NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Bella Hadid attends the Tommy x Zendaya Runway Show at The Apollo Theater on September 08, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by John Fredrickson/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
If you thought Kendall Jenner’s blonde transformation was the most shocking celebrity hair change of the week, then you haven’t seen Bella Hadid’s new bob. It was just a week ago that Hadid was sporting her shoulder-length blonde hair while walking in shows during NYFW for designers like Brandon Maxwell, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. Then, just two days ago, the model was spotted exiting London Fashion Week with a new, chin-length cut.
Ironically enough, Hadid debuted her shorter hair at the same Burberry show that BFF Jenner showed off her new creamy blonde strands. While the sun-kissed hair color is new for Jenner, Hadid is no stranger to major transformations. The 22-year-old model tends to experiment with both color and length on a regular basis. In fact, Hadid had a similar bob in 2017.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Bella Hadid attends the LOVE & YouTube LFW party supported by Perriet-Jouet and hosted by Katie Grand & Derek Blasberg at Decimo at The Standard, London, on September 16, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for LOVE Magazine)
Two years ago, the bob cut was Hadid’s signature. She initially debuted what was later dubbed the “sci-fi bob” at the 2017 Met Gala, after admittedly faking people out for the entire week prior with sew-in extensions. She ended up keeping the blunt look for over a year, until she started progressively lightening her brunette hair. By this March, Hadid colored her grown-out bob a honey-blonde shade before, a few months later, going full “butterscotch blonde” (courtesy of New York colorist Jenna Perry) in July.
Although most celebrity hair changes this drastic tend to be temporary, it seems Hadid’s cut is legit — she was even spotted today touching down in Milan for the last leg of Fashion Week while sporting her revived sci-fi bob. Real or fake, there’s no doubt the short style will be the hottest look for fall — and we have Hadid to thank for it.
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For jewelry-loving maximalists, BaubleBar’s candy-colored website is a visually stimulating thrill ride. There are so many statement-making accessories that it’s hard to know where to begin your shopping journey. Perhaps with the shiny red heart earrings, or the rhinestone-embedded studs in the shape of a lemon wedge? But wait, there’s a sparkly, personalized initial necklace, and a vintage-inspired pink enamel stacking ring. The plethora of embellishments and textures harkens back to a groovier era of fashion, but the brand’s assortment still manages to feel fresh and thoroughly now.
Even more enticing than the site’s expansive, rainbow-hued selection are its seriously wallet-friendly prices — which, we’re happy to report, just got a little bit friendlier. The retailer just announced a sitewide 25% off sale — and with a few exceptions, the discount applies to everything, meaning you can nab some of those just-landed pieces we know you’ve been eyeing. The discounts — which you can apply in your cart with code “FF25” — are live now through September 23. We encourage you to click through the 22 favorites we’ve rounded up — or head straight to the source — to immerse yourself in this psychedelic sale experience before it vanishes for good.
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.
BaubleBar Hylla Earring Set, $, available at BaubleBar
Spillo 18K Gold Vermeil Safety Pin Earrings, $, available at BaubleBar
BaubleBar Savoy Hoop Earrings, $, available at BaubleBar
BaubleBar Celestial Drops, $, available at BaubleBar
BaubleBar Twist Headband, $, available at BaubleBar
BaubleBar Dino Huggie Hoop Earring, $, available at BaubleBar
BaubleBar Soraida Pearl Ear Crawlers, $, available at BaubleBar
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 16: 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks during a rally in Washington Square Park on September 16, 2019 in New York City. Warren unveiled a sweeping anti-corruption plan earlier on Monday. (Photo by Bauzen/GC Images)
If you’re looking for someone to tell you everything is going great, Elizabeth Warren is not your candidate. On Monday night, the senator painted an appropriately grim picture of inequality, greed, and corruption in America as she stood before a crowd of 20,000 supporters in New York City’s Washington Square Park, against the backdrop of an American flag and the iconic arch.
Warren, as always, presented tangible solutions to these ills, in this case using the speech to announce her plan to fight corruption and curb the influence of corporate money in government with, for example, a lifetime ban on lobbying for ex-presidents and members of Congress.
This was not a “hope and change”-type speech. She began by telling of the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, when 146 garment workers, most of them young women and immigrants, perished just a block away from where Warren stood at her podium, as a result of being trapped because their bosses locked them in, afraid they might steal from the factory. She described women who jumped to their deaths and “hit the ground with a sickening thud. They died on impact. So many, so fast that the women’s bodies piled up on the sidewalk. Their blood ran into the gutters.”
Warren used the fire as a metaphor for all the plagues she says are killing Americans today as a result of greed and corruption: climate change, guns, lack of healthcare. “The tragic story of the Triangle Factory Fire is a story about power: A story of what happens when the rich and the powerful take control of government and use it to increase their own profits while they stick it to working people,” Warren said. “But what happened in the aftermath of the fire is a different story about power — our power, about what’s possible when we all fight together as one.”
“Trump is corruption in the flesh.”
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren slammed the U.S. president during a large campaign rally at New York City’s Washington Square Park pic.twitter.com/MgDf23zBaU
That Warren told it like it is, the way she didn’t talk down to the crowd or placate them with promises, seemed to appeal to much of the overwhelmingly young audience. It was a risk to go there, to paint our world in such stark, apocalyptic terms. There is a belief among some political pundits that a negative tone in campaigning (although, it should be said, Warren turned it around and ended on a hopeful note) can alienate and polarize voters. But this generation — worse off economically than their parents, and faced with the reality of climate change — doesn’t want things sugarcoated for them. The mood these days is not one of false optimism, and Warren’s refreshing negativity coupled with specific solutions worked on them.
“The doom and gloom actually made me feel comforted, because this is gloomy,” Hannah Leffingwell, 26, a PhD student at New York University, told Refinery29 after the rally, gesturing as if to show she’s talking about everything around us. “Like, tell me it’s terrifying and then tell me you know what you’re going to do to fix it. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, you’re just lying to me.”
At the same time, Warren’s supporters don’t want to give up fighting either, and neither does Warren. Throughout her remarks, Warren wove in the story of Frances Perkins, “one very persistent woman” who led a march of half a million people for workers’ rights down Fifth Avenue after the fire, and whose work gave our society everything from fire safety laws to “the very existence of the weekend,” as Warren said. Perkins went on to become the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, as Secretary of Labor to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Leffingwell said she loved that Warren talked about Perkins, one of her personal heroes — who attended Mount Holyoke College, just like she had.
“She’s an icon and should be more of an icon than she is. So when [Warren] brought it back to Frances Perkins, I was so moved,” Leffingwell said. And, just like Warren, Perkins didn’t spend her entire life in politics. “That’s something a lot of us want right now.”
Tell me it’s terrifying and then tell me you know what you’re going to do to fix it. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, you’re just lying to me.
Hannah Leffingwell, 26
Warren elaborated on her decision to talk about Perkins as she spoke with reporters after a NARAL town hall for reproductive rights on Tuesday. “I had a chance last night to talk about the importance of women who organized after the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and how they changed American history, a chance to talk about Frances Perkins and how she led that fight,” Warren said. “And how together, one determined woman with millions of people to back her up, changed the course of American history.” It was clear that Warren saw herself as picking up Perkins’ torch of fighting for the rights of women and workers. At the NARAL event, she continued to emphasize inequality and corruption while answering questions about reproductive rights, underscoring the disparity between rich and poor women when it comes to abortion access each chance she had.
Young people at the rally said they aren’t as likely to be moved by the positive, hopeful rhetoric of many establishment Democrats as generations past. After all, they know what’s really going on: Kids who can’t even vote yet are walking out of their schools to call attention to climate change. And in 2018, a Harvard Institute of Politics poll found that 59% of young Americans are more fearful than hopeful about the future.
“Generation Z has grown up in a world where we have seen so many of our institutions let us down dramatically, so rhetoric that celebrates our existing systems doesn’t quite resonate with us,” Ziad Ahmed, CEO of JUV Consulting, a Gen Z marketing agency that examines trends among young people, told Refinery29. “We are looking for candidates that validate the real fear that we have about tomorrow, but that don’t respond with defeatism.”
For a lot of the attendees, including Leffingwell, seeing Warren in person helped solidify their support of her. Rather than having tons of diehards from the beginning of the race, she seems to have won over supporters of other candidates, as evidenced by her steady climb in the polls throughout the summer. (The recent national NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll of Democratic primary voters found Warren in second place, after Joe Biden, at 25%.)
“Elizabeth Warren definitely grew on me,” Arielle Gironza, 23, told Refinery29. She voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2016 primary, but decided not to support him this time around. “I love Bernie and all, but I think that even though he’s been this stable presence and kind of always really set in what he’s been saying since the beginning of time, I felt like it was time for something a little bit different.” She’s not the only ex-Sanders supporter switching to Warren; Warren recently received a surprising key endorsement from the Working Families Party, a progressive grassroots organization that backed Sanders in 2016.
Gironza’s friend Eli Salazar, 23, who also supported Bernie in 2016, said she was moved after watching Warren in the September 12 Democratic presidential debate. “I think because America has been historically so focused on capitalism and developing that as a nation, her ideals and goals are more practical than Bernie’s are,” she said. “Bernie, I agree with a lot of what he’s saying, but it’s more of an ideal than something that can be put into practice. And I can see, for example, the two-cent rule, it would make a lot of sense to the future of America now, not 10 years from now. Right now, we’re super-divided and this makes sense for a broader audience.” Warren has proposed a two-cent tax on assets over $50 million, with which she says the government could pay for many of her plans, including universal child care and free college tuition.
After the rally, Naava Ellenberg, 20, a student organizer for Warren at Barnard College, was dancing to Lizzo and waving her “I’m A Warren Fan” fan as she got ready to stand in Warren’s famous selfie line — which reportedly lasted around four hours.
Ellenberg, too, became a Warren convert after watching her performance on TV.
“At first, I was full-on Buttigieg because of his intelligence and that he’s young,” she said, but then she watched back-to-back CNN town halls with Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Warren. “I went in like, ‘Here we go Pete, let’s crush it!’ And then I was like, ‘Liz? I’ll watch her. She’s kind of old, like, I don’t know her deal.’ But then I watched her and she had this excitement. She had this intelligence. What she had on Pete was experience. And what she had on Pete was a gender that I wanted to vote for.” Ellenberg had always hoped she would be able to vote for a female president. Besides, Buttigieg may have inspiring visions — but Warren, she has a plan.
If there’s still any doubt at all that Warren inspires enthusiasm, the huge crowd, one of the two largest this primary season along with Sen. Kamala Harris’ kickoff in Oakland — and the very long selfie line full of very patient people winding around the park until nearly midnight — should serve to dispel it. Frankly, Ellenberg could do so single-handedly.
“I think the way to win in 2020 is not flipping back moderate voters or winning back Trumpers,” Ellenberg said. “I think it’s expanding the electorate, like Obama did in ‘08 and 2012. It’s about reaching people who haven’t voted before, and they are getting hyped about Liz. She is able to excite a base in a way that I have not seen another candidate do. I mean, I have not seen someone like me acting the way I’m acting about Joe Biden! … I 100% think she can win.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Kendall Jenner attends the #MOVINGLOVE dinner hosted by Felicity Jones, Derek Blasberg & Katie Grand at Bellanger on July 15, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for LOVE Magazine)
Update: Kendall Jenner’s fans aren’t the only ones obsessing over her new blonde hair. Her big sister Khloe Kardashian, also a devoted blonde, co-signed the model’s new look in a funny sisterly Twitter exchange. “She’s so perfect either way!!!!!!” Kardashian says, referring to Jenner’s new hair color. “I mean now she looks exactly like me.”
Fans of the two debated whether or not Jenner’s new look makes her favor her older sister (who recently went even blonder). But Jenner’s simple, yet savage, response to her sister was: “you wish bitch.” Ouch.
This story was originally published on September 17, 2019.
Kendall Jenner may have skipped New York Fashion Week this season, but the model’s making up for it by starting London Fashion Week with a bang. In fact, Jenner turned heads for her Burberry runway debut.
Noticeably missing when she hit the runway? Her dark, brunette hair, which was dyed blonde with smudged roots and worn in a sharp center part. Shortly after runway images of the model surfaced, she took to her Instagram to share a closer shot of her new look, too.
The look (done by celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham) is totally different for Jenner, who hardly veers away from her dark-brown roots, with the exception of occasionally sporting in a wig. Nonetheless, it’s perfectly on-trend for fall and not unusual for Fashion Week. For example, last year at Marc Jacobs, 37 models in the designer’s lineup agreed to dye their hair for the runway.
Jenner joins the likes of Miley Cyrus and Bella Hadid as one of the latest celebrities to make the case for going brighter this fall. And while her new style is seemingly natural, there’s always a possibility that it could be temporary thanks to the powers of a really good wig — which you should never underestimate. (Let us not forget Jenner and Gigi Hadid’s hair swap at Balmain.) Either way, we’re not mad at it.
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As long as there's an iPhone handy, we can immortalize life's most precious and spontaneous moments at the tap of a finger. But just because a photo isn't 'Gram-worthy (or worse — it is but you've already met the acceptable quota for posting about that life event), doesn't mean it deserves to be sent away into a digital oblivion. So instead of keeping your favorite snaps lost in an endless photo stream or stored on the elusive cloud, why not find them a home offline where they can actually be cherished and viewed on the reg?
Raise your hand if this is something you've been telling yourself you'd do for years, but never got around to it because the task seemed too daunting (so many pictures, so little time...). Now take that hand and click through the selection of services ahead that are designed to make the process of printing and displaying photos seamless, fun, and rewarding. With the ability to upload images directly from your phone or computer, there's no excuse not to finally sort through those iPhone albums to unearth and share some real gems.
Whether you want to arrange them all in a hard-cover photo book, choose one super special photo to create a holiday card, or you'd like to find a meaningful gift for someone special in your life, we've found a variety of options to fulfill your photo needs. Even retailers like Target and Amazon have a selection of canvases, mugs, and blankets (yes, blankets!) just waiting to be customized with a digital photo. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for some of the great deals happening throughout the month of September.
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.
Print what matters with anything from Artifact Uprising’s photo book series, which come with colorful covers, foiled stamped titles, and seasonal themes. We love making a more responsible choice with these minimal, high-quality soft-cover books that are made with 100% recycled paper. Photo: Courtesy of Artifact Uprising
From custom photo books and calendars to invitations and metal prints, Mix Book offers beautiful designs and an extensive range of vibrant templates for whatever memento you’d like to create. Plus, enjoy 40-50% off sitewide from now through September 18 with the code 10DEALS.
For the retro folk among us, look no further than Inkifi for vintage-inspired prints to accomplish a major throwback moment IRL using the best images from your Instagram grid. Photo: Courtesy of Inkifi
Bring a truly personal touch to your home with customizable canvases, pillows, and blankets featuring your favorite family snapshots and memories. Plus, shop right now and save 50% sitewide with the code 50SEP19. Photo: Courtesy of Snapfish
If you watch a lot of Ellen Degeneres, you’ve probably heard of her philanthropic partner Shutterfly. The site is one big celebration of life and creativity, with lots of ideas on how to turn your memories into something unique and tangible. This includes cards and stationery, prints, gift ideas, and wedding keepsakes (the personalized stamps are our top pick!). Plus, Shutterfly will securely store an unlimited amount of your photos on their platform for no extra cost.
You can count on the always-reliable Amazon to offer all kinds of printing services at a super reasonable price pricepoint. Among its offerings of wall decor, cards, and photo books is a newly launched selection of tabletop gifts that make for a great under-$50 buy. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon
The ultimate destination for all things announcements and invitations also has photo-sharing products like framed collages, hanging displays, and catching artwork made from only the highest-quality materials. Photo: Courtesy of Minted
Target's photo books take just a few minutes to create and offer the option to add captions, backgrounds, and special designs to best show off your events, travels, and family occasions. Order from now through September 21 and save 50% off sitewide.Photo: Courtesy of Target
Why stop at cards and books when you can print your photos on blankets, pillows, mugs, and more? Walmart has a wide range of options that'll inspire you to think outside the box (or should we say frame?). Plus, you can get 30% off canvas prints with the code 30CNVS and 20% off pillows with the code 20PILW.Photo: Courtesy of Walmart
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Welcome to Money Diaries, where we’re tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We’re asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
Today: a music teacher and farm manager who makes a $43,617 salary, plus $15/hour, and spends some of her money this week on a milkshake.
Occupation: Music Teacher and Farm Manager Industry: Education and Agriculture Age: 24 Location: Rochester, NY Salary: $43,617 from teaching and $15/hour at the farm Paycheck Amount (2x/month September-June, every week May-October): $1,175 during the school year, variable in the summer Gender Identity: Woman
Monthly Expenses Rent: $1,300 for our rent and all utilities, split with my fiancé Loans: $0 right now (I have no loans from undergrad but am just starting my master’s and taking out loans.) Pet Care: $20 (I have two bunnies.) Car Payment: $447 Car Insurance: $800 every six months for car insurance Gym: $0 (My fiancé holds a Black Card membership to Planet Fitness that we both use.) Hulu/Netflix: $0 (My fiancé’s mom allows us to use her Hulu and Netflix for no charge.) Graze Box: $13 (every two months)
Day One
7 a.m. — I wake up at 7 and get ready to go to the farm for work. I’m a sales manager, so I’m in charge of making sure all of the sales associates get their job done efficiently. It takes me about 30 minutes to get to the farm, and when I get there we have a no-call no-show, so I have to spend about two hours reworking the schedule for this upcoming week. While I’m working, I suck down a Fruigees Kalefornia Grape smoothie that I brought from home. I finish up at the farm around 9:30 and drive back toward my apartment to teach a couple private music lessons.
11:45 a.m. — After I teach the two private lessons, I stop at Wegmans and grab some carrot sticks, bananas, apples, organic baby sweet lettuce, fresh scallops, and shrimp for our dinner tonight. My fiancé, L., and I are trying to change the way we eat. We’re both pretty overweight and really want to lose some weight for the wedding and if we decide to have kids one day. $34.30
12 p.m. — I stop at the post office on my way home from the grocery store and drop off a check for $150 to be mailed to the company that’s providing transportation for our wedding in May 2020. My phone alerts me while I’m there that my car payment has been withdrawn from my account as well. Gotta love the end of the month! $150
1 p.m. — I come home, start chopping apricots to make some jam, and then take a break for lunch. I make a salad with the organic baby lettuce, sliced deli turkey, Havarti cheese, and honey-mustard dressing. While I eat I watch reruns of Vanderpump Rules on Hulu. When I’m done with my salad, I start working on one of my homework assignments. In New York state, teachers have to have a master’s degree to be able to continue teaching full-time. I just started mine part-time (night classes twice a week) and really want to get ahead of the game. This assignment is a discussion of the disciplines of musicology, and it’s interesting but a little dry to read, and I’m glad when it’s done.
4:45 p.m. — L. gets home around 4:45, and I start making dinner. I use the scallops and shrimp I bought earlier, along with some squid-ink fettuccine that I bought from a local pasta maker. I toss it all in a lemon garlic butter sauce, and we have dinner by 5:15. As we eat, we watch The Office and I persuade L. to come to my riding lesson tonight. We are done with dinner and on the road by 6.
8 p.m. — I’ve been taking horseback riding lessons for almost a year after dreaming about it since I was a kid. I love it so much, and the place I take lessons is super accommodating with all of my jobs and school. The teacher is funny, and we get along great. Each 45-minute group lesson costs $35, but I give her two 20s and tell her I’ll just pay $30 next time. She shrugs, so L. and I head home. It takes about 30 minutes to get back to our apartment. When we get back, I feed my bunnies, shower, get into bed, and lie awake until about 1:30 before I finally fall asleep. $40
Daily Total: $224.30
Day Two
7 a.m. — I wake up at 6:45 and head to the farm. I’m working sales today instead of just doing management, so I bring a water bottle and plenty of snacks. I get there around 7:30 and help the other three stations get their vans loaded up before I get myself loaded up. I take all of the fruit we have (peaches, some early apples, nectarines, apricots, and blackberries) and put a bunch of it into my Chevy Astro van. I drive the van about an hour east, having a Fruigees while I’m driving, to a rest area on the NYS Thruway and set up my tent, two tables, and all of the fruit, honey, and maple syrup outside the entrance. I get completely set up around 9:30 and spend the rest of the morning talking to people and selling fruit. I’ve been doing this job for seven seasons now, and even though I work full-time during the school year, I love this job too much to consider leaving yet. Plus the extra money is nice for helping to pay for the wedding and my grad school.
1:30 p.m. — I finally get a spare moment to run inside the rest area to use the bathroom and fill up my water bottle. When I come out, I have a couple prepackaged snacks that I brought with me from my Graze snack box that I get every two months. I spend the rest of the afternoon selling and leave the station around 4:15.
6:30 p.m. — I am done with work around 6:15. The farm is in the same town I grew up in, where my mom still lives. I ask her if I can come over and bring dinner, and she says of course. I stop at a local greasy burger joint and pick up a chocolate milkshake for her, some loaded waffle fries, and a garbage plate for us to split. I pay and drive two minutes over to her house. We hang out, eat, and I play with my sisters’ dog and cat. My youngest sister comes home from her cashiering job around 7:30, and I leave to go home around 8:30. $21.60
8:50 p.m. — I stop at Target and grab some supplies on the way home. Part of my job on the farm includes me making and packaging homemade jam to sell, so I grab fabric and pens to write labels. I sit on the couch and write the labels for the apricot and blackberry jams I made yesterday. By 11, I have 20 jars of jam packaged and labeled to sell tomorrow. I shower, go to bed, and fall into a fitful sleep. ($25 expensed)
Daily Total: $21.60
Day Three
6:45 a.m. — I wake up and then head to the farm, getting there around 7:30. After making sure everyone is out, I work on cleaning and organizing the barn a little bit, then head to my mom’s house for about an hour. While I’m there I eat a Fruigees for breakfast. I leave to go to my apartment around 10:30.
11 a.m. — When I get home, I start my laundry. We have coin-operated machines in the basement of our building, and they cost $1.50 per wash and $1.55 per dry. I air-dry all of my clothes, so I pay $3 for two wash loads and hang everything up on my two drying racks in our living room. While the laundry is going, I eat leftovers from last night and work on homework. $3
4:30 p.m. — I accidentally fell asleep on the couch from 1:30-3:15, and now L. and I are getting ready to go to a concert that some of his friends are performing in. L. is a freelance professional musician (aka, a guy in a band), and we have a lot of friends who are in similar positions and play in our city regularly. When we get there, I get a drink and start a tab with my credit card for both of us.
7 p.m. — I end up having three drinks while we’re at the show, and I buy a drink for L.’s brother, S., as well. He and his new fiancée came to the show as well, and the four of us spend some time together before L. and I decide to leave around 8:40. I close my tab and leave a $10 tip. $46.10
9:15 p.m. — We drive up to the Lake Ontario shoreline to one of our favorite garbage-plate restaurants. I get a grilled-cheese plate, and he gets a burger plate. I pay with my personal card. When we’re done we go for a walk on the pier over Lake Ontario, and go home around 10:30. $19
Daily Total: $68.10
Day Four
7:30 a.m. — Even though today is my day off from the farm, I’m woken up by a phone call at 7:30 from one of the workers with a question. After I get her sorted out, I try to go back to sleep but can’t. Instead I get up and start working on homework and lesson plans, because school is starting in two days.
10:30 a.m. — My phone buzzes to tell me that my car-insurance payment has been deducted from my account. I pay a lump sum every six months instead of breaking it out monthly. I take a break from my work and get dressed to go for a walk/jog, then I come back and do some light weightlifting.
2 p.m. — After a nice afternoon eating oatmeal and watching Vanderpump Rules, I pack up and head to CountryMax to look for supplies for horseback riding. I just bought a used saddle a couple weeks ago, and I’d like to get a new girth and some other supplies for it. CountryMax is unfortunately not well stocked, so I leave empty-handed and head to L.’s dad’s house for a barbecue. We spend the rest of the evening there and head home around 8:30.
Daily Total: $0
Day Five
7 a.m. — I wake up and go to the farm. After load-in, I go to Walmart to pick up supplies to start making jam at the farm instead of at my apartment. I spend $150 that will be reimbursed, and now we have a complete canning setup at the farm. ($150 expensed)
9:30 a.m. — I stop at Tim Hortons and pick up a breakfast sandwich for myself and some coffee for the workers on the farm. I use my personal credit card. $13.68
12:30 p.m. — I finish making the blackberry jam. I leave it to sit and set on the counter before calling my mom to see if I can come over. She doesn’t answer, so I call again in five minutes. I leave about 20 minutes after my first call and start heading back to my apartment.
2:30 p.m. — L. and I go shopping to buy our groceries for the week. We get stuff to make taco salads, and I get stuff for lunches for the week. $85
4:15 p.m. — We head to L.’s mom’s house, where we meet with S., his fiancée, and his fiancée’s dad, who lives with them. L.’s mom makes pulled pork and tater tots for dinner with cupcakes for dessert. We stay until around 7:45 and then leave to go back to our apartment, because school starts tomorrow.
Daily Total: $98.68
Day Six
7:30 a.m. — First day of school! Which means meetings all day. I have half of an everything bagel with cream cheese from the breakfast provided by the school before we settle in for our first two-hour block of meetings.
11:30 a.m. — We break for lunch, and they’ve brought in food trucks for us! I wait in line with some of my colleagues for a mac ‘n’ cheese truck. The school gave each of us a coupon for $5 off our purchase, so I only pay $4 out of pocket for lunch and leave a dollar in the tip jar. $5
4:50 p.m. — L. gets home and we go to the gym. He has the Planet Fitness Black Card, which means I can get in as a guest. I do about 25 minutes on the stationary bike while doing some reading for a grad-school assignment.
5:45 p.m. — We get home and I make dinner. Ground turkey with cumin and turmeric, green-leaf lettuce, salsa, cheddar cheese, and light sour cream make a really good dinner. I pack up the leftovers to take to class tomorrow, and we watch TV while I work on homework and lesson plans until around 7:30. We go for a walk to our mailbox (it’s a mile and a half round-trip) and then come home and go to sleep.
Daily Total: $5
Day Seven
7 a.m. — I wake up around 7 after barely sleeping last night and head into school. I have an hour and a half to work on my classroom and eat some of the peanut butter oatmeal I meal-prepped last night before the second day of meetings starts. We’re in meetings until 11:30.
11:45 a.m. — During our lunch break, my colleagues and I go to Panera to catch up and hang out together. I get half of a grilled cheese and a cup of soup. We eat there for about 35 minutes and head back to school for the afternoon to prepare our classrooms. $10.97
4 p.m. — After school I head out to my grad class. I bring leftover taco salad and get there pretty early to work on some homework for my other class. I eat while I work for about 45 minutes and then go to class at 6.
8:40 p.m. — After class I head home and talk to my mom on the drive. I get ready for bed around 9:45 and hope that I’ll actually be able to sleep tonight, since the students start tomorrow. I’m so excited, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.
Daily Total: $10.97
Want more Money Diaries? Well, you’re in luck — Refinery29 Canada is launching its own Canadian Money Diaries three times a week. (Which means once you’re done with catching up on all our diaries during your lunch break, you can head on over to R29 CA for even more.) You can now experience Money Diaries IRL at 29Rooms Toronto September 26th through October 6th. Buy tickets here.
Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women’s experiences and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.
The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.
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If you're in downtown Manhattan and find yourself admiring a cool manicure — maybe on the girl standing next to you on the subway platform or the person one table over at brunch — chances are, she got her nails done at Paintbox. The in-demand studio, just off the cobblestones of Crosby Street, has garnered a reputation as the spot for chic and minimalist nail art. Each piece in the lookbook is designed with the most unique (and universally flattering) color combinations.
But before this summer, the Paintbox aesthetic had been exclusive to New York, and it can be hard to snag an appointment even if you're a local. Luckily, this past June, the brand brought the trendy salon vibes to everyone with a new collection of nail polish that's available both online and in the NYC location. The collection, called Power Couples, is being sold as color duos — and it took the brand's chief creative officer, Eleanor Langston, five years of shade formulation to perfect the tones.
"We’ve been lucky enough to do more than 117,000 manicures at our SoHo studio," explains Langston in an email to Refinery29 back in June. "Our artists truly know what nail colors flatter all skin tones — the unexpected shades that look beautiful together. Our curated Power Couple pairs are approachable, experimental, artful, and meant to encourage people to step outside their single-color comfort zone."
The range started with three Power Couples Sets, then came a fourth, and now, there's a brand-new duo in the picture: rain and blush. Shop them as a perfect pairing or as individual bottles; either way, you'll be equipped to create your own cool-girl manicure this fall — no matter your zip code.
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.
Like Rain + Like Blush Power Couple
Imagine the color of the sky during a calming late-afternoon rainstorm and the radiant pink tone you see as the sun comes up the next morning. “This cool pairing was inspired by the colors from a slate-gray fall thunderstorm and a romantic, chalky-blush sky the morning after the rain," Langston says.
Paintbox Paintbox Power Couple Like Rain + Like Blush, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Rain
This bluish-gray is moody with an undertone of mystery. Think of it as the cool autumnal take on baby blue.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer Like Rain, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Blush
This milky carnation shade is the poetic complement to the stormy blue.
Paintbox Paintbox Nail Lacquer Like Blush, $, available at Paintbox
Like Mystery + Like Magic Power Couple
The sparkly sheer pairing was born out of the salon demand for a mani that combined neutrals with glitter accents. “This modern pairing was inspired by our creative, stylish clients at our 17 Crosby Street studio," Langston explains. "We noticed how they were often pairing soft nude shades with reflective glitters for a low-key, downtown update on luminosity. The glitter tone turns your nails into an instant accessory."
Paintbox Power Couple Like Mystery + Like Magic, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Mystery
The faint undertone of mauve pink in this neutral sand shade gives the polish a uniquely warm, almost milky effect that's flattering across all skin tones.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Mystery, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Magic
Everyone needs a sparkly polish in their collection, and this one is perfect because it has a champagne pearl base and fine-grain gold flecks that give your nails a sophisticated kind of shine.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Magic, $, available at Paintbox
Like Desire + Like Dreams Power Couple
Powerful cherry red is matched with the softest whisper of lilac in this color pairing. Langston says that both shades read as opaque and vibrant, which is why they work so well together.
Paintbox Power Couple Like Desire + Like Dreams, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Desire
Langston tells us red is the most requested shade at Paintbox, so she wanted to create the perfect tone: a slightly warm, saturated cherry.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Desire, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Dreams
The same way white nail polish pops against the skin, the creamy undertones in this pale lilac shade make it a chic pick for summer.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Dreams, $, available at Paintbox
Like Wild + Like Wonder Power Couple
“This duo feels minimalist, natural, and surprisingly tranquil," explains Langston of the sky-pine combo. "Our creative team nailed the mossy green color, which is so difficult to create, and the soft blue is a strong, luminous classic that’s unintimidating.”
Paintbox Power Couple Like Wild + Like Wonder, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Wild
Green nail polish can be tricky. Too bright and you get slime; too dark and you get a swampy vibe. This polish hits the sweet spot: an earthy emerald — evergreen, if you will.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Wild, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Wonder
This powdery blue has just a hint of sweet mint undertones, which gives it a fresh shine.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Wonder, $, available at Paintbox
Like Spice + Like Spring Power Couple
Langston describes this pairing as an ode to vintage Palm Springs. “This calming pairing was inspired by terracotta trends in interior design and California in the '70s," she explains. "It’s a laid-back vibe, slightly retro — like the Thelma and Louise of all the couples."
Paintbox Power Couple Like Spice + Like Spring, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Spice
Found: your perfect terracotta. This cinnamon-brick shade has warm ginger and caramel undertones.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Spice, $, available at Paintbox
Paintbox Nail Polish in Like Spring
Imagine a glass of freshly-squeezed lemonade brimming with ice cubes, and you have Like Spring. The citrus pastel will convince you that barely-there yellow is the shade your nails have been missing.
Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Spring, $, available at Paintbox
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In 2019, few brands have won over millennials' hearts quite like Glossier; from its curated Instagram feed to feel-happy products, the brand has amassed a legion of dewy-skinned fans. And if there's one thing that pairs well with some beloved skin-care and makeup products, it's a side of astrology, naturally.
In between checking your weekly horoscope, we here on the Refinery29 shopping team are also making the case for letting the stars rule your next purchase, whether that's in the form of some new clothes hangers (yep you read that correctly — hangers) or beauty products. Nothing counteracts Mercury Retrograde juju like some cute blush, right? With the help of some of our go-to astro experts, we've assigned each of the zodiac signs the perfect Glossier product — from more-is-more Leo to sensible Virgo.
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.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22) Practical, sensible Virgo already knows the importance of taking care of your skin, and there's no better way to do that than to invest in a good daily sunscreen.
Glossier Invisible Shield, $, available at Glossier
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21) Glossier's top-selling tinted brow gel is a universal favorite, but especially perfect for headstrong, confident Scorpio who doesn't shy away from a bold brow.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) Sag signs are associated with being super go-with-the-flow, so a your-lashes-but-better mascara like Lash Slick (simply apply a couple of coats for instantly separated, feathery lashes) is ideal.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) Capricorns are the ultimate realists, so an efficacious, potent skin exfoliator is perfect for treating skin issues like acne and dullness swiftly and easily.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) Aquariuses aren't stubborn — they just march by the beat of their own drum. Complement a free-spirited, eccentric personality with a lightweight, buildable concealer with customizable coverage.
Glossier Stretch Concealer, $, available at Glossier
Pisces (February 19 to March 20) Emotional, sensitive Pisces will love Glossier's pigmented cream blush tubes, which create the prettiest, natural flush on cheeks.
Aries (March 21 to April 19) Fiery Aries won't shy away from an eye-catching lipstick; Glossier's sheer matte tubes come in every hue from berry pink to ruby red for the chicest lip look.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20) Glossier's OG multipurpose salve appeals to every Taurus' practical side. Use the stuff on lips, cuticles, elbows...basically anywhere in need of some T.L.C.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20) Gemini's quirky, eccentric personality fits the vibe of Glossier You, the brand's unique, sort-of indescribable perfume that combines contrasting notes of ambrette and musk with bright iris root and pink pepper.
Leo (July 23 to August 22) Would you expect anything other than a glitter party for life-of-the-party Leos? Glossier Play's sparkly gel (especially in this gilded gold hue) is perfect for our favorite fire sign.
Glossier Play Glitter Gelée, $, available at Glossier
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Women’s clothing is often made with little to no input from the wearer herself. Designs are created in studios, selected in boardrooms, and stitched in factories, and the process leaves us at times with garments that miss the mark. But what if, instead, we actually asked women what was missing from their wardrobe? Their answers might surprise you.
Enter ELOQUII: the trend-driven fashion brand for women sizes 14+ that, for the first time in its five-year history, crowdsourced an entire collection, in collaboration with Refinery29. The result is a capsule of outfits that embody the spirit and tenacity of the women who wear them. What do we mean by “crowdsourcing”? After surveying more than 1,000 women across the U.S. and hosting three digital forums with 29 Ambassadors, Refinery29 x ELOQUII led the design of the collection, made for sizes 12 to 28, with feedback from the community itself. Joining forces with our Ambassadors — who had a hand in designing the collection from start to finish — we were able to create something from scratch that is as authentic as it is stylish. For women who have historically been left out of trending fashions and sample sizing, that’s no small thing.
“It’s just wild to me because I’ve never had any sort of experience like this,” says Brianna Allum, one of the Ambassadors who joined the Refinery29 and ELOQUII teams for the lookbook and video shoot. “The fact that everyone was so concentrated on all of us feeling like we mattered, and that we consistently matter, and that we have value in this — I can’t describe it properly.”
The Refinery29 x ELOQUII collection was christened The Weekender for its versatility and timelessness, to take its wearer seamlessly through her Friday night to Sunday evening. This is for the everyday woman in her everyday life — out to brunch, on a date, in the car on her way to an upstate getaway. Simply put, these are the clothes for those universal moments we all experience and enjoy.
“There’s four other women and myself who come from different backgrounds, have different personalities, different looks, and we all can agree, when we were looking through the clothes — we love all of this,” says Ambassador Naja Innis. “It was like we felt seen.”
The Refinery29 x ELOQUII Weekender is available starting today, online and in ELOQUII stores. Watch the video above to go behind the scenes of the making of the lookbook, and explore the whole collection here.
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If you're a decor rebel at heart, the spike in skull-themed product hunting that happens around this time of year probably incites a major eye roll. The moody decor category has potential that extends far beyond Halloween and can be much more sophisticated than cheap string lights and spooky decorations, making it almost unfair that skulls always get swallowed into the annual madness of Halloween shopping.
But if you're the kind of person that thinks skull-shaped products are only fit for a dark or gothic interior design aesthetic, we're here to encourage you to think again. You can find all kinds of objects, trinkets, and decorating pieces that'll suit your existing living space and will certainly attract a compliment or two. And you don't have to be Halloween-obsessed to enjoy the uniqueness of skull-shaped bookends, serving dishes, candles, and more. To prove it, we've put together a list of chic and interesting pieces that don't require an occasion to be displayed in your home. So don't be afraid to shop something new and add a few of these finds to your cart.
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.
These geometric skull objects are not just practical for keeping your books in place, they also work well alone as a shelving accessory or paper weight. Plus, each skull is handmade from industrial concrete which is pretty unique.
EMSAY Studio Concrete Skull Bookends, $, available at Etsy
For the most interesting cheese board we’ve ever seen, there's this skull option crafted from polished white marble that will look impressive under gouda, cheddar, blue cheese, and more!
Thomas Fuchs Skull Marble Cheese Board, $, available at Barneys New York
Benvenuti a Milano! Milan Fashion Week street style is truly in a league of its own. Whereas New York boasts bold, campy street style and London delivers classic, understated fashion, Milan is all about the art of dressing. From timeless takes on animal prints to purposeful maximalism, the 3rd fashion month destination proves that personal style isn't dead after all. Rather, it’s more alive than ever.
With Paris just a week away, MFW gives show goers the opportunity to audition next season's trends before fashion month's big finale. In this case, that means casually embracing hot pink color, taking an elevated approach to head-to-toe leather, and clashing patterns with care (as to avoid looking like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective). Essentially, Milan street style is a guide for styling down the OTT trends from New York and London.
Ahead, check out how MFW's top street stylers said ‘screw you’ to peacock culture, offering instead a sophisticated and thoughtful take on fashion month dressing.
Suit Up
And when picking your suit, we advise sizing way, way up.
Pernille Teisbaek wearing a Magda Butrym blazer and Bottega Veneta boots.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.Tiny tops! Bermuda shorts! Knee high boots! Oh my.
Camille Charriere Photographed by Melodie Jeng.Chocolate brown wins again on the streets of Milan Fashion Week.
LouLou de Saison in Staud sandals.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.Picnic blanket, but make it fashion.
Chrissy Rutherford wearing a Furla bag.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.When in Rome Milan, if you're not scootering to shows, you're simply not doing street style right. Photographed by Melodie Jeng.
The Age Of Maximalism
Leopard and florals? Why not?
Jenny Waltonin Prada.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.Is it even a street style gallery if someone isn't wearing Tabi boots?
Gabriella Krefa-Johnson wearing a Prada handbag and Maison Margiela Tabi boots.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.From the Tiffany & Co. charm bracelet to the tie-dye tee, this 'fit is straight out of our 2002 photo albums. Photographed by Melodie Jeng.We're bringing this tourist-friendly styling trick back to the fashion forefront.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.When in doubt, throw an Oxford shirt under your dress for an added texture moment.
Tamu McPhersonPhotographed by Melodie Jeng.
On The Hunt
Tired of animal prints? Us neither.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.This 'fit proves that 2019 killed the high heel.
Aemilia Madden wearing Prada sandals.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.
All Black Everything
Unlike NYFW, Milan street style doesn't shy away from a good ol' fashioned all-black outfit.Photographed by Melodie Jeng.Hot pink is cute and all, but us fashion girls can't deny head-to-toe black (sunglasses included).
Bettina Looney (right)Photographed by Melodie Jeng.Who else is dying to give this rope belt styling hack a try post-fashion month?Photographed by Melodie Jeng.
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If you're a bride-to-be planning a fall or winter wedding, you're probably feeling the pressure right about now. Whether your date is in early October or at the tail end of December, you likely have a few last minute boxes that need to be checked off before saying "I do." While ordering 200 monogrammed cookies can be delegated to family or friends, your bridal hairstyle is something you'll want to handle yourself.
You already have a collection of hair inspiration, so the next step is to pick one to take on a dry run.You'll want tolive with your chosen hairstyle for a full day to make sure the look really feels like you — and that it lasts. To help spark your excitement, we've rounded up several simple wedding hairstyles perfect for said trial. Click through to find inspiration for your rehearsal dinner, reception, or the walk down the aisle.
Thinking about an updo? It's all about the details. This gold bobble barrette by Lelet NY is the perfect complement to a French braided twist.The matte red lip and polished waves are elegant, but it's the accessory — here, a diamond hairpin — that makes the whole look bridal.Forgo the veil altogether and wear your hair in two dutch braids sprinkled with baby's breath.If you're going with an undone updo, make it extra special with a few studded clips on the side.The back of your dress might not be a moment, but this skinny, double-strand headband — flipped and fashioned to the back — will take everyone's breath away when you walk down the aisle.Pearl accessories are both on trend and classically bridal. For fall, we're partial to this pearl-lined headband, designed by Lele Sadoughi, that comes in both white and black satin.Or, try two stacked pearl barrettes, paired with a burgundy lip and rust-toned eyeshadow.A rectangular barrette is fun because it lets your freshly highlighted hair peek through the center.If you're wearing your hair in a braided style, consider accenting your design with cuffs or rings à la Candace Marie.Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and inspiration on the Refinery29 Pinterest page — we'll see you there!
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This Friday, people all over the world will participate in the Global Climate Strike to demand that politicians treat climate change as a moral and ethical obligation rather than solely an environmental issue. After 16-year-old Greta Thunberg made global headlines last year for her solitary protests outside of the Swedish parliament, millions of young people have joined her in organizing climate protests. Just this week, Thunberg testified before Congress, telling lawmakers, “You’re not trying hard enough. Sorry.” Now, activists are planning a weeklong event to demand climate justice, starting with Friday’s strike.
Ahead, everything you need to know about the Global Climate Strike.
What is the Global Climate Strike?
Students across the world plan to walk out of their schools on Friday, September 20, just ahead of a U.N. emergency climate summit, and adults plan to walk out in solidarity as well. “Together, we will sound the alarm and show our politicians that business as usual is no longer an option. The climate crisis won’t wait, so neither will we,” according to the organizers’ website.
People around the world will protest in different ways: “Some will spend the day in protest against new pipelines and mines, or the banks that fund them; some will highlight the oil companies fueling this crisis and the politicians that enable them. Others will spend the day in action raising awareness in their communities and pushing for solutions to the climate crisis that have justice and equity at their heart.”
When is the Global Climate Strike happening?
September 20, with events throughout the week to coincide with the U.N. emergency climate summit on September 23 in New York City. To cap off the week of action, there will be another strike on Friday, September 27.
Where is the Global Climate Strike happening?
There are nearly 5,000 events happening all over the world. Below are the major strikes in the U.S.
Boston: 11:30 a.m., Boston City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square
Chicago: 11 a.m.,Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St.
Los Angeles: 12 p.m., Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St.
New York City: 12 p.m., Foley Square, 1 Federal Plaza
Philadelphia: 12 p.m., Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Portland: 10:30 a.m., Portland City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave.
San Francisco: 9 a.m., Nancy Pelosi’s office,San Francisco Federal Building, 90 7th St.
Seattle: 9 a.m.,Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave.
Washington, D.C.: 11 a.m., John Marshall Park, marching to Capitol Hill
Who is Greta Thunberg and what does she have to do with the strike?
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenager, first began protesting outside of Swedish parliament alone when she was 15 in 2018. The publicity brought her a lot of attention and soon after, students around the world joined her to call for climate justice. Her mother Malena Ernman reportedly gave up her international career as an opera singer after learning about the effects of aviation on climate change from Thunberg. Thunberg has Asperger’s syndrome, which she has called a “superpower” because she says it makes her view the world differently.
Recently, Thunberg met with former president Barack Obama, testified before Congress, and Hillary Clinton tweeted about her. And by all accounts, she’s just getting started. She has said she was inspired by the March for Our Lives protests, in which students walked out of their schools to urge politicians to pass gun laws. “It proves you are never too small to make a difference,” she said of the spread of student strikes after her protest.
What does the Global Climate Strike hope to achieve?
According to the organizers: “Our hotter planet is already hurting millions of people. If we don’t act now to transition fairly and swiftly away from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy for all, the injustice of the climate crisis will only get worse. We need to act right now to stop burning fossil fuels and ensure a rapid energy revolution with equity, reparations, and climate justice at its heart.”
Earth Strike is a grassroots movement that demands immediate climate action from politicians worldwide. The organization is holding a strike on Friday, September 27, the 57th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the book widely credited with starting the modern environmental movement. The Global Climate Strike supports the Earth Strike and encourages everyone to join on both September 20 and 27.
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Sharon Chuter is the founder, CEO, and creative director of Uoma Beauty, an inclusive cosmetics line inspired by and infused with Afro heritage. This summer, Chuter, who has worked in the beauty industry for over 15 years, disrupted the market by launching a 51-shade foundation range that focuses on the specific skin-care needs of each skin tone. Here’s how she feels powerful…
I feel most powerful when…
I feel most powerful when I am 100% free and being my authentic, unadulterated self.
Power to me means…
To me, power means service. Whether it’s serving society, humanity, or my family, it makes me feel good because I am making a positive contribution, which makes me feel proud and in control.
What do you do when you feel powerless?
When I feel powerless, I always try to occupy my time and improve myself productively. There was a time years ago when I was working but felt like I had too much time on my hands, so I took on an executive MBA full time. I always want to be in a position where I am being of service; I want to make sure I am not wasting the air I’m breathing.
What’s your power anthem?
One day it’s a Beyoncé vibe, and the next it’s a Tina Turner vibe. Some days I feel more Whitney Houston. The song “Talkin’ About A Revolution” by Tracey Chapman usually gets me together when I wake up in the morning. It changes and depends on what mood I’m in, so it’s hard for me to pick one anthem, but the women in my Badass Icon lipstick collection is a pretty accurate reflection of my taste in music.
Who’s your power icon?
I can’t ever pick just one, which is why I created 16 lipsticks inspired by all of the women who inspired me — Chaka Khan, Maya Angelou, Diana Ross. I have a real privilege as a Black woman living in 2019 to stand on the shoulders of so many strong giants that came before me. So many of these women paved the way for me to be able to do what I am doing today, and I’ve connected with all of them at different points in my life and career.
What do you wear when you want to feel powerful?
Heels are a must when I want to feel powerful. When you see me with the super-high heels, know I mean business. I also reach for straight pencil skirts. I love how they make me feel put together and in control of my body. And some days, I feel confident in heels, jeans, and a blazer, so it depends. On my face, lipstick usually communicates a lot about my mood. When I mean business I probably have on my Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Diana, which is a bold red, or Funmilyao, a deep purple. Those are my power shades.
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If you’re trying to conceive, or even just curious about it, you’ve probably heard plenty of fertility “tricks” that will supposedly help make sure that the sperm hits the egg: After sex, lie down with your legs in the air. If you want to have twins, eat yams. Have sex in missionary position. Men: wear boxers, not briefs.
Some of these tips have been around for thousands of years, passed from generation to generation. Ancient Egyptians associated honey with conception, considering it sacred to Min, a god of fertility. Today, people trying to conceive are sometimes advised to snack on raw honey in order to increase their chances. “Seven people I know who had been trying to conceive between six months and three years gave me a tip... they were having two spoonfuls of Manuka honey a day... all of them now have children or are pregnant,” reads one such tip on a conception forum.
Dr. Minkin says there is “no data” on honey helping lead to conception. However, there’s one major benefit to eating honey: it’s not an artificial sweetener.
One 2018 study found that, for patients doing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, drinking artificially sweetened coffee was negatively associated with embryo quality on day two and three (though it had no effect on the odds of live birth). So, while eating spoonfuls of raw honey every morning probably won’t do much, swapping out the Splenda isn’t a bad idea.
Eating yams
You might have heard that eating yams will make you conceive twins. While this might sound remarkable, there may be some truth to it. “There is some suggestion that women in Africa who have a high yam diet have more twinning — based on somewhat more secretion of FSH from the pituitary gland,” Dr. Minkin says. “But I wouldn't go and eat yams for that reason!"
The Yoruba people, who live in West Africa including Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana, have high rates of fraternal twins. Yams are also a staple in their diet, and many eat yams every day. Scientists believe there may be a connection between these two facts, because yams contain phytoestrogens, which can stimulate the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). However, this connection is still being studied. Plus, the Yoruba people have eaten a diet high in yams their whole lives, so suddenly adding them to your meals as you're trying to conceive won't have the same effect.
Taking fish oil
While more research is needed, some studies indicate that taking fish oil supplements may have a positive benefit, because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. One 2012 study found that women over 35 who had a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids had improved oocyte quality. A 2016 study found that mice with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids had larger reserves of precursors of egg cells than other mice (though keep in mind that these were mice, not humans). And a 2017 study found that women with high BMI who took omega-3 fatty acid supplements had increased progesterone, which helps the body support a healthy pregnancy. Scientists stress that more study is still needed, but research looks promising.
Avoiding caffeine
Dr. Minkin says there is no data that suggests drinking caffeine has any effect on conception, however, some “shaky data” suggests that drinking three or more cups of coffee per day during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. She suggests following the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’s guidelines, which say to consume less than 200 mg of caffeine per day (equal to about one 12 oz. cup of coffee).
Taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy
Doctors encourage people to take prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive — but maybe not for the reason you expect. “The prenatal vitamin issue isn't really for fertility, but we know that moms who take folic acid supplementation before trying to conceive have a significantly lower risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect,” Dr. Minkin says. “That’s why we encourage women to take an over the counter prenatal vitamin before they try to conceive.”
Legs in the air
People trying to conceive are often advised to lie down with their legs in the air after sex. While the position of your legs doesn’t really make a difference, Dr. Minkin says it’s a good idea to lie down. “Basically, we encourage women to lie down for 15 or so minutes after they have sex, to encourage the ‘guys’ to swim up to the cervix,” she says.
Orgasming
There’s no data to suggest that orgasming during sex makes you more likely to conceive — some studies have been done, but they show inconclusive data. But hey, orgasming might mean you enjoy the conception process a lot more.
Eating spinach
While there’s no data to show that spinach specifically helps people conceive, it’s high in folic acid — which may help lower the risk of certain birth defects. Spinach is also high in vitamin E, which some studies suggest may be associated with positive reproductive outcomes, though more researchis needed.
Drinking cough syrup
Dr. Minkin says there’s no data to suggest that cough syrup effects conception. One ingredient case study asserted, “Evidence for the effectiveness of guaifenesin is almost entirely anecdotal.” Another concluded, “The efficacy of guaifenesin in fertility treatment is not supported by large prospective randomized, controlled trials.”
Having sex in missionary position
As long as ejaculation occurs in the vagina, any position could lead to pregnancy. As one study put it, “There is no evidence that coital position affects fecundability. Sperm can be found in the cervical canal seconds after ejaculation, regardless of coital position.”
Using special lubes
This is one suggestion with some truth to it. “Many of your standard lubes are not sperm-friendly — you want a balanced lube (both acid-wise and what we call molality — a certain concentration of salts dissolved in it) to be kind to the sperm,” Dr. Minkin says. “Many infertility docs recommend one called Pre-Seed. And if you are trying to time sex, sometimes lubrication isn't so easy. So that does matter.”
Vaginal steaming
While vaginal steaming (squatting over steaming water containing herbs) has become trendy in the past few years, Dr. Minkin says this is a definite no. Unlike eating honey or orgasming during sex, which you’ll probably enjoy even if they don’t increase your chances of conception, vaginal steaming could potentially hurt you.
“There is no potential good and only potential harm,” Dr. Minkin says. “Like a case report from Canada recently with a woman with second-degree burns on her vulva from steaming!”
Having sex every day
According to Dr. Minkin, having sex on your most fertile days is more important than having sex every day. “Every day or every other day works fine,” she says. “You don't want to have sex more than once a day, as it may actually decrease the concentration of sperm. Now one thing that you can do is to use an ovulation predictor kit, such as the First Response ovulation predictor kit, which will let you know your most fertile days — and you can then concentrate activity!”
Don't wear tight underwear
There aren’t a ton of fertility “tricks” marketed to people with penises, but one of the most prevalent is that boxers are better than briefs. While briefs aren’t off-limits, you don’t want to wear too-tight underwear. “The testes like it cool!” Dr. Minkin says. “You've heard of the old movie Some Like it Hot — well, sperm like it cool.”
Keep testicles cool
While you don’t need to ice your testicles, as some have suggested, people with penises “should wear loose underwear, avoid lots of sitting and hot hot tubs — all can help keep the testicular temperature a bit lower, to help sperm forming,” Dr. Minkin says.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we’re tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We’re asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
Today: a risk analyst working in financial services who makes $46,748 per year and spends some of her money this week on macarons.
Editor’s note: All currency has been converted to USD.
Content warning: This diary references a miscarriage.
Occupation: Risk Analyst Industry: Financial Services Age: 30 Location: Toronto, ON Salary: $39,208, plus a bonus. (Last year’s bonus was a little over $7,000.) Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,153.42 Gender Identity: Woman Mortgage: $1,131 (This is my half for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo downtown, which I share with my husband. It includes the condo fee, water, and utilities.) Phone: $45.24 Travel Fund: $450 (This goes into a joint fund, and my husband puts in $525. We take two or three big trips a year. Large purchases for the house also come out of this fund, so it’s not strictly for travel.) RRSP: $300 (Work contributes $220. I have about $22,620 total.) Netflix, Internet & Cable: $0 (My husband covers these. Since we split the mortgage down the middle, and he makes quite a bit more than me, he pays for these extras, including groceries.) Savings: Any leftover money after these expenses goes to my short-term savings, where I have about $3,700, and another $3,700 put aside for my personal emergency fund.
Day One
7:05 a.m. — I wake up right before the alarm clock and get ready. I make a smoothie, cut up a grapefruit, and prepare oatmeal to take to work. I kiss my husband goodbye and head out.
8:30 a.m. — I finish my smoothie during the half-hour walk to work, and I could still use a little something for breakfast. I grab a sous-vide egg bite from Starbucks — it’s dangerous to have Starbucks right in your office building. $4.05
9 a.m. — I make tea from my desk stash, eat my eggs, and chat with my coworkers. I’m in the office a good hour before my boss comes in, and it’s nice to start my day at a slower pace.
11 a.m. — I eat grapefruit and dried mango from home. I try not to eat lunch this early, but I’m hungry so I give up and reheat the leftovers I brought from home: farro with steak, chicken, and broccoli.
11:30 a.m. — I get a call from one of my BFFs, who’s getting married next month. I recently miscarried my baby and told her about it right away, because I’m not sure if I can mentally and physically handle flying halfway across the world to attend her wedding. She’s calling to check in, and I’m feeling all kinds of guilt. At least I’m not in the bridal party (it’s bad luck for pregnant women to be bridesmaids in her culture, so I happily told her I would sit this one out because my husband and I were trying).
12:40 p.m. — I sneak into the office snack stash for two mini chocolate bars and drop some change in the snack-fund jar. $0.40
1:30 p.m. — I have my overnight oats and more tea, this time peppermint. I always have tea, and yes, I do pay close attention to my caffeine intake, pregnant or not.
3:30 p.m. — I step out early for my ultrasound appointment. It’s super shitty because the last time I was here, I saw my baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Today’s appointment is to see if my body has naturally completed the miscarriage or not. Cue all the feels.
4:30 p.m. — I make a quick stop at the Shoppers post office to drop off my Poshmark goods. This is my second sale in a week, and I’m really liking the process so far. I have a prepaid mailing label, but I buy the bubble-wrap envelope ($1.70). I also grab a handful of dark chocolate bars because I really need dark chocolate. My husband kindly covers them ($16.59). $1.70
5 p.m. — We’re home, and I update my husband on the appointment. I have a good mope with him over dark chocolate, then we watch the Big Little Lies finale and TheBig Bang Theory.
7 p.m. — My husband heads to the gym, and I’m off to meet my friend for dinner, with a quick stop at the mall to return a few things. I spot a cardigan that I want, but it’s not on sale, so I order it online where it is on sale. This way I get e-bates, too. I love online specials. $31.92
8 p.m. — My friend and I head to a new tempura place. We get an appetizer to share and a main each. The menu is small, but they do those few items really well. I leave super-stuffed and will definitely come back. $21.07
10 p.m. — Home and exhausted. I shower and get ready for bed but have trouble going to sleep. I stay up until my husband joins me. His snuggle makes everything better.
Daily Total: $59.14
Day Two
7:10 a.m. — I get up and prep my smoothie, grapefruit, and overnight oats to take to work. My skin-care routine is usually just hydrator and sunscreen before makeup. Today I add an extra layer of moisturizer.
8:45 a.m. — I get to work a little late, but I’m still the only one here. I’m buying lunch today, so I resist Starbucks eggs.
10 a.m. — I make green tea kombucha from my desk stash and call to cancel the last of my pregnancy-related appointments. Some people know exactly what to say to make me feel not terrible about this, and I have a quick cry about it in the kitchen.
11:30 a.m. — My coworker and I step out for lunch. She’s been raving about an ah-mazing Cobb salad from a nearby pierogi place, so we go there. The pierogis look great, but I have to see if this salad lives up to the hype. I get a chocolate-chunk cookie, too. $12.78
3:30 p.m. — The salad is surprisingly filling and gets me through to my afternoon snack, which is a grapefruit. Oh, and the chocolate-chunk cookie? That didn’t last past lunchtime. I take a quick break to doodle in my abandoned journal. I’m not organized enough for bullet journaling, but I do like habit trackers, so I prepare a tracker for the next month. I track exercise days, shopping days, flossing days, and days when I spend zero on coffee and lunch.
4:30 p.m. — I survived hump day! I make a quick stop at the grocery store for roasted peppers, chickpeas, bread, ground pork, kombucha, and frozen mangos. The bill comes to $21.93, but my husband covers groceries.
5:30 p.m. — I’m home alone, while my husband is out at a Jays game with his buddies, so I turn on Grey’s Anatomy and make a pork chop I pre-marinated. I spend the rest of the night with Netflix and also making tomorrow’s salad: chickpeas with homemade vinaigrette, radishes, basil, cucumbers, roasted peppers, and feta cheese.
7 p.m. — A while back, I got a dress on sale at Aritzia, and I loooooooove it. I’m contemplating getting the same one in a smaller size to wear in the winter with tights. Is this dumb? I wish the dress came in more colors, which would make this purchase much more justifiable. I put it in my shopping bag for now and will sleep on it.
9 p.m. — The Artizia purchase is now on hold, because I see that a Free People dress I’ve been eyeing for the past year is finally on sale. I hit purchase without missing a beat. This is a shopping-heavy week, but I typically go weeks without any purchases because I’m big on waiting for sales. When they happen, I go a little crazy. I’ve also gone overboard lately in the name of self-love. $65.35
10 p.m. — My nighttime routine is not that different from my morning one. Typically, I use toner, then hydrator. Today I add moisturizer and face oil. My husband comes home just in time to kiss me goodnight.
Daily Total: $78.13
Day Three
7 a.m. — I wake up a little before my alarm goes off and play around on my phone. I make my smoothie and grab the salad I prepared, along with a grapefruit and overnight oats, then head out the door. But not before I jump in bed to say bye to my husband.
8:30 a.m. — I arrive to a calm office before the storm. I make genmaicha tea from my desk stash.
10:55 a.m. — I should have meetings more often, then I wouldn’t snack so much. I’m only eating my overnight oats now.
1:30 p.m. — Lunch is chickpea salad and chicken that I brought from home.
4:30 p.m. — Another day done, I go to a doctor’s appointment to get the result from the ultrasound, and it’s not the good news that I was hoping for. I have to go back for another ultrasound in three weeks and do more blood tests.
6:30 p.m. — At this point, my willingness to make dinner is zero, so I pick up a kalbi beef taco for dinner and macarons for dessert. I get lavender, Earl Grey, and white chocolate–strawberry. $10.62
7 p.m. — At home, I update my husband on the doctor’s appointment. He’s forever positive, and that’s exactly the energy I need right now (this five weeks of no sex is really, really hard). I eat my taco while we watch The Big Bang Theory. I also send my mother a quick message to update her. They say mothers feel their child’s pain more intensely than their child, and I want to make sure she knows I’m okay.
8:30 p.m. — My Sephora package arrives, and this reminds me how much money I’ve been spending. My wallet is screaming at me to get it together — no more moping! I’m exhausted but prepare lunch for tomorrow — the same chickpea salad from today.
10 p.m. — I talk to my bride friend to confirm that I’ll be missing her wedding, and she insists that I focus on my health. I start brainstorming the care package I want to send her. I hate that I have to bother her with my shit when she should really be enjoying her pre-wedding bliss.
11 p.m. — I shower, do the same skin-care stuff, and Google what to do with my new Sephora purchase. Apparently serum goes on before moisturizer. Who knew?
Daily Total: $10.62
Day Four
7:10 a.m. — Alarm clock goes off, and I start getting ready. No smoothie or oatmeal today. I put the finishing touches on my salad and make avocado toast with smoked salmon to take to work. I kiss my husband goodbye.
8:30 a.m. — I stop to get an iced vanilla soy latte from Starbucks since I’m without a smoothie today, then settle in at my desk with my avocado toast. It’s payday, so I transfer my part of the mortgage to my husband. $4.90
10:20 a.m. — Tea and grapefruit time. I’m doing groundwork for an investigation today — the work we do definitely doesn’t make us popular, but it has its exciting moments.
12 p.m. — I make myself a plate of avocado, chickpea salad, chicken, and smoked salmon. Delicious.
3 p.m. — It’s Friday before the long weekend, and the office is practically empty. My manager lets us off early, so I bounce.
5 p.m. — I’m supposed to be meeting my friends for dinner, but one is still stuck at work, and I’m already comfortable on my couch sans pants, so we reschedule. I spend the rest of the night like a teenager, eating junk with no nutritional value for dinner. I put away the laundry that my husband started and straighten up the house with Grey’s Anatomy in the background. Husband is at his weekly basketball date with his buddies.
Daily Total: $4.90
Day Five
7 a.m. — We’re expecting our cleaning lady at 9 a.m., so I get up early to finish tidying. My husband is always confused about why I do this when our cleaner is paid to, but I don’t want her wasting time on tidying up when she can focus on cleaning. I also want to make sure I can find things by putting them away myself. I have the last of the chickpea salad and the pork chop left behind from a few days ago for breakfast. I leave cash on the table for the cleaning lady, the cost of which my husband and I split. $22
9:30 a.m. — We’re driving to cottage country later today, so I go to the mall early to pick up an online purchase and exchange a cardigan. (When you’re going for an oversize look, sizing is hit or miss.) I also stop at Shoppers to get dishwasher detergent, shampoo, multivitamins, kombucha, and chocolate for the road. ($36.19, covered by my husband)
11 a.m. — I get home to a squeaky-clean place! I eat the last of the grilled chicken, a fried egg, kimchi, a couple of bites of my husband’s steak, and we are on the road! Obviously, everyone had the same idea — traffic isn’t great. We stop for cheeseburgers. ($8.66, covered by my husband)
2 p.m. — We check in at our resort and head down to the lake. The lake activity rental stuff is free for resort guests, but all the paddle boards are in use, so we take the canoe out instead, which I enjoy because we get to talk the entire time. It’s a beautiful day.
5 p.m. — We get cleaned up and head to the resort next door. Some of the units there are for sale, and my husband has been wanting to purchase one as a rental/investment property. He’s a true Ontario boy and lives for the cottage life during the summer. As a city girl, I need more convincing. We check out the property, which is absolutely beautiful, with SO MUCH to do, both for kids and adults. We have dinner at one of the restaurants in the resort. We share a pork-belly appetizer, prosciutto-pear flatbread, pickerel, and s’mores for dessert. Husband drinks two beers. I used to love drinking, but I want to be kind to my body after what it’s been through, so I stick with water. ($90, covered by my husband)
8 p.m. — At my request, we check out the town. The dessert place I was eyeing is closed (at 5 p.m., like whaaat?), but we find another place, and I get a batch of chocolate stroopwafel, two raspberry shortcake chocolate bars, a box of dark chocolate peanut butter cups, and a bunch of speculoos. $26.12
Daily Total: $48.12
Day Six
7:10 a.m. — Why am I up so early? I head down to the gym, and my husband eventually joins. I do a solid one-hour workout of cardio and weights.
10 a.m. — We go for brunch in town, and I get a breakfast skillet with eggs, bacon, and mushrooms. Coffee is tempting, but they only have almond milk, so we both stick with water. ($26.39, covered by my husband)
12 p.m. — I’m so very full, but we’re going for a couple of hikes. The first one takes a little over an hour, wrong turn included, and the second one is maybe half that. My husband covers the $15 parking fee, and I buy a bottle of water. $1.89
2:30 p.m. — We make a quick stop at a bakery because we haven’t eaten since brunch. We get a salted caramel bar, apple beignets, a key lime tart, and a pecan butter tart, which I pay for. $9.46
3 p.m. — Back at the resort, we paddle board, then kayak for a long time. My arms would be so toned if this became a weekly thing.
5 p.m. — Back in our room and showered, we enjoy the beers we brought from home. I have a non-alcoholic Radler, which hits the spot.
7 p.m. — For dinner, we try a dinner buffet we heard about yesterday — and it doesn’t disappoint. ($75, covered by my husband)
9 p.m. — We stick around to see end-of-summer fireworks, and they are totally worth the wait.
9:30 p.m. — My husband wants to get one last drink at the resort bar. He gets a beer, and we daydream about our next vacation.
Daily Total: $11.35
Day Seven
7:20 a.m. — I’m up early again after a bad sleep, but play on my phone until it’s an okay time to wake up my husband. I’m way too hungry, despite how much I ate the night before.
9:30 a.m. — The weather is gloomy, and the forecast says it’s supposed to rain today. There’s not much to do here if it’s raining, so we drive home early. Hopefully, this means we beat the traffic. We paid for the stay already — $500 and change for two nights, which comes out of our travel fund.
10 a.m. — Most places are closed because it’s a public holiday, but we find a diner. I get French toast with home fries, and he gets scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, and home fries. ($24.26, covered by my husband)
12 p.m. — Oh, my goodness, this drive is long! I loved the cottage weekend, but the trip is seriously discouraging. We try to listen to podcasts, but I keep falling asleep. Bless my husband’s heart, I’m a terrible road-trip companion.
3 p.m. — We’re home, and it’s going to be a do-nothing afternoon. First we watch Bachelor in Paradise, and while my husband is a picture of health and heads down to the gym, I don’t move from the couch. Except to pick up a package from the concierge. It’s the Free People dress, and I’m in love. It’s totally worth the splurge.
8 p.m. — I finally face the fact that I have to work tomorrow, so I unpack.
10 p.m. — I shower and get ready for bed, putting extra love into my skin-care routine with an added exfoliation step.
Daily Total: $0
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The number of literary adaptations we see on the big screen seems to get bigger every year. Why? For studios, they're a safer bet, with built-in audiences and plots ready to go. But perhaps more importantly, there's the fact that literary writers are some of the most imaginative storytellers there are — they're talented at fusing rich characters, intricate plots, and resonant themes into masterful page-turners. And with the right people behind and in front of the camera, a great novel can be become a fantastic film.
Here are some of the most notable in the past few years.The Goldfinch Released September 2019
Based On: Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning book What It's About: Art, love, loss, family, and a boy who steals a famous painting Starring: Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Paulson, Owen WilsonRebel in the Rye Released September 8, 2017
Based on: The formation of The Catcher in the Rye What It's About: J.D. Salinger's life, up until the point of his writing his famous coming-of-age novel. He's an arrogant student and aspiring writer. He's a war veteran with PTSD. And he's no the verge of something iconic. Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Kevin Spacey, Sarah Paulson, Zoey DeutchThe Dark Tower Released August 4, 2017
Based On: A series of eight books by Stephen King
What It's About: The battle between good and evil, personified. The Gunslinger is locked in an eternal battle with the Man in Black for control over the Dark Tower, which keeps the universe in place.
Starring: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaugheyThe Beguiled Released June 2017
Based On: The Beguiled by Thomas Cullinan (1966) What It's About: A union soldier finds himself at a secluded all-girl's boarding school. Seduction ensues and rivalries breed. The party for the soldiers ends, though, when the women take him captive. Starring: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Elle FanningMurder on the Orient Express Released November 22, 2017
Based On: The Agatha Christie mystery novel of the same name
What It's About: A group of strangers is brought together when a wealthy American woman is murdered on their train. Thank goodness Belgian mastermind Hercle Poirot is there to solve it.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Josh Gad, Judi Dench, Leslie Odom Jr.Brain on Fire Out 2017
Based On: The memoir by Susannah Cahalan What It's About: A woman battles a month of mysteriously and rapidly deteriorating health, ranging from violent behavior to catatonia. Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Jenny Slate, Tyler Perry, Carrie-Anne MossGhost in the Shell Released March 31, 2017
Based On: Japanese manga by Masanume Shirow
What It's About: Major is the best soldier on earth. As the first cyber-enhanced human ever, she's designed to track down and stop the biggest threats to humanity.
Starring: Scarlett Johannson, Takeshi Kitano, Juliette Binoche.The Zookeeper’s Wife Released March 31, 2017
Based On: A biography of the same name by Diane Ackerman
What It’s About: The Zookeeper’s Wife tells the extraordinary story of Antonini Zabrinskie, a Polish zookeeper who saved 300 Polish Jews during WWII.
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Daniel BrühlBefore I Fall March 3, 2017
Based On: The YA novel by Lauren Oliver What It's About: A popular teenage girl who dies in a car crash is forced to relive that fateful day seven times over. Her initial goal is to somehow change her fate, but the journey ends up becoming a beautiful study in empathy, compassion, and selflessness. Starring: Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Jennifer Beals, Logan MillerBrain on Fire Release date TBD 2017
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Based On: The YA novel by Jennifer Niven What It's About: Two depressed teens in a small town in Indiana find romance after a dark first encounter and working on a joint school project. Starring: Elle FanningPhoto: Courtesy of Knopf Publishing Group.The November Criminals Release date TBD 2017
Based On: The novel by Sam Munson What It's About: An ambitious high school grad living in D.C. investigates the senseless murder of one of his classmates. Starring: Ansel Elgort, Chloë Grace Moretz, Catherine KeenerPhoto: Courtesy of Anchor. The Circle Out April 28, 2017
Based On: The dystopian technology thriller by Dave Eggers What It's About: A new employee at a powerful technology company loves her new job, until she starts uncovering the dark realities of her firm's omnipotent operating system. Starring: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, Karen Gillan, John BoyegaPhoto: Courtesy of McSweeney's. Wonder Out April 7, 2017
Based On: The novel by Raquel Jaramillo, pen name R.J. Palacio What It's About: A young boy with a facial deformity and a big heart struggles to fit in. Starring: Julia Roberts, Jacob Tremblay, Owen WilsonPhoto: Courtesy of Lionsgate.The Lost City of Z Out April 21, 2017
Based On: The historical nonfiction book by David Grann What It's About: An early-20th-century British explorer ventures into the Amazon to find a mythical civilization — and is never seen again. Starring: Tom Holland, Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna MillerPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon Studios/Bleecker Street. The Dark Tower Out July 28, 2017
Based On: The sci-fi fantasy series by Stephen King What It's About: A young boy enters an alternate dimension where he joins a lone Knight on a quest to save his strange universe from demise. Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Idris ElbaPhoto: Courtesy of Signet.Like this post? There's more. Get tons of celebrity news, fun takes on pop culture, and trending stories on the Refinery29 Entertainment Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!Live By Night Out Dec. 25, 2016
Based On: The crime novel by Dennis Lehane What It's About: Set in Ybor City, Florida in the 1920s and '30s, the story follows a bootlegger who becomes a ruthless gangster. Starring: Ben Affleck, Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana, Chris CooperSilence Out Dec. 23, 2016
Based On: The novel by Shusaku Endo What It's About: In the 17th century, two Jesuit Portuguese missionaries travel to Japan to minister to outlawed Christians. Starring: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam NeesonBilly Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk Released November 2016
Based On: The award-winning war novel by Ben Fountain What It's About: A young soldier returns home from Iraq for a disingenuous victory tour — involving a Super Bowl halftime show performance — that obscures the reality of war from the American public. Starring: Kristen Stewart, Vin Diesel, Steve Martin, Chris Tucker, Joe AlwynAmerican Pastoral Released October 2016
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Based On: The fourth book in the mystery thriller series by Dan Brown What It's About: The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons' Robert Langdon races against time to recover from memory loss, evade the manhunt for him, and solve a complex new mystery. Starring: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Omar SyQueen of Katwe Released September 2016
Based On: The biography by Tim Crothers What It's About: This extraordinary true story is about the journey of a young girl who becomes a Ugandan chess prodigy and competes worldwide. Starring: Lupita Nyongo, David OyelowoThe Light Between Oceans Released September 2016
Based On: The novel by M.L. Stedman What It's About: A lighthouse keeper and his wife living on the Australian coast after WWI rescues a washed-up baby and adopts her as their own — with unforeseen consequences down the line. Starring: Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel WeiszMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Released September 2016
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Based On: The story collection by Rudyard Kipling What It's About: An orphaned boy named Mowgli comes into his own with the help of his forest guardians. Starring: Neel Sethi and the voices of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher WalkenAllegiant Released March 2016
Based On: The first half of of the final book in Veronica Roth's YA Divergent trilogy What It's About: Tris and Four finally venture beyond the wall around Chicago and learn shocking truths about the outside world, as the battle for humanity rages on. Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Naomi Watts, Miles Teller, Octavia Spencer, Zoë KravitzWhiskey Tango Foxtrot Released March 2016
Based On: The memoir The Taliban Shuffle by Kim Barker What It's About: A TV news producer takes an assignment in Afghanistan, plopping her right in the middle of a risky war zone where she gets to know other journalists. Starring: Tina Fey, Martin Freeman, Margot Robbie, Billy Bob ThorntonThe Choice Released February 2016
Based On: The romance novel by Nicolas Sparks What It's About: A ladies' man falls for his new next-door neighbor, a spunky med student — with a serious boyfriend. Starring: Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Alexandra Daddario, Maggie GraceHow to Be Single Released February 2016
Based On: The novel by Liz Tuccillo What It's About: A college grad decides she needs a break from her longterm boyfriend and moves to NYC, where her crazy coworker shows her how fun single life can be. Starring: Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie, Leslie MannThe 5th Wave Released January 2016
Based On: The YA novel by Rick Yancey What It's About: A girl teams up with a mysterious stranger on her quest to reunite with her brother, as the extinction of the human race is spurred by alien attacks, disease, and natural disaster. Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Liev Schreiber, Alex Roe, Nick Robinson
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There’s a noticeable shift in the air when fall finally comes back around — and we’re not just talking about the weather. Finally free to bust out the layers and pile on the accessories without fear of a mid-commute meltdown, there’s a renewed sense of excitement around sartorial trends that is straight-up contagious. Because, let’s be real, fall fashion trends never do seem to disappoint, do they?
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That’s why we’re narrowing down the five biggest trends to have on your radar this season — from elevated geometrics to sleepwear-inspired sets — and showing you exactly how to style ’em. The best part? Every item included is from Nine West’s new collection exclusive to Kohl’s, which means you can scoop up all of your new closet essentials in one single-stop haul. So go forth and find the trend that speaks most to your vibe, right ahead.
Leopard-Print Play
You’ve seen the leopard-print midi-skirt on your IG feed. You might even already own the It Girl item for yourself. And this season, it’s the perfect piece to style your aesthetic around — with some autumn-ready updates, of course. Keep the color scheme warm and rustic by pairing the skirt with a burnt-orange sweater tank, a cropped camel zip jacket, and taupe neutral heels. For extra intrigue, finish the look with a pair of leopard-print earrings that slightly differ in design from the skirt: Imperfections create individuality.
Power Minimalism
Uncomplicate your look (and, in turn, your life) with a sleek power suit that’ll have you looking put together in five seconds flat. Opt for a navy blazer and trouser duo (instead of the more expected black-on-black) to keep the overall vibe daytime ready. Polish the getup with some key accessories: a structured belt bag with gold detailing, croc-embossed black loafers, and gold geometric earrings for a touch of shine.
Elevated Geometrics
Rounded bags. Misaligned stripes. Cross-detail boots. Embrace every unique shape, curve, and design of your wardrobe by finding sophisticated new ways to wear ’em. Center your look around a trendy, misaligned striped sweater in a verdant green and midnight black color scheme. Then slip on dark-wash jeans and sleek leather booties that won’t upstage your busy top — they’ll allow you to go a little wilder with a circular snakeskin purse.
Sleepwear-Inspired
You have official permission to let your comfiest loungewear inspire your everyday — yes, even work-ready — uniform this season. The general formula? Soft fabrics, loose fits, and pastel palettes. Pair a pinstriped long-sleeve shirt with relaxed, cream-colored trousers, and dress it up just enough by adding a chic gold bracelet, a camel-colored tote, and rose-pink pumps. If you’re a sucker for luxe-as-ever loungewear (or, you’re simply a Taurus), this laid-back look is for you.
Look-At-Me Monochrome
A matching suit is a classic look in its own right, but in a strikingly bright color, the ensemble becomes that much more of a statement. Opt for pieces in a bright tomato red, as here, keeping the fit tailored and relaxed. Finish it off with a stack of gold bangles, a circular over-the-shoulder bag, and leopard-print pumps for the ultimate power play.
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In an early episode of the sitcom Friends, Ross and Rachel make out under the “stars” in a planetarium at the museum where Ross works. This is one of the only celestial references made in all ten seasons of the show — yet, it’s fun to think about the series through the lens of astrology, imagining what’s written in the stars for each character based on their zodiac sign.
Astrologer Lisa Stardust says if you dig deep into the sun, moon, and rising sign of each of the Friends based on their birthdays, it can offer real insight into their struggles and wins when it comes to love, work, and being there for each other.
You can also make some interesting connections between yourself and the six famous characters — Monica, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Ross, and Phoebe — based on your sign and their strong personality traits.
So... are you a Monica, Rachel, or (sorry) a Gunther, based on your sign? Aries March 21 to April 19 Frank Jr.
Annabel Gat, senior astrologer at Astro Guide and the author of The Astrology of Love & Sex, says that people with this sign are the pioneers of the Zodiac. "They're fearless fearless, super impulsive, more positive... they'll try anything once," she says. If this is you, you're most like Phoebe's little brother Frank Buffay Jr. (Giovanni Ribisi). He's not afraid to put himself out there. For example, he hits on (and later marries) his teacher, and is brave enough to ask his sister to be his surrogate.
Plus, Aires is a fire sign, and Frank Jr. basically admits to Phoebe that he’s a pyromaniac in an early episode. Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Taurus April 20 to May 20 Rachel
Gat says Taurians love to take their time and move slowly. They can be sensual, but also stubborn. They're also often very into their possessions. If this is you, you're Rachel Green. You can tell she's a Taurus because she wants to move slower with Ross when they start out in their relationship (remember when she held Ben like a football?). And, of course, she loves to shop.
Stardust adds that Tauruses tend to have strong relationships. She says both Monica and Rachel are actual Taurians based on their respective birthdays, which may explain why they're such great friends and why they never give up on love throughout the series. Photo: J. Delvalle/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Gemini May 21 to June 20 Janice
This sign is a social butterfly, all about communication, super flexible, and a little two faced, Gat says. They're also super trendy, because they're an air sign.
Gat and Stardust agree that this sign is most like Janice Litman-Goralnik (Maggie Wheeler).
“Some Geminis are very chatty, and overly expressive, which explains the ‘Oh. My. God,’” Stardust says. Plus, she's always in cheetah print — a timeless trend. Photo: Alice S. Hall/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Cancer June 21 to July 22 Carol
This sign is known as nurturing, intuitive, "witchy," and sensitive, Gat explains.
"People think of them as a homebody, someone who's soft and sensitive, but they also have crab claws and know how to defend themselves or protect people they love," Gat says.
If this is you, you're a total Carol. Ross's first wife exhibits these nurturing traits as she comforts Ross when he's upset about Rachel, as well as when she's with her son Ben. However, she knows how to bring the thunder when people try to crossor mess with her. Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Leo July 23 to August 22 Joey
Gat says this sign is generous, loves to party, can be a little bit self-centered. If you're a Leo, you're most like Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) because he's the big performer and romancer of the group.
“But being an actor, loving to flirt, and having a lot of bravado is all very Leo.” Stardust explains
Joey is also a truly loyal friend, which is why he stopped pursuing Rachel because of Ross in the latter half of the series. “Leos are just really honest and generous, and won’t do anything to hurt their friends,” Stardust says.
(Fun fact: The Joey character was actually born on July 25, 1967, making him a Leo too!)Photo: Alice S. Hall/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Virgo August 23 to September 22 Monica
Gat says this sign is diligent, hard-working, and service-oriented, just like Monica.
"They love to be productive, get stuff done, but they can be too crucial sometimes," Gat says. Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Libra September 23 to October 22 Ross
This sign cares deeply about their relationships, and that's thetheir primary thing, Gat explains. You hear a lot about how they value luxury items, but Gat says this isn't as important to them as relationships or wanting justice and harmony. If this is you, it makes you similar to Ross Geller, who had his fair share of romantic follies over the series.
“Libras love to be in love, which explains why getting married three times is Ross's thing,” Stardust says.
Stardust notes that this sign is known as being intellectual, and often likes to talk about art, history, and facts. Don't get us started on Ross and his love for paleontology. Photo: Alice S. Hall/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Scorpio October 23 to November 21 Emily
This sign is mysterious, intense, and creative, Gat says. "The downside is they can be a little manipulative, or sneaky," she adds.
If this is you, you're most like Ross's second wife, Emily Waltham (Helen Baxendale), who “is a total Scorpio,” according to Stardust. Aside from being intense and passionate, this character puts a lot of demands on Ross, setting boundaries for him once he makes her mad by saying Rachel’s name instead of hers during their wedding ceremony. “She was very devoted to the relationship once she was in it,” Stardust notes. Photo: Oliver Upton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Sagittarius November 22 to December 21 Mike
Gat says Sagittarians have two sides: They can be big party animal, but also be really studious. They love learning, but also having a good time. They're optimistic, open-minded, and often times really spiritual too. If you're a Sag, you're just like Phoebe's perfect match: Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd).
His character is also a piano player, which Stardust says this is a musical sign. Photo: NBCU Photo Bank.Capricorn December 22 to January 19 Mr. Treeger
Capricorns tend to be hard-working, business-minded, realistic, practical, persistent, and people who love a good DIY project. If this is you — maybe you should consider becoming a landlord?
Stardust says Mike Hagerty’s character Mr. Treeger was the perfect Capricorn because he’s “a hard-working, honest guy who’s just trying to run the building.” Photo: Everett Collection.Aquarius January 20 to February 18 Phoebe
If your'e an Aquarian, you're a total Phoebe Buffay. You're all about being unique — the rebel of the zodiac. You hate beinbored, and can be very stubborn at times, according to Gat. Just like Phoebe, who's been known to mix it up when it comes to her profession and love life.
Stardust says Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) is actually an Aquarius, born on February 16. “She’s individual, a rebel, humanitarian, idealist, she never has a 9 to 5 job, she has a lesser-seen emotional side — it’s all so Aquarian,” Stardust says. She notes that this sign can be stereotypically aloof, but once you’re their friend, they give you a lot of emotional support and love — like the most eccentric character we came to know and love. Photo: Alice S. Hall/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.Pisces February 19 to March 20 Gunther
Gat says this sign has a reputation as being a little ditsy, but also emotional and creative.
Stardust says that Central Perk barista Gunther’s (James Michael Tyler) personality reflects many of the Pisces traits. “They’re always lovelorn, and he has a dedicated longing for Rachel," she says.
Plus, if you've ever been a real barista, you know it takes a lot of creativity to make those cool pictures in the foam. Photo: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.
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If you were as a big of an Akon fan as I was in junior high, any time you start to feel a little abandoned, the song “Lonely” pops into your head. No one likes to feel left out or all by themselves, but it happens to the best of us.
In fact, tons of Americans experience it — about one-third of people surveyed in AARP’s 2010 Loneliness Study said they felt this way, and the stats were similar in their 2018 survey. In a YouGov poll from this summer, three in ten millennials surveyed said they were always or often lonely.
Mateusz Grzesiak (known as Dr. Matt), Ph.D., a psychologist and creator of Mixed Mental Arts, says that loneliness is rooted in dissatisfaction with our lives. He says it’s not always about being physically alone — you can feel this way in a crowded room, or so the cliche goes. That idea is also exemplified in social media where we may have thousands of Facebook “friends.” “We spend so much time on Instagram, but we’re still lonely,” he says. It can influence our self-esteem and directly correlates with self esteem and can influence the way we feel about ourselves and our world.
The truth is, we’re only seeing a curated version of our followers’ lives, and the platforms don’t usually allow for deep, personal connection — at least not on their own. Because of this and other factors, many of us are still feeling like we have no one to do life with, explains Anabel Basulto, a licensed marriage and family therapist for Kaiser Permanente in Santa Ana, California. “Social media has given us the ability to connect despite the distance,” she says. “ But the lack of forming intimate relationships plays a factor in loneliness. We have learned to communicate faster through the use of acronyms like LOL, and use of emojis. This form of connecting is superficial. It lacks the intimacy of speaking to someone and seeing their reactions and gestures.” People crave this, and they want more meaningful conversations with those who are close to them, whether they realize it or not.
Anxiety and depression can also plays a part in loneliness — and vice versa. “It’s important to say that loneliness is causing us health troubles,” Matt says. “It’s connected with increased levels of depression, inflammatory disease, heart attacks. We need to treat it seriously, and make sure having friends and having relationships is a priority in our lives.”
Basulto notes that there are some lucky few who do not feel lonely despite being alone. “The role of spirituality plays a factor in believing in something bigger than themselves and so they never feel alone,” she says. “You look beyond yourself for understanding issues.”
But for those of us who need more attention and want to stave off their lonely feelings, we have some hacks will help you so you don’t have to feel like Mr., Ms. or Mx. Lonely forever.
Balance out your life.
Matt says that we live in an individualistic culture, in which we often prioritize ourselves and our success over seeing and supporting our friends. He says we need to live a more balanced life, juggling work, family, and our best friends. Seeing everyone often enough to form deep bonds.
For some people, an unbalanced life will look like canceling on friends in order to stay late at work. For others, it means ditching their besties for their significant other or even their kids. “You might be less lonely in relationship, but if you spend too much time with family, you can also feel this way, Matt explains. “Balance is so important because sometimes, even though we are surrounded by other people, it doesn’t really change the way we feel.”
It’s about having a good network of people in your life that you’ve constructed deep relationships with — at work, at home, and in general.
Get involved.
Find an activity you want to learn more about, Basulto suggests. A book club or a intramural volleyball team will allow you to connect with others who share a common interest
Reach out.
Matt notes that we can’t always expect our friends to reach out to us — we have to put in the work too. When you’re feeling alone, call up an old you haven’t seen in a while. “Friendship can give you the gift of laughter, remembrance, and creating new stories,” Basulto says.
Befriend people like you.
If you’re an introvert, don’t like to be the one to initiate, or fear being smothered, Matt says it will be easier for you if you befriend people who are the same way. That way you’ll have someone in your corner who also gets that you really do need some alone time.
Exercise and eat healthy.
Paraphrasing Elle Woods, Basulto says eating well and getting sweaty can help create endorphins that make you feel better in general. This is one way to keep your mental health in check and combat feelings of loneliness. Plus, you might meet a new friend or partner at the gym.
Get professional help.
“Speaking to a licensed professional may help put things in perspective and give you better tools to cope,” Basulto says.
Meditate.
Learning to take deep breaths can help you focus internally on more positive things and less negative thoughts, Basulto says. However, Matt adds that this is just a temporary fix. Meditation is said to help ease anxiety, and it might resolve your negative thought patterns, and make you feel more stable in the moment. “But it won’t solve the real problem,” Matt says. “It comes back to living a balanced life. We’re social creatures, and we can not function by ourselves.”
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