Mohammad Sarfaraz Hussain was supposed to come out in "three minutes" from a quick check-in with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official after arriving at the William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, TX on the evening of July 3. Or at least, that's what the official told his sister Shahla Shahnawaz.

Instead, Hussain, a 23-year-old Pakistani immigrant with a valid student visa, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and is now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement, also known as ICE. Shahnawaz, 27, thinks her little brother was detained without cause.

"They were pushing my brother so he would say anything that would make him deportable," she said. "He has no criminal record and he didn't do anything wrong."

Hussain was born in Pakistan and grew up in Bahrain, the youngest of four siblings. When he turned 18 in 2013, he applied for a student visa and moved to the U.S. Shahnawaz said that her brother, who has learning disabilities, had originally been studying computer science at Austin Community College in Texas. But last October, she lost her job and was unable to support him, so Hussain deferred the semester because of financial hardship after consulting with the school and the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS). He then transferred to Houston Community College.

Hussain's five-year student visa was set to expire on July 8. His immigration attorney and a school counselor told him he needed to leave the U.S. and re-enter the country in order to complete the process of extending his student visa. Following this advice and armed with his valid visa and an I-20 form, which proved Hussain was legally enrolled in school, last week the siblings traveled to Cancun, Mexico for a day.

"He was a bit afraid," she said, "but I told him, 'Don't worry. I'm with you and I'm U.S. national. You have done nothing wrong and you're a student, so what could happen?'"

Turns out, the end of the trip would become their worst nightmare. Hussain was interviewed by airport officials for four hours before being arrested by CBP and put in immediate removal proceedings. But because he said he was afraid of being sent to Pakistan, he was transferred to ICE custody.

Shahnawaz believes that her brother was coerced into a false confession and that his detention might had been racially motivated. She added that an officer by the last name of Forrester involved in the detention of Hussain taunted her as she waited that evening, saying her brother wouldn't step on to U.S. soil if it was up to him. "He had so much hatred," she said. "[He asked] 'Why are you here? Why is your family here? I'm going to come after them next." (Refinery29 wasn't able to independently confirm the official's identity with CBP or TSA.)

An ICE spokesperson told Refinery29 that the reason Hussain was detained was because he violated the terms of his student visa.

“On July 3, 2018, Mohammad Sarfaraz Hussain, 23, a citizen of Pakistan, attempted to enter the U.S. after a flight from Mexico with a valid U.S. non-immigrant student visa. However, during his entry attempt, he confirmed under oath that he never attended school, and that he was illegally working in the United States — both are violations of the terms of his nonimmigrant visa," the spokesperson said via email. "U.S. immigration authorities detained Hussain and placed him in expedited removal because he is inadmissible to the U.S. as an intended immigrant without possessing a valid immigrant visa. Hussain remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.”

But Shahnawaz said that the agency is not telling the truth. "We have school records," she said. "How can they say he never went to school?"

She added that her brother never violated the terms of his visa by working and might have been coerced into telling immigration officials that he did. "God knows what kind of pressure he was under for four hours to say that under oath," she said. "The only thing he did was sometimes fix stuff for relatives or family friends, but that's not really working."

Claudia Valenzuela, detention project director at the National Immigrant Justice Center, said the advice the siblings got from their immigration attorney was flawed.

"It’s generally very risky to travel when your status is about to expire, including if you're a student," she said. "In our experience, student visas are very difficult to renew when you’re out of status, especially if you're detained."

It's now been a week since Hussain was detained. At first, Shahnawaz was not informed of where he was, so she spent Independence Day going from one detention facility to another across the Houston area trying to find him. He was able to call her at the end of the day and let her know where he was being held.

"He told me, 'I was transported today. I slept at a bench at Hobby Airport. Did I do something wrong?' I asked whether he had signed something," she said. "He said, 'Yes. They made me sign something and now I'm here. Can I come out?'"

Because of the process he's currently in, there's no way to post bond and have him return home while he awaits for his case to be resolved. And since he technically didn't step into U.S. soil, Hussain is not protected by the U.S. Constitution.

"Your rights are really diminished when you're seeking admission in the U.S. Once you're detained at an airport, which is a port of entry, you have very little rights and very little recourse," Valenzuela said. "There's no review of the decision to deny you entry to the U.S. on a visa. Essentially, the law creates some real hurdles on permitting the courts to have jurisdiction over these decisions. Your only recourse is if you express fear of returning to your country, that's the only way you can get before an immigration court."

That's what Hussain did. But as he waits, Shahnawaz said that she's mostly worried about his mental health, given the conditions within the for-profit detention center where he is being held and the whole ordeal he's going through.

"He said the conditions inside are very dire," she said. "Inside there are red, orange, and blue cells. Blue is mostly people who tried to cross the border illegally or that have no criminal record. Orange and red are people with criminal records. He was placed in the orange cell originally because the blue cells were so full."

She added: "There are students and people with green cards inside with him. People with disabilities. He keeps asking, 'Why am I being treated as a criminal? I didn't do anything.' I'm scared for his mental health and what toll being detained might have on him."

According to Valenzuela, many immigration detention centers have a long history of lacking adequate conditions.

"It doesn’t surprise me at all. We routinely get complaints by the folks we serve in detention," Valenzuela said, "It ranges from lack of adequate food to lack of adequate medical care to just the conditions of the facility itself. With stepped up immigration enforcement, we're hearing that facilities are overcrowded. It’s not out of ordinary that the conditions at the detention center would be extremely deficient."

Hussain's family is now expecting him to take his credible fear interview, which will determine whether he gets to stay in the U.S. pending an asylum case or he gets deported.

"Our religion teaches us to practice patience and be grateful no matter the hardship. But then reality hits and I realize I might get married or have a child and my brother might not be there to witness it because he might deported," Shahnawaz said, her voice breaking.

She added, "You come to the States because you want to live in a place [where everyone has] rights and freedom. But if you're afraid of your rights and your freedom being stripped away, is this really the right place for you anymore?"

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Every year, our favorite beauty brands kick off the start of summer by stocking shelves with pretty poppy-pink lipsticks, floral packaging, cool-toned cream blushes, and highlighters dripping in rose-gold shimmer. That fresh, breezy vibe fits perfectly for May and June... but with the current heat wave? Not so much. The air is stifling, spring's perennials are dead and drooping on the sidewalk, and the streets are hot enough to fry an egg — and summer's hot new look is bringing us a whole new color palette, too.

To complement the rising temps, the go-to makeup of mid-July is all about incorporating bold fire-engine reds and vivid oranges — in other words, anything that reads "hot and spicy" just by looking at it.

We already know that Kylie Jenner is on board with plans to drop a summer 2018 makeup collection filled with copper- and tangerine-colored eyeshadows, shiny glosses, and bold matte lipsticks later this week, but there's even more fun to be had. Check out all the fiery nail polishes, lip shades, and shadow palettes you need to usher in those hot summer nights, ahead.

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Like chips and guac, sneakers and adidas is a classic pairing that just makes sense. Take the brand's latest footwear drop for instance: Featuring four in-demand silhouettes all accented with a cool pink-ish tint, the lineup is primed to become summer's biggest sellout.

The cross-category capsule, dubbed the Orchid Tint pack, includes the Swift Run and NMD styles (lifestyle sneaks with a streetwear feel), plus the Run Lux Clima and Edgebounce (running shoes with all-day wearability). Each one boasts all the trappings of an ideal hot-weather shoe, like breathable mesh, springy cushioning, not to mention the pastel coloring. Whether you're in search of a new training shoe to coerce you back to the track or you simply need a comfy option to kick around in this summer, you can't go wrong with this pink pack. Shop the drop exclusively at Finish Line this July.

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Welcome to our new bi-weekly column, Insta-Bait, where we highlight the brands taking over our feeds right now — because Instagram isn't just a place where we DM memes to our friends and double-tap our style icons' most on-point outfits, it's where we discover new labels on the regular.

Lisa Says Gah has its Instagram aesthetic on point. All of the brand's imagery constantly hits the perfect balance of girly and effortless, in the perfect, didn't-try-too-hard setting, with the perfect, easy-to-replicate styling, on girls who are #goals, to say the least. Can you tell I'm a fan? Needless to say, as soon as I saw pictures of its new collection being teased on Instagram, I found myself essentially refreshing its feed over and over until it finally launched.

This week, the San Francisco-based e-tailer launched the summer offering from its in-house label, and it's comprised of the pretty warm weather staples you didn't know your closet was missing (at least, I didn't). Sure, I already have more puffy-sleeved tops and gingham dresses than any one person should own, but these...these are different. They're perfectly constructed and come in an eye-catching color palette, almost to the point where I wish I could just return the wrap dresses and smocked tops I've bought over the past few months and exchange them for these. And don't get me started on that pajamas-for-real-life set — that's pretty much the only thing I want to wear in this heat.

TLDR: Consider me sold. Now click on to shop these #OOTD-worthy pieces for yourself.

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Just when we thought Meghan Markle’s style only consisted of all things Givenchy and bateau necklines (but no wedges!), the Duchess of Sussex decided to (briefly) switch things up on us. Markle and Prince Harry are currently in Dublin meeting with Ireland's President, Michael Higgins, and his wife Sabina Coyne, at their residence — for the occasion, the former Suits actress gave us not one but two outfits. If you’re keeping track, that brings the amount of looks Markle wore this week to five (and yes, it's only Wednesday).

Markle started today off in a gray bespoke Roland Mouret dress (with a bateau neckline, naturally). She completed the look with a Fendi Peekaboo bag, black Paul Andrew pumps, and diamond earrings. We saw Markle wear a similar style dress by the same designer the night before her wedding (though that version was navy and short-sleeved), and it seems that Mouret, who is a friend of the Duchess', really knows a thing or two about tailoring.

It was Markle’s next look, however, that really had people talking. For her second engagement of the day, Markle changed into a more shocking silhouette (for a royal, at least): a tailored black pantsuit by Givenchy, which she paired with a white T-shirt, black belt, and black clutch. (In fact, the only thing not Givenchy was her shoes, which are by Sarah Flint, a designer Markle has been wearing for years.)

The last time Markle wore a suit was in February when she attended the Endeavour Fund Awards, which honors wounded service men and women in London. Back then, Markle's choice was called out for "breaking royal protocol " and was considered surprising for a future royal. Thankfully, the Internet has since gotten past that. Because Meghan Markle has never been traditional, and, let's be real, why does she need to be?

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Nail art is more than a trend — it's a bona-fide movement. Whether the polish is inspired by a music festival, fueled by feminism, or simply a love letter to summer, it forms a wearable fashion statement that lasts for weeks. Although models and actors have been known to garner attention for rocking intricate designs, the real celebrities in the nail-art world are, fittingly, the artists themselves.

Through viral Instagram posts and head-turning runway looks, these artists prove that nails are a mini canvas with limitless possibilities. Their world is one explored in the critically acclaimed TNT drama Claws , which you can binge now. Starring the ever-fierce Niecy Nash and executive produced by Rashida Jones, the show dives headfirst into the nail world, with a fair amount of behind-the-scenes drama (in this case, undercover drug trafficking).

In real life, the stories may be less theatrical, but the designs are no less mesmerizing. To find out what it's like to dominate the nail industry, Refinery29 talked with three powerhouses in the nail-art world. Like the women in Claws, these three artists are both incredibly empowering and unapologetically themselves.

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Smoking cigarettes hasn’t been legal or socially acceptable in most spaces for a while now, and that fact has placed the ashtray, once a staple of many a tablescape, into a state of near-extinction. But recently, renewed interest in them — both as a design object and a functional vessel for everything from joint remnants to smudge sticks — has piqued among many in the spheres of art, craft, and design. Which means an ashtray could be just what your curated coffee table has been craving.

According to Erin Dollar, a textile designer behind the brand Cotton & Flax who’s also a regular on the trade show circuit, the market for ashtrays has been steadily building over the past few years. In January of this year, she penned a trend forecast for the Craft Industry Alliance, predicting the comeback of the accessory.

“It was something that I just kept seeing around and becoming more prolific among the sort of indie designer scene,” Dollar tells Refinery29. “It is tied to legalization [of marijuana] and just sort of a return to smoking culture. There's stuff going on with burning sage or Palo Santo. There's a lot of crossover uses for [ashtrays] that are really tied to, kind of modern wellness and just how to relax at a really stressful time.”

Marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in 10 states and the District of Columbia; it’s legal for medicinal use in 20 more and is decriminalized in others. State-by-state legal status aside, it’s far more socially acceptable to smoke weed these days than it was even five or ten years ago, which means people are more likely to seek out and proudly display artfully crafted smoking accessories. And, indeed, in our era of the never-ending, Trumped-up news cycle, many people are looking for something — anything! — to help them unwind at the end of the day.

“It’s almost seeing the kind of crossover of crystals and the way that people kind of arranged those in their house — like a ritual space or a place of calm contemplation. I think that that sort of sculptural ashtray has a similar role in decor,” Dollar posits.

From a design standpoint, ashtrays provide the rare opportunity for a small, functional, usually affordable artwork to exist within the home. Even if you don’t have the funds or the motivation to become a semi-serious art collector, you might be willing to throw down some extra cash on a cool-looking ashtray to place next to your designer candle and stack of glossy coffee table books. Or, depending on your aesthetic, your blown-glass bong.

And while you could find such a thing on Amazon or at Urban Outfitters, these days, there’s a chance you might also stumble upon the ash receptacle of your dreams inside a bona fide art gallery. “The Ashtray Show”, a current exhibition at Brooklyn’s Fisher Parrish Gallery, features a collection of ashtrays produced by over 80 artists and designers. From a sequin-embellished vessel that feels far too beautiful to put almost anything into to one that resembles a collection of drug baggies, the many artistic possibilities are on full display. After all, as gallery owner Zoe Fisher tells Refinery29, “When it comes down to it, it’s really just a small sculpture.”

In addition to being impressively on-trend, “The Ashtray Show” is also the latest in a series of annual summer shows produced by the gallery that showcase artist renditions of everyday objects. Last year’s featured item, the paperweight, is another example of a once-ubiquitous thing that has been phased out over the years largely due to lack of need. But by enlisting artists and designers to riff on them, it makes a solid case for their continued relevance. It’s also worth noting that artist-designed ashtrays have a solid place in the canon of art and design, thanks to the likes of Le Corbusier, Enzo Mari, Marianne Brandt, and even Dan Colen, the contemporary artist who, in 2014, transformed a former Con Ed building into a kind of giant ashtray, thanks to a bunch of large glass cigarette butts.

“There's something really appealing about making something that, you know, still feels a little taboo,” Katie Stout, an artist featured in “The Ashtray Show”, tells Refinery29. “[But also] I think that people are just having a new take on objects in general.”

Stout credits a general cultural nostalgia for the 1980s and ‘90s — the last time things like ashtrays and paperweights were seen regularly in the wild — for the renewed interest in certain nearly-forgotten objects. Chalk it up to the fact that fashion and design trends are notoriously cyclical, or consider that maybe there’s a deeper yearning among many of us for a time when things felt simpler. A time when people had desks stacked with physical papers and smoke breaks were a thing and Donald Trump was just another obnoxious rich guy.

Okay, so smoking cigarettes inside — or, you know, at all — may not have been a great look, but if we can pick and choose our favorite objects from bygone eras and imbue them with the design principles (and health restrictions) of today, then perhaps we can have the best of both worlds.

And, as unfortunate as it may be to admit, in cities like New York, London, and Paris, cigarette culture never really died, it just moved into the shadows. “I think that a lot of people still do smoke cigarettes, especially in places like New York and other cities, and [ashtrays] kind of add some dignity to the whole activity,” Joseph Guerra, a partner at the design firm Visibility, which participated in the exhibition, told Refinery29. “I think it's much appreciated, especially when it's outside and at a nice cafe or a table. It really adds to the environment.” That being said, many of today's smokers prefer vape pens, a less obvious, less smelly alternative that needs no ashtray.

But that's okay, because whether or not you choose to partake in any kind of ash-producing act, a beautiful, unexpected ashtray (in your home or perhaps your office desk) provides a host of aesthetically pleasing storage opportunities. Put your jewelry in it, fill it with little candies, or in the case of more outre versions, just leave it be and see how long it takes for your guests to realize what it even is. And once they do, you can thank them for not smoking.

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It's tough to keep a good secret for long. At least, that seems to be the motto the anonymous face(s) behind the Instagram account @amazonfashionsecrets abides by. The account, which is as straight-forward as its name, shares a running catalog of fashion-focused picks that surprisingly exist within the wide (and often confusing) world of Amazon.

Chronicling finds of popular and off the beaten track trends — including dad sneakers, cherry earrings, and basket bags — and a selection of products that cross into knock-off territory (Baelngiaca sneakers, anyone?), whoever's running the account is clearly in tune with the wave of kitsch-adoring fashion fans. But having amassed over 9K followers on Instagram since its inception this past winter, it's clear their hard work at exposing Amazon's secret mecca of trends isn't going unnoticed.

But what makes a seemingly random assortment of Amazon items so enticing to strangers? We’d wager that, more than anything, it’s the dirt cheap price these items are listed for. (Ex: featured swimsuits are in the $17 price range.) Plus, anyone who’s ever attempted to sift through Amazon for anything beyond bundles of underwear can attest to the lack of “fashion-forward” items available on the site, so a curated selection of goods where someone else has put in the legwork is pretty damn enticing.

Be warned: Navigating the Instagram account's method for providing the direct Amazon links can be slightly confusing. But heading over to this linked blog (which is full of even more finds) and clicking on the product images will lead you to a hidden "#ITSASECRET" hyperlink that will get you there. And for those who don't have the time to navigate through that headache, they've compiled all of their picks into neat little wish lists over at their personal Amazon account. (So if you want to give the brains behind the Instagram a little 'thank you,' we're sure churning out some affiliate money for them is enough of a return.)

Ahead, check out our personal favorite posts from @amazonfashionsecrets.

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So, you want to get a bob. Who doesn't these days, right? Bella Hadid, Rowan Blanchard, Tessa Thompson — they've all got 'em, why shouldn't you? But like lipsticks or foundations, bobs are not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. Instead, you've got to find what works for you, your routine, and your hair type.

To navigate the perfect bob haircuts, we turned to two top hairstylists for their expert opinions: Leanne Citrone, co-owner and stylist at Andy Lecompte Salon in Los Angeles, and Jon Reyman, founder of bicoastal salon Spoke & Weal. Both Citrone and Reyman categorize the trendy length as a shock-proof cut that won't leave you in tears, and might even inspire you to try more risk-tasking lengths in the future. Reyman likes to call it the "gateway drug" to different, more dramatic cuts.

And how do you know if you should take the plunge? "When you're ready, you're ready," says Citrone. Sound like you? Ahead, all the answers — and inspo — you need.

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As Sen. Marco Rubio gets ready to introduce new paid family leave legislation, Ivanka Trump — who has fashioned herself into a champion of the cause — says her ideal plan is more ambitious than what Republicans have been discussing.

In a nutshell, the Republicans have put forth a rather limited plan to address the fact that the U.S. is the only industrialized country missing a federal paid leave policy. Sen. Rubio and other members of the GOP back a proposal, released by the conservative Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) earlier this year, that allows for 12 weeks paid leave, amounting to about 45% of the average worker's wages. It stops at new parents, including adoptive ones, and would be paid for by dipping into your Social Security benefits — two heavily criticized features.

The Democrats think this doesn't go far enough and are dubious about the source of funding — and Ivanka Trump, first daughter and adviser to the president, seems to agree with them on at least one of those points, although she ultimately stands behind a more pared-down plan.

"My preference is to go beyond parental leave," Ivanka told Refinery29 as she glided through the hallway of the Dirksen Senate Office Building after Wednesday's hearing on paid family leave, held in front of a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Finance. "But...right now we are at zero weeks of paid leave. We don't have parental, we don't have caregiving. So we have to move off that mark — it's been 25 years since FMLA was passed."

My preference is to go beyond parental leave. But...right now we are at zero weeks of paid leave. We don't have parental, we don't have caregiving.

FMLA (the Family Medical Leave Act), passed in 1993, allows workers 12 weeks of leave to take care of a child or sick relative, although only about 60% of all employees are eligible for it since it's restricted to companies with over 50 people. It's also unpaid, which is the piece of the puzzle that puts us far behind other industrialized countries. This often leaves workers having to make the tough decision between a job and their family, unable to spend time with a sick child or dying parent because they need to take care of the bottom line.

Both Democrats and Republicans seem confident that they can come to a bipartisan agreement on this issue at some point — although their ideas are quite different.

The Democrats have been pushing for the FAMILY Act, first introduced in 2013, which would provide workers with up to 12 weeks' partial income, covering up to two-thirds of wages, and — unlike the Republican plan — covers caregiving and one's own health conditions. This means you get time off not only to care for a newborn child, but to care for a sick parent or other relative, or yourself if you get ill.

"To make progress and advance legislation that we can sign into law, we need to bring both sides together to discuss the merits of different policy proposals and ultimately bridge the differences," said Trump. "And I'm hopeful that this was a step in the right direction."

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who on Wednesday testified in favor of the FAMILY Act — which she was key in crafting — said she is "willing to talk about ways to pay for [a paid family leave plan]" with Republicans, but that she ultimately thinks the cleanest, easiest way is for taxpayers to chip in a couple of dollars a week.

"It’s the cost of a cup of coffee a week; it’s not a lot of money. I would pay $2 a week. Would you pay $2 a week?" she asked reporters. "I bet you would!"

Speaking with Refinery29, Sen. Gillibrand acknowledged what she says is the limited scope of the Republicans' plan.

"Every family in America, every worker in America, is going to have a time in their life when they need to take care of a loved one, whether it’s a new child, a sick child, a parent who’s dying, or a spouse who’s sick," she said. "And unfortunately today, too many people have to make that choice, that very tough choice, between a paycheck, a job, and caring for their loved ones. So we need to make sure that we have a paid leave plan that’s comprehensive and that covers all workers."

According to the Department of Labor, 19% of workers take FMLA so they can care for a sick family member, 22% for the birth or adoption of a child, and 57% for their own illnesses, which means most leave-takers wouldn't be covered under the current GOP proposal.

We need to make sure that we have a paid leave plan that’s comprehensive and that covers all workers.

So while both sides of the aisle agree that the U.S. needs to climb out of the Middle Ages and pass some sort of paid leave policy — a recent poll found that 90% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans support this move — they disagree on how to get it done.

Vicki Shabo, vice president for workplace policies and strategies with the National Partnership for Women & Families, who testified at Wednesday’s hearing, backs Sen. Gillibrand's bill.

"Bipartisanship shouldn't be out of reach and today's hearing is a very welcome development," she told Refinery29. "But the Rubio plan would do more harm than good," she said, being parents-only and "[forcing] parents to choose between paid leave and retirement security."

Shabo said there has been a lot of action when it comes to paid leave legislation on the state level recently, and that successful state policies have been the model for the FAMILY Act. In six states and Washington, D.C., there are either policies in place or there will be soon. And more than half of all states have considered some form of paid leave, which studies show has a positive effect on business productivity, profitability, and even employee morale. In Washington state, she said, the recently enacted law was the "product of true bipartisan negotiation and compromise," which she said should be an example for the country as a whole.

Can that be achieved on the Hill? The mood is tentatively hopeful. Now that there's been a bipartisan national conversation, "Maybe we’ll work together to find a bill that is a good compromise," said Sen. Gillibrand.

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Even the most easily nauseated, who can barely even stomach the word " pus," will find it hard not to smile while watching Dr. Pimple Popper, TLC's new — and long-awaited — dermatological makeover series. Every week, dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) meets with different men and women suffering from rare, often confidence-crushing skin conditions. The boils they carry are massive. The cysts are bubbling up to balloon-sized. But it's the people underneath the incredible lumps and growths that make the show worth watching. Just cover your eyes through the pimple eruptions, if you must.

Maybe it's Dr. Lee's chatty, likable bedside manner, or because the four skin disorders she faces are seriously gnarly, but the hour-long premiere episode is gripping right off the bat. First, there's Melissa and her three-pound pillow of a neck growth, which has forced her to wear a sweatshirt day and night for the past three years. Then there's sweet and self-deprecating Tyler, who has two mysterious cysts on his face and a worrisome family history of cancer. Taj brings Dr. Lee a chest filled with painful boils, while Amber silently suffers with an ear-piercing gone terribly wrong.

All four patients bring their own unique condition to Dr. Lee's table (literally, the surgical one), but it's definitely a bumpy road to salvation. Seriously, so many bumps.

Case #1: Melissa

We meet 30-year-old Melissa at a Shop & Cart in her hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she's wearing a black zip-up hoodie. "I wear a hooded sweatshirt day and night, even when it's 90 degrees outside because I have this huge lump on the back of my neck," she says. Melissa first noticed the now-massive bulging bump back in 2015, when it was only an inch and a half and easy to cover up, but it grew to the size of a grapefruit within a year, and has since tripled in size.

Though shockingly large, Melissa says that she hasn't felt a pressing need to get the growth removed because it's not actually painful. "It just feels squishy," she says, tugging at the ballooned-out skin on her neck. "When I lay down, it gets pushed up under my head, like an extra pillow. I just assumed it would go away eventually, but it just got bigger and bigger."

Upon initial inspection, Dr. Lee is concerned that Melissa's growth is, well, still growing. "The fact that it has grown so rapidly is suspicious," she explains. "Does that mean there's something bad in there that's growing out of control?" The answer, thankfully, is no. Melissa is diagnosed with a large lipoma, which is a benign collection of fat cells. "It's as if one fat cell started making clonal copies of itself," Dr. Lee explains.

After numbing Melissa with local anesthesia (which means Melissa's awake — eek), Dr. Lee cuts into the lipoma — and immediately, the top layer of pus starts flowing out (you might want to cover your eyes for this part). The tricky part is excising the entirety of the lipoma, so Dr. Lee has to yank at the mass, pulling the solidified fat buildup out in handfuls. In the end (you can open your eyes now), there's a bowling ball-sized ball of white pus lying on the surgical table, which is a much better place for it than in Melissa's neck.

A post shared by Sandra Lee, MD, FAAD, FAACS (@drsandralee) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:40pm PDT

Case #2: Tyler

Patient #2 take us to the tiny town of Litchfield, New Hampshire, where we meet Tyler, a 25-year-old construction worker with two cysts on his face."The first lump on my forehead showed up about five or six years ago, and the second bump over my eye came up a few years after that," Tyler explains, motioning to a larger horn-like cyst in the middle of his forehead. "At first, I thought it was a zit, but then it kept growing." Luckily, like Melissa, neither of Tyler's growths are painful. "You can poke it and move it around under the skin," he laughs — demonstrating how his snapback baseball hat gets caught on the protruding lump when he puts it on backwards.

Even though the bumps are on his face, and can't really be covered, Tyler hasn't been in any rush to get them checked out. "I have a long history of cancer in my family, and I'm just afraid I'm going to get bad news," he admits. But as a new dad, Tyler has all the more reason to get his health in order. "I have to focus on being healthy now, so I can be there for my daughter," he says. "It's a health concern — a major one."

So Tyler makes his first trip to the West Coast to visit Dr. Lee, who immediately gets him on the table to cut into his face. Again, take caution here if you're squeamish — because right after the first cut, there's a spewing of what looks like hunks of potatoes. (Good thing Tyler loves mashed potatoes.) Cyst number one: successfully extracted.

Moving on to number two, the second bump is smaller, and barely noticeable over Tyler's right eye. But Dr. Lee immediately notices that the cyst is abnormally deep under the skin, which gives her pause and sends Tyler into an is-it-cancer panic. "It's the deepest cyst I've ever seen, tucked under the eye muscle," Dr. Lee explains. "The material is not like anything I've ever seen before; it's so deep and buried down in there." The doc then closes and sends the excised cyst sample to pathology, while we're left crossing our fingers that the biopsy comes back benign.

Case #3: Taj

Taj enters Dr. Lee's office with an array of small, puffy bumps on his shoulders and chest, many of which have turned into larger infected boils. "The boils pop, and when they do, they're juicy," says Tyler. "When they get to a certain size, I just pop them and it's so painful." Dr. Lee immediately diagnoses Taj's bumps as an extreme case of steatocystoma multiplex, a common skin condition that typically occurs around puberty. "What happens is that the oil glands on the skin clog up and can get infected, which is when they really hurt and have a potential to scar," Dr. Lee explains.

Because Taj has these steatocystoma cysts all over his body, Dr. Lee has to work slowly and methodically to make sure that she gets all the pus out all and doesn't worsen the infection. She goes to town, and if you're a self-professed popaholic, Taj's case is a must-watch. (And if you're not? Well, you know what to do.) The white and yellowish liquid spills out of his body like hot butter. "These guys are fun to remove and satisfying to watch," says Dr. Lee. "Sometimes we do a guessing game — what color is going to come out?" Lovely.

Case #4: Amber

The last case of the premiere brings us to Amber, who we meet at a farmer's market in L.A. The 29-year-old has massive growths hanging from both her earlobes, where dangly earrings would hang. "Two weeks after I got my ears pierced, I noticed these two little growths on the back of my ear," says Amber. "A few weeks after that, they grew bigger, about the size of a small grape, and now they're huge."

Amber's squishy lumps are technically referred to as keloids, usually caused by skin trauma and broken cartilage, and thus are very common after a botched ear piercing. The skin cells that thrive under trauma are triggered to overproduce, which is why the keloids can grow to be enormous, as with Amber's ears. More than an issue of vanity, the biggest problem with the lumpy growths is the pain. "By the end of the day, I want to rip my headband off because they're throbbing," says Amber. "I can't even get comfortable laying down."

Dr. Lee is tasked with removing Amber's keloids very carefully. "When I'm removing a keloid, I have to be careful not to damage any of the surrounding skin, because keloids are born out of trauma, so any additional trauma could cause them to grow back," she says. That's why the keloids are a delicate project: Sometimes by removing them you can accidentally create even bigger lumps.

The extraction is the bloodiest of the episode — which makes sense, because Amber's keloids are growing close to the ear's blood supply. It's no less of an extreme extraction, but there is a little less pus.

At the end of the episode, we circle back to all the patients one month post-surgery, and the joy of their new leases on life will make you forget every oozy extraction. Most importantly, we also learn that Tyler's mystery cyst is benign. Of course, they save that vital tidbit for the last scene — because hey, that's TV, and this is Dr. Pimple Popper, where anything can happen. Tune in next week for a whole new episode, and a whole lot more pus.

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The Black Girl's Guide To Laser Hair Removal

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Essence Festival is a celebration of all Black everything, from fashion to beauty to business. And for four blissful days in New Orleans, half a million aunties, cousins, friends, and sorors gathered to do just that. But what you might not know looking at all those smiling attendees, is that it was hot as hell outside. With temps as high as 90 in the heart of Louisiana, festival goers had to get creative to stay cool. And it resulted in some seriously memorable styles.

While there were a few brave souls who wore (and slayed) their long hair and big 'fros, more celebs opted for updos — especially for a full day of press and parties. The looks were just as fashionable as they were functional, and fitting for any event you have this summer. Ahead, check out the looks we're pinning for our next outdoor, too-hot-to-handle event.

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So, You Want To Get A Bob...

The On-Trend Summer Hair Color Sweeping Hollywood Right Now

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Contrary to what you may have read at the nail salon or in the checkout line, celebrities are not just like us. Last time we checked, we didn't have a private chef, driver, or trainer — although we're totally open to all three — nor do we live in a gated community or vacation on yachts. (Again, we wouldn't mind...) But one way celebrities — even the richest, the most famous, the most successful — actually do seem relatable? They love cheap beauty products.

Yes, sometimes even Kylie Jenner and Beyoncé have to make a pit stop at their local Walgreens for a re-up on their favorite makeup-removing wipes. Sure, they probably send their assistants, but shopping at the drugstore is shopping at the drugstore. That's why we're rounding up the products the rich and famous rave about and that we can actually afford. (Note: None of the products that follow are ones the celebrity is paid to endorse. This is legit, people.) So check 'em out in the slides ahead.

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There are certain beauty products that editors, stylists, and trusted friends alike recommend time and time again. You know the ones — the tried-and-true favorites that never fail to make our hearts skip a beat when we see them on our top shelves, often lovingly referred to as cult classics. How does one product earn said status, you ask? Beyond winning awards and culminating a wait list like no other, it’s the elusive It factor they possess — only truly earned by a word-of-mouth buzz.

As we update our beauty routines for the hotter months ahead, we wanted to know exactly what products our fellow R29ers consider such essentials this season. From the Oribe texturizing spray that boosts one manager's hair through all the humidity to the legendary Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer that gives an editor that ideal dewy coverage, these are the products we can’t imagine doing summer without. See how many you've tried ahead, and then bookmark this story for your next trip down the beauty aisle.

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Beauty Editor-Approved Skin Care You Can Buy On Amazon Prime

Times, they are a-changing, and we couldn't be more thrilled. In the past, plus-size women have had to settle for whatever oversized, floral, and frankly not-so-cute bathing suit they could find, but it’s 2018 and swim designs for the size 14-plus set are finally on-trend.

As awesome as the variety is, it can be daunting to rifle through so many sites and racks to find the best piece. That's why we’ve curated a collection of the styles we're loving this season. Whether you’re all about embellishments or live for minimalism, there’s something for every style, budget, and body. Find yours ahead; it’s time to take back the beach.

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Whether you're still freeloading off your parents' Amazon account info (crossing your fingers at every login that they didn't change the password) or you've splurged on your own subscription, it's an open secret that Prime is a game-changer. More than just a foolproof way to save money on practical yet unsexy items like phone cases and makeup wipes (hel lo, Add-on Items), that little blue "Prime" logo means free, guaranteed two-day shipping on high-end finds steals like trendy Fila dad sneakers and Dior lip balm.

And if you haven't ventured down the rabbit hole of Amazon Prime's Beauty & Personal Care section in a few months, you're in for a happy surprise, because it's gotten a major upgrade recently. There are still those low-key indie finds, but now you can get your Aztec clay mask with your favorite pack of makeup wipes and a hangover-curing jade roller — it's all Prime-able.

Check out all of our beauty editors' top Amazon Prime skin-care staples, ahead.

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The Black Girl's Guide To Laser Hair Removal

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Anymore, it feels impossible to look around without getting the feeling that the '90s have taken over. From mini skirt suits à la Cher Horowitz to Kelly Kapowski-inspired scrunchies, you'd be hard pressed to avoid slipping past '90s fashion trends of late. So instead of hiding from the past, we've decided to embrace the era full force. First stop: square toed shoes. If you're still wearing round toes, you're so stuck in the '00s.

With the help of indie shoe brands like Rafa, By Far, and Loq, the square toe sandal has gone through a major revamp. These aren't the Nine West strappy heels you'll find sitting on a shelf at your local vintage shop (okay, maybe they kind of are). Since the new square toed heel inception, dozens of new designer takes on this vintage-inspired trend have popped up from the likes of The Row (courtesy of our favorite 90s twins) to Rejina Pyo. Basically, square toe shoes are beloved by all despite their origins.

Since you may not be convinced of bucket hats and track suits quite yet, the 21 sandals ahead will give you all the throwback vibes you need to master the era in style.

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2018's Biggest Swim Trend Is One We've Always Loved

The props most likely to turn up in summertime Instagram photos tend to stay relatively consistent from year to year: The flamingo pool float might be replaced with a unicorn, or the fresh coconut held in front of the ocean swapped out for a fancy cocktail, but the differences are minimal and easily forgettable. (Straw hats with “Out Of Office” embroidered in swirling letters aren’t going anywhere.)

There is, however, a new prop popping up in lifestyle shots this summer: Scooters. Electric scooters to be precise.

They’re on the Venice Beach boardwalk, surrounded by sand and palm trees. They’re in front of brightly colored, geometric-patterned murals. They’re shot as standalone accessories, or taken out in pairs on date night. Make no mistake: These are not your little brother’s Razor A2s. Instead, they belong to an increasingly valuable class of e-scooter start-ups that’s looking to cash in on the rideshare economy by offering an autonomous alternative to cars and bikes.

One of the companies leading the charge is Bird, which was founded by Travis VanderZanden, a former executive at both Uber and Lyft. The e-scooter startup launched in beta in Santa Monica in September 2017 and has expanded at lightspeed: Within just 10 months the company has reportedly reached a valuation of $2 billion, and was one of the fastest startups to reach Silicon Valley’s coveted unicorn status. Meanwhile, other companies are racing to get in on their own share of the scooter funding craze: Lime, a bike-share business, has quickly become a top competitor. The company launched its own fleets of e-scooters, and is currently in a $335 million fundraising round. This week, Uber invested in Lime as part of its own efforts to diversify beyond its existing car-based offerings. There’s also Spin, another company that started out in bike-sharing and quickly scooted into the other two-wheeled transit mode in February. Save some minor color variations — Bird has pops of red, while Spin opts for orange and Lime for lime green — the e-scooters look and work relatively similarly.

At their core, e-scooter companies promise to do what any mode of transit does: Get you from point A to point B, this time on a slim foot-deck that carries you at speeds up to 15 mph. But the desire to integrate them as part of a curated Instagram lifestyle is something novel. Bird in particular seems to be taking advantage of its understanding of social media and internet culture at large to set itself apart and prove that e-scooters have a place in society that extends beyond basic utility.

There is nothing sexy about the origin story of the modern-day kick scooter. Although scooters have gained some credibility in the extreme sports community — no joke — since their rise to popularity in the early 2000s, they’re still more readily associated with the nerdy neighborhood kids in an ABC Family special than a couples’ meet-cute of choice in a Netflix rom-com.

From the current evidence, it’s clear that Bird is trying to change this image, positioning itself not just as a transportation company, but a lifestyle brand as well. Head to the company ’s Instagram account and you’ll see that the large majority of photos are the kind you might expect to see on an influencer’s profile. The first photo ever posted in September 2017 sets the tone for others like it that have appeared in the months since: A Bird is parked in front of Noah Abrams’ popular black-and-white palm tree mural on Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

With the exception of photos Bird posts whenever the scooters launch in a new city (it is currently active in 22 cities, spanning from Charlotte and D.C. on the east coast to L.A. and San Diego out west), all of the photos on the company’s feed are reposts of images shot and posted organically by users. In other words, women are incorporating Bird into their feeds in the same way they might a circular straw bag or rooftop drink. It’s standard lifestyle Instagram fare, but add a scooter.

“We are inspired by how people are organically integrating Bird into their lifestyles and are happy to celebrate their stories with our community,” a Bird spokesperson told Refinery29 of the brand’s posts.

You probably wouldn’t pose with your Uber or Lyft — or even a classic kick scooter meant for the under-16 set — so what makes Bird any different?

“It’s always fun to watch new brands come out and see that they’re taken in a really interesting or different way than you would predict,” Kate Wolff, the SVP of Client Services at relationship marketing agency RQ, told Refinery29. “I would have never forecasted Bird being anything beyond a utility, except for the fact that it’s so tech-oriented.”

Women are incorporating Bird into their feeds in the same way they might a circular straw bag or rooftop drink. It’s standard lifestyle Instagram fare, but add a scooter.

The “cool” label that comes with being part of an emerging, disruptive start-up is one factor Wolff sees driving Bird’s popularity as a kind of lifestyle prop, while scarcity — you can’t get e-scooters everywhere, yet — is another. The fact that some of the earliest cities with the motorized scooters feature no shortage of pretty backdrops is probably no accident, but also the cherry on top.

Wolff likens the consumer interest in photographing Birds in front of graphic walls, and the brand’s own embrace of these images on its feed, to J.Crew’s 2013 Shiny Ponies campaign. The apparel brand latched on to something women were already doing — photographing their shoes on colorful backgrounds — and encouraged shoppers to show off their #ShinyPonies, a playful term coined by J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons for the shoes that made the cut (Ugly Dollies, meanwhile, went to the design graveyard). To this day, women still tag shoe photos with the campaign’s hashtag. The social media play is not so different for Bird in 2018: Just replace shoes with scooters, colorful tiles with graphic murals, and throw on #LoveBird. (Though a search for the hashtag currently pulls up more feathered creatures than wheeled ones.)

There’s also an inherent nostalgia component driving the product’s appeal. Courtney Eckdahl, 27, a healthcare recruiter in Nashville, first heard about the e-scooters from a friend. “I thought the idea was pretty great,” Eckdahl said via email. “I always loved scooters as a kid and now I had the chance to ride them again all over town, not to mention they are much cheaper than taking an Uber or Lyft, especially if you are just going a few miles down the road.”

Where e-scooters differ from other forms of transportation is in their convenience and cost: Bird scooters are dockless, meaning you just need to locate one nearby on the app, and can leave it right at your destination, instead of having to park it at a specific spot. (Bird pays contract workers, often teens and young adults, to collect and charge the e-scooters, a practice that’s become known as “bird hunting”). You can ride at speeds up to 15 mph, and each ride starts at just $1, with .15 cents extra per minute. After spending hours on the scooters with friends, Eckdahl Instagrammed a picture with the new prop that Bird later shared to their own account.

“I think we discount that travel is often times exhausting and stressful,” Madeline Brozen, the Associate Director for External Relations at UCLA’s Lewis Center and the Institute of Transportation Studies, said of the alternative e-scooters provide. The fact that you get a little bit of a speed rush, experience the scenery around you, and can be part of a social media moment, are added bonuses.

But if you set aside the massive amounts of money being funneled into e-scooter companies and look past the carefree photos, there are some practical considerations that could put roadblocks in the way of continued growth — and Instagram postings.

“The main drawback about the scooters is that there aren’t enough safe places for people to ride so people are taking them, illegally, on the sidewalks,” Brozen says. “Some places, this isn’t too much of an issue, but in dense places, this can create conflicts in the limited amount of sidewalk space.”

San Francisco and Denver have both banned e-scooters for the time being, as an increasing number of cities grapple with how to regulate the unexpected mode of transportation popping up on their streets. There are also safety concerns to address: Birds seem fun, until you trip over one left laying in the middle of the sidewalk, or fall off while riding without a helmet. (Bird — and the law — say you have to bring your own helmet to wear, but most of the photos featured on the company’s Instagram account and elsewhere on social media have no style-cramping head protection in sight.)

Still, this is a trend that’s unlikely to grind to a halt anytime soon. E-scooters are disrupting how people travel the “last mile”, a catch-all term for any distance that feels far to walk but too short to drive, and, by giving the transit a lifestyle spin, setting the stage for a lasting cultural moment.

“It is much harder to diversify yourself by utility or service offered as tech rises and becomes more accessible,” Wolff says of the challenges of standing out from the crowd. “From a positioning standpoint, what you need to do is look for pre-established human behaviors. Look for something where you can organically become part of the conversation instead of physically inserting yourself in.”

It’s just a matter of time before “Birding” becomes a part of the global vernacular on and offline, right alongside Ubering.

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I remember the first time I set eyes on Linda Rodin — in person, not just in pictures — several years ago at an industry event, where I not-so-secretly ogled her from afar. The stylist, accidental beauty entrepreneur, and, now, icon of agelessness, radiated something beyond great genes and a lit-from-within sunniness. Like some medicinal spritz or elixir, Rodin exudes a special kind of mystery. But the truth is, as you get to know her and discover what triggers that signature movie star smile, it’s not such a mystery after all. Her particular fountain of youth isn’t a fresh pressed turmeric juice or any other trendy potion; it's an abiding quest for newness, adventure...and a life of what could be.

After decades working in fashion as a stylist for big names ranging from Madonna to Harper’s Bazaar, Rodin found herself front and center, perhaps the unlikeliest of It girls, at the age of 65. At a time when most of her contemporaries are taking it easy, Rodin, now 70, is pretty much just getting started. Following a slew of press and photo shoots — including stories in Vogue and a starring role in a now-collectible Karen Walker eyewear campaign — and the 2014 sale of her surprise skincare line, RODIN olio lusso (which she launched at the age of 60 in 2008 and later sold to Estée Lauder for an undisclosed amount), Rodin is already firing up her next business venture, of which the details are still under wraps. “All I can say is that it’s another passion project that feels completely right for me,” she says.

As a woman in my 40s, my own perceptions of aging and cultural relevance are constantly being shaped, and reshaped, by media, history, my peers, and strong, uncommon women like Rodin. Self-made, self-styled, and independent, she's earned the freedom to pursue new skills and obsessions whenever she wants — with no expiration date. And this is probably what I love most about her. She doesn’t just scoff at societal odds and lingering, dusty stigmas; she's living proof that getting older as a woman can and should invite more opportunities and experiences — not less — and that radiance and relevance have nothing at all to do with age. Maybe it used to, but getting older doesn’t scare me so much anymore. In fact, it seems pretty thrilling...and I can thank women like Linda Rodin for that.

Thom Browne top; Acne Studios pants; Céline shoes; UNDERCOVER glasses.

Christene: You’ve spoken a lot about how you’ve worn the same pieces and the same denim size for, like, 40 years. But I’d love for you to tell me a story about a time when your style really came into focus.

Linda: “It was probably maybe in my mid-30s when I just kind of got into my groove. I've always had the same silhouette basically, and so I never had to or wanted to radically change. Well, I had to wear like, muumuus (chuckles)...”

You went through a muumuu phase?

“No, but, of course, in the ‘60s we all wore stuff like that. But I think I got the denim thing early on, and I really never changed that. And I've never, ever been showy with my clothes. I was never into low-cut anything…”

Me neither. I dress like a nun.

“Me, too. I cover everything. But when I was 18, we had hot pants and mini skirts, and that was probably the end of it for me.”

Jill Stuart top and pants; Céline shoes; Cutler and Gross glasses.

Your makeup routine is probably similar to mine: glasses, lipstick, done.

“Lipstick. Yeah, that's it. I should probably wear more, but I, I can't stand it! For the last 40 years, I've been kind of on the same wagon. I was never a big makeup person. Never did much with my hair either.”

I’m not sure if you’ve experienced this, but I find as I get older, I’m more observant and, I suppose, caring of myself. Even if I only wear three products on my face, I make sure they’re the right products and they suit me.

“When I was growing up and aging, we weren't looking at ourselves that way. I didn't notice my neck until I was 65.”

Because we're all getting older in the age of hyper-public social media, I’m always curious to read about other women's experiences. Your particular brand of beauty is so inspiring to me because it feels ageless...I know so many women of all generations who look up to you and, ultimately, feel less afraid of getting older.

“It is flattering and lovely — and kind of odd — you know, to become visible at 60.”

Not just visible but iconic! Speaking of iconic, tell me three things in your wardrobe that you would never, ever get rid of.

“These jeans [pointing to her pants]. I wear vintage Levi's 501s all the time, and I probably have five that I love. I have a denim shirt that I've kept for 30 years. It's probably Levi’s too, and I've had it patched 100 times. It's literally threadbare. I was gonna wear it today, but I said, ‘Oh, my elbows!!’ And, I actually have a pair of shoes that I bought when I was 18 living in Italy. They're orange low-cut ballet slippers that I've had for 60 years.”

Thom Browne shirt; Acne Studios silk floral pants; Céline shoes; UNDERCOVER glasses.

How long did you live in Italy?

“I followed a boyfriend when I was 18, and then I stayed and I learned Italian. I worked at a great art gallery in Milan and just became myself, to be honest. You know, I was a small-town girl growing up on Long Island, and it changed my life completely.”

I love that idea of 'becoming yourself'...do you have any philosophies about getting dressed?

“The easier, the better! I don’t like to primp, and I’ll get in a groove where I'll wear the same thing for a week. I really couldn’t care less.”

I do that, too. It's so liberating...

“Yeah, I mean, I just don’t like to dress up.”

Melitta Baumeister top; model's own vintage Levi's 501 jeans; Maison Margiela White Tabi Ballerina Flats, $725, available at Ssense ; Dries Van Noten glasses; model's own vintage 1950's cameo “Capri” ring.

I’ve read that your mother loved fashion and getting dressed up to go out. Was there anything that she did, a ritual, that you loved?

“[My parents] went out every Saturday night, and she would take egg whites and do a mask with just the whites.”

I'm intrigued! Have you ever done that?

“I've done it a few times. It's collagen. I never, ever had real products. We had soap and water. An egg. And we used beer to set our hair. I think when I was 16, we would buy lipstick.”

Well, that’s interesting, since you sold a very successful skincare company [RODIN olio lusso] just a few years ago to Estée Lauder...why do you think you wanted to started your own line?

“Oh, I have no idea! I call myself the accidental entrepreneur! Being a stylist for almost 40 years, I've worked with every makeup artist, every mom, every hairdresser. And, you sit at a table full of makeup. I wasn’t really interested so much in the makeup, but I was always interested in what they put on first, and I'd buy whatever someone had on their table. But about 10 years ago I decided to make something myself, because I always loved little potions. Whenever I'd travel, I'd collect little oils, so one day I decided to mix them together for myself. And I was just intoxicated by it. I loved the smell. I loved the way it felt. And I started putting it in little bottles and bringing it to photoshoots with no intention of selling it, I just wanted to share it. And everybody loved it. So fast forward, and I did build it on my own for eight years very successfully. I got successful enough that Lauder came knocking…”

What was that like?

“I wouldn't do it again. Sell it…”

Why?

“I need to be in the driver's seat. I'm very creative. I need to follow through with everything. I don’t wanna just give an idea and let someone else bake the cake. You know, it's not gonna taste right."

Jill Stuart top and pants; Céline shoes; Cutler and Gross glasses.

Switching back to style, did you ever experience an episode of “fashion fate,” where a piece or a new way of wearing something came into your life and changed everything? I remember the first time I found my first pair of high-waisted, wide-legs jeans at a thrift store in Austin in the early 2000's. I started wearing them, and it was just like when I first started wearing a center part, and everyone was like, ‘Eeeeh, what are you doing???’”

“Yeah, I love a center part. For me it was deciding to wear sneakers all the time. Mostly for the past five years. It made sense because I have a really bad back, and I can't wear heels. But, in one of your pictures, I'm wearing platforms, which I love!”

Those are yours, right?

“Yeah, I have to bring my own shoes, because nobody has my size.”

So here you are, a woman in your 70s – what do you love most about being where you are at this phase of your life?

“I love the fact that I'm happy.”

Never, ever take it for granted...it's really a practice, you know?

“Oh, God no. No. I mean, I'm the oldest one alive in my family!”

Well, high-five to that! It might sound weird, but I have to credit my plants as providing a real source of well-being for me. Aren’t you a plant lover, too?

“Yeah, [they are] the greatest thing. But they’re a lot of work. I mean, you have to talk to them...‘Are you thirsty? Today you get more water…do I need to move you?’"

[Laughs] I know! It's a lot of work but I always sense they really appreciate it. So, what's your take on how the fashion industry speaks to older women? Do you observe it or have any feelings about it?

"I think it's a trend, you know, when Prada and Céline were using Joan Didion and Joni Mitchell...you know, another thing I'll tell you that I’ve realized. Thinking back, I was really cute...but then, it never occurred to me. I think I always took that for granted. I mean, I never had a boyfriend. I was just like a nerd. Very studious and all of that."

But, did you ever want a boyfriend?

“Oh, yeah. I had a million boyfriends when I moved to Italy. But I haven't had a boyfriend in three years, and I couldn’t care less.”

Hah! Okay, is there anything that you think is just dead wrong about dressing as you get older?

“Well, you could just walk around and shuffle your feet and wear sack dresses, you know, because you're giving up. And I think that’s dead wrong, or trying to look too young. But you know, look at me! I'm wearing sneakers and jeans, so maybe people think, ‘Ugh, she should really give that up.' You know, I just don’t know!”

Tell me about your closet. I imagine it’s like a shrine, but I always seem to be wrong about these things...maybe it’s mess! Give me a visual image…

“I've been living in my building for 40 years. And I've been living in the same apartment for 25. So, I have three closets. One is like a vacuum cleaner closet. One is underwear, sweaters, and folded stuff. And then the other one is for everything that’s hanging. Up until two weeks ago, I couldn’t even get into it! I could only wear what I could kind of see at the edge because it was so packed. I mean, I'd have to go and feel around, ‘Oh, that feels like the black coat!’ I mean, insane! You could barely open the door!”

I have to tell you, that would drive me bananas. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing that was happening behind a closed door.

“Twenty-five years of shoving stuff in there. And one day, I woke up and said, ‘this is it.’ So, I went to the Container Store, and I said, ‘Can someone please come and figure out a system for me...a cheap one?’ I'm never going to spend money on that kind of stuff. So, they came, they measured. I took everything out, and I had piles, so many piles…a lot of stuff that I hadn't worn, but that I still don’t want to give away. When the closet guy came back over, he said, ‘I just want you to know that this shit is NOT gonna fit back in there, just so you know.’ So, that was it...I just had to figure it out."

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Swimsuit trends can be pretty out-there: the contrasting seams, crazy cutouts, and bright prints we've been seeing left and right have definitely been making a case for maximalism over minimalism. But one of the hottest trends this swimsuit season doesn't have to do with patterns, little details, or crazy color palettes. According to our friends at Pinterest, high-waisted bikinis are twice as popular on the platform than they have been in years.

Finally: The most popular swim silhouette is one we've been rooting for since its early comeback. And according to the site, it's officially catching on with the masses, with tons of users clicking through the app's Buyable Pins feature and buying one (or a few) for themselves. It's no surprise, though — the silhouette is flattering, fresh (while slightly retro), and one you can make all your own. Whatever your preference, the picks ahead will help you get in on this swim trend once and for all.

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