.
Photo: Stefanie Keenan/WireImage/Getty Images.
If turning heads is your Halloween motive, tap into your inner Kardashian West with this look from the 2018 Met Gala. You'll need to toss a lengthy brunette wig (or your natural hair) into a sleek half up, half down ponytail and smoke out your black eyeliner like never before.
Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images.
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There are two types of jewelry we avidly invest in: the symbolic, life-long pieces (like wedding bands or future family heirlooms) and the day-to-day "fashion" jewelry that rotates as often as our shoes (like cool hoops, fun rings that may temporarily turn your fingers green, and stackable necklaces). While the former leans on classic cuts and traditional silhouettes, the latter is all about opting for personality over the 4 Cs.
Like all other fashion-related categories, jewelry comes with its own seasonal trends. This fall, we're spotting a lot of color play, tons of kitschy and chunky gemstones, and even more pearls. Don't worry, they're getting a 2018 update that's far from the fare in your grandma's jewelry box.
From kaleidoscopic drop earrings to chain-link rings, this season's bling packs more punch than just pretty. Shop our top five statement making trends ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Be Still My Heart Wear your heart on your sleeve ears, clavicles, fingers, and wrists. This cutesy trend is taking off in a big, bold way.
Rebecca De Ravenel Cora heart costume clip-on earrings, $250, available at FarfetchPhoto courtesy of Farfetch.
Live In Living Color We promised you kaleidoscopic bling and we're delivering. Shine bright with these fun rainbow picks.
Tuza Rain Espirales Con Crystal, $810, available at Tuza
Girl With The Updated Pearl Earring Thanks for the heirloom offer grandma, but we're good for now. Fall 2018's take on pearls is full of fun.
Mondo Mondo Sirena Drop Earrings, $290, available at Need Supply CoPhoto courtesy of Need Supply Co.
Drop It Like It's Hot We're not decrying hoops just yet, but we're definitely embracing the explosion of drop-earrings that have appeared.
Roxanne Assoulin Sway Earrings, $220, available at Roxanne AssoulinPhoto courtesy of Roxanne Assoulin.
Brooches, and Barrettes, and Bobby Pins, Oh My! These old school pieces are coming back with an embellished kick. There was hardly a street-style outfit this past fashion week that didn't feature one of these three.
SONIA RYKIEL Crystal-embellished safety-pin brooch, $216, available at MatchesFashion.comPhoto courtesy of MatchesFashion.com.
The Return Of The Rhinestone The flashier the better when it comes to this trend. Fully embrace the gaudy, over-the-top look with your crystals.
Frasier Sterling LA Nights Drop Earring, $40, available at Urban OutfittersPhoto courtesy of Urban Outfitters.
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Whether you're the type to hit snooze one too many times or the early riser with a super-involved a.m. — complete with a crafted matcha latte, of course — take this quiz and discover your morning routine must-haves.
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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.
Calling all entrepreneurs:We want to hear from you! If you’re a freelancer or self-employed, we’d love to feature your Money Diary.Submit here.
Today: a nanny working in childcare who makes $17 per hour and spends some of her money this week on Annie's mac and cheese.
Occupation: Nanny Industry: Childcare Age: 22 Location: New Orleans, LA Income: $17/hour for daytime and $10/hour during sleep time Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): Anywhere from $500 to $2,500, depending on how much I work
Monthly Expenses Rent: $550 for my room in a three-bedroom apartment that I live in with two roommates Student Loan Payment: $0 for now, but I will start paying off $65,000 in student loans in January Utilities: $50-$80 Wifi: $24 Spotify & Hulu: $5.99 Adobe Creative Suite: $22 (I'm still on the student membership) New York Times Subscription: $0 (It's free for affiliates at my former school) ClassPass: $0 for now, but after my free trial ends next month I will pay $50 Health & Dental Insurance: $0 (covered by my mom and her employer) Car Insurance: Also covered by my mom, for now. Once I obtain a full-time job with a regular salary, I will assume this expense from her. Cell Phone: $0 (I'm on my Dad's family plan) Netflix & HBO: $0 (I'm on my mom's family plan) The New YorkerSubscription: $6.99 for 12 weeks Savings: $200-$2,000 taken from every paycheck, depending on its amount. When possible, I have been making large payments to my private high interest loans from the money in my savings.
Annual Expenses Vanity Fair Subscription: $12.99
Day One
7:45 a.m. — I wake up and make myself a cup of coffee using my French press. While the water boils, I wash my face, brush my teeth, and get dressed for spin. Once my roommates, G. and A., are ready, I pour myself a cup of coffee and grab a banana to eat on the car ride over. We arrive at Cycle Bar, grab our shoes, and get settled on our bikes for Throwback Thursday.
9:30 a.m. — Wow! What a fun class. Our instructor played movie throwbacks the entire time — there's nothing like waking up to good workout with Michael Jackson and Eminem. Once we're off our bikes, my roommate A. and I head to CVS so she can pick up a few things. My other roommate unfortunately didn't make it through the class, and walked home halfway through. Afterwards, A. and I swing back home to pick up G. so we can grab a coffee at French Truck, one of our favorite neighborhood coffee shops. I order an iced drip and we hang out on the shop's front porch for a bit to discuss the class. $5.15
10:15 a.m. — We head home so A. and I can shower and get ready for work. We both have super curly hair and are Deva Curl fanatics! She recently splurged on their Super Stretch Cream; it seems to be working well, but I probably won't get it for myself. After our hair experiments, we get dressed and are out the door by 10:55 so I can drop A. at her work.
11:15 a.m. — I arrive at the school of the kids I nanny (B. and M.) a little earlier than usual. Once B. is all loaded into my car, we head home for lunch. M. is a little older, so he stays at school for a full day. Once we arrive at their house, I make her a turkey sandwich and put together a salad for myself. I'm really fortunate to have this job because it comes with a lot of perks. While I'm working, all of my food is free and B. and M.'s parents pay for all of the activities that we do together. I also get a lot of down time.
12:30 p.m. — I unload and load the dishes while B. is in her room. Cleaning isn't a part of my regular day-to-day duties, but I'm treated like family with this job and I like to help out on the days where the housekeeper is away. When I finish, I sit down and do some work on my laptop.
2 p.m. — After her quiet time, I get B. from her room. We spend the next hour playing with sidewalk chalk and doing arts and crafts. Around 3, we start to make dinner together. I usually start a little later, but I have to dip out earlier than usual today to get my car checked out at the mechanic. It's been making some funny noises after a fix I did last week. B. is the perfect kitchen helper and it's really cute to see her excited about cooking. Around 4:15, B.'s mom comes home so I can leave.
5 p.m. — Looks like my car's A/C unit is going to need some work. It will set me back about $500, which is a total bummer because I spent $1,000 on it last week. My mechanic (who I trust) reassures me that it's necessary and will be worth it when I decide to sell. I make a mental plan to get it done next Thursday after payday.
5:30 p.m. — Once I get home, I make myself some dinner while listening to one of my go-to podcasts, The Daily. Tonight, I make myself a veggie burger with an egg, some sautéed spinach with butter and garlic, and roasted onions. After dinner, I do some work on one of my ongoing professional development projects. I was an English major in college, but I'm trying to get into PR. This has been a good assignment to teach myself more Adobe applications and web design, as well strengthen my personal brand while I'm waiting on a job offer from my summer internship. I'm trying not to put all of my eggs in one basket, so if I don't get the job, I'll have been working on something tangible to show potential employers.
8:45 p.m. — Before heading to bed, I brush my teeth and floss, wash my face with Aveeno, moisturize with Clinique, and apply my topical acne medication. I watch a few episodes of I Love Lucy before falling asleep.
Daily Total: $5.15
Day Two
8 a.m. — I wake up and make myself coffee. While I sip, I peruse some articles on the internet, talk with my sister, listen to today's episode of The Daily, and call to cancel a subscription that I got unexpectedly charged for after a free trial. I would love to keep it, but it's too expensive for me to keep up with.
9:30 a.m. — I make myself a smoothie for breakfast with almond milk, spinach, blueberries, a banana, peanut butter, and some protein powder. After I take a shower, I head to the bank to get an overdraft fee reversed on my account. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance my money effectively between accounts while maximizing the money I'm saving to pay down students loans. I'm a little disappointed in myself, but I chalk it up to a learning curve and move on.
10:15 a.m. — I leave the bank and head to a community center near B.'s school to work on my website and logo. I thought about going to a coffee shop, but this seems like the more responsible option. They have free coffee that's pretty yummy and a really nice, light-filled work space. Once I'm there, I decide that I'm happy with this decision. Today, I'm specifically working on designing a creative brief for my website. The whole process feels a little extravagant, but I think it will be beneficial in the long run.
11:30 a.m. — I arrive at school and pick up both kids to meet their mom, T., at a nearby restaurant for lunch. When we get to lunch, I get a veggie burger and salad. I also finish off B.'s milkshake.
2 p.m. — I load the kiddos into their mom's car so I can stop for gas before heading back to their house. Once we're home, the kids and I play a game of dog bingo. It's such a cute game! Shortly after, M. gets picked up by a friend and B. goes down for her quiet time. While she's in her room, I look up Bloody Mary recipes for a boozy brunch we're having at my apartment tomorrow and chat with the housekeeper. $20
4 p.m. — After B.'s quiet time and an afternoon activity, we start on dinner together. For a three-year-old, she has a pretty good palate and gets really excited to watch the pizza bake in the oven. Soon after dinner's started, M. comes home from his playdate and helps us set the table. Once their parents come home, I tell them about my brunch tomorrow and they give me a bunch of supplies they had leftover from from Bloody Mary party they threw themselves. I leave with Worcestershire, pickled okra, vodka, and some figs that they aren't going to use.
5:30 p.m. — I drive to Whole Foods and pick up the remainder of my brunch supplies. I buy tomato juice, celery salt, limes, horseradish, celery, lemons, and a large carton of eggs. The total comes to $15, but I immediately Venmo request my roommates. They pay me back shortly after. $5
6 p.m. — I come home to my puppy waiting for me at the door. My friend took him to go camping this week and dropped him off while I was at work earlier today! It's super nice that I have a support system that helps me care for him — I don't know what I would do without it. Being a dog mom is challenging! Once I put my groceries away, I change into athletic clothes and take him to Audubon Park for a run. They have a beautiful 1.8 mile jogging path, which is one of my favorite spots in this city.
7:15 p.m. — After we leave the park, I head to another grocery store that's on our way home. It's finally cool enough to leave the dog in the car with the windows down, so I do. I buy orange juice for mimosas and bananas for myself. I could've bought this stuff at Whole Foods, but I wasn't about to get organic orange juice for 15 people. Even better, at this store it's on sale! This time I don't charge my roommates, as they will be contributing some of their own stuff. $9.88
8 p.m. — Once I'm home and everything is put away, I start making dinner — more spinach with butter and garlic and a can of chickpeas with chili flakes and garlic. Glamorous, I know! I also make a quick jam with the figs. After dinner, I spread the jam over cinnamon raisin bread with butter. It's actually quite delicious!
9:30 p.m. — I sit down to watch a TV drama with my roommates. Then I get ready for bed and take my pup outside for his nighttime pee. Shortly after, I head to sleep. What a riveting Friday night!
2 a.m. — Just kidding about the sleep part. I wake up in the middle of the night to my dog's soft whimpers. He has to go outside, so I begrudgingly take him. He's super picky about where he goes and we traipse around the field next to my apartment for 10 minutes. When he finally does his business, a man rides by on his bike and distracts him halfway through. Oh well, at least it was something! I'm not the happiest camper, but getting this over with now means that I will be able to sleep a little longer in the morning.
Daily Total: $34.88
Day Three
8 a.m. — It's brunch day! I wake up, make myself coffee, take the dog out for a walk, and start cleaning the apartment with G. In the meantime, A. heads to the store to pick up some last minute supplies. After our apartment is clean, I start on the Bloody Marys. I love doing stuff like this! I put together the mix and make some fun garnishes by skewering olives, pickled okra, and lemon/lime wedges. I also set out some salt for glass rims and celery. Just call me Martha! Once everything is presentable, I hop in the shower and get dressed.
10:30 a.m. — Our friends start to arrive. Since it's a potluck, I help everyone set up their dishes and make sure that everyone has a drink in their hands! Today, we're celebrating my friend who got a job in another state and is leaving us on Monday. We'll all be sad to see him go, but it's nice to have everyone together! Brunch commences and we play a game and reminisce about our favorite memories with him.
1:45 p.m. — Once brunch starts wrapping up, I go into my room to change for a festival that I'm volunteering at today. It's being organized by the same company that I did my summer internship with. Since I'm up for a job with them, I figure that this will be a good way to show my interest and dedication. My friend who was also an intern is coming with. She meets me at my apartment, we pour ourselves some leftover drinks, and then head to the streetcar near my house, which will bring us close to the festival grounds and we won't have to worry about parking downtown. $1.25
2:30 p.m. — Once we're checked in, we head to our station. We end up having a lot of fun and get to chow down on some yummy free food and beer. By coincidence, I'm stationed with one of the company's hiring managers. He checks in with me about the job and lets me know that they will be in touch later this week. It's not a promise, but it's definitely reassuring!
6:30 p.m. — The festival is a success. Once my shift is over, I part ways with my friend and meet up with a group of other friends at the festival. We walk around, they get some stuff to eat, and we all settle in to listen to the live music. It's really nice that they're here. Although it's a large festival, there was other stuff going on in the city and it seems like they made a special effort to come! I'm feeling really grateful.
9:30 p.m. — We leave the festival and head to a bar. It's super cozy and the drinks look good, but I am spent from a long day so I opt for some water. After about an hour, the group decides to call it quits. To save some money, we all streetcar back. Thankfully we all live right off the route. It's $1.25 per person, but my friend offers to pay with the leftover cash that he has.
11:15 p.m. — I come home and immediately take my pooch out. I feel bad that he's been home alone for so long, so I take him on a longer walk. I'm lucky to live in a neighborhood that's well lit and safe at night. Plus, my pup is pretty large and a guard dog by nature. He would most likely be able to defend us if a situation were to arise. After our walk, I snack on a banana, do my night time routine, and PTFO.
Daily Total: $1.25
Day Four
9 a.m. — I wake up and make myself coffee. While the water boils I have an uncomfortable conversation with my roommates about the dishes that were left overflowing in the sink. They're both going to work today and probably would've just left the party cleanup to me. They aren't as neat as I am, and I try to be understanding about our different standards, but a lot of the housework in our apartment falls on me. They are pretty understanding of my concerns and each do a couple dishes before they leave. When my coffee is ready, I take my pup out for a short walk around the block. Afterwards, I make myself a smoothie and finish cleaning up the kitchen.
11 a.m. — I decide to take the dog to Audubon again, this time for a walk instead of a run. We do the short loop and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Once I come home, I take a shower, get dressed, and eat an apple. I spend the rest of the day thrift shopping. After an afternoon at Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange, I don't find anything. It's okay though, I love the hunt that accompanies a good thrift purchase. It makes empty-handed days like these so much more worth it.
4 p.m. — I stop by the grocery store on my way home. I pick up apples, corn, yogurt, sweet potatoes, toothpaste, spinach wraps, tomatoes, an onion, some buffalo chicken breast, and a couple jugs of water. Once I'm home, I put my groceries away, make myself a wrap, and curl up on the couch to watch Under the Tuscan Sun. $22.15
6:45 p.m. — I almost forgot that I was supposed to nanny tonight! Once I'm at T.'s house I get the kids into the bath and dressed for bed. We settle down in S.'s room to read books and sing songs before they go to bed. They're being really sweet tonight, which makes working on a Sunday night so worth it. Once the kids are asleep, I pour myself a glass of T.'s homemade hibiscus iced tea and continue my 90s movie marathon with Sleepless in Seattle. So heartwarming!
10:15 p.m. — Once the parents get home, I swing back home to pick up my roommate to go say goodbye to our friend who is moving. We meet him at his house and help him with some last minute packing. It's a pretty somber evening. I used to date him, and although we broke up a while ago and I no longer have romantic feelings for him, it's going to be difficult to see him off. We've managed to cultivate a pretty good friendship within the last few months. He ends up giving me an old camera and a super swank bag that he no longer has use for. It's a very generous gift, but I don't exactly know how to feel about it, given our history. I try not to think to hard about it.
12:15 a.m. — After a depressing goodbye, we drive home. I take my pup out for his night time pee. Once he's done his business, I do my night time routine. This time, I use a jade roller. It's super relaxing and feels good after an emotional evening. Afterwards, I cuddle my pup in bed and scroll through my Instagram feed. I fall asleep around 1 a.m.
Daily Total: $22.15
Day Five
8 a.m. — I wake up, make myself coffee, do some leftover dishes, and fold some laundry. Around 9, I take the dog out for a 30-minute walk and listen to today's episode of The Daily. When I get back, I shower and get ready for the day. For breakfast, I make myself a smoothie with blueberries, spinach, maple yogurt, protein powder, peanut butter, and almond milk. Afterwards, I tally up all of my upcoming expenses for the week. I'm getting my wisdom teeth out this week and will need to pay for my car to get fixed. I will also have to pay rent this week. It's definitely going to be a tight month. This is also my first pay period where I won't have worked at least 90 hours. I'm trying to maintain some financial independence, but I might have to ask my parents to help me this month.
10:30 a.m. — My roommate and I get into my car to go register to vote at one of the universities in our neighborhood. We're both Democrats and are pretty politically active. Although we live in a red state, we still feel that it's important to vote in the midterms. It's really cool that there are so many voter registration stations throughout the city. I would like to think that we have a chance to make a significant impact this year! After we register, we head to another one of our favorite coffee shops, Cherry Coffee. I get a drip coffee and we sit and chat for a while. $3.18
12:15 p.m. — When I get to work, B. isn't back from school yet, so I do some work on my laptop. I also book a class on ClassPass for tonight and look into classes for my roommates and I to go to tomorrow morning.
1:15 p.m. — B. comes home and goes down for her quiet time. I continue working on my laptop. After 45 minutes I get her from her room and we spend the rest of the afternoon having a tea party, jumping on the trampoline, and reading a bunch of books. Her mom comes home with M. around 4:30. I leave around 5.
5:15 p.m. — I come home and make myself a buffalo chicken wrap and get my pup ready to go to the dog park. When we're there, he rolls around in the mud and makes a ton of friends. In the meantime, I chat with the other dog owners, most of them are regulars at this park. When we're about to leave, we come across a dog who we think is one of his siblings! They're really cute together and I let him play for a few more minutes. Although he's a mix and looks pretty unique, I've been seeing a lot of dogs that look like him lately. I think that someone is breeding his kind in Northern Louisiana. It's slightly disheartening. From what I've gathered, most of these dogs are being adopted out of shelters and have been subjected to trauma. Whoever is breeding them isn't being very responsible.
6:45 p.m. — Once we're home, I hose the dog off and get ready for hot yoga. I also enlist my roommate to come along. When we're about to leave, I realize I haven't drank nearly enough water for this class. I promptly chug two glasses. It's probably too late, but at least it's something. I'm hoping for the best!
7:30 p.m. — We get to the studio and I realize that I forgot my mat on my kitchen table. Fortunately, I can rent one at the studio. $2
8:30 p.m. — What a wonderful class! We both really loved it. It wasn't too challenging or too easy, and our instructor was really nice. Plus, they had cool lavender eucalyptus towels for us at the end. We're both on a post-class high! Once we get home, we take my pup out on a walk.
9:30 p.m. — After a quick shower I settle in for the night. I'm pretty tired after that class and I think I'm getting my period, so I go right to bed.
Daily Total: $5.18
Day Six
6:45 a.m. — I wake up, boil water, get dressed, take my pup out, and pour myself a small cup of coffee. I don't have that much time this morning, so I drink my coffee on the go. My roommates and I are going to a barre class at 7:15. It's my first barre class ever and I'm a little apprehensive. Once we get there, the instructor shows us around the studio and asks us if we have any concerns. She's beautiful and seems really nice, which definitely calms me down.
8:15 a.m. — That wasn't too bad! But the class definitely reminded me how uncoordinated I am! My hips are hurting already, but I take it as a good sign. My roommates and I all agree that it was a great class, we'll just have to get used to it! We head back to French Truck for coffees. This time I opt for a cheaper drink. $3.27
9 a.m. — After we finish, we head to Whole Foods to grab some groceries. Not going to lie, at this point it is pretty challenging to walk. But I must persist. I'm getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow and I definitely need smoothie supplies. Once we're there, I pick up whole milk, whole milk yogurt, baby spinach, smoothie mix, eggs, kale, orange ginger cashew soup, a box of Annie's mac and cheese (if you know, you know), penne pasta, avocados, and two meal replacement smoothie packs. Once I get home, I take a shower and make myself some eggs and chickpeas with avocado on the side. I leave around 11:15 to pick up B. from school. $41.44
12:30 p.m. — We get home and I make her a lunch of mac and cheese and broccoli. She goes down for her quiet time. In the meantime, I work on my laptop. When she gets up, we watch a few episodes of Masha and the Bear and complete a bunch of sticker book activities.
5:15 p.m. — I'm not cooking tonight, so I leave a little earlier than usual. Before I do, however, I grab a few Daily Harvest smoothie cups that T. said that I could have. Again, so generous! When I get home, I take the dog for a longer walk and hang out with my roommates.
6:30 p.m. — I order a pizza from Ancora. It's my last meal before my procedure tomorrow, so I decide to treat myself. I get a white pie with garlic, basil, olives, and capers. After I pick it up, I promptly consume the entire pie. It's delicious and I can't help myself! And they do say that pizza is the healthiest junk food! My roommates and I spend the rest of the night swiping on dating apps together! We joke that we really need boyfriends. I also really need to work on my pick-up line game. $15.45
8 p.m. — I do my nighttime routine before heading into my room to watch a couple episode of I Love Lucy. I end up falling asleep around 10.
Daily Total: $60.16
Day Seven
6:30 a.m. — I wake up, get dressed, and take my dog out for his morning walk. Unfortunately I can't eat or drink anything, so I forgo the coffee. After I return, I take a shower and head to the dentist's office with my roommate. She's an angel and will be helping me today. Once I'm there, I check myself in. It's $200, but my dad graciously offered to pay.
8:30 a.m. — Once I'm in the chair, everything goes smoothly. My doctor jokes at how low my blood pressure is. He says it's probably lower than than his and confirms that I'm really not that nervous! It's true, I try not to get too worked up about these types of things! Soon after, he sedates me and I pass out.
9:30 a.m. — I'm suddenly awake and blabbing about yoga to the tech who aided my doctor in surgery! Go figure. She tells me everything went smoothly and wheels me to my car. My roommate drives me to the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions. I'd like to think that I'm tougher than I am, so I offer to go inside with her. I manage to pick out ice cream and and water before I decide that I'm too woozy to stand up. I ask for my keys and shuffle to my car while my roommate fills my prescriptions. When we get home I get right to bed, text my friends and family that I'm okay and pass out. $26.24
2 p.m. — I wake up to a very bloody mouth. I change my gauze while my roommate makes me a smoothie. At my request, she combines peanut butter, a chocolate meal replacement pack, yogurt, half a banana, and half an avocado. I'm still too woozy to sit up, so I drink my smoothie in bed and watch Friends.
6 p.m. — I'm starting to feel a lot better. I text with my mom and chat with my brother before taking my pup out for a walk. It starts to rain and he gets poop-shy. I can tell that he has to go though because he has poopy butt! After a frustrating 30 minutes, he finally does his business. Fortunately, I don't feel too bad and this wasn't too difficult a task for me! When we get inside, I use a towel to dry him off and make myself some Annie's mac and cheese.
9 p.m. — I wash my face and gently brush my teeth. I'm still a little numb, so I'm very careful to not go near the back of my mouth. Soon after, I crawl into bed take my medications and a half dose of Oxycodone. I studied public health in college, so I'm really wary of addiction and the side effects of painkillers. Fortunately, this seems to be enough and I have a restful full night of sleep!
Daily Total: $26.24
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Finding the perfect lip color to wear on your wedding day is as important as deciding on a veil or picking the perfect earrings, and just as difficult. But once you find "the one," you just know — and for Princess Eugenie of York, that meant opting for a neutral rosy-beige lip gloss. The newlywed arrived at St. George Chapel at Windsor Castle this morning with flushed skin and matching lips, reportedly courtesy of Hannah Martin, a pro makeup artist and artistry manager at Bobbi Brown UK.
The details of the look haven't been confirmed just yet, but we do know that Eugenie isn't the only bride in the extended family who's said "yes" to the gloss: Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton both wore shiny rose shades down the aisle, further proving that pink is, indeed, royalty-approved. Ahead, we've rounded up some of our favorite blush-toned shades for you to consider before your first makeup trial. Even if you're not a princess IRL, these glosses will give you one more reason to feel like one on your big day.
Until the official product breakdown from Princess Eugenie's nuptials makes news, this Bobbi Brown formula is the closest we'll get to nailing the look. The color payoff is surprisingly opaque, and looks great on a wide range of complexions. Even if you aren't getting married, it makes for an easy, wearable everyday shade to keep in your purse.
This rich plum-pink looks incredible on deep skin tones, and has subtle flecks of iridescent shimmer that add dimension but won't look too glittery or juvenile when you pose for 10,000 pictures.
Pat McGrath LUST: Lip Gloss, $28, available at Sephora
This is your wedding day, after all, so between all the smiling, drinking, and kissing, your lips will be doing a lot of work. You're going to want to keep a hydrating product in your clutch at all times, but you don't have to sacrifice color for moisture — just reach for this sleek tube, which is infused with nourishing oils to keep your lips lush and shiny all day.
Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Compulsion Lipstick, $7.99, available at Ulta Beauty
If the gilded tube alone doesn't make you feel like the queen you are, the glossy, oil-based formula inside definitely will. We love shade 44 Nude Lavalliere, a pinkish brown that will enhance the natural lip color you're already working with.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick Lipstick, $38, available at Sephora
This formula imparts the intense pigment of a liquid lipstick, with the feel of a nourishing gloss. You only need one layer to fully coat lips in color that won't smear or feather.
Thrive Causemetics Glossy Lip Hydrating Serum, $26, available at Thrive Causemetics
Not only will this best-selling gloss give you a sheer hit of color, but it also contains hyaluronic acid, which works to make lips appear fuller and feel more hydrated.
Buxom Cosmetics Full-On Lip Polish, $21, available at Ulta Beauty
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Similar to when Zara drops its first swimwear collection of the season and we all rush to (& probably crash) Zara.com like a hoard of deal-diver moms on Cyber Monday, when our favorite fast-fashion retailer releases its selection of winter coats every October, waiting around just isn't an option. Instead, any chance at getting our hands on a chic and affordable coat for the season ahead sometimes means you have to think quick and go with your gut. But with so many options, that doesn't come easy. That's where we come in.
As the Zara experts we believe ourselves to be, we've got more than a few tricks up our sleeve for navigating the site with ease. One of which is breaking things up into categories. With what seems like a new coat trend arriving every hour, simply shopping the "all coats" section is a headache waiting to happen. Instead, filter through Zara's best outerwear, section by section, from puffer coats to teddy coats to wool dusters, until you find your #1 pick for the winter. And if you don't feel like doing that, well, why not just shop our edit ahead?
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Let's get one thing straight: Nothing beats a piece of clothing that resembles your bed's down comforter when it's 15 degrees out and dark for most of the day. That's essentially what a puffer coat is. Need we say more?
Zara Oversized Puffer Jacket With Stripe, $99.9, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.
Double-Breasted Coats
Shout-out to all the blazer fanatics out there (guilty!). Double-breasted coats have all the tailoring of your favorite jacket, with the warmth and formality of a coat.
Zara Double Breasted Corduroy Coat, $149, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.
If there's one coat trend to make a move for this winter, it's this one. These fuzzy toppers come in every shape and form — from cropped to oversized, neutral tones to pastel hues — so whether you're heading out to pick up a late-night pizza or heading into the office, you're good to go with one of these.
Zara Fleece Jacket, $99.9, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.
From lined motorcycle jackets to dusters, there's plenty of faux fur to go around this winter at Zara. No matter your personal style, guaranteed, there's a furry option just waiting to warm to up.
Zara Faux Fur Biker Jacket, $149, available at ZaraPhoto Courtesy of Zara.
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You may have to to hide your eye roll when your co-worker starts blabbing on about how she and her BFF are dressing as Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods for Halloween, but you have to admit that it's a pretty clever idea. Not only is it fresher than the cat costumes you and your best friend have worn for the past three years, but they probably already own all the important parts, save for the necessary manicure.
You and your friends — whether there's just two of you or a crew of six or more — can win best dressed this Halloween by serving some killer looks, because we've rounded up 11 group costumes that you'll actually want to take to the nines.
Whether you want to whip out the body glitter and hairspray in a ode to the girls of Glow, want to get perverse as the Heathers, or you're inspired by Dionne's box braids and plaid skirt suit from Clueless, you'll find the perfect costume for you and your crew, ahead.
If you take beauty cues from Lupita and Danai on the regular, consider channeling the iconic cinematic duo for Halloween as their Black Panther characters. Picking just one look from the film might be difficult, so why not take the opportunity to rewatch for inspo?
Photo: Courtesy of Matt Kennedy.
The Saved By The Bell Cast
This formula couldn't be any easier to copy: three girls, three guys, hairspray, a bunch of scrunchies, and acid wash jeans.
Photo: Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.
Blair and Serena
Even if you're far from Upper East Side elite — both in location and spirit — you can play into the Gossip Girl aesthetic for the fantasy. You'll need: Blake Lively blonde hair (which probably means a wig), a brunette counterpart, and a heaping supply of sass.
Photo: James Devaney/WireImage/Getty Images.
The Heathers
Or, if you prefer something a little more sinister, channel the OG preppy girl gang, The Heathers, with a mix of perms and plaid.
Photo: New World Pictures/Getty Images.
The Cast Of The Hills
Play on your teenage dream of living in Laguna Beach and kissing Stephen Colletti by dressing as someone from The Hills. Have heavilybleached blonde highlights? You're halfway there.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Destiny's Child
The "Single Ladies " look is overplayed, and channeling "Lemonade" requires a mega wardrobe lift, so take your Beyoncé costume old school with sparkles, matching makeup, and two friends.
Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images.
Cher and Dionne
Every Clueless fan wants Cher's white Jeep and Dione's dramatic hat collection, but dressing as the duo for Halloween is a far easier fantasy to achieve.
Photo: Paramount Pictures/Getty Images.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Fam
Imagine how much fun you'll have flipping your hair a la Hilary Banks and having an appropriate excuse to belt out the theme song. Sing it with us now, "In West Philadelphia, born and raised ..."
Photo: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.
The Golden Girls
Get yourself three friends, a few wigs, pantyhose, red lipstick and you're golden.
Photo: Herb Ball/NBCU Photo/Getty Images.
Assassination Nation
Silver glitter, smudged lipstick, and your bestie are all you need to channel the Assassination Nation crew for Halloween.
Photo: Courtesy of Neon.
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With each season, New York Fashion Week gets closer and closer to realizing true and authentic diversity. In fact, according to The Fashion Spot's bi-annual diversity report, the spring 2019 season (which counts 76 major shows and 2,203 model appearances) was the most representative across different races, sizes, ages, and genders, ever. And it seems the European runways are also doubling-down on this commitment to inclusivity. At least, kind of.
Across the board, the spring runways saw huge improvements for castings involving non-white, plus-size, and transgender/non-binary models. In fact, half of the top 10 models of the season were women of color (including Sora Cho, Adut Akech, and Yoon Young Bae). Racial diversity was at an all-time high in New York City, with 44.8% models of color; London came in second with 36.2%, closely followed by Paris with 32.4%. Milan came in last with just 29.9%. The number of plus-size doubled from last season, age diversity increased, and a record number (91) of openly transgender or non-binary models walked.
The Fashion Spot notes that if we take New York's data out of the findings, racial diversity drops to 32.9 percent, plus-size model castings drop to five as opposed to 54; over-50 model castings to 14 rather than 27; and transgender and non-binary castings to 38 instead of 91.
While designers abroad may have gotten message the when it comes to race, but they're still seriously lacking when it comes to body diversity. According to The Fashion Spot, only three European brands made "any effort toward size inclusion:" In London, Raisa Flowers walked for Nicholas Kirkwood; in Milan, three plus-size models walked for Dolce & Gabbana show; and in Paris, Jill Kortleve walked for Alexander McQueen.
"Europe is old, conservative, and very stuck in their ways," French model Clémentine Desseaux, told Refinery29 in August, saying there still isn't enough of a market in her home country to build a viable career as a plus-size model. "They know what works and what’s safe and do not even try to change things up for fear of losing what they have."
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Out with the old, in with the new. With fall in full swing, that chill in the air isn't going away anytime soon. So if you've yet to swap out your shorts and sandals, consider the fast-approaching Halloween festivities a friendly reminder that it's time to finally give in to sweater weather. When we're in need of a complete closet overhaul, there are a few places we search first. Nordstrom is one of them.
Sure, it's America's favorite retailer, but it's also one of the few places you can find quality plus-size clothing. From its in-house brands like Leith and Wayf to carrying innovative plus-size dedicated brands like Universal Standard (including its collection with J.Crew) and RACHEL Rachel Roy, Nordstrom's plus-size range is some of the best around. And its latest plus-size arrivals are reaching peak fall with a strong coat game, a bounty of cozy sweaters, and denim silhouettes you'll actually want to wear.
Embrace the new season with 25 of the best plus-size picks ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Although the Academy Awards aren't until next year (seriously, the show doesn't air until February 2019), plenty of film critics and cinephiles are already predicting which movies (and respective actors) will rake in the most ballots. While it's no surprise that A Star Is Born 's Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga continue to be main topics of conversation in Oscars-buzzing circles, there's one more name we think deserves recognition by this year's Academy — and, no, we don't mean Charlie, the labradoodle that stole our hearts. We're talking about Lady Gaga's eyebrows.
To be more specific, we're talking about Ally 's eyebrows. If you already saw the film, you know that the struggling singer with hidden potential has a set of eyebrows that support her almost as much as big brother Bobby (played by Sam Elliott) supports Jackson Maine. Although it's clear that the movie puts emphasis on her stick-thin drag arches (they appear in several different scenes), it's not quite as clear exactly why (we have a similar curiosity about Ally's nose, but that's another story). Turns out, Cooper fit as many Easter eggs as possible into his 2-hour directorial debut and, according to Vanity Fair, one of the biggest hidden gems is those eyebrows.
Read on to learn the full backstory of the brows that play a role in every iteration of the A Star Is Born film.
Warning: This story contains spoilers for A Star Is Born.
In the 1937 A Star Is Born, Esther (Janet Gaynor) is given a Hollywood makeover to fit her new celebrity image, including a set of elaborate — and pretty terrible — eyebrows.
In the 1954 version, Judy Garland's Vicki also wears Piaf-esque eyebrows, but not because she's a drag baby. Vicki's brows are also a part of her superstar makeover, which Norman Maine (James Mason) ultimately wipes away with soap and water in a later scene. (Sounds a lot like Cooper and Gaga's screen test, no?)
Barbra Streisand (as Esther) may not have been encouraged to get a head-to-toe transformation in the 1976 A Star Is Born, but that doesn't mean eyebrows — in some form or another — weren't a topic of conversation. There's one scene in the campy remake that fans still discuss featuring a tub, beer cans, and makeup. While soaking in a bubble bath, Esther draws eyebrows onto her lover, John Norman Howard (Kris Kristofferson), and says, "Oooh, you’re so pretty." It's agreed that this moment is random, but no doubt inspired a similar scene in Cooper's remake (we'll get that).
When Maine sees Ally for the first time, she’s dressed in drag as Édith Piaf, singing a seductive rendition of “La Vie En Rose” and crawling on the bar. She moves a bit further, leans back, and then BAM!, she meets Maine’s gaze. The camera pulls into a tight frame on Ally's face. The red lighting in the bar cancels out any visible makeup, except for two strips of jet-black tape that act as stand-ins for Piaf's iconic arches.
We're not done.
When Maine introduces himself to Ally backstage, he asks her, "Are those your real eyebrows?" before he insists on peeling them off. Several scenes later, a montage shows Ally putting mascara on Maine (while in a tub, no less) before placing her drag brows (which just happen to be conveniently on hand) over Maine's real ones. There ends the eyebrow arc that, at the very least, deserves its own Supporting Actress nod.
Photo: Clay Enos/Warner Bros.
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Hats? Gloves? Sure, they're important come days when the wind chill falls to double-digit negatives and your extra hot coffee order gets cold in 10 minutes flat. But honestly, both tend to be sort of, well, boring. Au contraire, scarves are anything but. Silk ones, skinny ones, plaid ones, cashmere ones...see what we mean? But if there's one scarf we'll always hold closest to our hearts (literally), it's the oversized scarves that keep us warm and snug all winter long.
From what we've been seeing, designers agree. Any and every brand is putting their own mark on this cold weather accessory. From chunky knits in playful patterns to boucle styles in pastel hues, there's zero excuses for your neck to get cold. So next time you think about spending $10 on "tech-friendly" gloves at Target or a looks-like-every-other-beanie beanie from Urban Outfitters, opt instead for an oversized scarf that's just as much of an accessory as it is a necessity.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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After my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to matchmake people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girlsand started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or leave me a comment below and tell me what you're listening to this week.
Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers "The Airplane Song"
Laura Jane Grace says this next album is her Scorpio record. She's certainly come out swinging that Scorpio bat around with "The Airplane Song," a hot romp about a love triangle amid prescription drugs and shitty airline experiences. I'm ready to grab a glass of champagne, pull up a seat next to her, and have a serious talk about why dating anyone in a band is a terrible idea.
Charli XCX & Troye Sivan "1999"
I am not nostalgic for 1999, but I am obsessed with Charli XCX and Troye Sivan's remembrance of it. And I have to admit they have a point: Things were a lot easier back then. Aside from the utterly charming video, this track does an amazing job of capturing some of the musical elements that made up the '90s. You get it: The stuff Max Martin did when he was producing Britney and NSYNC that sounds cheesy as hell now. Charli and Troye's song is the only trip back to '99 that I'm willing to take.
Somme "Broken Hearted Lovers"
Reckless, selfish, late night lovers? We've all been there. Somme delivers a very coolly choreographed video to go with her song about needing a little something after having your heart broken but when you're not quite in the place to start a new relationship. Yes, you can ask for space. Let Somme show you how.
Millie Turner "Night Running"
In my mind, I am always rolling around in flowers and covered in glitter. Millie Turner feels me and created this track, with it's strong sense of influence from M83, to soundtrack my day dreams. Or night dreams? The epic girliness of it is such a delight, as is her British lilt.
LP "Recovery"
This break up song is particularly tormented. The depth of emotion in LP's performance really hit me, making me watch and rewatch this video. That sad, minor chord piano paired with violins that are practically weeping are enough to bring tears to my eyes but good lord, just listen to those lyrics. The gloriously destroyed house is such a great touch of despair.
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We've been known to share a lot with our BFFs: dating tips, clothing (that we'll likely never get back, TBH), that really good face mask that gives us an oh-so-dewy glow — and the same goes for makeup looks. Enter: Lucie Fink's latest Try Living With Lucie episode in which she sets out to try her friends' signature looks for an entire week. Over the course of five days, she'll test out five different bold Revlon statement lipsticks — from a classic bright cherry red to a dramatic midnight black. Watch above, and get inspired to try something new for yourself.
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Halloween is upon us, and with it comes the overwhelming barrage of couples costumes. Barbie and Ken. Beyonce and Jay-Z. That uncomfortable plug and socket costume. It seems like every costume for adorable couples is incredibly heteronormative and/or rooted in gender roles. So, what’s a progressive, gender norm-eschewing couple to do?
Luckily, there are plenty of fun couples costumes that don’t rely on gender stereotypes to be cute. We’ve rounded up 30 of our favorites here.
Mario and Luigi
Has a better pair ever existed?
Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images.
PB and J
Your partner is already stuck with you. Show it with this classic pairing.
Photo: Courtesy of Target.
Tinder
Pay homage to the app that brought you and bae together. Dress as a right and left swipe, or a right swipe and a superlike if you can’t bear the thought of not being a perfect match for the night.
Photo: Courtesy of Tinder.
Tacky Tourist Couple
Hawaiian shirts and fanny-packs know no gender.
Photo: Getty Images.
Peter Pan and his shadow
We wouldn't suggest actually sewing your partner to your shoe, but you can dress up as the classic Disney character and his counterpart. One partner wears Peter's green outfit, while the other goes for an all-black version. Layer it over a black morphsuit to really look like a shadow.
Photo: Courtesy of Disney.
Your favorite cocktail
DIY shirts with the logos for Jack and Coke, Vodka and Sprite, or whatever other combination you'll be sipping on all Halloween.
Photo: Getty Images.
Pokemon
Still playing Pokemon Go, even though the hype has died down? Dress up as inseparable pair Ash and Pikachu; or, for diehard Pokemon couples, each of you can dress up as your starter or your team.
via GIPHY
Groot and Rocket
Show your nerdy side by going as this Guardians of the Galaxy duo.
Photo: Courtesy of Marvel.
Google Maps Pins
Perfect for a long-distance couple or just those that love to adventure together.
