That pumpkin pie may be a distant memory, but there’s still gravy to be had: beauty brands galore are offering major deals as part of Cyber Monday today. As the tradition goes, all deals are also available online, so there are no lines to wait in, no crowds to battle, and no work to miss (even though we really could use another vacation day, let's be real.)
Ahead, we’ve compiled the biggest deals — including ones from those niche brands that never seem to go on sale (like Harry Josh Pro Tools), indie favorites (such as Wander Beauty), and natural brands alike. Some deals are super gift-able, like Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipsticks and others were made for stocking up on winter essentials. (Can we suggest Pestle & Mortar Superstar Retinol Night Oil?) Ahead, find all the deals and discount codes one could possibly need, but get shopping fast. Most deals end tonight at midnight.
Receive a $20 gift card for every $120 spent site-wide through Tuesday, November 29 at Tatcha.
Tatcha Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream, $150, available at Tatcha.
Get 25% off purchases of $100 or more and free ground shipping using code BLACKFRI at Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, $38, available at Laura Mercier.
Score 30% off all products (excluding Best of Eyes & Modster Eyeliner Trio) and free shipping with code CYBERMONDAY at Ardency Inn
Ardency Inn Modster Manuka Honey Enriched Pigments in Rose Gold, $21, available at Ardency Inn.
You'll nab a complementary set of 5 mini products with every $30 purchase and an additional deluxe sample of Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara and a black patent-leather pouch with every $75 purchase using code MONDAY at Marc Jacobs Beauty.
Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Foundation, $55, available at Marc Jacobs.
Get full-size Studded Kiss Lipstick bundles in Rad Reds, Next-Level Nudes and Too Cool for School for $44 each (originally $63) and a complementary vegan leather makeup bag filled with 5 mini products with every $100 purchase through Cyber Monday at Kat Von D Beaut y.
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick, $21, available at Kat Von D Beauty.
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We all have that one friend who will never accept the froufrou present. Simple and practical is all they’re looking for when it comes to holiday gifts, so step away from the $70 candles, my friend. While those luxurious, limited-edition gift sets make you weak in the knees, now is not the time.
When it comes to a no-frills person, it’s a better bet to wrap a gift they’ll actually use, no matter how much you want to give them that sparkly body oil. You might want to resort to a gift card, but come on, you're more creative than that. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pretty, festive presents that don't require a thorough read of the directions to figure out.
Every year, you have to give a gift to that friend of a friend at your annual holiday party. Here's this year's — because who doesn’t love a rose-scented body gel, butter, and loofah?
The Body Shop British Rose Treats Cube, $9, available at Ulta Beauty.
For the friend who thinks manicures are a waste of money — but can't deny how good shiny, sparkly nails look.
Ciaté Power Pot Duo To Go in Antique, $15, available at Ciaté London.
A stocking stuffer for the friend who went platinum this year, but doesn't understand Olaplex. This reparative set will rejuvenate their strands before New Year’s Eve.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Hair Therapy Kit, $20, available at Sephora.
No one is immune to those lazy mornings when you just can’t drag yourself into the shower.
Batiste Dry Shampoo Holiday Trio Pack, $9.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
No matter how basic your friend's makeup routine may be, we bet it includes lip balm.
Burt’s Bees Kissable Color Holiday Gift Set Cool Collection, $9.99, available at Target.
For the friend who keeps rinsing her new dye job down the drain with stripping shampoos.
Matrix Biolage Colorlast Lasting Color Gift Set, $15, available at Ulta Beauty.
Dr. Bronner’s can be used for nearly everything. Your Instagram-famous friend will need it for brush cleanups, your bath lovers will use up a bottle within two weeks, and every utilitarian on your list will probably use it for their hair, body, and cleaning their sink — really.
Dr. Bronner’s Gift Set Rose & Almond Pure-Castille Liquid Soap with Body Loofa, $14.99, available at Target.
Every year, we get the urge to share our favorites with our closest friends and family members — and this simple cleanser and lip balm is a good place to start. They won’t be able to deny its power.
Fresh Skincare Darlings, $19.50, available at Fresh.
Your favorite aunt will love these lotions in gorgeous, unique scents.
Pacifica Holiday Body Butter Duo Gift Set, $9.99, available at Target.
For the coworker who always asks to borrow your favorite lip gloss for happy hour.
Laura Geller Color Luster Lip Gloss Duo, $12, available at Ulta Beauty.
Small, one-bathroom apartments and crowded holiday parties don't always mix. If you find yourself in a smelly situation, this will cover your tracks.
Erase dryness with these rich body butters that smell like the best holiday desserts.
The Body Shop Festive Seasonal Body Butter Trio, $16, available at Target.
Whether you know someone who travels a lot or someone just looking to revive their hair, the nourishing mask, blowout spray, and dry shampoo will have them covered all season. And we bet they’ll be purchasing the full-size versions as soon as these run out.
Amika The Chic One Holiday Set, $22, available in November at Sephora.
We all have that friend who is a serial dater. Make her life a bit easier with these eyeshadow sets that are smooth, creamy, and go from work to drinks.
E.L.F. Desk to Dinner Eyeshadow Set, $5, available at Target.
Out-of-control brows can destroy a look, but this do-it-all kit will ensure that never happens.
Sonia Kashuk The Brow Kit, $14.99, available at Target.
Who doesn't need body wash in delicious throwback scents?
Herbal Essences 3-Piece Luscious Scents Body Wash Set, $9.99, available at Target.
Your non-fancy friend hates gifts that collect dust in their bathroom. But this shaving set will come in handy the next time they toss their razor.
Schick Intuition Holiday Gift Set ,$9.99, available at Target.
A pack of cleansing towelettes next to the bed always proves necessary on nights when the alcohol flowed a little too strongly.
Burt’s Bees Nurtured Gift Set, $9.88, available at Walmart.
For the person who indulges in a weekly bath, but finds the spa to be unnecessarily extravagant.
Dove Argan Oil Holiday Dry Oil Gift Set, $14.88, available at Walmart.
Help out a friend and gift them this soft brush set that can take on the whole face.
Real Techniques Multi-Tasking Kabuki Brush Set, $19.99, available at Target.
This starter kit is all anyone needs to maintain a simple routine and great skin.
E.L.F. Facial Skin-Care Set, $18.49, available at Target.
This shea butter blend is a first aid kit for damaged cuticles and wind-whipped hands.
Philosophy Hands Of Hope Ornament, $12, available at Ulta Beauty.
There are things we never feel like spending money on, but love receiving, like soaps and lotions.
Mayfair Soap Foundry Sea Lily Jasmine Gift Set, $9.99, available at Target.
This set features Pixi’s famous Glow Tonic and two miniature masks to make at-home facials on Sunday so easy.
Pixi Best Of Bright Discovery Kit, $22, available at Target.
The child in everyone will adore this snow-fairy soap.
Heading straight from work to the bar has never been so easy with this kit in your bag.
Ulta Beauty Zip Me Up Face & Eye Palette, $16, available at Ulta Beauty.
Don’t let your friend’s skin suffer when they’re getting stressed at family gatherings. These peels exfoliate and reveal brighter skin in no time.
M-61 Power Glow+Go, $14, available at Blue Mercury.
These miniature lipsticks are foolproof and ideal for tossing in every bag.
Wander Beauty Four Mini Crayon Set, $36, available at Wander Beauty.
Tumblers are key for the working girl who’s looking to save a couple bucks on her coffee each morning. Bonus: this one is loaded with a sweet body wash and mist.
Bodycology Toasted Sugar Bath Gift Set, $4.88, available at Walmart.
Travelers, beauty novices, and minimalists will adore this compact palette packed with six neutral hues and two smoky-eye must-haves.
Lorac Pro Metal Eye Shadow Palette in Rose Gold, $28, available at Nordstrom.
Hand Food is a bedside staple and Heel Genius will repair anyone's cracked heels.
Soap & Glory Take Your Pink Gift Set, $8, available at Target.
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Remember when a sequined dress was the unofficial uniform of the holidays? Luckily, those tiny reflective disks aren't the only way to show your enthusiasm. Today, practically anything goes. And even if you love a little sparkle (who doesn't?), we’re willing to bet you’re ready to sideline it for a few events, in favor of something less overplayed. For us, an invite to a party provides the ultimate excuse to go beyond our style comfort zones and give trends we wouldn’t typically try — or see on every other guest in the room — a go. Take an all-white ensemble for example: While it may not be the most practical choice for every day, rolling up to the dance floor in a frosty monochrome look is totally unexpected (and won't match the disco ball hanging above you).
So, in the spirit of not sporting the same old thing, we turned to LabNo25 to ID fresh ways to wear holiday trends that will help you stand out from the masses. From frilly socks to attention-grabbing gold lamé, the five alternative party outfits ahead are proof that you can still shine without sequins.
Party Socks
Introducing the newest way to one-up your party shoes: Party socks. Opt for a pair in a playful color with ruffle detailing, and make sure to show them off with open-toe heels and a knee-grazing dress.
Marna Ro, $558.00, available at LabNo25H&M, $39.99, available at H&MZara, $15.90, available at ZaraTopshop, $6.00, available at TopshopSteve Madden, $79.95, available at Steve Madden
Slip Dresses
The slinky slip dress has been the hero in our wardrobe all year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it new life. Add an element of surprise with a lace bustier underneath, and toss in an embroidered bomber over your shoulders to kick the winter chill.
Malibu Road, $253.00, available at LabNo25Needle & Thread, $460.00, available at Net-A-PorterNatori, $76.00, available at JournelleJeffrey Campbell, $125.00, available at Jeffrey Campbell ShoesGabriela Artigas, $645.00, available at Steven Alan
Frosty Monochrome
We hereby declare the no-white-after-Labor-Day rule dead. Channel ice queen vibes with a sheer lace blouse, wide-legged trousers, statement heels, and flashy earrings.
Rachel Zoe, $396.00, available at LabNo25Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, $590.00, available at FarfetchCharles & Keith, $49.00, available at Charles & Keith& Other Stories, $195.00, available at & Other StoriesTura Sugden, $3410.00, available at Love Adorned
Gold Metallics
Let’s be real — shiny pieces are a given this time of year, and it's okay to embrace them. To keep your look from being too over-the-top, add a layer like this classic tux-inspired jumpsuit and pair with kitten heels and polished accents.
Rachel Zoe, $325.00, available at LabNo25DKNY, $598.00, available at DKNYNine West, $47.99, available at 6pm.comGabriela Artigas, $160.00, available at La GarçonneClare V., $215.00, available at Clare V
Velvet
Skip the obvious velvet dress and opt for booties in the festive fabric. To make sure your feet are the focal point, tuck silk-lined leggings into the bold boots and finish with subtle staples.
Pinko, $320.00, available at LabNo25Madewell, $218.00, available at MadewellBing Bang, $200.00, available at Bing BangMango, $79.99, available at MangoWhistles, $180.00, available at Whistles
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We firmly believe that you should never need an excuse to eat ice cream. But if you were looking for one, we've got it. A researcher from Kyorin University in Tokyo says that, according to clinical trials, people get a mental boost after consuming this sweet treat for breakfast, as originally reported by Excite News. Yep, breakfast.
For the experiment, the subjects had to complete several tests on a computer. Those who ate ice cream right after they woke up had more success on the tests than those who hadn't — even those who'd drunk cold water, which indicates the effect probably wasn't simply due to the cold temperature.
The ice cream eaters' brain activity also exhibited more high-frequency alpha waves, which correlate with heightened alertness.
Yoshihiko Koga, the professor who conducted the study, says he is trying to figure out which ingredient could have boosted the subjects' brain power. Or maybe it was just the pure joy of eating ice cream that got them pumped up for the day.
One red flag, though: It's not clear whether the folks who didn't eat ice cream had breakfast of any kind (Refinery29 was unable to obtain the full text of this study) — if they didn't, that would cast these results into doubt.
"Our brain needs glucose to function, and a high-glucose meal will aid mental capacity considerably compared to a fasted brain," Nutritional Psychology Doctoral Researcher Katie Barfoot told The Telegraph. So, the main takeaway here may just be to eat breakfast.
And, by the way, your ability to score well on a test isn't the only factor to consider when you choose what to eat in the morning. While there's nothing wrong with including something sugary in your breakfast, ice cream alone might cause a spike and dip in blood sugar. Since that won't exactly keep you going throughout the day, it's a good idea to consider options that contain protein, fat, or fiber to keep you full and energized.
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The iPhone 7 might have been the most hyped product launch heading into 2017, but Snapchat Spectacles are quickly emerging as one of the most mysteriously cool releases of the year.
Unlike Apple's big September event, Snapchat's announcement of its new product, a pair of glasses that records short videos, came with little fanfare and even fewer details. There was just a blog post — put up on a Saturday, no less — offering a brief summary of how Spectacles work. There was no for-sale date and no mention of price. With that one post, Spectacles were quickly on their way to becoming one of the weirdest, most whimsical tech releases ever.
That status was confirmed earlier this month, when they suddenly became available from a single Snapbot vending machine in L.A. That bot has been followed by ones in select other locations and the exclusivity has spawned Snapbot locator apps and numerous articles guessing at future spots. Thanks to rental company Lumoid, we got to spend Thanksgiving break with a pair of the hardest-to-get shades in the world.
Are Spectacles worth the insane lines and speculation? Here's everything you need to know about them.
Hot Topic
Right now, your only options for getting Spectacles are to join Lumoid's rental waitlist, wait in line for hours at Snapchat's New York pop-up store, or, constantly check here in the hope that they will be coming to your city next.
The yellow box you see here is called a Snapbot and it is one of the most adorably strange ways a cool, new tech product has ever been sold. Each Snapbot is sleeping when it lands in a new city — traveling via balloons (à la Up) is tiring, after all — and will only awaken for 24 hours in that location. When you step into the bot's line of sight, it stirs from its slumber and dispenses Spectacles of your choice (they come in coral, black, and teal) from its mouth.
Photo: Courtesy Snapchat.
Vend Me
Like other vending machine products, Spectacles come in a cheap plastic container. Inside is a cloth to clean them and the glasses case itself, which is much sturdier.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Power Up
Inside their case, the Spectacles magnetically connect to a charger. Snap them in and a circle lights up to indicate how full your battery is — a complete circle means your battery is completely charged.
On one full charge, Spectacles are supposed to last for a day. Of course, this depends on how often you're using them. After taking 20 10-second videos over the course of and hour and a half, my battery was only at 50%. But I didn't find this to be an issue, since I could just place them back in the case when I wasn't using them and they charged up completely again in about 30 minutes.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Out In The Wild
Here's where the fun begins. As soon as I put my spectacles on for the first time, I wanted to wear them everywhere and record everything. There's something so novel and exciting about putting on an ordinary product — a pair of sunglasses — and being able to secretly record what's happening around you. (Of course, this can raise some security issues. But, then again, so could your smartphone if you're recording someone without them knowing.)
The best part of Spectacles is that the camera portion is completely unobtrusive. When your glasses are on, you press the button in the top left-hand corner and the glasses will begin recording for 10 seconds at a time (they can record up to 30 seconds continuously). An outward-facing circular light lets others know that you're filming and a inner light that's barely noticeable (you can only see it peripherally) lets you know when your clip is done.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
I Can See Clearly Now
If you're connected to Wi-Fi, the video taken by your Specs will begin uploading to Snapchat. From here you can edit it, adding Snapchat filters, text, and stickers, and send to friends, put in your Story, or save to your Memories.
The video quality isn't always incredible: Screens and reflective surfaces don't show up very well and there's no image stabilization. This means that any of your shaky head movements will be reflected in the film captured by Spectacles. This might bother someone who's a camera perfectionist, but it didn't trouble me. I had so much fun re-watching what I had recorded — and seeing things in a slightly different light — that I didn't care about a little blurriness here and there.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Leaf Peeping
The main benefit of recording with Spectacles versus your iPhone camera is that you can use both hands to do things. Just press your recording button and you're good to go. This is a nice change from holding your iPhone in one hand to try to capture video.
Plus, with Spectacles I wasn't taking the time to check my clips after they were shot. This meant I could actually enjoy what I was doing and not worry about the angle, color, or other details. I looked forward to checking out the more spontaneous images later.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Going Under
Another benefit to Spectacles: Anything you record when not connected to Wi-Fi will be saved. If you're using iOS, clips will automatically transfer to your phone via Bluetooth. But if you want the highest-quality Snaps, it's best to transfer over Wi-Fi.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Unforeseen Obstacles
One important thing to note: whatever is in front of your Spectacles will show up on screen. So, if your hair tends to fall in your face, as mine does, you'll want to pin it back so that it doesn't interfere with your recording.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3
To check the battery without putting Spectacles in the case, you're supposed to be able to double tap the right-hand side of the glasses (near the charging circle). This worked sporadically. I found myself repeatedly tapping with no response from my Spectacles, which got frustrating.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
Cost Factor
So, are Spectacles worth $129.99? Absolutely.
It's been awhile since I found a tech product that wasn't a smartphone that really excited me. Spectacles did. They made me feel like a kid again with a new toy — albeit, a toy that actually looks stylish and has a touch of whimsy.
Even though the video I captured wasn't perfect, I didn't need it to be. I still had more fun watching my clips and sharing them with friends than I usually do with photos. As for the outside world? Only one woman, who was ringing me up at the corner grocery store, noticed that there was a camera built into my sunglasses. Her reaction was nothing but joyful. "That is so cool," she said, reaching out to touch them. "Do those record?"
Spectacles might not be the most advanced tech product of 2016, but they are the most fun. Now, go in search of a Snapbot.
Photo: Madeline Buxton.
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Taylor Swift had a magical Thanksgiving amongst friends, which she documented generously on Instagram for all of us to enjoy. Given Tay-Tay's perennial squad spirit and knack for capturing perfectholidayInstagrams, this is in no way surprising. But Swift did throw us a curve-ball with an impressive display of her musical talents. And we're thirsty for more already.
Swift hung out with BFF and Kinky Boots Broadway star Todrick Hall this weekend. The pair spent time gazing into each other's eyes and doing a seaside mannequin challenge with some friends. They also took a stab at a Disney classic — and did it justice, we must add. Hall belted out the Little Mermaid track "Part of Your World" a cappella. Swift let Hall have the spotlight when it came to the vocals, but the pop-star took the opportunity to show off her prowess on the piano. Swift is more known for her guitar skills, but she played the piano beautifully.
"Disney fun with @taylorswift on the piano. Throwback to two nights ago," Hall captioned the first of two videos he posted. Taylor, we have your next collaboration lined up for you: a joint-album of piano renditions called Taylor & TodrickDo Disney.
Your new role model, fitspo source, and ideal drinking buddy might all be the same person: 98-year-old yoga star Tao Porchon-Lynch. In a profile in the New York Times, Porchon-Lynch, who has been practicing yoga for more than 70 years and teaching for more than 45, reveals among other tidbits that she only drinks tea and wine — not water.
And that love of vino runs deep. In fact, along with her late husband, Porchon-Lynch founded the American Wine Society.
In a world where yogi stardom too often seems like a game for the young, thin, and blonde, Porchon-Lynch — who has had three hip replacements (!) — represents a refreshing and inspiring shift. She's developed a dedicated following thanks to her particularly encouraging approach to teaching and her sheer amount of experience.
In addition to yoga, Porchon-Lynch frequently participates in ballroom dancing competitions. In fact, you may remember her impressive performance on America's Got Talent last year. Howard Stern, a judge at the time, called it "too mind-blowing for words."
So if she wants to forgo H2O for pinot, honestly, who are we to argue?
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This week opens with Frances and Robert both trying to move on. While Robert is working out, Frances is meeting with an art-world friend that's looking for her recommendation for an event-coordinator position at Sotheby's. Frances shocks the Sotheby's exec — and herself — when she says that she would like to be considered for the job.
It doesn't take long before she's offered the job via phone while she's in the car with Dallas. But while they're driving, they see an unexpected sight: Robert. Leaving a church. With the kids. I'm almost as surprised as Frances is!
Robert seems to be in a completely different headspace all around. He's smiling, positive, and next thing you know he and the kids have returned home with a pet snake. "Do you have any idea what it takes to care for a snake?" Frances asks him, angry that he didn't consult her about this decision. Of course, Robert deadpans, "Yea I got this pamphlet, how to take care of your pet snake."
After the kids leave, Frances ask him what's going on with him. He admits he's turned to God, a.k.a. "The Big Guy" after everything that's happened, and that's why he's feeling so content. Frances decides to tell him about her job offer, and when he congratulates her, she asks him why. "Because I want you to be happy. As happy as I am!" he says. Frances is clearly suspicious of Robert, and so am I.
Later, Dallas puts the bug in Frances's hear that a fancy new job means that Robert could be entitled to half of her big new salary. So Frances suggests to her new employer that they let her "defer" her start date so that she works for free for six months while her divorce gets settled (in other words, so Robert has no access to her funds). Her new employers look at her like she has three heads. She ends up calling them on Monday to apologize and let them know that she's passing on the job because it's bad timing; of course, they seem relieved (and were probably going to let her know they'd moved on to other options any way).
Back with Robert, we learn he isn't actually as at peace as we thought at all; he's seated in the lecture hall of one Julian's (that would be Frances' lover) art classes. After, he stalks him in the hallway. "For your information, I'm not French," Julian tells Robert defiantly. Robert's response? To hand him a gun. "I think you know the right thing to do Julian." He then hugs Julian and tells him he's forgiven.
This scene was pretty weird, to be honest. But then when he returns to his empty house, we get a peek at why he actually has been acting so off: He's been injecting himself with testosterone. Wuh-oh. Robert is clearly lost, but Frances seems like maybe she's finally figuring things out — especially when the episode ends on a shot of her finally sitting down to relax and read, then taking off her wedding ring.
Will things remain ugly between these two, especially now that Robert is getting some extra doses of testosterone? We'll see next week — there are just two episodes left, y'all!
Side note: Is it just me, or does it seem like Frances's friends are a total afterthought for the Divorce writers? Like they kind of randomly throw in that Diane and Nick are thinking about adopting, and that Dallas is having parenting issues with her son, but they never quite delve into either storyline. Here's hoping that next season their characters will feel a little bit more nuanced instead of just a random aside to the main plot.
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It certainly isn't easy being Mariah Carey. But, now we know, it isn't cheap either. E! tracked what Carey might spend on average for accommodations across the globe and it was clear she gets nothing but the best. And that kind of luxury costs a pretty penny. Let's break this down, shall we?
The rent for Carey's Calabasas mansion is reportedly roughly $250,000. When she's in Las Vegas she stays at the Nobu Villa at the Nobu Hotel in Caesar's Palace, which costs around $35,000 a night. Not to mention, when she's off skiing in Aspen during the holidays she shells out $1,400 nightly for an Airbnb rental.
Renting a mega-yacht to sail around Capri, like she did this past summer, would cost her $340,000 a week. To take eight of her closest friends to dinner at the West Hollywood celeb-staple Craig's she would pay $1,500. Her champagne tab alone would be no less than $440, being that that's the price of one bottle of Dom Perignon.
To do all of these things, you know Carey's not scrimping on the glamour. This means she needs a team that will make her look as good as her bank account allows, which is upwards of $19,000. It's estimated that she pays her hair stylist $9,600 per appearance.
But, this is all chump change for the star, who E! reported has made $50 million in royalties thanks to all the times you've played "All I Want For Christmas." Not to rub it in, but this doesn't even count her album sales or the money she makes touring during the holiday season.
Learn more about what it costs to live in Mariah's World when her mini docuseries debuts December 4.
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I recently came to the horrifying discovery that for the majority of my young adult life I have been mispronouncing "gyro" (our favorite Greek street meat). After playing the YouTube "How To Pronounce Gyro" video a couple of times and jumping up out of my seat, alarming several coworkers, I gasped aloud: How many other food words have I been so wrong about? Thus I embarked on a personal journey to right all the pronunciation-slaying I had wrought (which it turns out, had been a lot).
Ahead you will find 15 popular food words of our time. Terms that have, in one way or another, been verbally debased by us Americans to what can only be described as pure jibber-jabber. Whether you yourself have been the perpetrator, or it's been one of your parents, your boss, or your best friend, it's time to put that all behind you and move forward with confidence in ordering all the açaí bowls and charcuterie boards your heart desires.
Harry Potter fans know that real-life Christmas, though usually fun and exciting, may never quite measure up to a Christmas at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In each of the Harry Potter books and movies, during the holiday season, the students are treated to a grand celebration. The Hogwarts Great Hall is decorated with 12 massive trees, there's a bottomless Christmas Day feast, and it even snows inside the castle. Though Katheryn Burnett, a muggle from the United Kingdom, will most likely never get to hear a chorus of ghosts caroling, that didn't stop her from using the wizarding world as inspiration for her Christmas tree.
About a week ago, Burnett posted photos of her HP -inspired tree to Facebook, and the album has since been liked over 15,000 times and has received 24,700 comments from amazed Potterheads all over the globe. The album's description borrowed from one of Albus Dumbledore's most iconic and uplifting quotes. The tree's creator wrote, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the 'Christmas Lights.'" The always-cheerful headmaster would certainly be proud of this tree. It's a great reminder that a muggle Christmas can still be pretty magical if you just use your imagination.
Maybe the Sorting Hat tree topper will sing a Christmas tune.
Back in July, Alexa Chung shared some intel that many fashion girls have been waiting to hear for years. Following sell-out collaborations with AG and British chain Marks & Spencer, she's officially launching her own label, dubbed Alexachung. The first collection is slated to hit stores in May 2017, and Chung is apparently staffing up. Earlier this week, Business of Fashion posted a job listing for a key sales role at Chung's namesake label.
The star's eponymous brand is seeking a "reliable and enthusiastic individual" to become a commercial executive, and the gig is based in London, according to the listing. The role sounds pretty varied, and it'll include overseeing the label's showrooms during London, Paris, and New York fashion weeks, and making sure everything is running smoothly.
The listing states that Alexachung will be stocked at stores including Selfridges, Matches, and Net-A-Porter, but the lucky girl or guy that nabs the new role will also be expected to scheme up ways to spread Alexa's It-girl aesthetic even further: the person will "target new stores in key areas," per the listing.
Chung is seeking someone with "strong organization skills," "attention to detail," and either a "strong knowledge of the fashion industry" or "a solid business background with a strong interest in fashion appreciated," because obviously. A basic proficiency in French, German, and Italian is a big plus, too.
Want to score this gig, in what's bound to be one of London's most stylish offices? Check out the full listing, here. Oh, and we're guessing an affinity for Chung-vetted staples like denim cutoffs, Peter Pan collars, overalls, and ballet flats could only help your chances at nabbing the role.
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A photo posted by Jerrod Blandino (@jerrodblandino) on
Update: Earlier this month, we flipped out over the news that Too Faced's new Matte Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate palettes would finally be hitting stores. Well, the wait is (partially) over, because the palettes have been released on Sephora and Too Faced's websites. There's just one caveat, though: Both are completely sold out. But you can keep tabs on Too Faced's website (Matte Chocolate Chip is expected to be restocked on December 14) and sign up for Sephora's mailing list to get updates on availability.
Update (November 11, 2016): After months of anticipation, Too Faced's founder Jerrod Blandino has finally revealed the contents of the brand's new Chocolate Chip palettes in an Instagram post last night. The Chocolate Matte palette will feature 10 warm, matte hues, while the White Chocolate palette will contain what looks like a mix of matte and shimmery shades. Both palettes drop on Cyber Monday, but Chocolate Matte will be available on Too Faced's website and White Chocolate will be sold exclusively at Sephora. Did that make anyone else as hungry as it made me?
This story was originally published on April 29, 2016, at 12:30 p.m.
Another day, another reason to thank the Instagram gods. We’ve just learned — via a frenzy-inducing post — that the next covetable palette from kicky cosmetics company Too Faced will be a mini one with the adorable name Chocolate Chip.
Teased by Jerrod Blandino, the brand’s vivacious cofounder and creative director, the palette looks to be a direct descendant of cult-favorite Too Faced eyeshadow collections Chocolate Bar, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar, and Chocolate Bon Bons. All feature shades of shadow pigmented with cocoa powder and, amazingly, smell like chocolate, too.
The brand created these using research that shows the smell of chocolate can improve your mood, and with the idea in mind that the antioxidant- and moisturizer-rich sweet stuff can help improve skin. (Legend has it, Blandino was first introduced to the idea when getting a chocolate facial in Hawaii.)
While the brand couldn’t reveal anything beyond the tasty morsel dropped in Blandino’s IG post, we know this much: The travel-friendly compact is slated to launch spring 2017, and it will tap into the allure of white chocolate. And, if the first comments from diehard fans are any indication — “OMG!!!,” “I can't wait that long!!!!!,” and “I need this yesterday” — this bad boy will sell out fast.
Will the so-called #funsized release smell like white chocolate? And does white chocolate smell different than milk chocolate? (#Research.) For now, we have more questions than answers, but if past palettes have taught us anything, then this one will be sweet.
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The world needs to get ready to learn a whole lot about Mariah Carey. The premiere of the singer's new reality show, Mariah's World, is just days away. And from what we've seen so far, Carey doesn't hide much from the camera when it comes to documenting her career and personal life. We're also going to get a closeup of her ostentatiously luxurious lifestyle, which evidently includes lounging around the house in sequined corsets and bathing in diamonds. Though, not everything about Mariah's world is so enviable.
The 46-year-old spilled about her unusual palate to E! News "It's really hard. My diet, you would hate it," she told E! News. "All you eat is Norwegian salmon and capers every day. That's it... I'm actually serious." Yum? Yuck? Sounds glamorous but monotonous.
Alas, Carey clarified that despite her fondness for Scandinavian fish, her diet is a little more balanced than that. "But no, I eat — I try to stick with the proteins. It's the worst." You'll get to find out what Carey really eats in a day come Sunday December 4, when she lets us inside her home — and hopefully, her kitchen — for the 9 p.m. premiere of Mariah's World on E!.
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Sure, a cooking show can leave you starving, but watching someone else explain how to properly roast a chicken — and seeing it come out delicious every time — is just relaxing. Even the heart-pumping competitive cooking shows, like Chopped, still seem to have a calming effect when you watch the chefs at work. Perhaps that's why people all over the country like a good food-centric show, but different states have different opinions and favorites. CableTV.com recently cross-referenced the top 100 cooking shows with data from the past year's Google Trends to figure the most popular food-related show in each state. The site then put together a map of the results.
It found that Tennessean's love Next Food Network Star, which makes total sense to this TN native. I've never met anyone outside of my immediate family and hometown friends who even watches that competition show, but we all love it. The website also found some more research-based trends, like the fact that people often enjoy cooking shows that have some relationship to their home state or region. For instance, viewers in Washington, D.C., love D.C. Cupcakes, and those in Indiana are crazy for Unwrapped, which is hosted by Indianapolis-born Marc Summers.
The research findings even include some hilarious observations, like the sad reason why people in Wyoming are such big fans of Worst Cooks in America. According to the article, "Several major publications agree the state is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to quality cuisine." Poor Wyoming.
Welcome to a world in which there is a television channel dedicated solely to Taylor Swift. First she became the global welcome ambassador for the city of New York, then she marched her troops across the state of Rhode Island, and now she'll be broadcast around the entire country. She's on her way to rule the world.
On the off chance that you needed more Swift in your life, then now's a good time to set up a DirecTV account (the channel will be included in all DirecTV Now services) to gain access to Taylor Swift Now, which will be all Swift, all the time. The channel will feature music videos, concert performances, behind-the-scenes clips, and more never-before-seen content from Swift's personal archive, according to Variety. There will also be little Easter eggs on the channel, like the fact that the video content will be rolled out over the course of 13 chapters (her lucky number). The exclusive Swift content is set to launch in the next few weeks, Variety reports.
With Thanksgiving 2016 over and Christmas coming up, 'tis the season for traveling home to cringe at old photos of ourselves. For those in recovery from eating disorders or struggling with body image issues, seeing old photos can be really tough. But if that's you, body-positive activist Megan Jayne Crabbe — the woman behind the @bodyposipanda Instagram — has a powerful message that just might help you see your past self in a new light.
As an eating disorder survivor, Crabbe has struggled with her body image for a while, and her self-esteem hit rock-bottom after she viewed one picture in particular, Hello Giggles reports. "As soon as I saw [this photo], I spiraled into the deepest body shame I'd ever felt. I untagged. I cried. I messaged my best friend to ask her whether that's how I truly looked," she wrote on Instagram. "The next day, I started yet another crash diet. I vowed to never look like that picture ever again. I was absolutely disgusted with myself."
That was just three years ago.
"Now, I have no idea how I ever could have seen that picture as hideous. Sure, I don't look long and slim and like I just walked off a magazine cover, photoshopped and perfect. But I'm smiling, I have my sister next to me, and my outfit is cute AF. Today, I am the same size I was then, sitting down in all of my softness, and completely happy with my body."
So, the photo stayed exactly the same — it was just her attitude that changed. This goes to show that, as Crabbe points out, "the problem is not your body; the problem is how you've been taught to view your body. So don't give up on yourself, and please, don't throw away photos because you think your body isn't worthy of being seen. Someday soon you'll see that you were worthy all along."
A photo posted by Megan Jayne Crabbe 🐼 (@bodyposipanda) on
Another woman under the name of @misunderstoodworm on Instagram recently posted about how surprised she was by her self-image's improvement throughout the course of her eating disorder recovery.
"If you had told me four years ago, when my multiple eating disorders were at their worst, that I could ever be this okay with myself, I probably would've said 'please get out of my room,' and I also definitely wouldn't have believed you," she wrote.
These women provide a lot of hope to those of us struggling with poor body image. As Crabbe points out, our bodies aren't the issue. What we need is a change in perspective.
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Nick Gordon has been ordered to pay the family of his late adoptive mother and his late fiancée $36 million for the death of Bobbi Kristina Brown. Criminal charges are on the way for Brown's death as well. But that didn't stop Gordon from posting a tribute to Whitney Houston on Twitter Tuesday morning.
"Learned so much from this amazing woman. Miss you so much!!" Gordon captioned a photo of himself with the late singer, who took him in when he was 12 years old.
Just two weeks ago, Fulton County Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford ordered Gordon to pay Brown's estate damages in the amount of $36,250,000. The civil suit determined that Gordon had given his girlfriend a cocktail of prescription drugs, cocaine, and alcohol that rendered her unconscious before putting her face down in the bathtub, where she was found unresponsive in January 2015. Brown never regained consciousness before she died six months later in the hospital.
According to People, after he was found responsible for Brown's death in civil court in September, Gordon was "in a dark place." He was not, however, worried about the damages he was ordered to pay, because he doesn't have the money, anyway.
In the months following her death, Gordon has posted photos of Brown and Houston from time to time. He wished Brown happy birthday this past March.
"I know some of you guys are influenced by the media. But that's my baby girl and always forever continue to post pics. Happy Holidays," he wrote last December. His latest post proves he's still not letting public opinion influence how he chooses to express himself on social media.
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Not everyone likes (or can pull off) the look of clunky, jolie laide piece of footwear, but if your aesthetic is more quirky Christopher Kane Crocs than sexy Vetements x Manolo Blahnik boots, then you need to know about Suicoke. From shearling-lined nylon slides to buckled flatforms, its super-comfy flats are the new must-haves for those who can't ignore the allure of some ugly-cute kicks.
Launched in Japan in 2006 as a niche accessories label selling, among other things, hand-painted Matryoshka dolls, Suicoke is quickly becoming a fashion-insider favorite for its unisex performance footwear. With a distinctive, chunky look that incorporates durable materials like nylon straps and neoprene panels, the brand's shoes notably feature custom-molded Vibram footbeds and soles, making them as functional as they are stylish. Plus, they're stocked by retailers Ssense and Kith, they recently launched successful collaborations with Norse Projects and Robert Geller, and they'll be introducing skateboarding sandals and heeled platforms next spring. Basically, we haven't seen (or heard) something this good since Ugg and Teva joined forces.
Click through to see our top picks from the label's fall collection, and when you start seeing these pop up all over Instagram, remember: You heard it here first.
Suicoke Three-strap Buckle Sandal, $203.32, available at Gravity Pope.
Suicoke Buckled Sandal, $194.02 $116.41, available at Farfetch.
Suicoke Nylon Strap Platform Sandal, $177.44, available at Gravity Pope.
Every morning when I was 22, I'd wake up late in the afternoon and ask myself one question: What party am I going to tonight? There were many to choose from in New York — film premieres, museum galas, fashion week gatherings, the odd tech party or two — and they all took place in the most exclusive restaurants and clubs. The food was made by Michelin-starred chefs; the liquor was top shelf; and my fellow partygoers were models, celebrities, and media moguls. And me? I was nobody.
My purse was from the mall. My heels were made of plastic. And my slinky dress, which I wore each time, was getting more ragged by the day. When the night was over, I traded my heels for sneakers and headed to the subway, back to my parents’ house in Queens. Even in our immigrant neighborhood, though, I was a New York City kid, and every New York City kid grows up wanting to be somebody. Ambition is in the air when you're raised here.
I grew up in an Asian immigrant family, and my parents always had high standards for me, though those standards never included being rich and famous. That started as a preteen when I got into one of NYC's top high schools in the most expensive area of Manhattan. I found myself sitting next to kids from accomplished families, families who lived in penthouses and made appearances in the news. These kids did not care who played football or was named homecoming queen. No. They wanted to see who could get a book deal at 15, who would invent the next big social network, and who could make their first million before 20.
Next to them, my parents, with their broken English, seemed so uncultured and my working-class neighborhood so trashy. This inferiority complex followed me to college, where being a first-generation immigrant made me an anomaly. I vowed to make something of myself so I could finally feel good enough next to these people.
Illustrated by Petra Ericsson.
But when I graduated at the peak of the recession, with no fancy job or prospects on the horizon, my anxiety was at an all-time high. I wasn't employed at a six-figure consulting job. I wasn't in an MD or PhD program. I didn't even drop out of college to work on a hedge fund like the respectable slackers. I was stuck in a rut, and my self-worth chipped away with each rejection email I got.
Then one day, out of the blue, I got two passes to a premiere of a movie. I had nothing to do all week, and I invited a similarly unaccomplished friend along. We did some googling beforehand and found out that the premiere after-party was at an exclusive restaurant nearby, so we decided to try to get in. Of course, when we got there, we found we needed to be on the guest list. Determined, we loitered near the entrance, watching the fancy people enter while scrolling through Twitter and Instagram to see the fabulous photos taken from inside.
Like characters from a heist movie, we cased the joint. We circled around the block and went into adjoining restaurants and office buildings, pretending we needed to use the bathroom. It was in a restaurant next door that we found a shared stairway leading to the party. We could hear the party's music, but when we got to the top of the stairs, the door was locked. We knocked. We pounded. We even yelled. But nobody opened the door.
Dejected, we made plans to get halal food instead and exited into the lobby of an office building, where we met a security guard who had been watching us the whole time. “We’re locked out,” we said. “We left the party to make a phone call, and now we can’t get back in.” He shook his head, but when the maître d' of the hotel stepped outside for a cigarette, the security guard told him our story. He let us in.
Illustrated by Petra Ericsson.
Inside, everything seemed so surreal, as if I was in a dream. With flutes of Champagne and macarons in hand, we tried to act cool, like we belonged there.
“What do you do?” I said to a well-dressed middle-aged man sitting next to me.
“I'm an equities manager.”
“Oh okay.” I had nothing else to say.
We laughed off these social faux pas and the judgmental looks our cheap dresses got from girls in $1,000 couture. And when the party ended at midnight, we ran to Grand Central Station laughing, high on what we got away with.
Soon, it became a thing we did all the time. After all, we had nothing else to do, and it was a challenge. We wanted bigger, better, fancier parties. Sometimes we'd find events ahead of time online, and other times we'd just go and wing it. We pretended to be caterers, publicists, journalists, and other VIPs. There's something so freeing about being an imposter: You get to be anything you want, and people take you at your word. The possibilities are limitless.
Illustrated by Petra Ericsson.
Eventually, we learned to talk to the notable guests and celebrities. To them, we weren't deranged fans; we were at their level socially. After all, we were invited to the same party. But it wasn’t all about rubbing elbows with drunk actors and famous models. What we really loved was requesting our favorite songs and dancing obnoxiously together, snagging party favors, and posing for photo-booth pics. And when the night was over, we’d haughtily rate the party against all the others.
We didn’t do this to show off (our pics never saw the light of social media) or to take ourselves too seriously. We did it for the rush — to escape our real lives. While I struggled with confidence during my daytime job hunt and post-college life, at night, I was different. Everything was.
WatchGood BehaviorTuesday at 9/8c on TNT. See the trailer below.
The views in this essay are those of the writer. Refinery29 and TNT do not condone illegal activity.
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