We didn't know what to expect from Lady Gaga at this year's Golden Globes, but even before Ryan Seacrest kicked off the pre-show coverage there was this palpable suspicion that the musician-turned-actress would step out of her stretch limo in a shows-topping look that would have every red carpet paparazzo turning the camera to her.
In past years at big deal red carpet appearances — like the Golden Globe Awards — the Shallow singer has opted to hide or cover up her more visible tattoos. Back in 2016 when Gaga picked up a Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries for her performance in American Horror Story: Hotel, she wore an elegant black velvet Versace gown — also an off-the-shoulder style — and chose to airbrush her body art, covering her tattoos with makeup.
Though this year — at the peak of her stardom, with multiple Golden Globe nominations for her work in A Star Is Born — it seems as thought every one of Gaga's tattoos was left uncovered and on full display.
Yesterday, Kris Jenner stirred up a conversation on the internet when she revealed that her daughter Kendall Jenner would be sharing her "most raw story" in an announcement that'd be made on Sunday night. This left everyone on social media wondering what the model could possibly be uncovering.
Well, the secret is out, and it's far from what everyone was speculating. Jenner announced that she is partnering up with skin-care brand Proactiv as an ambassador to spark a conversation on "Skin Positivity."
The first commercial debuted during the 2019 Golden Globes red carpet. In the ad, she told the story of her experience on the same red carpet in 2018. During the video, she shared the criticism that stormed social media after her acne was visible in red-carpet photos. "I remember going online and seeing all the horrible things people were saying about me and my skin," she recalled.
Jenner has been open about her experience with blemishes since 2015, when she wrote a post on her website about her insecurities. "Where it really impacted me was how self conscious I became about it. It completely ruined my self-esteem," she wrote.
Unfortunately, the Proactiv campaign has only led to more internet criticism. Twitter had a variety of reactions to the ad — confusion being the most common one. Everyone was expecting something a bit more earth-shattering after the way the Kardashian-Jenner momager teased the news. “Me waiting all night to find out Kendall Jenner’s earth shattering and vulnerable announcement, just to find out it’s that she gets the occasional zit…” wrote one Twitter user.
But Kendall does deserve credit for being one of the few celebs to speak out about her acne on national TV. No matter how big or small a breakout, it can cause serious anxiety, especially when you're in the spotlight. “Many ppl [sic] don’t know ab [sic] Kendall Jenner’s anxiety or insecurity problems," wrote one Twitter fan. "I’m glad she’s sharing some details ab [sic] this. May this make ppl [sic] think and stop judging her only by her outward appearance!”
many ppl don’t know ab Kendall Jenner’s anxiety or insecurity problems im glad she’s sharing some details ab this. May this make ppl think and stop judging her only by her outward appearance! #KendallJennerpic.twitter.com/MAiKuwAnZX
Regardless of the announcement the world was expecting, Jenner turned her negative experience with acne (and internet haters) into positive messaging and an endorsement deal. That's what we call a clapback.
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If the first award show of the season sets the tone for what we can expect, then Killing Eve'sSandra Oh just set the bar for the rest of the hosts to come at the Golden Globes. While we were hoping Oh would have only worn Asian designers, á la Issa Rae at the CFDA Awards or Tracee Ellis Ross when she hosted the American Music Awards, she put on a show regardless, trotting out on the stage wearing our favorite fashion designers.
Once on stage, the Killing Eve star said that she said yes to the opportunity because she "wanted to be here and look out onto this audience and witness this moment of change." She continued: "I’m not fooling myself. Next year could be different and probably will be. But right now, this moment is real."
Oh walked the red carpet on Sunday wearing one of our favorite spring 2019 trends, the shoulder pouf, in an Atelier Versace dress. When she did her opening monologue alongside Brooklyn Nine-Nine 's Andy Samberg, she poked fun at the lack of Asian-American representation in Hollywood, getting in a well-placed zinger that had nominee Emma Stone screaming. The joke was directed at white actresses like Scarlett Johansson and Stone, who have both faced criticism for playing characters of Asian descent.
Not only can Oh talk the talk, but she looks the part in that red dress. We'll be sure to update this post with throughout the night with the rest of the host's looks.
Before she changed into the red dress, Oh walked the red carpet wearing an Atelier Versace dress.
Oh's first outfit change of the night came with a Golden Globe. The actress won Best Actress for her role in Killing Eve.
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If you thought glitzy hair accessories (sparkly bobby pins, velvet scrunchies, and the like) held the same seasonality as twinkle lights — to be packed away after holidays and not seen again until next November — the Golden Globes best-dressed list will swiftly change your tune.
As usual, the 2019 Golden Globes red carpet was sprinkled with million-dollar diamonds on loan for the evening. Though it wasn't the sparklers dripping from ears or 13-carat ruby rings that got our attention on the red carpet, but the diamonds popping out of the updos.
Ahead, check out the most gorgeous hair looks from this year's Golden Globes red carpet, and let this be the push you need to keep your bejeweled bobby pins in rotation for a little while longer.
Caitriona Balfe
With a soft and simple makeup look — courtesy of makeup artist Mary Wiles — hairstylist Gareth Bromell opted to give the Irish actress a quick, pre-show trim. He accessorized the fresh chin-length bob with sparkly, diamond hair pins.
Photo: George Pimentel/ Getty Images.
Danai Gurira
Celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims worked his magic on Black Panther star Danai Gurira, sweeping her hair into an elegant bun and finishing the look with a small silver clip just above her left ear.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Nicole Kidman
The internet seems to be divided on whether the big velvet hair bow in Nicole Kidman's updo was tres chicor overkill. Our opinion? The velvet accessory was the perfect finishing touch.
Photo: VALERIE MACON / AFP/Getty Images.
Kate Mara
Celebrity hairstylist Ryan Richman partnered with OGX to deliver this killer updo on Kate Mara. Richman used the OGX Liquid Pearl shine serum to give the hair some slick before pulling it up into a topknot. As a finishing touch, he wrapped the base with thin gold glitter twine.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images.
Lupita Nyong'o
From the front, Nyong'o's hair might appear to be pulled into an ordinary updo. But from the back, you can see the most delicate blue beaded piece, braided in through the end of the hair by genius celebrity stylist Vernon François.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/NBC/Getty Images.
Joanna Newsom
One of the more unique hair accessories to grace this year's carpet, this gold conch shell-esque pin adorned with tiny pearls stood out amongst the night's most delicate jewelry.
Photo: Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images.
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It's the 2019 Golden Globes — we're eating, we're drinking, we're celebrating the most exciting movies and television shows released in the last year. While the evening isn't all fun and games (many of your favorites will be going home trophy-less), it is one of the most relaxing and diverse evenings in Hollywood, thanks to the eclectic mix of talent nominated for an industry accolade. It also helps that our hosts, Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg, have a special type of chemistry usually reserved for Tom Hardy (and Tom Hardy) in Venom.
A night with so many celebrities together in the same room can only mean one thing: a lot of can't-miss moments. But since we, unfortunately, aren't there sipping Champagne with Julia Roberts on one side and Timothée Chalamet on the other, we are able to gather all the highlights throughout the evening. Stars will be born!
Here's everything that went down:
Sandra Oh & Andy Samberg embrace diversity and… spoilers.
As the conversation around Oscars hosts becomes more and more controversial, Oh and Samberg couldn’t resist opening up their award show with a zinger. “We’re the only two people left in Hollywood who haven’t said anything offensive.” While that’s true, it didn’t take long for the pair to provide their first tendentious remark of the evening. After mocking Lady Gaga’s A Star Is Born press tour mantra (rightfully so), Samberg introduced Ally (Gaga) and Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) with a joke that shocked many, and rubbed others the wrong way. "He discovered Ally, and she discovered him in a garage," he said to awkward laughs. It was a risk to joke about not only the (spoiler alert) ending of the film, but to also poke fun at mental illness.
ANDY SAMBERG REALLY JUST SAID “He discovered Ally and she discovered him in a garage. Give it up for Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga” I CANNOTTT #GoldenGlobes
Before appearing on stage to introduce her film The Favourite alongside her co-stars Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz, Stone had a memorable moment of her own. The actress screamed "I'm sorry!!!!!!!!!" across the arena after Oh reminded the world that the 30-year-old once played a white washed role in Aloha.
Sandra Oh: ["Crazy Rich Asians"] is the first studio film with an Asian American lead since "Ghost in the Shell" and "Aloha."
The enigma herself attracted many an A-Listers throughout the evening. Starting on the red carpet, where she was stopped by Debra Messing and everyone's favorite couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, Gaga dropped her enigma persona to rub shoulders with her fellow nominees inside. Most notably, Rami Malek, nominated for his role in Bohemian Rhapsody, stopped by her table to introduce himself and likely applaud her break-out film appearance.
We like to imagine Rami Malek psyching himself up like, "I'm going to introduce myself to Lady Gaga tonight, I'm going to introduce myself to Lady Gaga tonight, I'm going to introduce myself to Lady Gaga tonight..." https://t.co/Znwty6MJ8U
The jig's up Hollywood — we know that Tom Hanks is an asshole. Just kidding. While introducing Carol Burnett for the first ever Carol Burnett Award, Steve Carrell applauded the comedy legend for being not only one of the funniest actors in the biz, but also the nicest. "She makes Tom Hanks look like an asshole," he joked (it was, unfortunately, bleeped out, but we all know what he meant). This formula for a quick joke also came up in the red carpet portion of the evening, when This Is Us ' Chrissy Metz called Glow's Alison Brie was "such a bitch."
Taylor Swift pops up to announce that "SHALLOW" WINS BEST SONG!
What a moment. Swift (who I'm sure hopes to win Best Song one day in the near future, perhaps for Cats?) introduced Best Original Song, and it went, unsurprisingly, to "Shallow" from A Star Is Born. Two of the worlds most famous singers sharing the Golden Globes stage? It almost broke the internet.
me checking on fellow gay neighbors who just watched taylor swift and lady gaga hug pic.twitter.com/J8md98xABG
The talented Sandra Oh and Regina King win big, and bring a lot of heart.
Two legends arrived! With her win, Sandra Oh became only the second Asian woman to win a Golden Globe, following Yoko Shimada, who took one home in 1981 for her role in Shogun. In her speech, Oh shouted out her parents, who were in attendance. “There are two people here tonight that I’m so grateful that they’re here with me," she said, holding back tears. "I’d like to thank my mother and my father.”
King mirrored Oh's familial speech, shouting out her son, who she brought as her date, during her acceptance speech for her role in Barry Jenkins' If Beale Street Could Talk. While Oh focused on the importance of seeing actors like herself on screen, King spoke about the little-mentioned Time's Up movement, promising to "double down" on the movement. She also vowed to be the change she wishes to see in the industry by promising and challenging herself to employ more women on her projects. "I’m going to use my platform right now to say in the next two years everything that I produce I am making a vow — and it’s going to be tough — to make sure that everything that I produce — that is 50% women," she said.
"I gotta thank my sweetheart, Sue!" that's how Jeff Bridges started out his endearing, and fairly off-the-cuff, acceptance speech for his Cecil B. DeMille Award. From there, he went on to tell a few interesting stories about his time in Hollywood, comparing the industry to an off-course boat that needs to just be rerouted towards love, man. There was also a bit about tag. Be that what it may.
Christian Bale debuts a new accent.
Sort of... while accepting his award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, the actor shocked viewers with his strong British accent. Because his most famous roles often required their own distinct accents (hello, Batman) many movie-goers forgot about the star's British and South African background. On top of that, Bale also thanked "Satan" for inspiring his role as Dick Cheney. The Church of Satan got wind of the speech, and shared their full approval, even congratulating him on his performance in The Dark Knight.
To us, Satan is a symbol of pride, liberty and individualism, and it serves as an external metaphorical projection of our highest personal potential. As Mr. Bale's own talent and skill won him the award, this is fitting. Hail Christian! Hail Satan! https://t.co/ILuK8TFZXi
First, Glenn Close — shocking even herself — won Best Performance by an Actress in a Drama, for her role in The Wife. Immediately following her touching speech (where she called out all the other talented women nominated in her category), Bohemian Rhapsody gave an unexpected one-two punch, taking home Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama and then Best Drama. Memes of Bradley Cooper's face quickly filled the internet, as his baby, A Star Is Born was expected to take home at least a few more statues.
'Twas the collective gasp heard 'round the world: Lady Gaga lost. Our monster mother, lady and savior, was snubbed the Golden Globe for Best Actress in A Motion Picture Drama for her role as Ally Maine in A Star Is Born.
But while fans may have dislocated jaws in surprise, no one was more shocked than the winner: Glenn Close, nominated for her role in Björn Runge's The Wife, based on the novel by Meg Wolitzer about a wife who has spent the last 40 years of her life devoting herself to being the perfect wife to her narcissistic author husband despite her own considerable literary talent.
"Nobody believed in us but us!" says a big time Glenn Close fan. "They all said it was Gaga! But we always knew!" _he is distracted by passing fans_ "Close! Close! Close! Close!" _back to camera_ "Thank you, Glenn. We're here for you! All the way to the Oscars!"
But even though her win was unexpected, it is very much deserved. Close has been nominated for 15 Golden Globes over the years, and this is only her second win. Her first was back in 2004 for Best Performance By An Actress In A Limited Series Or Motion Picture for The Lion in Winter. (She's also been nominated for 6 Oscars with no wins so far — this might be the year that changes.)
And at 71, the actress delivered one of the most movie speeches of the night, which paid tribute to her mother, and all the women who, like her character in The Wife, have led lives in service to the men around them.
"I’m thinking of my mom, who really sublimated herself to my father her whole life, and in her 80s she said to me, I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything," Close said tearfully. "And it was so not right, and I feel what I’ve learned through this whole experience is that, you know women we’re nurturers. That’s what’s expected of us. We have our children, we have our husbands if we’re lucky enough and our partners, whoever. But we have to find personal fulfillment, we have to follow our dreams, we have to say I can do that, and I should be allowed to do that.
"You know when I was little I felt like Muhammad Ali who was destined to be a boxer, I felt destined to be an actress," she continued. "I saw all the early Disney films, and Hayley Mills, and I said, 'Oh I could do that. And here I am today, it will have been 45 years in September that I am a working actress and I cannot imagine a more wonderful life."
It was a moving, unplanned moment in a night full of upsets, but one thing's for sure: the Oscar race just got a lot tighter.
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When you think of “the youth,” images of Juul pods, fidget spinners, and finstagrams may come to mind. But the teens of 2018 are so much more than that. As members of “generation Z,” these 12- to 21-year-olds are bringing more to the table than any cohort before them: activism, political awareness, and a keen sense of self. To celebrate this era of young trailblazers, Refinery29 created a list of the 29 most inspiring, talented, and buzzed about Gen-Zers in the form of the “Z-List.”
From actors to musicians to influencers, this eclectic mix of future notables all have two things common: They’re cooler than their parents, and they want to change the world. As tech wizards and post-millennial vanguards, there’s no medium that these actors, singers, performers, YouTubers, and industry tastemakers can’t influence. Lucky for us, they’re using their powers for good.
Meet the Z-List.
One of the most popular and highly viewed YouTube stars of 2018 with over 5.1 million subscribers, Chamberlain is part of a new type of celebrity, notable for allowing viewers an unfiltered and hilarious glimpse into her daily life.
What’s your biggest fear about becoming famous at such a young age?
“In this industry, kids have to grow up quickly, and a lot of us miss out on normal kid experiences. I graduated high school early, so I never got the chance to graduate with my senior class. I never got to go to prom, and I didn’t go to very many football games. I used to be really afraid of missing out on my childhood, but I’ve learned to appreciate the memories I did have and focus on moving forward. Living in fear makes life a lot less fun.”
What is the biggest misconception about your generation?
“Older generations think my generation is lazy, but I don’t think this is true. Although we have social media as a distraction, many kids in this generation are extremely focused and motivated. When I was in high school, my friends and I would sleep four hours per night because our schedules were so packed with extracurriculars and homework. So many kids are managing to be in school while pursuing their passions all at such a young age. Sure, our generation enjoys a good nap here and there, but I wouldn’t say we are lazy.”
Where do you see yourself at 29?
“When I’m 29 I will hopefully have my shit together. Married, pregnant, stable job, cute house, hot husband, etc. I feel like when you’re 29 life becomes a lot more ‘adultish,’ which can be stressful, but also exciting. I’ll also probably be drinking lots of wine.”
Known for her breakout roles as Beverly Marsh in It and young Camille Preaker in Sharp Objects, Lillis is due to star in a film adaptation of the Brothers Grimms’ fairy tale Gretel and Hansel.
Who do you look up to in your industry?
“The actors I work with and the crew that work on these films — how hard they work [and] how much effort they put into creating something. That’s not always easy. They have to sacrifice a lot. They don’t see their families as much as they want. But they love it and believe in the projects they’re working on.”
What’s your biggest fear about becoming famous at such a young age?
“I do worry about not getting better at acting, not doing a good job and letting people down. I remind myself that this is still more of my hobby — not necessarily my career. There’s lots of other things I’m interested in, like drawing and philosophy and literature. I’d like to go to college someday. I think anything I could learn would also help me be a better actor. But you never know, maybe I’ll also find out I want to do something completely different.”
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I am very bad at social media. I hardly ever post. Plus, there are all these rules. A while ago I asked my brother to help me, and now when I get a request to post something I send it to him. He also knows me really well, so he’ll say, ‘How about this?’ I usually always say yes."
Wylie stars in Disney’s LGBTQ+ friendly show Andi Mack and recently made her film debut in Australian soccer movie Back Of The Net.
Who do you look up to in your industry?
“Oprah, Denzel, and Zendaya all inspire me to do more than just what I can do in the entertainment industry. They inspire me to give back to my community. They inspire me by what they do off-camera. I want to start an animal adoption center and possibly a way to help the homeless.”
What is the biggest misconception about Gen-Z?
“That we don’t know much, and that we don’t know what’s going on in the world. The truth is, our generation knows a lot. We have the power to communicate easily with our peers and capture current events topics a lot more effectively thanks to social media and the internet. We are the generation that has the power to evoke change.”
Do you think you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“Yes! I’m still too young to vote, but I’m already starting to learn about what political views align with mine. I can’t wait to turn 18 so i can share my voice!!”
She starred in Disney’s Stuck In The Middle and is the voice of the network’s first Latina princess in Elena of Avalor. Ortega also plays young Jane on Jane the Virgin.
How do you talk to your friends and family about the entertainment industry?
“Much of my life is consumed by the industry, so when I hang out with my friends, we usually just catch up on life outside of work. My family on the other hand, likes to know what I’m working on or how my meetings went — but they’re quick to remind me that there’s a sink full of dishes waiting for me.”
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my supporters, so one of my main priorities on social media is interacting with them. They seem to enjoy random selfies more than work posts, but I also realize that a lot of people from the industry are watching my page as well. I use my accounts to speak up for what I believe in and share photos from work while still making it light and fun.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“The internet! We all are given the same opportunity on social media and can talk about anything we want. If we want to learn more about something or pull up fact receipts, we can check online for the answers. That’s something people didn’t have 80 years ago. We have the world at our fingertips and can educate ourselves on anything we want, and that can be a beautiful thing.”
Blaise started acting at the age of 6, and after a recurring role on Fresh Off the Boat, she released two singles and booked a job on NBC’s Manifest.
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“In our day and age, social media participation and interaction is very essential and can be a powerful and positive tool in many ways. Unfortunately, there is also online bullying. It’s important to remember that bullies and/or haters are only trying to bring you down because of their own insecurities.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“My generation is the generation that will make a difference. We are the future. We are smart, we are fearless, and we know nothing can tear us down. We have a voice, and we aren’t afraid to use it. Our youth and respect for each other is what will hold us all together. We must continue to open up conversations and speak out on the issues that are happening around us time and time again. Our biggest advantage is our hunger for knowledge and having technology to feed that hunger. With one click in the palm of our hand, we are able to tap into endless information and have access to global resources. This is a powerful tool. We must get involved and stay involved. Stand up for what we believe in and be fearless in our quest for change.”
Where do you see yourself at 29?
“Doing exactly what i’m doing today: being happy and confident with my work and enjoying life. I love every aspect being an artist has to offer. I want to work behind the camera as a director one day. If I’m going to be perfectly honest, my real goal is to 100% have that EGOT on my shelf. I know I’ll get there. When you believe in yourself, set goals, and work hard, anything and everything is achievable.”
Lennon and her sister Maisy comprise the musical duo Lennon & Maisy, whose cover of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend ” went viral overnight. The duo played sisters on Nashville, which ended its run on CMT in 2018.
Who do you look up to in your industry?
“Stevie Nicks. She always remains so true to herself and is such an honest musician. I look up to her in every way.”
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I think just being genuine and honest on social media is the best way I know how to navigate it. That way I don’t feel pressured to always be happy or look a certain way, I can just be myself and connect with strangers as friends.”
Which TV show or movie do you think best represents young people right now?
“ Perks of Being a Wallflower. It isn’t afraid of showing the struggles of growing up and finding yourself and feeling like an outcast, which I believe most young people experience.”
Her single “No Smoke” was hailed by Galore as “a new pop anthem for girls who DGAF.”
Which TV show or movie do you think best represents young people right now? “ Grown-ish (which happens to be my favorite show) is a great representation of young people today. It has great, almost spot-on modern day examples of the young generation.”
Do you think you think you have a responsibility to be political? “There is a great responsibly to be political, especially with everything going on currently. We as young people truly have the opportunity to make choices that can potentially better future generations.”
Do your parents/older mentors give you any advice that you think is universal to every generation? “I tell family and friends that just like everyone else I made a choice to make this a career. Everyone, no matter what it is, should find your passion and make it your career.”
The Atlanta rapper and singer calls herself a “lover” (you can hear it in her lyrics), and says that she’s “queer as fuck, by the way, and happy about it.” She’s embarking on a world tour in February.
What is the biggest misconception about your generation? “People think we are a very shallow generation; that there’s not a lot of depth to us. However, I really think we are the exact opposite of that.”
How do you navigate social media professionally? “It’s hard to always do everything right on social media. I definitely try to put most of my effort into interacting with my fans and supporters and keep it positive. It’s definitely a big part of the job now, and it’s hard, but it’s important.”
Who are you definitely stanning? “I absolutely stan Frank Ocean until the end of time, until I die. I love you, Frank.”
After Fifth Harmony announced an indefinite hiatus in March, Jane was signed to L.A. Reid’s record label. She's currently working on her first solo album.
Who do you look up to in your industry? “I look up to Sam Smith. I love how real he is. Also, Ashanti. I love her music, and I always felt she doesn’t get the credit she deserves.”
What’s one thing you hope you see changed about the industry? “I just wish everyone would unite more on a genuine level. I don’t like how there’s always such a harsh competition with every artist when we are all in a lane of our own, making art to bring into the world. Every artist is here for a purpose, and we shouldn’t see each other as competition because everyone brings something different to the table. There’s room for so many of us.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage? “There’s so much talent out there, and through social media, we have an advantage of showcasing all our talents and personalities.”
The mononymous actress is best known for her role in Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs.
What’s one thing you hope you see changed about the industry? “I wish to see the industry give more credit and job opportunities to those who really work hard and have love/passion for the entertainment business rather than just someone who has high numbers on Instagram. We need more passion projects and mature idols for our children.”
How do you navigate social media professionally? “I do now have to go about my social media as if it is a job. I want my page to express fun and positivity. On #FreshFacedFriday, I post a selfie with no makeup or face editing and challenge my 'stargazers' to do the same. I wanted to help them shut down their inner fears and insecurities little by little, and it’s always so heartwarming to see everyone posting up a cute picture of them smiling and living their best life! On #StargazerSaturday, I talk about a heavy topic that’s been on my mind, or a subject that I think should be talked about more often and openly. I always encourage everyone to leave their thoughts and feelings on it in the comments, so that we can keep the conversation going and also make each other feel supported. ”
Do your parents/older mentors give you any advice that you think is universal to every generation? “There’s one phrase my grandma and parents have told me since I was very little to teach me to never feel inferior to others and let insecurities take over me. It says, ‘ Mejor que yo, la Tierra, y la piso todos los días.’ It’s Spanish for 'Greater than I, the Earth, and I step on it every day.' They always told me to never confuse it with feeling superior to others of course, but to never feel inferior to the rest of the world and have confidence in myself and my skills. Never doubt how beautiful you are, how talented you are, how worthy you are.”
Kinney got her big break as Riana Murtaugh in the television adaptation of Lethal Weapon, and is now looking to her next challenge: college. She also started a foundation for disadvantaged youth with her mother called Chandler’s Friends.
Are there any contractual stipulations you’re considering putting into place, as someone who’s seen the industry change in such a public way?
“I think one of the best ways to turn talk into action is for the people in positions of power to implement inclusion riders into their contracts. It’s the most effective way to actually start seeing a real change in the statistics. I know what it feels like to have less opportunity than my peers, and now that I have some capacity to make even a small difference, at least on my set, I speak up! As the lovely Mrs. Michelle Obama put it, ‘When you walk through that doorway of opportunity, you don’t slam it shut behind you. You reach back.’ One day when I’m in a position in my career to do so, I intend to make diversity a priority when assembling my cast and crew for my project.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“Gen-Z is the most diverse and accepting generation to date. This creates a strong sense of unity, and there’s major strength in that, especially in such a sociopolitically divided country. Technology has always played an important role in our lives; navigating digital spaces/software is a skill we acquire very young. We stay connected, informed, and motivated. We’re aware of what’s going on in our country, and we’re more than prepared to take action.”
Do you think you you have a responsibility to be political?
“We all have a responsibility to be politically engaged. Of course, what that looks like exactly will vary greatly from person to person. But there are some minimum requirements for any citizen to fulfill their civic duty: stay educated on the issues that affect your family and community, and be an active, informed voter.”
Barer plays fan-favorite Gert on Marvel’s Runaways, a character who openly struggles with anxiety in a way we haven’t seen on screen before.
How do you talk to your friends and family about the entertainment industry?
“It’s very funny because sometimes I think of it as another day at the office, especially when I’m on set everyday doing the same thing for a while. It’s only when I talk to my friends about it that I realize how very special and not normal any of what I do is. My roommate works in a law firm, so our work stories are extremely different.”
What’s one thing you hope you see changed about the industry?
“I hope to see a lot more diversity, and not just for diversity’s sake. I want people to be interested in telling diverse stories. I don’t want to see anymore tokenism or just pigeonholing people of color into stories that aren’t theirs in order to avoid controversy. People keep saying that we’re out of original stories, but we aren’t really. There are whole worlds that haven’t been explored! And we don’t need to leave our planet or invent fantasy worlds to make a movie about a different culture of people.”
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“Luckily I’ve been blessed with really nice fans, so it hasn’t been too difficult for me. It’s something I can pick up throughout the day without too much stress and also put away when I need to. I feel very honored to have a fanbase that seems to have created a community with each other. I think that’s definitely a plus side of being vocal about my beliefs. A lot of like-minded people have come together in their support of me and found that they are not alone in their ideas and therefore found each other. I, in return, feel less alone.”
Coming off a breakout role as a queer high schooler on the Mindy Kaling co-created Champions(and already having sold a show to NBC at 15), Totah wrote an essay for Time announcing that her pronouns are she, her, and hers, and she identifies as a transgender female. She's now a freshman in college studying film and television and continues to pursue her career as an actress, writer, and producer.
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“Our biggest asset is our voice. Unfortunately, it took horrific events in schools for the government [to start] listening to our generation. Students of Parkland represented us in a way older generations haven’t seen. We are not naive. We’re not all on our Instagram pages incessantly. We know what is happening because it is happening to us. We have power in our voices (and our Instagram pages) to invoke change in policy.”
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“Social media is a unique place. We are generally asked to post about our upcoming projects for promotion. However, as a young person in this industry, my Instagram page expands far beyond PR, which is something I don’t have control over. I’ve definitely had to build thick skin, but it’s the intimacy of the platform that’s been instilled in me. I have to keep myself from asking questions regarding when I should post, or if anyone will even like the photo. Sometimes I just have to throw my phone down and take a break. I’ve found that to be the healthiest solution.”
Do you think you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“I believe everyone has a responsibility to be involved politically. Whether or not everyone should uphold that responsibility is not a judgement I can make. However, in this currently charged political climate, it is more important than ever for everyone to speak up and rally for what we believe in. People died for us to have that input in our government, and I absolutely think we should all be expressing ours.”
H.E.R., which stands for Having Everything Revealed, still likes to remain cryptic as to her identity, but that might be a little harder now that she’s nominated for two Grammys (Best New Artist and Album of the Year).
What’s one thing you hope you see changed about the industry?
“I️ hope to see a change in the musicality and instrumentation in new music. I think there’s a wave of new artists making real music and experimenting in different chord changes and more live sounds. I hope the trend continues.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“I think the biggest advantage is social media because it’s easier to build your own fan base without the support of a record label. It helps the grind.”
How do you talk to your friends and family about the entertainment industry?
“I try to explain the reality of the entertainment industry and the things that go on behind the scenes. There are a lot of illusions and fantasies that people believe in when it comes to the lifestyles of artists and entertainers. The music is just as important as the business. And it is a job even though it is a passion.”
An outspoken advocate for body positivity (and not afraid to take on well-known brands for their messaging), the Moroccan-born, Queens-raised Dounia Tazi is a curve model and rising star in the music industry.
What’s one thing you hope to see changed in the industry?
“The more truly inclusive we get toward all walks of life — the more we internally strengthen our unconventional communities — the closer we are to shifting the paradigm. I also want to see and hope to contribute to more diverse dialogue, especially revolving around emotional health and environmental impact.”
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I don’t know if there’s a way to use social media professionally. I’m just myself. I truly feel it’ll exhaust you to try and maximize its marketing potential as a sensitive creative, especially when your ‘brand’ is you. I have come to discover that it’s one of our strongest tools as unconventional identities, as women in this space. We live in an age where we run our own media.. no third party has control over our narratives. I find that to be extremely powerful.”
What do you see as your generation's biggest asset or advantage?
“I’m not sure if our introspection necessarily acts as a practical asset, or if it prompts cynical procrastination and sadness, but I think it’s a creative and emotional asset for sure. We’re breaking down on what it means to be human, we’re challenging everything, we’re fulfilling our souls in the most untraditional of ways. I truly believe we have some of the most powerful young souls of all time.”
U.K. born artist Mahalia didn’t want to get put into a box — so she made a genre entirely for herself. Signed at just 13 years old, she now refers to her creative output as “psycho-acoustic soul.”
Who are you definitely stanning?
“I think the person that I’ve kind of always been a stan of is Amandla Stenberg — just as an actress, a social influencer, and an online influencer. I think she’s really powerful, and she has a lot to say. I think she’s a really important figure in my generation.”
Who do you look up to in your industry?
“Solange’s artistic role and creativity in the industry is unmatched. As an artist, I look at her and I think, ‘You’re everything that I want to be.’ Everything that she stands for is so natural and home-grown and real...Everything she says, I find, always has intention and meaning.”
What is the biggest misconception about your generation?
“That we don’t want to speak about things...I think we are at an age where voicing our opinion is easier now. You can say post a photo and say how you feel on Instagram. Everything is so easy to do, and I feel like people are a lot more confident to say how they feel. I really love that.”
She just concluded her run on one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows of all time, The Americans, holding her own opposite acting powerhouses Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell. Taylor is now working on a mysterious new show called The Unsettling.
What's your biggest fear about becoming famous at such a young age?
“I would think becoming famous at a young age is scary because the world thinks they know everything about you, when you don't even know about yourself. It's scary trying to figure out who you are with the world watching and judging. Also: Leaving the house without makeup or fancy clothes and being criticized... because I wear my pajamas everywhere.”
What is the biggest misconception about your generation?
“That we're lazy. So many adults have said this to me, and I get it — every generation has some lazy people! But I've never seen such motivation towards goals, success, politics, and bettering oneself than I have from my peers.”
Where do you see yourself at 29?
“Running an animal rescue and hopefully learning to eat vegetables instead of cookies.”
Priah Ferguson was the best part of Stranger Things season 2 as the younger sister of Caleb McLaughlin, and her hopes for the future of Hollywood show that she is ready for forge her own path.
How do you talk to your friends and family about the entertainment industry?
“Well, I don't really talk to my friends about the entertainment industry. Most of my friends aren't in the industry, so when we get together it's just regular conversation. What's funny [is that] they'll low-key Google my name or visit my IG and say, ‘Wow Priah, I didn't know you did xyz,’ and I'm like, ‘Oh yeah. That's why I wasn't at school, girl.
“I'll talk to my parents about my thoughts on a role, my schedule, understanding important details, or just to vent. We really don't talk about the entertainment industry every day. Some days, we're just talking about our favorite songs, shows, or someone's style.”
What’s one thing you hope you see changed about the industry?
“I just hope more young girls of color get opportunities to lead in different roles with very, very smart writing. I hope one day it's not a big surprise or shock when we're cast for unique roles...It's changing now, but we have to use our own creativity and help others once we get to a certain place in our career.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“Technology. We can get information on anything very quickly. That can be good, or it can be bad. Back in the day, people only had newspapers or radios to get information, or they visited libraries every day. With our generation, we don't really have to wait to learn something new. You may have to get your mom's permission to try it out though, just in case it causes a big mess.”
Hunt currently stars in Anna and the Apocalypse, the Christmas zombie movie you didn’t know you needed, and is set to appear in a coming-of-age rom-com in 2019 alongside Lana Condor and Victoria Justice.
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I recognize social media is a fantastic tool, especially working in the entertainment industry. But I do feel pretty addicted to my phone, and I worry about how it’s impacting me and the people around me. I’d like to see more film and TV exploring connectivity as a serious discussion for our generation.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“Sharing knowledge is the easiest it has ever been. Every young person with a phone or computer has the opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate at their fingertips.”
Do you think you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“I think as a young actress there is definitely a level of responsibility put on you to share your political opinions and to be a role model for other young people. As fantastic as it is to be given an opportunity to share my voice and talk about all the things I believe in, also, I am 20, and I am still working it out. I never want to appear as if I’m preaching or know it all. That said, I really care and want to develop and become more eloquent in speaking about how young people are represented on screen.”
Malina Weissman may be used to unfortunate events thanks to her starring role in the Netflix remake of the book series, but this young actress actually has nothing but good days (and roles) ahead of her.
Which TV show or movie do you think actually best represents young people right now?
“ Grown-ish and Transparent. They are such good shows that I feel like my generation could relate to.”
Where do you see yourself at 29?
“Hopefully by 29, I will have traveled all over the world and be doing something creative. I’ll also probably have a lot of pets.”
Do you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“I believe that we all have the responsibility to be political. My generation will be the ones living with the elected official’s decisions. We have an obligation to get involved in order to help shape our future.”
Grab your beeper, because Sadie Stanley is about to reprise one of the greatest and most inspiring roles of all time: Kim Possible.
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I go through phases when it comes to social media. Sometimes I love it, and sometimes I hate it. Social media can be used in such a positive, impactful way, but it can also be so toxic. I try to have fun with mine and not take it too seriously, while also trying to use my platform to spread positivity and love.”
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“I think one of the biggest things that sets my generation apart is the access we have to people and information all over the world. As a result, we are so much more aware of the cultures, beliefs, and experiences of different groups. It makes us more understanding and open-minded.”
Do your parents/ older mentors give you any advice that you think is universal to every generation?
“There is a piece of advice that has stuck with me that I think pertains to all generations. Adam Stein (the director of Kim Possible) has always told me that I need to try to be content with where I’m at in the moment. I have a tendency to always be thinking about what’s next. I’m constantly waiting to know what the next step will be in my career, and I need to remember to appreciate how far I’ve come and enjoy life in the present.”
As the younger half of the Perkins sisters (singers, actresses, and YouTube stars), Devenity is a modern-day triple threat.
Who do you look up to in the music industry?
“I have to say Madison Beer. She’s an amazing independent artist, and her music is so relatable right now.”
Biggest fear about becoming famous at a young age?
“That no one will take me seriously. I wouldn’t want anyone to think fame came easy to me. It’s also scary because when you do have an audience so young, you feel this pressure to keep it up. We’re all growing up and figuring out who we are at the same time.”
Where do you see yourself in the future?
“I see myself in my late 20s having done a couple movies in between touring with my music and exploring the world.”
As both an actress ( Knight Squad) and a YouTube personality, Daniella is showing what it’s really like to be both young and in the spotlight.
Who do you look up to in the industry?
“I would say Jennifer Lawrence. She’s an amazing actress, and her current roles have been on the more dramatic side, but her personality is still so unique and goofy. I feel like she stays ‘human’ even with all her success.”
How do you talk to your friends and family about the entertainment industry?
My family is all super close, and everyone knows how hard we all work and everything that goes into getting one part. It's a little different for friends and the outside world because people build up Hollywood to be this glamorous business. A lot of people don’t realize it takes a lot just to get to one place and to reach each goal. You have to keep going. You can’t just expect to be holding an Oscar overnight.”
What’s one thing you hope you see changed about the industry?
“As a mixed-race actress, I would just say I hope for more nontraditional casting.”
With 6.9 million Instagram followers, Brooks leveraged her talents — dancing and being an online personality — into a solid career in the entertainment industry.
Who are you definitely stanning?
“I’m always stanning Dwayne Johnson. He's such a great example of someone in the industry who's always doing things to improve the lives of people, not only around him, but all over the world.”
What is the biggest misconception about your generation?
“I think my generation has a reputation of being lazy or entitled, but I believe that we are really just learning ways to work smarter, not harder.”
Do you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“I think political activism is extremely important, and everyone has a responsibility to educate themselves on what’s going on in the world. But, I don't usually go to social media to talk about politics.”
If it feels like Sabrina Carpenter is everywhere — it’s because she is, in the best way. As a Disney alum and singer-songwriter, Carpenter also has a starring role in 2019’s The Short History of the Long Road. She hopes to star in a comedy with Joey King next.
What do you see as your generation’s biggest asset or advantage?
“Our minds! I think we are very good at thinking outside the box and want to see change in a positive way. I love seeing our generation being there for one another and empathizing more with each other.”
Where do you see yourself at 29?
“Doing all the things I’m working towards right now — it’s a long journey.”
How do you talk to your friends and family about the entertainment industry?
“Brutally and honestly, which is exactly what this industry exudes. It can be good and bad in certain doses. It is so important to surround yourself with authentic people.”
Kaylee Bryant knows a thing or two about TV’s buzziest shows. Appearing in Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet and CW’s Legacies ( a Vampire Diaries spin-off), Bryant also made some time to pick up cello last year.
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“This is something I’m still really new at and learning. I think it’s a constant balance of not taking yourself too seriously, but understanding that your voice is now a lot louder than it was previously. To me, this means not caring as much if I post with a photo with no makeup on or one where I’m making a stupid face. Instead, I care about speaking in an educated way about the things that I am passionate about and want to share with my followers.”
Do you think you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“I do feel a responsibility. People who want to learn more about what’s going on and want to share their opinions should feel confident in using their platform. That being said, I don’t think that everybody should feel that same pressure. If an actor just wants to be an actor I think that’s totally okay, too. Sometimes people with a platform speak simply because they feel pressure to speak, which can be more detrimental than saying nothing at all.”
Who do you look up to in your industry?
“I look up to a lot of people on opposite ends of the spectrum. On one end, I look up to actors like Carey Mulligan and Tatiana Maslany because their talent and work ethic are things that I study and strive to emulate. On the other end, I have so much respect for people like Chrissy Teigen for unashamedly being themselves and sharing their ups and downs in front of millions of people.”
Since releasing her first EP in June, Lawrence has honed in on a new type of moody pop, born and bred on the internet.
Who do you look up to in your industry?
“Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Coldplay, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Bowie...the list could go on forever. I think it’s so important as an artist to draw inspiration from people you admire and love. These artists are the reason why I ever started to play music.”
Who are you definitely stanning?
“I‘ve recently been in a Dua Lipa vibe. She’s f-ing sick and talented and so fire.”
Do you think you think you have a responsibility to be political?
“Yes. The world we live in right now is scary and sad, and I wasn’t put on this planet to be a bystander. Every voice makes a difference, and I will always be vocal about what I believe in, like gun control laws, civil, women’s, LGBTQ+, and immigrants’ rights, and more. VOTE VOTE VOTE!!.
Marsai Martin is known for her role as the wise-beyond-her-years Diane Johnson on Black-ish. Next up, she will appear in the film Little with Issa Rae.
How do you navigate social media professionally?
“I try to keep the balance between work and my personal life on my social media. I love giving insight into things like being on set [and] different projects I’m working on, as well as engaging with my followers from time to time. I mix that in with the things I’m interested in and passionate about outside of work, because I want my social media to be something girls my age can relate to.”
Are there any contractual stipulations you’re considering putting into place, as someone who’s seen the industry change in such a public way?
“Since I have my own production company, I want to make sure that we create projects that are diverse and inclusive. There’s no real need for a[n inclusion] rider when you have a hand in creating the projects. You can just do it. It’s a blessing to be able to have that type of input and creative control.”
Who are you definitely stanning?
“Besides Beyoncé, it changes often... right now it's between Tyler the Creator and Emma Chamberlain. It’s not like a crush crush, per se, but I listen to all of Tyler’s songs, watch all of his interviews — basically everything. With Emma Chamberlain, I watch all of her YouTube videos and try to get my parents and friends to watch!”
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There is something undeniably satisfying about witnessing a demolition — a house of cards toppling, the leveling of a fire-ravaged edifice, or even watching an action movie. It’s even better when you’re the person doing the demolishing (think: popping bubble wrap), so it was only a matter of time before someone commodified this feeling.
Anger rooms, or rage rooms, are marketed as equal parts entertainment and self-care. For anywhere between $30 and $390, you can suit up in coveralls, helmets, and welding gloves, and use blunt objects to destroy items including nonfunctional televisions, laptops, ceramics, and discarded furniture.
“The concept of smashing stuff in a commercial way goes back to old carnivals, where they would have a car and [ask visitors to] pay a few bucks to hit it once or twice,” says Peter Wolf, the co-founder of Rage Ground in Los Angeles. His space requires customers to book a time online, select the items they wish to destroy, and arrive 10 minutes before their appointment for a short orientation. Clients must wear closed-toe shoes and sign a waiver before suiting up. Then, you’re directed to a room, which is pre-set with the items you’ll get to break. There are very few house rules, but Wolf asks that you don’t hit the walls or throw things through the ceiling, “which has actually happened.”
It’s a very trust-based activity when you’re going in there with multiple people. Everyone needs to be responsible and act like adults
Because he purchases the breakable items from liquidation wholesalers and e-waste centers, Wolf’s price points range from $60 to $390. The most expensive package allows for you and seven friends to ravage two rooms. When I ask what types of groups book his space (a New York Times piece by Penelope Green cited couples buying out New York’s The Wrecking Club on Valentine’s Day), Wolf explains that Rage Ground plays host to several corporate events — because nothing says “team-bonding” like watching your coworkers smash a laptop with a sledgehammer. “It’s a very trust-based activity when you’re going in there with multiple people. Everyone needs to be responsible and act like adults. That’s why people sign waivers,” he explains. Because yes, there can be up to eight people with metal bats with the express purpose of destroying things. What could possibly go wrong?
Rage or anger rooms didn’t exist until about 20 years ago, when Wolf says they popped up in parts of Asia. The Anger Room in Dallas, TX, was an early adopter here in the United States; it opened in 2011 and closed within the last year. These days, it seems there’s at least one of these demolition sites in every major city, and they’ve started opening in the suburbs too, with names such as “Smash Therapy,” located in upstate New York.
So, what about these smashing centers are actually self-care? Are they a form of therapy? Can they help you relieve tension?
“The idea of using a padded bat or hitting something when you feel stressed or angry is based on the theory of catharsis, which essentially is the theory that venting your anger can bring about a release of that anger,” says E. Blake Zakarin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology in Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center. While this might make sense in theory, she says, “there’s no evidence to support that expressing stress or anger aggressively or physically is super-helpful to you.” In fact, some psychologists, like Kevin Bennett at Psychology Today, believe that rage rooms can exacerbate stress and rage in some people. Clinical psychologist Scott Bea told the Cleveland Clinic that rage rooms might reinforce negative ways of coping with anger.
“It has actually been shown that physically acting on aggression can make a connection for people between being angry and acting aggressively,” Dr. Zakarin says. “Some people might experience a physiological decrease in arousal in the moment, while others won’t, but regardless, even if you do feel that reduction, it’s not the most helpful for you because it reinforces this is how you get [stress] out… In fact, that physical aggression can sometimes increase anger and aggression.”
Sometimes, during traditional therapy, a therapist might hand a patient a padded bat and direct them to use it to vent their anger on, say, a couch. But Dr. Zakarin disagrees with this approach, explaining that, “evidence-based research suggests that using a padded bat isn’t the most effective way to cope with anger or stress.” More constructive ways of coping long-term might be creating art, meditating, or exercising, because all three have been clinically-proven to decrease cortisol levels. Another alternative is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches patients to understand why they’re so stressed in order to address the underlying issue head-on.
It’s really about providing a safe space so you can come in when you feel like you need to and get it all out of your system without harming anyone and breaking your own stuff
“Yes, in the moment, [venting] can sometimes reduce a physiological arousal, but only in certain situations,” Dr. Zakarin says. In other words, some people might feel better after going to an anger room, but they’re not recommended by most medical professionals as an appropriate way to cope with stress, anger, or anxiety issues. It might be more apt to call anger rooms a form of entertainment — period — rather than self-care. But, like most things in the wellness industry, it’s up to you whether you find them helpful or not.
Sophie Haigney at Vox wrote that she liked the “sweaty, wild relief of smashing stuff” and to her own surprise, paid an extra $20 for another set of plates to turn into “fireworks of broken glass.”
“It’s really about providing a safe space so you can come in when you feel like you need to and get it all out of your system without harming anyone and breaking your own stuff,” Wolf says. “And then we clean it up for you.”
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For those of us in cooler climates, exposed ankles in the early months of the year are simply not an option. If you’re missing the days of wearing sandals with midi skirts or even ankle boots with cropped jeans for that matter, allow us to re-ignite some creativity in your winter dressing. Tucking jeans and pants into boots is not a new concept, but there are ways to do it that will make it feel less like a cold-weather obligation and more like a personal style choice.
Tucking methods vary by boot height — for example, taller boots like knee-high and over-the-knee styles will require a skinny jean or tailored trouser to prevent extra bulkage, whereas mid-calf styles like cowboy boots leave room to play with volume. In that case, a straight-leg jean or a pair of cropped pants may find a moment to shine when paired with boots of a lower height. To demonstrate all of the various ways you can tuck in your pants, click on to get inspired and find the way that works best for your style.
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.
There are few combos more classic than skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots [as seen on me, the author of this very style post!], but for an updated look, pick a pair of distressed denim to add an interesting visual detail to an otherwise simple outfit.
Boots: Boohoo Block Heel Tie Back Thigh High Boots, $80 $40, available at Boohoo.com; Pants (similar): Levi's 720 High Rise Super Skinny Jeans $59.50, available at Levi's.
Austen Tosone
Tall Wellington boots are super practical for inclement weather, but you can also add a little playfulness to your look by pairing them with an athletic-inspired trouser.
Boots: Barbour Blythe Wellington Boots, $68, available at Surfdome; Pants (similar): Adidas by Stella McCartney Zipped Cuff Trousers $102 $72, available at Farfetch.
Hannah Louise
The ease of these linen pants paired with the heaviness of a pair of western boots makes for an interesting pairing that's comfortable to wear.
Boots: Zara Animal Print Leather Cowboy Boots, $249.90 $119.99, available at Zara; Pants : Zara Linen Jogging Pants $49.90 $22.99 available at Zara.
A little bit of fabric bunching used to be a fashion no-no, but with the tone à la mode, you'll find many fashion-forward women choose to embrace the extra bulk of fabric because of the cool, IDGAF vibe it gives off.
Boots: Zara Leather Boots, $89.99, available at Zara; Pants (similar): Topshop Popper Utility Trousers $75, available at Topshop.
Viva La Wow
And here's a prime example of fashion first, comfort as close second with an exaggerated pair of utility joggers that balloon out of patterned ankle boots.
Boots: Balenciaga Knife Floral-printed Ankle Boots $1,650.00 $825, available at MyTheresa. Pants (similar) Missguided Pleather Joggers $42.00 $28.00, available at Missguided.
Aana Nadim Saber
Mixing textures like leather and suede creates a unique tactile meets visual effect.
Boots: Vagabond Shoemakers Brandy Suede Tall Boots, $240.00, available at Vagabond Shoemakers; Pants (similar): Mango Seam-detail Straight-fit Trousers $59.99 $39.99, available at Mang o.
Natalie Off Duty
If you're a tucking novice, an easy way to get started is to stick to a monochrome look. Leather and denim go well together and you can re-create this tuck with virtually any style of black boot.
Boots: Mango Leather High Leg Boots, $249.99 $149.99, available at Mango; Pants (similar): Mango Sayana Organic Cotton Straight Jeans $59.99 $39.99 , available at Mango.
Don't be afraid to tuck your straight leg jeans too! A pair of cowboy boots is the perfect match for this style of denim, since there's a bit of extra room near the top of the boot.
Boots (similar): Rebecca Minkoff Kaiegen Leather Cowboy Boots, $228 $182.99, available at Zappos; Pants (similar): & Other Stories Cropped Straight High Rise Jeans $89.00, available at & Other Stories.
Lisa Fiege
A throwback that's so easy: Instead of reaching for the obvious skinny jean / work boot pairing, try a baggy style casually half-tucked.
Boots: Timberland 6" Premium Boots, $169.95, available at Zappos; Jeans (similar): Pants (similar) Y/Project Ruffle Jeans $475.00 $285.00, available at MyTheresa.
Kahlana Barefield
Clear boots give a whole new angle to the debate in support of "tight as pants."
Boots: Maryam Nasir Zadeh Jupiter Boots, $557, available at Shopbop; Tight as Pants (similar): Wolford Velvet 66 Leg Support Tights $67.00, available at Shopbop.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh
For a more subtle look, keep all of your shades in the same color family (like washed out cream, gray, and olive green) and keep the proportions around the same as well.
Boots: Fendi Check Knee-high Western Boots, $1,490.00, available at Forward by Elyse Walker; Pants (similar): Pam & Gela Side Stripe Step Hem Pants $245, available at Nordstrom.
Loulou De Saison
Pants that are designed with elasticated turn-up cuffs like joggers and other sporty styles, are a good way to ease into the idea of a little volume coming out of your favorite pair of winter boots.
Boots: Chloé Sonnie Raised-sole Trainers $690.00, available at Matches; Pants: Chloé Cashmere Track Pants $1,412.00 available at Matches.
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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was absent from the bench Monday, missing oral arguments for the first time since she joined the court 25 years ago. A Supreme Court spokesperson said that while the 85-year-old justice was not physically present for the arguments, she still was working from home as she continues to recover from last month's surgery.
Ginsburg has always been a hard worker, even when she's faced health problems. Both in 1999 and 2009, when she underwent treatment for colon and pancreatic cancer, she returned to the bench soon after obtaining surgery. In 2012, she cracked two ribs but worked as she healed. That same year, she underwent a heart procedure and was back in court right after. Last November, she returned to work two weeks after falling and fracturing three ribs.
As the justice was treated for the fractures, her doctors found she had early stage lung cancer. On December 21, she underwent surgery to remove one of the five lobes of her lung. Physicians said the procedure was a success and there's no cancer left in her body. Ginsburg was released from the Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in New York on Christmas Day.
It's still unclear when Ginsburg will return to the court, but Chief Justice John Roberts she'll be involved fully in the cases. "Justice Ginsburg is unable to be present and will participate in the consideration and decision of today's cases on the basis of the written briefs and the oral argument transcript," he said.
At 85, Ginsburg is the oldest justice on the bench and her health has frequently been a source of concern for liberals worried with the balance of the court. But while President Donald Trump had said in the past he hoped to appoint four Supreme Court justice s by the end of his first term, Ginsburg has no plans to retire just yet.
"I'm now 85," she said over the summer. "My senior colleague, Justice John Paul Stevens, he stepped down when he was 90, so think I have about at least five more years."
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When you’re a teenager dealing with your first (or fiftieth) breakout, the plan of attack tends to be pretty straightforward. Squeeze out a generous dollop of drugstore spot treatment each night, bleach some pillowcases, and hope for the best. Rinse, repeat. Acne is never fun, but at least when you’re under the age of 25, you can still pray you’ll grow out of it. This will all end the minute you graduate and get your own apartment, right?
Wrong. Adult acne is a different beast — a more persistent evil that’s an established part of your life, not something that might go away in 3-5 years or whenever your hormone levels stop fluctuating wildly. So you treat it differently, with a diligent skin-care routine and an arsenal of potent products (which you can now, hopefully, afford to spend a little cash on).
Blemish-fighting face masks are particularly essential, and with the number of amazing formulas and proven ingredients on the market, acne sufferers have more options than ever. Bring out the breakout-zapping big guns with these best-in-class masks — now, if only they'd been around when you were 14 and relying on an expired tube of cream your mom gave you.
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.
Rare is an acne-fighting mask that’s potent enough to banish breakouts, yet gentle enough to leave your face feeling balanced, not parched. The combination of absorbent bentonite clay and renewing retinol and turmeric root in this one make it one of the best for giving stressed skin a full overhaul, but it’s the healthy bacteria in the probiotics that really goes the extra mile.
Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask, $54, available at Ulta Beauty
A daily pore cleanser, an instant purifying mask, an overnight spot treatment — this longtime favorite does it all, thanks to a formula rich in Umbrian clay, the brand’s proprietary ingredient for clarifying and detoxifying all skin types. The clay acts as a neutralizer to balance oil production and reduce inflammation, and sandalwood oil has an astringent effect that won’t dry you out.
Fresh Umbrian clay mask, $62, available at Sephora
You can’t do much better than this tried-and-true clearing mask, a perennial go-to for its reasonable price and effective zit-zapping power. The cooling sensation makes it feel like a real-deal spa treatment, and the clear, refreshed complexion it reveals once rinsed is truly impressive for something you can find at a suburban mall.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask, $10.19, available at The Body Shop
Honey is the first (and most plentiful) ingredient in this mask, which gives it unique moisturizing qualities — without feeling heavy or sticky. Exfoliating AHAs, superfruit extracts, and a blend of healing essential oils refine pores, zaps acne, and make skin look and feel soft, smooth, and perfectly clarified.
Tata Harper Clarifying Mask, $68, available at Nordstrom
Everything that bothers you about typical clay masks — the mess, the remnants under your fingernails, the dry, tight feeling after you rinse — is a nonissue with this new-and-improved model. The kaolin clay-based formula combines matcha powder and oil-absorbing witch hazel with hydrating sweet almond, sunflower, and prickly pear oils to keep skin at its most moisturized as it draws out blemishes and clogged pores. Oh, and it's a stick.
Milk Makeup Matcha Detoxifying Face Mask, $24, available at Sephora
It’s the perfect middle ground: a mask that both replenishes the skin’s moisture with soothing oils and floral extracts while drawing out dirt, oil, and impurities from deep within the pores. This clay-based mask is truly gentle on skin, and won’t irritate even the most sensitive complexions — but it will leave stressed out, acne-prone skin clean, calm, and blemish-free.
Ole Henriksen Hygge HydraClay Detox Mask, $32, available at Sephora
This beloved detoxifying mask stands alone in its category as one of the few over-the-counter treatments that shuts down severe hormonal breakouts — you know, the kind you feel coming before you can even see that they’re there. With a lightweight gel texture and soothing effect, it doesn’t feel like much, but the results are staggering.
Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Masque, $63.5, available at Renée Rouleau
Even the Big Dipper of breakouts will fade into the background with this futuristic formula, which packs every acne-fighting ingredient you could need — sulfur, bentonite clay, tea tree oil, even the highly underrated zinc PCA — into one small-but-mighty tube.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, $55, available at DermStore
A good clay mask deep cleanses the pores and battles clogged while washing away the dirt and debris that (partially) causes them in the first place. This top-rated formula does all that and more, leaving skin soothed, hydrated, and bright without any irritation. You don’t always get what you pay for, but this is one splurge that’s worth every cent — all 12,500 of them.
ReVive Masque de Glaise Purifying Clay Mask, $125, available at Neiman Marcus
At first glance, you might not think this overnight mask will do much for breakouts. But it has soothing and healing ingredients that help quell inflammation, while using potent AHAs to chemically exfoliate skin and degunk pores. Like the name states, there's also watermelon extract — which doesn't just give the bouncy formula its pale pink color, but also calms irritation and hydrates the skin.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, $45, available at Sephora
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Kevin Spacey did not comment, to reporters or in the courtroom, as he was arraigned in Nantucket, MA on Monday morning for a sexual assault charge from 2016. Spacey's lawyers entered a plea of not guilty to assaulting a busboy at Club Car bar in July 2016 when the survivor was 18-years-old, according to Variety.
In a criminal complaint obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Spacey bought the unidentified 18-year-old drinks, made sexually suggestive comments, and tried to take him home. After the restaurant worker was intoxicated, Spacey allegedly pulled down his pants and groped him.
The judge set his next hearing for March 4 and allowed that Spacey does not have to be present, as long as he is available via telephone. Additionally, the judge ordered Spacey to stay away from the accuser and his family, and for the accuser to preserve his text messages from the six months following the alleged July 2016 encounter.
This charge was made public the same day Spacey dropped a baffling video of himself in character as Frank Underwood appearing to dispute the claims.
"I know what you want. You want me back. Of course, some believed everything and have just been waiting with bated breath to hear me confess it all," he says in the video, later adding, "Oh, of course they're going to say I'm being disrespectful, not playing by the rules. Like I ever played by anyone's rules before. I never did. And you loved it."
An additional report in THR claims there's video evidence to support the survivor's accusations. The then 18-year-old reportedly took footage of the encounter on Snapchat and sent it to his girlfriend.
Spacey's lawyer did not immediately return Refinery29's request for comment.
If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call theRAINN Sexual Assault Hotlineat 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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Cyntoia Brown has been granted clemency by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, reports the Tennessean. She will be released from prison on August 7 of this year
Brown had been serving a life sentence for the murder of a man who solicited sex from her when she was 16-years-old.
In a statement, Haslam said, “This decision comes after careful consideration of what is a tragic and complex case. Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16. Yet, imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life. Transformation should be accompanied by hope. So, I am commuting Ms. Brown’s sentence, subject to certain conditions.”
In a statement released by her lawyers, Brown thanked Haslam "for your act of mercy in giving me a second chance. I will do everything I can to justify your faith in me."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Brown was charged as an adult in the 2004 murder of 43-year-old Johnny Allen who purchased her for $150 in exchange for sex. At the time she was 16-years-old and living with an older pimp known as "Cut Throat." She was not allowed to testify at her original trial and evidence of her traumatic childhood history and severe neurodevelopmental disorder wasn't heard. Brown was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences.
In 2011 filmmaker Dan Birman's documentary about Brown, Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story aired on PBS. The film addressed the issues of juvenile justice reform, systemic bias against women of color engaged in sex work and the lack of a social safety net for women like Brown who are at a high risk for sex trafficking.
Brown's case next came to broader public attention when celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and LeBron James picked up her cause.
Governor Haslam's decision to commute Brown's sentence is being hailed in the criminal justice community.
Jessica Jackson, the National Director of #Cut50 a group which just helps usher in the passage of the landmark criminal justice reform bill, The First Step Act told Refinery29 they were thrilled and encouraged by the decision, both on behalf of Cyntoia Brown and the larger population of women currently incarcerated in U.S. prisons.
"This is a major step toward dismantling the sexual violence to prison pipeline. More than 80% of women currently incarcerated report that they were raped or sexually assaulted prior to prison. We hope this begins a much larger conversation about the dignity and decarceration of women nationwide."
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BeautywithMi, hosted by Refinery29's beauty writerMi-Anne Chan, explores the coolest new trends, treatments, products, and subcultures in thebeautyworld. Never miss an episode by subscribing here.
When makeup artist Priscilla Ono showed up for a job in 2011, she had no idea it would turn into a full-time gig with one of the biggest stars on earth. "I wasn't even doing [Rihanna's] makeup," Ono told me , recounting their first interaction on the set of the "S&M" music video. "I was actually doing makeup for the background dancers, but when she arrived on set she immediately walked up to me and started complimenting me. She was so down-to-earth, like a friend I'd had for years."
Eight years later, Ono and Rihanna now share an extremely collaborative working relationship and friendship. Rihanna, an avid beauty lover, is teeming with makeup ideas and it's Ono's job to bring them to life — no matter how wild they might be. (One time, Rihanna wanted to bleach her brows, but Ono convinced her to conceal them instead.)
Ono has been there for some of Rihanna's wildest red carpet beauty looks — from her take on the Pope at the 2018 Met Gala to her all-gold face at the launch of Fenty Beauty in New York City. So, when she offered to give me a makeover (not to mention, a sneak peek at Fenty Beauty's brand-new concealer), I didn't hesitate to jump into her makeup chair.
Above, watch Ono recreate a classic Rihanna look on me — and prepare to take notes as she details the exact tricks and products she uses on RiRi herself.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $34, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Moroccan Spice Eyeshadow Palette, $59, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $20, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored, $24, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Chic Phreak/Girl Next Door, $32, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer, $32, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer, $22, Fenty Beauty Shimmer Skinstick in Rum and Yacht Lyfe, $25 each, available at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Pro FIlt’r Instant Retouch Concealer, $26, available January 11 at Sephora; Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder, $32, available January 11 at Sephora.
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Lady Gaga might not have walked away with an award for Best Actress at this year's Golden Globes, but she did emerge as one of the night's biggest stars. She was the subject of the best punchline during Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh's monologue ("There could be one hundred people in a room..."); she had an adorably awkward interaction with Freddie Mercury star Rami Malek; and, in spite of her hotly-debated snubs, she still nabbed her second Golden Globe award, for Best Original Song in A Star Is Born (her first came in 2016 for her role as The Countess in American Horror Story: Hotel).
But none of that fully explains why we're still talking about Gaga's night more than 12 hours after the show came to a close. (Well, those snubs might have something to do with it.) We have her hair to thank for that.
Given that Gaga is known for her chameleon-like aesthetic, the star's glam team, consisting of makeup artist Sarah Tanno and hairstylist Frederic Aspiras, is trusted with one very difficult job: to help her navigate her constant evolution in style. Since the press rounds for ASIB officially ended, Gaga's primary focus has been on kicking off her two-year Las Vegas residency, Enigma — and channeling her eponymous anime alter ego. So when the nominee arrived in a Valentino Couture ball gown that paid homage to ASIB predecessor Judy Garland with periwinkle hair to match, the transformation was dramatic.
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
The difficult transition from on-stage performer with electric-blue hair to elegant red-carpet princess didn't once escape her team's mind. "We were all aware and familiar with the award season chaos," says Aspiras. He adds that planning ahead was key: "We have all been working so hard to get everything done on time."
Okay, but what about that hair color? For several weeks, Gaga has been steering away from her signature platinum blonde in preparation for Enigma. From silver to lilac to blue and now an even mix of the three, Gaga has officially gone through what a lot of us imagine to be hair-color hell (oy, the breakage). Gaga wanted to "feel like herself and bring more of it to [her] look for the Golden Globes," Aspiras says. Designer Pierpaolo Piccioli was actually enlisted by Gaga to custom-dye the gown a purplish hue, which then directly spawned the matching hair color.
Aspiras armed himself with an arsenal of specialized-care products to ensure Gaga's hair didn't literally fall out from the constant change. "I am a firm believer in products that have quality ingredients," he tells us. "My new obsession for maintaining platinum hair is the Joico Blonde Life Brightening line." Additionally, Aspiras used a combination of temporary hair color (Joico's Color Intensity in Sky and Rose, mixed with the Clear Mixer to create the shade he calls "cerulean blue") and a lightening treatment (Joico Blonde Life Powder Lightener) to get Gaga's bowed updo to just the right wash of color. As for the updo, Aspiras says all it took was one masterfully tucked ponytail, a ghd flat iron, and a curling iron to finish before sending Gaga on her way.
Truth be told, we're not surprised to see Gaga pull off such an enigmatic look so seamlessly. After all, once you find the true "nectar of your being," everything else must feel like a cakewalk — even the Golden Globes.
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On Sunday, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association awarded Netflix's Roma the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language and Best Director, Motion Picture (Alfonso Cuaron), but it was the film's star Yalitza Aparicio who captured our attention all night. During the show, Vogue Mexico's cover star wore a glittery Miu Miu gown with a cut-out in the center. Her stylist, Sophie Lopez, shared the look on Instagram, captioning it "Cinderella on her way to the ball in Miu Miu." But Aparicio didn't turn into a pumpkin at the end of the night. Instead, she stayed in that same striking gown for the after-party circuit.
Aparicio's life certainly resembles a Cinderella story. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico to parents of indigenous origins, the former preschool teacher made her acting debut in Roma, in which she plays a nanny to a wealthy family; the character was inspired by the real-life woman who helped raise Cuarón. Not long after the acclaimed film's premiere, she landed her Vogue Mexico cover — one of the first times a woman with indigenous features did so. “Certain stereotypes are being broken: that only people with a certain profile can be actresses or be on the cover of magazines,” Aparicio said in the video that accompanied her Vogue cover. “Other faces are now being recognized. It is something that makes me so happy and proud of my roots.”
And after a quick scroll through Aparicio's Instagram, it isn't hard to recognize the actress has a great sense of style, too. If her Golden Globes look is any indication, it won't be long before the burgeoning star garners even more acclaim for her fashion.
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Update: Cyntoia Brown was granted clemency by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam on January 7, 2019. She is scheduled to be released from prison on August 7. You can read more about Brown's clemency here. The original story appears below.
On December 6, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled t hat Cyntoia Brown, a woman convicted of first degree murder as a teen, would have to serve 51 years in prison before being eligible for parole. The decision disregards many factors including that Cyntoia Brown was solicited for sex by a 43-year-old man when she was only 16, the fact that both Tennessee and U.S. law has changed significantly when it comes to prosecuting minors since Brown’s first trial in 2006, and the outrage expressed by hundreds of thousands in a number of petitions protesting the egregious sentencing of an at-risk-child at the mercy of a series of a predatory men.
Brown’s case has attracted the attention of celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian West, and LeBron James. Here's what you need to know.
The Case Against Cyntoia Brown
On August 7, 2004 Nashville Police responded to a 911 call and found the body of 43-year-old Johnny Allen. Allen was nude, lying face down in his bed. He’d been shot in the back of the head. In the early morning hours of August 8, police found Allen’s white pick up truck in a parking lot and arrested 16-year-old Cyntoia Brown in connection with the shooting. At the time, she was staying in a nearby hotel with a man she referred to as “Cut Throat.” Brown had taken Allen’s wallet and some of his guns.
She waived her Miranda Rights and told investigators that Allen had solicited her for sex on August 6 and driven her to his home where he showed her guns and became violent. She feared for her life and shot him with a .40-caliber handgun she had in her purse, killing him in self defense.
Prosecutors argued that Brown’s real motive was robbery and despite her age she was charged as an adult with first-degree felony murder and aggravated robbery. She was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences.
Cyntoia Brown’s Childhood
At her original trial, Brown wasn’t allowed to testify on her own behalf and her attorneys didn’t offer into evidence her traumatic childhood history and severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
Brown’s mother drank alcohol — as much as "a fifth a day, if I could get it" she later admitted —throughout her pregnancy. As a result Brown is on the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which can result in “poor impulse control and a disconnect between thought and action.” At eight-months-old, Brown entered the foster care system and became a runaway in her early teens. She experienced numerous rapes and assaults during this time.
In 2004 she began living in a series of hotels with the 24-year-old man she called “Cut Throat.” Her relationship with Cut Throat was sexually, physically, and emotionally abusive. He pulled a gun on her multiple times and once choked her so hard she passed out. Eventually he forced her into prostitution.
Brown later testified that, "He would explain to me that some people were born whores, and that I was one, and I was a slut, and nobody'd want me but him, and the best thing I could do was just learn to be a good whore.”
On the night of August 6, he ordered her to go out and “get money.” Brown met Allen later that evening in the parking lot of a Sonic franchise. He agreed to pay $150 for sex and drove them both back to his home where she later shot him.
Brown’s Case Gains Publicity
Filmmaker Dan Birman had been following Brown’s case since her arrest, after being tipped of to the story by a forensic psychiatrist who’d been asked to interview her. In 2011, his film, “Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story” debuted on PBS. The documentary took on many of the complicated angles of the case including juvenile justice reform, Brown’s flawed first trial and the ways in which it was prejudiced by the fact that she was a woman of color engaging in sex work, and the lack of a social safety net available to young at-risk women like Brown — who are at a high risk for sex trafficking.
Birman’s film also helped change the law in Tennessee: Now children under the age of 18 cannot be tried for prostitution. If she were to arrested today, Brown would be treated as a child human trafficking victim.
Charles Bone, a prominent national attorney, saw the film and took on Brown’s case, representing her for a 2012 appeal. Bone argued that although Brown has a high IQ, she functions at the cognitive level of a 13-year-old as a result of her fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, traumatic and violent past, and her abusive relationship with her trafficker Cut Throat.
In 2017, Brown’s case came back into the spotlight when Rihanna shared Brown’s story on Instagram in a post that read: "Imagine at the age of 16 being sex-trafficked by a pimp named 'cut-throat.' After days of being repeatedly drugged and raped by different men you were purchased by a 43 year old child predator who took you to his home to use you for sex. You end up finding enough courage to fight back and shoot and kill him.”
Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne and other celebrities shared the post inspiring the viral hashtag #FreeCyntoiaBrown. In May 2017, Brown had a clemency hearing, but the board was split on their decision with two voting for clemency, two against it, and two to make her eligible for parole after 25 years.
Brown’s lawyers have continued to argue her case saying her sentence is unconstitutional based on a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that found that life imprisonment sentences for minors violate the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now?
On Thursday, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that Brown’s sentence was not unconstitutional based on a loophole that defines a “life sentence” as 60 years. In a statement the court wrote "under state law, a life sentence is a determinate sentence of 60 years. However, the sixty-year sentence can be reduced by up to 15 percent, or 9 years, by earning various sentence credits." In other words, the court ruled that because Brown’s sentence is 51 years and not 60, it is not technically a “life sentence” and therefore doesn’t violate the US Supreme Court ruling that forbids convicting minors to prison terms equivalent to death in prison.
Even more galling: Brown was able to receive the credits that reduced her 60-year-sentence as a result of her own model behavior. She received her associates degree in prison and mentors other female inmates.
Brown’s case is currently pending judgment by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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This time of year, the future looks bright. In all likelihood, your New Year’s resolutions may still feel shiny, and new, and wholly attainable.
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions related to money or personal finance goals. Whether it’s paying off a debt, saving up for a car or a house, or getting a job with a higher salary, there are a lot of great financial goals to strive towards, and many of them are absolutely doable despite the fact that most resolutions fail (and by February!). The most important thing when it comes down to finding ways to implement — and stick to — these strategies is to set realistic goals you know you can achieve.
We often tend to think of goal-setting in black and white terms: For example, we’re either going to the gym every day at 6 a.m. or we’re not going at all. If we operate in this way, it can certainly be difficult to feel that we ever achieve anything; the moment we trip up we feel like quitting. Instead, it's often best to set smaller, realistic goals that are sustainable, and commit to getting right back on the horse after (inevitably) falling off.
It's also important to remember that any goals do not have a precise finish line. Perhaps you’re looking to save a bigger chunk of your paychecks, spend less money eating out, or do less online shopping this year. Whatever your goal may be, try to think about this upcoming year as one massive opportunity, and remember: The window doesn’t automatically close just because you mess up once. You can start fresh any day of the year.
So in the name of starting small and staying on point, we’ve put together a list of seven simple strategies to help you save money every week. Read on to get inspired, and remember — if you forgot to bring your own lunch today, you can always cook tonight and bring some leftovers tomorrow.
Bring your lunch to work
Money I Saved: Up to $75 a week
This is one of those things that many people talk about doing, but tend to struggle with when it comes to follow-through. Bringing lunch to work is one of my favorite ways to save money every single week. And like many other things on this list, it requires the creation of a new habit.
I used to buy lunch at work — a lot. These days, there are many options for buying affordable lunch while working in an office, such as MealPal which allows you to select lunch from a variety of participating restaurants at a reduced price (usually around $6.99 compared to what might cost around $10-$15 at a restaurant). And yet, even though a $7 price tag on lunch is better than $15, this is still a lot more than it would cost you to buy ingredients, make, and bring your own lunch.
I'll be the first to admit it: Cooking can be energy-sapping, and sometimes when you come home from work the last thing you want to do is cook tomorrow's lunch. But I've found that, all it takes is me making some time on the weekends to find some easy, doable recipes that I know won't take me long to make, buy the ingredients (preferably in bulk), and commit to making meals ahead of time — whether it's on the weekend or a couple of set evenings a week.
I only buy lunch once a week — max. If it's helpful, find an accountability buddy at work or split groceries with your roommate or partner. See if you can make cooking fun, instead of treating it like a drag, because it really doesn't have to be one.
If you think about it, buying lunch every day at, say, $15, adds up quickly. In a week, you'll have spent up to $75. In a month? You're looking at somewhere around $300 you could have saved. That's almost $4,000 a year if you eat lunch out every weekday. And even if you're MealPal-ing and saving 50%, that's still money you could have put into an emergency savings account.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Switch to a prepaid phone plan
Money I Saved: $25 a week
Last year, I discovered the prepaid phone plan. I used to think these were reserved for people who came from abroad and needed a temporary number, or someone whose line of work required a burner phone. But I was wrong. Now, after switching to a prepaid plan, it blows my mind just how much money I'm saving every week.
I used to pay roughly $120 a month for my phone plan, with unlimited call, text, and data. It was one of those charges I winced at monthly, but figured there was nothing I could do about. Then, I learned just how much money you can save by switching over to a prepaid plan. Many phone companies keep these offers on the down-low, and for obvious reasons — it can save you a ton of money. But they exist. In fact, most providers, from Verizon, to AT&T, to T-Mobile, have comparable offerings.
After switching to an individual prepaid plan (as part of a family plan), I was able to save $100 a month, and if you are able to create a family plan, either with relatives or friends, you could pay as little as $20 a month for a great plan. Plus, in many cases you can save money by putting your plan on autopay so you don't even have to think about having to make the payment every month. In that way, being on a prepaid plan should make no discernible difference to your lifestyle or phone usage — other than potentially saving you a good chunk of cash.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Withdraw (and use) more cash
Money I Saved: ~$40
These days, we live in a digital-first world. Increasingly, business are switching over to a cashless culture, where plastic cards are necessary for transactions (which, mind you, has some severe class-related implications). However, using cash is actually one of the best ways to save money, according to personal finance experts.
Next time you're going out to run an errand (perhaps on your next Target adventure), make a list of the things you need to buy and withdraw enough cash to cover that amount. Leave your cards at home and pay in cash. If you're tempted to buy something not on your list, or pass by a tempting lunch special en route, you won't be able to spend more than what you budgeted for.
If you're into the idea of using cash to retrain yourself, check out the envelope method, in which you do this on a larger scale for all of your budget categories for a week or a month. You will identify the amount of money you need for each category, for example, groceries, withdraw it in cash, and put it into a labeled envelope. From there, you will spend only the money that is in the envelope on groceries for the remainder of the time period (whether it's a week or a month). Once it's gone, it's gone.
This is a great way to remind yourself that money is finite. Sure, you can keep earning more, but if you spend it, the amount will dwindle. This may sound like a silly thing to state, but sometimes with credit cards, it can start to feel like you have an endless well of funds and, for most of us, that just simply isn't true.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Automate your savings
Money I saved this week: $264
For those of us who aren't so inclined to use cash, or feel slightly allergic to rigid budgets, one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to automate your savings. It's my preferred method of saving money every week — even if I slip a bit on my other budgeting goals, I know that there will always be money put away on my behalf.
These days, there are a variety of automation apps available that can take all of the guesswork — and mental work — out of budgeting and just do it for you. They vary greatly in methodology, so make sure to do some research to find what works for you. Some swear by Digit (which is what I personally use), others prefer Qapital. It will depend on the types of goals you have for your savings as well as your income streams. There's even an app, Twine, that's designed specifically for couples working on shared savings goals.
For freelancers, Qapital also has a great option for automatically saving a percentage of each pay check for taxes (something that you should definitely be doing!). Digit's approach is much simpler, and you can set specific savings goals with both apps.
No matter what your saving style is, if you're already saving, or if you have no idea where to start, do yourself a favor this year and download an app that can help you automate.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Buying things in bulk
Money I saved: $10-20
I grew up going to Costco. It was a suburban, budget-friendly dream for my parents, and I mostly went for the pizza. I remember gaping at the enormous packages of everything — from bags of coffee beans to fruit snacks. Whenever possible, I try to pick up items in bulk every week when I pick up groceries, so that I can save money on staples.
Living in New York City, the idea of a trip to Costco (though I have a card) can sometimes fill me up with anxiety, if for no other reason than the commute. But, thankfully, there are plenty of other ways to stock up on bulk items without making a pilgrimage to Costco (though if one is accessible to you, then by all means take advantage of it!).
One of the best — and easiest — ways to save money is to stock up on bulk items whenever possible. Whether it's rice, pasta, flour, beans, or anything else that can be bought at a large scale, the cost drops dramatically when you buy things in large quantities. If you're able to buy at this scale and then split with a friend or roommate, this could be one of the best ways to trim down your grocery budget.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Leave things in your cart
Money I saved this week: $125
It's truly no secret that online shopping can be dangerous. The ease and abstract nature of the entire process make it a particularly precarious way to shop, especially if your credit card and shipping information is already saved and ready to go on your computer. Inevitably at some point every week, I find myself drifting through the pages of my favorite stores, zombie-like as I drag things into my cart. But, since I rarely allow myself to actually purchase these things, this doesn't necessarily have to be a bad habit.
If you're an avid online shopper, consider adhering to a new rule: Your items must sit in your cart for 24-48 hours before you can purchase. Feel free to peruse, but avoid hitting send until your new treasures have had some time to sit.
Often, the thrill of the purchase is what we're addicted to, and it's more than likely that you don't actually need a lot of the things you anxiously added to your cart. So next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through online stores (as I did this week on Everlane) as a rule, give yourself a couple of days to think your purchase over. (And if it's a limited time sale, don't buy it unless it's something you've been thinking about for months.) Who knows, you might even forget all about the things you thought you needed.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Opt for an appetizer
Money I saved this week: $6
There are plenty of articles that suggest foregoing eating out to save money. But, realistically, this isn't an easy thing to do. Nor is it necessarily a practical one.
Food is one of the cornerstones of hanging out, and it would be a deprivation to rule out communal meals for the sake of finances. Thankfully, there are many reasonable ways that you can cut down on eating out without having to sacrifice it all together.
First of all, if you're able to, consider going for a happy hour bite after work instead of a later dinner, this way you can pick appetizers off the menu for a reduced price, and even opt for a drink — often for less than the cost of one regular priced entrée item. Last week, I got an appetizer and a cocktail at a restaurant on happy hour for $10, instead of a burger and fries for $16. You can also always skip the alcohol and order a water or a tea instead.
If you do find yourself going somewhere for dinner and want to save some money, consider opting for an appetizer. They often cost half as much — or less — than an entrée and can be just as filling, if you choose wisely. (Just make sure you're clear about this to your friends before the check comes.)
Again, one of the most important things to remember when it comes to money-saving strategies is to find a middle ground. After all, while it's highly unsustainable — and a total downer — to entirely deprive yourself of the ability to break bread with friends, there are many ways that you can do it without stretching yourself too thin.
illustrated by Paola Delucca.
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New year, new opportunity for anti-abortion lawmakers to try to restrict a woman's right to choose. Republican state Rep. Robert Gofort just introduced a bill to ban abortions in Kentucky as soon as a fetal heartbeat is detected. This type of legislation, commonly known as a "heartbeat bill," would mean abortions could be banned as early as six weeks of gestation. At that point, most women don't even know they're pregnant.
The procedure is already severely restricted in Kentucky, which only has one abortion provider serving the entire state. Gofort's bill, which he pre-filed in mid-December before the new session began, makes it a felony for doctors to perform an abortion once the heartbeat is detected. It makes exceptions for cases where a woman's life is at risk, but not for rape or incest.
Similar measures have been halted in other states or blocked by the courts. Last summer, Iowa's heartbeat bill was blocked before it could go into effect. Most recently, outgoing Ohio Gov. John Kasich vetoed his state's heartbeat bill. Reproductive rights advocates argue these bills are unconstitutional because of the U.S. Supreme Court 's 1992 decision on Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which upheld a woman's right to choose an abortion before viability. (According to research, a fetus is not considered viable before 20 weeks of gestation.) Ever since, abortion bans before the 20-week mark have been struck down.
Elizabeth Nash, senior state issues manager at the Guttmacher Institute, cautioned in an interview with Refinery29 last month that more states will likely try to pass anti-abortion legislation with the hopes of it bringing the legal challenge that helps make abortion illegal in the United States once again due to the current balance of the Supreme Court.
"We are going to see a number of states, if not passing extreme abortion bans, [at least] debating them and seriously consider them in 2019. Most of the attention has been focused on the Supreme Court and passing restrictions that are unconstitutional right now, but could provide the court with the opening to undermine or overturn [ Roe v. Wade]," Nash said. "There are multiple opportunities for the courts to weigh in. It’s a very dangerous time, if you support abortion rights."
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If 2017 was all about the lob, and 2018 was about the bob, then 2019 was bound to bring us something even shorter — and Rowan Blanchard is one of the first to take the bait.
Just one week into 2019, the 17-year-old actress chopped eight inches off her signature bob in favor of a short pixie cut with tiny bangs. She debuted the cut on her Instagram Story (as is the celebrity way), with a sun-soaked selfie and the caption: "Chopped all my hair off happy 2019."
The cut, which is equal parts Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina and Winona Ryder in Girl, Interrupted, came courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Laurie Heaps, who told Refinery29 that there was a ton of celeb inspiration behind this particular chop.
"We were inspired by Mia Farrow, Edie Sedgwick, and Natalie Portman," says Heaps. "But I didn’t want to imitate the pixies of the past. I wanted to give it more edge, more attitude." According to Heaps, there was no specific impetus for Blanchard — she just wanted something entirely new for 2019. "I think all big changes are driven by emotions," she says. "Hair holds so much energy. Rowan was literally cutting off the old and starting anew." Luckily, Blanchard was immediately in love with the look, telling Heaps that it "actualized her identity."
Though a pixie as short as this one may be daunting, Heaps says that the most important part of rocking a style like this one is having confidence. "Pulling off a hairstyle like this just takes a fierce sense of self, and the willingness to do something radical that you thought you'd never do," Heaps says. "Maybe something that even scares you. The truth is, a haircut can change your entire sense of [self] and who you really are can come into focus."
If that sounds like something straight off your vision board for 2019 (or you just want a cool look for the new year) these on-trend haircuts are a great place to start.
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