While a woman's right to choose is under attack all over the country, the South Carolina Senate voted to ban most abortions in the state on Wednesday.
But actually getting the bill passed looks to be an uphill battle: Democrats have promised to filibuster in order to put off the final vote, and ending a filibuster would require a supermajority vote, which is hard to reach. The year's legislative session ends on May 10.
The upper chamber of the legislature voted to outlaw the majority of abortions 28-10, allowing for exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, or a threat to the mother's life. If passed, the new law "almost certainly would spark a court challenge," according to South Carolina newspaper The State. But that is exactly what the Senate Republicans want, since their eventual goal is to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that gives women the right to safe, accessible abortions.
"It's designed to give the court an opportunity to revisit Roe v. Wade," Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey told The State.
Democratic Sen. Brad Hutto said that if passed, the proposal would likely ban 97% of the approximately 5,700 abortions performed in South Carolina every year. "It's clearly unconstitutional from my point of view," he told The State.
But Hutto is the one who proposed the ban, as an amendment to a House bill to outlaw "dismemberment" abortion — a rare procedure only used to end late-term pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother. He was acting strategically: Reportedly, he said that the amendment would be a "poison pill" and either stop the bill from passing or get it thrown out in court.
"So, it's a gotcha vote?" Republican Sen. Tom Corbin asked Hutto, according to The Charlotte Observer. Hutto responded: "I'm not going to gotcha behind your back. I'm going to gotcha in your face."
After the Senate had been debating "dismemberment" abortions for two days — complete with gruesome demonstrations — Hutto decided to give Republicans a chance to vote for the bill they really want. “If you want to vote on it, this is your vote," Hutto said, according to The State. "If you want to dance on this one, you can see it on the commercials when you get home for your next election."
During the impassioned two-day debate, Republican Sen. Larry Grooms said, "I wish we could end all abortion. I do, 'cause I believe in life. I believe the most important thing government can do is to protect the life of people, and unborn children are people."
It's been argued over and over and over again that if Republicans are truly the "pro-life" party, they should be making decisions that favor affordable healthcare, gun safety, and a sound federal paid family leave plan.
Battles over abortion rights are playing out in several other states. In Iowa, the Republican-controlled legislature passed the so-called "heartbeat bill " earlier this week, which bans abortion at around six weeks of gestation — when most women don't even know they're pregnant. The bill is currently waiting for the signature of Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. She is anti-abortion, but hasn't indicated whether or not she'll sign it.
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 marketing coordinator working for a food and beverage brand who makes $46,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck this year on Halo Top Dairy-Free ice cream.
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator Industry: Food and Beverage Age: 25 Location: Los Angeles, CA Salary: $46,000 Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $1,430
Monthly Expenses Rent: $780. (I live in a two-bedroom/one-bathroom apartment with one roommate. I realize this rent is INSANE for L.A.) S tudent Loan Payment: $80 Car Lease Payment: $210 Credit Card Debt: $120 (Not proud of this...) Health Insurance: $0. (My parents cover my health insurance. Thank goodness.) Hulu Subscription: $8 Spotify: $11 Ipsy Subscription: $10 ClassPass: $40-$115. (Depending on the month. I'll usually go for the $40 plan and then I'll bump it to a bigger plan mid-month if it's financially feasible.) MoviePass: $10 Savings: ~$300. ($300 is a baseline. I'm trying to save for grad school wherever I can.)
Day One
6 a.m. — Good morning! I'm off to a painfully early WundaBar Reformer class to start the day. Reformer is expensive AF, but I use ClassPass, so it's covered. Pretty much every workout class in LA is $28 (lol wut), which makes a ClassPass subscription a no-brainer.
7 a.m. — There's a Starbucks next door and I *did* wake up at 5:15 a.m. to get to this class on time, so I stop in for a venti blonde latte with coconut milk. I hoard Starbucks gift cards for situations like this, so my latte is covered. I also have a free coffee on my rewards app, but I like to save those for days when I'm feeling especially broke and desperate for a treat. I take my Starbucks home to quickly shower and watch last night's episode of Last Week Tonight while I get dressed.
8:30 a.m. — I stop for gas on the way to work and then call my mom. My mom and I are super close and talk every morning while I drive to work. I'm from the East Coast and don't see my family often, so it's nice to have a set routine to keep in touch. $30
9 a.m. — I make a bowl of oatmeal and hurriedly try to eat it. I'm in a video shoot for most of today, so I'm trying to knock out all of my emails before I'm totally unavailable for four hours.
10 a.m. — Video time! We hired an outside videographer to knock out a few training and marketing videos with our CEO. If I'm being totally candid here, I'm super grateful for this shoot. This guy I've hooked up with a few times is randomly my company's client now. He's coming into the office during the shoot, and I'm glad I have somewhere to hide. (And if you're this dude reading my Money Diary: Hi. Sorry we haven't talked. I miss your dog.)
2 p.m. — PLOT TWIST. The guy sends his business partners to the meeting instead, so he isn't coming in after all. Phew. I feel way less stressed now. We're done with our video shoot, too, so I heat up leftover broccoli/cauliflower casserole for lunch.
5:30 p.m. — I have to go straight to West L.A. for a meeting after work, so I swing by Taco Bell to pick up dinner. I fucking LOVE Taco Bell. It's the most vegan-friendly fast food restaurant (I'm vegan) and I could bathe in their Mild Sauce. I get two spicy potato tacos with added beans and a bean burrito. I order both Fresco-style, which basically just means "vegan with added salsa." $6
6:30 p.m. — Meeting time! I'm on the Associate Board of a nonprofit that serves L.A.'s homeless population and we have monthly meetings to talk about L.A.'s homelessness issues and plan projects. We're in the process of planning new project pitches right now (say that five times fast...), so this meeting is a mix of roundtable discussion and brainstorming in groups. The meeting ends around 9, and then I head home to curl up with a book and go to sleep.
Daily Total: $36
Day Two
8 a.m. — Why am I so tired again?!?! I seriously never get coffee this often, but I'm half asleep today. I grab another venti blonde latte with coconut milk from Starbucks on the way to work. I miraculously still have about $10 left on my Starbucks card. Dope.
9 a.m. — In order to have time for Starbucks, I had to forego the usual oatmeal today, instead grabbing an avocado and two pieces of Ezekiel bread on the way out the door this morning. I turn it into avocado toast once I'm at work and top it with leftover Mild sauce packets from last night's Taco Bell. So millennial.
11 a.m. — My best friend and I go to Barry's Bootcamp class almost every Tuesday (butt and leg day!), but she has to bail this week, so we look for a class to take together Thursday. I'm pretty sure I'd snap in half if I did more than one Barry's in a week, so we sign up for a "Drag Ride" at Flywheel West Hollywood. I pray "Drag" means Drag Queen-themed, but I don't get my hopes up. Class is covered by ClassPass.
1 p.m. — One of my favorite coworkers works remotely in the Pacific Northwest, but she's in town this week! We head to a poke place that has tofu and grab poke bowls. Mine is $8 and some change, but I use the Digit app, so all of my purchases are rounded up, with the change heading into my savings account. $9
1:40 p.m. — I almost never take lunch breaks, so I'm giving myself a little bit of extra time today. My coworker and I head to Daiso to look around. I almost buy a bunny-themed yoga mat, but resist the urge. Next, we head to a boba shop that's so ridiculous, it's been featured in those Business Insider videos that are always all over your Facebook newsfeed. We both get colorful boba drinks topped with cotton candy. $6
7 p.m. — After work, I hustle home to get changed into workout clothes and then I head to Barry's Bootcamp. I am obsessed with this place. It's one of the only workout classes where I consistently question if I'm going to make it to the end, and I love feeling like my ass has been kicked. Class today is no exception, and I leave with legs so wobbly, I have trouble using the parking garage's escalator. I used ClassPass for today's class, so it's covered.
8:30 p.m. — Once I'm home, I'm too tired to make anything fancy for dinner, so I heat up a can of black beans and top it with slices of avocado. It's okay, not great. I finish it quickly, take a shower, smoke weed, and then read my book before falling asleep.
Daily Total: $15
Day Three
8 a.m. — I make a protein smoothie with Vega One, spinach, and fruit for breakfast. Vega One is crazy expensive, so I try to stock up whenever Whole Foods or Sprouts is having a sale.
11:30 a.m. — The coworker I went to lunch with yesterday brought treats for our weekly Sales and Marketing meeting. Oh man. She made us paleo-vegan raw brownies (YUM) and also brought vegan Smore's Girl Scout cookies. Score!
1 p.m. — Um...so my CEO just gave me a $100 Amazon Gift Card as a thank you gift for working hard. This is very out of the ordinary and a complete surprise. But I'll take it!
2 p.m. — More broccoli and cauliflower casserole. Yay...
5:30 p.m. — Tonight I was supposed to have a meeting for another nonprofit I work with. It's cancelled last minute, though, which means tonight, I'm free! I swing by Sprouts on the way home to pick up gluten-free linguine, pine nuts, and garlic for a pesto pasta recipe I'm making for dinner. I'm seriously craving chocolate, so I grab an Unreal peanut butter cup while I'm in line at checkout. $22
7 p.m. — Dinner is the gluten-free pasta with a spinach-based pesto sauce. I use a Minimalist Baker recipe as a guide, but mostly wing it by adding toasted pine nuts and pomodoro-style cherry tomatoes. Wowwww, it's good. I pack up the other half for lunch tomorrow and totally forget about my peanut butter cup, opting for a few Thin Mints from the freezer instead.
9:30 p.m. — I connect my living room's Roku to an ex-boyfriend's cable info to get MTV (oops) and watch a few episodes of The Challenge before heading to bed with a book.
Daily Total: $22
Day Four
8 a.m. — I worked through last weekend, so I have today and tomorrow off! Yay, long weekends! I take advantage of a rare weekday morning off and go to yoga with my best friend. My roommate actually teaches at a nearby studio, and she hooks us up with a free class.
9:30 a.m. — We shower at the studio and head next door to a new coffee shop with my roommate. One of our friends just went on a date from hell with a guy who pretended to dine-and-dash on their date (WTF?!), so we talk shit about LA's dating climate while sipping on Americanos. $5
10:30 a.m. — I swing by my house and make cinnamon-sugar toast for breakfast. (Two pieces of toast with Follow Your Heart "butter" and a sprinkling of raw cane sugar and cinnamon.) I'm heading to my best friend's house for a bit to hang before my spin class later, so I grab workout clothes, too.
1 p.m. — I head to my best friend's house with my Tupperware of pasta from last night. I have keys to her place, too, so I let myself in and find her fully focused on Fallout 4 in the living room. She lives with her husband, and there are like six of us who are there often enough to have our own keys. We joke that their guest bedroom is where we all live. She's been wanting to get me into Fallout 4, so she sets up a profile for me before taking her cats to their vet appointment. By the time she comes home, I'm obsessed with this game, so we play for a few more hours before I have spin.
6:30 p.m. — I get to spin class and it's in one of the areas of WeHo where parking is either nonexistent or a million dollars, but this studio has free parking. THANK GOD. As a child, I never understood why the Free Parking space on a Monopoly board was a big deal. As an adult in L.A., it makes total sense. I walk into the studio and my suspicions were correct! It's a Drag Queen spin class led by a Flywheel instructor and a drag queen in full drag. I'm so excited. We pedal to remixes of Whitney Houston and the entire RuPaul musical anthology, and by the end of class, I'm totally wiped. Flywheel is competitive, so your power and RPM give you points. At the end of the class, I'm in second place for the women's side, which isn't bad considering this is my first Flywheel class ever and second workout of the day!
8 p.m. — I try to resist going to Taco Bell again...but I just can't. I get a veganized Crunch wrap, pinto beans, and a potato taco. It's raining out, so I eat my TB all snuggled up on my couch. $8
Daily Total: $13
Day Five
8:45 a.m. — I'm starting a doctoral program next year and I'm currently deciding between two schools. Today is an admitted student event at one of them, so I head to the campus bright and early. At the parking kiosk where I'm supposed to pick up my parking pass for the day, I accidentally tell the parking attendant that I'm here for the other school's admitted student's day. So yeah...today's going well...
9 a.m. — Oh, thank god. They have coffee and bagels at this event. I'm fully booked for a day of class visits, panels, and more, so I'm going to need all the help I can get.
1 p.m. — After a morning full of info, we head to a faculty luncheon. It's been gross and rainy in L.A. for the past few days, but the sun is back! I kind of wish we could stay outside for a bit, but we head into a super nice building where I have a veggie wrap, salad, and fruit. We spend lunch asking our table's faculty member and current student a million questions about the school and the doctoral program.
4 p.m. — I leave the campus and can't stop thinking about ice cream. Traffic on the way home is unbearable, but when I get off the freeway, I swing by the Ralph's near my house and grab two pints of Halo Top's new Dairy-Free ice cream. Why is Halo Top so expensive?! $11
6 p.m. — A bunch of us were supposed to go see a movie tonight, but the group chat is getting crazy and nobody is taking the lead on planning. Eventually, we all give up on movie night and decide to go out in Los Feliz instead. My best friend who did yoga with me yesterday can't come out, but my other best friend is still down! We make plans to meet up at a guy friend's house in a few hours. I order a burger and fries from Veggie Grill for dinner and start spraying a thousand pounds of dry shampoo in my hair so I can avoid taking a shower. $14
9 p.m. — I get to my friend's house and he doesn't have any alcohol. My best friend and I decide to split a bottle of tequila, so we swing by Gelson's and pick up a bottle of Jose Cuervo (bleh), a six-pack of San Pellegrino, and a pack of gum. We go halfsies. $14
11 p.m. — Our group for the night is seven people, so I grab a group and call a Lyft to head to a tiki bar in Los Feliz. $6
11:15 p.m. — Drinks at this bar come in kitschy tiki mugs and I can't resist one. I order for the group so we don't have to wait in line at the bar for too long, and people promptly Venmo me back, which is surprising. My portion of the bill is $13. I had two drinks at my friend's house, and I'm somehow already pretty buzzed, so this is likely going to be my one and only drink. Why am I such a lightweight? $13
1 a.m. — One of my friends gets half of us an Uber back to his place and a freaking Tesla comes to pick us up. This is really dope, I'm not going to lie. We all head back to his place, where I fall asleep in his room. Everybody else hangs out in the living room playing NFL Blitz.
Daily Total: $58
Day Six
8 a.m. — Fun fact: I physically cannot sleep in. I wake up in my friend's room and there are a ton of us sleeping in this bed. Why did nobody just go home? I don't want to wake up my best friend, who's next to me, so I head into my friend's living room and pick up his copy of Ready Player One. After a while, everybody wakes up. My guy friend says I can borrow his copy, which is a major score because it's been sitting in my Amazon shopping cart for weeks.
9 a.m. — My best friend and I walk to a vegetarian restaurant down the street and get breakfast sandwiches. I get a kombucha, too. She doesn't have plans until 2 or so, and I'm free all day, so we plan to head back to her place to lay out by the pool. $14
10 a.m. — We get to my friend's house, and she makes me a piece of toast with peanut butter because apparently I kept saying I wanted that last night? How was I so drunk after drinking so little over the course of three hours? I eat my toast while we hike around her neighborhood. She lives in the hills near the Hollywood sign, so the views near her house are insane.
11 a.m. — I get a notification from Postmates that they're waiving delivery fees, so I order a vegan buffalo chicken pizza from a pizzeria nearby before throwing on a bikini and heading to my friend's pool to lay out. $24
12:10 p.m. — PIZZA'S HERE. PIZZA'S HERE. PIZZA'S HERE. My friend and I split the pizza while watching The Pagemaster. Like the 90s movie about libraries. Talk about a throwback.
12:30 p.m. — As we're watching the movie, I remember my phone charger is on its last leg. I hop on the Amazon app and order the charger, a vegan cookbook I've been wanting, and a $5 prop I need for a costume party next weekend. It's not until after I've checked out that I remember I have a $100 gift card at home. Dammit. $31
2 p.m. — I get home and put the gift card to use. I hop on Prime Now and order $72 worth of groceries, all covered by the card. I usually would just go to Sprouts or Trader Joe's, but this is free money and if I can save cash on groceries, I'm going to do that. Amazon won't let you use a gift card for tip, so I pay the suggested $7. I get cauliflower, spinach, tomatoes, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, two onions, olive oil, cashews, raisins, peanut butter, a few cartons of almond milk, a six-pack of La Croix, and a few other items. I grocery shop based on meal and snack plans, so this is enough for the meals I've planned this week. $7
4:30 p.m. — My groceries arrive and I toss the sweet potatoes in the oven to make a couscous salad with Israeli couscous, sweet potato, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and a lime and olive oil dressing. Every time I make this salad, I eat the whole thing in one sitting, but this time I manage to save some for later. I watch a little TV and then head to bed.
Daily Total: $76
Day Seven
9 a.m. — I forgot I signed myself up for Pop Physique this morning. It is a struggle getting ready and to the studio on time. I pop bread in the oven and make cinnamon-sugar toast to snack on while I get dressed.
9:45 a.m. — Lucky for me, the Pop studio is just down the street, so my slow-moving butt still makes it with minutes to spare. Honestly, my heart's just not in it today, but I used valuable ClassPass credits on this, so I'll be damned if I miss a class.
6 p.m. — I like to use Sundays to cook more labor-intensive meals. Tonight, I'm making a curry that has at least 14 different ingredients. It takes me over an hour, but it's one of my favorites and totally worth it. I pack up most of it to use for lunches throughout the week.
7:40 p.m. — As I was cooking dinner, I got a text from friends asking if I wanted to see a movie at 8:15. I'm always down for movies, as they're free with my MoviePass. I budget a little extra time to swing by a gas station on the way, but I hate feeling like I'm running late, so I just get $15 worth before continuing on my way. $15
8:15 p.m. — I was the first to the theater by a long shot, but we all make it inside in time. Our entire friend group has MoviePass, so we try to get in at the same time to individually buy assigned seats next to one another.
8:20 p.m. — Cannot. Resist. Popcorn. I buy a Kid's Combo from the concession stand and choose Red Vines for my candy. Such a deal. $8
10:45 p.m. — Back home and heading to bed. Tomorrow's my first day back at work in days and the thought of my inbox is terrifying me. I flip through Bumble and Hinge a bit before falling asleep.
Daily Total: $23
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Wedding season is upon us, and we want to know: Are you saving up for it? Going to weddings can cost a lot. From the flights, to clothes that fit the dress code, to the hotel or AirBnb stays. So how do you afford it? Do you cut costs elsewhere to keep up? Would you go into credit card debt to be there for your friend on their special day? Fill out this form, and we might feature you on our site!
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Skip the cheesy card and roses this Mother's Day, and send something your mom will actually use — and might just give you a reprieve from constant text threads.
Tired of getting asked to send photos of what you're doing? A smart frame you can automatically upload images to will do the trick. Sick of fielding questions about how to deal with a poor phone battery? A portable charger can help.
Of course, just because something is functional doesn't mean it has to be boring. That's why we've pulled presents that are as fun (think a lobster phone-carrying case) and stylish (a pretty blush organizing clutch) as they are purpose-driven. Ahead, ten gifts that will have mom boasting about you to all her friends — even more than she already is.
As we come close to maxing out the number of nostalgic trends we can buy into, we start yearning for something that feels completely and utterly new. Unfortunately, what goes around quickly comes around, and embellishing on a classic trend tends to be more popular than actually coming up with new ones. And while we love a good classic, our closets could certainly use a newcomer or two, especially in summer. The solution? A crop of new hemlines and sleeves, resulting in the asymmetrical dress.
The best asymmetrical dresses are ones that are familiar with an edgy twist — a lifted leg hem, a mismatched sleeve, a one-shoulder strap. They're easy to wear, require little-to-no styling (they speak for themselves), and give a little oomph to a piece that already exists in your wardrobe. Ahead, we've rounded up 16 options defying the hemline and silhouette rules of yesteryear.
Bassike Asymmetric Crepe Midi Dress, $530 $159, available at Net-A-Porter.
In 1961, Diptyque was brought to life by three artists: Christiane Gautrot, an interior designer; Desmond Knox-Leet, a painter; and Yves Coueslant, a theater director and set designer. Gorgeous, original design has been a constant throughout the brand's history, and the summer launch — a hair mist and a hand & body cleansing gel in the best-selling Eau des Sens fragrance — is no exception.
What makes this so special isn't just the fact that your friends will think you're the epitome of good taste when they see this hand wash in your bathroom or go in for a hug and catch a whiff of your hair, it's the products' companion illustrations by Carnovsky, a Milan-based art and design team comprised of Francesco Rugi and Silvia Quintanilla. The duo specializes in atmospheric wallpaper and their contemporary depiction of the Greek myth Hesperides, which covers the Diptyque packaging, will disorient you with its hallucinatory prints. Each print they create — whether it's on a tapestry or in a book — requires three colored lenses (red, blue, and green) to illuminate different layers of illustrations unrecognizable to the naked eye.
Mary Wallace, Diptyque Marketing Manager, explains that this collaboration is as purposeful as it is perplexing. "Carnovsky is a unique duo who create beauty through confusion and confusion with beauty. Eau des Sens is designed to shake up and 'confuse' the senses with its fresh interpretation of the orange blossom as you’ve never experienced before,” she says.
Starting today, you can purchase the Eau des Sens Cleansing Gel and Hair Mist wrapped in Carnovsky-designed boxes on the brand's site. Check them out ahead along with the campaign video and get ready to daydream of a mythical Greek wonderland.
It seems obvious: The people who know skin best — dermatologists, stem cell researchers, renowned estheticians — should be making skin care. But more often than not, we get our creams from bored women with money to throw at pet projects and former reality TV stars. Needless to say, it doesn't make for transformative results.
The newest lines, though, are changing the game and bringing extensive research and groundbreaking technology to retinols, pollution-protection serums, and fast-healing moisturizers.
Ahead, the five, pro-developed products fixing all our skin concerns.
If you can't get a facial from the woman whose hands touch the skin of Jessica Alba, Emily Ratajkowski, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and many other unfairly attractive people, getting her serum is the next best thing. (In fact, it might even be better, because how long does any one facial keep you glowing for? A few days max?)
This resurfacing formula with aloe, lactic acid, and retinyl palmitate does what you hope a rich-person, in-office peel will, only with — really, truly — zero irritation. (We had three people with different skin types and concerns test it — and none of them will stop singing its praises.) Give it a week of regular nightly use to start seeing results, then wait for the " oh my god, your skin! " squeals to start rolling in.
In 2007, Augustinus Bader, a German professor and leading biomedical scientist, developed and patented a hydrogel that works with our cells' innate ability to self-heal and eliminates the need for skin grafts in many burn cases. It was revolutionary in the field of stem cell technology, and now, he's applied the science to skin care — specifically, to a rich cream and a lighter version, both of which contain amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins naturally found in our bodies that jumpstart regeneration to smooth out fine lines, plump, and even texture.
Innovation doesn't come cheap, but the $265 price tag is a bit easier to swallow if you follow the two-pump rule and know that Bader recommends ditching the other products in your routine and applying this, and only this, right after cleansing. (And your SPF, of course — there may be a burn fix, but there's no cure for cancer... yet.)
When actresses want cheekbones that could cut glass and skin that reflects light before a movie premiere, they go to facialist Joanna Vargas for her magical microcurrent and microdermabrasion treatments. When we fall into a self-loathing hole after realizing our cocktail and candy habit is making our skin look like shit, we bring in Vargas' retinol serum to fix the situation in just a few days. With .5% palmitoyl oligopeptide (a gentler retinol alternative), apple stem cells, and brightening, anti-inflammatory plant extracts, it'll resurface your skin as fast as you'd expect it to after spending such a crazy amount of money.
There are a ton of perfectly lovely organic brands out there centered around holistic healing — they feel nice, they smell nice, they don't have extensive ingredients lists full of chemicals you can't spell. But most don't effectively take years off your face; Shiffa is the exception. Developed by Dr. Lamees Hamdan, who grew up in Dubai and trained as a surgeon in Ireland, the line is just as potent as it is luxurious, and the latest launch — a retinol oil with Moroccan rose and stimulating caffeine — is our new gold standard for natural anti-agers.
You don't have to stick a needle in your arm to get the benefits of German aesthetics doctor Barbara Sturm's innovative approach to skin care. She may be known for pioneering PRP treatments, but her science-based serums, supplements, and sun drops are enough to transform your complexion, too.
The Anti-Pollution Drops claim to fight against environmental toxins in the atmosphere as well as blue light radiation from our screens. Disodium EDTA (which, let's be clear, is far from natural) bonds with heavy metal ions to neutralize them before they get absorbed, while cocoa seed and marine microbe extracts guard against oxidation, dryness, and inflammation caused by radiation and pollution. Oh, and there's a lot of hyaluronic acid thrown in for good measure. Only time will tell how much our iPhones fucked us up — all we know is our skin feels better with this than without.
Dr. Barbara Sturm, $145, available at Net-A-Porter
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There are few hairstyles more elegant than the ballerina bun. It's scooped up tall and high, and functions as a way to show off your delicate facial features and the graceful slope of your neck. But with all due respect to the tiny dancers, there's a new style that fuses beauty and badassery: the front bun. Seen on the likes of strong women like Issa Rae, Yara Shahidi, and more, the front bun defies the rules of symmetry and shape. You can scoop up a small section of your box braids for dimension (we see you, Storm Reid), or twist it into a dramatic loop like Issa Rae. No matter how you style it, it's a trend that works for everyone. See the examples ahead for proof.
Comedian Franchesca Ramsey's bun really is a work of art — zoom in to see those spirals. To get the shape to stay, slide several U-shaped pins through it.
PHOTO: Cindy Ord/Getty Images/Atlantic Records.
The best part about the humble topknot is how fast and quick it is to style, but don't worry: The front bun is just as effortless. It only took hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood 30 minutes — and no heat — to create Issa Rae's intricately roped updo for the 2017 Golden Globes. She told Afrobella that she used a lot of pins, as well as L'Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray for hold.
PHOTO: Michael Kovac/Getty Images/Moet & Chandon.
Pink's style, which just barely grazes her hairline, is toeing the line between topknot and front bun. Whatever you want to call it — we like it. If you want your base to stay all day, try using a gel while assembling your style.
Photo: Via @pink.
The front bun is taking over the fashion world, too. At the Mosaert fashion show in Paris, models paired the style with a swipe of red lipstick and extra-long lashes.
PHOTO: THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/Getty Images.
Storm Reid found yet another way to style her box braids — with a right-leaning half-bun. Because box braids are heavy, you may need a thin elastic headband (rather than a regular hair tie) to hold your plaits.
PHOTO: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images/City Year Los Angeles.
Hairstylist Nai'vasha Johnson is back at it again with another fire hairstyle on her longtime client, Yara Shahidi. Add a gel-cream to your strands before styling for extra shine.
PHOTO: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.
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Nothing goes from a bad-case scenario to a lord-help-me-case scenario quite like discovering a red, painful, and pus-filled bump anywhere near your vagina. But before you spend the next four hours hunched in front of a mirror or on WebMD diagnosing your imminent death, know this: Just like scrotums can get pimples or cysts, so can your vulva.
Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee (better known as YouTube's resident Dr. Pimple Popper) says there are a handful of blemishes that manifest down there — including a form of acne called folliculitis. "This is when a hair becomes ingrown, triggering inflammation and a build-up of bacteria that leads to painful pimples," she explains. "Instead of a pore getting clogged with dead skin cells and debris like it would on your face or upper body, this forms secondarily around the hair follicle."
Then, there are your standard epidermoid cysts, blackheads, and bartholin cysts that emerge on the vaginal area (the latter of which Dr. Lee says can turn into abscesses and should be drained by your OBGYN — which is why you won't see them on her channel). The common denominator between all of them, though: They can be easily mistaken for STIs. Below, Dr. Lee breaks down how to tell the difference so you can start the right treatment.
Who's Most Likely To Get Them Anyone who waxes, shaves, or plucks the area can develop vaginal acne. "The hair in this area is curly, so when you pull it out at the root, as it grows back, it traverses under the skin," says Dr. Pimple Popper. "The hair can then curl under and grow the wrong way, which leads to redness, irritation, and a possible local infection."
What You Might See — & Where Great news for anyone with a beach vacation planned: Blackheads and epidermoid cysts are most likely to make an appearance on the bikini line. The area closer to the vaginal opening, however, is where you'll see bartholin cysts. "Bartholin glands are located in the area to provide lubrication," she says. "If this gland gets blocked somehow, it can swell and become painful. If bacteria gets involved, it can turn into an abscess."
Folliculitis can occur anywhere with the potential to grow hair — even if the hair is very fine or hard to see. One place you'll never see a pimple: "At the opening of the vagina, which is comprised of 'mucosal' skin that does not have hair," Dr. Lee explains. Any bumps or redness around this area could be a red flag for something else.
How To Know For Sure It goes without saying that derms and OBGYNs exist for the sole purpose of spotting these kinds of things, but Dr. Lee says there are some clues you can look out for yourself. "Herpes look like pimples, but these blisters or bumps are often grouped together, and you can feel pain or discomfort in the area a few days before the breakout happens," she explains. "Genital warts typically don't cause any pain, but can be annoying, sticking out and getting caught on your underwear. They are often confused with skin tags." For those, seek out treatment from your OBGYN.
How To Treat Them There are a few things you can do if the pimple is, in fact, a pimple. Dr. Lee says your derm can prescribe topical antibiotics if the situation gets out of hand; otherwise, stick to antibacterial washes and soaps to decrease the bacterial count in the area. (Just make sure you stay away from the vaginal opening!) SLMD Skincare has a Body Acne line with exfoliating salicylic acid to prevent bacteria build-up, or you can try any of these body acne products. And whatever you do, Do. Not. Pick.
After that, your focus should be on prevention: "Don't shave, wax, or pluck, but if you must, either shave in the direction of hair growth or just trim the area," Dr. Lee says. "Avoid applying occlusive topical products that can clog your skin's pores and hair follicles to the area, and skip tight clothing that can cause friction and pull out your hair, increasing the chance of pimples and folliculitis."
If that's not the best excuse to live in sweatpants and let our hair grow freely, we don't know what is.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute is taking us to church this Met Gala. On May 7, fashion and religion join for the museum's latest “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" exhibit. It's not the first time the themes will come together in some sort of style matrimony, but, per the museum, over 150 ensembles will be on display, showing just how the two are connected; some are borrowed directly from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, while some are on loan from designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, John Galliano — remember that collection he did for Christian Dior, which opened with a pope-like swinging incense? — and Versace.
The industry has long had a weird obsession with religion — Catholicism specifically. First, there are those designers who were/are actually catholic — like Elsa Schiaparelli, John Galliano, Riccardo Tisci, Christian Lacroix, Coco Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Norman Norell, or Thom Browne, among others. Then there are those who blatantly reference the church and its traditions. Though Dolce & Gabbana is best known for their continuous reinterpretations of religious iconography, fashion has seen an array of different designers provide their own takes on faith, from McQueen's sinister look at religion, to Tisci's ‘Jesus Is Lord’ graphic tee at Givenchy.
But the Costume Institute's annual exhibitions are more than just spectacle. They prove that fashion is more than just what we wear — or what people wore, rather; they're visual and contextual explainers of just how clothes penetrate below the surface, and across cultures, centuries, and yes, even religions, too. As Diane Winston, MS, PhD, professor of media and religion at University of Southern California, tells Refinery29, “To experience Catholicism is to experience not just a religion but an aesthetic. [Catholicism] is all about beauty. The Catholic Church has been very wealthy for a long time, so they’ve been able to accumulate amazing artwork, beautiful religious vestments, [and] amazingly built cathedrals.” As odd as the pairing may have initially seemed, it really makes total sense.
Christian Lacroix, Fall 1988 When Christian Lacroix presented his first fashion show, he utilized iconography — crosses and patterns resembling a stained glass window from a church — that hinted at his time studying art history.
Though the designer doesn’t consider himself to be religious (despite a religious upbringing), he did tell The Telegraph in 2007 that his lucky charm is a “medallion was given to me by a nun. It contains gold lace and sculpted paper and was made by nuns in the 18th century. I love the beauty of it.”
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Alexander McQueen, Fall 1996 In an interview with The Cut in 2015, milliner Philip Treacy said that ‘Dante’, Alexander McQueen's fall 1996 collection, was “the show that made him.” Set at Christ Church in Spitalfields, London, the presentation featured a cross-shaped runway, a soundtrack of organ music, and models clad in black lace veils and crucifix masks; one model wore McQueen’s take on Jesus Christ’s crown of thorns, a riff off Elsa Schiaparelli’s 1938 collection titled ‘Pagan.’ It was controversial, of course, but the blasphemy was beautiful.
Photo: Guy Marineau/Conde Nast/Getty Images.
Christian Dior Couture, Fall 2000 Long before drama circled John Galliano off the runway, the British designer explored fetishism and costumes through a variety of figures in his shows, including Marie Antionette (who was bleeding), a clown, and a Catholic priest, who appeared on the runway looking particularly menacing. It's safe to say Galliano doesn't mince words when it comes to his feelings on the subject.
Photo: Guy Marineau/Conde Nast/Getty Images.
Versace Couture, Fall 1997 This particular show wasn’t iconic just because of the cross-embellished pieces, but because it happened just a week before Gianni Versace 's death. The collection was considered a success.
Photo: Guy Marineau/Conde Nast/Getty Images.
Jean-Paul Gaultier, Spring 2007 Jean-Paul Gaultier sent models down the runway with their faces painted as if they were statues found in a Catholic church, and halos. The clothes reflect that as well; for instance, one dress resembled a stained glass window. Vogue noted that the "tone" of the collection, “if not precisely reverential, wasn't calculated to mock. Instead, his ingenious skews on church iconography seemed gently appreciative of its capacity for shining beauty.”
Photo: Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images.
Chanel, Spring 2009 It could be argued that Lagerfeld holds church each season for Chanel devotees — well, let's just call them disciples. And in 2009, Karl Lagerfeld attached rosaries to the dresses that waltzed down the runway at the Grand Palais (a chapel of its own proportion). It helped, too, that the song “Our House” by Madness opened the show.
Photo: FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images.
Versace, Fall 2012 If this show looks like a continuation of Gianni’s final collection, that's because it was intentional. When Versace died, these pieces, which featured crucifixes and crosses, were left unfinished until Donatella sent them down the runway. But Vogue’s Tim Blanks said this collection had a different religious connotation of its own: “Donatella felt she could finally, as she put it, face her demons.”
Photo: Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images.
Dolce & Gabbana, Fall 2013 Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale inspired this collection featuring Byzantine and Venetian mosaics. The timing of the fall 2013 show coincided with two major press moments for the church: Pope Benedict XVI's resignation and headlines in Italian papers surrounding the sexual abuse allegations in the Vatican. If you're thinking that's a a bit heavy for a fashion show, we dare you to try to lift the collection's most ornate pieces.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Thom Browne, Fall 2014 Between the smell of incense to a runway staged amid wooden pews, kneeling benches, and crosses on the wall, Browne's collection, as The Cut’s Robin Givhan noted, called the “tension between two extremes found in the church: its unglamorous work in caring for the least among us and its self-satisfied ostentation; its humility and its decrees.”
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Alexander Wang, Fall 2016 Four months after Alexander Wang’s final Balenciaga show in a Paris church, the designer used New York's Saint Bartholomew’s Church as the setting for a collection of preppy-looking clothing adorned with pole dancers. “Nothing is scared,” Vogue wrote in its show review. “And that’s the way Alexander Wang likes it.” The New York Observer, however, called the event a sacrilegious experience, speaking of the “tweedy suits (which are often commonplace at this place of worship) [that] were decorated with leather details and paired with combat boots.”
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Gucci, Cruise 2017 Gucci cruised right through Westminster Abbey, the same church that has hosted many a royal ceremony, with guests sitting on custom seat covers not unlike what Catholics used to kneel on during a prayer service. Interestingly, it was the first time the Gothic church had ever held a fashion show.
“I chose Westminster Abbey because everyone has this idea of London being cool,” creative director Alessandro Michele told Vogue, “but for me, the history is what's really cool.”
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Valentino, Fall Couture 2017 Designer Pierpaolo Piccioli looked to paintings of cardinals and bishops, nuns, and martyrs for his fall 2017 couture collection. On the runway, pieces were directly inspired by priests’ robes, because, according to Vogue, Piccioli “wanted to draw a line between notions of the sacred and the ritualistic in the church and in the practice of haute couture."
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
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Finding a salon and a hairstylist you trust is no easy task. Similarly to dating, you have to play the field a bit, get together a couple of times, weigh your options, and ultimately decide whether they're worth settling down for. It's exhausting, but once you meet the one, there's no turning back. In fact, one 2013 survey found that British women's relationships with their hairstylists last, on average, longer than their marriages. Oof.
For those Big Apple go-getters still single in the salon department (or for those casual daters finally looking to make things official), we're here to play matchmaker. We asked our beauty editors (who have some of the best hair in the biz) for their favorite salons across New York City, as well as their go-to stylists and colorists.
Check out the list ahead (some salons were so nice, they were even called out twice). Hopefully, you're prepared for a long-term, loving, and committed relationship, because that's what you're going to get with these recs. Here's to love, health, happiness, and really, really great hair.
Christo Fifth Avenue Cost: Haircuts, $135 and up; Color, $100 and up Recommended stylists: Ivan Torres, Alice Yan, Mariana Tomova — or Christo himself
"Would it be hyperbolic for me to say Curlisto saved my life? The warm, knowledgeable staff at the Curlisto salon taught me how to style and care for my curly hair – without them, I would be a walking frizz-monster. So, yes: Christo — dubbed the 'King of Curls' by the Wall Street Journal — and his staff spared me from a lifetime of not knowing how to handle my hair.
"The Curlisto salon is a luxurious get-away from the bustle of the city. Before your appointment, you can drink coffee, wine, or special Greek iced coffee, and hang out with the London the dog, who frequently visits the office. The appointment itself is productive — in addition to being quite relaxing. After a cut with the Diametrix cutting technique, specially designed for curly hair, the stylists will walk you through their unique styling approach, which you can replicate at home with the products. Recently, I got highlights there, too, which really my curls pop. At Curlisto, you’re taught to embrace your curls, instead of flattening them out and pretending they don’t exist." — Elena Nicolaou, entertainment writer at Refinery29.
Photo: Via @christofifthave.
Whiteroom Brooklyn Cost: Haircuts, $76 and up; single process, $115 and up; blowouts, $65 and up Recommended stylists:Darby Backes
"I walked into Whiteroom with one or two dream reference photos and no real direction for my hair. I just knew I needed a cut and wanted a massive length change. My stylist Darby Backes kept me informed the whole way through by making sure I was comfortable with his direction and letting me know what would work best with my face shape. The whole vibe of the salon is so friendly — everyone is extremely down to earth. It's a really fun environment in comparison to some of the more arrogant vibes you run into in Manhattan salons — not to mention a minimalist's dream. One of the greatest surprises about the salon, apart from the amazing crew, is its retail section in the front. Elizabeth, one of the head honchos and main colorists, curates a selection of hair and beauty products that are hard to find. After my cut, I spent a solid 15 minutes perusing everything at the front of the store." — Ray Lowe, fashion market editor at Refinery29
"I love the East Village location's 20th-century apothecary design — which feels totally timeless and above fleeting trends — and the low-key, non-pretentious vibe.
"But I especially love the salon’s founder Joey, a former taxidermist and an excellent listener who made me feel totally at ease and not at all like I needed to take an Ativan, a thing I usually do before the scissors come out. He’s so very, very good at what he does — which is probably why Vogue once called him ‘an original arbiter of insouciant downtown cool.'” — Rachel Krause, beauty news writer at Refinery29
Photo: Via @blackstonesnyc.
White Rose Collective Cost: Haircuts, $125 and up; blowouts, $85 and up Recommended stylist: Teddi Cranford
"One look inside the intimate, by-appointment-only space (there are only three chairs) created by celebrity hairstylist Teddi Cranford, and you'll assume cuts are going for the same price as a designer bag. Not the case; they start at $125." — Alix Tunell, senior beauty editor at Refinery29
Photo: Courtesy of White Rose Collective.
Nunzio Saviano Cost: Haircuts, $125 and up; treatments, $35 and up; braiding, $50 and up Recommended stylist: Nunzio Saviano Recommended colorist: Stephanie Brown
"I used to have serious salon-phobia, which is not good in my line of work! After way too many bad haircuts, I finally found Nunzio Saviano two years ago — and I've never looked back. He gives me the definition of a good haircut. He never cuts too much or too little, and it always grows out perfectly.
"I see Stephanie Brown for my color. Her specialty is doing really natural-looking highlights, so I only have to go in twice a year. I pick her brain via email way more than that, though. She has the best natural-beauty tips — she's always telling me about hair masks I can make at home or the beauty benefits of honey.
"They are truly a dream team. You know you've found a good pairing when people ask you months after you've had your hair done where you go." — Sue Williamson, beauty editor at Milk Makeup
Photo: Courtesy of Nunzio Saviano.
Khamit Kinks Cost: Treatments, $36 and up; natural-hair sets, $85 and up; braided styles, $100 and up; color, $120 and up; weaves, $360 and up; loc styles, $30 and up Recommended stylist: Anta Fall
"My first visit to Khamit Kinks was back in 2012. While I've since relocated outside of the city, there is no other salon in the five boroughs that I trust to care for my curls. It's the premier salon in Brooklyn (dare I say, New York City) for natural hair care and styling. I am greeted with hospitality and professionalism from the moment I walk through the door. And, unlike many Black hair salons, I've never experienced a long wait because efficiency is non-negotiable.
"I would recommend Anta Fall for kinky-haired ladies who are fans of two-strand twists and textured hair extensions. She has a quiet disposition, but she means business. Her eye for detail is impeccable — no sloppy work!" — Dana Oliver, beauty director at Yahoo! Beauty
Photo: Courtesy of Khamit Kinks.
Ion Studio Cost: Haircuts, $95 and up; blowouts, $65 and up; color, $75 and up; treatments, $20 and up Recommended stylist: Alessandro Comai
"Davines is far and away my favorite hair-care brand (it's an ugly situation when I run out of Oi shampoo and conditioner), and this salon is stocked with it. Plus, the stylists are really hip and on top of trends, so you won't need to do any explaining to end up with something cool. Alessandro, a NYC transplant from Milan, is both engaging and friendly and made my awkward bangs that I kind of hated cool again. Plus, his head massage was the best one of my life." — Tunell
Photo: Courtesy of Ion.
Bumble & Bumble Downtown Cost: Haircuts, $99 and up; color, $110 and up; blowouts, $65 and up Recommended stylists: Tashina Tantalos, Alberto Vasquez, Francesca DellAquila
"What I love about the downtown location is how unpretentious it is despite being inherently luxe. It's bursting with creativity, and a safe space for getting experimental, whether you’re chopping off a few precious inches or dyeing your hair purple. The stylist I usually visit, Francesca, is a wizard. She once gave me the most natural-looking faux bangs you've ever seen using a $22 clip-on piece that she razor-cut into a work of art. Get them." — Lauren Valenti, beauty writer at Vogue
Photo: Courtesy of Bumble and Bumble.
Sally Hershberger Cost: Haircuts, $175 and up; color, $150 and up; blowouts, $45 and up Recommended stylist: Jae Manuel Cardenas Recommended colorists: Lucille Javier, Aura Friedman
"Aura is a hair-color fairy godmother — there is no shade beyond her range. If you can show her a picture of it, she can make it happen. She's almost always the mastermind behind every major hair-color trend of the moment, including this season's crop of candy-pink hair (she does Fernanda Ly's hair!). She manages to give me not what I requested — but something even better. It's always glossy, pretty, and doesn't look too 'try-hardy,' even with the crazier rainbow shades. She is also tuned in with the best of hair-color technology — she was the first one to tell me about Olaplex. Best of all, the hair color and highlights she gives me always grow out like a dream. There's no harsh line of demarcation, and people compliment me on my color even months later." — Kathleen Hou, beauty director at The Cut
Photo: Courtesy of Sally Hershberger.
Contesta Rock Hair Salon Cost: Women's Cut/Style, $100; Partial Highlights, $150 and up; Single Process, $75 and up; Double Process, $120 and up
"In all honesty, I felt like CRH was too cool for me before walking in for my cut and color appointment. Nestled in the West Village, the salon's clientele list boasts the kind of people I stalk on Instagram — men and women who shave off their hair on a whim, then dye the buzz left behind aqua blue. And while the black brick walls and incense burning screams rock & roll, the true vibe is 10 times more welcoming than most salons in the city. I spent four hours there that day — taking my dark brown hair to a buttery blonde that nearly brought me to tears. For once, my hair felt right — I looked exactly how I always wanted to. I can't wait for my next appointment." — Sasso
Hale Organic Salon Cost: Haircuts, $100 and up; color, $110 and up; blowouts, $60 and up
"I'm sometimes hesitant to try out new salons; not everyone can work with natural hair. Thankfully, Hale's website contains a section where salon goers can 'meet' their potential stylists — and the bios contain the pros' specialties. Not only was I matched with someone who babied my curls, but the space is one of the coolest I've been to. There are infrared lights instead of dryers, and a separate room where the stylists use to spray and color (in an effort to keep harsh chemicals at bay)." — Khalea Underwood, beauty writer at Refinery29
Photo: Via @haleorganicsalon.
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There's been a (quasi-controversial) resurgence of leggings as "real pants" in the past few years, forcing us to ask ourselves whether or not the body-con bottoms are a truly viable option to wear outside of the gym. With the right styling, the right attitude, and the right pair, our vote is yes, but as summer rolls around, we're wondering the same about leggings' not-as-long counterpart: the bike short.
When you think of bike shorts, the first word to pop into your head probably isn't "on-trend," but like leggings, bike shorts are no longer just for the gym (thank you, Kim Kardashian-West), and they're even easier to style than leggings. The key is to grab a pair with some length — it's more fashion-forward, and since the shorts don't go all the way down to your ankles (obviously; 'tis the nature of shorts), it makes navigating shoe selection so much easier. Leggings and heels? Most likely no. Bike shorts and heels? Kind of rad. Wear with a bomber, a leather jacket, or with an oversized T-shirt, and you're good to go.
Ahead, find our picks for taking this stretchy trend for a spin. Are you bold enough to try it out?
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Last Look is an on-going profile series of women working in the death industry.
The building that houses Milward Funeral Directors in Lexington, Kentucky has been around for 193 years. It’s a three-story maze that starts with a light-soaked, stone-floored entrance hallway. The hallway is home to an awfully regal cage of tiny, yellow-breasted finches, and they greet you as you walk in through the funeral home’s front doors. Even when they’re out of sight, you can hear their occasional, lively chirps, particularly if you’re in any of the nearby pastel-hued rooms on the first floor. Say, the powder blue chapel, the pink viewing room, the green family meeting room, or the front office where office associate Elaine Kincaid has found a way to answer the ever-ringing phone with a pressing sense of compassion.
By contrast, it’s nearly pin-drop-silent in the upstairs casket showroom, where, if you were preparing to bury a loved one, you would arrive to find a selection of 30-plus casket models in every variation of wood and steel. Should you be cremating your loved one, there’s an adjoining hall where you could select an urn, each one of them unique in presentation and name — “White Orchid” for the porcelain vase and “Solitude” for the simple, gold rectangle. You could also turn loved ones’ cremated remains into jewelry, a keychain, a bench or, in the words of Miranda Robinson, Milward’s youngest mortician, “pretty much anything you want.”
She loves the skeletal system, owns a black cat, and displays a ouija board on her apartment’s living room table — but she’s anything but morose.
Like Milward funeral home, Miranda Robinson is polished and professional. Yet, at 30-years old, she both embodies and defies the stereotypes often associated with morticians. Yes, she has a fascination with death and dying. Yes, she loves the skeletal system, owns a black cat, and displays a ouija board on her apartment’s living room table — but she’s anything but morose. In fact, her bubbly Kentucky drawl is often interrupted by a burst of up-swinging giggles, even while discussing death. She used to be a cabaret performer and closely follows RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her most-used word is “lovely” and her retro-feminine personal aesthetic matches that same description.
At around 5 feet, 4 inches tall with an obvious flair for vintage, Miranda pays almost as much attention to her own presentation as she does to those on her embalming table. Robinson clips in hair extensions that she curls every morning. Her arms, which remain covered while at work, are decorated with tattoos. One of them is of a bottle of embalming fluid.
Still, at first blush you’d never guess that Robinson works with the dead on a daily basis. And, perhaps, you’d never guess how many women her age are actively entering the field, either. Frustrated by nursing school and looking for a change, Robinson shifted gears from aiding the living to preserving the dead, and enrolled in mortuary school in Cincinnati, Ohio. In doing so she joined the ranks of young women now outnumbering men in the mortuary education system. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association reports that, “While funeral service has traditionally been a male-domination profession...today, 60% of mortuary science students in the United States are women."
Once a male-dominated industry, after-life and funeral care is now becoming not only a budding, female-centric space but also one ripe for disruption. And no one knows this better than Miranda. “Even in mortuary school, I was taught that [funeral service] was still a different, difficult field for women.” She explains, “Women, so I’ve heard, were expected to wear skirts and heels still, so it seemed, before I got into the funeral home, that [the] funeral service [industry] hadn’t come a long way for women… but now that I’m here, I feel like I’ve made my mark and I’m really seeing women in funeral service emerge.” They’re emerging and they’re excelling, bringing with them calm, care, and attention to detail that may have long been lacking.
While embalming, Miranda says she feels like “both an artist and a scientist,” because her work combines aspects of both. Made prevalent during the Civil War, when bodies of fallen soldiers were shipped back home for viewings and funerals, embalming is a technique used to preserve the deceased by replacing a portion of their blood with chemicals (including formaldehyde). The body is also made up to look as it did in life — lipstick and all. But, while this method may long be favored in the United States, a new wave of green burial options seeks to challenge the traditional funeral industry. In fact, for the second year running, cremation is now more popular than burials, and the National Funeral Directors Association only expects this trend to continue.
That’s because green burials, alternative and eco-friendly practices are popularizing. Some of these green practices, like home funerals and vigils, pre-date the popularization of embalming, while others like bio-urn cremation (when the body’s cremated remains are buried and grow with the seeds of a plant) or aquamation (a proposed way of breaking down a body using water rather than fire) are brand new. Whether the increased options in funeral care signify an impending end of the traditional funeral industry that Miranda is a part of is a matter that may only be answered in time. For now, what it does mean is that this freshly energized attention to death care is bringing light to a space that, despite touching every single life on Earth, has largely been kept in the shadows.
The most beautiful thing about my job, is taking the loved one into my care.
Ultimately, it is not the method of end-of or after-life care that concerns women like Miranda, but rather the instinct to talk about death in a meaningful way, early and often. Miranda loves her job because what she does helps bring peace to grieving families. She explains, “The most beautiful thing about my job, is taking the loved one into my care from a removal, especially when family is gathered, just that intensity of how much they love that person. It’s an absolute honor to be in the worst possible moment in someone’s life. To be there and for them to look at me and just me to try to at least give them some answers, to try to give them some peace in that moment.”
And while it may seem strange to light up while talking about death, it’s a conversation everyone will someday need to have, regardless of personal preference or spiritual beliefs. Miranda has this conversation every day — at work, at home, with her 1,859 instagram followers — and in doing so helps to de-stigmatize a topic that’s long been off-limits.
As a mortician, Miranda believes that viewing the body is of the utmost importance. As she puts it, “I think it’s important to see the body because you face the reality of what’s actually happened.” But, it’s the trend toward personalization, transparency and increased discussion around death and dying that continues to be a universal priority for many women working in both alternative and traditional funerals.
For Miranda, part of this conversation means addressing the details of her own funeral. And, of course, she can’t imagine anything more fitting than a traditional embalming. Ever the enigma, while her choice to embalm may be traditional, her last look will be anything but. Robinson would like a “glitter casket” with a leopard interior. Dark brown extensions will be clipped and curled, her lips will be painted in the bright red pigment Ruby Woo by Mac. Years from now, when that day comes, Miranda may very well lay on the table that she works alongside every single day at Milward Funeral Directors, in the storied embalming room that she considers sacred. Perhaps somewhere beneath her in the entry hall, the finches will be singing.
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It's 2018: Why are we still seeing blackface? That's the question we asked ourselves Wednesday when we saw that Vogue Italia shared a sneak peak on Instagram of its May cover, featuring Gigi Hadid. That the 23-year-old model was shot for the magazine was nothing new. But we have to admit, Hadid looked a little...different. Although the Steven Klein -lensed image evokes Vogue Italia’s expectedly edgy aesthetic — and Hadid looks regal in a sequined Dolce & Gabbana jumpsuit — commenters were quick to call out how noticeably darker her skin appeared to be. And we think they have a point.
“Not that @gigihadid is not a beautiful powerful model and not that it is not a nice cover... but as you wanted to have a darker skin model shouldn’t you have just chose a dark skin model 🤷🏽♂️” @youssefbouabid posted on the magazine's Instagram account. User @liamliangl i was also upset, writing: “I would say this is a new low for Vogue Italia...pretty sure there are much more models who deserve this more than she does. And the photoshop lol…” But the question of whether or not this is considered blackface is incredibly valid — and a claim that isn't foreign to either Vogue Italia or Steven Klein.
In 2006, Vogue Italia published a 10-page spread featuring two white models who were made to look like Black women. (Klein was also the photographer). For its November 2015 issue, Steven Miesel photographed Hadid wearing an afro wig; her skin was darkened with so much bronzer that she looked Black (sound familiar?). Either way, it feels like after that backlash — and when you factor in the fashion’s industry’s continued issue with racial diversity — all parties involved (Hadid included) should know better. Blackface still carries an incredibly hurtful and damning stigma, and why the fashion industry still doesn’t understand that is beyond us.
As a result of the criticism, Hadid chose to delete the image of her latest cover on Instagram. In its place, she issued an apology for the photos on her Stories, noting that her "control of a shoot...is non existent in terms of creative direction." She also recognized that "there are real issues regarding representation in fashion, and that "it's our responsibility to acknowledge those issues and communicate through them to work towards a more diverse industry."
Tiffany & Co. is reaching new levels with A$AP Ferg and Elle Fanning. Following the unveiling of the legacy jewelry brand’s “Believe in Dreams” campaign and chief artistic officer Reed Krakoff’s first collection, Tiffany Paper Flowers, the luxury jewelry retailer has announced a partnership with Spotify to release the its first ever recording: a modern remake of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s song “Moon River.” The song features Fanning’s singing and Ferg’s rapping, Refinery29 has learned exclusively.
“I come from Harlem, which is a long way from the famous Tiffany flagship on Fifth Avenue,” A$AP Ferg said in a press release. “But because I went to the High School of Art and Design in Midtown, I’d have to walk past the Tiffany store every single day on my way home. It was just years and years of me walking past Tiffany, never dreaming one day my face, my voice, and my lyrics would be part of their story. That’s a real dream, in real life.”
Both Fanning and A$AP Ferg tell Refinery29 their favorite scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the party scene. “[It has] so many hilarious characters!” Fanning says. And that feeling is certainly reflected in the song, which is the first time a rapper has worked with the brand. The rapper says he was inspired “to put some bounce on the Moon River song with a Ferg twist.”
“For the song collaboration, we loved that A$AP Ferg shared our New York City roots, with a dynamic sense of style and wit, and Elle Fanning is a longtime friend of the house whose musical talent we were delighted to help showcase,” Ashley Barrett, vice president global public relations for Tiffany & Co., said in a press release. "Spotify is an ideal partner to release our track, as they share our passion for artistry and innovation and serve as a destination for music fans everywhere.”
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a reigning theme in Tiffany & Co.’s Paper Flowers collection, as Krakoff was inspired by the movie. Specifically, “the juxtaposition of wearing a floor length gown and a tiara while holding a paper bag with coffee and a pastry,” he tells Vogue. “The idea that luxury doesn’t have to be formal.”
The tops of the ears, the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades: What sounds like a G-rated version of that Khia song is also a list of the easy-to-miss spots derms always remind us to hit with SPF. But our lips? They're incredibly easy to neglect, which, according to the experts, could be dangerous.
"SPF on the lips is important," says board-certified dermatologist Michael Swann, MD. "Lips are actually a common place for skin cancers, and because the barrier function of the skin on the lips is less vigorous, these tumors can quickly behave more aggressively than the same tumors in other locations."
That's a scary way of saying don't skip the lips, even if they don't tend to immediately burn or freckle. "While lips do have some extra color, which people often translate as protection from the sun, it's rarely melanin," says board-certified dermatologist Karyn Grossman, MD. [Ed. note: Melanin is the protective pigment in skin.] "Applying SPF to the lips is a crucial part of your SPF routine."
Luckily, taking a second to protect your pout is as easy as applying the right lip color — just heed Dr. Grossman's tips to be sure you're doing it right. Naturally, you know SPF 30 is best, but most lip SPFs ring in lower. "[Finding an SPF 30 or above] can be a bit tricky, as many are 15 to 20," Dr. Grossman says. Her tip? Do your best to pick something high in SPF, but know the most important factor is reapplying. "Find something that you are happy to put on frequently — like every hour or so."
Diligent application is a lot easier when you're smoothing on a killer color, not a chalky paste. So we've rounded up our favorite lip shades that also protect, from an everyday rosy gloss to vibrant, look-at-me hues that are just as pretty post-sunset.
Ahead, our favorite SPF-packed lip colors to carry you through summer and beyond.
Color: Bold Finish: Satin SPF: 20
This lipstick slides on like balm, yet has surprisingly opaque color payoff. One layer offers an even veil of coverage; two will make a big impact.
Sephora Collection Rouge Balm SPF 20, $12.50, available at Sephora.
Color: Subtle Finish: Glossy SPF: 15
Perricone MD's entry into makeup includes a variety of subtle, SPF-packed everyday products, including this light and universally flattering petal-pink gloss.
Perricone MD No Makeup Lipgloss, $30, available at Perricone MD.
Color: Subtle Finish: Balmy SPF: 20
Neutrogena's balm in Sunny Berry is an editor favorite for its hydrating, non-sticky finish and light wash of color. What feels like a quenching balm stays put like a powerful tint.
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Color: Vibrant Finish: Balmy SPF: 20
Baby Lips' bright hues and smooth texture has made it a best seller. (Also, the packaging is très cute.) Try Cherry Me this summer: It's a vibrant hue that's brighter than a traditional balm — but lighter than an all-out lipstick.
Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, $3.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Color: Buildable Finish: Balmy SPF: 15
This lightweight, tinted balm, which is made of 65% organic ingredients (and 100% cruelty-free ones), goes on sheer and builds easily for a more intense wash of color. It comes in three flattering, versatile, and decidedly summer-ready shades.
Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15, $26, available at Sephora.
Color: Subtle Finish: Balmy SPF: 15
Fresh's classic Sugar balm comes in a rainbow of colors — 12 and counting — all of which feel amazing, smell heavenly, and offer a hint of a Popsicle-stained tint.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15, $24, available at Sephora.
Color: None Finish: Balmy SPF: 31
Yes, this is a lip- color story, but Dr. Grossman and Dr. Swann both recommend this hydrating formula as a "topcoat" on days when you want to sport your favorite non-SPF lip colors. In fact, this is both derms' top lip-protection recc!
Elta MD UV Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 31, $10, available at DermStore.
Color: Subtle Finish: Balmy SPF: 30
Not only is the packaging so pretty in pink, but the lightweight, balmy finish is just what we need for the hottest days of the season. Bonus: The formula looks slightly different on everyone, since it adjusts to your body's individual chemistry.
Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm, $34, available at Sephora.
Color: Clear Finish: Balmy SPF: 35
Let's be real for a moment: It's hard to pull off a bold lip color when it's hot and sticky outside. If you're after hydration and protection, however, then this SPF 35 balm is for you. And when it comes to sunscreen, Shiseido does not mess around.
Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 35, $24, available at Shiseido.
Color: Clear Finish: Balmy SPF: 25
Don't just reserve your protective lip balm for PTO days spent in the sun. Consider keeping an emollient balm by your side for in-flight travel, too. Believe it or not, the potential for sun damage is high while on plane — especially if you scored the window seat.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, $7.50, available at Sephora.
Color: Clear Finish: Balmy SPF: 20
Although this balm feels as hydrating as an overnight mask, the finish — and feel — still remains nearly undetectable on lips.
Moroccan Oil Lip Balm SPF 20, $17, available at Sephora.
Color: Subtle Finish: Balmy SPF: 30
Formulated with organic cupuaçu butter and mongongo oil, this rosy tinted balm offers up a creamy texture and tint that looks natural and wards off burns.
Coola Mineral Liplux SPF 30 Organic Tinted Lip, $18, available at Coola.
Color: Subtle Finish: Lightly Glossy SPF: 15
Cruelty-free and oxybenzone-free, these tinted balms are the perfect accessory for a beach day.
Sun Bum SPF 15 Tinted Lip Balm in Nude Beach, $5.99, available at Sun Bum.
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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 social media assistant who makes $45,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck this week on a copy of Hamlet.
Occupation: Social Media Assistant Industry: Auctions Age: 22 Location: Dallas, TX Salary: $45,000 plus up to $4,000 bonus Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,400
Monthly Expenses Rent: $0 (I live with the parents.) Student Loan Payment: $1,353 (I took out student loans, for which I pay $203/month. My parents took out parent-plus loans under their name for my education, and I'm paying them back at $1,150/month.) Creative Cloud: $19.99 (I'm still on the student plan.) Apple Music: $4.99 (I'm still on the student plan for this, too.) Cell Phone: $0 (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) Car Payment/Insurance: $0 (Once again, thank you to my parents!) Health Insurance: $0 (I'll be on my parents plan for as long as I can be.) Savings: $100-$200 (This will be a lot higher once my credit card is paid off.) Credit Card: $500 (I have about $1,500 left to pay off from dumb decisions I made when I went to college in New York.) Patreon: $30 (I support a podcast that I love; it's the highest tier and slightly pricey, but I think the two hosts deserve it!) Charity: $100-$200 (Whatever money I make from sales of my self-published book goes straight to either Planned Parenthood, End the Backlog, or whatever charity I'm feeling at the time!) Hulu: $7.99 Netflix: $0 (I use my parents' family plan.) Gym Membership: $15
Day One
7 a.m. — I've already hit snooze on my alarm a few times, so I have to get up, because living at home means dropping my little sister off at school. I wash my face and change into my gym clothes so I can head straight there after drop off.
9 a.m. — Back from the gym, showered, and ready to work. My company is amazing, and I get to work from home one day a week, so I always pick Tuesdays. I have a few errands to run, so this works out perfectly.
11:30 a.m. — I head to the post office to mail a package to New York. An influencer who I admire is letting me send her a copy of my book, and I'm ecstatic. I want to get it sent off right away ($6.70). On my way home, I stop by Dunkin' Donuts and grab an iced coffee, a breakfast sandwich, and hash browns ($7.50). $14.20
3 p.m. — I haven't been productive at all, which is what happens all too often when I work from home. Luckily I got ahead on my work yesterday, so it's okay I took it slow. I peruse the ASOS website for work-appropriate summer wear, but can't commit to anything. Time to pick up the little sister from school!
5 p.m. — Done working for the day, and decide to eat a snack. I munch on almonds and string cheese while I decide what to cook for dinner.
7 p.m. — Dinnertime! I'm trying to eat out less, so I cook up asparagus and mushrooms with poached eggs. I'm not particularly good at cooking, so I always stick to simple meals!
9 p.m. — Bedtime! I may be 22, but I'm not one to stay up late. I have a strict routine I follow, so that I'm always in bed my 9 p.m. and asleep by 11. I watch this week's episode of Silicon Valley(just caught up and I'm in love).
10 p.m. — Time to turn off the tech. I set my alarm for the morning and put my phone away. I try not to look at screens an hour before bed. I've always had bad insomnia, but this slight change has worked wonders. I pull out the book I'm reading, The Female Persuasion, and read 30 pages. I try to read a book a week, so I have a set number of pages to read each night. Once I finish up, it's lights out before 11!
Daily Total: $14.20
Day Two
7 a.m. — You'd think after months at my job, I'd be able to get up easily, but nope. I've already hit snooze a few times. I take a quick shower, drop the sister off to school, slap on makeup, and I'm out the door.
8 a.m. — Dallas traffic isn't the best, but it gives me time to listen to podcasts. I have a few in rotation, and this week I'm working my way through the first season of Startup from Gimlet Media. I want to host a podcast, so I listen to as many as I can!
12 p.m. — Lunchtime! The morning passes so quickly, I don't even realized how hungry I am. I packed a Greek salad for my lunch, which I made in bulk earlier in the week, but I'm not a huge fan of it. I also just read an article about why I shouldn't eat romaine, so I'm trying to just finish it up.
4 p.m. — Freedom! My work hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., which is truly amazing, and means I get to skip the worst of the traffic. I'm home in 40 minutes rather than the hour-and-a-half it would take if I left at 5!
5 p.m. — Quick Amazon order: two sets of headphones, headphone splitters, and a microphone. My sister and I are starting an indie podcast because we think we're funny (I'm sure no one else will) and because we spend way too much time talking about conspiracy theories. $95
6 p.m. — I spend an hour designing us a very tacky logo that includes the outline of Guy Fieri's hair and race car flames, and thinking of social media handles. We talk through podcast episode ideas, but I start to get hungry, so we put the planning on hold.
7 p.m. — I fry up tofu with broccoli and cauliflower to make a quick stir-fry and call it a day.
9 p.m. — I spent the last two hours playing video games with my little sister. Was anybody else obsessed with Kingdom Hearts as a child, or just me? I introduced her to it, and she's as hooked as I was growing up. We played through a few levels, but now it's both of our bedtimes!
9:30 p.m. — I watch an episode of Champions. I love Mindy Kaling, and the show is funny, plus I love seeing representation for Indian American women like me!
10 p.m. — I set my alarm for tomorrow and put my phone away. Still working my way through The Female Persuasion. Lights out by 11!
Daily Total: $95
Day Three
7 a.m. — I feel like I'm very boring with my same ol' routine, but once again I'm up, taking a quick shower, dropping off the sister, and slapping on makeup. Out the door slightly later than usual, but my office is relaxed, so I'm not worried.
8:15 a.m. — Starting my day off by listening to My Favorite Murder. I love this podcast, but I have to listen to it in the morning, or else I'll have nightmares. They keep mentioning a book called I'll Be Gone in the Dark, so I make a mental note to pick it up over the weekend to read. I love reading true crime books, but I get through them so slowly because they keep me up at night.
11:30 a.m. — I forgot to pack my lunch, but I think it's because I subconsciously didn't want to eat my boring salad. I drive over to a local Thai place and order stir-fried veggies and rice. I feel sluggish when I head back to work. $8.75
2 p.m. — The day is going by so slowly. I once again find myself on ASOS deciding if I should buy a few pieces for my trip to New York in a few weeks. I look through my saved items, but still don't feel ready to take the plunge. I decide to wait until my next paycheck and order two-day delivery so I can still get the clothes in time!
4 p.m. — Time to go home. I listen to another podcast called Yeah, But Still. This is the one I pay for on Patreon. The hosts are so funny and always make me laugh. Ever since I moved back to Dallas a few months ago, I've been missing the sense of humor my NYC friends have, and this podcast reminds me of them!
6 p.m. — Dinnertime! I poach an egg and cook up asparagus and mushrooms again.
6:30 p.m. — Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, so my sister and I drive down to a tattoo shop to sign up for a $20 tattoo. I decide to get a little pear, since I'm slowly working on covering my arm with plants and fruits! $20
7:30 p.m. — We make a spur of the moment decision to go watch A Quiet Place, and I grab tickets for both of us. I'm not one for horror movies, but the reviews on this one are too good to pass up. I walk out thoroughly impressed and teary-eyed! $28
10 p.m. — Home and in bed. I read more of my book, but feel too tired to get through my daily page count, so I fall asleep a little early.
Daily Total: $56.75
Day Four
7 a.m. — You guessed it: quick shower, drop off the sister, and put on makeup. I'm out the door by 8!
8 a.m. — I just started listening to a new political podcast. I've been lacking a news outlet that doesn't make me sad, but finally found one that shows both conservative and liberal standpoints without being negative!
8:45 a.m. — Traffic is lighter than usual, so I have time to grab coffee before work. I get a cold brew with coconut milk for myself and a flat white for a coworker! $8
11:30 a.m. — Time to go get my tattoo. The shop is right by my work, so I walk over. It only about five minutes. I slip the artist a $5 tip because I know he is crazy busy. $5
4 p.m. — I leave work, and I'm starving. I blast the new Saba album on my way home and drive with my windows down, enjoying the warm Texas weather. The best thing about living in the South is that my seasonal affective disorder doesn't hang around throughout the spring like it did in New York!
5 p.m. — I'm home! I snack on almonds while I stare at the fridge, trying to decide what to cook. My parents are having a date night, so I'm watching the little sister tonight.
6 p.m. — I make myself a quick stir-fry with all the vegetables I can find in the fridge, and cook up udon noodles for my little sister.
7 p.m. — More Kingdom Hearts with the little sister! We play for two hours until it's time for her to go to bed.
9 p.m. — I start coughing and feeling a little under the weather. I always get sick after getting a tattoo, so I'm not worried, knowing it'll be gone in the morning! I head to bed and read for an hour to catch up on pages from last night, and then fall asleep by 10 p.m.
Daily Total: $13
Day Five
8 a.m. — Saturday means sleeping in, but only for an extra hour. I wake up and change into my gym clothes. I make sure to get to the gym early, so it's not too crowded. It's cardio day, so I spend a lot of time on the elliptical and treadmill.
10 a.m. — Get home from the gym and take a shower. I feel a little hungry, but still have to wait two hours to eat. I pull out my laptop and scroll through social media. Then I check on my book's sales to see how it's doing. This month was pretty slow, but I don't mind. I published the book for myself, and wasn't looking to make a profit, since I have a good full-time gig. Then my sister and I spend more time planning out the podcast.
12 p.m. — Time to eat! I make a mushroom-and-feta omelet. It ends up looking very ugly, and I'm sure Jacques Pepin would not approve, but I think it's delicious.
3 p.m. — Every weekend I babysit my little sister until 3 p.m. Once my mom is home, my sister and I head to the mall. I've been wanting to get my ears pierced for some time now, so I head straight to Claire's and get it done. My piercer was incredibly sweet, and I'm excited about all the tacky earrings I can now rock! $31
7 p.m. — My sister and I spend a few hours perusing the mall, and then walk around the area to take outfit pictures of her. She's trying to step up her Instagram game, and since I'm a social media professional, she has forced me to help her out. She does a few outfit changes in the car, and we get a lot of good pictures!
9 p.m. — I may or may not be the lamest 22-year-old on the planet, but I decide to stay in for the night. My best friend is a nurse who works nights, so it's tough for us to get to spend time together. Since I just moved back to Dallas, I don't have many other friends to spend time with, but I don't mind. My sister and I end up binging Grey's Anatomy until midnight. Neither of us had watched it before, and now Shonda has us hooked!
12 a.m. — Bedtime!
Daily Total: $31
Day Six
8 a.m. — Gym time! I'm trying to get in the habit of going to the gym three times a week, and I hate it! But I'm stubborn, so I force myself to lift weights and jog a few miles.
10 a.m. — I'm a creature of habit, so every Sunday morning I buy my groceries for the week, as well as a book at Barnes & Noble. (I know, I know, I should shop local, but my suburb doesn't have any good local bookstores.) I look around for a while before deciding on Hamlet. I'm trying to read and reread classics because I never appreciated them in high school. I've always loved Shakespeare, and it's been a while since I've read this one. $13
12 p.m. — I'm home and starving, especially after my workout. I poach eggs and mash up some avocado, which I eat with sourdough.
2 p.m. — I meal prep for the week: broccoli, mushroom, pepper, and tofu stir-fry with brown rice.
6 p.m. — Time for dinner! I bought pizza dough from Trader Joe's when I did my grocery shopping, so I make a cheese pizza with olives for myself. This was always my go-to lazy dinner in college, and it makes me nostalgic for my crappy Brooklyn apartment that I loved so much.
9 p.m. — You guessed it, I'm in bed! I catch up on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This show is so funny, and it has a openly bisexual character! Everyone needs to watch it!
10 p.m. — Reading time. The Female Persuasion is a long book, so I'm giving myself two weeks to finish it and am a little more than halfway through. I read for an hour before falling asleep!
Daily Total: $13
Day Seven
7 a.m. — Happy Monday! My mom is home in the morning, so I don't have to drop the little sister off at school. I take my time getting ready and decide to whip out the hair straightener for the first time in months. I somehow manage to straighten my hair in fifteen minutes, so I slap on makeup before heading out the door.
11 a.m. — Lunchtime! We have a team lunch today, which is paid for by the company. (We do this once a month.) We head to a Tex-Mex place where the food is just alright. My coworkers and I discuss the recent Facebook scandal and the Zuckerberg testimony. I have been off of Facebook for months, but because my job is in social media, I have to keep up with all their policy changes. On my way back to the office, I pick up makeup remover, since I'm out of it. $10
4 p.m. — I clock out for the day. I was incredibly productive, so I don't feel bad about being the first one out of the office, especially since I'm one of the first people in the office every morning. I listen to the new episode of Yeah, But Still as I drive home. They talk about Coachella, and it makes me feel relieved that I didn't spend thousands of dollars on a music festival that doesn't even seem fun.
6 p.m. — I'm still full from lunch, so I make a small dinner. I heat up stir-fry for dinner.
9 p.m. — In bed, as per usual! I watch the latest episode of Silicon Valley, read for a bit, and then it's time to sleep!
Daily Total: $10
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.
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Wedding season is upon us, and we want to know:Are you saving up for it? Going to weddings can cost a lot. From the flights, to clothes that fit the dress code, to the hotel or AirBnb stays. So how do you afford it? Do you cut costs elsewhere to keep up? Would you go into credit card debt to be there for your friend on their special day? Fill outthis form, and we might feature you on our site!
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In the first two episodes of Vida, flan is its own character. In the pilot, sisters and main protagonists Emma (Mishel Prada) and Lyn (Melissa Barrera) attempt to ice out their recently deceased mother’s partner, Eddy (Ser Anzoategu), by turning down her offers of homemade flan. There’s no time for flan for the career-obsessed Emma, and boho, gluten-free Lyn must say no. But by episode 2, Emma is surveying the table stacked with the glistening, succulent desserts of her childhood and asking: “Is that flan still good after two days?” Eventually, she lets go of her grievances and takes a bite. After a few longing looks of her own, her sister Lyn picks up a fork, says “Fuck it,” and digs in.
As a Latina viewer watching the scene, it was immediately clear that the moment wasn’t just starring a Latinx cast — a rarity in itself — but that it also had to have been created by people who are Latinx. It's not every day that a traditional dessert from Latinx culture becomes a plot point on a major TV show. And that authenticity isn’t just limited to those scenes; it’s present throughout the entire series. From the unapologetic Spanglish sprinkled throughout the dialogue without a single subtitle to the way the camera poetically captures the rich caramels and chocolate browns of the characters’ skin tones, Starz is gearing up to air the most authentically Latinx show to ever hit premium cable television. And what's even more impressive is that the network was able to do it with an all-Latinx cast, an all-Latinx writer’s room, a majority Latinx crew — and a queer Latina showrunner. With just six episodes, Vida is making history —and proving to Hollywood that truly diverse, authentic entertainment can be done.
Things have been looking up for Latinos on television as of late. Jennifer Lopez is the star of NBC's Shades of Blue, and Jane The Virgin and its mostly Latinx cast has been a fan-favorite for four seasons. Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black stars many Latinx actors, and the streaming service’s series One Day At A Time — with a Latinx cast helmed by a Latina showrunner — was recently renewed for a third season. Still, USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism reports that in 2016, only 6% of roles on television featured Latinos — even though we make up 17% of the country.
Marta Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Original Programming at Starz, believes that the root of the disconnect lies in a lack of effort from the gatekeepers in powerful positions. That awareness is why Starz has long been ahead of its competitors when it comes to diversity. The juicy drama Power, with a starring cast that’s Black, Latinx, and white, is run by a Black woman, Courtney Kemp, and has consistently broken Starz’ premiere night records for four seasons.
"We have the talent and the resumes, but we need to be trusted and let in to the doors of Hollywood."
So Fernandez and the network were prepared to go the extra mile for Vida, which started as a simple idea from the network to create a Latinx-focused show on the concept of “gentefication” — the gentrification of old school, established Latinx spaces by younger Latinx people or businesses. (Think juice bars replacing decades-old taquerias.) It's rare that a network has an idea for a show and then works to make it happen, versus fielding ideas from writers and executives. But Fernandez says that after the success of their minority and women-focused series like Power, and women-led historical fiction dramas Outlander and The White Queen, the network was committed to creating authentic programming for underserved audiences. "The success of our show Outlander proved that if you put out shows for a specific audience, they will come to it," she says. But Fernandez also knew that to create a series that felt Latinx, they needed creatives who were Latinx.
“We found that there are a lot of Latino actors and writers, but they haven’t had the opportunity to move up through the ranks. The pool is very wide, but not very deep when it comes to finding talent with experience,” Fernandez says. “A lot of these Latino writers and actors are kept to lower rung positions, especially in writing rooms where they’re often seen as ‘diversity hires.’ So while we found a great amount of people to put in a writer’s room, we had trouble finding someone who was experienced enough to run a show.”
Enter Tanya Saracho, a noted playwright who has also written for series like How To Get Away With Murder,Girls, and Devious Maids. She had never run a television show before — much less one on premium cable — but that didn’t stop Fernandez from calling her in to talk about her idea. Saracho is now the first Latina ever to run a premium cable television show.
“Starz took a chance on me,” Saracho says. “It’s the same thing with our cinematographer Carmen Cabana. She had never led an entire camera unit before, so who was ever going to give her a chance? But we did, and it paid off beautifully. We’re here. We have the talent and the resumes, but we need to be trusted and let in to the doors of Hollywood.”
Saracho is immensely proud of her team, which includes Narcos veteran Cabana — whom Saracho says was determined not to whitewash Vida’s skintones the way mainstream TV shows often do — casting director Carmen Cuba, and composer Germaine Franco, who also worked on Coco and is the only Latina in the Recording Academy.
“We wanted to create our own little world that would feel like a family, one where we could code switch — not just in Spanish but also culturally,” Saracho says. “Because we all had shared experiences, it was like we had a shorthand. When I told Germaine that the music in one scene that featured a limpia[spiritual cleaning] needed to feel more indigenous, she immediately knew exactly what to do. I’m not sure that conversation would have been so clear and easy if she hadn’t been Mexican.”
The writer’s room itself is all Latinx, but also diverse, including writers of Mexican, Afro-Caribbean, and white South American descent, a move Saracho felt was important to ensure that the show features “many perspectives of Latinidad.” But there are also multiple queer characters and storylines (an early plot twist leads sisters Emma and Lyn to find out that their mother’s roommate, Eddy, played by non-binary actor Ser Anzoategu, was much more than just their late mom’s friend). Saracho, who identifies as queer, wanted to make sure those nuances also felt just as authentic. Her final writer’s room was nearly half queer, including head writer Nancy Mejia, whom Saracho reached out to via Facebook after coming across a pilot she had written. Vida is now Mejia's first TV writing gig.
“I myself am a brown, queer woman, so for me it was very important that we didn’t just give queer storylines lip service or do it for optics,” Mejia says. “Authenticity starts with the hiring process. The fact that about half of us in the room are queer, and we each have our own distinct story and narrative, that translates on screen. We’re definitely challenging the status quo, and I hope we prove to Hollywood to not be afraid to take a risk. Because this isn’t a risk at all. If you look at the demographics of this country — especially a city like Los Angeles — including Latinos is not a risk, it’s smart.”
Photo: Courtesy of Starz.
As casting director, Cuba helped Saracho build her Vida family, which is made up entirely of rising Latinx actors like Anzoategu, whom Saracho discovered after attending a play in Boston, and Melissa Barrera, who expertly plays the wide-eyed, ditzy, yoga-loving Lyn and landed the part just three weeks after moving to L.A.. Headstrong workaholic Emma is portrayed by Mishel Prada, an alum of Fear The Walking Dead, who joined the Vida cast just one week before they shot the pilot after another actress dropped out.
“I had seen an announcement that Starz had greenlit a show by a female, Latinx showrunner a year before I got the call to audition,” Prada says. “So to actually now be a part of a show that’s not depicting us as maids or feisty stereotypes but real, three-dimensional, rich women with flaws and vulnerability...that’s not just an honor, it’s history.”
Barrera adds that Vida isn’t actually that different than anything we’ve ever seen on television. It just so happens to feature Latinx actors, culture, and voices.
“My character Lyn is a millennial woman, a carefree party girl who’s in on the trends, who wants to find love and is looking to be loved,” Barrera says. “Yes, she’s a Latina who’s often torn between not feeling Mexican enough and not feeling American enough. But at the end of the day, she represents the typical American girl. That’s what’s so beautiful about Vida: Whether you’re white or Puerto Rican or Chinese, anyone who watches this show can see a little bit of themselves in it.”
Vida is sure to capture the hearts of viewers and be another fan favorite from Starz, which is quickly becoming a destination for cult-favorite shows like Power and Outlander. It may even win some awards. But perhaps it’s most impressive feat is simply its existence. And next?
“I want Vida to open doors for other cultures to share their real, authentic, complicated stories,” Saracho says. “I hope one day there’s a Dominican Vida! A Chilean Vida! A Puerto Rican Vida! There’s room for all of us to tell the world who we are, because really, we all just want to be heard.”
When it comes to building confidence and a savvy approach to personal style, it’s never too early to get a head start. Case in point: Geri Hirsch, the fashion and lifestyle blogger behind Because I’m Addicted, who credits the women in her family with instilling her love of fashion. Growing up, Hirsch was inspired by her grandmother’s passion for jewelry and watched her mom create knockout outfits. Now, the 34-year-old, who was an early blogging sensation after launching her site in 2005, is excited to bring the sartorial wisdom she shares with her thousands of Insta followers a little closer to home. Namely, to her 3-month-old daughter, Leo Gem. Though it might be a little too early for fashion lessons, the single most important thing Hirsch hopes to teach her daughter is a sense of self-confidence. In fact, she’s set on leading by example.
“After giving birth,” says Hirsch of her current style metamorphosis, “I found myself with curves and wanted to explore how to dress this new body.” The opportunity allowed her to create a capsule of effortless, utilitarian pieces. Whether she’s running errands or chilling at home in the Hollywood Hills, her go-to look is usually a pair of custom-made jeans paired with an easy, eye-catching top. For her accessories, she’s past the big and chunky phase and these days opts for timeless items that can go with anything, like the jewelry seen here from Swarovski. No matter the outfit, she finds herself gravitating towards delicate, summer-ready necklaces, bracelets, and rings — pieces that she can see her daughter one day styling in her own unique way. More on that and Geri's trademark look, just ahead.
How would you sum up your approach to fashion? "My personal style is tailored but comfortable. It’s continually evolving as the trends evolve — I definitely follow trends but I also stick to a lot of the classics."
You recently became a mom. How has that influenced what you reach for in your closet? "I’m exclusively breastfeeding, which presents a lot of challenges when getting dressed. New moms tell you tons of stories, but somehow nobody really mentions that. Figuring it out in the beginning was a bit tricky. I spent a lot of time in my pajamas. Now I wear a lot of vintage jeans. You definitely need pockets as a new mom. And then I pair them with easy-access tank tops, button-ups, and dresses. A lot of my wardrobe is on hold, but I’m figuring it out and it’s actually been a fun challenge. Having a restricted wardrobe has made getting dressed simpler because it’s become more utilitarian."
Swarovski, $89, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $129, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $89, available at Swarovski
Any other new tips on feeling pulled together in those early months of motherhood? "One of the things that I did for myself that made it a lot easier to get dressed is have a pair of custom jeans made to really fit my body, which is very different than my pre-baby body. My hips expanded, so I don’t fit into any of my old jeans. I wanted to still feel like my old self, and these really helped with that. I just add a cool top and some fun accessories. Your body doesn’t bounce back overnight, so I don’t think it makes sense to sit around for six or seven months feeling not great about your clothes. And all of a sudden I’m curvy, so I want to make the most of that and embrace it. Plus, I couldn’t stand one more day in my maternity clothes."
What are you hoping to pass on to your daughter when it comes to fashion and style? "The biggest thing that I want to instill in my daughter is that it’s not about the clothing. It’s about having confidence. If you’re really confident, it doesn’t matter what you put on. Of course, I want her to have fun with clothing and accessories, but first and foremost I want to build up her confidence so she doesn’t feel she needs to put on the latest trends or a sexy dress to feel good about herself."
Swarovski, $89, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $89, available at Swarovski
Where does your sense of confidence come from? "There’s a Japanese word, Kaizen, which basically means continual self-improvement. And that’s a philosophy that I subscribe to. I don’t wait until I have an event to start working out, eating healthier, or taking care of my skin. I believe in constantly investing in taking good care of yourself because it’ll make you feel as good as you possible can. My grandmother-in-law always says, 'If you don’t take care of your body, where else are you going to live?'"
Your grandmother had a big influence on you as you were growing up. What kind of woman was she? "She was a comedian and the life of the party; she had a great spirit. My parents were divorced, so I didn’t have those memories of watching my mom getting ready on a Saturday night, putting on perfume to go out with my dad. But I did have that experience with my grandparents. I would visit them in Cleveland or Boca Raton every summer and see my grandmother getting all dolled up. She was really into taking care of the way she looked and an advocate for getting dressed properly. She would never, ever leave the house in sweatpants. I think that definitely was passed down to me."
Swarovski, $89, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $89, available at Swarovski
Did she have any specific getting-ready rituals that stand out in your memory? "She absolutely loved accessories. She had a huge cabinet of all sorts of necklaces and bracelets and earrings. And they were always the final touch when she was getting ready. Every time I would go and visit, she’d give me a piece of hers. Some were cool and funky, and some were more fancy. Her first name, Gladys, was a G like mine. She wore a pinky diamond G ring every day, and for my 30th birthday, she passed that down to me. We always had a connection through our mutual love for accessories and jewelry."
What about your mom? How did she influence your style? "All of the trends that are big right now are ones that I remember my mom looking very fashionable in when I was younger. She wore great high-waisted jeans, flowy blouses, and cool boots and belts. And she passed a lot of those pieces — which are still in really great condition — down to me. She had a very cool vibe."
Swarovski, $89, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $79, available at Swarovski
On that note, what accessories are you into these days? "I definitely go through phases. Lately I’ve been really into wearing sentimental pieces. I had quite a few things made with my daughter’s name on them. The Swarovski pieces that I’m wearing here are great because they feel like family heirlooms that were passed down. The evil eye bracelet is something you can wear every single day. You can layer it and never take it off. And the same thing with the dainty ring. Classic pieces can really be paired with anything."
You were early to the blogging game and became very successful. What advice would you give someone hoping to start a fashion or lifestyle blog in 2018? "When I started in 2005, I remember I was given a lip gloss, and I honestly felt that I had won the lottery! I couldn’t believe that someone had sent me a free lip gloss. Going from girls having little blogs that meant you had to type in URLs every day to now consuming that content on Instagram has been a huge evolution. Now there is an entire new economy based on Instagram, which I think is so rad. The challenge is how hard it is to be heard because the barrier to entry is so low. If you were to start today, I would say to focus on Instagram and YouTube. But whatever you do, if it’s genuine and you have a clear, strong message, anything is possible."
Swarovski, $89, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $89, available at SwarovskiSwarovski, $79, available at Swarovski
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New Hampshire is on its way to becoming the 20th state with explicit civil rights protections for transgender and gender non-conforming people. On Wednesday, the state Senate passed House Bill 1319, which would add gender identity to the state's existing anti-discrimination laws.
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signaled he intends to sign the bipartisan legislation.
HB1319 would prohibit discrimination against people based on their gender identity in public spaces, the workplace, and housing. These protections already exist to shield people against discrimination based on their sex, religion, race, and sexual orientation. If Sununu signs HB1319 into law, the protections would automatically extend to transgender and gender non-conforming folks.
“New Hampshire’s leaders are demonstrating that nondiscrimination protection is not — and should never be — a partisan issue. From Alaska to New Hampshire, Republicans and Democrats are coming together to support all people,” Zeke Stokes, vice president of programs at GLAAD, said in a statement. “Gov. Sununu has said he is inclined to sign the measure, and it’s critical that he do so in order to ensure that everyone in New Hampshire has access to the same freedoms and protections under the law.”
New Hampshire is the last state in New England to put in place explicit anti-discrimination protections for transgender people.
Freedom New Hampshire, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, celebrated the win on Twitter. The group wrote: "We did it! The NH Senate just voted 14-10 to pass #TransBillNH! This is a huge victory for freedom-loving people everywhere — especially the #transgender Granite Staters who have fought so hard for nearly a decade to make this happen."
It's difficult not to feel disheartened by the average swim ad. So many campaigns feature overly sexualized imagery that seems designed to pander to the male gaze, even though men aren't the people spending their hard-earned cash on bikinis and one-pieces. Others show photo after photo of very slim, very toned models rocking barely-there bathing suits. The implicit message can be incredibly damaging: "Only women who look like this should wear these items," they seem to say.
That's why it's so incredibly important when brands break the mold — when they aren't afraid to redefine what a "beach body" looks like. We've seen companies like Monki, Target, and Swimsuits For All embrace body positive and inclusive messaging. Now, Weekday is joining the charge by rejected the traditional glossy swimwear ad in favor of asking "ordinary" women to create their own campaign. The Swedish label sent 25 women items from its new swim collection and asked them to model them in whatever way they saw fit. The women were given complete creative freedom and sent back as few or as many snaps as they wanted. The result is a glorious set of photos — dubbed "My Body My Image" — that emphasizes the fact women's bodies come in so many different shapes and sizes.
"As a fashion brand, we feel that it is our responsibility to present an accurate portrayal of women," Weekday's head of marketing, Nadine Schmidt, said in a press release. "We hope this campaign gives women the power and opportunity to tell their truth and depict their body the way they want." Schmidt added that the offering features "new fit-focused separates [that] come in multiple flattering colors with details such as high waists, asymmetrical lines, full bottom coverage, thin straps, and high necklines," with hopes that the expanded selection will "celebrate the diversity of the female body."
Here's what the collection looks like on 25 different women.
