Esalicante Fashion & Style

V-Cut Flats Are The Chic Update To Ballet Shoes

Love It Or Hate It: Studded Clogs Are So Back

2026-04-03T18:59:37-00:00

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – AUGUST 7: a guest (left) is seen wearing a striped white button-down shirt, worn underneath an oversized light blue shirt; a colorful knit top underneath the shirt; high-waisted, knee-length wide denim shorts; white heeled sandals with a colorful monogram from Louis Vuitton; a bright yellow leather handbag with silver hardware, black-red details and violet shoulder straps; large gold hoop earrings; her blonde hair is worn loose, parted in the middle; a guest (right) is seen wearing a cropped brown leather jacket, layered over a pink graphic t-shirt; a white slip-style skirt with lace trim; brown leather clogs with metallic studs; the Graduate Jokes, classic brown monogram handbag with gold hardware from Louis Vuitton x Richard Prince; her blonde hair is worn loose with a middle part during the Filippa K show during Copenhagen Fashion Week day four on August 7, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

I’ll admit it. There was once a time when I felt like every special outfit had to be paired with a stiletto. Thankfully, the fashion cycle has entered an era where teetering on stilettos is out. I’m finally fully embracing the functional-meets-sexy era and doing so in — dare I say it — clogs. Yes, the once orthopedic-recommended shoe is at the top of my shopping list.

Of course, Chloé’s last couple of shows with Chemena Kamali at the helm certainly piqued my interest, making me fall in love with the delicious combination of frilly dresses paired with chunky shoes. But it was Louise Trotter’s sculptural take that made me finally hit add to cart.

And it’s not just a runway moment. The street style scene is flooded with the chunky-sole shoe. Zendaya was recently spotted out and about with Tom Holland wearing slip-on clogs. Anne Hathaway also was photographed by paparazzi in a studded pair — the true star of the clog comeback.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: A guest is seen wearing a brown Coach jacket, black top, white shorts, black shoes and black sunglasses outside the Coach show during womenswear NYFW Spring 2026 on September 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)

We can’t talk clogs without mentioning the OGs, Dr. Scholl’s. Not only have they been at it since 1924, they continue to find ways to make the click-clack wooden shoes feel more relevant than ever, most recently with a limited-edition collaboration with Wrangler.

Between the dirt-kicking heritage of Wrangler and the orthopedic-chic legacy of Dr. Scholl’s, the latest crop of clogs feel both utilitarian and wildly cool. While the collection features the iconic open-toe Original Sandal in new colorways (including a striking red and a speckled, cow-print motif), the standout is the studded perforated suede and leather designs.

I like to think of the hardware-adorned clogs as shoe candy, especially since they instantly dress up a simple outfit like a jeans-and-T-shirt combo. And what’s even better? Most designs offer the height and formality of a heel with the stability of a wedge or chunky kitten heel. That’s a win-win for all of spring and summer outfits.

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This Astrological New Year, Your Tarotscope Helps You Become The Leader You’re Meant To Be

2026-04-03T15:07:12-00:00

April is the first full month of the new astrological year, and the universe isn’t asking if you’re ready to lead. It’s asking why you’re still waiting. Aries season launched the cycle. We are done with the retrograde, and now you’re being called to actually embody the authority you’ve been cultivating. You’ve got the green light to awaken the dormant power inside of you.

The leader you came here to be isn’t a future version of yourself. It’s who you already are when you stop asking for permission and start trusting what you know. This month is about recognizing that you’ve always been ready and there is truly nothing standing in your way, unless you decide there is.

These tarotscopes will show you where your leadership is being activated and what’s still holding you from claiming it fully. Read for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Let Spirit show you where you’re ready to step up. Then do it like you’ve been here all along.

Aries (March 21–April 19) - The Emperor

This is your astrological new year, Aries. Your season. Your energy is literally powering the collective right now, and you’re still asking if you’re qualified to lead. Quit it. The Emperor doesn’t ask for approval before they build the empire. They trust the vision they’ve received and open themselves up for the way in which the universe wants to use them. They trust their authority and command reality with conviction and Godly confidence. They know that they can’t “get it wrong,” and they take initiative by making the first move. That’s you. That’s always been you. This month is about embodying that without the performance anxiety, without the need for external validation, and without waiting for everyone else to be ready. They’re not going to be ready because you are the leader they’ve been waiting for. They’re waiting for you to show them it’s possible. Act like you’ve been doing this forever. In your soul, you have.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - King of Pentacles

You’ve been building in silence for so long that you forgot the point was to eventually enjoy your creations rather than nit-pick the process. You have the capacity to activate the baseline energy of anything and expand upon it. Generate abundance out of thin air. You must trust in your vision and ability to execute this. You are the blueprint. You don’t need to follow “steps” because they are naturally engrained in you. You must trust that you are more resourceful than you give yourself credit for. But you’re still treating your authority like it’s something you need to perfect in private before you’re allowed to share it publicly. That’s fear disguised as patience. You already have the mastery and are the mastery. You’ve already done the work. You’ve already proven to yourself that you can build something sustainable and real. Your authority doesn't come from being the loudest or the fastest. It comes from being the most grounded, the most embodied, and the one who built something that lasts while everyone else is chasing trends and doubting themselves. Stop waiting for more proof that you’re qualified. You are the proof. Believe that.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - The Magician

You’ve been downplaying your gift for so long that you forgot communication is actual sorcery. You have the capacity to take invisible concepts and make them tangible through language, to see connections others miss and articulate them in ways that shift everything. Your mind isn’t scattered; it’s designed to hold multiple truths at once and weave them into something people can actually use. This is your magic. However, you’re still treating your voice like it’s not real leadership because it doesn't look like everyone else’s version of authority or, perhaps, because you think holding that power is too simple and you have to make it complex. You’ve already shown yourself that your words move energy, open doors, and create pathways where none existed. Monitor what comes through you. Your authority doesn’t come from having a singular focus or one definitive message. It comes from your ability to translate between worlds, hold multiple perspectives that benefit you, make the mystical practical, and to speak truth in a way that lands. Your capacity to articulate is the exact form of power this moment requires.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - The High Priestess

You’ve been waiting for external confirmation of what you already know in your body, and it’s keeping you stuck between worlds. The High Priestess doesn’t need proof to trust what she feels, and, aside from that, what she knows with conviction. She does’'t need everyone else to validate her vision before she moves on it, because she is Source. You’re being asked to stop translating your intuition into logic so you can believe in yourself and start honoring the knowledge that comes through your body, your inner conviction, and your emotional currents. Your inner sight is more accurate than anyone’s perspective of it and how it works. It will certainly be on overdrive this month, so lean into the intention that you are the primary Source and you need no validation than that of your internal world. You read energy like other people read data. You feel the future before it arrives. You know things you have no logical way of knowing. That’s not something to second-guess or brush off. That’s your access point; that’s your magic. This month is about stepping through the veil you’ve been standing at and claiming what’s on the other side. Stop waiting for permission to honor your own psychic knowledge. The mysteries don't reveal themselves to those who need proof first.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) - Three of Wands

You’ve been standing at the edge of your vision for months, visualizing everything you desire, but now you’re second-guessing whether you’re actually ready for it to arrive — or if it will even arrive. The Three of Wands is the card of expansion that's already in motion. Everything you desire, desires you and is making its way to you right now. You are implementing the moves. You are putting the energy out there. You committed to the bigger version of what you’re building. And now that you’re starting to see the reality catch back at you in increments, you’re trying to shrink yourself back down to fit the old container. That doubt is normal because it’s showing you that you are outgrowing the old version of you. The work is working. You already set this in motion and are in this momentum, but you have to stick to the pose. Your job isn’t to question whether you’re worthy of what’s coming. It’s to expand your capacity to receive it, to be witnessed holding it, to let yourself be seen standing in the fullness of what you called in. Stop making yourself smaller so other people feel comfortable with your growth or so that you can feel comfortable internally. This month is about owning the expansion you’ve already initiated and being courageous enough to step into it. You are proof that bold vision creates bold results. Own it.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) - 8 of Pentacles

You’ve been perfecting your craft for so long, but is that really necessary? The Eight of Pentacles is mastery through devotion, and you have it. Your passion speaks for itself when you dive into endless research and spend hours fascinated on a topic. But now it’s time to trust what you know and to apply it. Your experience along the way will be the best teacher. You’ve developed a level of skill that most people will never achieve because they’re not willing to do what you’ve done. But you have to trust that you know more than enough at this point and can still tap into your genius to make it unique to you. You are overly qualified, and sometimes you don’t believe that. So let me tell you! Perfectionism is in the trash, and you have the green light to still treat your expertise like it's enough. Not like there's one more thing you need to learn before you're qualified to build something real with it. You already possess the mastery because you are the mastery. Your precision is what makes everything you touch better. Stop using “I'm still learning” as a shield against being seen for what you actually know. This month is about applying your skills in the world instead of hoarding them in private. You are the proof that devotion to craft creates undeniable results. Build something with what you know.

Libra (September 23 - October 23) - 2 of Swords

You’ve been weighing your options for so long that you forgot making no decision is still a decision, and it's costing you everything you say you want. The Two of Swords is the card of deliberate avoidance and negating your intuition. You already know what you need to do; you don’t need a loud sign in the sky in order to take the next steps. But you keep gathering more information, seeking more perspectives, waiting for some permission slip for you to be powerful. Bank on trusting yourself and watch how everything changes. You already hold the clarity even if the next steps might be uncomfortable to take action on. Your intuition knows the answer before your mind finishes analyzing all the variables. Your gift for seeing multiple sides isn’t meant to paralyze you; it’s meant to help you make informed choices and then commit to them without looking back. The more you trust, the faster you travel. Stop treating every decision like it needs to be unanimously approved. You are not a beggar. Validate yourself. This month is about choosing your direction and trusting it enough to move, even if someone disagrees, even if it disrupts the peace, even if you can’t guarantee the outcome. Choose and witness what takes form from that path.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 21) - 7 of Swords

You’ve been moving in the shadows for so long that you forgot that you can come into the light for air. You don’t have to consistently work on yourself in order to have what you desire. You might be approaching yourself as a DIY project that is never ending and always has some issue that needs to be “fixed.” The Seven of Swords is the card of strategic solitude, doing the necessary work alone because all transformation starts within. You don’t trust anyone else to handle you with the depth and intensity you bring. And you’re right, for the most part. Most people can’t. But you’re also using that as an excuse to never let anyone see what you’re actually capable of, to never collaborate, to never let your work touch the world in its full power because that would require you to be seen. And you’re also approaching your Spirit like it’s broken, instead of showing yourself grace and accepting the moment as perfect as it is. You are the power you seek. You’ve proven your ability to transform, to alchemize darkness into medicine, to see what others are afraid to look at. Let’s not become addicted to perpetually treating yourself as a project that needs to be worked on. Allow your intensity and shadows to be met and embraced by others who can appreciate them. This month is about trusting that you are good as you are and that what you’ve been building in private is ready to impact beyond your own inner world.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) - Knight of Wands

Your life is about to accelerate in such a profound speed that you will not recognize the old you and the ways you have lived in the past. The Knight of Wands is perpetual motion but with fierce determination: always moving toward the horizon, seeking the next adventure, the next philosophy, and the next level of expansion. And that’s your gift — fast personal development that translates into growth in every area of your life. You don’t wait for things to happen; you feel the shift and the embodiment of what you want internally first and you let the world catch up to your inner transformation. But sometimes you can be impulsive and focused on escaping challenges and problems instead of building a better structure for yourself. You keep telling yourself you need more freedom, more space, and more time before you can commit, but, truthfully, you already have those things. You’re just restless. You might need to recognize your vision and make it bigger so that it can motivate you the right way. You’ve already proven your ability to see possibilities, to inspire movement, and to expand beyond limitations, and now it’s time to commit and build something tangible. Your philosophy is supposed to live in your body, not just your mind. Stop running from the life you’re actually in by romanticizing the one that’s always six months away. You are proof that expansion requires roots. Plant them.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) - 10 of Pentacles

The empire you’ve been building is as clear as day and taking form in front of your eyes. The Ten of Pentacles is legacy, generational wealth, everything you’ve been grinding toward for years and you have it even if you don’t see it just yet, because the reality lives within you. But you keep moving the goalpost, telling yourself that once you hit the next milestone, then you’ll rest. Then you’ll enjoy it. Then you’ll finally feel successful. You’re punishing yourself as a form of ambition. You already created the foundation and have done the practical and spiritual work as well. You’ve already proven that your discipline, your strategy, and your willingness to play the long game when everyone else quit, that created something real. Your work ethic isn’t the problem. Your refusal to let yourself enjoy what you’ve earned is. Step into a new level of ease and receivership. Yes, you may have mastered this, but you can always expand upon it. You have always been faster than the 3D realm, always creating from the end result and letting the world catch up with your genius. Now allow yourself to rest so you can receive additional support for your next missions and expand even further in opulence, wealth, and luxury. Be present for the blessings you’ve already established for yourself and your ancestors.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) - 7 of Cups

The Seven of Cups can represent infinite possibility — every future timeline laid out in front of you and every version of what could be if you just had the right conditions, the right team, and the right moment. And you can see all of these timelines. That is one of your spiritual gifts. But you’re forgetting that embodiment is what makes these timelines present. And you can get lost in the art of drifting into alternative realities versus bringing them into the present and into your body, without needing 3D proof or validation. You are not committing to one path, perhaps because you haven’t decided on what you want. But this is so, so important. The perfect path reveals itself once you decide that you’re always walking on it. You can’t get it wrong; you’re always in alignment. You don’t need to look for the blueprint or permission to take steps because you are the blueprint, and it unlocks with you giving yourself permission and taking action now. You can see what's possible before anyone else does, imagine systems that don't exist yet, and think beyond what’s been done. But how are you going to make this practical? Lead by example. Show others that they can envision a new reality for themselves, by actually seeing it and living it. Your ideas take form once you move. Choose one cup and drink from it fully. Revolution happens in reality, not in theory. Ground it.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) - 9 of Cups

The Nine of Cups is fulfillment, the watery emotional kind where you know that you are everything and everything flows from you, even if you can’t see it in the 3D yet. Whatever you have been dreaming about or desiring, is available to you right now. But there’s a fine line between dwelling in the waters excessively and coming up for air, onto land and building it. Take this sensual energy you are in and intend for things to be easeful, pleasurable, and joyful. Intend for the aligned resources to come to you and for you to be supported in every way. And open yourself to receive these things. Dwelling too much in fantasy, however, will bring you the opposite of your desires. You’ve already proven that your sensitivity, your ability to dream, and your connection to what’s unseen are all superpowers. They’re how you create. But creation requires you to come down from the ethers and actually live in your body, in this life, with what you’ve conjured. Stop treating embodiment like it’s less sacred than transcendence. This month is about letting yourself have what you’ve been praying for and staying present enough to feel it.

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Are Kitty & Min Ho End-Game? Anna Cathcart & Sang Heon Lee Unpack XO Kitty Season 3

2026-04-02T20:46:11-00:00

Spoilers ahead for Season 3 of XO, Kitty. Weeks away from the end of winter semester of her senior year at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), Kitty Song-Covey’s (Anna Cathcart) life feels like it’s falling apart. She’s in the midst of a terrible fight with her BFF Q (Anthony Keyvan), broken up with the boy of her dreams, Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee) and has no idea if she’s going to be accepted into New York University, her dream school — or if that’s even what she wants at all.

It’s a lot to process, and as Kitty tells the audience as she recounts her predicament while strutting down the halls of KISS: “A week ago, I thought my life was over. Teenage girls, am I right?” But, this isn’t the Kitty Song-Covey we know and love from Season 1, or even one episode earlier in Season 3. Because, after three seasons of XO, Kitty and three To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before movies, Kitty is finally growing up. For the first time, XO, Kitty isn’t about who Kitty loves, it’s about who she is without them.

That growth mirrors Anna Cathcart’s own experience. Reflecting on joining the franchise as a teenager, she describes navigating identity, uncertainty, and the value of having strong role models on set — a journey that closely tracks Kitty’s own. “Looking back, I met [Lana Condor] at a time where it was so pivotal in my life,” the now 22-year-old Cathcart tells Refinery29. “I was becoming a teenager. I was learning what that meant, how to find my sense of self.” Going through high school, which Cathcart says can sometimes be “the worst years of your life,” with so much up-in-the-air and such new experiences, “to have a support system and to have a role model like Lana and Janel [Parrish] and everybody from the original movies was so impactful on me as a person and as a young teenager.”

When Kitty first came onto our screens in 2018’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, she was, like Cathcart herself, truly finding her way. Very much initially boy-crazy, Kitty was the all-seeing, and a bit of a romantic know-it-all. It was Kitty that sent out the initial love letters from her elder sister Lara Jean that kicked off the TATBILB cinematic universe. And since then, audiences have watched Kitty follow her heart — sometimes to disastrous, or at least comically adventurous results. It’s her sometimes impetuous heart that inevitably took Kitty to Seoul, Korea; following in her mother’s footsteps as a bid to get closer to her, but also, essentially, to follow a boy. (Who remembers that Dae/Kitty romance from all the way back in S1?)

And, for two seasons, Kitty — and the series — has leaned into the romantic chaos we expect from a young adult series; as Kitty has explored different relationships, both romantic and friendly, as a way to learn about herself, her sexuality, and what she’s looking for in a partner. While past relationships helped shape her, Season 3 marks a shift: for the first time Kitty is defining herself outside of them; not through who she’s dating, but through what she wants.

While Kitty initially kicks off this season, and her summer break, clumsily proposing she follow Min Ho on his musical world tour, she inevitably drops those plans to fly to NYC and the aid of her sister Lara Jean. In many ways, though she’s obsessing about Min Ho the entire summer, staging her social media posts to appear like she’s having the best summer ever (who among us hasn’t done that?), she’s focused on her sister and exploring the city she hopes to one day call home. When she returns to Seoul, and finally gets together with Min Ho, that starts to change as they fall into their relationship, with Kitty eventually contemplating staying in Korea after graduation to be with him.

So much of the theme of Season 3 is embracing the unknown and not knowing what’s gonna happen next and finding the joy in that versus the fear in that. And I think that really applies to [Kitty and Min Ho’s] relationship.
anna cathcart

When they do break up, after a miscommunication of epic proportions (she accuses Min Ho of getting their friend pregnant), that’s when Kitty’s growth really starts to show. Heartbroken, but encouraged by her sister to follow her heart to her next great adventure —independent of the guy she loves — Kitty makes the decision to apply for NYU; knowing that whether or not she and Min Ho end up together, she has to follow her own dreams and put herself first. The rest will work itself out.

Kitty’s decision to put herself first and apply for NYU might be the culmination of her journey to a more mature outlook, but as her sister Lara Jean notes when she visits Kitty on the heels of her devastating break-up with Min Ho, she’s consistently shown the ways in which she’s grown up throughout this season in the ways she helps others. This maturity is most poignantly on display during Lara Jean’s visit, when their cousin Jiwon (Hojo Shin) — a teacher at the school — reveals she’s pregnant and scared of not having any familial support. In a super sweet moment, it’s Kitty, not Lara Jean the constant fixer-upper, who rushes to comfort her, reassuring her that she’ll always have support in them. “The leaps that you take and the lengths that you go to for others, that’s what makes you, you,” Lara Jean later tells Kitty. “And your heart is always in the right place.” Later, Kitty helps foster a reunion between Jiwon and her grandmother; not because she feels like she needs to fix things, but because she wants to ensure everyone’s happiness.

It’s not just Kitty who’s maturing. Her friends and the circumstances around them are too. While we’re used to tween dramas like Riverdale and 90210 that escalate into absurdity, casting 30-year-olds as 16 and tasking teens with insurmountable — and often outrageous — responsibilities (like, say, hunting down a serial killer that turns out to be your own father), show creator Jenny Han’s series has always been great at meeting the characters on-screen where they’d believably be. This makes Kitty’s emotional evolution actually land harder. The past three seasons have seen Kitty go a little boy crazy, contemplate her latest relationship status, stress over whether or not she’s going to pass her courses and try to navigate complicated friendships; concerns every 16 to 18 year old should be dealing with.

Sometimes, all good things come to an end… I feel that the audience should realize it’s okay… It’s not the end of the world.
Sang Heon Lee

But, eventually, those concerns change, or at least evolve to include others. And Kitty and Co. are definitely dealing with a batch of new — and very adult — issues. This season alone sees two pregnancy scares, the difficulties around complex familial dynamics, including disappointing your parents or realizing that maybe they’ve disappointed you, and figuring out who you are after your family goes bankrupt.

But, as anyone who’s gone through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood knows, maturing isn’t linear. Inching towards adulthood doesn’t mean losing all sense of whimsy and fun; both defining trademarks of the series and K-Dramas, which the show is influenced by. Kitty is, after all, only 18. While we’re all for Kitty realizing that romantic relationships aren’t the be-all-end-all of your existence, that doesn’t mean that romance; wanting it and leaning into it, is a bad thing. It can be magical; as the series continues to show every time Min Ho and Kitty lock eyes (it’s steamy and yes you will shriek with glee).

But now, along with the magic, comes a healthy dose of realism. In the final moments of the season, audiences see Min Ho and Kitty — reunited in an epic subway running montage — boarding a flight for Portland, Oregon. They’re together, they’re happy and they’re off towards their future. “I definitely think if you ask them on that airplane, they would both say they are end game,” Cathcart says. “In that moment, they feel closer than ever and more excited than ever about the future; so much of the theme of season three is embracing the unknown and not knowing what’s gonna happen next and finding the joy in that versus the fear in that. And I think that really applies to their relationship as well.”

But, they’re also still in high school. Which means whatever comes next, is probably only temporary, a stepping stone to their future selves. This is a reality both Kitty and Min Ho, as well as the actors who play them, recognize. “You get to see that they started this relationship, but sometimes all good things come to an end,” Lee adds. “And even if it’s something bad, there will be an ending. But also I feel that the audience should realize it’s okay, this is how life works; but there’s always a better thing to look forward to as well. It’s not the end of the world.” Which is ultimately the same conclusion Kitty herself seems to have come to as she accepts her place at NYU and jets off to Portland with Min Ho; that whatever comes next isn’t the be-all-end-all. For the first time, Kitty isn’t chasing the future— she’s learning how to live in the now.

Season 3 of XO, Kitty is now streaming on Netflix.

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These Unexpected Handbag Trends Are Taking Over Spring 2026

2026-04-02T18:00:13-00:00

When it comes to shopping for a new handbag, there are a lot of little details worth considering beyond pure aesthetics and asking yourself if it’s “cute” or not. From size and shape, to its material and intended use, this is not a purchase that should be taken too lightly, regardless of price point. So it makes sense why designers and brands are so particular about their pieces. Case in point, functionality seems to be the name of the game for this season’s handbag trends, to ensure it has the power to work hard in every shopper’s wardrobe. (The fact that they’re aesthetically pleasing is just icing on the cake.)

Like most things in fashion right now, this season’s it bags fall into one of two categories. On one hand, following the popularity of slouchy silhouettes from last season, you have structure-less bags that are surprisingly spacious inside. On the other hand, you have trends of pure novelty with fruit-shaped clutches replacing the bird bags of yesteryear and viral vintage-inspired purses as seen on everyone’s favorite TV fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw. Although they’re two very different sides of the same coin, both deserve a spot in your spring wardrobe.

Not yet convinced? Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the popular handbag trends of the season, along with the key pieces you’ll need to recreate the looks yourself.

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Soft Shoulder Bags

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 06: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Miu Miu Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 06, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)

If you are a fan of the bowler bags, then you’ll love the structure-less shape for 2026 just as much. Seoul-based brand and certified cool-girl label Margesherwood led the way with its slouchy dumpling bag, while Miu Miu and Loewe offered up styles made with supple suede and textured leather. The key is finding a style that’s spacious and malleable enough to fit all your essentials. Bonus points if you find one in one of the standout shades of the season like persimmon or turquoise.

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Drawstring Pouches

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 02: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Isabel Marant Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)

Drawstring pouches à la the Chloé runway are starting to replace the classic everyday crossbody, and these are the definition of cool yet functional. Whether it’s a slouchy pouch from Prada and Alessandro Michele’s embroidered design for Valentino or more structured silhouettes like the quilted Chanel 25 bag that shoppers can’t get enough of, these drawstring details are everywhere. Chloé even took a more artful approach with a pleated crossbody that looks just like a bouquet of flowers.

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Utility Belt Bags

Whether you’re looking for hands-free options that work hard in your closet or are hoping to take your accessory game to the next level, a utility-style belt bag with multiple compartments is an absolute must and the spring 2026 runways are proof. London-based designer Johanna Parv took a more technical approach with “gorpcore” inspired designs, whereas Coperni and Julie Kegels leaned into utilitarian aesthetics. Pro tip: Find a style that will fit just the essentials — think keys, wallets, lip gloss, etc.

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Artisanal Seashells

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Balmain Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 01, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)

The change in the season (and weather) is your chance to experiment with different textures, which makes the timing of the seashell trend on the runways at Balmain and Ulla Johnson, among others, just so perfect. Whether you’re going to the beach or not, Simon Miller’s raffia tote is a great accompaniment for the months ahead and will add a little extra oomph to the most basic outfit. Simkhai offers a more literal take for minimalists hoping to embrace the trend with a shell-shaped clutch that oozes spring.

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Metal Handles

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 09: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Chanel Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 09, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Every so often there’s a vintage silhouette that inspires the next generation of designs. The resurgence of the YSL ‘Mamba’ bag –– in line with all the metal handles on the market –– is a prime example. Thankfully, that means you can participate in the trend with a style that has similar vibes. Consider adding top-handle bags with artful shapes to your cart for occasions, like spring weddings, that call for a little extra flair.

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Fancy Fruit Clutches

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Giambattista Valli Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)

It’s almost as if every season, fashion picks a random everyday thing to create novelty bags around –– birds, vegetables, electronic devices. And this season, according to Giambattista Valli, Moschino, and Chanel, it’s all about fancy fruit clutches. If you’re looking to get in on the trend, Cult Gaia is known for its cheeky accessories, including a “bunch of grapes” bag, while the Maison de Sabre coin purse is a great way to dip your toe in before fully committing.

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Buckled Details

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 04: A model walks the runway during the Hermès Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2026 fashion show as part of the Paris Fashion Week on October 4, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

In line with the utilitarian theme for spring, there are so many bags with statement buckles and they all look a little different, which means you’re bound to find one that works well for you. From dainty east-west satchels and slouchy shoulder bags, there are a slew of options that will get you through the season with your belongings intact.

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Kisslock Frames

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model, bag detail, walks the runway during the Loewe Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)

There have been rumblings of a kisslock resurgence for the last few seasons. Coach’s archival silhouette made a viral comeback on the runway, and then again on Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That on Season 3. The vintage-inspired detail has been on the rise ever since. Off the runway, Edie Parker released an undie-inspired kisslock clutch that is an instant conversation starter a night out.

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Everyone Said Being Bilingual Would Pay Off. But It’s Not for Latina Workers

2026-04-02T17:19:45-00:00

From the moment I started working, bilingualism was a core part of every job I’ve had. At 14, I worked at a day care helping Spanish-speaking kids learn numbers and letters in English, while communicating with coworkers who only spoke Spanish. Later, in teenage lifeguarding jobs, I translated for community members because it was expected in the largely Spanish-speaking neighborhood I grew up in. At the time, I thought of it as coming with the territory. Not something I should be paid for, just a skill I was lucky to use to help others.

School, however, framed language differently. Teachers often preached, “learn more languages, and you’ll make more money.” Spanish, Italian, French, Mandarin, whatever came next. Bilingualism was sold as a direct ticket to opportunity. But while my Spanish-speaking skills have consistently benefited my workplaces, it has never translated into higher pay for me.

The fact of the matter is, speaking more than one language is a blessing that opens up new worlds. And some companies do understand that. According to Preply, nearly half of the companies in the U.S. Fortune 100 advertised jobs that require bilingual or multilingual skills in 2025. Even more, a study from FluentCap from 2019 found that about 90 % of U.S. companies rely on employees who speak another language besides English. And some people are getting paid for this language proficiency. Some estimates suggest bilingual workers can earn anywhere from 5% to 20% more than their monolingual peers. But when it comes to fairly compensating Latinas — many of whom speak Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole as a first language — for those same door-opening abilities, the promise often falls short.

“While my Spanish-speaking skills have consistently benefited my workplaces, it has never translated into higher pay for me.”
NATASHA LÓPEZ

Sarah*, 29, who works in nonprofit legal aid-adjacent work in New York, describes it bluntly: “I think there is ultimately a difference. My dominant language is Spanish. I’ve been the default person before because there was an awareness that I was a bit more comfortable and flexible with translation work. And now, if I ever leave this role, it’ll just be expected of the next person to be bilingual, with no bonus or special recognition.”

When asked if she was ever compensated for it, she says, “Technically yes, but it’s one thing to be compensated differently, and another to actually be compensated properly for the amount of work that is added on when you’re bilingual.” For Sarah, being bilingual added hundreds of hours of client-facing work, ad hoc translation, and emotional labor, but the salary bump amounted to only about $1,000 more than a non-Spanish-speaking colleague.

The numbers back up her experience. Based on the U.S. Census, Latinas earn roughly 58 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, even before considering bilingual labor. Even among college-educated workers, Latinas can still earn 31% less than white men with the same education, and over a lifetime, these pay gaps translate to losses of more than $1 million in earnings. Being bilingual, it seems, does little to close the Latina pay gap if the added labor is expected of your identity but not formally recognized.

“Being bilingual, it seems, does little to close the Latina pay gap if the added labor is expected of your identity but not formally recognized.”
NATASHA LÓPEZ

While bilingual workers are often told their skills come with financial benefits, those gains aren’t distributed evenly. Language premiums are more likely to appear in higher-paying, white-dominated industries or when the language itself is considered “specialized.” Meanwhile, Latinas are overrepresented in lower-paying fields like nonprofit and public sector work. Even more, Spanish is often treated as a baseline expectation for Latine workers rather than a professional skill. While white workers are often rewarded for acquiring a second language, Latinas are expected to already have it. The result is a gap where bilingualism adds value to organizations, but not to the Latina workers themselves.

Camila, 27, a public health worker in county government, tells a similar story. Her job requires translating documents, running community health events, and providing education, often in Spanish. “I am the default translator for my team,” she explains. “They equate it to Google Translate. I have to step away from my own work to translate for others. It benefits the organization more than it benefits me. I’m one of the people who gets paid the least on my team, even though I fill in gaps for higher-paid positions.” Like Sarah, she was hired because of Spanish fluency, except there was no extra pay. “When I was hired, it was discussed as something they were looking for, not something that was going to be compensated higher.”

The pattern holds across industries. Camila, 36, a product designer in tech who grew up in Colombia, speaks Spanish, English, Hebrew, and French. She’s used her multilingual skills to open markets in Latin America and navigate multicultural workplaces, including at the United Nations. “I’ve never been compensated differently because I speak languages,” she says. “People are impressed, but it’s never meant any monetary addition.”

“Whenever it’s someone who isn’t Latino, it’s considered a professional skill. But if you come from a culture where that language is spoken, it’s just assumed you should’ve been there in the first place.”
Sarah

It’s hard to imagine that the devaluing of Latina bilingualism isn’t directly connected to racism or xenophobia. Accents, cultural fluency, and language from Latin America are still treated as lesser, while the same skills in white or U.S.-born speakers are rewarded. In practice, that means the same skill can be rewarded, ignored, or expected depending on who is speaking and where they’re speaking it. Sarah notes, “Whenever it’s someone who isn’t Latino, it’s considered a professional skill. But if you come from a culture where that language is spoken, it’s just assumed you should’ve been there in the first place.”

While Latinas — who often occupy the roles that require bilingual skills the most, from client-facing work to translating documents to bridging cultural gaps — rarely see that labor reflected in their salary or promotions, the benefits flow overwhelmingly to organizations: broader client bases, stronger community trust, expanded markets, and increased funding opportunities. Meanwhile, the workers themselves absorb the emotional impacts, added responsibilities, and time.

What would fair compensation look like? Camila, 27, suggests a clear path: “Putting in a differential for bilingual pay would make it equal for everyone who has a second language. It would set a standard so that everyone coming into a company with that skill can be compensated properly.” Sarah adds that formal recognition, even tagging bilingual skills onto job titles, would prevent the expectation that bilingual work is just part of the baseline.

“Bilingualism pays, just not for us.”
NATASHA LÓPEZ

Being bilingual has opened doors for many Latinas, but it has also opened a conversation about what is truly valued in the workplace. It’s not enough to teach students in school that speaking multiple languages will make them more marketable. Without structural change, workplace recognition, and equitable pay, bilingual Latinas continue to face a system that profits from their labor and skillset far more than they do. And until that changes, speaking more than one language remains a skill that society expects for free.

If bilingualism is truly valuable, then it needs to be valued consistently, not just when it benefits employers, but when it comes time to pay the workers who make that access possible. Because right now, bilingualism pays, just not for us.

Only first names are used in this story to protect the identities of sources.

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Snake-Wrangling Heartthrob Rob Rausch Talks The Traitors, Camo & Whiskey

2026-04-02T14:08:12-00:00

On a breezy week in March, I had the opportunity to touch down in Georgia for the Crown Royal x Realtree Kickback Experience to celebrate a new collaboration that truthfully may have got lost in my inbox. That is, until I found out that Love Island alumna and The Traitors winner Rob Rausch was the face of it!

Yes, the snake-wrangling, denim overall-wearing, reality TV heartthrob that the internet is obsessed with is the face of the camouflage and whiskey brands’ new capsule collection. “A perfect fit,” Rausch says to me. Even more kismet, Crown Royal and Realtree tapped Rausch before knowing the outcome of Season 4 of The Traitors. His laidback nature and outdoor lifestyle were simply a match for the brands, which both value heritage, connection, and kicking back.

Like Rausch (and his recent endeavors with MAC Cosmetics, DoorDash, Quinn, Celsius, Sonic, and more), clothing and gear brand Realtree is no stranger to notable collaborations, adding its iconic camouflage prints to the likes of Nike, Supreme, and even Skims (modeled by Post Malone) throughout the years.

“When we looked at what Crown Royal has built around their brand – the tradition and the heritage — it was clear this wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill brand collab,” said Tyler Jordan, VP of strategic partnerships at Realtree in a press release.

Meanwhile, this is Crown Royal’s first time creating a co-branded Crown Royal Fine Deluxe whiskey bottle pouch design (which I’ve since learned are deemed collectibles).

“We always hear stories about what people do with their Crown Royal bags. For our first nationally distributed collaboration, it was important that we made something with the right partners that would be cool and collectible,” said Hadley Schafer, vice president at alcohol leader Diageo. “The result is a collection that reflects not only style, but also our shared appreciation for craftsmanship, time spent outdoors, and, of course, generosity.”

In addition to the Crown Royal bag, the capsule collection includes a Crown Royal x Realtree T-shirt, hoodie, baseball cap, and 45-quart cooler. Crown Royal will also be donating at least $20,000 to the Purple Heart Foundation tied to this collection.

And Rausch, while extremely humble — he was shocked that the likes of Olympian Alysa Liu and actor Daniel Radcliffe have introduced themselves since his Traitors fame — seemed happy to talk about the collab and to actually kick back (and escape from his press cycle) at Realtree Farms in Georgia.

“Crown Royal is something I always tend to go to when I’m back at home, chilling with friends. Crown Royal lemonade,” Rausch told me. “Realtree being part of it is massive. And I love everything they’re about — being outdoors with wildlife is what it’s all about. What more do you need?”

On a sunny day full of cornhole, fishing, tractor rides, campfires, Traitors talk, and an impromptu game of mafia (basically Traitors, which Rausch, as the gamer he is, prompted us to play), we celebrated and tested the new camo styles and whiskey cocktails.

Rausch specifically called out Crown Royal lemonades as one of his favorite concoctions to drink. (And in case you’re wondering, he prefers his drinks neat, in red solo cups.) He also shared that he was excited to hand deliver the new coolers to his friends and family, and that he’s most likely to wear the new camo hat to go snake wrangling.

When describing his ideal kickback, Rausch says: “One of the ways I like to relax — I love playing poker with friends back home. Pour myself a little Crown Royal and lemonade. Have a good time with the boys. And being home on the farm at the creek by myself. That’s when I feel most like myself.”

In a press release, Rausch also added: “This partnership brings together the things I care about most, like being in nature, spending time with my people and enjoying great whisky. I’ve always been into camo, and everything in the collection fits both how I live and my personal style.”

And by the end of the kickback experience, I truly couldn’t think of a more perfect or down-to-earth celebrity to represent Crown Royal and Realtree.

Rausch says he wants to spend time back home in Alabama, settle down, and seemingly doesn’t want a chaotic celebrity lifestyle. He even explains that he probably wouldn’t join an all-stars version of The Traitors because he already has a “perfect record” and that, regarding the fan theories that he’ll join the next season of Dancing With The Stars, he doesn’t think he’d do it: “But never say never, you know?”

Shop the full Crown Royal x Realtree collaboration

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12 Easter-Inspired Nail Ideas You’ll Actually Want To Wear This Spring

2026-04-02T14:06:58-00:00

I never need an excuse to visit the salon for a fresh manicure, but if you’re looking for one, then the upcoming Easter weekend is as good as any. Perfectly aligned with the arrival of spring, I’ve been saving colorful French tips, minimalist florals, and playful scrapbook designs. They’re fresh and undeniably cute, but without overloading on pastels or kitsch Easter bunnies.

Ahead, find 12 nail designs that prove that Easter manicures can be sophisticated and fun.

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Baby Blooms

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If you like your nail art subtle, then digital creator Mateja Novakovic’s baby blue micro floral set will certainly appeal to you. The vibrant pastel shades are perfect for spring.

Chocolate Cherry

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A post shared by Daisy Marsden (@dais_does_nails)

Dark colors can work for spring, too, and this chocolate-cherry shade makes a sweet option for Easter. I love how nail artist Daisy Marsden contrasts the bold color-block nails with subtle French tips and floral nail art.

Daisy Chain

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A post shared by HEATHER ERRINGTON (@nailsbyheather.errington)

Nail artist Heather Errington’s painterly florals are beautiful enough in their own right, but the gold leaf detailing at the heart of each bloom adds an extra special touch. (And it reminds me of an Easter egg wrapper!)

Pastel French

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A post shared by Lois Samantha – Natural Nail Specialist (@polishedbylolo)

Minimalists will adore this fresh take on a classic French manicure created by manicurist Lois Samantha. You can use any color combination, but this milky base with sky-blue tips is so dreamy.

Spring Scrapbook

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If you want something that’s guaranteed to turn heads over the bank holiday, then take inspiration from manicurist Olivia Muyskens’ (aka @nailstolivin) spring scrapbook set. It’s a floral fever dream — in the best way.

Stained Glass Florals

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I’m in awe of this stained glass set created by nail artist Samantha (aka @samrosenails), which feels suitably celebratory for the Easter weekend.

Mini Eggs

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Forgive me, but this list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the best Easter treat in existence — the humble mini egg. Nail artist Kate (aka @kessernails) pairs soft pastels with monochromatic speckles for the perfect homage.

Rainbow Ribbons

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Bows were everywhere for Christmas last year, but nail tech Ashlyn Zentner (aka @nailsbyashlyn_) proves they can work for every occasion by updating the color palette accordingly. This rainbow set is so joyful.

Mix & Match

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A post shared by Phoebe Cascarina (@phoebesummernails)

Can’t decide on one design? Make like nail artist Phoebe Cascarina and go for five instead. Stick with a couple of key colors (I love this white and egg yolk-orange combination) and have fun experimenting.

Butter Yellow

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A post shared by Stacey Machin Nail Artist (@staceymachin)

Set to be one of the most popular nail colors for spring, butter yellow makes an excellent choice for a sophisticated Easter manicure. Nail artist Stacey Machin uses the shade on the tips of the nails to create some dainty tulip detailing.

Floral Shine

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Nail artist Anna (aka @melanated.mani) uses a bright white base and a sparkling floral top coat for a fresh and modern take on the pixie dust manicure that we’ve been seeing everywhere.

Spots & Stripes

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A post shared by Tamami Page | TAMAMINAILS🌞 (@tamaminails)

In my opinion, a great Easter manicure should have all the variety of an incredible box of chocolates — and that’s exactly what this vibrant set from nail artist Tamami Page provides.

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Amanda & West Just Blew Up Summer House For A Situationship — & Ciara Is The Collateral Damage

2026-04-01T22:05:26-00:00

After weeks of speculation and online discourse, on March 31, Summer House stars Amanda Batula and West Wilson finally released a joint statement on their IG Stories, heavily implying, but not officially verifying, that they have entered into a romantic relationship. If you’re not up on the drama of the Bravo-verse, here’s the TLDR: Ciara Miller and Amanda Batula were two of the three “Bed Bugs,” the well-known BFF trio on Summer House. Alongside Paige DeSorbo, the trio loved to enjoy day parties and then retire early to bed to gossip, snack and scroll as a group.

Enter West Wilson, who came into the house a couple seasons later. He then engaged in an on-and-off romance with Ciara. Despite their messy 2024 breakup, in the most recent season of the show, signs of lingering attraction were rising. Meanwhile, Paige left the show as Amanda and Ciara deepened their one-on-one friendship, with Ciara being one of Amanda’s biggest supporters through her difficult split from ex-husband Kyle Cooke, which makes this betrayal sting that much more. Ultimately, when West and Amanda released their joint statement, Ciara was spotted appearing upset in reaction to the news (outside of a Hermes no less) and unfollowed both her housemates who quickly unfollowed her back.

Was Amanda and West’s statement a clear confirmation of their romantic relationship? No, of course not. That would require either one of them to have a backbone when faced with public scrutiny. And from everything we’ve witnessed about these two on Summer House, it appears that even when it comes to matters of the heart, Amanda and West struggle to stand ten toes down. And when it comes to this story, it’s more than just a dating scandal. As Ciara expressed in Season 10, Episode 7, this is also a racial conversation, because of the added scrutiny she faces as a Black woman, specifically a Black woman dating a white man, in the public eye.

But before we get into it, let’s break down the timeline of this entire Summer House journey, featuring our key players, Amanda Batula, her currently-separated-but-not-divorced-from husband Kyle Cooke, West Wilson and of course, the inimitable Ciara Miller.

The Ciara/ Amanda/ West Timeline

February 2021: Ciara Miller joins Season 5 of Summer House.

September 25, 2021: Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke get married.

February 22, 2024: West Wilson joins Season 8 of Summer House.

Spring 2024: Ciara and West begin dating IRL.

June 2024: Ciara and West call it quits, due to West saying he can’t commit, “for show-related reasons.”

June 12, 2024: West Speaks to the NYT (again) after the Summer House Reunion, about his and Ciara’s relationship, leading to their fallout.

January 19, 2026: Amanda and Kyle announce they are separating.

February, 3, 2026: Season 10 of Summer House premieres with West and Ciara seemingly reconciling as friends and possibly romantically.

March 5, 2026: DeuxMoi posts West and Amanda together in NYC “holding hands” under the table at a bar.

March 17, 2026: Season 10 Summer House episode airs where Ciara discusses the racial abuse she experienced after West’s New York Times article and breakup.

March 25, 2026: West goes on Watch What Happens Live and says Amanda and him are “friends” but doesn’t deny anything romantic.

March 26, 2026: Ciara and Amanda host an Amazon Live separately after it was promoted as them hosting together.

March 31, 2026: Amanda and West release a joint statement confirming dating speculation. And when asked how she is doing, Ciara, on the red carpet at Apple TV’s Your Friends & Neighbors premiere, tells Jon Hamm, “Well, I’ve been better.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 27: (L-R) Lindsay Hubbard, Amanda Batula and Ciara Miller of the cast of Bravo’s ‘Summer House’ appear on SiriusXM’s Front Row Series at SiriusXM Studios on January 27, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Is This Summer House Scandal Really The New Scandoval?

Many online commenters have pointed out that this controversy feels similar to Vanderpump Rules’ Season 10 scandal, Scandoval, involving then couple, Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval. The entire blowup had viewers (and fellow cast members) discovering in real time that Tom had cheated on Ariana and started an affair with one of Ariana’s best friends, Raquel Leviss, who she had opened their home to. It created so much turmoil both on- and off-screen, that Bravo picked cameras back to catch the fallout and ultimately it led to production scrapping the entire cast and starting fresh all brand new faces.

West is in the reality TV game for the fame and for West alone [so] why, of all people, would Amanda put all her newly single, “I didn’t marry a DJ” eggs in his podcaster basket?
lex niko

As Vanderpump Rules star Tom Schwartz said when visiting the Summer House in Season 9, “You guys have to cherish these moments.” And while we know that he was saying it to Paige DeSorbo and Ciara at the time, in hindsight, he should’ve been saying it to all of us. Because while we’ve been gearing up for a perfect season with a perfect cast, this scandal aka Amandoval, West Side Story, ScAmandal (I don’t even know what we are calling it at this point in time), has suddenly left us questioning not only our houseguests, but also our judgment of character. West had been dubbed as the breakout star of Summer House since his first season when he took the public scrutiny of his behavior towards Ciara and clawed his way back into the audience’s good graces, winning hearts this season. And Amanda has been a near-OG Summer House cast member, synonymous with the franchise season after season, and bringing her big sister energy to the house.

What Does This Mean For The Summer House Reunion?

Andy Cohen let us know that the reunion is taping in a few weeks. And while I’m sure the rest of the cast is preparing to come correct, if history is any indication, something tells me that Amanda and West will show up with their tails between their legs — if they even show up at all.

If West’s behavior at past Summer House reunions is any indication, we know that he loves nothing more than to default to naivety. He often claims that he is “new” to the reality TV game (and relationships), despite running around to the New York City media with Ciara’s name in his mouth (receipts here and here). West gets to learn as he goes, a luxury that is traditionally only afforded to mediocre white men. And while he “apologized” to Ciara on a recent episode (Season 10, Episode 7) for the way he went to the NYT and spoke on their past breakup and the racial implications she had to face as a result, he didn’t even actually ever use the words “I’m sorry.” I just think that’s an important point to point out.

If anybody has eyes, they will see that West is in the reality TV game for the fame and for West alone, which leads me to question why, of all people, would Amanda put all her newly single, “I didn’t marry a DJ” eggs in his podcaster basket?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: West Wilson, Amanda Batula and Jesse Solomon attend Bravo’s “Summer House” Season 10 at 92NY on January 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Amanda, Girl, What Are You Doing?

Let’s talk about Amanda. I keep seeing fodder online about people’s shock and dismay because, “Amanda is a girls’ girl?!” And to that I must ask, “A girls’ girl to WHOMST?!”

Amanda wasn’t a girls’ girl to Jules when she kicked a bottle of Fireball into her teeth and laughed about it. She wasn’t a girls’ girl to Lexi, who she openly mocked and laughed about with Jesse, despite being the “friend” that invited Lexi into the Summer House. Amanda definitely wasn’t the friend she’s been hailed to be to Hannah when she remained silent as Hannah stood up for herself to Amanda’s soon-to-be ex-husband?

If we really want to go into detail, Amanda isn’t a “girls’ girl” at all. And she hasn’t exactly been the best bestie to Ciara through this whole West situation either. You want to see an example of an actual girls’ girl in this scenario? Turn to Paige DeSorbo, who has definitively had Ciara’s back when it comes to her relationship with West.

I hope Ciara is afforded the same empathy and space to express her rage that Ariana Madix was after Scandoval, and that the same outpouring of support and opportunity comes her way.
lex niko

Listen, I’m not here to bring another woman down, but Amanda is currently acting like the epitome of a pick-me girl. Amanda just publicly announced her separation from Kyle Cooke and went on a little press tour of her own about her single era and newfound independence. She was on the brink of having her Ariana Madix moment and then decided to blow it all up for her best friend’s ex. It’s mind boggling why a woman would choose to throw away all her goodwill for a man. As for her ex-husband, Kyle Cooke? Pour one out for Loverboy, as this breaking news might be the thing that gets the brand some sympathy sales.

We Have To Talk About Ciara & How Her Race Comes Into Play

The biggest point that needs to be made in all of this is the fact that Ciara has consistently been vocal about her experience on this show and in this house as a Black woman. She’s spoken extensively about the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman dating a white man and what that has all meant for her publicly. She comforted Amanda, night after night in the house, as she navigated her marriage and ultimately her separation. Ciara is the person who has shown up for her new Black castmates, creating community and holding space for uncomfortable conversations. She has carried Summer House’s storylines about race and has continued to endure the labor of educating Bravo’s white audiences on a global scale.

Amanda and West’s actions are disrespectful, period, but these two have also been so selfish in their choices that they refused to confront what it would mean for the person they disrespected. They sat around a table with Ciara last summer and claimed to understand the Black perspective that she so generously offered them, and then their joint statement didn’t even have the gall to acknowledge her directly, or ask their fans to be mindful of her in their comments online, or simply apologize by showing an awareness of how this may impact her differently. It’s disappointing but not surprising. As former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay put it, quoting Malcolm X, “The most disrespected, unprotected, and neglected person in America is [the Black woman].”

Not only is Ciara a Black woman in the public eye, she is also the true definition of a girls’ girl, a loyal friend, and a bonafide reality TV star. But we know how this plays out; there will be the masses who can’t see past Amanda and West’s privilege. They will vilify Ciara because of the color of her skin. They will find any and every excuse to turn her into the issue publicly and deny her the grace of experiencing her emotions privately. Despite West and Amanda being the ones who released their vague joint statement regarding their actions, Ciara is the one who is forced to deal with the consequences. What I hope happens is that Ciara is afforded the same empathy and space to express her rage that Ariana Madix was after Scandoval, and that the same outpouring and support and opportunity comes her way as well.

At the end of the day, I do not have a crystal ball but my woman’s intuition has served me well in the past (I’ve BEEN knowing that Amanda and West ain’t shit). I know one thing for certain: These two blew up their lives, and potentially their reality TV careers, for a mid hookup and some lubricated attention. I do not see these two being end game, considering they can’t even define their relationship in a joint public statement. All I see are two people caught up in the fresh attention of one another and the impending allure of another PR moment.

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My Attention Span Is Zero, But These Spring Sneaker Trends Have Me Locked In

2026-04-01T16:17:05-00:00

White sneakers are officially cancelled… Okay, not really, but this spring we are making space for more interesting shoe styles. This season, shoemakers and savvy shoppers alike are prioritizing sneakers that would make your average passerby stop and stare. New lines center on the whimsical and unexpected, featuring high-impact design elements, such as Mary Jane straps, luxe suede, and glossy patent faux leather.

Alongside these vibey styles, several sneaker trends from the archives — like gorpcore, chaotic color blocking, and toe shoes — have, once again, taken their rightful place in the spotlight. “Nostalgic trends continue to grow,” Dana Cohn, Macy’s director of editorial content, tells Refinery29. “Slim, retro styles have been trending. There’s been a lot of elevated materials, like suede, in a variety of colors.”

Though they certainly make an impression, these sneaker trends are surprisingly wearable (I can confirm, because I’ve already begun adding them to my closet). Keep reading for the most interesting spring sneakers to slip into.

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Shiny Silver

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 08: A guest wears black pants and silver sneakers outside Lacoste show during Day Seven of Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 08, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)

If there was one standout sneaker style to come from this latest fashion month, it would be metallic silver sneakers — hands down. Show-goers adopted the glitzy shoe trend across cities, leaning in particularly hard on the streets of Paris, France. Savvy American retailers are catching on, embracing sparkly footwear within their respective spring collections.

“Silver has become more of an everyday look, versus a statement,” notes Cohn. The trend is so versatile, she says it can be worn with everything from punky styles to streetwear, but her personal favorite is “styled in contrast to denim and softer colors.”

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Toe Sneakers

This time last year, the Nike Air Rift was nearly impossible to find in stores. The unconventional sneaker positively flew off the shelves and Nike responded with gusto. For the spring season, the athletic brand has amped up it’s distribution, supplying shoppers with multiple iterations and more than enough colorways to tide them over.

Their popularity paved the way for other toe-centric sneakers — like Vibram’s FiveFingers style — to follow in their footsteps. Though originally released in the early 2000s, the kooky shoe style has returned to the mainstream for the first time in decades, rising to the top of every quirky girls spring shopping list.

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Luxe Suede

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 05: A guest wears blue embroidered knot details knees socks, cream suede sneakers, outside Chloe, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 05, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Ever since Miu Miu released their viral New Balance collab in September 2025, suede has been on the rise, dominating designs across categories. Everything from trench coats to handbags to boots and skirts have gotten the frilly touch. Suede sneaker options multiplied overnight, cropping up in collections from high-end labels, such as Bottega Veneta, Dries van Noten, Isabel Marant, and, of course, Miu Miu’s sister brand, Prada.

“We’re seeing a lot of suede sneakers in neutral and warm colors like tan, brown, blue, and burgundy,” says Cohn. “These are easy, everyday styles that feel really elevated.” And when styling these suede shoes, Cohn says it’s best to embrace their preppy nature by “mixing these with classic separates like denim, blazers, tees, and layered jewelry.”

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Mary Jane Sneakers

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: A guest wears white sheer mesh long skirt with opaque panels and multicolor striped trim at the hem in white / brown / and green, white mesh and leather chunky Mary Jane sneakers shoes with tie bows and thick tread soles, outside Anteprima, during Milan Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on February 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Mary Jane sneakers have dominated trend reports for the last four years running. Thankfully for MJ loyalists, the same will remain true in 2026 — and Cohn backs this up. According to her, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. “We’re still seeing Mary Jane sneakers, especially with sporty details like mesh,” she says.

Just this week, Imade a trip to the shopping mecca, spotting no less than a dozen different styles on Macy’s shelves. Brands ran the gamut of price points and demographics, with styles available from Puma, Dolce Vita, Sorel, Vionic — I could go on.

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Chaotic Color Blocking

TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 18: A guest is seen wearing multicolor sneakers during Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo A/W 2026 on March 18, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Mila Gruber/Getty Images)

Dopamine dressing has officially reached the footwear space and shoe designers are prioritizing styles that spark joy and inspire child-like wonder. Sure, plain white sneakers remain a reliable staple, but recently, beloved brands such as Adidas, Saucony, Reebok, and more have begun intentionally embracing the most chaotic color stories imaginable. Burgundy and mustard, lime green and eggplant, electric violet and tangerine, pink and crimson — today’s trending color combinations seem to be chosen for no other reason than the fact that they clash fantastically.

Introducing these delightfully deranged sneakers to one’s closet requires wearers to embrace whimsy within their wardrobes. Combine electric hues, graphic patterns, and mixed prints to make these sneakers feel right at home. TLDR; The more whimsical, the better.

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Patent Leather

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: A guest wears a pink quilted fabric skirt, white socks, Noir Kei Ninomiya metallic gold lace-up sneaker shoes with black laces and a black rubber sole, outside Kolor, during Paris Fashion Week – Menswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027, on January 24, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

If you’re looking for an up-and-coming spring sneaker trend to hop on before anyone else, look no further than patent pleather. Though its popularity pales in comparison to more mainstream styles, like suede and Mary Janes, glossy sneakers are slowly working their way into the footwear space.

More “elevated materials,” as Cohn calls it, “have been trending,” making appearances on designs from Aldo, Adidas, Puma, and beyond. I just added a pair of patent leather Adidas Sambas to my own curated sneaker lineup — but believe me, this under-the-radar trend won’t be so for long.

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Gorpcore Revival

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – JANUARY 29: A guest wears Salomon sneakers outside Nicklas Skovgaard during the Copenhagen Fashion Week AW24 on January 29, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Before there was cottagecore or balletcore or coquette, there was gorpcore. First coined in 2017, alongside the normcore craze, this function-focused look was one of the original social media aesthetics. Nearly a decade later, the trend cycle’s circular nature has swept the look back to the forefront, bringing its staple shoe style — hiking sneakers — along for the ride.

Longtime activewear labels, such as Salomon and Merrell, will only continue to tighten their grip in the months to come, via several well-placed fashion collabs. This time around, however, they’re being adapted, not only by streetwear-loving hypebros, but by fashion girls as well. Said fashion girls will primarily pair these all-terrain shoes with juxtaposing pieces, like frilly sundresses and midi skirts, embracing a more eclectic vibe.

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16 Fresh Hair Color Trends Everyone’s Asking For This Spring

2026-04-01T15:00:57-00:00

Spring arrives awash in color, from the season’s first blooms to its golden-hour sunsets. You might embrace the brighter days by wearing less black or refreshing your accessories collection with more playful additions — but it’s also the perfect time to consider a change in hair color.

“Barn girl blonde,” “liquid noir,” and “art school copper” are just a few of the shades colorists have conjured up ahead of the sunnier season. Better still, there’s an option for every taste and budget, whether you’re booking in with a professional or opting for the ease of an at-home gloss.

Scroll on for more spring hair color trends — from London to LA colorists — and exactly how to ask for them.

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Dimensional Cocoa Brunette

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Cass Kaeding, celebrity and editorial hairstylist and Revlon ColorSilk ambassador, predicts that dimensional cocoa brunette will reign supreme this spring, thanks to its nuanced finish, which truly comes alive in the sun. “This is a rich, multi-tonal brown hair color that mimics the depth and softness of chocolate tones,” says Kaeding, combining a medium-to-deep brunette base with subtle ribbons of lighter-to-medium browns, including mocha, caramel, and soft chestnut.

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“It’s not a flat brunette,” Kaeding adds. “Rather, it’s layered with several different shades to create movement, shine, and a natural-looking blend.” Colorist My Huynh’s take on brunette is beautiful, as is this more muted shade by Haven Hair. “These brunette tones will vary per skin tone, so make sure to consult your colorist on the best blend for your complexion,” adds Kaeding.

Barn Girl Blonde

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Charley Henery, international artistic director at TONI&GUY, reports a shift away from high‑maintenance highlights in favor of more “effortless and lived-in” color, like this shade by Haven Hair. “That’s where barn girl blonde comes in,” she says, adding, “It’s a muted, sandy tone with soft root depth and beautifully blended lengths — the kind of blonde that looks polished, but in an understated way.” TONI&GUY’s Luxe Lights service will get you there, says Henery. “It’s all about mixing those easy, natural tones with a few brighter pieces for dimension, so you get that glow without it ever feeling overdone.”

Liquid Noir

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In their seasonal trends presentation, Nicola Clarke, creative color director of Nicola Clarke Salon, and Zoë Irwin, creative director at John Frieda Salon, predicted that liquid noir — the darkest brunette — will transcend winter and have a serious moment in spring and summer. It’s a move on from their previous trend prediction, liquid brunette, and one that places renewed emphasis on hair condition and hydration. Think layers of bonding and moisture, as both are key to achieving that high-shine finish. Irwin pinpointed this picture of Chase Infiniti, posted to Instagram by makeup artist Amber D, as inspiration.

Champagne Honey

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Kylee Akina, Danger Jones global ambassador, champions champagne honey blonde — a sparkling shade created with darker honey pieces that enhance shine, like bubbles in a glass. This shade by hairstylist Devyn Pennell is stunning.

Beige Baby Blonde

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Kaeding describes beige baby blonde as a neutral, balanced blonde shade that occupies a cozy space between warm or gold tones and cool or ashy elements. “Think of it as a soft, creamy blonde with slightly sandy or taupe undertones,” says Kaeding, adding, “Nothing too yellow gold but also not overly icy.” This color by Marco Gilento at Encapture Hair Spa is perfect.

To maintain a balanced blonde like this, Kaeding drives home the importance of DIY color care. “For keeping hair healthy outside of the salon, I recommend using the Revlon ColorSilk After Color Shampoo and Conditioner.”

Plum Noir

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Siobhan Haug, colorist and co‑owner at Haug London Haus, says this is one of the most luxurious shades for those with darker hair. “Outside of natural light, the hair looks almost black, and it reveals its rich purple tones only when it catches the light,” says Haug, like this dreamy shade by hairstylist Nicole Zubair. It’s essentially a mix of cool violet tones with a dash of red, Haug adds — a subtle, dual‑tone burgundy that looks expensive thanks to its high‑shine finish.

The REDs

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Kaeding calls this trend “the REDs” owing to the many red tones, each of which can be tailored to different skin tones. We’re a little obsessed with this copper brown hue by Daniel Mora Ayala. “The REDs range from cherry cola and fiery crimson to soft golden copper and rich auburn,” says Kaeding, who recommends booking a consultation with a colorist to see which shade of red works best for you. But there’s a catch: “Red color can fade very quickly,” says Kaeding, “so it can require more visits to the salon to maintain your desired shade.” For those looking for an at-home color solution, Kaeding rates Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Dye, especially in the shade Radiant Raspberry, as a top-up between salon visits.

Art School Copper

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Irwin is convinced we’ve moved beyond softer coppers like cowgirl copper. Now, they’re “raw and characterful” — and particularly well suited to natural textures. To Irwin, the effect is reminiscent of henna in the hair. “It’s a solar-y, ginger that really makes your eyes pop. Think of a creative student, a gallery girl — it’s the revival of the bohemian and it feels a bit more rebellious than cowgirl copper.” It’s easiest for blondes: “With a gloss, you don’t have to commit,” said Clarke. We love this bold shade on model Gemma Seymour.

California Copper

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Emily Chen, a Danger Jones global ambassador, hints that cowgirl copper is giving way to Cali copper — a brighter, punchier, all‑over copper shade that looks incredible in the sun. We’re just a little bit obsessed with this copper brown by Celeste Robles.

To boost shine, Chen favors Danger Jones Epilogue Permanent Color paired with a gloss toner developer.

Gothic Blonde

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“With the “clean” girl aesthetic, everything has been super minimal for a long time,” said Irwin, but these paler, more porcelain shades have what she describes as a “cooler antique quality.” Rooted in a broader cultural fascination with gothic storytelling, the effect is more ethereal than icy, Irwin adds, thanks to a clearer — rather than gray — base with a subtly powdery finish. “It’s a big commitment,” said Clarke, “but once you’ve got there, the maintenance is quite low.” This shade on model Biba is perfect.

Folklore Blonde

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Christel Barron-Hough, founder of STIL Salon in London’s Chelsea, drew inspiration from the Scandi street style set at Copenhagen Fashion Week for this trend, which spotlights grown‑out roots — great news for the low‑maintenance among us. The key? “Allowing the natural cycle of hair growth to take center stage,” says Barron-Hough. To perfect the look, she uses a hand‑painting technique to create a blurred transition from the root through the mid‑lengths and ends, as though the color has “naturally diffused” over time. This color by blonde and extensions specialist Darcee is spot on.

Persimmon Copper

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Persimmons might be out of season, but colorists are drawing inspiration from their sunny orange hue — like this color posted to Instagram by hairstylist Ryenne Snow. “This shade is one of pure joy and energy,” says Haug. “It’s confidence-affirming, bright, juicy, and undeniably optimistic,” but it doesn’t have to be full on. Haug says strands of persimmon can be woven between tones of gold and apricot for a more auburn result, or used to soften vibrant reds. The downside? It’s demanding. Haug recommends investing in a good, sulfate‑free shampoo (try Kérastase Discipline Sulfate‑Free Smoothing Shampoo) and a pigmented conditioner. R29 rates dpHUE Gloss+.

Midway Blonde

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Barron-Hough says that midway blonde sits comfortably between warm and cool tones, creating a perfectly balanced blonde shade that suits all skin tones. She first tones the natural hair color with a gloss, then uses a precise hand‑painting technique to take certain sections warmer and others cooler for a nuanced, satisfying mix. This shade posted to Instagram by creative stylist Airi is so good.

Molten Bronze

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“I’m obsessed with Veneda Carter’s hair color,” said Irwin, who describes molten bronze as a sunlit copper meets sepia — essentially a flatter, more wearable bronze hue. Actor Haley Bennett also serves as key inspiration, with Clarke frequently working on her hair. “For the BAFTA’s, she brought in a picture of Linda Evangelista on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, and the color had ribbony highlights with tawny, molten bronze pieces.” We also adore this color by curly specialist Jessenia Robayo.

Uptown Blonde

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A post shared by portland hair stylist • sara bulger (@blondebysara)

Clarke and Irwin have been singing uptown blonde’s praises for a while now, but thanks to Love Story — and the multiple images of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy doing the rounds — it’s going nowhere. “This blonde feels so New York,” said Clarke. It’s a creamy, expensive‑looking blonde that goes right up to the root. Of course, that means more maintenance in the form of regular root touch-ups, but when it looks as good as this hue by hairstylist Sara Bulger, it becomes a commitment you’re happy to keep.

Bare Bloom

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Bare bloom has been a key shade for fall and winter, but it’s carrying through into spring and summer, says Irwin. Rooted in natural tones, it’s the kind of hair color that looks like you were born with it, with a subtle wash of pink throughout that leaves hair looking healthy and softly glowing, like this color posted to Instagram by Miho Mai.

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The Pink Full Moon In Libra Is Here — & It’s Your Wake Up Call

2026-04-01T13:42:47-00:00

R29 babes, the Pink Full Moon in Libra arrives the same day as April Fool’s Day, on April 1st. This Full Moon may seem and feel like a prank on the trickster’s day, because we are being pushed and pulled in different directions, making our emotions complex and contradictory when it comes to matters of the heart — but fear not. The Full Moon in Libra represents a moment to find harmony, peace, and abundance in our lives.

Why is it called the Pink Moon, you ask? Just look outside! The phlox, a mossy-pink wildflower, is budding, marking a marvelous entrance into spring. The bright flowers spark a sense of renewal, beauty, and joy.

While the Full Moon in Libra is typically a prime time to re-center, recalibrate, and rebalance our partnerships and sense of self, Jupiter in Cancer’s fraught aspect to the lunation will create a sense of emotional exaggeration or discord. Keep in mind that this is not necessarily a bad thing to experience; it just means that Jupiter is going to expand our romantic inclinations or our frustrations. Our idealism will be intense, making it difficult for us to get down from our high horse. Not only are we taking a stand, but we aren’t compromising in matters. It’s our way or no way!

Two days before the Pink Moon, on March 30th, Venus journeys in Taurus. The reason this planetary shift is significant is that it reaffirms that we aren’t budging from our perspectives. The Bullish sign doesn’t sway easily once it makes up its mind. With Neptune in Aries sharing a minor connection to Venus in Taurus, the vibe will be dreamy. Translation: We’ll be caught up in how we want things to be, instead of how they are. Like Jupiter’s aspect to the Full Moon, this energy can go either way. If we wish to project positivity, then romanticism will prevail. On the flip side, negativity has the potential to pierce illusions and become aware of flaws. Basically, it’s a choose-our-own-emotional-adventure lunation (so to speak).

We are still working through Mercury retrograde in Pisces until April 9th, which began at the end of the retrograde on March 20th. Issues from the past will be brought up because we feel as though others aren’t evolving or paying attention to our needs or concerns. Having an open heart and mind encourages us to work through these problems. Understanding that it might take time to remedy previous upsets is vital. On the off chance that we can move forward swiftly and with ease, know that the Full Moon is a wake-up call to appreciate those we care about and not take them for granted. The same applies to how they treat us, too.

As long as we listen and are accountable, overcoming the obstacles we face should be doable. But on the off chance that we want to dig our heels in the ground and tilt the scales to our side, then arguments will ensue. Even though it’ll be difficult not to react, we must find our calm and be chill. There is an opportunity here to switch gears and to create an equilibrium if we can take ownership and apologize. Saving the drama for another day might be hard, so take a beat in deciding what to do. We can say how we feel and give people a hot minute to wrap their heads around it all. This ensures a rational response and a conversation geared towards resolution.

You can read your April horoscope here.

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A Week In The Midwest On A $135,000 Salary

2026-04-01T11:00:53-00:00

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

This week: a physician assistant working in healthcare who makes $135,000 per year and spends $13,666.86 while at home recovering from surgery.

This Money Diary was written at the end of 2025.

If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email. Please note: We are legally unable to publish any diaries that have been written with the use of AI.

Editor’s note: After a short hiatus, we’re back once a week! Thank you for your patience. We’ll be honoring Money Diary submissions we received during our break by publishing them in the coming weeks. There’s more to come soon — stay tuned.

Occupation: Physician Assistant
Industry: Healthcare
Age: 35
Location: Midwest
Salary: $135,000
Joint Income/Financial Setup: $265,000 base (mine and husband’s combined salaries), plus up to 15% yearly bonus for my husband. I also “moonlight” or pick up extra shifts. This year, I made an extra $20K. So I expect us to make $290,000 total this year. My husband and I have had joint accounts since we married in 2014. He bought our house in 2013, as I was in school and he was working. My husband spends very little when we are apart, typically just on gas and the occasional meal out.
Assets
Savings: $100,000. This is high because we have had some big purchases this year: a backyard renovation and a new car for me (we will start moving money to brokerage in the next month).
My 403(b): $265,000
My husband’s 401(k): $202,000
I-bonds: $800
529 plans: $10,000
Roth IRA: $34,000 (x2)
Brokerage: $45,000
House value (estimation): $400,000 (fully paid off)
Car (x2): Estimated at $15,000 and $30,000 (both fully paid off)
Debt: $0
Paycheck Amount (2x per month): $3000
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $0
Loan Payments: $0
Utilities: gas/water $150; electric $85 and internet $40.
Phone: $143, which includes Netflix and AppleTV.
Gym: $20 for my husband, $0 for me as I have a gym at work. I do occasionally buy passes to yoga and Pilates, and spend $300 over the course of the year.
Disney+ and Hulu bundle: $2.99
Cleaning service: $160 (2x per month). This is a new expense as I’m injured, and just underwent surgery to repair an ACL tear.
PreK for daughter: $1050 a month
Before/after school care for son: $90 per week
Groceries: per last year’s budget, we typically spend $1000 a month
Dining out: per review of past year, typically $800 a month

Yearly Expenses
Property taxes: $6,000 (we pay twice a year in split payments)
House insurance: $2,500 (we pay yearly)
Car insurance: $1,500 (we pay yearly)
Vehicle taxes/registrations: $2,750 (I bought a new car this year).

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Yes. My mother had gone to college on a full ride, and there was an expectation I would as well. Luckily, I’m a good standardized test taker, and my ACT score qualified me for full tuition. My parents had started a 529 plan for me at birth, and luckily paid for my housing expenses. I originally had planned to become a pharmacist, but I shadowed a primary care PA, loved it, and switched gears to attend PA school mid-way through undergrad. My GPA during PA school qualified me for a full tuition scholarship, and my husband paid for our living expenses during school. I actually got married and we bought our house during my last year of school (I do NOT recommend; very stressful).

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
Growing up we didn’t have a lot of money. My dad didn’t have a college degree, and worked fixing phones at companies. My mom was a stay-at-home mom. I was aware that we didn’t have money for extras like travel and eating out. However, we always had a roof over our heads and food on the table. I received an allowance when I was younger, but was terrible with money and blew through any money I had almost immediately.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I started working at a grocery store when I was 15. I needed to pay for gas and car insurance for my car. I was also an impulse spender and wanted to buy myself clothes and other treats.

Did you worry about money growing up?
Sometimes, yes. My parents were transparent with finances, and I knew we were on a budget. My parents made it seem like I wouldn’t be able to go to college if I didn’t have scholarships, so I applied to many. I didn’t realize loans were an option at the time, which was terrifying, but now I’m so glad I don’t have any. My most recent PA students have had 150K+ in student loans, and it breaks my heart because the loan repayment is such a burden.

Do you worry about money now?
Sometimes, yes. We are in a great financial situation, but ever since I became injured, I now know things can change in the blink of an eye. During this break from work, I have realized I would love to work part-time or work PRN, but I’m not sure we could swing things on one paycheck.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
When I started PA school. Technically, my parents and in-laws could both be our financial safety net, but I dread ever having to ask them for money. It’s hard enough for me to ask them to watch the kids.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
My parents paid for my living expenses until PA school, and I benefited from the 529 they had for me. They also gave us $10,000 for our wedding and honeymoon, mostly because I wanted to elope, and they wanted us to marry in a church. My husband’s parents gifted us $10,000 towards a down payment for our house. We each had our first cars paid for, a $3,000 salvage title for me, and a brand new sporty two-door car for my husband. We have since bought new cars ourselves.

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Day One: Friday

6:30 a.m. — I was woken up by my husband, B., who woke up at 5:00 a.m. to run seven miles. I had originally planned to run a marathon, but unfortunately, in September, I fell off a skateboard, breaking my leg in three places and tearing my meniscus and ACL. I had surgery in November, and am at home recovering for seven weeks, as I’m in a full leg brace and have crutches, making it impossible to do my job. I have PTO and short-term disability that will cover the recovery in full, and I transferred the marathon registration to B. I thought I would be bored at home, but I’m actually enjoying myself; I think I may have been more burnt out at work than I realized. We get the kids ready, eat breakfast, and drink coffee. I do the bare minimum for myself: splash water on my face, brush my teeth, put on sunscreen (Bioré Aqua Rich Watery Essence).

7:30 a.m. — B. takes the kids to school and then heads to work. I do some light house chores, dishes, a load of laundry, and some physical therapy exercises (mostly stretching).

11:30 a.m. — Meet B. for his lunch break, and we go to a local coffee shop. It’s my husband’s favorite one, but I hate that we have to pay for metered parking. $8

1:00 p.m. — Physical therapy for an hour. I’m four weeks post ACL surgery, and I try to convince my physical therapist I can walk without crutches. He tells me I’m his biggest source of stress. I keep the crutches. Co-Pay is usually $30, but same-day ACL surgery cost $56,000. I met my out-of-pocket max of $6,500 for the year. WOO HOO. Therefore, physical therapy is $0 today.

2:30 p.m. — Go to the library to drop off books. I had picked up some books on fancy charcuterie spreads, but decided all of them were too complicated, and so I’m just going to do something simple for book club on Sunday. Drop off a check at the post office for $11,607.60. This is the final payment for our back deck, which we replaced this year with composite. The old one was completely rotten. $11607.60

4:45 p.m. — Get my eyebrows waxed. The girl who does it is expensive, but man, she is the best. Also, this makes me feel slightly more human, since I have largely been lounging at home in pajamas for the past month. (I will learn to dye my eyebrows at home with a kit). $45

5 p.m. — Pick up kids from school.

6:00 p.m. — Home, make dinner, chicken nuggets, and sweet potato fries from Costco. I’m always craving Chick-fil-A; it’s my weakness, but we are trying not to go out to eat as much. When B. and I reviewed our November budget, we went out to eat 22 separate times in the month (OMG!)

7:00 p.m. — I bought a gingerbread house-making kit at Target last year and never used it. The kids and I make gingerbread houses before bed. It does not go well. The houses fall apart.

8:00 p.m. — Watch an episode of Arcane. It’s intense but I like it. Then it’s time for bed by 10. I’m old, lol.

Daily Total: $11660.60

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Day Two: Saturday

7:30 a.m. — Wake up, the kids are on screens: one is watching television and the other is playing Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch. I know screen time is frowned upon in the parenting world, but I love being able to sleep in while my children entertain themselves.

8:00 a.m. — My husband heads to our local middle school to sign the kids up for swim lessons. They are weekly hour-long lessons for 10 weeks. ($25 per child, so $50 total). We previously paid $40 for a private lesson per kid, but activities are getting so expensive, we have been looking for cheaper options at the YMCA and local community center. $50

10:00 a.m. — Go to our local art museum, where they offer kids’ art classes. Drop the kids off for 90 minutes, and enjoy a day date of coffees, avocado toast, and an egg sandwich. $30

11:30 a.m. — Pick up the kids from art class, and then head downtown for WinterFest. Our city recently redid its parks downtown, and they are so cute! I don’t need to buy anything — I’ve gone to a few winter markets and am very stocked up on candles. Despite this, I buy a cinnamon and clove candle. It smells so good and I love it. $20

3:00 p.m. — Order groceries through Target app. I get groceries and some servingware like cheese knives. I get self-conscious hosting at our house because when we bought it, we had originally thought of it as a starter house, but having a paid-off house gives us so much financial freedom, like traveling and investing. Also, Target pick up is actually life-changing. $131

4 p.m. — I start making dinner, trader joes teriyaki chicken, rice, and stir-fry vegetables.

6 p.m. — Family movie night. Picked up the movie Wolf Children from the library. I loved Studio Ghibli movies growing up, and I’m glad my kids do too.

8 p.m. — B. goes for a run, I do some stretching before bed.

Daily Total: $231.00

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Day Three: Sunday

8:00 a.m. — Wake up, make a ham, leek, and egg breakfast casserole for second breakfast.

9 a.m. — My husband reserves tickets for a local science museum for himself and the kids. They were “free” since we pay $150 a year for a membership.

9:15 a.m. — B. heads to the gym to work out, and I do a homeschooling lesson I found for free with the kids. We are studying mushrooms. We do some worksheets, read a book from the library, and build mushrooms out of Play-Doh.

11:30 a.m. — B. is back, and vacuums the house, and I tidy to prepare for book club. I make food and set up a simple and largely premade charcuterie board. I set out my favorite type of wine, pét nat, for us to drink.

1 p.m. — B. heads out with the kids to the science museum.

2:00 p.m. — Book Club at my house. We are doing a favorite things gift exchange, and I brought two Shu Uemura eyelash curlers to exchange. I swear by curling eyelashes before putting on mascara — it makes them look so much longer and your eyes look bigger! We discuss our last book, The Whisper Man by Alex North. We all agree we liked it, and were glad it wasn’t that scary (chickens here!). We decide on our next book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab. Wow, I have missed my friends and coworkers. Everyone has checked on me via text but I haven’t seen anyone face-to-face in over a month.

5 p.m. — I have a light dinner from leftovers from the charcuterie board and things my friends brought, and were kind enough to leave.

8:00 p.m. — After the kids are asleep, I work on a photobook. I’m planning on giving them to my parents and in-laws for Christmas, since I never know what to get them. Last week, we went to JCPenney as a family and took cheesy photos while wearing sweaters that said “Meowy Christmas” and had photos of our cats on them. I thought I was being original, but it turns out we were one of 10 groups taking awkward photos. I buy some Christmas cards and other merch, hitting $79 to get free shipping. $84.87

Daily Total: $84.87

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Day Four: Monday

6:30 a.m. — Wake up, get the kids ready for school, eat breakfast, drink some coffee.

7:30 a.m. — Time to get the kids to school. B. drops off our daughter, L. I drop off our son, S. We sponsored the “hero snack cart” at S.’s school today for the teachers, so I pick up bagels and coffee for the cart and drop them off at the school. $38.36 for bagels, and coffee was bought at Costco last week. $38.36

9 a.m. — I take a morning bath. IT IS HEAVENLY. After surgery there was a period where I couldn’t even shower independently, and a period where I couldn’t get my incision wet. I have missed baths so much, and I hope I never take for granted the fact I can bathe on my own again.

11 a.m. — Meet B. for coffee. We love to sneak away for lunch coffees because it feels like we never get enough time to talk at home. We should get a babysitter more to go on dates, but it’s pricey and our last few babysitters have cancelled on us at short notice. We talk about our next vacation. We had to cancel a few trips (to Mexico and skiing in Colorado) due to my injury, and that was mentally hard for me. We decided to splurge and visit Hawaii during Spring Break. I have already bought flights on points. We found an Airbnb that wasn’t terrible, and put down a deposit. $775

1:00 p.m. — I go to physical therapy. I have leveled up, and am now using ankle weights with my leg raises (yay!). I buy an adjustable set for home. $23

3:00 p.m. — After PT, I head to a medical equipment store to pick up my new smaller leg brace. I will have to wear the smaller one with exercise, but anything is better than the monstrosity I have now, which spans my entire leg. They will bill insurance so I don’t pay anything today.

5 p.m. — I start the evening rush of dinner, kids’ bedtime routine, pick up house, etc, until it’s my bedtime.

Daily Total: $836.36

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Day Five: Tuesday

6:30 a.m. — Same drill, wake up, get kids ready, breakfast, coffee, then physical therapy and house chores. Yesterday my PT noticed I was developing scar tissue, so I made a mental note and am focused on stretching and massaging it today. Too much scar tissue will mean I would walk with a limp for the rest of my life, yikes!

10 a.m. — I work on a project, sewing inserts into my sports bras. Pads should not be removable, and I stand by my opinion.

12 p.m. — Make a smoothie for lunch. While eating, I shop online. When I was freshly post-op and couldn’t move, I spent a lot of time and money online shopping. This means I got 90% of our Christmas shopping done. I have already bought the kids play silks, underwear, socks, video games, and new art supplies. However, I decide my S. needs one more gift, and buy her a giant unicorn squishmallow she totally doesn’t need, but will absolutely love. $40

1:00 p.m. — I begin my afternoon of rotting by texting with the group chat. It’s three of my closest friends from PA school. We have been together through school, breakups, weddings, kids, various jobs, and surgeries (one of my friends had a hip replacement the same week I had my ACL surgery, so we are recovering together). After 10 years in the medical field, healthcare has lost its luster for all of us. I make my weekly “side hustle” pitch — a podcast called “This Isn’t Medical Advice”. No one goes for it.

5:00 p.m. — I pick up the kids and take them to tumbling at the YMCA. Lessons were $110 a kid, already paid for. They would be $80 a kid if we belonged to the YMCA. I consider joining for $84 a month, but since I’m not cleared to work out yet, I defer.

7:30 p.m. — I get home, make dinner, get ready for bed, and pass out.

Daily Total: $40.00

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Day Six: Wednesday

9:00 a.m. — House cleaners arrive. I’ve never had a house cleaner before, but since I’m on crutches and in a full leg brace, I thought it would be a worthwhile splurge. It’s amazing, the ladies do such a good job and they’re so sweet. I just need to decide whether to continue once I’m healed. $160

10:00 a.m. — It’s been a rough year for my extended family, as my brother-in-law was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year. I have already coordinated with my sister-in-law to provide them with a house cleaning service for their Christmas present. I hope it takes some of the load off of her, as they have three young boys. My credit card is charged $280. $280

12:00 p.m. — Eat “girl lunch”, meaning whatever snacks I can scrounge up, and read reviews on food processors. I have been baking more at home, and our dinky mini food processor isn’t cutting it. B. suggested one he found on Wirecutter. I buy it for myself for Christmas. Meowy Catmas indeed. $250

1:00 p.m. — Afternoon of doom scrolling, trash television (Emily in Paris), rotting on the couch. I see a TikTok joking that “all the basic girls in Bali wear plumeria flower hair clips” and then go to Temu and buy one. Influenced. $1.03

5 p.m. — B. brings kids home from school, we eat dinner, do bedtime.

7:30 p.m. — I convince my husband to work on a project for Christmas. We are building a playroom downstairs. We already have d-rings in the ceiling with trapeze bars, but are adding to it by installing rungs to serve as monkey bars. This has been the absolute best thing we have done to entertain the kids. They will already play on the trapeze bars for hours, and know they will love the new rungs. The rungs were $60 from Amazon; my engineer husband is priceless. $40.00

Daily Total: $731.03

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Day Seven: Thursday

6:30 a.m. — Rinse, repeat of morning routine.

8 a.m. — I decide to try a new recipe: cinnamon twists from Smitten Kitchen. Snack on that and coffee for “lunch”.

3:15 p.m. — Therapy for my brain. Getting injured and going from a physically active person (I previously ran 15-20 miles a week, did yoga/Pilates, hiked, and surf skated weekly) to almost completely sedentary has been mentally hard for me. I feel worthless that I can’t even clean my house, and for the first two weeks after surgery I couldn’t even shower or dress myself! I haven’t been productive during my four weeks off; I have been spending my time scrolling social media and Reddit, and rotting my brain rather than reading books or working on continuing education. My therapist suggests journaling. B. is up for joining me, so I buy us guided journals. Therapy is a free benefit through my work. $40

5:00 p.m. — I pick up Chipotle for dinner. $43

6 p.m. — Family movie night, we watch the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away, rented for free from the library. The library is my frugal life hack.

8 p.m — Bedtime for all.

Daily Total: $83.00

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Conclusion

Conclusion:
Wow, that was a spendy week! We have spent the past few years saving up for our backyard renovation and a new car for me, so these expenses weren’t completely out of the blue. Now that I have gotten most of our Christmas shopping done and have paid off our deck, hopefully I can be a bit more budget-conscious in the new year, with a (hopefully) functional knee and leg.

Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.

The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more Money Diaries, click here.

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5 Transitional Outfit Ideas to Test This Spring

2026-03-31T22:36:11-00:00

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: Julia Kammerer is seen wearing a green and white striped button down blouse with a pointed collar and a chest pocket from JJXX; a baby blue knit sweater draped around her shoulders from Lily Silk; off white wide leg trousers with a relaxed fit from Lily Silk; leopard print sneakers with white stripe details from Adidas x Wales Bonner; a brown leather “Loha” tote bag with dual top handles and a shoulder strap from Green Pomme; a light blue claw clip attached to the bag handle from H&M; her jewelry includes chunky gold hoop earrings and gold tone stacked rings worn across multiple fingers from H&M, Pandora and My Jewellery; orange tinted aviator sunglasses with a thin black frame from Bershka; her blonde hair is styled in loose waves with a center part on March 26, 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Fluctuating spring weather poses a tricky dilemma to fashion girls everywhere, with temperatures being too cool for a mini skirt and tank top, yet too warm for a puffer coat and boots. The secret to mastering the complicated in-between? Transitional dressing.

This intentional solution bridges the seasonal style gap, leaning into a lineup of both heavier pieces and lightweight styles that can easily be layered or removed. These versatile items not only mix textures and weights for peak adaptability, but a strategic color palette combines neutral winter hues and vibrant spring shades for a well-rounded tonal range. The result is a foolproof ensemble that withstands brisk mornings and sun-soaked afternoons alike, nixing the need for a last-minute outfit change.

Airy cardigans, polished trench coats, versatile denim, and simple tees all meet the criteria, but knowing how to style each item is just as crucial as choosing the pieces themselves. The goal is to curate a layered look minus the bulk, leaning into breathable fabrics and sleek fits. But don’t be afraid to play with proportions; when done right, boxy jackets, oversized sweaters, and even flowing skirts add dimension to an outfit that proves you’re in the fashion know. Combining unlikely style elements is another approach, with spring-forward lace blouses and leather knee-high boots juxtaposing against one another for a statement look.

Take hold of tricky weather this season with the below transitional outfit ideas, ranging from date-night ready ensembles to polished power dressing. Each combination is easy to achieve and delivers major style impact.

Subtle Elegance

MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 20: Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer is seen wearing a long camel brown suede leather „Clyde“ trench coat with a pointed collar, button fastening, wide sleeves and a straight, relaxed silhouette from Sézane; a black rib knit turtleneck top with a slim fitted silhouette from H&M; dark blue denim bermuda shorts with a straight knee length cut from Agolde; a slim dark brown leather belt with a gold tone buckle from Sézane; dark brown leather knee high „Georgina“ boots with a rounded toe, stacked block heel and structured shaft from GIABORGHINI; a structured burgundy leather „Elysée“ top handle bag with a sculptural fan shaped base, gold tone hardware, flap closure and shoulder handle from Michino Paris; slim oval sunglasses with a dark tortoiseshell acetate frame and tinted lenses from Corlin; a golden „Serpenti“ ring in a coiled snake design from Bulgari; tiny silver hoop earrings from Monica Vinader; her blonde hair is worn straight and loose in a sleek bob with a center part on March 20, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Airy jorts are often paired with thong sandals on tropical vacations, but the chic silhouette is brought into the interim with the help of knee-high boots and a lightweight knit. The longline top layer doesn’t only add style credibility but offers a hint of coziness.

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Power Prints

Built from wardrobe basics, this transitional outfit is simple yet powerful. A striped shirt and playful sneakers add just the right amount of coolness, while relaxed pants keep things polished and light.

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Weekend Edit

MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 20: Amanda Mühle is seen wearing a khaki green bomber jacket with ribbed cuffs, a ribbed hem, a front zip closure and cropped silhouette from AllSaints; a red knit button front cropped cardigan with a V neckline from H&M; a white cotton T-shirt from Acne Studios; a white and blue small checked satin midi skirt with an A-line silhouette and a fluid drape from Zara; black leather ankle boots with a rounded toe, a chunky lug rubber sole from Vagabond; a “Monogram Medium Pelham Hobo” purse in beige and brown with dark leather trim, a woven leather top handle and gold tone hardware from Gucci; narrow slim rectangular black sunglasses with dark tinted lenses from Children of a glass god; multiple gold rings from Pilgrim; gold chunky hoop earrings from Sezáne; holding white wired earphones from Apple; her long dark brown hair is worn loose in soft waves with a center part on March 20, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Maxi skirts are often confined to summer, though intentional layering turns them into a multi-seasonal staple. A crewneck tee, button-up cardigan, and suede jacket do just that, creating a laid-back and versatile look.

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Date-Night Ready

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 07: A guest wears hair pulled back into a sleek low bun with a center part, black rectangular sunglasses, gold-tone round earrings, a white leather bag shoulder bag with gold hardware handheld by a top handle, a long dark brown leather coat with a shirt collar and button front, a black silk camisole top with lace trim and cream wide-leg trousers, cream leather pointed-toe pumps shoes with a low kitten heel, outside AJE, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Spring Summer 2026, on October 07, 2025 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Nothing says spring like a pair of ecru jeans—but an asymmetrical lace cami raises the bar. Ivory satin pumps fall in line with warm-weather dressing, while a structured leather trench coat adds a sultry, unexpected touch for cooler nights.

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Polished Prep

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 10: A guest wears a pink leather Miu Miu bag, a grey pleated high waist skirt, white long socks, grey leather pumps, a white top, black sunglasses and a white knitted Miu Miu cardigan outside Miu Miu show during Day Nine of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)

This chic and refined look capitalizes on the details, leaning into ankle socks, a cool cardigan, and pointed-toe shoes. What was once a school uniform is now elevated, easily worn to brunch with the girls or for a stroll through the park.

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Your Last-Minute Coachella Festival Outfit Inspo Is Here

2026-03-31T19:06:44-00:00

We’re just 10 days away from Weekend 1 of Coachella (April 10 – 12), where music lovers will gather in Indio, California to dance the days and nights away with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and more artists. So if you’ve secured a ticket, but don’t have your festival outfits planned yet, we’re here to help. Coachella outfits are some of the most eccentric, Pinterest-worthy looks you’ll likely ever wear, but you can truly make them fit your personal style and music taste.

Want to channel a western cowgirl or bohemian babe for the desert setting? Looking for something a bit punchier for the rave tents or rock performances? Feeling bright and glittery? There are so many aesthetics you can try for a music festival, so we’re offering inspiration (and product recommendations). From matching sets, denim trends, and graphic tees to headscarves, combat boots, and statement sunglasses, there are tried-and-true festival fashion staples you’ll want to have in your arsenal.

So, whether you’re looking for last-minute Coachella outfits for Weekend 1, cementing your Weekend 2 look, or planning ahead for the rest of festival season, read on to cart up your favorite pieces and build a statement-making look.

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Rock ‘N’ Roll Star

If you’re going to Coachella to see The Strokes, Iggy Pop, and Interpol, you’ll need a rockstar-worthy outfit for these rock-heavy performances. To look edgy and effortlessly cool, grab outfit staples like leather jackets, denim shorts, and combat boots. We’re loving studded styles across clothing and accessories for a punk touch. And adding a graphic tee or merch from your favorite band is the perfect finishing touch to celebrate their music.

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Western Cowgirl

Whether you’re tuned into country artists or not, western aesthetic has become synonymous with music festival style. From cowboy boots and hats to double-denim and suede fringe, cowgirl staples are a tried-and-true way to dress up for festivals. Stick to a denim matching set or mix in crochet pants or a suede jacket to break up the look. Then throw on a bandanna or cow print handkerchief as an accessory that can double as a face mask to keep the dirt and dust away.

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Bohemian Babe

Get a blend of OG Woodstock style and mid-aughts Vanessa Hudgens vibes by pairing flowy pieces with tons of accessories to make you feel and look like a whimsical hippie or fairy. For this nostalgic-heavy aesthetic, look for vintage-inspired pieces (if you don’t have the time to go thrift shopping) in more earthy tones with tons of texture. Think: ruffles, lace, mesh, and crochet. And you can’t go wrong with motifs like paisley and florals.

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Rave-Club Chic

If you’re hoping to spend most of your time in the Yuma and Sonora tents dancing to DJs and transcending into the rave experience, then you should opt for moody or neon styles — as long as they’re super comfortable. To ensure you can dance the days away, check out the official Coachella x Loops earplugs to protect your ears, wear a funky pair of shades to take reprieve from strobe lights, slip into chunky platform sneakers that won’t make your feet instantly hurt, and — again, if you don’t have time to make your own — buy a pack of Kandi bracelets to swap with strangers.

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Music Mermaid

Even though Coachella is set in the desert, you can still manifest mermaid vibes through your outfit. We promise you’ll want to stay as cool, ethereal, and breezy as possible in the 100-degree temps. It’s the perfect excuse to break out your favorite swimwear to wear under crochet, netted, or mesh layers (like coverups). Opt for bright colors and patterns as well as shimmery, iridescent accessories to get the mermaid effect. A pair of jelly flats are also a better alternative to backless, toes-out sandals.

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Disco Darling

If you really like making a celebratory statement with your outfits (or just love headliner Sabrina Carpenter’s aesthetic), consider a ‘70s-era disco moment. For this vibe, you can either go for high-shine fabrics, sequins, and metallic colors, or try psychedelic prints and bug-eye sunglasses. While a full-on jumpsuit may not be the easiest or breeziest style for a festival, you can still wear bedazzled maxi dresses, patterned rompers, and sparkly hot pants to get the disco effect.

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6 Netflix Gems You Should Watch In April

2026-03-31T15:33:53-00:00

Netflix has some elite content premiering in April. Whether you’re after a late-night binge or a soothing documentary to pop on while you eat dinner, we have you covered.

For those missing The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han’s XO, Kitty Season 3 is finally here and will transport you to Korea. If you want to dig a little deeper, Beef Season 2 is also arriving, as well as a survival thriller set in Australia starring Charlize Theron. To take a look at the best titles coming to Netflix this April, read on.

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XO, Kitty Season 3

With Kitty Song-Covey (Anna Cathcart) ready to define the relationship with Min-Ho (Sang Heon Lee), Senior Year is set to be her best yet. However, it appears her journey won’t be smooth, and her sister Lara Jean (Lana Condor) from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before will come and pick up the pieces.

When: April 2
Watch if you like: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

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Beef Season 2

Beef is back. The comedy-drama anthology TV show released its first season in 2023, and won eight Emmys, including actor wins for Steven Yeun and Ali Wong. Season 2 follows two country club employees who film a fight between the general manager Josh Martin (Oscar Isaac) and his wife Lindsay Crane-Martin (Carey Mulligan), sparking a blackmail war that gets out of control. The show also stars Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton, Youn Yuh-Jung, Song Kang-ho, Seoyeon Jang, William Fichtner, BM and Mikaela Hoover.

When: April 16
Watch if you like: Baby Reindeer, Windfall

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A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough

This documentary follows Sir David Attenborough’s relationship with the baby gorilla Pablo and how he became a top Silverback. Filled with filmed gorilla behaviour previously unseen, this is bound to be touching and educational.

When: April 17
Watch if you like: Life In Colour, Virunga

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Funny AF with Kevin Hart

This reality competition show follows Kevin Hart as he seeks to find the next big stand-up comedian. He’s tapped some big-name stand-up stars to help him judge the next generation, including Chelsea Handler, Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Nikki Glaser and Kumail Nanjiani.

When: April 20
Watch if you like: Chelsea, Kevin Hart: Acting My Age

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Stranger Things: Tales From ’85

Stranger Things fans can return to Hawkins with this new animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. It takes place between the events of Season 2 and 3 and shows all your favourite characters back again, fighting the monsters of the Upside Down. Voice actors include Brett Gipson, Luca Diaz, Jeremy Jordan, Odessa A’zion, Robert Englund and more.

When: April 23
Watch if you like: Stranger Things, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

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Apex

This action thriller starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton and Eric Bana was shot in New South Wales last year, and it follows Sasha’s (Theron) terrifying journey as she is hunted by a killer (Egerton). As she scales sheer rock faces in the Australian wilderness, Sasha must try to outwit the man on her tail.

When: April 24
Watch if you like: Don’t Move, Prey

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SPF Makeup Primers Are Everywhere, But Do They Really Replace Sunscreen?

2026-03-31T15:00:19-00:00

When it comes to SPF, I believe that you can never have too much of a good thing. And while it’s nothing new for brands to sneak sun protection into tinted moisturizers and foundations (or entire product lines, in the case of makeup artist Nikki DeRoest’s and Cerre Francis’ brand Ciele), I’ve noticed a new category slowly but surely picking up steam: makeup primers with SPF.

We all know there’s nothing but upside to doubling up on sunscreen, but I’ve seen this movie before. When SPF is baked into another product (yay!), it can sometimes create a false sense of security — leading people to skip a dedicated sunscreen step altogether. (Nay.)

With primers being something of a bridge between your routine skincare and makeup, I tapped a dermatologist for an expert’s take on all things SPF primers — and how to stay properly protected while using them. (I’ll also share my current favorites, because several have already found a spot in my daily routine.)

How do SPF makeup primers work?

Some sunscreens — like Supergoop!’s wildly popular Unseen Sunscreen or EltaMD’s UV Clear — are already beloved for their makeup-gripping properties. But primers infused with SPF take that one step further, offering another layer of sun protection while prepping skin for makeup.

Like face sunscreens you already know and love, SPF-infused primers can feature mineral, chemical, or hybrid (aka both mineral and chemical) UV filters. That’s alongside their primary role of smoothing and prepping skin for a seamless, long-lasting base with ingredients like dimethicone (which bestows an optical blurring effect) and hyaluronic acid (or its derivatives like sodium hyaluronate) to plump and increase hydration.

How do you use an SPF makeup primer?

To avoid confusion about where SPF primers fit in, I prefer letting my day moisturizer and sunscreen of choice fully absorb (right now, I’m using Caudalie’s Vinosun), then apply primer as the final prep step before foundation. In other words, your primer should still be the first thing your foundation or concealer touches. The catch? They aren’t meant to replace your primary sunscreen.

“When applying a primer, you’ll use just enough to create a smooth base — which usually isn’t enough to achieve the stated SPF on the bottle,” New York-based dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love tells Refinery29. We recommend the “two-finger rule” — applying the length of two fingers’ worth of product — to ensure you’re getting adequate protection from your sunscreen.

“Layering sunscreen in two steps is a great way to ensure adequate protection,” Dr. Elyse adds. But if you’re only using one? “It should be a dedicated SPF — not a hybrid [product with SPF]— because a product’s purpose dictates how much of it you’ll actually apply,” says Dr. Elyse. Put simply, you would need a generous amount of primer to reach the SPF on the label, and no one is realistically applying a cake-frosting-thick layer of primer in the name of sun safety.

The good news? When you use a separate sunscreen, you don’t have to. Dr. Elyse recommends EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: “It’s lightweight and oil-free, so it layers seamlessly under primer and makeup without disrupting your finish,” she says. The bottom line? As Dr. Elyse puts it: “SPF in skincare should be thought of as a bonus — not a guarantee.”

What are the best SPF makeup primers?

In the past few weeks, I’ve tried several new SPF primers and am seriously impressed. Had they not had “SPF” on the bottle, I’d assume they were regular, sunscreen-free primers that work just as well as ones designed solely for makeup. Charlotte Tilbury’s Lightweight Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 feels hydrating and silky, thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E, and lends a subtle texture-smoothing effect that creates a level canvas for makeup. Ciele’s new Radiant version of its Prime + Protect SPF 30 delivers a candlelit glow via ethically-sourced mica and looks just as good worn alone as it does under foundation.

While some makeup primers feel too sticky to apply with fingers, as I do with my sunscreen, none of these SPF-infused offerings feel tacky at all. Since I already applied sunscreen before using them, one or two pumps of primer were more than enough to prep my skin for foundation. And if you’re concerned about a white cast — a common gripe with many mineral sunscreens — not to worry: Many makeup primers use chemical UV filters, which go on clear and won’t leave a trace of ghostly pallor behind, nor will they interfere with makeup. In Ciele’s case, which uses mineral oxide UV filters, the added tint helps offset any unwanted effects.

If you notice your makeup pulling a disappearing act by noon, a sunscreen-infused makeup primer may help stretch the wear and appearance of your foundation and concealer, all while adding a hit of SPF protection.

What’s more, makeup primers these days don’t just cater to oily types that want to tamp down on shine; hydrating formulas offer long wear benefits for dry skin types, and textures ranging from clear and gel-like (Olay’s $20 drugstore option with SPF 35) to lightweight and hydrating (NARS’ under-the-radar SPF 35 Radiance Primer) offer something for every taste.

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The Internet’s Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Obsession Led Me To My New Favorite Pair Of Jeans

2026-03-30T19:43:33-00:00

I’ll start with a confession: I am not the “CBK-obsessed” fashion girly. While the internet has been spiraling over her legacy lately — fueled by Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette — I’ve mostly watched the hype from the sidelines. But curiosity eventually won, and it led me straight to my new favorite pair of jeans.

In my seemingly never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of jeans, I decided to investigate the CBK hype, and went straight to the source: AKA, Calvin Klein’s SoHo flagship in NYC. Calvin Klein isn’t just a brand Carolyn worked for; it’s the label she most famously turned to for the effortless, minimalist uniform that defined her. I wanted to see if the ’90s Straight Jean, a pair many claim were her personal holy grail, could actually live up to the decades of myth-making.

The Fit: A Win for the Tall Girls

The Soho store is bright, airy, and — blessedly — the fitting rooms actually have great lighting (see the selfies for proof). As a tall girl with a toned build, I usually go into denim fittings with low expectations. I have long legs, hips, and a butt, and usually straight jeans end up looking like high-waters on me.

Surprisingly, the length on the ’90s Straight Jeans is incredible. They hit exactly at the ankle. Because of the elongated waist, they created a visual line that made my legs look miles longer.

Edited with PrettyUp

Quality Over Everything

Although the streamlined minimalist silhouette defined the ’90s, these don’t feel like an era-constrained trend at all, especially the way baggy or skinny jeans might. One thing to note: There is zero stretch here. If there is any, it’s completely unnoticeable. I personally love this because I can’t stand it when jeans lose their shape after two hours and start looking like a potato sack.

Beyond the aesthetic, I’ve become much more conscious of what I put on my body, not just what I put in it. As someone focused on health and longevity, the fabric composition matters. I was thrilled to see these are 100% cotton. There’s a peace of mind that comes with wearing natural fibers, especially pants that hug the body.

A Note for the Petite: The ’90s Loose Jeans

While I was there, I also pulled the ’90s Loose jeans on for comparison. These offer a slightly curvier, almost subtle barrel silhouette. While they didn’t have the puddle length I crave, they are a fantastic option for someone more petite or shorter, as they have a slightly cropped fit. They also feature a fun CK embroidery on the back pockets that adds a nice pop to classic denim.

Edited with PrettyUp

It’s rare to find a good pair of jeans that actually holds up under the bright lights of a fitting room and in the real world, but these surprised me. For me, the win isn’t just the leg-lengthening fit or the perfect ankle crop — it’s the fact that they’re 100% cotton and built to last. In a world of fast-fashion trends, there’s something really satisfying about investing in a forever piece.

Leaving Soho with my new jeans in hand, I realized I might not be a CBK historian, but I’ve definitely joined the cult of her favorite denim brand. These jeans aren’t just a nostalgic throwback; they’re the type of jeans that make you stop and stare at your reflection each time you pass it, the type of jeans that make you want to strut down the sidewalk like you’re the main character in a music video. So, yeah, catch me wearing them on repeat until further notice.

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Bozoma Saint John On Reinvention, Power, And Trusting Yourself

2026-03-30T18:52:13-00:00

There’s a moment before the red carpet that no one really talks about. The pause before the flash. The breath before the room decides who you are.

At ESSENCE’s Black Women In Hollywood, that moment lives inside the Luxe Lounge. It’s where preparation meets presence, and for this special live taping of Naked Beauty, presented by smartwater®, it became something deeper: a conversation about identity, power, and what it really means to evolve. Sitting with Brooke DeVard, Bozoma Saint John didn’t come to recap her résumé. She came to tell the truth.

“Show me a peer who has the credentials I do. There are none.”

It’s a statement that lands exactly how it’s meant to. Not as arrogance, but as clarity. Because for Bozoma, the real tension isn’t whether she’s earned recognition. It’s that recognition rarely matches impact.

“Brand building is not you sitting back and letting other people give you recognition,” she explains. “That will never come.” Instead, she chooses to claim it.

That same conviction shows up in how she moves through spaces that weren’t built with her in mind. Being the only Black woman in the room, she admits, is “a very lonely place to be.” But shrinking has never been the answer. If anything, it’s pushed her to show up more fully, more visibly, more herself. And that mindset carries into every pivot. From the C-suite to Hollywood, each decision has been guided less by optics and more by instinct.

“It felt like the next turn,” she says of stepping into reality television, a move many questioned but ultimately expanded her reach in unexpected ways.

For Bozoma, reinvention isn’t a risk. It’s alignment.

“I believe that your intuition is your future self telling you it’s time to go.”
Back inside the Lounge, the energy is calm but intentional. Women are centering themselves before stepping into one of culture’s most visible stages. With smartwater® woven into the experience, the moment feels like what it is: a reset.

Because at Black Women In Hollywood, beauty isn’t just how she looks. It’s how she prepares.

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The Trench Coat Isn’t Basic Anymore — These 5 Trends Prove It

2026-03-30T16:30:00-00:00

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 10: A guest wears a beige and denim midi high waist skirt, a white lace top, a brown leather bag, gold hoop earrings and a beige cropped trench outside Ujho show during Day Nine of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)

New York City sits at the epicenter of fashion, and living in the Big Apple allows me to spot notable trends before they go mainstream. While I’m always eager to forecast a style shift, a change in weather is an even better reason—and seemingly overnight, one standout essential has shown up on the backs of every It girl: trench coats.

The khaki jackets aren’t anything new, but this season the fashionistas are redefining the style with updated proportions, cuts, and fabrics. And while the classic long-line design will never go out of style, bubble hemlines, sculpted collars, abbreviated lengths, and leather finishes are defining the moment and taking over the sidewalks.

These modern iterations will not only elevate your spring jacket collection, but they’re practical for navigating transitional-dressing season. Trench coats are lightweight, built for layering, and adjustable in styling—all while protecting against fluctuating weather. So, go ahead and toss your favorite upgraded version in your work bag or suitcase for a do-it-all jacket that offers protection on demand.

Skip the boring trench and opt for a contemporary version that seamlessly mixes tradition with style. I plan on wearing my favorite pick with capris and wedge sandals this warm-weather season, while easy knits and modern ballet flats make for a chic fashion moment.

Better yet, this season’s heroic trench coat trends are both timeless and undeniably modern. The core details remain the same, tapping into effortless polish and enduring design legacy.

Ahead, discover the five trench coat styles taking over spring. You’re bound to fall in love with at least one, if not more.

The Modern Classic

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 08: Angela Baidoo wears a beige trench coat over a black bra top with high-waisted beige wide-leg trousers and a white patterned waistband detail, oversized brown sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, a gold chain necklace, carries a black handbag and wears yellow snakeskin pointed shoes outside Akris during Day Seven of Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 08, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)

There’s no denying the allure of a classic trench coat. However, today’s hero silhouettes give the timeless jacket a 2026 update; details like drop shoulders, voluminous silhouettes, and effortless draping (thanks to waist-cinching belts). TL;DR: It’s the refined separate every capsule wardrobe needs.

The Bubble Revival

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 08: A guest wears black sunglasses, a red cotton belted jacket with puffy waist, black fitted knees leggings, a black leather bag, black leather pointed pumps heels shoes, outside Magda Butrym, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 08, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Inject fun into the mix with a voluminous hemline that adds dimension to your look. The fashion-forward silhouette has captured the attention of designers like Chloé and Loewe, with classic lapels, wraps, and dramatic necklines solidifying its place as a head-turner.

The Sculpted Neckline

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 07: Blanca Arimany wears dark brown hair, a beige wool double breasted trench coat, a dark brown leather pencil knees skirt, a dark red crocodile embossed pattern leather handbag, black leather pointed pumps heels shoes, outside Elie Saab, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 07, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Speaking of dramatic necklines, funnel collars are quickly rising in popularity. The statement detail adds a bold, sharp touch to any ensemble—and if it were up to me, I’d unofficially name it the cool girl of trench coats.

The Cropped Edit

Less is more when it comes to micro trench coats, leaning into boxy cuts that hit at the waist or higher. Studded belts, shoulder pads, and balloon sleeves rework proportions for an intentionally off-kilter effect, while pared-back designs are undoubtedly chic.

The Luxe Leather Trench

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – MARCH 16: Karin Teigl is seen wearing a lime green collared Zara top with buttons, a long light blue H&M trench coat, and loose-fitting light wash Agolde denim pants with a crossover waistband detail. She also wears bright red pointed-toe Prada flats, a Kijima Takayuki red beanie, Chanel rimless shades, and carries a small black-and-white spotted Coperni shoulder bag on March 16, 2026 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Leather isn’t reserved for winter; it seamlessly transitions into spring. Longer silhouettes can be worn open for a breezy effect, while belted, peplum styles offer a lighter approach. For a true spring mood, lean into vibrant hues.

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What R29 Editors Are Shopping From Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

2026-03-30T13:48:11-00:00

When the words “Amazon” and “sale” appear together, it’s usually in the context of Prime Day, the two-day online shopping extravaganza that’s become an unofficial holiday. But there's another deal extravaganza that needs to be on your radar: Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Taking place until March 31, it spotlights seasonal items across categories like spring fashion, homeware, travel essentials, garden accessories, editor-approved beauty, and more — all up to 40% off.

The discounts apply to big-name brands like Dyson, Wrangler, Bissell, and Chomps, and it's open to everyone (though, Prime members can access additional, exclusive deals).

Keep clicking to see what Refinery29’s savvy team of editors are re-purchasing, carting up for the first time, or highly-recommending to readers during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, while discounts last.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

20% off LifeTB Queen Gingham Comforter Set

"If you’re looking to lean into that 'cool, lived-in' aesthetic, this gingham comforter hits the mark perfectly. The tufted grid texture gives it a bit of dimension, so it doesn’t feel flat or overly formal, while the checkered pattern adds a touch of nostalgic farmhouse charm. It’s that ideal middle ground between cozy and breathable; soft enough to dive into after a long day but light enough that you won’t overheat. And this Big Spring Sale discount makes it a no-brainer way to upgrade any room." — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

LifeTB Queen Gingham Comforter Set, $, available at Amazon

22% off Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner

"I’m slowly becoming addicted to K-beauty products and have been testing/adding new steps into my skin-care routine. So when I saw Heated Rivalry's Hudson Williams recommending this Numbuzin No. 3 toner in his viral video for The Cut, I immediately wanted to try it. So far, I’ve really enjoyed how hydrating this toner is on my skin. It works really well as a first layer under my serums and moisturizers. Does my skin look brighter? I’d like to think so." — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner, $, available at Amazon

20% off Airnex 10 Pack Biodegradable Natural Kitchen Sponge

"I try to keep a plastic-minimal home, so I appreciate Airnex’s plant-based alternative to kitchen sponges. Made from biodegradable white cellulose and a coconut-fiber blend for scrubbing, these sponges get the job done, are easily recyclable, and have enough in a pack to last a while." — Raquel Reichard, Somos Deputy Director

AIRNEX 10 Pack Biodegradable Natural Kitchen Sponges, $, available at Amazon

25% off Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

"I’ll be the first to admit I was a little skeptical when I first saw the Shark FlexStyle. In a world of endless dupes, I wasn’t sure if it could actually go head-to-head with the more expensive stylers out there. However, a trusted colleague and beauty editor recently raved about it, promising it delivers that same high-end voluminous blowout without the heat damage. Seeing it on sale for 25% off during the Big Spring Sale was the final sign I needed to add it to my cart. It’s a powerful, multi-styling system that looks just as chic as it performs, especially in this Black Cherry finish." — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $, available at Amazon

30% off Away Large Trunk Luggage on March 31

"I am a ride-or-die for Away’s luggage, mainly because of the lifetime warranty. Literally, you'll never buy a suitcase again... until you need more room. I’ve been eyeing the trunk for forever and since it’s 30% off (for one day only on the 31st) now’s the time! I’m a chronic over-packer and have watched a ton of TikToks on how to pack with a trunk, so I think it will make living out of a suitcase much easier." — Taylor Loren, Social Lead

Away Large Trunk Luggage, $, available at Amazon

20% off Steamery Handheld Clothes Steamer

"Asking for a friend: Does anyone really iron their clothes anymore? We are all living such fast-paced lives that ironing my outfit is the last thing on my to-do list. Thankfully, a sleek, handy gadget has recently entered my life: Steamery’s Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer. Using distilled water or soft water (if you’re lucky to live in an area with some!), this tool literally steams away the creases on your clothing instantly. It’s perfect if you want a quick job done right. Oh, and it comes in several colorways which is a fun touch — I opted for Sand!" — Susan Devaney, Lifestyle Director

Steamery Handheld Clothes Steamer, $, available at Amazon

40% off Tijn Olisa Blue Light Blocking Glasses

"My sister recently bought me the cutest blue-light glasses from Amazon, and now I'm hooked. I'm currently eyeing these frames that have a Miu Miu vibe to them. The tortoise shell is a classic, but with all the designs currently on sale, I may also cart up the emerald green and butter yellow shades too." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

TIJN Olisa Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $, available at Amazon

30% off Wrangler x Montana West Clear Crossbody Bag

"I'm getting ready for festival season and tons of summer concerts. And that means I'm also looking to update my clear stadium bag collection with a fresh style. As a fan of Wrangler and cow print, I simply can't pass up on this crossbody bag that'll take the stress out of festival dressing and packing." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

Wrangler x Montana West Clear Crossbody Bag, $, available at Amazon

18% off Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers

"I know I should stop using plastic food containers, so this Amazon sale is a great opportunity for me to swap out all my old tupperware and my collection of takeout containers. I like that this Rubbermaid set offers all the sizes you could need. With clear glass tops, you can easily see what’s stored inside. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe." — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers, $, available at Amazon

20% off Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse

"I love this non-toxic self-tanner for a quick tan. Easy to apply and a great scent too. I also feel safe putting it on my body knowing the ingredients are clean." — Megan Boal, Director of Operations

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Mousse, $, available at Amazon

25% off Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner

"Maybe it’s the sun rays peeking into my windows that has me noticing every stain and speck in my home, but I suddenly have an urge to spring clean. I’m hoping to get my hands on the Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, which uses strong suction and targeted cleaning solution to remove tough stains and dirt. This one stands out because of its power and its size (it’s only 11 inches tall, so it fits in my small home with very little storage space)." — Raquel Reichard, Somos Deputy Director

Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner, $, available at Amazon

25% off Jumlys 2 in 1 Magnetic Chess Set & Checkers Board Game

"I’m a firm believer that some of the best moments happen away from the screen, and this portable chess set is the perfect excuse to unplug. The magnetic feature is a total game-changer — literally — because it means you can actually play while traveling without a single bump or turn sending your pieces flying. It folds into a compact footprint, making it easy to toss in a bag for a park hang or a long flight. It’s classic, well-constructed, and serves as a great reminder that a little friendly competition is the best way to pass time." — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

Jumlys 2 in 1 Magnetic Chess Set & Checkers Board Game, $, available at Amazon

23% off AXV Vibration Plate

"If I could only make one recommendation for R29 readers to cart up during Amazon's sale, it would be this under-$100 vibration plate. I received it as a Christmas gift, and it's become one of the most used items in my daily routines. I love it for waking up my body in the morning, feeling grounded, as well as cooling down my muscles after a late-night workout." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

AXV Vibration Plate, $, available at Amazon

23% off Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler

"Consider this your sign to finally try the Dyson Airwrap. The Airwrap i.d. (aka, a 'smart' version that automatically adjusts heat levels to avoid damage to your hair and scalp) is $150 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, bringing it down to $499.99. Yes, that's still a lot of money, but when you consider that it effectively replaces several hair tools in one (a dryer, curling iron, and smoothing brush, for starters), it's well worth the investment, IMO." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer

Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler, $, available at Amazon

15% off Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46

"After trying Drmtlgy years ago, I also got my mom hooked on the brand's tinted sunscreen moisturizer. She rarely spends money on herself, so I'm gonna take this opportunity to buy it on sale as part of her Mother's Day gift." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46, $, available at Amazon

5% off FutureStone 100% Marble Scalloped Vanity Tray

"I’m in decorating mode putting the finishing touches on a new place. And there’s something about Calacatta Viola marble that just feels incredibly chic. The deep, wine-colored veining against that crisp white background is high-drama in the best way possible. This isn’t your standard, flat vanity tray. The scalloped edges add a soft, architectural rhythm that breaks up the sharp lines of a bathroom or dresser. It’s heavy, substantial, and feels like a piece you’d find in a boutique hotel in Paris. Whether it’s holding daily jewelry or a signature scent, it elevates those tiny rituals into something that feels a lot more luxurious. Plus, the Big Spring Sale price is too good to resist." — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

FutureStone 100% Marble Scalloped Vanity Tray, $, available at Amazon

Great Jones All Aboard Oversized Kitchen Cutting Board

“I love cooking, but it takes me ages to do prep work around the kitchen, especially when it comes to chopping. I’m a big fan of Great Jones’ vibrant kitchenware (I’m a proud owner of the Dutchess in Broccoli), and I’m excited to snap up this oversized cutting board when Amazon’s Big Spring Sale starts. (It also makes the perfect housewarming gift, fyi).” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer

Great Jones All Aboard Oversized Kitchen Cutting Board, $, available at Amazon

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

“I use Crest Whitestrips whenever I need a little self-care or before I go to a party. They make my teeth look like I just went to the dentist. I cart up a box during every major Amazon sale, without fail.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects, $, available at Amazon

Le Specs Atlantis Sunglasses

“I can never own enough sunglasses, and this retro pair from Le Specs caught my eye while browsing Amazon’s Shopbop sale section. For 25% off, it’s hard to pass them up — I can see them effortlessly complementing all my spring and summer ‘fits.” — Victoria

Le Specs Atlantis Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

“I already own a 40oz Stanley that I keep at home to crush my daily hydration goals, but I’ve been looking to get a smaller one that’s more on-the-go friendly. This 30oz version is perfect for bringing along on errands and workout classes, and comes in tons of cute spring colors. I’m partial to this dreamy pastel mint hue.” — Karina

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler, $, available at Amazon

iRobot Roomba Vac Robot

“I knew I was in my thirties when I decided I really wanted a Roomba. I’m pretty tidy at home and have recurring iPhone reminders for everything from changing bedsheets to washing my pup. When it comes to vacuuming my apartment, though? I simply can’t keep up, especially with my aforementioned dog’s shedding. (And mine, for that matter.) I’ve held off on splurging on one of these robot vacuums simply because they can be expensive, but thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale I can make that investment.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

iRobot Roomba Vac Robot Vacuum, $, available at Amazon

Amazon Basics Double Hammock

“Picture this: I’m in my garden on a sunny day, and I’m swaying softly in this hammock, with a stack of books lined up that I just haven’t had time to read yet, a playlist of all my favorite artists playing softly in the distance, and a cold drink of some sort by my side... Ahh, the dream! I just have to make it a reality, right?” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer

Amazon Basics Basics Double Hammock, $, available at Amazon

Crocs Unisex-Adult Dylan Clogs

“Thinking ahead to my dad’s birthday, I have my eye on these Crocs. He spends all his time tending to his precious veg patch, feeding worms to the local robins, and chatting with his neighbors. As it starts to get warmer out, I know he’ll really appreciate a pair of sturdy yet lightweight shoes to throw on as he potters away.” — Esther

Crocs Unisex-Adult Dylan Clogs, $, available at Amazon

Infitrans 3 Folds Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror

“I’m travelling to three weddings this summer, all for friends in the same group — that means I’ll be sharing mirrors with three other girls each time, all while trying to deal with dim hotel lighting. Here to save the day is this handy portable mirror, which I’ll be snapping up during the Big Spring Sale.” — Esther

Infitrans 3 Folds Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror, $, available at Amazon

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

"I love all of Laneige’s lip products, and I always have a Lip Glowy Balm in any given bag. I wear it on its own for some juicy hydration, or overtop lipstick for a glowy lipgloss-like finish. While the vanilla one is my current go-to, I’m excited to try this peach scent while it’s on sale and fully embrace the upcoming peach season." — Victoria

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $, available at Amazon

Cole Haan Piper Mule

I’m not not eyeing these just because they’re named after Piper (pronounced in The White Lotus’ Victoria Ratliff’s iconic Southern drawl, of course) — but it sure doesn’t hurt! In all seriousness, I’ve been hunting for an elevated-yet-casual shoe for spring, and I think I’ve found the one in these pointed-toe Cole Haan mules. I can already picture them with jeans, dresses, and basically everything in my closet — and at 62% off? Total steal. — Karina

Cole Haan Women's Piper Mule, $, available at Amazon

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

An airline recently misplaced my checked luggage, and it took two whole days to get it back. If you’ve ever lived through that nightmare, you know how crucial it is to travel with AirTags. They give you peace of mind — especially when the airline is radio silent about your bag’s whereabouts. With this 30% off deal, now’s the time to stock up before summer vacation season. — Venus

Apple AirTag 4 Pack, $, available at Amazon

15% off Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Sticks (10 Pack)

"As someone who's always trying to increase my daily protein intake, these Chomps beef sticks are an easy, on-the-go solution to fuel my body when I'm feeling snacky. However, they can be a bit pricey... so I always wait until they go on sale to buy more!" — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Sticks (10 Pack), $, available at Amazon

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Your April Horoscope Is Here — & This Month Will Mark A Turning Point For You

2026-03-30T11:03:23-00:00

Cosmic beings, April opens with a Libra Full Moon on the 1st, and right away, we’re being asked to get honest about where we stand… not just in our relationships, but in our values. Libra is the sign of harmony, yes, but its shadow can show up as people-pleasing, avoidance, or trying to keep the peace at the expense of truth. This full moon doesn’t really let that slide. It’s illuminating where we may have been inconsistent, where we’ve been bending instead of standing, and where we’ve been saying “it’s fine” when it actually isn’t. Reflect on the past six months and notice where your actions haven’t fully matched your beliefs. With Libra’s ruler, Venus now in Taurus, there’s a call to be more rooted, more embodied, more steady in what you stand for, both personally and politically.

Then on the 9th, Mars enters Aries, one of its home signs, and the energy shifts from reflective and dreamlike to direct and undeniable. Mars in Aries wants movement, action, and courage. During this transit you may feel more energized, more impatient, more ready to do something about what you’ve been thinking about. And collectively, this is where things can heat up too. Mars is the planet of war, and with Saturn and Neptune already in Aries, plus Uranus wrapping up its time in Taurus, there’s a real possibility of heightened tension in the world… politically, socially, even internally. The invitation here is to be aware of that fire. To not turn it inward through self-criticism or outward through unnecessary conflict, but to channel it into purposeful action. It’s a call for the collective to stand up, speak out, and protect what matters.

Mid-month intensifies that energy. On the 14th, Mercury joins Mars in Aries, sharpening our words and speeding up our thoughts, and by the 17th, the New Moon in Aries arrives, offering a powerful reset. This is where we’re asked to plant seeds around what it means to be a peaceful warrior. This new moon isn’t about impulsively starting ten things at once or proving something to the world. It’s about choosing one or two paths that genuinely matter to you and committing to them with clarity and integrity. What are you willing to stand for, even when it’s inconvenient? What kind of life are you not just dreaming about, but actively building? The seeds planted here are bold, yes, but they’re also meant to be rooted in self-awareness, not ego.

By the 19th, the sun moves into Taurus, and you can feel the exhale. After all that fire, there’s a return to the body, to the senses, to what feels real and tangible. Taurus Season reminds us that growth doesn’t only come from pushing forward, but also from slowing down enough to integrate, to rest, to enjoy, and to stabilize. It’s a necessary shift that helps us not burn out from everything Aries Season initiated.

As the month comes to an end, we enter entirely new territory. On the 24th and 25th, Venus and Uranus both move into Gemini, marking the official end of an era. Uranus in Taurus, which has been reshaping our relationship to money, value, and stability since 2018, is now complete. Uranus in Gemini begins an eight-year cycle of rapid change in how we think, communicate, learn, and connect. This is lightning-fast energy. Ideas, trends, technologies, identities… everything starts moving quicker. The world may feel more experimental, more fluid, more expressive, especially around identity, language, and what freedom looks like. There’s something inherently liberating about this shift — a collective desire to break out of rigid systems and make space for more nuanced, diverse ways of being.

But with that comes the challenge. Gemini energy moves quickly, Uranus disrupts, and together they can scatter focus if we’re not intentional. There’s a difference between being inspired and being all over the place. Our challenge during this new era is learning how to hold multiple ideas, multiple truths, without losing direction. To stay curious without becoming ungrounded. To create, connect, and express freely… while still following through on what matters.

April isn’t a quiet month. It’s a turning point that asks us to get clear, get brave, and then get grounded enough to actually live out what we say we believe.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

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Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, the month begins with a Libra Full Moon lighting up your partnership sector, bringing clarity to your one-on-one dynamics in a way that’s hard to ignore. You may notice where things feel balanced and supportive, but also where you’ve been over-compromising, people-pleasing, or avoiding necessary conversations just to maintain harmony. This isn’t just about romantic relationships, it can show up in friendships, collaborations, even how you relate to the world at large. There’s a deeper question here about integrity: are your connections reflecting your values, or are you shrinking parts of yourself to fit into them? Choose relationships that feel reciprocal and safe, not performative.

Then the energy shifts, and it shifts fast. With Mars entering your sign on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th, you’re at the center of one of the most activated parts of the sky this month. This is your season, in a “who are you really, and how are you going to live that out?” kind of way. You may feel more energized, more impatient, more ready to move, but also more aware of your wounds and triggers with Chiron in your sign. This is where the idea of being a peaceful warrior comes in. You’re not here to fight everything or prove something. You’re here to act with intention. To stand up for yourself and for what matters without losing your center. The new moon on the 17th is your reset point — an opportunity to choose how you want to show up moving forward, not just in bursts of energy, but in a way that’s sustainable.

By the time the sun enters Taurus on the 19th, your focus begins to shift toward stability, especially around money, resources, and how you support yourself long-term. After all the fire of Aries Season, this grounding energy is necessary. But at the same time, Uranus enters Gemini on the 25th, activating your communication sector and speeding everything up again in a completely different way. Your ideas may start moving faster, your conversations may become more dynamic, and you might feel pulled in multiple directions at once. The key here is not to lose yourself in the noise. Stay rooted in what you value, even as everything around you evolves.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, this is the month you start coming back to yourself… slowly, sensually, and on your own terms. The month begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your wellness and routine sector, bringing awareness to the commitments and daily dynamics that are either supporting your peace or quietly draining it. You may notice where you’ve been saying yes when your body meant no, or keeping the peace at the expense of your own balance. This is your chance to recalibrate your relationship with your time, your energy, and your well-being in a way that feels sustainable. Small shifts matter at this time: what you eat, how you rest, who you respond to, and what you allow into your space. The more honest you are with yourself now, the easier it becomes to create a rhythm that actually nourishes you.

As the month unfolds, the Aries stellium begins activating your subconscious and healing sector, and this is where things get a little more internal than you might expect. With Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury and the new moon on the 17th, you’re being asked to confront what’s been lingering beneath the surface… old fears, quiet doubts, patterns you’ve outgrown but haven’t fully released. This isn’t about rushing to fix everything overnight, but rather about becoming aware of what’s been running in the background and deciding, gently but firmly, that you’re ready to move diﬀerently. The Aries New Moon offers a powerful reset, especially when it comes to your inner dialogue.

By the time your birthday season begins on the 19th, everything starts to feel a little more like you again. The sun enters your sign, bringing you back into your body, your desires, and your sense of self-worth in a way that feels grounding after the emotional clearing of the first half of the month. And with Venus, your ruling planet, already in Taurus, there’s an added emphasis on pleasure, beauty, and allowing yourself to receive more without guilt. But just as you’re settling into this softer rhythm, Venus and Uranus shift into Gemini as the month comes to an end, activating your money and self-worth zone. This is where things begin to shift in unexpected ways: new ideas around income, new ways of valuing your skills, new conversations about what you deserve. The key is to stay rooted in your worth, even as the landscape changes. You don’t have to rush, but you do have to remain open.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, the fog is lifting and you can feel it. Your mind’s sharper, your voice is clearer, and suddenly things are moving again. With your ruler Mercury now direct and spending its first full month out of retrograde, April brings a sense of momentum that you may not have realized you were missing until now. The month begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your creativity, romance, and self-expression zone, and it’s asking you to reconnect with what actually brings you joy, not just what keeps you busy or distracted. There may be a realization around where you’ve been dimming your light, playing it safe, or overthinking something that simply wants to be felt and expressed. This is a moment to let yourself be seen a little more… not perfectly, but honestly.

Then the energy picks up in a way that feels a lot more like you. The Aries stellium begins activating your social and community sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, Mercury on the 14th, and the new moon on the 17th. Your ideas want to come alive, your network wants to expand, and your voice wants to travel further than it has in a while. You might feel inspired to collaborate, to share something you’ve been sitting on, or to step into a more visible role within your community or online space. This month’s Aries New Moon is inviting you to take up space in a way that feels aligned, not performative… to build connections that are mutual, not one-sided.

By the end of the month, the energy shifts inward again, but in a different way than before. Taurus Season begins on the 19th, encouraging you to slow down, rest, and process everything that’s been moving so quickly, especially on a mental level. This is a time to recharge your energy behind the scenes, to listen more closely to your intuition, and to not feel pressured to be “on” all the time. But just as you’re settling into that quieter rhythm, Uranus enters your sign on April 25th… and this is major. This marks the beginning of a long-term cycle of reinvention, where your identity, your voice, and the way you move through the world begin to evolve in unexpected ways. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, Gemini. Just stay open to pleasant plot twists these next eight years.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, this month brings you back to the foundation of your life: what you’re building, who you’re becoming, and what actually feels like home. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your roots and home sector, highlighting your emotional world, your living situation, and your sense of inner security. You may find yourself reflecting on family dynamics, boundaries, or even your physical space, noticing what feels supportive and what feels like it needs to shift. You’ll feel called to create more balance between your public life and your private needs and to stop pouring so much into being everything for everyone else if it leaves you feeling depleted behind closed doors. What you choose to release or redefine now has a lot to do with honoring your peace, not just maintaining appearances.

As the month unfolds, the energy turns outward in a much more visible way. The Aries stellium activates your career and public image sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. You’re being pushed to take yourself more seriously and to move with intention when it comes to your goals, your leadership, and the impact you want to have. There may be moments where you feel exposed or questioned, especially with Chiron here, but this is part of the process of stepping into a new level of authority. You’re learning that you don’t have to wait to feel “ready” to claim your space. The new moon is a reset point — a chance to define success on your own terms and begin moving toward it with clarity, even if you’re still figuring things out as you go.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, the pace softens and your focus shifts toward connection, community, and long-term visions. You may feel more drawn to your friends, your network, or spaces where you feel seen and supported without pressure. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your inner world begins to change in subtle but powerful ways. This activates your subconscious and spiritual sector, bringing unexpected insights, vivid dreams, and a deeper awareness of patterns you’re ready to release. You may not be able to explain everything you’re feeling yet… and that’s okay. Not everything needs to be spoken to be understood. Trust what’s shifting within you, even if it’s happening quietly.

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, this month stretches your perspective and reminds you that your life is meant to be bigger than the version you’ve been settling into. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your communication and mindset sector, bringing clarity to the way you speak, think, and connect. You may notice where you’ve been holding back your voice, over-editing yourself, or trying to keep things “pleasant” instead of honest. Conversations can feel revealing now: a truth lands, a message hits differently, or you realize that something you’ve been telling yourself is no longer aligned with who you’re becoming. This is your moment to recalibrate your narrative and not just what you say out loud, but what you believe internally.

Then the energy opens up in a way that feels energizing and expansive. The Aries stellium activates your travel, growth, and higher learning sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. You may feel a strong urge to say yes to something new and to invest in your growth whether that’s through travel, education, or a leap of faith that excites you and scares you at the same time. This season reminds you that you’re not meant to stay in one place, mentally or physically. Growth requires a little bit of discomfort. The Aries New Moon is your green light to choose expansion anyway… to trust that you’ll figure things out as you go.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, your focus shifts toward your career, your reputation, and the legacy you’re building. This is where things start to feel more tangible and where the ideas and risks you’ve been exploring begin to connect to real-world goals. You may feel more motivated to show up consistently, to refine your craft, and to take your ambitions seriously. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your social world begins to evolve in unexpected ways. New communities, new collaborations, new opportunities to be seen and supported can emerge, especially in digital or innovative spaces. The key is to stay discerning. Not every opportunity is aligned, but the ones that are will expand your world in ways you didn’t anticipate.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, things are getting real in your relationships, your commitments, and the way you share your energy with others. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your money and self-worth zone, bringing clarity to what you give, what you receive, and whether there’s true balance between the two. You may notice where you’ve been undervaluing yourself or accepting less than you actually deserve just to keep things stable. This isn’t just financial… it’s emotional, energetic, and relational. There’s a quiet but powerful recalibration happening around your standards. What you tolerate, what you expect, and what you’re no longer willing to negotiate on becomes clearer now. This is your moment to choose yourself in a more grounded, embodied way.

As the month unfolds, the Aries stellium activates your depth, intimacy, and shared resources sector, and this is where things can feel intense, but also deeply transformative. With Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th, you’re being asked to look at the dynamics of trust, vulnerability, and control in your life. This can show up in close relationships, financial partnerships, or even your relationship to your own fears. You may feel more aware of what you’re holding onto tightly, and why. The new moon is your reset point — an opportunity to choose honesty over avoidance and to allow yourself to receive support without feeling like you have to carry everything alone.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, the energy begins to open up and feel a little lighter. Your focus shifts toward expansion, learning, and seeing the bigger picture. You may feel more inspired to travel, to study something new, or simply to step outside of your usual routine and remind yourself that life is bigger than whatever you’ve been processing. And with Uranus entering Gemini as the month comes to an end, your career and public path begin to evolve in unexpected ways. This can bring sudden opportunities, shifts in direction, or new ideas about what success looks like for you. The key is to stay flexible. You don’t need to have everything mapped out… just be willing to pivot when something more aligned presents itself.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, this month is your full-circle moment: a mirror held up to who you’ve been and who you’re ready to become. April begins with a powerful Libra Full Moon in your sign, and it’s deeply personal. You’re seeing yourself more clearly — your needs, your patterns, your desires, and the ways you’ve been navigating your relationships and your identity. Your annual full moon brings a realization that something about the way you’ve been showing up no longer fits. This moment asks you to choose alignment over approval. You’re not here to be everything for everyone… you’re here to be fully yourself, even if that shifts certain dynamics. What you acknowledge now sets the tone for your next chapter.

Then the focus turns toward your relationships in a more active, embodied way. The Aries stellium activates your partnership sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. This can bring momentum, conversations, and even tension into your one-on-one dynamics, pushing you to engage more directly instead of avoiding discomfort. You may find yourself redefining boundaries, expressing needs more clearly, or realizing that certain relationships require a different level of honesty moving forward. With Chiron here, there can be sensitivity around rejection or conflict, but this is also where healing happens, through choosing truth over avoidance. The new moon offers a reset in how you relate, not just to others, but to yourself within those connections.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, the energy deepens and becomes more introspective. Your focus shifts toward trust, intimacy, and shared resources — what you’re building with others, emotionally and materially. This is a time to slow down and get real about what you’re investing in and why. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your perspective begins to expand in unexpected ways. You may feel called to travel, learn something new, or explore ideas that challenge your usual way of thinking. There’s a sense that your world is getting bigger… but only because you’re willing to see beyond what’s familiar.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, this month begins quietly… but don’t let that fool you, because there’s a deep internal reset happening beneath the surface. April opens with a Libra Full Moon activating your subconscious and healing sector, bringing awareness to what you’ve been carrying emotionally, mentally, and energetically. This isn’t the loud, dramatic kind of clarity… it’s the kind that sneaks up on you. A realization in the middle of the night, a shift in how you feel about something you thought you were over, a subtle but undeniable knowing that it’s time to let something go. You may feel more sensitive to your environment, more aware of your limits, and less interested in forcing things that don’t feel aligned. Honor that. Not everything needs to be pushed forward right now… some things need to be released so you can move lighter.

Then the energy shifts into something more active, but still intentional. The Aries stellium activates your work, wellness, and daily routine sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. This is where you start getting your life together… not in a perfectionist, over-controlling way, but in a “let me actually do what I said I was going to do” kind of way. You may feel motivated to change your habits, restructure your schedule, or take better care of your body and your energy. At the same time, Chiron here can bring up frustration around feeling behind, overwhelmed, or like you’re not doing enough. That’s your cue to slow down just enough to be intentional. The new moon is your reset point — an opportunity to build routines that support you, not drain you.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, your attention turns toward your relationships, and things start to feel more tangible. You may crave stability, loyalty, and presence in your connections… less guessing, more grounding. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your relationship to intimacy, trust, and shared resources begins to evolve in unexpected ways. This can show up as new financial opportunities, shifts in how you merge with others, or even a different perspective on vulnerability itself. You’re learning that control isn’t the same as security, and that sometimes, letting things flow a little more naturally actually brings you closer to what you want. Scary, I know… but also kind of freeing.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag, this month reminds you that your joy is not optional… it’s a compass. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your friendship and community sector, bringing clarity to the spaces, people, and networks you’re investing your energy into. You may notice which connections feel reciprocal and inspiring, and which ones feel performative, draining, or slightly out of alignment with who you’re becoming. There can be a moment of realization that you’ve outgrown a dynamic, or that you’re being called to show up more authentically within your circle instead of playing a role. Either way, this full moon is about recalibrating your social world so it actually reflects your values, not just your habits. Who you surround yourself with matters more than ever right now.

Then the energy shifts into something much more alive, bold, and creatively charged. The Aries stellium activates your romance, creativity, and self-expression sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. This is the kind of energy that wants you to live a little… to flirt with life again, to create without overthinking it, to say yes to what excites you even if it doesn’t “make sense” yet. You may feel more inspired, more expressive, and more willing to take risks in love, art, or anything that allows you to be fully yourself. The new moon is your reset point — an invitation to prioritize joy, not as an escape, but as a form of alignment.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, things begin to ground in a more practical way. Your focus shifts toward your routines, your work, and how you’re structuring your day-to-day life so it actually supports the version of you that’s emerging. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your relationships begin a long-term evolution. This can bring unexpected connections, unconventional dynamics, or a shift in how you approach commitment altogether. The right connections will expand you, not restrict you… and you’ll feel the difference immediately.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, this month brings your public life into focus, but it’s your private world that holds the real answers. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your career and reputation sector, putting a spotlight on how you’re being seen and the direction you’re heading in professionally. There may be recognition, a shift in responsibilities, or simply a moment where you realize something about your path needs to change. At the same time, this full moon is asking you to consider the balance between your outer success and your inner fulfillment. Are you building something that actually feels good to sustain, or just something that looks good from the outside? There’s an opportunity here to redefine success in a way that includes your emotional well-being, not just your achievements.

As the month unfolds, the energy turns inward in a more personal way. The Aries stellium activates your home, roots, and emotional foundation sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. This is where deeper work begins: family dynamics, living situations, and your sense of safety and belonging may come into focus. You might feel more reactive at times, especially if old patterns are being triggered, but this is also an opportunity to respond differently than you have in the past. The new moon is your chance to create a foundation that actually supports you, emotionally and physically, not just one that you’ve learned to endure.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, the energy lightens and opens up in a way that feels more natural to you. Your creativity, joy, and desire for pleasure start to take up more space, reminding you that life isn’t just about responsibility… it’s also about experiencing what you’ve worked so hard to build. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your routines and work life begin to shift in unexpected ways. This can bring new systems, new opportunities, or even a diﬀerent approach to how you manage your time and energy. The key is to stay adaptable. Structure is still important, but flexibility is what will keep you evolving.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, this month opens your mind, but it also asks you to be honest about what you actually believe versus what you’ve just been entertaining. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your expansion and belief sector, bringing clarity to your worldview, your long-term vision, and the direction you feel called to grow toward. You may find yourself questioning certain beliefs, outgrowing old philosophies, or feeling ready to step into a bigger version of your life… one that requires more faith and less overthinking. This can show up through travel plans, educational pursuits, or simply a shift in perspective that changes how you see everything. The key here is alignment. Not everything that sounds good is true for you anymore… and you’re starting to feel the difference.

As the month unfolds, the Aries stellium activates your communication and mindset sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. Your mind is moving fast… ideas, conversations, decisions, everything feels more immediate. You may feel inspired to speak up, to share your thoughts more boldly, or to initiate conversations you’ve been putting oﬀ. This is your chance to communicate differently… more directly, more confidently, without over-explaining or shrinking your message. The new moon helps you set intentions around how you use your voice and where you direct your mental energy.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, your focus shifts inward toward your home, your emotional world, and your sense of stability. You may feel more drawn to your space, your comfort, and creating an environment that feels grounding after all the mental stimulation of the first half of the month. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector begins a long-term evolution. This can bring unexpected inspiration, unconventional love dynamics, or a desire to express yourself in ways that feel more authentic and less restricted. And that’s exactly what’s beginning to unfold.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, this month brings you back into your body and reminds you that your worth isn’t something you have to prove, it’s something you choose to embody. April begins with a Libra Full Moon activating your depth, intimacy, and shared resources zone, bringing clarity to what you’re giving, what you’re receiving, and whether there’s true reciprocity in your closest connections. This can show up emotionally, financially, or energetically… you may notice where you’ve been overextending yourself, or where you’ve been hesitant to fully receive what’s available to you. This full moon is not about cutting everything oﬀ dramatically, but rather about adjusting the terms, choosing balance, letting go of dynamics that feel draining or unclear, and leaning into what feels mutual and grounded.

As the month unfolds, the energy becomes more direct and action-oriented in a way that might feel new, but ultimately empowering. The Aries stellium activates your money, self-worth, and stability sector, with Mars entering Aries on the 9th, followed by Mercury on the 14th and the new moon on the 17th. This is where you’re being asked to take yourself seriously — not just in theory, but in practice. You may feel motivated to advocate for yourself more, to charge what you’re worth, to create new income streams, or to make decisions that support your long-term stability. The new moon is your chance to step into greater self-confidence, even if it feels unfamiliar at first.

By the time Taurus Season begins on the 19th, everything starts to feel a little more grounded and integrated. Your communication, your ideas, and the way you express yourself begin to flow more naturally, especially as you slow down enough to trust your own voice. And with Uranus entering Gemini on the 25th, your home, family, and emotional foundation sector begins to shift in unexpected ways over time. This could look like changes in your living situation, new dynamics within your family, or a deeper internal shift in what “home” means to you. You’re learning that stability isn’t something you find — it’s something you create, moment by moment, choice by choice.

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Your March Horoscope 2026 Is Here

Venus In Taurus Is Here

Your Horoscope This Week: March 29 To April 4

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R29 babes, as March comes to a close, the energy softens in a noticeable way. On March 30th, Venus enters its home sign of Taurus, where it’ll stay for the next four weeks, shifting us out of the faster, more self-focused rhythm of Venus in Aries and into something slower, more intentional, and deeply embodied. Love begins to feel less like a chase and more like something you allow yourself to receive. There’s a stronger awareness of reciprocity, of what feels good and sustainable, whether that’s in your relationships, your finances, or your relationship to pleasure itself. You may feel drawn to simple luxuries: good food, rest, touch, beauty, time well spent, and reminded that slowing down is not a setback, it’s part of the process.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up the sky, bringing relationship dynamics into focus in a way that feels both illuminating and emotionally charged. Libra, like Taurus, is ruled by Venus, so this becomes a deeply Venusian lunation, one that asks you to reflect on balance, harmony, and the ways you show up in connection with others. Where have you been over-giving? Where have you been holding back? What does mutual care actually look like for you right now? Full moons tend to reveal what’s been building beneath the surface, and this one may highlight the subtle imbalances that are ready to be acknowledged so they can finally shift.

And just as those realizations begin to land, the moon moves into Scorpio from April 3rd to 5th, deepening the emotional tone of the week and bringing a kind of epilogue to the story the full moon begins. If Libra helps you see the dynamic, Scorpio asks you to feel it fully… and decide what stays and what goes. This can be a more intense undercurrent, where emotions run deeper, truths become harder to ignore, and the desire for honesty outweighs the need to keep things peaceful. It’s not about reacting impulsively, but about honoring what’s real. By the time the weekend unfolds, you may find that something has shifted within you… not necessarily loudly, but in a way that feels final enough to trust.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

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Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, what if the next level of your life isn’t about doing more, but about valuing yourself more? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your money and self-worth zone begins to glow for the next four weeks, and the shift is immediate. Instead of chasing, pushing, or trying to prove something, you’re being invited to slow down and receive. This isn’t just about increasing your income, although that can absolutely be part of it. It’s about recognizing that abundance starts with how you treat yourself. Are you resting enough? Are you investing in what makes you feel good in your body? Are you allowing yourself to enjoy what you’ve already built? This is a powerful time to create a more grounded relationship with money and self-esteem. Maybe that looks like setting a realistic budget that still includes pleasure, raising your rates or asking for what you deserve, or simply upgrading your daily habits so they reflect the life you’re growing into. The more you move from self-worth instead of urgency, the more naturally things begin to flow.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your partnership sector, bringing your relationships into full view. This is where things get real. Full moons tend to reveal what’s been building beneath the surface, so for some Aries, this could look like a breakthrough: a deeper understanding, a much needed conversation, or a moment of clarity that strengthens the bond. For others, it may highlight where things feel imbalanced, whether that’s codependency or realizing you’ve been compromising too much of yourself to keep the peace. Libra energy asks for fairness, reciprocity, and mutual respect, and this lunation may push you to redefine what that looks like in your connections. The lesson isn’t to lose yourself in someone else or to shut people out completely but rather to find that middle ground where you can show up fully and still honor your independence. What becomes clear now is meant to help you move forward with more honesty and alignment in how you love and relate.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, are you ready to step into your glow up era, the kind that feels as good as it looks? Venus enters your sign on March 30th, and for the next four weeks, you’re the main character in the most effortless way. There’s something about this transit that brings you back to yourself, your body, your desires, your pace. You may feel more attractive, more in tune with what you want, and less willing to settle for anything that doesn’t feel aligned. This is a powerful time to invest in yourself, whether that’s updating your wardrobe, prioritizing rest, indulging in simple pleasures, or making choices that reflect your worth. And yes, this can absolutely translate into money and opportunities flowing more easily, but the key is that you’re no longer chasing them from a place of lack. You’re attracting from a place of embodiment. The more you honor what feels good and sustainable, the more others respond to that energy.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your work, routine, and wellness zone, bringing your daily life into focus. You might notice where things feel out of balance: maybe your schedule’s been overwhelming, your boundaries around work have been blurry, or you’ve been giving more energy than you’re receiving. This full moon can bring a moment of realization, where you see clearly what needs to shift so your life feels more harmonious. For some, this could look like restructuring your routine, setting better boundaries with coworkers, or recommitting to habits that support your well-being. For others, it may be more emotional, like realizing that burnout isn’t something to push through, but something to listen to. Libra energy reminds you that balance is not something you stumble upon… it’s something you actively create. And this week gives you the awareness to start doing exactly that.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, are you ready to romanticize your inner world instead of always being outside? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your spirituality and healing sector becomes more active, and the vibe shifts in a way that might feel unfamiliar at first. Things slow down. You may feel less interested in being everywhere at once and more drawn to quiet moments, reflection, and reconnecting with yourself behind the scenes. This is a beautiful time to tend to your inner life: your thoughts, your emotions, your patterns, especially the ones you don’t always pause long enough to notice. There’s also something very restorative about this transit, where pleasure comes from rest, solitude, music, journaling, or even just giving yourself permission to not always be “on.” And interestingly, the more you allow yourself to slow down and pour into yourself privately, the more clarity you gain about what (and who) actually deserves your energy moving forward.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector, and suddenly… you’re back outside, but in a different way. This is a heart-opening, attention-grabbing kind of energy that can bring romantic developments, creative breakthroughs, or moments where you feel more seen and appreciated for who you are. For some Geminis, this could look like a flirtation turning into something more meaningful, or a realization about what you truly want in love. For others, it may highlight where you’ve been holding back your creativity or downplaying your voice. This full moon week may show you whether your joy has been mutual or one-sided. The invitation here is to express yourself more freely… not to perform, but to connect. When you let yourself be seen in a way that feels authentic, the right people respond naturally.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, are you ready to let your life feel a little sweeter, especially with the right people around you? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your friendship, community, and long-term vision sector begins to open up in a beautiful way. Over the next four weeks, you may find yourself drawn to people and spaces that feel supportive, grounding, and genuinely aligned with who you’re becoming. This isn’t about networking for the sake of it, but rather about connection that feels good in your body. You might reconnect with friends who remind you of yourself, meet people who share your values, or feel more inspired to collaborate and dream bigger with others. You’re learning how to receive support, and not always being the one who holds everything together. Let people show up for you. Let your desires be witnessed. The more you allow yourself to feel safe in community, the more your future starts to feel like something you don’t have to build alone.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra illuminates your home and roots zone, bringing your emotional foundation into focus. This could look like a moment of clarity around your living situation, family dynamics, or even your relationship with stability and belonging. You might realize where something feels out of balance… maybe you’ve been pouring too much energy into others and not enough into your own space, or avoiding a conversation that needs to happen at home. For some, this could bring a breakthrough, a sense of peace, a needed shift, or a deeper understanding of what “home” truly means. For others, it may feel more like a release, letting go of patterns or expectations that no longer feel supportive. Libra energy asks for harmony, but not at the cost of your truth. This is your moment to create a foundation that feels both peaceful and real.

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, are you ready to be admired for what you actually do and not just your potential? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your career and public image zone begins to glow, and over the next four weeks, there’s a natural magnetism building around your work and reputation. People are noticing you: your consistency, your taste, your presence… even if you feel like you’ve been moving quietly. This is a powerful time to lean into your craft, refine your brand, and make choices that reflect the level you’re stepping into. You might feel more motivated to invest in your work, elevate your image, or pursue opportunities that feel both aligned and sustainable. And the key here is patience. Taurus energy doesn’t rush… it builds something that lasts. The more you move with intention and self-respect, the more recognition flows to you without you having to chase it.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your communication sector, bringing conversations, realizations, and truths to the surface. You might find yourself having an important discussion, expressing something you’ve been holding in, or gaining clarity through someone else’s words. For some Leos, this could be a breakthrough in how you communicate: learning to listen more, or realizing where you’ve been over-explaining or holding back to keep things smooth. For others, it may highlight a decision you’ve been circling, finally landing on what feels right. This week’s full moon invites you to notice whether your voice has been equally valued in your interactions. The clarity that comes now helps you move forward with more confidence in what you say and how you say it.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, are you ready to zoom out a little and trust that your life is allowed to get bigger? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your expansion sector opens up in a way that feels both exciting and stabilizing. Over the next four weeks, you may feel drawn to experiences that stretch you: travel, learning something new, exploring a different path, or simply saying yes to opportunities that take you out of your usual routine. There’s a quiet confidence building here, where you’re not just planning your next move, you’re starting to believe in it. This is also a beautiful time to invest in yourself, whether that’s education, mentorship, or experiences that broaden your perspective. The more you allow yourself to follow what feels aligned instead of overanalyzing every detail, the more doors begin to open in ways that feel natural, not forced.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra activates your money and self-worth sector, bringing your relationship to value into focus. This could show up as a financial realization, such as recognizing where you’ve been undercharging, overspending, or not fully honoring what you bring to the table. But it goes deeper than that. You might also notice where your self-esteem has been tied too closely to external validation, or where you’ve been questioning your worth more than necessary. This full moon offers a moment of clarity — a chance to recalibrate how you define value, both materially and emotionally. This full moon week is about making sure that what you give and what you receive are in alignment. The more you stand in your worth, the more your external reality begins to reflect it.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, are you ready to stop playing it safe in love and actually ask for what you want? As Venus, your ruling planet, enters Taurus on March 30th, it activates your depth, intimacy, and shared resources zone, shifting your focus toward what’s real, what’s mutual, and what actually feels safe enough to surrender into. Over the next four weeks, surface-level connections just won’t do it for you. You’re craving something more grounded, more consistent, more authentic. This can show up in your relationships, your finances, or even your emotional patterns, such as noticing where you’ve been holding back, or where you’ve been accepting less than what you truly desire. This is a powerful time to explore trust — trusting others, but more importantly, trusting yourself to receive without overcompensating. Let yourself slow down, feel into what’s actually aligned, and remember that depth doesn’t have to feel chaotic to be meaningful.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in your sign lights up your identity and self-expression sector, bringing a very personal moment of clarity. Full moons tend to reveal what’s been building beneath the surface, and this one’s asking you to look at yourself honestly: how you show up, what you’ve been tolerating, and what you’re ready to shift. For some Libras, this could feel like a breakthrough like a renewed sense of self, a decision to prioritize your needs, or the confidence to move differently in your relationships. For others, it may feel more like a release, encouraging you to let go of people-pleasing patterns, outdated versions of yourself, or roles you’ve outgrown. This is your annual reset. The more you come back to yourself, the more everything else begins to align.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, are you ready to let someone meet you halfway, or are we still doing everything ourselves? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your relationship sector begins to soften in a way that might feel both comforting and slightly unfamiliar. Over the next four weeks, there’s an emphasis on partnership that feels steady, reciprocal, and grounded… not the intense, all-or-nothing dynamic you’re used to navigating, but something that builds slowly and actually lasts. You may find yourself attracting people who are more consistent, more emotionally available, or simply more aligned with where you are now. And the real shift here is learning to receive that without overanalyzing it or trying to control the outcome. This can also extend to professional partnerships or collaborations, such as noticing who shows up for you and allowing yourself to lean into that support instead of carrying everything alone. Love, in all its forms, doesn’t have to be complicated to be real.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra activates your spirituality and subconscious sector, bringing something to light that may have been quietly building behind the scenes. This could show up as a realization about a pattern you’re ready to release, a moment of emotional clarity, or even the need to step back and rest more intentionally. You might notice where you’ve been holding onto something out of habit, fear, or comfort, even if it no longer feels aligned. This isn’t always loud or dramatic, sometimes it’s subtle, like a quiet knowing that it’s time to let go. Libra energy invites balance, but here, that balance comes from within… from choosing peace over control, and release over resistance. What you clear now creates space for something much more aligned to enter.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag, are you ready to get your life together, but like, in a way that actually feels good this time? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your work, routine, and wellness zone comes into focus, and over the next four weeks, you’re being invited to slow things down and create systems that feel sustainable, not overwhelming. This isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing things better. You might feel drawn to upgrade your daily habits, take better care of your body, or organize your schedule in a way that leaves room for pleasure, not just productivity. There’s also something here about enjoying the process… finding small moments of satisfaction in your work, your routines, even the way you move through your day. The more you treat your life like something to be curated instead of managed, the more everything starts to flow with less resistance.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your friendship and community sector, bringing your social life and long-term connections into focus. You might notice a shift in how you relate to certain people… maybe realizing who truly shows up for you and who doesn’t, or feeling called to rebalance the energy you give within your friendships. For some, this could be a moment of reconnection or clarity within a group dynamic. For others, it may be more of a release, leading to you stepping back from spaces that no longer feel aligned. Libra energy asks for reciprocity, so this is a chance to notice whether your relationships feel mutual or one-sided. The more honest you are about where you belong, the easier it becomes to build connections that actually support your growth.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, are you ready to enjoy your life a little more without feeling like you have to earn it first? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your creativity, romance, and pleasure sector begins to open up, and over the next four weeks, there’s a noticeable shift toward joy, ease, and self-expression. This is a beautiful time to reconnect with what makes you feel alive… whether that’s dating, creating, dressing up, or simply allowing yourself to have fun without attaching it to productivity. You may feel more magnetic in your romantic life, more inspired creatively, or just more in tune with your desires overall. And the key here is letting it be simple. You don’t have to overthink every feeling or plan every outcome. The more you allow yourself to follow what feels good in the moment, the more naturally things begin to align in ways that still feel grounded and sustainable.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your career and public image sector, bringing a moment of visibility and clarity around your professional path. You might notice something coming full circle: recognition for your work, a decision about your direction, or a realization about what you’re ready to step into next. At the same time, this can highlight where things feel out of balance. Maybe you’ve been overextending yourself, or questioning whether your efforts are being seen. For some, this could feel like a breakthrough, stepping into a new level of confidence or opportunity. For others, it may be a release, letting go of roles or expectations that no longer feel aligned. This lunation is about finding a way to succeed without losing yourself in the process. The more aligned you feel internally, the more your external world begins to reflect it.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, are you ready to come home to yourself, and actually enjoy being there? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your home, roots, and emotional foundation zone softens in a really nourishing way over the next four weeks. Life slows down a bit, but not in a boring way… in a “this actually feels good” kind of way. You may feel more drawn to your space, your comfort, your people, or even redefining what home means to you. This can look like redecorating, spending more intentional time with family, creating a routine that feels peaceful, or simply allowing yourself to rest without guilt. You’re now more drawn to emotional security, and this transit helps you choose environments and relationships that feel safe, stable, and supportive. The more you pour into your foundation, the stronger everything else in your life becomes.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra lights up your expansion sector, bringing clarity around your bigger vision, your beliefs, and where you’re heading next. You might feel a pull toward something new: travel, education, a shift in perspective, or even a realization that you’ve outgrown the way you’ve been seeing your life. For some, this could be a breakthrough moment where everything clicks into place. For others, it may feel like a gentle but undeniable nudge to move differently, even if you’re not fully sure how yet. This week’s full moon is about aligning your inner world with your outer direction and making sure that where you’re going actually reflects who you’re becoming. The more honest you are about what you want, the clearer your path forward becomes.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, are you ready to say what you mean, and actually be heard? As Venus enters Taurus on March 30th, your communication sector softens and sweetens over the next four weeks, making it easier to express yourself in a way that feels both grounded and genuine. You may notice conversations flowing more naturally, your words landing more clearly, and even a desire to slow down and be more intentional with how you speak, write, and connect. This is a beautiful time to have meaningful conversations, share your ideas, or even revisit something you’ve been wanting to say but didn’t quite have the words for before. This practical energy helps you organize your thoughts, get clear on your plans, and communicate your needs in a way that others can actually meet. The more you trust your voice, the more doors open through simple, honest expression.

Then on April 1st, the Full Moon in Libra activates your depth and shared resources zone, bringing emotional and financial dynamics into focus. You might notice a realization around trust, vulnerability, or where your energy is being exchanged in ways that don’t feel entirely balanced. This could show up in a relationship, a financial situation, or even your own patterns around giving and receiving. For some, this is a breakthrough such as a deeper level of intimacy or clarity that strengthens a bond. For others, it may feel like a release, recognizing where something no longer feels aligned and being ready to shift it. The more honest you are about what you’re sharing and what you’re receiving in return, the more empowered you become in how you move forward.

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The Best Spring 2026 Dresses Are Moody, Romantic — & A Little Unhinged

2026-03-27T16:15:19-00:00

This season, we’re developing a deep yearning for an unrequited love — and dressing accordingly. Following the release of Wuthering Heights and the coinciding press tour, which saw a parade of Victorian-inspired slays from leading lady Margot Robbie, fashion trends have taken a turn for the moody and romantic.

Though spring collections typically center candy colors and Easter-coded prints (florals, gingham, etc.), designers are leaning in the opposite direction. Instead of the usual tired motifs, new releases are pulling themes from the most stylish periods of fashion history: from the Regency Era à la Bridgerton to the roaring ’20s, all the way up to Y2K. As a result, 2026 spring dress trends are paying homage to the best vintage influences fashion has to offer.

Antique-inspired trends include silk fringe, scarf details, and drop-waist silhouettes — design details that Caroline Maguire, Shopbop’s Senior Fashion Director, says “add that soft, romantic feel, with a bit of that Wuthering Heights mood. When it’s done well, it’s actually incredibly wearable and easy to incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.”

In short: these are the spring dresses you’ll yearn for.

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Polka Dots

Polka dots are one of fashion’s most timeless prints, but this spring, the iconic motif has been effectively reinvented. Taking notes from Scandinavian style influencers, designers have begun adapting the look in more whimsical ways. These aren’t your typical polka dot dresses — think mixed prints and interesting proportional play, combined with ruffles, rosettes, and more. Take Area’s runway, for example.

“We’re seeing more polka dots in larger, more exaggerated scales, which gives them a slightly bolder, more fashion-forward feel,” says Maguire. “Brands are also pairing dots [with] other patterns — like florals or stripes — which makes it feel more unexpected.”

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Vintage Fringe

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: A model walks the runway for the Ulla Johnson fashion show during New York Fashion Week on February 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Bringing the roaring ’20s squarely into this century, designers like Area, Harris Reed, Ulla Johnson, and more are embracing the silk fringe that defined the flapper era. And the effects of this are already popping up in shopping carts and on red carpets alike. Take the 2026 Oscars after-parties, for example, where fringe took a leading role.

Everyone from actress Odessa A’zion to pop star Dua Lipa came dressed in the stuff — A’zion in silky black fringe and Lipa in a golden beaded gown. And while your everyday iterations are much more wearable, the look brings an element of Old World glamour to even the simplest spring dress silhouette.

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Drop-Waist

NEW YORK, USA – FEBRUARY 11: A model walks the runway during the Cinq A Sept Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 fashion show as part of the New York Fashion Week on February 11, 2026 in NY. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Cinq à Sept and Fforme are the most recent brands to send romantic, drop-waist dresses down their respective runways — but they certainly weren’t the first. The look has been picking up speed for several years running, but thanks to one Catherine Earnshaw — played by Margot Robbie — the antique-inspired look will most certainly reach a fever pitch, once the warm weather officially takes hold.

Though Wuthering Heights showed a more elaborate, gothic-inspired interpretation of the drop-waist dress trend, shoppable versions are much more low-key. Available in fabrics like linen and voile, these modern takes feel appropriate for everything from boozy brunch to date night.

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Scarf-Included

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: A model walks the runway for the 7 For All Mankind FW26 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at the Starrett-Lehigh Building on February 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Victor Pagan/Getty Images)

If you would have told me that 7 For All Mankind would host the buzziest New York Fashion Week show of the season, I would have laughed in your face. But alas, the iconic denim retailer had editors positively gagged when they sent a 2000s-coded model down the runway in a silky bubble dress (more on that ahead) and a skinny scarf. Trust me, in the coming months everyone will be copying this look.

Retailers are already catching on, with cult favorite brands, such as Reformation, Never Fully Dressed, Quince, and Mango stocking their virtual shelves with silky spring dresses that come with matching scarves. To style the look, fashion girls are pulling inspiration from minimalist ’90s culture, pairing their co-ords with strappy sandals and an elegant up-do.

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Paillette Sequins

NEW YORK, USA – FEBRUARY 15: A model walks the runway during the Sandy Liang Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 fashion show as part of the New York Fashion Week on February 15, 2026 in NY. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Fashion’s most delightfully tacky trend has taken an elegant, more understated turn for spring. Labels like Christian Siriano, Area, and Maryll Rogge are rejuvenating the classic sequined look using transparent palettes. The design trick makes sparkle feel much more wearable — not only for nights out, but for everyday occasions as well.

Maguire says she’s “been loving a palette sequin this season” — as have her shoppers. “Something new for palettes is how they’re coming through in really vibrant, saturated colors, especially in matching sets,” she says.

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High-Volume

NEW YORK, USA – FEBRUARY 14: A model walks the runway during the Aknvas Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 fashion show as part of the New York Fashion Week on February 14, 2026 in NY. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

It’s about time women started unapologetically taking up space and spring dress trends do just that. Exaggerated hips, overlarge padded detailing, and voluminous bubble skirts dominated recent runway collections, from brands like Collina Strada, Meruert Tolegen, Aknvas, and beyond.

Maguire, meanwhile, says the trend truly “resonates with the Shopbop customer.” She tells Refinery29: “We’re seeing a lot of momentum around really interesting proportions, specifically with more voluminous skirts and tops.” According to her, the trend toes the line between simplicity and trend-forward. “There’s a sense of ease to it, but it still feels directional,” she says.

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Female Rage, Rich Villains & A Flaming Axe: Inside They Will Kill You

2026-03-27T14:56:54-00:00

Spoilers ahead. They Will Kill You is one of my favorite films of the year. It’s only March, but I have the same affinity for it as I did towards Bring Her Back in 2025, which remains one of my top watches in recent history. It’s an action-comedy-horror film with outrageous kills, ridiculous moments, and Kill Bill-style fight scenes. Oh, and at one point, the protagonist Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz) takes on an entire room of thugs with an axe that’s on fire. The premise is simple: Asia takes a job as a housekeeper at an exclusive New York City high-rise. She doesn’t realize she’s walking into a trap, as the Virgil houses a satanic cult behind a number of mysterious disappearances. Cue blood-spilling fights, explosions, and, at one point, an eyeball that makes its way around the building by itself.

While it’s campy and super enjoyable, writer-director Kirill Sokolov also touches on real-world issues that are especially prevalent today. Lilith (Patricia Arquette) and Ray (Paterson Joseph) were originally shunned for being in a biracial relationship, Asia isn’t a perfect victim, and the villains of the story just happen to be the super-rich and elite members of society.

When I spoke to Zazie Beetz, Patricia Arquette, Heather Graham (Virgil member Sharon) and Myha’la (Asia’s sister Maria) about the film, they seemed eager to break down the different elements of They Will Kill You. Arquette also gave us details about a scene that was cut involving the infamous pig head, and Beetz explained how that practical fire axe scene worked.

Refinery29: I loved this film so much. It felt like it was a celebration of female rage. Was it cathartic to shoot?

Zazie Beetz: I think acting overall is incredibly cathartic to get to explore the range of human experience and the range of human emotion that I feel like we often have to repress in our day-to-day lives, and to really go all out and to feel to embody that energy, because you actually have to get into it in order to perform. It was extremely cathartic.

I love that a lot of the guiding force for Asia, for her rage was also bound in love, her drive was to find her sister, and that’s what allowed me to get angry, to fight back, versus becoming meek. I feel like I needed to get into that anger energy in order to protect and in order to come into the warrior self.

I also did a lot of screaming and my vocal cords were pretty shot. By the end of the shoot I was actually nervous because we would do scenes, and I didn’t sound the same as I did at the beginning of the shoot, because my voice was just gone.

Heather Graham: I think it is cool, like a woman being able to express her rage, but it is all coming from a place of love, that she loves her sister so much, but it is cool to see female power coming out of anger and rage, and that she’s able to put it towards something positive like protecting someone she loves.

Acting overall is incredibly cathartic to get to explore the range of human experience and the range of human emotion that I feel like we often have to repress in our day-to-day lives.
Zazie Beetz on the female rage in they will kill you

Talking about rage, the fire axe scene was wild. I heard it was all done in camera. What was it like filming stunts with a flaming axe?

Zazie Beetz: There were a lot of safety things put into place. The people that got lit on fire, they had to be covered fully, like drenched, head to toe in a gel. I think that keeps the flames cooler. We were dressed in flame retardant clothes, and I had a wig that was dipped in flame retardant liquid that was velcroed on so I could rip it off in case it caught fire. People had to be fire extinguished after every take. And it’s intense, and you definitely feel the heat. But I think as an actor, this is what gives you fuel to be able to actually react and engage. I never felt scared, but I just felt aware and present. I always think that adds to performance, which is why I like practical effects. And I’m so glad that so much of this movie used practical gore and puppetry.

Heather and My’hala, what was it like doing your own stunts?

Heather Graham: I was slightly terrified, because I just thought, I definitely do not want to accidentally punch Zazie. I don’t want her to accidentally punch me. But it was honestly one of the funnest things, because there’s something so visceral about trying to kill someone and them trying to kill you. It was just really exciting, and it felt really athletic. And I always wanted to be a kick ass action person.

My’hala: I was really like running in fear most of the time, and I got punched in the face one time, so it wasn’t as intense as what everyone else was doing, but I will say receiving a punch on screen is tough. My neck hurt really bad for a few days.

What was it like filming with so much fake blood?

My’hala: This is indeed my third rodeo with some fake blood. I didn’t miss her. It’s sticky and annoying and uncomfortable, but it looks amazing, so it’s worth every second of the discomfort.

And Patricia, your character is a villain, but there’s also reasoning behind why she first joined Virgil. How did that shape the way you approached playing the character?

Patricia Arquette: If you look at any bad guy in real life or in movies, they always have a reason for what they do. They always think it’s okay what they do. You look at these Epstein files and all these people around him who were his friends. They say, well, because he was giving money to our hospital, well, because he was this and that. There’s always all these reasons why people look away and don’t want to acknowledge the damage that they’re doing.

But the difference is, like Zazie’s character comes in the movie and she has regrets, she has things she wants to work on. She knows she’s made a painful impact, on someone else, and she has empathy. And that’s the difference. People who are good people have empathy, and people that turn away from their empathy are very dangerous people.

People who are good people have empathy, and people that turn away from their empathy are very dangerous people.
Patricia Arquette on Villains IRL & In Movies

Heather and My’hala, the film is campy and packaged up in a really fun way. But there’s these underlying themes about racism, power and riches causing real harm. Do we need this message now more than ever?

Heather Graham: I think it’s an important social commentary about what’s going on right now. There’s the rich 1% people that have money and power and they want to take advantage and abuse other people, just like in this movie. But it’s a hopeful message, I think.

And horror has historically been snubbed when it comes to Best Picture at the Oscars. Does the genre need more recognition?

My’hala: I like to think that even if something doesn’t get awards recognition, it’s still piercing the Zeitgeist and reaching large audiences and influence. Maybe not in awards, but the horror community is global, thriving, very strong, and connected. I feel the community when I’m in a project like this, and their love and appreciation for the history of the genre and all the new stuff coming out, so even if they’re not being awarded at the Oscars or whatever, they’re certainly being awarded in the community’s hearts. And I’ll take that!

Heather Graham: I think if you’re bored of watching all the Academy contenders and you want to just watch a fun, smart movie that’s an audience pleaser, watch They Will Kill You. I think everyone might be kind of sick of Academy movies now, they might just want to watch an awesome, fun movie.

There’s the rich 1% people that have money and power and they want to take advantage and abuse other people, just like in this movie.
Heather Graham on They Will Kill You

And finally, I was obsessed with the battle between Asia and Lily where Patricia had to wear a pig’s head. What was filming that like?

Patricia Arquette: There was some really cool stuff that we didn’t even end up shooting because we were running behind and it was kind of crazy… but there was a part that got cut out, which I’m glad it got cut out, and I wasn’t that comfortable shooting it. I mean, I’m not superstitious, and I’m an actor, and everything’s pretend, and it’s a puppet. But it was the morning after the US election, and I had to put this pig head on and say an incantation, and it just creeped me out. I didn’t really like saying it. It freaked me out. Anyway, I was so glad that they cut it out. It didn’t work for them either.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

They Will Kill You will be released in theaters on March 27, 2026.

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Venus In Taurus Is Here — & It’s Time To Get Out Of Your Relationship Rut

2026-03-27T11:00:31-00:00

Illustration of Venus with visible atmosphere.

Now that cuffing season is over, our feelings about faithfulness and fidelity will change. From March 30th to April 24th, Venus’s movement into Taurus marks a time of transformation, since the cosmos is urging us to rethink and revise the way we partner and handle our finances. We are changing the rules and outgrowing the cycle, which is pushing us to embrace a different approach to partnerships. It’s time to get out of the relationship rut we’ve been in.

Traditionally, Venus in Taurus offers security and tenderness. We stay put in circumstances because we are stubborn in our sentiments and want to see matters through. We acknowledge how much people care by the gifts they give, the great food they cook for us, and the compassion from those we adore. Also: long cuddle sessions and amazing sex are a part of the charm of Venus in Taurus. Financially, we tend to be conservative with our spending, only receiving presents as tokens of affection. Contributing monthly to an IRA and having a lush bank account are important because they make us feel like we are giving ourselves TLC and don’t have to stress about necessities.

Although Venus in Taurus is usually known to be a stabilizing time in matters of relationships and money, this year it’s going to be provocative, transformative, and erratic. Our sense of stability is going to be shaken to the core, due to Pluto in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus activating Venus in intense ways on April 3rd and the 23th. Unfortunately, we will experience jealousy and triangular dynamics, and our passions will be ignited, forcing us to make major decisions about how we invest our energies and fortunes. Venus is playing games with love. The question is: are you going to participate?

Let’s break it down. Pluto is a volatile planet that pushes us out of our comfort zone, and Venus likes to keep things chill. When Pluto and Venus share a tense aspect, the two create havoc together. The result is to usher us into a new way of partnering and financing — but the moment they collide, it’s going to be chaos. People might trigger us because we’re envious of what they have. Don’t judge a situation or a romance by what they post on social media; there’s a deeper meaning and innuendo beyond what you see in their curated feed.

Uranus, which is at the last degrees of Taurus, connects with Venus at the anaretic degree, pushing us to break free and out of commitments. This frenetic transit occurs on April 23rd, two days after Venus and the fixed star Algol on April 21st. We must be careful to avoid confrontations and arguments on April 21st and 23rd because they can lead to ongoing conflict. Having the last word seems to be of utmost importance, so it’s avoidable to flip the switch. Not texting or saying the final zinger in a fight gives us power. Controlling our reactions and not paying attention to problems being projected onto us is crucial to ensure we don’t later regret our behavior.

All in all, Venus in Taurus is going to be a roller coaster ride, so prepare by going with the flow. As long as we do not have any expectations and are present in the moment, we can thrive. Self-care and artistic endeavors are vital to endure the hot and cold energy — book a massage or join a painting class ASAP.

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Important Dates for Venus in Taurus:

March 30th: Venus enters Taurus, crafting a sensual and insatiable lust for life and romance.

April 3rd: Venus in Taurus squares Pluto in Aquarius, causing intense struggles with others, leading to evolution.

April 6th: Venus in Taurus harmonizes with the Nodes of Destiny, bringing us close to those who will help our future.

April 13th: Venus in Taurus sextiles Jupiter in Cancer, heightening our emotions and material comforts.

April 23rd: Venus forms a conjunction with Uranus in Taurus, intensifying our desires for individuality and uniqueness.

April 24th: Venus swings into Gemini, starting a new journey around love and money for the next few weeks.

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The Coolest Spring 2026 Jacket Trends For Transitional-Weather Dressing

2026-03-26T20:18:14-00:00

It’s that time of year again when we’ve kissed an hour of sleep goodbye in exchange for longer moments with the sun. That means it’s also time to pack up your puffers and wool coats in preparation for breezy spring weather. While some categories of clothes may be in an anti-trend, classic era, like denim, jackets are doing the complete opposite. They’re full of fun, personality, and an air of cool.

The hottest jacket styles this spring do everything from putting twists on a classic piece to reimagining a traditional silhouette. A trench coat? It’s no longer the long, khaki staple but chopped to a shorter proportion and made with fresh materials. Funnel neck coats, which swept the scene last fall, continue their reign. Many of these have trickled down from runways, while others are driven by broader cultural moments.

“There’s a real focus on versatility. Jackets have become the outfit, not just the finishing layer,” Sarah Bonello, founder of The Park, tells Refinery29. “There’s a desire to feel put-together but not overworked. That’s why you’re seeing these more relaxed, layering-friendly silhouettes like trenches and capes. There’s also a shift toward more intentional dressing, fewer pieces, but styled in a way that feels thoughtful.”

Read on to discover the coolest spring jacket trends to shop as you start refreshing and revamping your closet, with some tidbits from our favorite fashion people. Plus, peruse our top shopping picks, from more affordable to designer options.

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Capes and Capelets

In the midst of fashion’s romance revival, it makes sense that capes would come back into the limelight. “They bring this sense of movement and quiet drama that feels fresh,” Bonello says.

The style feels inextricably linked to fantasy and costume, whether that’s Cate Blanchett playing a seraphic elf in Lord of the Rings or Marilyn Monroe’s cheeky cheetah cape in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. It’s no surprise that famously whimsical and romantic designers like Alessandro Michele featured capes on his Spring/Summer 2026 Valentino runway; Jonathan Anderson also showed them in his debut show.

These regal-feeling jackets can pair well with just about anything, whether we’re talking a khaki cropped cape with jeans or a sweeping cape worn over a matching set. Their more subdued interpretation, capelets, are also trending.

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Trench Coats With a Twist

As fashion photographer Sophie Elgort tells Refinery29, “The trench is a forever piece. It evolves each season but never disappears.” And this spring, trench coats typically go one of two routes: they’re cropped (very petite-friendly) or have a freaky detail.

One of the easiest ways to achieve the spring 2026 trend is by simply cropping the traditional trench coat into something that hits at the hips or slightly above. “The proportions are magic and do all the work. Defined waist and legs for days,” designer and creator Carla Rockmore tells Refinery29 on the cropped trench look. “Then, you have all those delicious details: buttons, cuffs, a self-belt, which makes it feel intentional without trying too hard.”

This spring is also all about trench coats with tweaks to their lapels, like swapping in a shiny leather or checkered fabric for the classic gabardine. These little changes add an edgy and playful touch to something timeless.

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Boxy Blazers

We may have colloquially kissed “girlboss” goodbye, but we certainly haven’t stopped power dressing. This spring’s boxy blazers are distinct from well-tailored jackets that hug the body and highlight the waist. Instead, these spacious and oversized versions don’t constrain movement, but let the body move more freely. This means comfort is built into this style, which projects authority and confidence. We witnessed these rise from runways like Victoria Beckham and Acne Studios to our favorite street style moments.

“I’ve been really inspired by how tailoring is becoming softer and more fluid. Blazers are effortless,” Bonello says. “I’ll throw one on with our Joy leggings or even just a simple Park bodysuit, and it instantly makes the look feel more considered without trying too hard. It’s one of those pieces that does the work for you.”

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Feminized Bombers

Bomber jackets never lost their appeal, but they seem to be caught up in the wave of those 2016 nostalgic-driven trends coming back ten years later. But today, it’s not just about the classic, cool-girl leather bomber. There are also some other fabrications in the mix, like bubble hem cottons and slinky nylons.

When Chloé Creative Director Chemena Kamali revealed her own flouncy bombers in her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, she framed her design process as one takes out all the stiffness.” No wonder the trendiest bombers this season balance the classic leather look with something more contemporary and feminine.

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Tech Jacket Takeover

Sporty jackets and windbreakers are classics in their own right, but they’ve gotten fashion makeovers as an unmissable moment on Spring/Summer 2026 runways like Loewe’s. “There’s a continued shift toward casual chic. We still want comfort, but we’re no longer willing to look careless. It’s ease, but with polish and intention,” Rockmore says.

Tech jackets are often defined by their outer shell, which is usually weather resistant thanks to their performance-based material, and can take on a myriad of aesthetics. Today’s hottest options range from sporty drawstring styles to those inspired by anoraks.

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Workwear-Inspired Jackets

Workwear jackets have long been staples of, well, exactly that: work. But they’ve increasingly made their mark in fashion, particularly “as they’ve moved from designer to contemporary, which makes them feel more everywhere,” Elgort says. Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2026 show, which was widely discussed for its aprons, was a perfect example of this style of jacket’s power over fashion today.

This spring, utility-forward styles like field jackets, barn jackets, and chore jackets are reigning supreme. All their pockets and how easily they layer make these designs easy favorites. Beyond their advantages in functionality, Elgort adds, they “look cool on camera.”

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No Waist Zone

Some boxy styles may be trending this spring, but a tailored waist is very much alive. This is great news for someone who likes to play with shape and lines in their outfits. For example, a snatched waist works wonders with wide-leg jeans or a longer, loose skirt because it achieves balance. The best part of the snatched-in look is that it has no limits: You can find this detail across various jacket styles, from utility-inspired pieces to denim jackets.

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Time for Tweed

Tweed seems to be going through what some are calling the Matthieu Blazy effect. The woolen fabric is experiencing a spring revival thanks to the French designer and Chanel’s creative director. When his first collection hit Chanel boutique shelves mid-March 2026, it was total “pandemonium” and has already inspired a new wave of creators to put together tweed-y, runway-inspired looks. Blazy’s playful and colorful designs are, no doubt, front and center.

Tweed is naturally not the lightest material, which is why it’s such a staple for fall and a solid choice for the current transitional weather. For a style that can flex days swinging between freezing temps and cool breezes, go for long sleeves. If shopping for a tweed jacket to carry you from spring into summer, look for airy styles that might, for example, have short sleeves.

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Funnel Neck Jackets

By far, one of the biggest trend to hit spring outerwear comes from one small detail: a funnel neck. These coats can range in silhouette and fabrication, but they’ve all got a structured, high neck in common. We’ve seen these across street style and runways, like at Tory Burch and Chloé. It’s easy to embrace the unarguable “cool” feeling that comes with rocking this look, topped off best with a pair of opaque shades.

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The Best Latina-Owned Swimwear Brands You Haven’t Shopped Yet

2026-03-26T17:30:33-00:00

Whether you live by the coast, are preparing to be poolside at a resort, or prefer to dip your toes into a spring, ‘tis the season to cool off from the heat with a splash of water. So as you plan your spring and summer days by the water, you can’t forget swimwear.

But swimsuits don't just allow us to enjoy water activities. They also help us reflect how we want to feel. Maybe you want to be playful and flirty at a rooftop pool party with the girls, get into a sultry mood for that long-awaited beach getaway with your boo, or maybe you’re simply looking for a suit that makes you feel as radiant as you look.

Whatever the case, we’ve done the work for you. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite swimwear picks from Latina-owned brands. From bikinis, to one-pieces, to cover-ups, there’s certainly a suit for you.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

My name is Raquel, so when I discovered that Colombian swimwear brand Ola Azul had a one-piece bearing my name, I had to check it out. The Raquel Snow is a sleek, ivory suit crafted from eco-textured fabric that gives both structure and comfort. With built-in underwire, an open back, and adjustable tie straps, it’s a versatile piece that fits beautifully. I’ve been styling it with the Julia Garden Pareo, which complements the white one-piece with natural hues of soft greens, blush, and muted browns.

Ola Azul Ola Azul's Raquel Snow All-White One-Piece, $, available at Ola Azul

Colombian brand Baobab merges fashion with environmental consciousness, using regenerated ocean plastic and contributing to restoring coral reefs, removing plastics from oceans, and planting trees in the Amazon rainforest for every purchase. The Bari Bikini in Arcilla features a halter neckline design with self-tie straps and ruched detailing that comes together with embellished resin stones.

Baobab Baobab Bari Bikini in Red, $, available at Baobab

Based in Los Angeles, Dos Gardenias is a swimwear brand balancing strength, softness, and confidence. And that’s exactly how I feel in the brand’s Iris one-piece. A classic fit, this suit features a deep scoop neckline and underwire cups with a clean back for moderate-high coverage.

Dos Gardenias Dos Gardenias' Iris One-Piece in Black, $, available at Dos Gardenias

Brazilian brand Farm Rio has a gorgeous selection of swimwear. The Blue Palermo Strapless Bikini features playful tropical prints. With a structured bandeau top and two bottom options (including one that’s high-waisted), the set celebrates warmth and fun.

Farm Rio Farm Rio's Blue Palermo Strapless Bikini, $, available at Farm Rio

Made sustainably in Los Angeles and rooted in Brazilian heritage, Bromelia uses breathable, buttery-soft UPF 50+ swim fabric to craft timeless pieces. Take Guarajá, a supportive one-piece with a shelf bra, adjustable straps, and full bottom coverage. In the shade cobalto, you’ll match the deepest blues of the sea.

Bromelia Bromelia's Guarujá Underwire One-Piece in Cobalto, $, available at Bromelia

Handcrafted in Colombia by women artisans, Agua Bendita is a love letter to craftsmanship. The Lupita bikini is for the romantics. Featuring ruched sleeves, a delicate tie front, and underwire support with soft floral print, it’s for those who are ready to bloom.

Agua Bendita Agua Bendita's Lupita Bikini, $, available at Agua Bendita

Diciembre29 is a Puerto Rican brand from Gabriela Berlingeri that honors island heritage through gorgeous jewelry and swimwear collections. The Amapola One-Piece pays tribute to Isabela, a coastal town known for its natural beauty and surf-friendly beaches. With its deep scoop back and seashell print, this suit is perfect for ocean dips, sunset strolls, and feeling like home away from home.

Diciembre 29 Amapola One-Piece in Sola de Isabela by Diciembre 29, $, available at Diciembre 29

This Peruvian brand is handmade by women artisans and embodies the phrase “made with love.” The Lucy Mint Bikini features a ribbed mint fabric and a feminine, strappy cut that adds just the right amount of flirt. Capittana also reinvests in the community by supporting women-led workshops, so you can look good and feel good about how you’ve spent your hard-earned money.

Capittana Lucy Mint Bikini by Capittana, $, available at Capittana

Co-founded by Colombian-Mexican entrepreneur Marisa De Lecce, Hermoza is known for classic silhouettes and sculpting fits. The Lupe One-Piece is a timeless black suit that hugs curves with ruching, a structured bodice, and just enough coverage. It’s elegant and refined.

Hermoza Lupe One-Piece by Hermoza, $, available at Hermoza

Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz is synonymous with high fashion and tropical romanticism. The Tangled Up bikini in green features gathered detailing and a beaded ring at the center of the top that matches the high-rise bikini bottom.

Johanna Ortiz Johanna Ortiz's Taita Bikini, $, available at Johanna Ortiz

Created by Puerto Rican designer Valeria del Rey, La Gotta’s Danna swimsuit channels vintage glamour with its high-cut hips and supportive halter neckline. It’s minimalist, perfect for the girl who prefers an understated look. Even more, some proceeds support the Restoration of the Mangrove Nursery in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

La Gotta Danna Maroon by La Gotta, $, available at La Gotta

Puerto Rican designer Lila Nikole Rivera is known for her bold colors, but this Melon two-piece keeps things simple. A modest off-shoulder top pairs with bottoms that feature cut-out thigh accents.

Lila Nikole Lila Nikole's Melon Two-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Lila Nikole

Founded by Colombian designer Carolina Ordoñez, Palo Rosa’s pieces are made to bring out the wearer’s eccentric personality. The Celine Trikini is a standout piece with its sensual, architectural cut-outs.

Palo Rosa Celine Trikini by Palo Rosa, $, available at Palo Rosa

Pura Vida Swim is a sport-luxe swimwear brand made by French-Mexican fashion designer Mariel Bouffier to celebrate all bodies. Promoting size-inclusivity and body positivity with every release, the Cala set in this dreamy blue hue features a sporty bandeau and high-cut bottoms.

Pura Vida Cala Swimsuit by Pura Vida, $, available at Pura Vida

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My Hair Grew Longer & Healthier When I Stopped Avoiding These Ingredients

2026-03-26T15:00:48-00:00

As the adage goes, you only miss something when it’s gone — and that couldn’t have been more accurate than when I cut my hair into a bob a few years back. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my various crops, from the “Italian” bob to the “boyfriend” bob. Still, I missed the ease and versatility of long hair, which set me off on the journey of growing it out again.

Three months in, it felt like my hair hadn’t grown a millimeter, and an appointment with a trichologist revealed seborrheic dermatitis — an inflammatory skin condition that can leave the scalp itchy and flaky. We agreed that the best course of action was to wash my hair more often and switch out my current products. That was important; I’d been trialing a so-called “clean” hair care brand that avoided ingredients like sulfates and silicones, having heard a few rumors about their effects (more on that later). But it turns out that a good hair care routine doesn’t demonize certain ingredients; it embraces them.

Here’s everything I learned about how to achieve healthier, stronger hair after speaking with two top trichologists — and why many ingredients we’re told to avoid may actually be more helpful than harmful.

Are sulfates or SLS bad for your hair and scalp?

First up: sulfates. The “clean” beauty movement hasn’t done them any favors — though their bad reputation is mostly undeserved. Dr. Sharon Wong, a dermatologist, hair specialist, and cofounder of DOSE, explains that sulfates are highly effective at lifting away product build-up, oil, and dirt. When that build-up lingers, it can lead to scalp inflammation and irritation. The shampoo I was using previously didn’t list any sulfates — specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a very common surfactant that helps shampoo lather — and I suspect skipping it contributed to my aggravated scalp. More importantly, a clean scalp supports healthier hair growth, as build-up can clog hair follicles.

But here’s the thing: Dr. Wong explains that because sulfates have a “de-greasing” effect, some people find they can dry out both hair and scalp. “This is especially true for those with dry or textured hair types, and in color-treated hair, sulphates can lead to more rapid color fading,” says Dr. Wong.

While many people don’t tend to experience issues with sulfates — and my own hair looks and feels its best when I use them — they’ve been painted with a broad brush. Some formulas can be harsher, particularly for sensitive or reactive skin, but they’re not all the same, and the levels used in most shampoos are typically very minimal.

If you do react to sulfates, Dr. Wong suggests choosing gentler ones, since they’re still essential for cleansing. “Consider sodium coco-sulfate, which is derived from coconut oil and is generally less stripping,” says Dr. Wong. She also notes that plant-derived sulfate-free surfactants, such as decyl glucoside, exist in some hair products, but they don’t lather as well and may not be as effective at cleaning the scalp.

I love Dove Beauty Intensive Repair Hair Shampoo, which features sodium c12-13 pareth sulfate, a gentler sulfate that still cleanses effectively — my hair always feels soft, strong, and glossy. Another favorite is L’Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo, which cleanses deeply without stripping and boosts shine thanks to hyaluronic acid. If you have more to spend, try Redken Extreme Length Shampoo For Longer, Stronger Hair, with sodium laureth sulfate, which is kinder on skin than sodium lauryl sulfate, plus salicylic acid to remove oil and build-up.

Are silicones bad for hair?

Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist and founder of Colour Collective, says silicones — ingredients that form a waterproof coating on strands — do a brilliant job of instantly sealing the cuticle to create a shiny finish. Since returning to conditioners with silicones, my hair has never been glossier or softer. Matrix Food For Soft Detangling Hydrating Conditioner, L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Conditioner, and Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner are just three favorites I rotate in my hair routine and that work across all hair textures. But those with finer hair report that silicones can weigh their hair down and cause buildup over time. If you’re using a shampoo with effective surfactants, like gentle sulfates, and washing your hair regularly, silicone buildup shouldn’t be a major concern, since sulfates lift away product and excess oil.

If you’re using hair care with silicones and your hair is still frizzy and dry, Yates says you’re probably dealing with a hydration challenge. Your first port of call? “Applying conditioning treatments directly after washing the hair,” says Yates, adding, “It is better to lock in the moisture from fully saturated hair versus drying and then applying a treatment.”

Beyond conditioning treatments, Yates is a big fan of plant-based hair oils, particularly jojoba oil. “Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins and a natural emollient,” says Yates, which means it keeps moisture locked inside strands. “In some cases, it helps alleviate the itch from a dry, irritated [scalp],” adds Yates, “and it’s a brilliant oil for creating soft, shiny, and pliable locks because it smooths the cuticle down.” It’s especially beneficial for thicker, coarser hair.

Are alcohols bad for hair?

I always assumed that hair care products with alcohol in the ingredients list were bad for hair, dehydrating strands, and exacerbating split ends. Dr. Wong explains that there tend to be two types of alcohol in hair products, but they aren’t created equal — nor are they inherently bad for your hair.

First up: drying alcohol, like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. “These are light in texture, evaporate very quickly, and are commonly used in styling products like hairspray to improve the formulation and spreadability,” says Dr. Wong, essentially making light work of application. “If used excessively and not washed out properly, they can dehydrate the hair and scalp,” she adds. Again, it all comes down to washing your hair regularly. It also pays to note where on the ingredient list the alcohol features. “The further down it is, the smaller the quantity,” says Dr. Wong.

Then there are fatty alcohols, like lauric, stearic, and palmitic acid — and these are entirely different. In fact, they’re pretty essential in hair care. “Fatty alcohols are derived from oils, so they naturally have a more moisturizing effect,” says Dr. Wong. She adds, “They are also used to thicken products and help smooth the hair, so they are typically found in conditioners.”

Are parabens bad for your hair?

There’s a lot of chatter around parabens and their safety in cosmetic products. Yates explains that they’re preservatives often found in shampoos and conditioners, long considered the gold standard for preventing germs and mold.

Dr. Wong adds that public concern stems from parabens “mimicking” hormones such as estrogen and potentially interfering with the body’s natural hormone levels — but the evidence is lacking. In 2025, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) wrote on its website that it does “not have information showing that parabens, as they are used in cosmetics, have an effect on human health.” Based on the information we have, parabens are used in cosmetics in such small amounts that they haven’t been shown to be harmful.

If you’re allergic to parabens, avoid them. For everyone else, Yates recommends paying attention to the PAO symbol on the packaging (it looks like a little jar with a lid and a number inside), which indicates how long the product is good for after opening.

The verdict

Since listening to the science and consulting the experts, I’m no longer afraid of these ingredients in hair care. In fact, now that I’m embracing them, I’m convinced my hair is growing longer, stronger, and healthier as a result. Another thing I’ve learned is that the word “clean” is an unregulated term, and it doesn’t carry much weight. Instead of putting your trust in influencers who demonize certain ingredients, use the products you enjoy — and that fit your budget.

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The Ordinary’s $8.50 Lip Serum Is So Good, I’m Done Gatekeeping It

2026-03-25T21:45:43-00:00

There’s a new serum by The Ordinary on everyone’s lips these days — literally. (And no, it’s not the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, although that one is worth its weight in gold, IMHO.) Last year, the editor-beloved brand quietly debuted the PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, and if you ask me, the fact that more people aren’t talking about it is surprising. So let’s fix that!

The concept of lip exfoliators itself isn’t new, but the category has overwhelmingly flooded by physical exfoliators — aka, lip scrubs. And if I’m being honest, I’ve yet to meet one I truly can recommend in good faith — they’re often messy, overly abrasive, and don’t deliver much beyond immediate, temporary gratification. Until recently, my go-to method for keeping my lips in tip-top shape was a slightly damp, soft washcloth, gently buffed in small circular motions to lift away flakes. It worked, sure, but it wasn’t blowing my mind. The only other chemical lip exfoliator I’ve tested is Dr. Idriss’ two-step Lip Baste system, which I actually loved — but I won’t lie, it’s quite expensive at $44. Could The Ordinary’s new launch be a more wallet-friendly alternative? I sought to find out.

The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, $8.50

What is The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, and what are the benefits?

As the name suggests, The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is designed to slough off dead skin cells, leaving lips softer and smoother — much like exfoliation does for the rest of your face. It’s not just a win for getting lipstick and liner to glide on without enhancing flaky, patchy spots; it’s also a solid solution if you’re dealing with chronically dry, peeling lips.

True to form, the serum has a watery, lightweight texture that doesn’t just “sit” on the lips — my biggest pet peeve with any lip product. It absorbs quickly and feels virtually undetectable after a few minutes. I personally didn’t experience any burning or stinging, even using it three times a week, but then again, my skin (including my lips, apparently) isn’t particularly sensitive, and I don’t live in a cold, dry climate. If you’re more reactive or new to acids, it’s worth easing in and building up your frequency over time.

What makes The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum special?

Don’t let the tiny bottle fool you: You only need a drop or two to coat your lips in a thin layer, and the brand recommends using it no more than three times a week. At that rate, I don’t see myself running out anytime soon — which makes the $8.50 price tag feel like an absolute steal.

Most notably, the hero ingredient in The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is polyhydroxy acid, also known as PHA. PHAs are typically regarded as a suitable option for sensitive skin types, since the molecules are larger than AHAs and therefore penetrate the skin more slowly, resulting in less irritation. (This is an intentional choice on The Ordinary’s part, since the skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face. Also, unlike the face, it doesn’t have oil glands.)

Besides the exfoliating actives, other star ingredients in the formula include humectants like glycerin and ectoin — two moisturizing powerhouses that have a protective, cocoon-like effect to shield skin against the elements and lock in moisture.

What to know about The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum:

• Exfoliates and hydrates lips.
• Formulated with a 5% concentration of polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) as well as alpha hydroxy acids.
• Absorbs instantly and doesn’t feel abrasive like a lip scrub.

How do you use The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, and is it worth it?

I say this with love, but the dropper packaging (identical to The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, just in clear, frosted glass) isn’t the most user-friendly since even a controlled drop ends up being a lot of product. On clean, dry lips — before any balm or mask — I dispense the smallest dot, then use my finger to spread a thin layer across my lips. (Some Redditors recommend using a clean cotton swab dipped directly into the bottle to avoid touching the dropper to fingers.) It’s totally fine if you go slightly outside the vermillion border (aka, the edges of your lips), and in my experience, it’s actually an added benefit: within a week, I noticed my sebaceous filaments — those tiny, oil-clogged pores that sometimes are mistaken for blackheads — were noticeably reduced.

I like to apply this right before bed, since I’m careful not to accidentally lick it off or remove it earlier in the day while eating or drinking. By morning, there’s no residue left behind — just smooth, soft lips. (That said, I like using a balm to layer hydration back in when I wake up.)

With consistent use, I found my lips weren’t just flake-free and less crusty — they actually felt more hydrated and a little plumper, too. The formula includes antioxidants like wild carrot extract, which helps support the lips’ skin barrier (yes, they have one of those, too!) and helps minimize transepidermal water loss — the gradual evaporation of water from the skin over time.

Final Thoughts

For under $10, this serum has completely changed my lip-care routine — mainly because it finally gave me one. It’s affordable enough that I don’t hesitate to use it consistently, which, as it turns out, makes all the difference. (I’ve even converted my husband, whose perpetually chapped lips weren’t exactly ideal for kissing. Love you, babe.)

Paired with The Ordinary’s squalane-infused lip balm, I can confidently say my lips have never looked — or felt — better.

Where can you get The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum?

The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is available for $8.50 at Ulta, Sephora, and The Ordinary’s website.

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V-Cut Flats Are The 2026 Way To Shop The Ballet Shoe Trend

2026-03-25T20:24:13-00:00

Photo Credit: Joey Andrew

Ballet flats are undoubtedly one of this season’s defining trends, with the dainty footwear taking over storefronts, closets, and sidewalks alike. Whether rendered as slingbacks, wrap-ties, or Mary Janes, the preppy silhouette is always chic and inherently sweet. But now, a more sophisticated (and dare I say edgy) variation has entered the chat: V-cut flats.

Major fashion houses can be credited for the surge in angular vamps, with the Chanel pre-fall collection, full of sharp two-tone iterations and Stella McCartney’s spring runway featuring ruby-red takes. These designs prove that the streamlined footwear can take on softer, rounded cuts or dramatic, pointed uppers—much like V-neck sweaters, where some dips are deep and others are barely noticeable. Still, it remains a tapered cut, where the tiniest detail makes all the difference. But the footwear trend didn’t start or end on the catwalk.

Hollywood It girls have been donning ballet shoes like clockwork, with Kendall Jenner spotted in a black-seamed pair styled alongside an athleisure set. Meanwhile, Zoë Kravitz wore her own V-cut shoes with a flowing dress, and Katie Holmes styled hers with a tiered maxi skirt and simple tee. The wide range of style aesthetics proves how versatile the geometric footwear is, seamlessly integrating into a range of wardrobes—even for those of us who aren’t followed by the paparazzi.

V-cut flats aren’t only closet friendly, but they’re chameleon-like. Whether you’re headed to the office, grabbing rooftop drinks, or are jet-setting off to your next getaway, the multi-purpose style adapts to a variety of occasions. The appeal lies in the footwear’s streamlined look, consisting of sleek lines, staple hues, and polished details.

Both luxury designers and more accessible options are also up for grabs, ensuring everyone can find their perfect V-cut flats, no matter the budget. The Row Stella Leather Slippers offer a chocolate-brown glove version, while the Reformation Blaine Flats deliver a minimalist approach. Maximalists may gravitate towards the Anthropologie corset shoes or the Khaite embroidered Marcy Flats.

If you’re ready to add a pair of polished V-cut flats to your lineup, the below picks are sure to impress.

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Everything We Know About Bridgerton Season 5

2026-03-25T15:32:33-00:00

Dearest gentle reader, we bring you some enticing news from the Ton. The Bridgerton Season 5 leads have been confirmed as Francesca Stirling (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), so we’re getting an entire season featuring a sapphic romance. “We’re also really, really excited to tell this story and also give it the platform it deserves, like a leading storyline, not additional characters,” Dodd told Refinery29 during a recent interview. “I think [in Season 4], Francesca is very, very, very much in love with John, and they’re not romantic scenes between Michaela [and Francesca]… it’s a feeling.” Bridgerton Season 5 will be set two years after the events of Season 4, so it won’t be solely based around Francesca grieving her late husband John (Victor Alli).

Below, we’ve rounded up everything we know about Bridgerton Season 5, including the plot, cast, and details shared by showrunner Jess Brownell.

What is the plot of Bridgerton Season 5?

At the end of Bridgerton Season 4, Francesca was left reeling after her late husband John’s cousin, Michaela, fled Mayfair instead of staying as promised. The plot will see a pragmatic Francesca reentering the marriage mart two years after losing John. With Michaela unexpectedly returning to London, Fran’s feelings will rock the boat, forcing her to make tough decisions.

It’s the first season of Bridgerton to focus on a same-sex couple, and showrunner Brownell told Tudum it will be a celebration. “What’s most exciting about Season 5 is that it is going to be a season about queer joy. It is not going to be a season about queer trauma,” she said. “There are going to be difficulties for the characters and conflict the same way there is for every Bridgerton character. But we are still always grounding our love stories in the fact that this series is about joy.”

When will Bridgerton Season 5 premiere?

The release date of Bridgerton Season 5 has not yet been confirmed, but the show is currently in production. Judging from past timelines, this could mean that Bridgerton Season 5 will be released late 2027 or early 2028.

Is there a trailer for Bridgerton Season 5?

Not yet, Bridgerton Season 5 is still filming. However, Netflix has released an official announcement and a first look at Francesca and Michaela, which you can watch below.

Who is in the cast for Bridgerton Season 5?

Along with Dodd and Baduza, we can also expect many other Bridgerton characters to return. While nothing has been confirmed, this is likely to include Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Claudia Jessie, Simone Ashley, Luke Newton, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Golda Rosheuvel, Ruby Barker, Adjoa Andoh, Will Tilston, Jessica Madsen and Polly Walker.

What have the cast said about Bridgerton Season 5?

“When you spend so much time with a character, you genuinely do want them to be happy. At the moment [Francesca] is in such a devastating position. So I am really looking forward to her feeling like she deserves love,” Dodd told Tudum.

In the same interview, Baduza said fans would see Michaela yearning for Francesca, and hopes the queer community feel seen. “What we really want to achieve is giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and [giving them] a happily ever after. I think [this] is really important for a lot of the queer community to see onscreen, to know it can work out, and that they deserve to also feel love,” Baduza said.

Who will be the lead for Bridgerton Season 6?

With Francesca and Michaela leading Season 5, it’s likely that Claudia Jessie’s Eloise Bridgerton will lead Bridgerton Season 6 since Brownell pretty much confirmed she’s the sibling up next. The fan-favorite character has been in the wings for some time, so it will surely be loved by fans.

We’ll keep updating this as we receive more details about Bridgerton Season 5, so make sure to bookmark it.

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2026-03-25T15:24:06-00:00

In Bridgerton Season 3, the showrunners made a major change from the books. Instead of introducing Michael Stirling, the character was genderswapped to become Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza. The introduction of a Black queer woman was embraced by some, but also opened the floodgates for criticism and hate. In Bridgerton Season 4, we start to see the seeds of Michaela and Francesca Bridgerton’s (Hannah Dodd) relationship start to develop, with the pair forced into closer proximity.

Baduza is aware of the splash her character has made, but tells Refinery29 she’s “proud” to tell this queer story. “I understand that the Bridgerton book fans are very passionate about these characters, and I am too. I love Michaela so much, and I am just very proud to tell the story alongside Hannah,” Baduza says. “I think everyone’s story deserves to be told, and in Bridgerton, a lot of the characters are growing into themselves and learning new things about themselves,” she adds. “I think that the show accepts that, I think it’s important for everyone else to accept that too, and hopefully that can be reflected back into society.”

For those non-book fans, a big spoiler follows. We’re yet to see exactly how it plays out in the show, but in the book, after Francesca Bridgerton’s husband John Stirling (played by Victor Alli in the show) dies, she falls in love with his cousin Michael Stirling. It’s safe to assume the same thing will happen in the show, but with Francesca and Michaela.

I think everyone’s story deserves to be told, and in Bridgerton, a lot of the characters are growing into themselves.
Masali Baduza

Dodd points out that book purists can always turn to the source material. “The book will always exist as well [but] I’m really, really excited to tell this story and also give it the platform it deserves, like a leading storyline, not additional characters,” the actor says. We’ve had other queer moments in Bridgerton — like when Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) has sideline dalliances with other men — but every leading couple from Season 1 to 4 so far have been straight. To think that we’ll get Michaela and Hannah’s relationship to take center stage feels like a win. “Everyone deserves to be represented,” Baduza adds. “I think we’re excited to see these stories get told.”

Dodd has loved the dynamic among herself, Baduza, and Alli in Bridgerton Season 4, as their relationships develop and change. “At this point, Francesca [is] very, very, very much in love with John, and it’s not so much — they’re not romantic scenes between Francesca and Michaela at the moment, we’re exploring a feeling that she whips up inside Francesca,” she says. “There’s a lot going on within her life and herself. And I think different people bring out different dynamics in you, but we had a lot of fun. It’s a really fun dynamic, the three of us. I’m very lucky as an actor.”

Of course, hetero couples and biological heirs still reign supreme in the Ton, but to have a queer story that could get a happy ending? That’s something to celebrate.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 Australia in February.

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The Beauty Products R29 Editors Are Shopping In Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

2026-03-25T12:00:02-00:00

Amazon is an online goldmine for beauty, whether you’re looking to restock your favorite drugstore mascara or spend on a luxury serum. And just in time for your seasonal beauty refresh, Amazon is hosting its annual Big Spring Sale from March 25 through March 31. What does that mean, precisely? Up to 30% off on top makeup, skincare, hair care, tools, and more.

Just like Prime Day (you know, that other big Amazon sale), plenty of major players are taking part in the spring sale festivities: Summer Fridays, Charlotte Tilbury, Medicube, Kiehl's, Nest New York, Olay, and many more. With the sale kicking off tomorrow, we tapped Refinery29’s beauty editors to see which products they’re adding to cart — shop them all ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Milk

"This is one of my favorite lightweight mineral sunscreens, and it's rare to spot it at a discount. Just like the name suggests, it has the most hydrating, milky texture, but never feels heavy or breaks me out." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Milk, $, available at Amazon

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV LOCK Sunscreen SPF 45

"Last year, a friend brought this sunscreen back from Korea, and I finished it so fast — it’s that good. It’s so lightweight that it feels just like a milky moisturizer, yet it boasts SPF 45 broad‑spectrum protection, guarding against UVA (the rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer) and UVB (responsible for sunburn). It makes my skin glow, feels comfortable, and sits perfectly under makeup. I used to genuinely look forward to applying it every morning, and I’m convinced it made my skin smoother. Now that I know it’s stocked on Amazon — and 35% off — I’ll be purchasing a few tubes myself." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV LOCK Sunscreen SPF 45, $, available at Amazon

Medicube Booster Pro

"I’ve been using this LED tool religiously since receiving it, and it’s been something of a savior for my acne‑prone skin. Whenever I feel a large hormonal breakout coming on, I zap it with the red‑light function, and I’m convinced it helps bring down inflammation. It’s also a great tool for maximizing your skincare thanks to the microcurrent and gentle vibration, which help serums and moisturizers penetrate the skin on a deeper level. I love using it at night, a couple of hours before bed." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Medicube Booster Pro, $, available at Amazon

IGK Disco Disco Clear Gloss Shine Spray

"IGK stylers are among my most-used, and the Disco Disco Shine Spray is my latest favorite from the brand. My colorist, Chase Kusero (the “K” in IGK), always says that brunettes — especially dark brunettes like me — really benefit from shine-boosting products to avoid hair looking dull or one-dimensional. This lightweight finisher is like a glossy top coat for your hair; after I’m done styling, I mist it all over and gently brush through to evenly distribute it through my lengths. Not only does it create an instant glass hair effect, but it also adds UV protection to prevent color fade and damage. At 25% off during Amazon’s spring sale, I have no excuse but to stock up." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

IGK Disco Disco Clear Gloss Shine Spray, $, available at Amazon

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

"My makeup routine isn’t complete without Charlotte’s Beauty Light Wand in Peachgasm. The peachy blush‑meets‑highlighter instantly breathes life into my face. I tap it onto my cheekbones, nose, forehead, and chin, and it lifts my complexion in seconds thanks to the finely milled pearlescent particles. Even though it’s a cream‑based formula, I never have issues with it transferring or fading throughout the day — it stays put until I decide to remove it. I’ve had my tube for months, but I’ll be stocking up in the sale, as it’s going to be 30% off, making it $30.80." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wand Liquid Highlighter, $, available at Amazon

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — that's what these exfoliating pads are. I use them on my face and body to brighten acne scars, gently smooth rough texture, and keep breakouts at bay. I'm convinced the secret to their magic is a one-two punch of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which target a variety of skin concerns. These are a real find at 20% off, so don't miss out!" — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, $, available at Amazon

Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 50 (3 Pack)

"This is one of my all-time favorite sunscreen lotions, and not just because it smells like a piña colada. (Although that doesn’t hurt, to be fair.) The texture is silky and luxurious — not greasy or heavy like so many sunscreens I’ve tested — thanks to hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, and coconut oil. It genuinely leaves my skin feeling softer and more moisturized, which makes reapplying throughout the day feel less like a treat. Because it uses chemical (not mineral) UV filters, it goes on completely invisible, with zero white cast — even though you’re getting SPF 50 protection. The trio already delivers solid value IMO, but with an extra 30% off, it’s more than enough to keep me covered for the months ahead." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Vacation Classic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (Pack of 3), $, available at Amazon

Goop Beauty Microderm Body Polish

"In my house, no everything shower is complete without exfoliating my body with a scrub. I have keratosis pilaris (those little red bumps that can appear on arms, legs, or tush), so gentle, regular exfoliation is a must for me. Goop Beauty’s Microderm Body Polish combines physical exfoliation via fine (not abrasive) salt, quartz, and garnet granules, as well as hibiscus flower acid (a mild alpha hydroxy acid, aka AHA) for touchably smoother, softer skin after one use. It also brightens skin over time with vitamin C-rich kakadu plum extract. Since it’s 25% off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, I’m buying two." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Goop Beauty Microderm Body Polish, $, available at Amazon

NuFace Trinity+

"A dermatologist friend of mine has waxed lyrical about NuFace for years — specifically the Mini — saying she never expected it to deliver the skin‑lifting and firming results it did. While the effects are temporary, she uses it before big occasions, and she’s convinced me that I need one, too. This Spring Sale, I know exactly which version I’m buying: the Trinity+. It’s essentially a professional facial in a DIY tool, with a red‑light function that stimulates collagen — the stuff that keeps skin supple and strong — plus a microcurrent attachment that works the muscles beneath the skin for a temporary sculpted effect. I plan to focus it on my cheekbones and jawline. If dermatologists love it, I know I will — and it’s 20% off." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

NuFACE Trinity+ Microcurrent Facial Device Kit, $, available at Amazon

Medicube Zero Pore Pads

"Last month, I tried $320 worth of Medicube skincare, and these pore pads were the standout for three key reasons. First, they’re pre‑soaked, so you don’t have to mess around with cotton pads or leaky toners. The little pair of tweezers also makes it easy to lift them out of the tub. Second, they’re packed with exfoliating lactic acid and salicylic acid, which help prevent breakouts and minimize skin texture. One side of the pad is slightly rougher for gentle manual exfoliation. And finally, the results speak for themselves: my skin has become clearer and smoother since using them. I’ve recommended them to countless friends with acne‑prone skin, and they’ll love that they’re 32% off in the Amazon Spring Sale — just $14.28 for 70 pads. Bargain!" — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Medicube Zero Pore Pad, $, available at Amazon

Medicube PDRN Wrapping Mask

"This peel‑off mask is meant to be slept in, but I prefer to use it a few hours before a big occasion or night out because it makes my skin gleam better than any highlighter could. That’s thanks to collagen, which deeply moisturizes the skin, glycerin, which is equally quenching and helps smooth over rough, flaky patches, and ceramides, which act like glue between skin cells to keep them smooth, healthy, and supple rather than rough and dry. It goes over moisturizer, sealing all the goodness in. This spring sale, it’s 22% off, bringing it down to just $18.72. I’ve used it countless times and still haven’t made a dent in the tube because a little goes a very long way, but I simply have to stock up!" — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Medicube PDRN Pink Caffeine Wrapping Mask, $, available at Amazon

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A Week In New York City, NY On A $420,000 Salary

2026-03-25T11:00:04-00:00

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

This week: An attorney working in law who makes $420,000 per year and spends some of it on “blind dates with a book.“

This Money Diary was written in the summer of 2025. You can read their previous diary here.

If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email. Please note: We are legally unable to publish any diaries that have been written with the use of AI.

Occupation: Attorney
Industry: Law
Age: 32
Location: New York City
Salary: $420,000 with a potential bonus of $115,000
Joint Income/Financial Setup: n/a
Assets:
Various high-yield savings accounts and CDs: Approximately $800,000 Retirement account: Approximately $160,000
Debt: $0
Paycheck Amount (2x monthly): Approximately $10,200
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: $4,200 for a one bedroom in NYC.
Loan Payments: $0
Wifi and TV: $191.06
Utilities: It varies but around $180
Amazon Prime: $15 (I share with my parents and sister)
Uber One: $10
Lyft Pink: $10
Lemonade Insurance: $15
Spotify Family: $20 (I share with my parents and sister)
HBO/Netflix/Hulu: I use my parents’/sisters’ accounts
Various health insurance: Approximately $500
Medications: $40

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
I went to undergrad and law school. I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer and I loved school. I was lucky enough to get a full-ride scholarship to law school and only took out $3,000 for books and other expenses. I went to a state school for undergrad and graduated in three years. I received a few scholarships and the rest was split between my parents and me. I had approximately $25,000 in debt after school.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
Not many! My parents did not like to talk about money.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first real, adult job is the one I have now. However, I was a camp counselor and babysitter as a teenager and held various work study jobs in college and law school.

Did you worry about money growing up?
I worried but was never scared. I knew I’d have a roof over my head and food on the table, but was always worried about medical debt. I unfortunately have some expensive health problems!

Do you worry about money now?
Not in the acute sense, but you truly never know what will happen! I recognize I could lose everything very quickly if a medical emergency or other type of emergency arose.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
Age 24, when I graduated law school. However, if you read my previous Money Diary you will see I lived with my parents at a VERY discounted rent price during the COVID pandemic. I miss them since I’ve re-moved out!

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
No.

DashDividers_1_500x100

Day One: Tuesday

7:30 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I half-heartedly wake up (aka scroll on my phone for a half hour) before actually getting up. It’s the first day back at work after a holiday weekend and my inbox is surprisingly quiet.

9 a.m. — Head into the office and spend a few hours answering some emails and entering in my time from the week before. It’s a slow morning so I also spend a lot of time reading random articles online.

12:30 p.m. — Eat my lunch that I packed from home (peanut butter crackers, because my palate has never matured beyond that of an 8-year-old’s) and begin researching an obscure client question.

3 p.m. — Head down to the firm’s cafeteria and grab some nuts and an iced latte before joining a call with a few partners and the firm’s marketing team. $5.52

7:30 p.m. — I spend the rest of the afternoon finalizing research and drafting a summary of my analysis for a partner’s review. Head back home and watch an episode of Wheel of Fortune while heating up some pesto tortellini. I’m seriously considering auditioning for Wheel of Fortune in a few years’ time — I need some more time to hone my skills before making a television debut!

9 p.m. — FaceTime with my parents and most importantly, the dog! Since my last Money Diary (written during the height of COVID) I moved back out of my parents’ house. I honestly miss it even though I know I’m “too old” to live at home. The compromise is that I force my parents to send me pictures of the dog as much as humanly possible. I then read a little bit of Ocean Vuong’s new book, The Emperor of Gladness, scroll on TikTok, and head to bed around midnight.

Daily Total: $5.52

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Day Two: Wednesday

7:30 a.m. — Wake up and listen to my favorite podcast, Las Culturistas, while getting ready for work. I’m not a big podcast person but I almost never miss an episode of Las Culturistas — I’m a true Reader (IYKYK). I make it into the office around 8:30.

11 a.m. — The lineup for the New Yorker Festival came out and I browse through the panel descriptions. I sign up for the Kate Berlant panel and Lucy Dacus performance ($175.26, with my subscriber discount). A friend invites me to another panel that conflicts with the ones I’m going to, so I’ll be flying solo at these events. $175.26

1 p.m. — I repeat my peanut butter cracker lunch after a long morning of client calls and reviewing junior associate work.

7 p.m. — I leave work and head to the grocery store to pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner. They are sold out and I feel awkward leaving the store without buying anything, for some reason. I pick up a few snacks I don’t need. Heat up a frozen pizza in lieu of my planned chicken dinner and FaceTime with my family. $20.12

9 p.m. — Have a quick call with a partner to finalize some deliverables before signing off for the night. Continue working until a friend calls me to shoot the shit for a little bit. I love having people who I can yap with to pass the time.

11 p.m. — Read a little bit and scroll social media. One of my favorite luxury handbag resellers dropped a new collection but nothing really grabs my attention, and I really don’t need another bag — but it’s always fun to look.

Daily Total: $195.38

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Day Three: Thursday

8:30 a.m. — I’ve snoozed my alarm long enough and actually have to get up. I answer a few emails at home and make it into the office at 9:30.

12:30 p.m. — I must break out of my peanut butter cracker prison and eat something else for lunch. I order a sandwich from the firm cafeteria. $8.12

6:30 p.m. — It’s been a really boring, slow day at work so I head home. I hate slow periods almost more than busy periods. I’m still utterly beholden to my computer/phone and just spent the day anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sigh! Many of the previous readers were very concerned about the amount I worked in my last Money Diary and predicted I’d burn out. This is probably still true, but look, readers, there are slow days!

8 p.m. — The usual nightly routine — FaceTime with the family, read more of my book, and cook some pasta for dinner. I head to bed around midnight.

Daily Total: $8.12

DashDividers_1_500x100

Day Four: Friday

8:30 a.m. — I’m working from home today so I get a later start on the day. Spend the morning tending to emails and working on a pitch for a potential new client.

1 p.m. — The siren song of McDonald’s is calling me and I must answer. I order chicken nuggets and fries for delivery. $19.64

1:30 p.m. — I’m interrupted by a loud and frantic buzzing and realize there is a giant bumblebee in my apartment! It is desperately flapping against the window but is stuck, so I take a piece of paper and gently guide it outside. I see it fly away peacefully and feel like Steve Irwin!

4 p.m. — It continues to be slow at work and another associate messages me to see if I have time to chat. We spend an hour bitching about random things in work and life, and it feels nice to have somebody who gets it!

6:15 p.m. — I decide I’m done trying to be productive for the day. I’m meeting my friend, J., for a movie tonight and quickly heat up some leftovers for dinner. She buys the tickets and I Venmo her. I then take an Uber to the theater. $52.58

8 p.m. — We see Twinless, the new Dylan O’Brien movie and it’s so good! I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about it. I get a Diet Coke and candy (J. pays and I don’t know the exact amount, so I just Venmo her another $20). Lyft is literally half the price of Uber for some reason, so I call one home and go to bed around midnight. $41.18

Daily Total: $113.40

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Day Five: Saturday

8 a.m. — I wake up to no alarm, just the anxiety of making sure I make the most out of my non-work days. I don’t want to jinx myself but it seems like it will be one of the extremely rare no-work weekends! I look up the director of the movie Twinless and decide to rent one of his earlier movies, which I will watch later. $4.99

10 a.m. — I’m a believer that depression can’t hit a moving target so I try to make myself as busy as possible and also get out of the apartment whenever I get the chance. There are a few sales in SoHo that I want to hit up. I’m on the market for a vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy because I think they look better a little worn in. I’m sure I will get flack for this but I hate the subway and take rideshares everywhere. The Uber and Lyft memberships pay for themselves. $32.00

11 a.m. — The first stop is a bust. I saw a really cute Louis Vuitton bag with cherries on it but I don’t need it and I’m holding out for the Speedy. The second stop has “blind dates with a book” — I pick up three: two for me, and one as a gift for my cousin’s upcoming birthday. $53.35

12 p.m. — I make a pit stop at Bloomingdale’s. I’m not looking for anything in particular here, but ostensibly, I need a birthday gift for my sister and for my best friend. Nothing catches my eye but I head to their cafe and grab a drink and a snack. I feel supremely uncool in SoHo. I can’t keep up with this young generation of girls and their big pants! $10.42

1 p.m. — I call a car home. I open my two blind dates with a book and they suck. I’m so disappointed! This entire morning was a waste of money. I dig a deeper grave and order a slice of pizza and a chicken roll (I’ll eat one of these items today and the next one tomorrow). I watch the movie I rented earlier while I eat. $54.00

4 p.m. — My best friend, P., comes over. We are going out to dinner and to see Cabaret on Broadway with J. and her friend, C. We chat for a little bit and get ready for the show. (I bought the tickets a few weeks ago).

6 p.m. — We meet J. and C. at the restaurant. I order an espresso martini and a chicken sandwich. We also split some apps. $76.16

8 p.m. — Time for the show! One of my friends graciously treats me to a drink at the show. The show is so good, even though Billy Porter was supposed to star in it and is out sick. We all really enjoy it. At intermission, I grab a round of waters for my group because we are parched! $20.69

11 p.m. — Everybody is kind of tired and we decide to call it a night. We part ways and I call a ride home. I eventually fall asleep around 1 a.m. $16.81

Daily Total: $268.42

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Day Six: Sunday

11 a.m. — It’s been dark and raining so apparently this means I’ve slept in until 11! I guess I needed the sleep. I spend about a half hour finishing some work that I want to get done.

1 p.m. — Today is the last day of an art exhibit I’ve been meaning to see. I call a car there and pay the admission. I spent about an hour and a half exploring. It’s not crowded and a nice way to expand my horizons. Naturally, my favorite place is the gift shop. I find a cute birthday present for P. and also pick up a few stickers for my scrapbook. $87.12

3 p.m. — Head over to Barnes & Noble to pick up a magazine I’ve been wanting to get. I also buy a book about world history, in my quest to become more worldly. Call a car home. $40.63

4 p.m. — I stop by my local grocery store to pick up a few items for the week. It’s wildly overpriced but in a very convenient location. I get a rotisserie chicken, strawberries, blueberries, potatoes, bacon, and a few other random items. $84.34

5 p.m. — Sunday evening laundry time. I use my prepaid card in my building’s laundry room. I’ll need to re-up this card next week.

7 p.m. — Despite just buying groceries, I order myself some dinner! I spend the rest of the evening on the phone with my family and reading my new book. $28.13

Daily Total: $240.22

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Day Seven: Monday

7:30 a.m. — It’s a beautiful day outside, which I will waste in an office. I head in around 8:30 and already have missed a call from a partner by the time I make it in.

1 p.m. — This morning has been pretty busy. I grab lunch from the firm’s cafeteria and eat at my desk. I catch up on some Money Diaries while I eat. $9.19

7:30 p.m. — I still have more work to do but need to do it in pajamas in the comfort of my apartment. I rush home, quickly cut up the rotisserie chicken, and heat up spinach and mashed potatoes as sides. After eating I’m back to work for the rest of the evening.

9:30 — Decide I’m logging off for the night. I FaceTime my family and get my daily doggie updates — I’m happy to report he slept well, enjoyed his dinner, and is just as cute as he was yesterday! I finish sorting my expenses for this Money Diary and then I’m off to bed around midnight. Thanks for spending the week with me!

Daily Total: $9.19

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Conclusion

“This was a pretty typical week, financially. I think it was interesting to see what a slow week of work looked like compared to my last Money Diary. I’d like to tell myself that this has inspired me to cut back on Uber/Lyft but let’s be honest, I won’t. It didn’t come up this week, but there are a few specific charities that I regularly support (particularly, children in foster care or children with medical expenses). I donate when these organizations put out specific requests for items, cash, or gift cards.”

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Spring 2026 Shoe Trends Are Freakier Than Ever: See Our Top 9

2026-03-24T21:22:01-00:00

As fashion moves away from the clutches of “quiet luxury” and minimalist beige looks, footwear is feeling more fun than ever. In fact, shoes are in their freaky era.

“Everyone is embracing their whimsy. We’ve moved past quiet luxury, and we’re even numb to logo mania. Style right now is about self-expression, individuality, and having fun with what you wear,” designer Larissa Muehleder tells Refinery29 of what’s defining today’s shoe trends.

This spring, the coolest kicks are a spirited extension of the self, whether they’re a classic silhouette made with a non-traditional material or a retro style that’s been reborn. We’re not just talking about Tabis, traditionally Japanese footwear with a split-toe, which have been popularized by Maison Margiela. Instead, this season’s eccentric styles toy with the familiar to create something fresh, whether they came from a runway or seem more inspired by street style.

Read on for the top shoe trends that will dominate the transitional season, like high-vamp heels on the brink of a viral explosion thanks to Chanel’s revival, as well as playfully embellished styles that make florals actually feel groundbreaking for spring.

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Low-Profile Sneakers

We’re in an era of “minimalist and slim sneakers that are more so lifestyle silhouettes and not designed for working out,” according to women’s sports expert and editor Vinciane Ngomsi. Rather than the bejeweled kicks or chunky dad shoes of recent years, today’s favorite sneakers have gone back to basics, usually championing a slim, low profile that feels reminiscent of nostalgic styles.

In the same vein, ballerina sneakers — often shortened to “sneakerinas” and also made with thin soles — are having their moment amid this retro-style revival. “There’s a softness and romanticism that continues to evolve in really fresh ways with this [ballet-inspired] aesthetic, and it takes us back to the dance aerobics of the ‘80s,” Muehleder says.

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Strappy Sandals

Strappy sandals, with or without heels, are a reliable springtime classic, at least when “fake spring” is over. What makes the look stand out today is how it’s been tweaked from the typically neutral-hued leather version to something more personality-forward. The coolest strappy sandals right now feature dainty straps, colorful finishes, and jewelry-inspired details. “Even with simpler outfits, people want one piece that feels like a conversation starter and right now, that piece is either the handbag or the shoe,” stylist and Vin. designer Claudia Li Johnson says. Strappy sandals are an easy way to get the job done.

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High-Vamp Heels

Interestingly, a more modest-looking heel has been taking over fashion. Enter, high-vamp heels, distinct for their uppers that cover a noticeable amount of the top of the foot. These, also known as glove pumps, are no longer your grandma’s heels.

Instead, today’s versions of these vintage-inspired shoes are being made to feel fresh as designers reimagine them in funky colors and singular heel shapes. Chanel — which seems to have been on the lips of all the fashion girls when its spring collection hit shelves mid-March, designed by Creative Director Matthieu Blazy — gave the look a boost thanks to its own array of high-vamp heels.

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Breathable Ballet Flats: Mesh, Jelly, & Crochet

The mesh ballet flat moment may have first exploded years ago, thanks to then-creative director Pieter Mulier’s new Alaïa design, but the look is still going strong, albeit with modifications. Breathable, sheer styles remain trendy this spring, and it’s not just about mesh anymore. Jelly and crochet, which tend to channel a more fun and colorful vibe, are now dominating.

Getting ballet flats in jelly materials can also be a lifehack for saving cash when buying designer. After all, they tend to be the cheaper option when looking for a “luxury” version of the ballet flat. For example, just look at Jimmy Choo’s jelly flat that retails for $495 in comparison to a similar style made in leather that sells for $950.

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Slingback Spring

It’s a slingback spring. Though the heeled design of these shoes seems antithetical to comfort, these are a favorite for exactly that reason. Thanks to their mostly open foot and typically lower heel, slingbacks are a great choice for that in-between weather where you still want to walk with ease.

“As a designer, it genuinely makes me happy to see women embracing their inner child,” Muehleder, who launched her eponymous line in 2014, says. “Authenticity doesn’t have an age limit. Style comes from what ignites joy in you, not what you think is expected of you.”

There’s no one right way to wear slingbacks. Pick your color and heel height based on what feels best for your personal style. A butter yellow slingback with a kitten heel does just as well as a designer pair that’s slightly taller with bows sewn onto the sides.

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Peep-Toe Mules

Heels this spring will strongly feature a flash of toe, but rather than full-on pumps, it’s all about mules. These trendy peep-toe styles shine best in buttery leathers, decadent satins, and shimmery patents. For Li Johnson, this shoe’s appeal is in the balance between its jolt of newness with what’s familiar. “It feels less expected than a classic pump, but just as easy to wear,” she adds.

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Thong Sandals

Flip flops have cast a spell on today’s fashion scene. These thong heels inspired by the classic, relaxed warm-weather shoe seem to be everywhere. Designer labels like Balenciaga and Michael Kors made them a focal point in footwear on their respective Spring/Summer 2026 runways. The best part? Trendy thong sandals don’t all look one way. There’s a great diversity in the shoppable shapes, fabrications, and finishes of this style. Each can be its own conversation starter.

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The Embellished Shoe

Sneakers may be in a more pared-back era, but there’s a genre of heels that’s unmistakably on the opposite side of that spectrum. It’s a fun moment in footwear, where “pieces with embellished finishes, appliqués, and anything that speaks before you do [have] become highly covetable,” Ngomsi tells Refinery29.

Heels with pom poms and naturalistic adornments — like Dior’s highly anticipated lily-decorated heels — are queen. Florals for spring might actually feel groundbreaking for once thanks to these beautiful facsimile flowers sewn onto the shoe. These “just instantly make an outfit feel more unique and whimsical,” Li Johnson adds.

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Toe-Ring Sandals

Perhaps near or at the top of the freaky footwear food chain are toe-ring sandals, which range from being heeled or being low to the ground, but always have some sort of contraption encircling the big toe. These feel playful, without being too fussy or putting comfort on the line. Rather than being born from a long list of recent runways, these feel like a continuation of recent years’ hit shoes. But the ones popular in 2026 span a wider range of styles embellished with jewelry-like touches to plain leather pieces.

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Everything We Know About Heartbreak High Season 3

Heartbreak High’s Bryn Chapman Parish On Whether Men Can Actually Change

2026-03-24T15:35:39-00:00

When Heartbreak High first introduced Spider, few people predicted he’d end up being one of the show’s most radical characters. Three seasons later, he’s one of the most emotionally present people in the room. His transformation is the type TV rarely commits to, and when we caught up with Bryn Chapman Parish ahead of the show’s final season, we had to ask: does he actually think men can change?

“I think to change anyone, the only thing that can really change them is themselves,” Parish said. “Whether it’s a man, woman or whoever, it has to come from you.”

It’s not the most radical take on paper, but Parish pushed further. Real change, he argued, usually requires one of three things: an experience deep enough to shake something loose, an ultimatum that makes the cost of staying the same undeniable, or a genuine wake-up call. “It requires a level of self-awareness to realize that something you’re doing isn’t working,” he said, before adding with a laugh: “There are a lot of men in my life I would love to change.”

What makes Spider’s arc feel different from the standard TV redemption story is that the show never asks you to forget who he was. The change isn’t a reset, and Parish thinks the key ingredient is something men are particularly bad at: honesty. “There’s so much repression in relationships, especially with men and their emotions,” he said.

I think if more people were more honest with how they’re feeling, there’d be a lot less issues.
Bryn Chapman Parish

It sounds simple, but it rarely is. The internet has spent years being loudly convinced that men — particularly men who’ve done damage — are fundamentally unchangeable. Parish doesn’t entirely disagree with the cynicism, but he thinks the show offers something more useful than either blind optimism or resigned defeat: a model for what the process actually looks like.

Whether that’s a blueprint or just a well-written character arc probably depends on the men in your life. But as Heartbreak High closes its final chapter, it leaves behind at least one answer to a question the internet keeps asking: yes, it’s possible, it just has to come from them.

Heartbreak High Season 3 premieres on Netflix Wednesday, March 25th.

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The Myth of ‘The One’ — & Why I’ll Never Have A Signature Scent

2026-03-24T15:00:26-00:00

I was five when I first learned that a person could have their own smell. I remember standing in my babysitter’s hallway, waiting for my mom, when the door opened, and a familiar scent slipped in before she did. Soft and powdery, it smelled like home and safety all at once, lingering on my hair long after her hug. Years later, I learned its name: L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake. Even now, catching it in the wild instantly takes me back to that hallway; my small hand gripping my backpack as I wait.

Growing up, my mom and grandma wore scents like that; perfumes that seemed as natural to them as their voices. My mom even saved coupons to buy her next bottle, which, to me, felt like the ultimate marker of adulthood. The beauty world calls it a ‘signature scent’: one fragrance that defines you, lingers after you’ve left, and becomes shorthand for who you are.

For almost a decade, I assumed I was meant to have one, too, but nothing ever quite fit the version of myself I imagined. Still, I believed in the perfect match — the kind you’re apparently not supposed to live without. Between glossy magazines and endless trips to the department store, I absorbed the idea that adulthood came with a defining fragrance, so it’s no surprise I thought I would find it.

What is a signature scent?

The idea of a signature scent itself carries a mythic quality in beauty culture. Marilyn Monroe, for instance, claimed she wore nothing to bed but a few drops of Chanel No.5 — the ultimate proof that a perfume could become part of a woman’s legend. Similarly, Givenchy L’Interdit — a soft blend of jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli — was created for Audrey Hepburn, who wore it privately until it became available to the masses in 1957.

As such, finding “the one” is framed as inevitable in our beauty journeys, but the more time I spent wandering Duty Free fragrance halls and sampling every tester, the less convinced I became that identity — or smell — could live and thrive in a single bottle.

Wearing only one scent simply feels like eating the same meal every day. It removes the pleasure of discovery.
Nina Simona Briazu, cofounder of Torti Profumi

To Mona Kattan, founder of fragrance brand Kayali, the allure of a signature scent isn’t surprising: “There’s definitely something romantic about the idea of a signature scent — one fragrance people instantly associate with you,” she tells me. But in a world where new perfumes are launching almost daily, it seems many of us are shifting away from this concept, exploring layering and rotation to create distinctly personal fragrance identities.

Now, the idea of a single defining scent feels almost impossible. Moving beyond the one-bottle mindset reflects the times we’re in: experimental, ever-evolving, and inspired by everything around us. Curious, playful, and a little indulgent — that attitude is reflected in how we want to smell.

Is the idea of a signature scent outdated?

Touted as a rite of passage, the idea of a signature scent has always felt a little suffocating. As a pre-teen, I opted for Miss Dior with its powdery rose, iris, and musk, but it was like signing a lifetime lease on a scent that never felt quite right. Today, that one-bottle mindset feels outdated, and Chriselle Lim, founder and creative director of Phlur, appears to agree: “We’re now picking different scents for different moods, moments, or sides of ourselves, and layering them in ways that feel personal,” she tells me.

You see, old-school perfume culture prized consistency, but today, that rigidity feels out of step. Nina Simona Briazu, cofounder of Italian artisan perfume brand Torti Profumi, has an idea why: “In a world where we’re constantly evolving, limiting ourselves to smelling like one thing restricts our ability to explore,” she says. “Wearing only one scent simply feels like eating the same meal every day. It removes the pleasure of discovery.”

I love that perfume layering has turned getting dressed into a little ritual of self-expression. Every morning, I try on many versions of myself before I leave through the door.

The rise of the fragrance wardrobe — and how to build one

Monogamy has no place on my scent shelf, and Lim is inclined to agree. In fact, she thinks that ‘scent wardrobing’ is replacing one signature fragrance: “It’s similar to fashion,” Lim says, adding, “You start with a basic layer [for her, it’s always Phlur Missing Person] and then you layer on pieces that express how you feel that day.”

That said, I grew up watching my mom save for her “one” bottle, which shaped how I think about money and fragrance. I’ve always loved the idea of a fragrance wardrobe, but it came with an eye-watering price tag and sounded like a luxury that wasn’t meant for me. In the modern fragrance wardrobe, though, layering doesn’t always have to be so expensive.

Besides perfume, a fragrance wardrobe can consist of more affordable body mists, oils, lotions, and even shower gels that you can mix, match, and experiment with. It’s permission to reject “the one” and embrace all your sides without as many limits.

Lim believes that fragrance should never feel intimidating or exclusive: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s ever been this accessible,” she says. “At Phlur, we bring unique scents crafted by world-class perfumers at a more approachable price — and across playful, everyday formats,” Lim adds, including $26 body mists and $20 deodorants. Beyond Phlur, brands like Le Monde Gourmand, Salt & Stone, and Saltair make building a luxe-feeling ‘wardrobe’ possible without breaking the bank.

Kattan recommends starting small: “Think travel sizes or discovery sets,” she suggests (Kayali offers plenty), “or pair a favorite with something new.” She adds, “All of this allows people to experiment, play, and find what they love without committing.” One of Kattan’s ultimate favorites for layering is the viral Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum. “I call it the perfect ‘topper’ because it adds a warm, comforting sweetness that works with anything,” says Kattan. Above all? “Trust your instincts,” says Kattan. “[Perfume] trends are fun, but the ones that resonate with you are the ones you revisit.”

I love that layering has turned getting dressed into a little ritual of self-expression. Every morning, I try on many versions of myself before I leave through the door, and my indecisiveness has never smelled so good. “Curiosity is beautiful,” echoes Kattan, “and we should all have a play.”

Why I’m rejecting the signature scent

What I’ve realized is that women who raised me, ironically, wore their signature scents like armor: my grandma and Chanel No.5; my mom and L’Eau d’Issey. I lost my grandma two years ago, but her perfume still sits on my dresser. I inhale it and she’s there — instant comfort, instant memory, my battle gear for when I need it most.

The myth of the signature scent lives in the memories, emotions, and the invisible threads connecting us to those who came before. And while I’ll always admire the concept, one single bottle can’t define a person. I want many versions of myself: bright and citrusy for chaotic mornings (like Jo Malone’s Lime, Basil & Mandarin), woody for nights when I want to feel grounded (think Miu Miu’s Fleur de Lait Eau de Parfum), and soft and nostalgic on Sundays (such as Phlur’s Honey Moon).

So I reject the idea of being defined by a single scent because life isn’t one note. And thankfully, neither am I.

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I Tried The Internet’s Favorite Luxury Blanket — It’s Worth The Hype (And 35% Off)

2026-03-24T14:18:38-00:00

I know my life didn’t begin when I got my Lola Blanket, but in many ways, it felt like it did. And you’re probably thinking, “that’s a pretty intense thing to say about a big piece of fabric,” and you would be correct. But the Lola Blanket isn’t any regular blanket; it’s the softest, cuddliest blanket I’ve ever tried — and I’ve tried countless, being a homebody who loves nothing more than a good nap.

Every few years, a new “status blanket” enters the cultural zeitgeist; the early 2020s were dominated by Bearaby’s chunky-knit weighted ones (which, for the record, I still love and use daily), Barefoot Dreams’ plush sherpa blankets, and Sunday Citizens’ gauzy throws. All of them are great in their own ways, but Lola Blankets play in a different league.

To get a good feel for the brand, I opted to try the OG Large Blanket in Desert Dune, a very on-trend greige color. When I tell you that this blanket is the softest, plushest thing I’ve ever touched, I’m barely exaggerating. The texture isn’t a fleece or sherpa fabric, it’s high-quality faux fur: lightweight, fluffy, and cloudlike. It comes in four sizes — Medium (50 X 60 inches), Large (60 X 72 inches), XL (80 X 90 inches), and Baby (30 X 36 inches) — and a myriad of colorways, including solids, prints, and limited-edition collabs and seasonal drops.

At $325 for the large blanket (or $275 for the Medium, and $425 for the XL), it sits firmly in luxury territory; price included. But the cost-per-use checks out. It’s made with OEKO-TEX-certified faux fur (meaning it’s been tested for harmful substances like PFAS, BPA, toxic dyes, and heavy metals, and is safe for skin contact), and is double-sided for twice the plush softness. Unlike other blankets I’ve tried, this one has a slight amount of stretch; not so much that it feels flimsy or cheap, but rather forgiving enough to comfortably stretch out and still be completely cocooned. Perhaps best of all, the fabric doesn’t shed or pill, which is not only a win for keeping my floors fuzz-free, but keeps the blanket looking brand new, even though I’ve had mine for months.

But Lola Blankets isn’t just another cozy home brand; the company was founded by brothers Tommy and Will Higham, in memory of their mother (known by loved ones as “Lola”), who during her battle with breast cancer, discovered simple comfort in a beloved faux-fur blanket. Before she passed, she gifted each of her children a blanket of their own as a special keepsake. Lola’s memory is further amplified through Lola Blankets’ philanthropic arm, Blankets for the Brave: Every month, the brand gifts blankets to women with stage four breast cancer via the Salt Lake City-based Huntsman Cancer Institute. Additionally, 10% of proceeds from Lola Blankets’ Rosewater colorway directly help fund research and patient comfort programs at Huntsman.

Right now, Refinery29 readers can score 35% off their first Lola Blankets order with promo code REFINERY35. And remember: Even though warmer weather is on the horizon, cozy season is a state of mind — and one we’re gladly leaning into in 2026.

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Early Amazon Deals To Shop Before The Spring Sale

Last Chance! The Madewell Insider Sale Ends This W

25 Early Amazon Deals To Shop Before The Spring Sale

2026-03-23T19:04:55-00:00

If you've been looking for an excuse to click “checkout” on your Amazon wish list, now’s the time. The Big Spring Sale is running from March 25 through March 31, bringing with it up to 40% off deals on beauty, fashion, homeware, and tech.

Hundreds of early-bird deals are already trickling in, getting us excited for the shopping extravaganza. Many big-name brands are taking part too — Shark and Medicube for the beauty connoisseurs, Nespresso and Ninja for kitchen magicians, plus Samsonite and Cushionaire for your spring break packing needs. The list goes on and on.

Yes, it can be a little overwhelming, but fret not: We’ve already gone through the pages and pages of markdowns to identify the very best early Amazon Big Spring Sale deals across fashion, beauty, home, and tech (only the good stuff, we promise).

Read on for our top Amazon sale picks. (And while you're at it, score more deals from the Ulta and CVS sales going on right now too!)

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

42% off Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $, available at Amazon

23% off Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $, available at Amazon

27% off Yimoon Satin Midi Skirt

Yimoon Satin Midi Skirt, $, available at Amazon

23% off Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine, $, available at Amazon

48% off Swarovski Angelic All-Around Crystal Necklace

Swarovski Angelic All-Around Crystal Necklace, $, available at Amazon

15% off Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Cream

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Cream, $, available at Amazon

39% off Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, $, available at Amazon

45% off Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage, $, available at Amazon

38% off Athlefit Strappy Kitten Heels

Athlefit Strappy Kitten Heels, $, available at Amazon

43% off Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, $, available at Amazon

39% off Medicube Zero Pore Pads

Medicube Zero Pore Pads, $, available at Amazon

27% off Ninja Professional Blender

Ninja Professional Blender, $, available at Amazon

40% off Case-Mate Jelly Tote Bag

Case-Mate Jelly Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon

22% off Bedsure Queen Cooling Sheet Set

Bedsure Queen Cooling Sheet Set, $, available at Amazon

50% off Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp

Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp, $, available at Amazon

17% off Hotouch Bermuda Shorts

Hotouch Bermuda Shorts, $, available at Amazon

41% off Bagsmart Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes

BAGSMART Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes, $, available at Amazon

25% off Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $, available at Amazon

20% off CosRx Snail Mucin Repairing Serum

CosRx Snail Mucin Repairing Serum, $, available at Amazon

20% off Amolliar Apothecary Bathroom Jars

Amolliar Apothecary Bathroom Jars, $, available at Amazon

33% off TISSCARE Vibration Plate Exercise Machine

TISSCARE Vibration Plate Exercise Machine, $, available at Amazon

25% off Cushionaire Splash Jelly Flip Flops

Cushionaire Splash Jelly Flip Flops, $, available at Amazon

38% off iRestore Laser Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth System

iRestore Laser Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth System, $, available at Amazon

17% off ALC Simone Raffia Bag

ALC Simone Raffia Bag, $, available at Amazon

23% off Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods 4, $, available at Amazon

20% off VIUGJNEX Thong Kitten Heels

VIUGJNEX Thong Kitten Heels, $, available at Amazon

Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum

If you’ve yet to try a Dyson vacuum, get ready to be wowed. Thanks to this model’s illumination light, you’ll be able to see all the invisible dust most other vacuums completely miss. (It’s all the better to see how effortlessly it picks up hair, dust, and dirt in an instant.)

Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum, Yellow/Nickel, $, available at Amazon

BAGSMART Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes, $, available at Amazon

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage, $, available at Amazon

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

Been bitten by the Stanley water bottle bug? You’re in luck: The classic Quencher — the tumbler everyone and their mom has — is discounted at the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler, $, available at Amazon

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

This $30 moisturizer from K-beauty brand Aestura already has a few fans on the R29 team, with senior writer Venus claiming it “saved” her dry, sensitive, and rash-prone skin over the winter.

Leave off for now - discount is not yet live

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, $, available at Amazon

Ninja Air Fryer XL

It wouldn’t be an Amazon sale without some stellar kitchen deals. Ninja continues to come out on top when it comes to airfryers. This XL model currently has over 84,000 reviews and a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5-star rating — a pretty rare occurrence. Happy customers say it's simple to use, heats up quickly, and is easy to clean.

Ninja Air Fryer XL, $, available at Amazon

ZINUS 10 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is a great chance to save on big-ticket items such as mattresses. Over 161,000 people have given this memory foam one a 4.3 out of 5-star rating, so you'll be in good company. (Especially if you suffer from back pain; customers say it’s on the firmer side and offers great contour support.)

Zinus 10 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, $, available at Amazon

Beats Studio Pro

Forget the fiddly in-ear buds and invest in a pair of wireless headphones that'll securely keep the tunes flowing while you jostle around town (or your home). These marked-down noise-cancelling Beats boast premium sound quality, a long battery life (up to 40 hours total), and a comfortable stay-in-place fit, even if you’re wearing them for hours on end (or dancing to Taylor Swift while spring cleaning).

Beats Beats Studio Pro, $, available at Amazon

Bedsure White Duvet Cover

Over 73,000 people rate this duvet cover for comfort and breathability — and who are we to argue with them?

Bedsure White Duvet Cover Queen, $, available at Amazon

HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes

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De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Next Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

20% off delicious, barista-level coffees at home? You can't beat it.

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Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

This styler has won the seal of approval from our beauty director for its efficiency and power — she says it dries her thick, wavy hair in no time and without frizz or flyaways.

Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $, available at Amazon

Wozhio Autoscooper 11 Self-Cleaning Automatic Cat Litter Box

An automatic litter box means you will never, ever have to scoop your cat’s business again. This one self-cleans after each use, reduces odors, and accommodates cats of all sizes (even multiple at once).

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AZMAVO Facial and Neck Massager

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Lip Blusher, Disco Lips, & 3 More Easy Lip Makeup Looks Defining Spring

2026-03-23T15:00:32-00:00

If you peeked inside my bag at any given moment, you’d probably find something I guard almost as carefully as my cash or apartment keys: a small arsenal of lip products for every weather scenario, occasion, and lip-care emergency. My friends will never let me forget the time, on a trip to London, when I dropped my MAC Spice lip pencil onto the subway tracks. I brought the entire station to a halt while I begged staff to retrieve it with those extra-long grabbers reserved for actual valuables (and, apparently, a surprising number of lost shoes).

That’s why, instead of rolling my eyes at the sheer amount of new lip care launches lately, I’m lapping them up. From makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes’ Precision Sculpture Stylo (which I’m pretty certain she’s been using on Dua Lipa for years) to YSL’s new Lovenude Lip Blusher, a needle-free take on lip blushing, there’s no shortage of products to get to grips with, along with a few very cute trends to match.

Without further ado, here they all are for your perusal.

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Lip Blusher

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A post shared by Leah Baines (@leahbaines_mua)

Lip blushing is a semi‑permanent treatment that uses pigment to enhance and define the lips’ natural color and shape. Because it involves needles and a high level of skill, it can be both uncomfortable and expensive. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to get the same soft, blurred effect without any paperwork: Fred Letailleur’s lip‑blush technique. Letailleur, YSL Beauty’s Northern Europe makeup artist, says this look is poised to define spring — and the best part is that it’s simple to recreate.

“First, apply a little concealer on the entire lip and blend it down onto the lip texture,” says Letailleur, adding, “This allows you to remove the natural color of the lips, ready for the lip color.” Once your concealer has been buffed in, Letailleur suggests picking up a neutral or cool-toned lip pencil like YSL Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner, to trace the outline of the lips — but don’t worry about making things sharp. “You’re going to blend it using a small domed brush,” says Letailleur. “While you could use your finger, this is a cool little tool because it replicates that effect [without the mess].”

The lipstick you choose is key, and Letailleur recommends reaching for a soft-matte product with a balmy texture, like YSL’s new Lovenude Lip Blusher Soft Blurring Lip Color. “Choose a richer, more reddish undertone to give the lips a 3D effect,” says Letailleur, “and keep it to the center of the lips only.” Letailleur also recalls a YSL-approved lipstick technique called the “little love” application: “Literally apply your lipstick in a love heart shape from the Cupid’s bow down to the center and then blend it slowly and progressively from the outside in to give more intensity on the center of the lip.”

The result? A blurred, dimensional lip look that makes them appear plump and hydrated — just like lip blushing, only without the needles. We adore this similar lip look by makeup artist Leah Baines on model Núria Oliu. She used Rhode Pepide Lip Shape in Balance and Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Dewy Cream Blush in Power Hour. Also try Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Long Lasting Blush Balm Sheer Lip Tint or Signature Lip Lightweight Lip Blush for that lightly blushed effect.

Nina Park Lips

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A post shared by Nina Park (@ninapark)

It’s fair to say that makeup artist Nina Park is now as famous as the celebrities she paints, thanks to her ability to make lips look plumper and more defined with only a handful of products — zero filler in sight. From Mia Goth to Zoë Kravitz and Emma Stone, her signature lip look pairs a cool‑toned contour with a dab of balmy, rosy color in the center for soft contrast.

Park has been known to reach for CLIO Soft Blending Eyeshadow Stick in Gray Fudge and Mellow Woody, tracing just outside the lip line and along the Cupid’s bow before blending lightly with a brush. She also taps the CLIO Crystal Glam Tint in Vanilla Apple onto the middle of the lips for a glossy finish.

Also try Pat McGrath Labs Lip Sculpt + Shade Lipstick and Lip Liner Contour Duo, which pairs a blurring lip liner with a balmy lipstick in one, and Merit’s Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner, which can trace the lip line but is creamy enough to double as a lipstick in the center.

Disco Lips

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A post shared by Isamaya ffrench (@isamayaffrench)

“Disco lips look amazing when there’s a little more natural light outside,” says Letailleur, who explains that it sits somewhere between the frosted Y2K lip and something more holographic. “This is more fun and sparkly. It’s the perfect club moment or party mood,” adds Letailleur, but this time there’s no need for lip pencil.

Instead, he layers lipstick and gloss for a multidimensional effect. “I combine the YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick with the new shimmer finish Plumping Lip Oil Gloss, which is holographic. My personal tip is to use Love Shine all over the lips and just apply the plumping gloss in the center to create extra dimension when you start to pout.” It’s space‑age in a glam way, like this look on makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench using the Metal Lip Balm.

Halo Lips

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A post shared by KATIE JANE HUGHES (@katiejanehughes)

Makeup Katie Jane Hughes’ brand, KJH, has made waves in recent months thanks to one product in particular: the Precision Sculpture Stylo, which is great for both contouring and filling in the lips.

Hughes suggests starting with a little bit of concealer that’s probably already on the bristles of your brush to “dull down” the lip, then mattifying with a touch of face powder to make the Stylo’s pigment really pop. She loves to use the shade Etch — a cozy balance of warm and cool — to define her lips, calling the technique a halo effect, focusing on the Cupid’s bow and the underside of the bottom lip to create a shadow. She uses a fluffy brush to blend, then powders a tiny bit over to “lock in” the color softly so as not to remove it.

Next, she applies a nude lipstick to the center of the lip to add pigment, avoiding the lip line. The finishing touch is a slick of shimmer from her Prism Lip Lite Crayon, which she likes to apply just underneath the top lip line and on top of the bottom lip line. This, she says, gives the face multidimensionality and ensures the lips appear the most vibrant and forward part of our makeup look.

If you like a chubby pencil like Hughes, also try NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil, or Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon.

Negative Space Lips

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A post shared by Linasha | Dark Skin Makeup (@linnygd)

We have Chola culture to thank for this strong lip look, and thanks to our renewed obsession with all things ’90s and ’00s, it’s making a comeback. This lip look on content creator Linasha is proof.

Letailleur suggests opting for the “deepest liner possible” with a clear gloss layered on top. While the lip look is all about contrast, Letailleur says you can blur your lip liner inwards if you don’t feel as daring. “But to be fair,” he adds, “you can keep it as defined as you want.” He loves YSL’s new Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner, which is one of the longest-lasting I’ve tried. According to Letailleur, the clear gloss in the center creates a focal point where lipstick once was. “It’s a statement lip,” he says.

Try MAC Lipglass Air Non-Sticky Hydrating Lip Gloss or Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil in Chill.

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Your Horoscope This Week: March 22 To 28

2026-03-22T11:00:48-00:00

Cosmic beings, we’ve entered the first full week of Mercury moving direct in Pisces after a three-week retrograde that may have left conversations feeling hazy, motivation inconsistent, and your own thoughts a little harder to anchor. While there’s still a post-shadow period lingering for the next couple of weeks, you may already feel the fog slowly lifting, replaced by a quieter trust in your intuition after all the second-guessing this transit brought up.

This week becomes one of the most supportive moments of the month to sit with your intentions and take them seriously. You have until about March 28th to define what you’re calling in, especially when it comes to releasing limiting beliefs that may have felt very real during Mercury’s retrograde. Now, with Aries energy encouraging boldness, there’s an invitation to move forward even if you don’t have all the answers yet, trusting that clarity can come through action rather than waiting for certainty.

As the week begins, the moon moves through Gemini on Monday and Tuesday, bringing a more curious, mentally active energy. It’s a powerful time to reconnect with your ideas, your voice, and the conversations that help move things forward. You may feel called to respond to messages or revisit connections that had been sitting in the background, but the key here is focus. Gemini can easily scatter your attention, so notice what truly matters and give your energy there, rather than getting pulled into distractions that feel productive but don’t actually shift anything.

By March 25th, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer marks the first turning point since the new moon, bringing emotions closer to the surface and asking you to adjust where needed. There may be moments of sensitivity or doubt, but this phase is less about stopping and more about refining your approach so your intentions can actually take root. Then on March 28th, Saturn in Aries forms a supportive sextile to Pluto in Aquarius, oﬀering a quiet but powerful sense of momentum. If you’ve taken even small steps, you may begin to notice subtle confirmations that something is working… not fully formed yet, but real enough to trust.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

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Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, the week begins with the moon moving through Gemini, activating your communication sector and gently nudging you back into conversation with your ideas, your voice, and the ways you express what you’re calling in next. With Mercury now in its first full week direct, there’s a noticeable shift in how clearly you’re able to articulate yourself, especially compared to the fogginess of the past few weeks.

At the same time, you’re still working with the energy of the recent Pisces new moon in your spirituality sector, which may have stirred deeper reflections about your inner world, your healing, and the beliefs you’re ready to release. This is a powerful moment to set intentions that bridge both spaces, trusting your intuition while also giving it language. That might look like journaling your thoughts instead of keeping them in your head, having a conversation you’ve been postponing, or even being more honest with yourself about what you truly want, without filtering it through doubt.

By Wednesday, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer brings the first emotional checkpoint, landing in your home and roots zone and asking you to slow down and pay attention to what’s been building beneath the surface. You may notice a sensitivity around family dynamics, living situations, or even your sense of emotional safety, especially if there are conversations or truths you’ve been avoiding. There can be a temptation to brush things oﬀ or stay busy instead of going there, but this moment is less about disruption and more about realignment. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s support for growth here, even if it starts with something as simple as naming what you feel. Let yourself respond instead of react, and trust that facing what’s uncomfortable now creates a much stronger foundation for everything you’re building next.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, are you ready for your financial revolution? The week begins with the moon moving through Gemini, activating your money and self-worth zone and inviting you to approach your finances with a little more curiosity and flexibility than usual. This doesn’t have to feel heavy or restrictive… in fact, the more you treat it like something you get to experiment with, the more momentum you create. That might look like reworking your budget in a way that actually feels supportive, exploring new streams of income, or simply having more honest conversations with yourself about what security really means to you right now.

With Mercury in its first full week direct and the recent Pisces new moon still fresh, there’s also a deeper layer unfolding around your community and the people you surround yourself with. You’re not meant to figure everything out alone. Setting intentions around who you collaborate with, who you learn from, and who you allow into your world can be just as powerful as any financial plan you put in place. By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your communication sector, bringing up a more emotional undercurrent around how you express yourself.

You may notice moments where you hesitate before speaking, especially if it requires vulnerability or saying something that feels a little too real. There can be a tendency to keep things surface-level or protect yourself by holding back, but this phase is gently encouraging you to lean in instead. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available through honesty, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Opening up, asking for support, or putting words to something you’ve been processing internally can lead to feeling more understood than you expected. The lesson here isn’t to have perfect communication… it’s to allow yourself to be seen in the process.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, did it feel like your brain was buffering for the past three weeks? Because with your ruler Mercury finally direct and settling into its first full week forward, it’s giving clarity is back online. You may notice your thoughts flowing more easily, your words landing the way you intended, and that sense of “wait, what was I even doing?” slowly being replaced with actual direction.

At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon activated your career sector, so there’s something quietly but powerfully shifting in your professional life. If motivation felt low or things felt stalled during the retrograde, this is the week where your spark starts coming back. You might find yourself updating your résumé out of nowhere, thinking more seriously about asking for a raise, renegotiating your role, or even imagining what it would look like to work for yourself. Let yourself dream a little bigger here… not in a delusional way, but in a “why not me?” kind of way. You don’t have to have it all figured out yet, but you are allowed to start moving differently.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your money and self-worth sector, and this is where a small emotional speed bump might show up. It could look like questioning whether you’re really ready for the next level, hesitating before asking for what you deserve, or even something external, like an unexpected expense or a conversation about money that hits a nerve. Sometimes it’s not even about the actual situation, but the story it triggers… “am I doing enough?” “am I worth this?” That’s the real work of this phase. Instead of spiraling or pulling back, see this as an invitation to reconnect with your value in a more grounded, embodied way. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available here, especially when you choose to respond with self-trust instead of self-doubt. You’re not starting from scratch… you’re adjusting your footing so you can actually receive what you’ve been working toward.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, can you feel it? That quiet shift between retreat and expansion happening at the same time? The week begins with the moon in Gemini moving through your spirituality sector, so there’s still a part of you that wants to rest, reflect, and stay in your own little world as you process everything the past few weeks brought up. But underneath that, something bigger is calling you forward.

The recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, activated your expansion sector… the part of your life connected to travel, entrepreneurship, new opportunities, and saying yes to experiences that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. So even if you’re moving slowly at the start of the week, your intentions are meant to go far. This is a beautiful time to get honest about what kind of life you want to grow into next. Maybe that looks like planning a trip, exploring a new career path, investing in learning something new, or even allowing yourself to believe that more is possible for you than what you’ve been settling for. Let your quiet moments guide your bigger decisions.

By midweek, the energy becomes more personal as the First Quarter Moon lands in your sign, and you may feel that shift immediately. Emotions rise a little closer to the surface, and you might find yourself more sensitive to your environment, your relationships, or even your own expectations of yourself. This can feel like a moment of pressure… like you know you’re ready for something new, but you’re still shedding old versions of yourself at the same time. Maybe you question whether you’re doing enough, or you feel torn between staying where it’s comfortable and stepping into something that asks more of you. But this is exactly where your growth is happening. With Jupiter now direct in your sign, there’s expansion available when you trust your instincts, even if they’re leading you somewhere unfamiliar. You don’t need to rush the process; just honor what you feel, respond with care, and let yourself evolve in real time.

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, are you ready to be seen in a whole new way, and actually receive what comes with it? The week begins with the moon in Gemini activating your friendship, technology, and social network sector, facilitating a lightness that encourages you to put yourself out there a bit more. You might feel more inspired to post, share your ideas, reconnect with your community, or simply be more visible in spaces where your voice matters. But underneath that outward momentum, there’s deeper work unfolding.

The recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, has been activating your sector of intimacy, shared resources, and transformation… which is really about trust. Trusting yourself to discern what’s aligned, trusting others enough to collaborate or open up, and most importantly, trusting that you’re allowed to receive what’s meant for you. So if opportunities start coming your way, whether that’s attention, invitations, or new connections, the lesson isn’t just to chase them — it’s to slow down enough to choose wisely while still letting yourself be supported.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your spirituality zone, and this is where things may feel a bit quieter, even if your external world is picking up. You might notice a need to pull back slightly, to rest, or to process everything that’s coming in, especially if you’ve been more visible or energetically open than usual. This is your reminder that not everything requires an immediate response. In fact, part of your growth right now is learning how to protect your energy as much as you share it. There may be moments where you feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to say yes to, or even tempted to overextend yourself, but this is where your boundaries come in. Giving yourself space to reflect, to check in with your intuition, and to move at your own pace will help you stay grounded in the middle of all this expansion. The more you honor your inner world, the more aligned everything outside of you becomes.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, can you feel things clicking back into place, even if it’s happening quietly at first? With your ruler Mercury finally direct and settling into its first full week in forward motion, there’s a sense that your mind is coming back online after a period that may have felt confusing, emotionally layered, or just harder to navigate than usual. At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon activated your partnership sector, bringing fresh energy into your relationships, both romantic and professional, and inviting you to reimagine what alignment with others truly looks like for you.

As the week begins, the moon moves through Gemini, highlighting your career and public image sector, so there’s a beautiful connection happening between how you show up in the world and who you choose to build with. You might feel more ready to communicate your ideas, reconnect with professional contacts, or take visible steps toward something you’ve been sitting on. Setting intentions around collaboration, visibility, and the kind of support you’re open to receiving can go a long way right now… especially when you trust that you don’t have to do everything alone.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer activates your social network and community zone, and this is where a subtle shift may occur in how you relate to others. You might notice moments of emotional sensitivity within friendships or group dynamics, or feel a bit more aware of where you truly belong and where you don’t. There can be a tendency to overthink your place in certain spaces or question whether you’re being fully seen, but this phase is less about pulling back and more about refining your connections. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available through the people you align with, especially when you allow yourself to be more open and emotionally present. This is a chance to invest your energy into communities that feel supportive and reciprocal, rather than draining, and to trust that the right people will meet you where you are.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, are you ready to take your life more seriously, without losing your sense of possibility? The week begins with the moon in Gemini activating your expansion sector, opening your mind to new ideas, new paths, and bigger visions for your future. You may feel pulled to learn something new, plan a trip, explore a different career direction, or simply think beyond the limits you’ve been operating within.

At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, has been activating your health, routine, and service sector… bringing your attention back to the small, daily choices that shape your life. There’s a powerful connection between your habits and your long-term growth. This is a beautiful moment to set intentions that bridge both worlds… not just dreaming bigger, but actually building a lifestyle that can support those dreams. Maybe that looks like creating a routine that feels nourishing instead of restrictive, taking your work more seriously, or committing to something that requires consistency, even if it’s not immediately glamorous.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer lands in your career and public image sector, bringing a moment of visibility and, with it, a bit of emotional pressure. You might feel more aware of how you’re being perceived, question whether you’re doing enough, or feel pulled to prove yourself in some way. This can show up as a moment of doubt or even a small challenge in your professional life, but it’s really an invitation to step into your role with more confidence and emotional intelligence. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s expansion happening in your career, even if it requires you to show up more vulnerably or take yourself more seriously than you’re used to. Trust that what you’re building is being seen, even if the results are still unfolding, and let this be the moment where you choose to rise to the occasion rather than shrink back.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

So, Scorpio… are you finally ready to loosen your grip a little, or are you still trying to control the entire plot? The week begins with the moon in Gemini moving through your depth and merging sector, which can bring up themes around intimacy, trust, shared resources, and the emotional contracts you have with others… and yourself. But instead of it feeling heavy, there’s something lighter, almost observational about it. You’re able to notice patterns without immediately diving into them.

At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, has been activating your true love, creativity, and inner child zone, which is a much softer, more playful part of your chart. So the real work this week isn’t to overanalyze every connection or try to decode every interaction. It’s to let yourself enjoy what’s unfolding while still being discerning. You might find yourself attracting attention, deeper conversations, or even opportunities that feel a little more aligned than what you’re used to… and the lesson is to receive without overthinking it. Yes, you can be selective. Yes, you can trust your instincts. But you also don’t have to interrogate every good thing that comes your way. Let some of it be easy.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer activates your expansion realm, and this is where you may feel a slight stretch when it comes to your bigger plans. This could show up as a travel plan that needs adjusting, a career or business idea that feels exciting but overwhelming, or even a moment where you question whether you’re ready for the next level you’ve been envisioning. The key here is not to spiral or shut down, but to stay connected to your intuition and take things one step at a time. Cancer energy reminds you that you don’t have to have everything mapped out perfectly to move forward… you just need to feel your way through it. If something feels like a temporary roadblock, treat it as a redirection, not a rejection. The more you stay solution-oriented and emotionally grounded, the easier it becomes to turn uncertainty into momentum.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag, are you ready to stop running from your feelings… or at least stop pretending you’re not catching them? The week begins with the moon in Gemini lighting up your relationship sector, so your attention naturally shifts toward the people in your life… romantic, platonic, professional, all of it. Conversations pick up, connections feel more active, and you may notice who you’re drawn to and who’s drawn to you. You’ll feel a curiosity and desire to understand others more deeply, but also to be understood in return.

At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, has been activating your home and roots sector, bringing your emotional foundation into focus. So while you’re engaging with others, there’s also this quieter question underneath it all: do I feel safe here? Do I feel at home with this person, or even within myself? This is a powerful week to set intentions around the kind of connections you want to build, especially ones that feel both expansive and grounding, where you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your depth and shared resources zone, and this is where things may feel a bit more intense. You might notice emotions surfacing around trust, vulnerability, or even financial entanglements with others, whether that’s splitting costs, sharing responsibilities, or navigating expectations in a relationship. There can be a moment where you feel slightly exposed or unsure of where you stand, and your instinct might be to detach or make a joke out of it (classic Sag), but this phase is inviting you to stay present instead. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available when you allow yourself to go deeper, even if it feels unfamiliar. You don’t have to give everything all at once, but you do benefit from being honest about what you feel and what you need.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, are you ready to get your life back in order, but this time in a way that actually feels good? The week begins with the moon in Gemini activating your work, routine, and wellness sector, bringing your attention to the day-to-day systems that keep your life running. You may feel more mentally active, thinking about your schedule, your habits, your productivity, and what needs to shift so things flow more smoothly. But this isn’t about perfection or overloading your to-do list. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, has been activating your communication sector, helping you find clearer ways to express yourself, organize your thoughts, and reconnect with ideas that may have felt scattered during the retrograde. This is a great week to set intentions around how you manage your time, how you communicate your needs, and how you create routines that support your long-term goals without burning you out in the process.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your relationship sector, and this is where your focus shifts toward the people in your life. You might notice a moment of emotional tension or a need for deeper understanding within a partnership… whether that’s romantic, professional, or even a close friendship. This could look like a conversation that feels a bit more vulnerable than usual, or realizing that something needs to be addressed instead of brushed aside. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available through your relationships, especially when you allow space for honesty and emotional presence, not just practicality. You don’t have to solve everything at once, but you do benefit from meeting others halfway and being open to where the connection wants to evolve.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, are you ready to take yourself seriously, but still have fun doing it? The week begins with the moon in Gemini activating your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector, bringing a lighter, more playful energy into your life. You may feel more inspired to share your ideas, flirt a little, create something just because it feels good, or reconnect with the parts of yourself that don’t need everything to be productive to be valuable.

At the same time, the recent Pisces new moon, along with Mercury now direct, has been activating your money and self-worth zone, which adds a deeper layer to all of this. This isn’t just about having fun, it’s about recognizing that what you enjoy, what you create, and how you express yourself can also be sources of value. This is a beautiful week to set intentions around monetizing your talents, asking for what you deserve, or simply treating your gifts as something worth investing in. You don’t have to choose between joy and stability… the two can actually support each other right now.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your work and wellness sector, and this is where reality gently checks in. You might notice a moment where your routine feels a bit off, your energy dips, or something in your schedule needs adjusting. It could be as simple as feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, or realizing that your current habits aren’t fully supporting the version of yourself you’re trying to become. But this isn’t here to discourage you but rather to help you refine your approach. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available through consistency and care, especially when you listen to your body and honor your limits. Small, intentional shifts in how you work, rest, and take care of yourself can have a much bigger impact than trying to overhaul everything at once.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, can you feel yourself coming back to life a little, or at least back to yourself? With Mercury now direct in your sign and settling into its first full week forward, there’s a sense that the fog is beginning to clear after a period that may have felt emotional, introspective, and at times a bit disorienting. You’ve been doing a lot of internal processing, whether you realized it or not, and now there’s more space to move with intention.

At the same time, the recent new moon in your sign marked a powerful personal reset, inviting you to redefine who you are and how you want to show up in this next chapter. As the week begins, the moon in Gemini activates your home and roots sector, bringing your attention to your inner world, your living space, and your sense of emotional grounding. This is a beautiful moment to set intentions that support both your identity and your foundation: how you care for yourself, where you feel safe, and what kind of environment allows you to truly thrive.

By midweek, the First Quarter Moon in Cancer moves through your creativity, romance, and self-expression zone, and this is where things begin to open up again. You may feel a pull to share more of yourself, to create, to flirt, or to reconnect with what brings you joy, but there can also be a moment of hesitation, leaving you wondering if it’s “too soon,” or if you’re fully ready to be seen in this new version of yourself. That’s the edge this phase is asking you to lean into. With Jupiter now direct in Cancer, there’s growth available when you let yourself follow what feels good, even if it doesn’t make perfect sense yet. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin expressing yourself more freely. In fact, the more you allow yourself to play, to explore, and to trust your instincts, the more aligned everything else starts to feel.

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I Tried $490 Of Jones Road — & These Are My Favorites

2026-03-21T17:30:20-00:00

There are almost too many beauty brands these days. At best, it can feel hard to keep track; at worst? Setting foot into a Sephora now feels like sensory overload. The sentiment is felt by makeup artist, entrepreneur, and industry legend Bobbi Brown, whose second act beauty brand, Jones Road, was founded on the belief that the world needs fewer, better beauty products — not just more items to fill shelves.

Enter, a tightly-edited range of chic, uncomplicated products that don’t require you to be a makeup master like Brown herself. The mogul first made waves in the early ’90s with her eponymous cosmetics line, which “revolutionized the beauty industry by glamorizing natural tones in makeup,” according to the entrepreneur. After stepping away from that brand in 2016, she launched Jones Road with the same less-is-more ethos, updated for the 2020s. Another core tenet of Jones Road is its extensive no-no list of ingredients that it doesn’t formulate with. These include, but are not limited to: phthalates, sulfates, petrolatum, PEGs, cyclic silicones, EDTA, or BPA.

As a lifelong beauty lover, I was intrigued by the prospect of low-key but high-quality makeup. I embarked on a journey to test several of Jones Road’s most popular products to see if they were worth the hype. Keep reading for my honest take on nine bestsellers ranging from the Miracle Balm to its shimmery Just A Sec cream eyeshadow.

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Miracle Balm, $38

The Jones Road product I was unquestionably most excited to try was the Miracle Balm. I’m a big fan of multipurpose lip and cheek cream tints since they give the prettiest, natural-looking flush. I’ve been using this non-stop, and it earned full MVP status during a recent ski trip in Sun Valley. When I’m in the mountains, my normally oily skin becomes insanely dry and flaky. The balm’s emollient and gentle texture is perfect for adding much-needed moisture to my cheeks, which get the driest. It’s also great for adding a barely-there tint to chapped lips and prepping them for lipstick while I do the rest of my makeup. The balm needs to be warmed up before applying, which is perfect for people like me who love applying makeup with (clean!) fingers. I now own several shades including Tawny (a warm, bronze terracotta — my everyday go-to) to Pinky Bronze, a previously limited-edition shade that was added to the permanent lineup last year. All shades have sheer pigmentation that can be built up if desired.

Fragrance – Shower, $46

Jones Road’s first (and for now, only) fragrance is the equivalent of the perfect white T-shirt. It’s light, airy and features citrusy notes of neroli and orange blossom, with a hint of fresh sea spray. I don’t normally care for aquatic scents, but this one is balanced with subtle floral undertones, too. The result is a clean, just-showered skin scent that’s never overpowering, just delightfully crisp. The price point is smart, too; $46 for a full-size bottle (or $18 for a rollerball) makes it an affordable everyday luxury.

What The Foundation, $46

This product went viral a couple of years ago, partially thanks to influencer Meredith Duxbury’s TikTok, where she applied a concerning amount to her face (shudders). However, when applied properly, it’s actually really nice, providing a dewy, luminous finish that looks like real skin. While I generally liked it, I think there are better options for my skin type (I’m 31 with very few lines and wrinkles). Although WRF isn’t heavy by any means, it was creamier than what I typically prefer. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though — I could see it being amazing for dry or mature skin due to its hydrating properties. For me, it won’t replace my everyday foundation. Also worth noting: The generously sized jar would easily last for months.

The Mascara, $28

I’m picky about mascara. My ideal formula lengthens and defines my lashes without being too thick and clumpy. My personal go-to’s are Kosas’ Soulgazer, Merit’s Clean Lash, Victoria Beckham’s Future Lash, and Maybelline’s Sky High, so competition was stiff when I set out to try Jones Road’s The Mascara. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it; I could tell just by looking at the wand that it’s more volumizing than what I typically wear, but one coat was still subtle enough for everyday. Like other conditioning mascaras I swear by, this one felt comfortable and nourishing on my lashes thanks to antioxidant-rich vitamin E. But for me, ease of removal is almost as important as how it wears and performs — this melted right off my lashes with oil cleanser and warm water. For now, it’s only available in an inky, almost-wet black — which I personally love — but I’d be interested in trying a dark brown version of this for a more natural lash look.

The Face Pencil, $28

This is a genius product, but only if you know how to use it. At first, Jones Road’s The Face Pencil reminded me of other complexion crayons like Merit’s The Minimalist, but it’s actually quite different. While I love using the former in place of foundation, The Face Pencil is best for spot-concealing acne or dark spots — think retouching on Photoshop. I could also see this being great for precise highlighting or contouring if you went lighter or darker than your perfect shade. I like to apply this first in my makeup routine to address any blemishes and then apply foundation or a skin tint after — I end up using less overall product that way.

The Best Blush, $30

Sparkle Wash, $26

I can’t think of a shimmery liquid eyeshadow I haven’t tried — Danessa Myricks, Stila, Half Magic, Urban Decay…I literally can keep going on and on. As a connoisseur in this niche category, I have to say that I was a little underwhelmed by Sparkle Wash. It’s much less pigmented than the other brands I mentioned, and I think that was intentional — and not necessarily a bad thing if you want a more subtle look! However, I do quite like this as a base for other eyeshadow looks — Euphoria sparkle, smoky eyes, and everything in between — and plan to use it to the last drop.

Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer, $44

This reminds me a lot of Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer — a category leader in its own right: Very hydrating with moderate coverage. I love that this formula is non-comedogenic (a non-negotiable as someone with acne-prone skin), and has a radiant finish that isn’t too dewy — a pet peeve of mine with some tinted moisturizers that are simply too glowy for me. This has become a favorite of mine to use in the winter months since it’s formulated with sodium hyaluronate, a salt derivative of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight. (This allows it to easily absorb into skin for long-lasting hydration.)

Gel Liner, $32

My go-to gel liner for years was Bobbi Brown’s, but she’s officially dethroned, well, herself with Jones Road’s version. It’s creamy, insanely pigmented, and lasts all day. Gel liner can seem intimidating, but this product makes it easy with the matching brush, whose small, precise bristles get close to the lash line while still allowing easy blending. I have it in both black and violet, and it’s also available in brown and navy. In the world of gel liners, this is the new one to beat.

Eye Cream, $36

I don’t wear eye cream every day, but Jones Road’s just might become my new go-to. Often, eye creams can be too buttery and rich, but this one is light with a whipped, gel-like texture. It works well even without under-eye concealer, instantly hydrating and brightening my eye area without slipping under makeup.

Just A Sec Eyeshadow, $28

This eyeshadow is capital P pretty and quickly became one of my favorites. I tried the shade Golden Peach _ a shimmery, warm, light gold. The texture is cushiony and soft, making it really easy to apply and blend. Although it comes in a tiny pot, you don’t need much to achieve an impressive payoff. I even used it to add a subtle highlight to my cheekbones. I like to think Bobbi would be proud of the artistry.

The Best Eyeshadow, $26

My first thought: This stuff is seriously pigmented. I tried the matte shade Dark Brown, an espresso hue. (There are also plenty of neutral mattes and shimmer shades available.) For a more natural effect, you can use it alone to define the lash line or layer it over eyeliner for extra impact. For a recent dinner date, I created a smoky eye with Bobbi Brown’s Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush (which is amazing for detail), starting at the lash line and carefully blending upward to avoid a muddy result. You can add lighter shadows on the lid and inner corner for extra dimension, but I loved how the Jones Road shadow delivered an effortless, one-and-done feel all on its own. Though the product is minimal, its pigmentation ensures you won’t run out anytime soon — a good problem to have!

The Eyeshadow Stick, $32

I love an eyeshadow stick – just swipe, blend, and go! — and this one has definitely earned a spot in my regular rotation. I tried the shade Taupe (a neutral light brown), and the formula is super creamy and easy to apply. You can sheer it out into a soft wash or layer it up for more payoff, which I love. The shape of the crayon also makes it easy to stay precise along the lash line (almost like a liner) or go full scribble-mode across the lid. At $32, it’s a little pricey, but it’s such a versatile, workhorse shade that I know I’ll use every last bit.

The Best Pencil, $24

Eyeliner is one of my favorite products to use, whether I’m doing a cat-eye, tight-lining my upper waterline for a smudged, smoky effect, or adding a pop of color with a bright blue or bright white. A black pencil is a staple, so I wanted to see how Jones Road’s stacked up. It’s challenging — borderline impossible — to achieve an intense, inky black with a “clean” product due to the absence of carbon pigments typically found in conventional black eyeliners. Thus, I wasn’t surprised that Jones Road’s pencil came out as soft black. Using small strokes, I lined the outer corner of my eyes and blended it out to create the littlest wing. (I almost never line my entire lash line since it can make my eyes look smaller.) For subtle definition, this pencil gets the job done, and I appreciate that it’s a clean formula safe for the delicate eye area. However, if you’re after a dramatic, long-wear, or waterproof formula, this might not be the best choice.

The Brow Gel, $26

If your brows are on the sparse side, Jones Road’s Brow Gel is a true game-changer: The pigment payoff is no joke, and it keeps hairs locked in place for hours. (The only other formula I’ve tried with similar intensity is Anastasia Beverly Hills’ now-discontinued Dipbrow Gel.) That said, it took my already-full brows into full-on Groucho Marx territory after just a few swipes. I’ll likely pass this along to my mom—and stick with the clear version myself—because the tint is simply too much for my brows.

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Final Thoughts

After using Jones Road products for a few years now, I’m still as impressed as when I first discovered the brand. The products are easy to use and deliver an effortless level of glam. While there isn’t a bad product in the bunch, the brand, in general, is a bit expensive. I was kindly gifted products to review, but I can confidently say that I’d gladly spend money on my top faves — namely, the Miracle Balm and the gel liner. I may have missed out on Bobbi Brown the first time around, but I’m definitely a Jones Road girl through and through.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

We’re Going Somewhere Fun And This Is Exactly What We’re Packing

2026-03-20T21:49:36-00:00

If you’ve been thinking about ocean waves, the golden sun, and Mai Tais, you’re not alone. Spring break is upon us, and many will be jet-setting off to tropical destinations like Miami, Cancun, and St. Barths. But the planning doesn’t end with booking a ticket—a versatile vacation wardrobe is just as important.

If you fail to plan ahead (or accidentally skip a whole section of your packing list, like yours truly), you’ll end up stress shopping instead of lounging in a poolside cabana. I’ve learned my lesson, and now gather inspiration ahead of time by scrolling through my favorite style stars’ feeds.

Hailey Bieber, Paloma Elsesser, and Kendall Jenner have all give us major inspiration, showing us what a chic resort-ready rotation looks like. The secret is stowing pieces that work across multiple plans (think: a white maxi skirt that transitions from exploring local shops to dinner). Not only does it make getting ready a breeze once you land, but it leaves extra space for souvenirs. Best of all, a few key outfits can cover your entire itinerary—from brunch to beach.

But just because they’re multi-purpose pieces doesn’t mean they’re boring. In fact, many pull from this season’s latest trends, including woven handbags, two-tone jewelry, see-through silhouettes, and wedge heels. They’re not just for your trip, either—each style seamlessly integrates into your everyday spring collection.

Whether you’re packing your bags or simply manifesting sun-kissed vibes, the below five spring break outfits are worth snagging. They’re practically begging for a vacation photoshoot.

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Breezy Brunch

The right outfit is just as much a part of brunch as your favorite matcha latte. A billowing maxi skirt and coordinating mini blouse keeps the look elegant and versatile, while simple thong sandals ensure comfort.

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Sand And Surf Style

The ultimate beachside duo? A mesh dress and barely-there bikini. Elevated accessories like a woven tote bag and rectangular sunglasses add the perfect finishing touch.

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Island Shopping Spree

One of the chicest ways to wear lace-trimmed satin shorts is with a graphic tee—while a pair of sandal pumps takes the look to a whole other level.

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Tropical Dinner Date

Wine and dine your style with a draped scarf top and pleated maxi skirt. This unexpected combination is both sleek and relaxed, carrying you through whatever spring break plans follow next.

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Paradise Cocktail Hour

Lean into the glitz and glamour of it all with a sequin blouse made for turning heads. Easy, straight-leg denim and strappy sandal heels complete the look.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?