If you’ve been living under a retail rock (understandable), GAP recently relaunched their iconic 90s fragrance line, one that was discontinued in the early 2000s. Four archival scents have returned to the masses—Grass, Heaven, Dream, and Om—along with a new scent called Harmony. How “otherworldly” of them.

The marketing campaign, called “Wear What You Feel,” features fresh-faced actress Victoria Pedretti in a series of clean, minimalistic photographs and videos, evoking the spirit of 90s GAP mixed with a little Calvin Klein…the PG version. It’s stripped down, yet stylized. Personal, yet aspirational. It’s clean girl, yet a little grungy. Multifaceted. Nostalgic.

Did the marketing work on me? To quote a fictional man who died on a Peloton, “abso-fucking-lutely.”

GAP manages to capture its 90s spirit in a way that doesn’t feel contrived—like a true time capsule. Being that I’m a sucker for a full “experience,” I am impressed with GAP’s idea of creating a curated playlist for each scent.

A plethora of influencers on my feed were sent a PR package that contained each full-sized fragrance, along with a set of cobalt blue headphones, and an MP3 player (of sorts) with the playlists preloaded for a full sensory experience. GAP silent disco, but instead of everyone dancing and sweating, we’re all just meditating and smelling like…heaven? Yeah, I was a little bit jealous, I’ll admit. Whatever…

Let’s talk scent. Do these perfumes actually live up to the social media/marketing hype?

Apparently perfumers Nicole Mancini and Honorine Blanc spent two years going through the archives to reengineer the originals. They balanced the old formulas with new molecules that didn’t exist back in the day. I, for one, didn’t know they were having “new molecule” drops in 2026, but what do I know? I don’t have my Google Alerts set for: molecule news.

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All of that to say, if you’re hoping to get an exact replica of your favorite vintage GAP perfumes, you’re better off sourcing an unopened bottle of Dream on eBay.

As a 1998 baby, I wasn’t sentient when these perfumes originally popped off, nor have I come into contact with the original scents, so my review of these new fragrances exists solely within my personal echo chamber.

That being said, I have read a ton of online discourse from people who loved the OGs and the general sentiment is:

• Dream — Close to the original with the same bones (bergamot, jasmine, cedarwood) as the 90s version. Sisters, but not twins.

• Grass — This is the one people flag as the biggest departure. The fresh-cut-lawn smell has been replaced with something more citrusy with notes of matcha. Less crunchy grass, more sun-warmed skin.

• Heaven — More gourmand-y than the 90s version. Clean laundry but elevated. Although, some conclude that it straight up smells like bug spray and alcohol wipes. Oof!

• Om — My Reddit research suggests that this one is most similar to its 90s counterpart, though not as spicy or subversive. There’s a certain sweetness to this version that people either love or hate.

You’re welcome, elder millennials. Now, let’s get into the ‘do these smell good or not?’ conversation. Because I’m not made of money and because I’m not a GAP brand partner (boo), I purchased the Eau de Parfum Discovery Set for $20.

The verdict?

Dream

• Light and airy

• Not too “hit-you-in-the-face”

• The faint whiff of a citrus peel x jasmine tea

• Smells like Mazzy Star’s So Tonight That I Might See album

Grass

• Punchy, sharp, overwhelmingly citrus

• Lemons and sugar

• If lemon Lysol spray were adapted for the modern woman’s skin

• Did I mention…lemon?

• Matcha, where? Matcha, who?

Heaven

• Whoever said this smells like bug spray…accurate

• Notes of straight alcohol

• Like raiding your parents’ liquor cabinet and rubbing it on your skin

• Field day in elementary school, but just the part where you put on bug spray

• Vanilla and amber are NOT in the room with us

Om

• Definitely more woody

• Very light scent, sort of blends with your body to become one

• Natural, easy, breath of fresh air

• Simple—like earth + water

• The coolest “woman of a certain age” is wearing this

Harmony

• VERY sweet. Fit for a fly

• Like cherry blossom x amber mixed together with a giant scoop of sugar

• Reminds me of going into a Bath and Body Works at the mall in the early 2000s

• Smells like someone named Candi or Destini

• Too playful to be an everyday scent (IMO) for an adult woman—great for the youts

My definitive ranking is as follows:

1. Dream

2. Om

3. Grass

4. Harmony

5. Heaven

Here is a visual representation of that ranking and where each GAP scent falls on my personal tier list:

GAP perfume…yay or nay?

If I had to give GAP's new fragrances a score out of 10, I’d present them with a 9/10 for marketing and a 7/10 for the product itself. The hype I felt from the campaign was greater than the hype I felt actually spraying the perfume onto my body. But the truth is, I’m glad these exist. And as for the bug spray one…

Dream manages to live up to the buzz for me personally, with Om as a close-ish contender. As a fan of citrus scents, I don’t have an issue with lemon notes being introduced to Grass; however, I wish it didn’t make me feel like I got straight up pummeled in the face with one.

That being said, perhaps not every fragrance is supposed to be “for me.” Each one is meant to evoke a vastly different feeling. It’s almost like a “tag yourself” situation that could change, depending on your mood. Maybe you’re simply supposed to find the one that speaks to you and run with it.

I do feel compelled to buy the full-sized bottle of Dream for $52. I’m not sure that I will, but I could be convinced.

How do you feel about GAP’s new (old) perfume? Which scent speaks to you?

Shop All GAP Fragrances

Off the Record

• Marc Jacobs sent me the Scene Large Shoulder Bag, and I’m absolutely obsessed. You would literally know if I wasn’t, trust me. The dark port colorway is the most delicious thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Bury me with this bag.

• Coffee table books should be personal. I can’t count how many times I’ve gone into someone’s home or office and seen a Chanel coffee table book when I know good and well that person wouldn’t even be able to tell me Coco Chanel’s legal name. Makes me want to puke! Anyway, if you’re looking for the absolute best (and unique) coffee table books for the film lover in your life, A24 has the best ones—hands down. They let me pick out some that are extremely personal to me (and ones I had been eyeing for a lonnng time), and if you know me, you know I’m on cloud nine with this spread right here. I don’t think there is anything cooler than having your favorite movie’s screenplay on display in your home. And for the fashion girls, they have Marc by Sofia (the book) and How Directors Dress.

• ✨Fashion Month✨ is right around the corner (Sep 10-Oct 6), which means a lot of upcoming content will be focused on runway reviews, trend-spotting, and a whole lot of snark, obviously. I’m still not important enough to actually be invited to any sort of Fashion Week festivities, so I will have plenty of time in the comfort of my own apartment to stew on these upcoming looks…and give you the best analyses I possibly can.

For business inquiries, email me at: emileerussell1998@gmail.com

We’re back with another installment of “let’s give a brutally honest review of every single product a brand has sent me.” Long name, but you get the point.

Basically, due to the sleeper success of this newsletter (who’d have thought?), companies have been reaching out to me to send me free product. And as the greedy little gremlin I am, I accept—the good, the bad, and the ridiculously random.

The good part (for you)? No one is paying me to give a glowing review. I’ve promised absolutely nothing in terms of favorability. So, think of me as an alien sent here to help you discern the good products from the bad. My purpose is to clue you in on whether the social media hype you’ve seen around a product is truly warranted or completely contrived.

Let’s dive in.

Note: None of the brands featured here have paid me a single dollar to speak favorably about their product. No contracts. No “paid partnership.” No promise of a positive review. They sent me things. I accepted. And I’m saying whatever I want about them. That’s the whole deal.

Affiliate links will be sprinkled throughout—meaning if you buy something, I get a small cut. This costs you nothing extra and funds my ability to continue writing this newsletter for free!

Fashion-Related Products

KARKKI Nook Leather Pony Crossbody Bag

Yes, I’ve spoken about KARKKI before, but only because they continue to produce quite incredible leather bags at affordable price points ($130-$250). And for that, I will sing their praises, always. I was lucky enough to receive this adorable leather horse-shaped novelty bag (which I named Grover).

He’s gorgeous, extremely well-made, and lightweight. The rich brown color of the leather. The little tail tassel. The pop-of-red collar. Exquisite. And being in my novelty bag era, he could not have come at a more perfect time in my style journey.

Grover has a top handle, as well as a long crossbody strap (if that’s your thing). Get you a horse that can do both!

Of course, he is quite small. But his MANE purpose is to look pretty (and he does a great job at that), so I don’t judge him too hard. While my phone cannot fit inside of him—he can hold a lipstick, a small cardholder, and a pair of sunnies. If I keep my phone in my pocket and clip my keys to the outside, I can venture outside the house with everything I need on my person.

My only real complaint is that one side of his head is a bit flat/not as puffed up as the other side, and I’m not able to stuff it. It doesn’t seem to affect his brain function though—still smart as a whip! Over time, I’ve been able to “fluff it up” and reshape it slowly, so it’s not the worst thing in the world.

Is the KARKKI Horse Bag worth $219?

Yes. If you’re looking for a well-crafted novelty bag that will get you compliments everywhere you go, Grover is your guy. He’s not a utilitarian choice, but he’s an artful one. This is for the Stella McCartney horse girls that favor something a little sweeter and not so rough around the edges.

Quinn Pocket Leather Hobo

Yes sir, yes sir, two bags full.

Introducing, KARKKI bag #2. If Grover was the artful choice, this one actually is the utilitarian one. Post-apocalyptic bag. Absolutely zero shortage of pockets here. Where are my “little trinket” girls at? I chose the Cloud Dancer colorway for this bag, simply because I didn’t have any white purses and I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone. I love how the color looks in person—it’s more of a cyber white, rather than a stark white, which gives me a late 90s/Y2K vibe.

The cowhide leather has this lovely intentional cracking to it that gives it nuance—the same reason I’m drawn to the Prada Bonnie Bag. It’s a lil edgy, rather than just glossy.

This bag is spacious. Obviously a cargo-style hobo, it has three zip pockets in the front and two magnetic snap ones on either side. The inside of the bag also has two pockets. This is the Marie Kondo of bags, because you can keep everything insanely organized. I love the adjustable belted top handle—I kept mine buckled through the middle hole and it’s the perfect length to tuck under your arm and hold in the front. As an anti-crossbody girl, this is everything I could ever want.

Is the KARKKI Quinn Bag worth $169?

For sure. If you find that Grover is way too impractical for you (which is understandable), the Quinn Bag is pretty much the complete opposite. Excellent size. Excellent price. Excellent build. All the perks of a big bag in a small bag body.

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Doublesoul Socks AKA Pete Davidson Socks

When doublesoul reached out to me, my first reaction was: “OOO, socks!” My second reaction was: “Pete Davidson???”

For context, doublesoul was founded in 2020. In 2024, the brand brought on Pete Davidson as creative director. In 2025, Davidson and co-founder Ben Rosenbaum went on Shark Tank and secured a $500,000 investment from Kendra Scott.

And although Pete Davidson is not a co-founder, he does appear to be the face of the brand, given that the postcard I received with my order had him squatted up on a rock, modeling a pair of doublesoul socks—an image so ridiculous that I now have it on my fridge due to the sheer absurdity of it. There’s a certain irony that comes with being the “face” of a product that goes on your foot.

Now that we’ve dissected the brand itself, are the socks any good?

They are made with an 85% cotton and 15% recycled nylon blend that allows them to be soft, thick (but not too thick), and a little bouncy. I went with a medium (as a size 8), because I always have issues with socks being too uncomfortably tight on my foot. The fit is perfect. They are ridiculously comfy. And the ribbed part around the ankle keeps its shape. I legit don’t want to take them off.

I chose three different colorways of the Quarter Sock (hibiscus, midnight, and caterpillar) and one pair of the Quarter Grip Sock (sky blue). My only real complaint is that the colors weren’t exactly like the photos. The navy and the green are lore accurate. But the pink reads more neon pink than a dark hibiscus and the blue is less aqua and more cornflower. Not a dealbreaker, though.

I really like the Quarter Sock style specifically, because the logo stays on the bottom. I’m turned off by a sock with a prominent logo. I’ve also been looking for cute ankle socks in vibrant colors that I can match with any outfit, now that I’m in my colorblocking era, and these fit the bill.

Are Doublesoul Socks worth $12 a pair?

It depends on what you’re looking for. I’d say the major advantages of doublesoul are the comfort level and the wide variety of colorways—if that’s the combo you seek, they are totally worth it. Now that I have these socks, I am constantly reaching for them/attempting to work them into my outfit, because of how good they feel on my feet. I want them in every color. I know it sounds insane. It sounds like Pete Davidson has hypnotized me with his big, tired eyes. But trust me, they ARE (strangely) worth the hype.

Forme Power Bra®

If you read my last product review, you’ll know I was completely traumatized by the Forme Arch Booster Socks. Apparently I was SO traumatized that Forme decided it was a good idea to send me MORE product. This time, they let me try out the Power Bra, created specifically for posture correction.

As a self-proclaimed Quasimodo, there was no way I could turn this down.

My posture is pretty bad. One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2026 was to correct it, but progress has stalled. Oops!

I opted for a classic white in a size medium, as the size chart suggested for a 32 D. The material is insanely smooth and hugs the chest nicely. No weird flaps. No fabric pooching out in strange places. It sits nice and flush against the breasts. It’s full coverage, so you could wear it as a crop top or underneath your clothes.

It is tight—by design. The bra (by nature) does inspire me to stand up straighter because if I slouch, the arm holes do kind of cut into me. The squeezing sensation is similar to that of a model taping their face back in order to achieve a faux facelift. The back shoulders are made of a mesh material separated by thick rectangular piece.

Is the Forme Power Bra worth $178?

I don’t believe I would have personally paid that much for a sports bra…or any bra for that matter. It’s comfortable once you get used to the tightness, for sure. I’ve been wearing it around quite often. I literally have no idea if it’s actually helping my posture or not, so it’s hard to say whether the “science” behind this bra is real or not. I would imagine I’d need to wear it every day to see results?

It does make me feel like I’m doing something good for my body when I wear it. I feel like a clean girl who just went to pilates, rather than the bed-rotting beast that I am. In that regard, it’s working some magic.

Flaunt Cases - White Polka Dot Everyday Tote Bag

To be completely honest, I did not want this bag.

When Flaunt Cases sent me a gifting request, I desperately wanted a new phone case, but since my iPhone 12 Pro is apparently from the Paleolithic period, they didn’t have any options for me. Plus, Case-Mate already sent me a jelly tote bag that’s pretty similar to this one (size and function-wise), so I wasn’t super jazzed about having two of these taking up space in my apartment.

May the best bag win?

The bag is huge. It’s sturdy. And it has a strap connected to a matching zip pouch for your cell phone. The design is simple. It’s cute. Nothing special.

To be frank, I hate this bag.

It takes up too much space. The material is a hard plastic, so it feels awful and you can’t break it down in any way to fit it into places. Normally, I’d love that a bag keeps its shape, but not this monstrosity. I’ve been rotating it around to different closets in my apartment and attempting to shove it into corners, because I’m sick of looking at it.

With the Case-Mate bag, because it’s jelly, it’s way more flexible and generally pleasant. And the zip phone pouch is see-through on one side, so I can actually use my phone through the protective layer.

The Flaunt one is completely solid and made of an even crunchier plastic than the bag itself. Not to be dramatic, but my skin crawls just thinking about the possibility of using this tote.

Is the Flaunt Case Everyday Tote Bag worth $80?

Absolutely not. It makes me want to die.

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Laundry Sauce Detergent Pods

I’ll tell ya, ever since I got these, I’ve been seeing ads for them everywhere. You probably have to. I selected the Australian Sandalwood scent (not flavor), and I must say, these do smell incredible. I typically use a generic pod or Tide liquid detergent, so I never really notice any smell to my clothes at all post-wash. With the Laundry Sauce pods, different story. The sandalwood scent is clean but not in a “clean clothes” sort of way. It’s got more texture. More nuance. It’s earthy, but still fresh. I enjoy it.

Are Laundry Sauce pods worth $37?

Here’s my take. The price is pretty steep—especially for something you’d have to keep ordering over time. I wouldn’t use these for every single wash. It’s kind of pointless for me to wash my pajamas, around-the-house t-shirts, and undergarments with it. Feels like a waste. However, if you’re washing nicer work clothes, I’d totally recommend having a box of these pods on hand for the important stuff. And you know what else these are great for? Thrift store clothes. I bought a TON of clothes from Goodwill this past weekend and used Laundry Sauce on the items that I didn’t hand wash. It was incredible. All of the secondhand pieces came out smelling sensational. When I use a generic detergent, sometimes the clothes still have a bit of a musk to them, especially when wet. Not this time!

Word to the wise: Keep a box of these on hand for important washes and thrifted pieces, but stick to your normal detergent for most loads.

If you are interested in trying out Laundry Sauce for yourself, you can use my code: ITSCRITICAL10 to get 10% off your order.

A24 Corner

Midsommar Incense Temple

I’m a huge film nerd—horror films, especially. So, imagine how elated I was when A24 reached out to send me some goodies. One of the goodies in question? The Midsommar Incense Temple, duh. I’ve been a huge fan of A24 (as a production company) ever since I saw Spring Breakers back in 2013. Anybody producing a Harmony Korine film is a friend of mine.

I actually mentioned this item in my 2025 gift guide for the “film lover” in your life. Now, it’s a part of my home. Lucky me!

This little ceramic temple is made to look like the Hårga temple from Ari Aster’s 2019 film Midsommar AKA one of the greatest modern horror flicks. Truly a work of art. Deeply unsettling. Scandinavian cults have never been hotter. All hail the May Queen. The temple also comes with a tin of custom Summer Solstice-scented incense cones made in partnership with Cremate London—an independent fragrance brand.

First of all, the idea in and of itself is genius. This is such a clever design and product. And if you know me, you know this is SO on brand for my entire being. I’d like to personally shake the hand of whoever came up with this. Second, the incense smells incredible. I’ve been an incense girl since late high school (specifically cones), so I feel as if I know a thing or two about what’s good and what’s not. These cones? Excellent.

The best incense (IMO) is not too fragrant. It’s not trying to be cute. It’s earthy and robust, but with nuance. The Summer Solstice has notes of cedarwood, chamomile, and patchouli, but none of those scents overpower one another. The whole is greater than the sum. You get the picture. Trust me, it’s great.

Seeing the smoke come out of the top hole, evoking a similar image to that of the film’s final scene? A religious experience.

And even though this product is damn-near perfect, who would I be if I didn’t give a little “feedback?” I have two (minor) complaints. My first is that they didn’t make the little doors blue, like the original temple.

My second complaint is that I cannot buy the Summer Solstice cones by themselves, so when I run out, I’m not sure what to do…other than burn my ex boyfriend alive while he’s wearing a bear suit, out of sheer rage.

Cremate London sells incense cones, but not this specific scent. A24, offer these cones as a standalone product—please and thank you!

Is the Midsommar Incense Temple worth $45?

1000% yes.

They also have an amazing Midsommar Screenplay book—hardback, if you want the full May Queen spread.

Marty Supreme Championship Table Tennis Balls

This is a great little collector’s item for the film bro (gender neutral) in your life. Josh Safdie’s film Marty Supreme may have gotten snubbed at the Academy Awards, but it can live on in the form of iconic orange balls in your home. I don’t have a whole lot to report about the balls’ ping pong effectiveness. But as someone who did dress up like one of them for an Oscars party, I can say that they are a riot to have on a shelf.

Are the Marty Supreme Table Tennis Balls worth $18?

Sure. The packaging is pretty sweet. It’s a one-of-a-kind, quirky item. Go for it.

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A24 x Joya Genre Candle

Do you want to know what horror smells like?

Joya Studio is a fragrance studio based in Brooklyn and they partnered with A24 to produce “genre candles.” Basically every (popular) film genre has its own unique candle associated with it. Such a special concept.

I was torn between Horror and Thriller, but I ultimately went with Horror, because red is my favorite color, duh. Straight up, I did not even look at the candle’s scent profile until after I placed the order. I should have known that the horror candle would be terrifyingly on theme.

Leathery. Dank. Not unsettling. Not settling.

NOTES: mandarin, clove leaf, cypress, suede, cinnamon bark

INSPIRATION: fangs, glowing eyes, remote lakeside cabins, foreboding shadows on walls, bloody knives, low-angle staircase shots, dilapidated houses silhouetted on a hill, black cats

I’ve always wanted my home to smell like multiple bloody knives with a hint of “low angle staircase shot.” What does it actually smell like to me? It feels more fitting to show a series of photos, rather than solely explain via the English language.

• The cold shiver down your spine when you see Nosferatu’s shadow or a cold hand touching your shoulder in the dark

• The still moments before Anna completely loses it in the subway in Possession (1981)

• The chlorine smell of the pool in Let the Right One In (2008)

• Vincent Price’s voice, aura, and entire being

To be completely honest, I’ve never had a candle evoke so many emotions and feelings, other than “this smell good,” or “this smell bad.” It’s complex. It’s layered. It’s almost exactly as advertised.

Is the A24 x Joya Genre Candle worth $48?

It’s crazy how I always look at the price of an A24 item on the website and think to myself, “this seems overpriced,” but then once I acquire said item, I begin to understand why. I cannot speak to the other candle genres, but I’m having a blast with this one. Lighting this up and doing my crossword puzzles in bed is my version of heaven. My verdict? It depends on if an experience like this is important to you. If the genre, the scent, and the color of the candle all align with your personal brand, I’d say do it.

Skincare/Beauty

Celisse Essential Set

I’m not a nail girl. I never have been.

It’s pretty much the one inherently feminine trait that I cannot relate to other women about. I was never good at painting my nails. I never waited long enough for them to dry and inevitably screwed them up. And even if I did get them done at a salon, the experience never felt relaxing to me.

Days later, they would start chipping or peeling—or I’d get the urge to start peeling them myself. Once I realized this, I stopped caring. Bare nails all the way. But I’m a chronic nail picker, so my nails have always been…”busted,” for lack of a better term. Or maybe that is the perfect term. Long story short, I still want bare nails but I want them to look nice-r than I normally keep them.

So, when Celisse sent me their Essential Kit, I was excited. The kit contains everything you need to easily do your nails at home—zero fuss. And because I prefer a bare nail, the fact that the polish looks like my natural color—just shinier and glossier—intrigued me even more.

The kit comes with a quick coat (mine in the shade Vanity), a clear top coat, a nail file, a nail buffer/shine block combo, and a cuticle serum. Oh, and a manual!

I followed all the directions, did all of the things, and painted all of the nails. The result? Pretty spectacular. Even though the feeling of filing my nails does make me a little sick to my stomach (nails on a chalkboard vibes), I was amazed at how fast the polish + clear coat dried. I could resume my daily activities—like typing, washing dishes, and vacuuming my apartment with a tiny handheld vacuum because I’m too lazy to get out the big one—all without worrying about smudging my polish.

Is the Celisse Essential Set worth $84.64?

It’s a little steep, but you do get everything you need in one neat bundle. The polish is also unmatched in terms of shade and quick dryness. You’ll get hours of your life back by using this instead of Essie, and that alone has gotta be worth something. And I assume by taking matters into your own hands (pun intended), you save money on salon trips. Teach a man to fish, right? So, if you don’t want your nails to look #busted like mine did, go for it.

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo

I don’t know what kind of voodoo magic K18 has going on, but this stuff sprays on to your hair wet and somehow miraculously makes all the grease disappear in like 15 seconds. The result is great. You get the benefits of dry shampoo without having to deal with all the powdery residue and stress of having to brush it all into your roots without it looking like you used the top of your head to dust your ceiling fan.

But it’s not perfect. Pretty much everything about this bottle pisses me off. Every time I take the cap off, the little purple strip twists loose and it starts leaking. Also, the spray nozzle is disgustingly hard to push down. With each use, I’m fully convinced it’s going to completely jam up and stop working.

Is the K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo worth $48?

Personally, I’d never pay that much for dry shampoo. In general, I think dry shampoo is one of the most overpriced hair/beauty products on the market. Even the small bottles that are mostly just air will run you $11. This pisses me off greatly. So, no I don’t think any dry shampoo should cost $48 out of sheer principle.

How do I rate a product that does exactly what it needs to do (formula-wise), but comes in the most bogus, maddening bottle that makes me want to punch a hole in the wall? Frankly, I’m not sure. I’ve given you all the facts. You decide what’s important.

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Remedy Skin Hydrating Serum

I reviewed Remedy’s Gel-to-Foam Cleanser in my last product review. Long story short, I like it and it’s my go-to face wash for now. I even bought the Vitamin C Serum from Target when mine ran out, because I figured I’d try and stick to one brand. Now, I have the Hydrating Serum and I’m a fan. It feels fantastic when I put it on my face. No complaints. That’s about it. I’m not the most well-versed in skincare science, so I couldn’t tell you if it’s having intensely positive effects on my face, but all I know is, it feels good, I’m not having any negative reactions, and my skin is clear enough.

Is the Remedy Hydrating Serum worth $17?

Serums can be pretty expensive and $17 is actually on the cheaper side for a product like this. I’d say if a hydrating serum is an important part of your skincare routine and you’re someone who desires more moisture, go for it. Most serums are going to run you about $40 at least. I also really like the bottle design (take notes K18). It’s unpretentious, it comes out super easy, and you can twist it the opposite way to lock if you’re packing it in your bag.

Again, everyone’s skin is different. What works for my skin may not work for yours! Purchase at your own risk.

Dime Perfume/Cologne

Dime sent me 2 fragrances—their 7 Summers Perfume and their No 1. Cologne. Let’s see what we’re working with here.

The bottle design is sleek, minimalist, organic. I enjoy the bulbous black lid. It’s magnetic too. As for the smell, the fragrance notes are juicy pear, vanilla orchid, and sugared woods.

For me, I get: grapefruit with sugar and vanilla. There’s certainly a bit of an alcohol smell when you first spray it, but it subsides after it sinks in. It’s a pretty subtle scent overall. It doesn’t overpower. Great summer scent. Not too layered. Simple.

Is the 7 Summers Perfume worth $62?

It smells good, but I don’t think I’d personally buy it again or adopt it as my signature scent. It’s not blowing me away, but I’m glad I have it for the time being. It surely feels seasonal, like it’s specifically meant for summer. For someone that likes a sprinkle of vanilla, I’d say this is for you. But you’re probably better off choosing whichever GAP perfume speaks to you for $10 less.

Now for the cologne. The scent profile is sparkling grapefruit, rosemary sprig, and dark rhum. What am I getting? Generic cologne. My boyfriend has a cologne from Zara that smells more nuanced than this. It’s not doing anything special. It’s basic. I don’t claim to have the strongest nasal passages for distinguishing good cologne from bad cologne, but I feel no aura generated from this bottle. I don’t know who this man is. He is a faceless stranger at the gym. He is a shadow waiting to cross the street at a busy crosswalk. He may even be the shell of a human being who cuts you off in traffic. Either way, he is unremarkable.

Is the No 1. Cologne worth $62?

No.

Miscellaneous Goodies

Fishwife Tinned Mussels

What I may lack in cologne distinguish-ment (?), I more than make up for in my ability to judge a can of tinned fish.

Fishwife is ALL over social media. They’ve managed to create an distinct brand due to the rise in popularity of tinned fish (and the aesthetic around consuming it), the singularity of their branding/artwork, and their smart marketing and social media strategy. Oh, and of course, the product itself…is delicious.

I’ve been eating Fishwife for about two years now, after I received some Smoked Rainbow Trout tins for Christmas one year. Unmatched, that smoked trout. Seriously—I use it to make trout dip constantly and it brings me to life every time. After that, I got the Fishwife Cookbook and have pretty much been a fan ever since, so when they reached out to send me their new mussels, I died.

They come in two flavors—sweet pepper and garlic + basil pesto. My favorite way to eat these has been with Utz potato chips, crème fraîche, lemon, and chives—with Grillo’s pickles on the side. Basically, a full spread. A girl dinner if there ever was one.

Let’s talk flavor. I prefer the sweet pepper x garlic ones, because the flavor is more layered, but also not as potent. While I love the basil x pesto, I have to be in the mood for these, since the taste is SO “hit you in the face” with flavor. But it totally depends on what flavor you prefer, personally. The mussels themselves are a good size, not shrimpy. There aren’t really any duds in the can.

Are the Fishwife Mussels worth $32 for a pack of 3?

I feel about Fishwife the same way I feel about A24. Upon first glance, the price seems slightly abysmal. But after having tried the product, I realize it’s something I would rather not go without. That’s how good it is. I’ll also say, these cans are PACKED with mussels. At times, you feel like you’re eating fish out of Mary Poppins’s bag. If we have some little sides and chips, my boyfriend and I can just share one can for dinner and be set.

Fishwife Sardines with Hot Pepper

Not to be dramatic, but these are the best sardines on the market. I’m not even a “spice girl,” but the flavor of these is so great and pairs incredibly well with the #dines that it makes you feel like you’re eating something more special than any old can of fish. I’ve simply been consuming these atop toasted bread and crème fraîche. Yes, there is a kick to it, but as someone who really cannot handle a ton of spice, these are palatable for my fellow weaklings that want a tiny sizzle.

Are the Fishwife Hot Pepper Sardines worth $32 for a pack of 3?

I do think that $32 for sardines (given the nature of the fish) is certainly more of a stretch than paying that price for mussels. That being said, it’s worth it for me. It’s not NOT a splurge—I do have to be strategic with what I’m doing with the sardines to make sure I’m getting the most bang for my buck, but it’s all in good fun. These flavors make tinned fish feel like a novelty meal, rather than a last resort. That’s what Fishwife does so well with all their products.

If you do decide to try it for yourself, you can get 10% off your Fishwife order if you use the code: ITSCRITICAL10.

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Fresh Sends - The Pasta Night Send

Fresh Sends is a flower delivery service that lets you send fresh bouquets to friends and loved ones…or enemies, if that’s your vibe. The flowers come in a cute box and you can even choose different “sends” for different occasions that’ll include the bouquet, along with some extra goodies. They have a bunch of different ones:

• The Coffee Send—Cold Brew: Glass bottle + Rockaway Cold Brew

• The Coffee Send—Regular: Mug, Brooklyn Coffee, and Coffee Scoop + Bag Clip

• The Birthday Send: Fresh cookies from Funny Face Bakery

• The New Baby Send: Plush bunny, diaper paste, and all over ointment

• The Candy Send: 3 candies of your choice

• The Bridesmaid Send: Eye mask, floral claw clip, and eye serum

Or you can order a normal bouquet with a note or an add on (like a vase, hand cream, perfume, candle, tote, or a water bottle).

I really wanted the Regular Coffee Send, but it was sold out at the time, so I chose the Pasta Night Send (still fabulous). It came with this adorable farfalle pasta, Graza extra virgin olive oil, and a wooden sauce spoon. The unboxing experience was SO much fun. It felt like Christmas.

The packaging was super neat. The goodies were adorable. The bouquet was lovely. Overall, it was a super sweet experience. Did we cook the pasta? Yes, we did. Big fan. My boyfriend and I made it simple with ricotta cheese, olive oil, butter, and various herbs. Delicious. I’ve also been #drizzling my Graza olive oil on all my food since.

Is the Fresh Sends Pasta Night Send worth $150?

Given how expensive flower delivery is nowadays, I’d say this is a pretty fair price for a bouquet, custom note, and added goodies. And boy, do I love a theme. I do think some of the sends give you more bang for your buck in terms of additional items than others. But it really depends on the person, situation, and the vibe you’re going for.

Also, I live in an apartment that doesn’t let you have packages sent directly to your door or your mailbox—I have to get everything sent to a shipping facility and then scheduled to be delivered to my door. Given the nature of my “situation,” having an actual delivery box of flowers, rather than a loose vase is ideal. Coordinating a flower delivery to an apartment can be a nightmare (trust me, I’ve lived it), so this pretty much eliminates that hassle.

My only complaint is that the flowers didn’t last as long as I wanted them to (even though I followed all the instructions). They started to look a little dry/saggy after 5 or so days. Not sure if that’s something that happened with my bouquet or just based on the flowers I was specifically sent, but something to note!

Would I order Fresh Sends for a friend or family member?

Yes. The presentation alone is a giant plus. It really adds that extra layer of pizzazz and it’s unique. I like the idea of tailoring a send to someone based on their interests/taste. I hope they continue to come out with new, creative sends, because it’s exciting to see the creativity here. All in all, this is a nifty service and I would recommend it.

Clevr Blends—Matcha SuperLatte

And last but not least, Clevr sent me a bag of their Matcha SuperLatte. This is essentially ceremonial matcha x adaptogens (?) x mushrooms (the normal kind) x probiotics to balance cortisol levels and support your immune system. MATCHA+, basically. They have a bunch of different flavors, but I picked the regular matcha, because I didn’t want to get too fancy.

I’ll preface this by saying: I love matcha. I’ve been making it at home for many years. My method typically does not include water, because I like it creamy. I usually put my matcha powder through a strainer, pour in a little 2% milk, blend the powder into the milk with an electric frother until smooth, pour in more milk, add sugar syrup, and finally add ice. That’s it.

Clevr tells you to use water for this recipe, so I did. I guess this makes sense given there is oat milk already in the blend. I wasn’t a huge fan of the water method, still. It just felt too watery. With milk, it definitely had a way better flavor/consistency—extremely creamy. Great texture.

This stuff does taste different than your average matcha. The oat milk really pushes through and kind of overpowers everything, if I’m being honest. The result is a rounder/creamier flavor that’s not as earthy as your typical matcha. I’d actually love to try a version without the oat milk. That being said, my boyfriend LOVES this stuff. So, to each their own. I’m still going to play around with different methods of preparation, but I think regular matcha may just be my calling.

My package did also come with the Clevr Latte Frother and a Golden Scoop Spoon. Big fan of both. The frother is actually great and way better than my current one, so I was really happy to receive that as an added bonus. And it’s USB re-chargeable!

Is the Clevr Matcha SuperLatte worth $29 a bag?

If you enjoy oat milk matcha and yearn for pristine gut health, go for it. The bag is quite massive. No skimping here. I, personally, would not purchase this again, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Just not for me!

The End. The End. The End.

That concludes my review(s). I hope you laughed, cried, and learned at least one thing, even if it was that Pete Davidson was on Shark Tank. Who’d have thought? Until next time, stay critical.

More From it’s critical.

An edition that is meant to signal a shift in the fashion tides—both seasonally and culturally. Chock-full of coveted ad placements, emerging trends, and a gripping cover story, the September issue is touted as the magazine to rule all magazines. The cover to rule all covers.

Hell, there’s even an entire documentary dedicated to the creation of this esteemed edition, The September Issue (2009).

“Well, I think it’s a combination of our history—September’s always been the most important month. It was amplified by the documentary that was made many years ago. There is an excitement around that time of the year—fall clothes, by nature. More to look at. More to photograph. More to take videos of…The spring collections…I think there’s just a sense of everything starting over.” —Anna Wintour on why the September issue is important

Vogue made the conscious effort to put this particular magazine on a pedestal. And so, as with all self-important creative contributions, it’s subject to intense criticism.

The intense criticism in question? Well, it’s in the room with us.

On August 11th, American Vogue revealed the new September 2026 issue, and it’s…downright depressing, completely uninspired, and evokes the feeling of a Kohl’s back-to-school ad. Yes, derogatory. It features model and actress Kaia Gerber (daughter of Cindy Crawford) alongside acting newbie Homer Gere (son of Richard Gere), photographed by Steven Meisel, with both wearing head-to-toe Chanel.

What makes this pair so special? Special enough to be the sole focus of the esteemed September issue? Two words: Ryan Murphy.

In a SHOCKING turn of events (that nobody saw coming), Vogue completely sold out its September issue cover to act as sloppy sponcon for Murphy’s new FX show, The Shards, based on a 2023 novel by Bret Easton Ellis.

If you’re thinking: “What the hell is The Shards?” You are completely valid. Everything I’ve learned about this “teen thriller” has been against my will/gun-to-my virtual head. The marketing for this show came, seemingly, out of nowhere and feels just as contrived as a podcast ad read for AG1. Stop trying to make ‘fetch’ happen.

And most (if not all) of the content I’ve seen to promote the show has not a smidge to do with the show itself. It simply revolves around:

Once upon a time Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere were married. Now, their kids are in a show together.

That’s it.

As a self-proclaimed pop-culture head, this factoid is fun, but it’s not interesting enough to carry an entire marketing campaign for a television show. It’s weak. It’s gimmicky. It’s stale. And it’s also the reason Gerber and Gere are on the cover—a callback to Vogue’s iconic November 1992 cover featuring their parents, a year into marriage. A cover that (might I add) actually makes you feel something. The expressive color palette. The on-location photoshoot. The chemistry between the couple. It’s practically everything this new cover is not.

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways.

What is the best way to describe the aura coming from this cover? Void. Infinite blankness. I look at this photo and feel an intense sense of nothingness wash over me. And for that, I’m enraged.

The biggest offender in this shoot is the dreary grey backdrop. I can’t even begin to imagine why anyone on God’s green earth thought this was a good idea. Steven Meisel is famous for often capturing subjects in front of neutral grey backdrops, but what he’s best at is moody, black-and-white photography, where this sort of creative choice makes sense. For a cover that’s meant to represent fresh faces and a new generation of style and celebrity (or whatever?), this is not the correct vibe.

Instead, the color is lifeless. It washes everything out. For a brand like Chanel, which has had new life breathed into it by creative director Matthieu Blazy, I’ve never seen these clothes look SO flat. There’s no contrast to be found. And clearly no budget, either.

I’m not going to say everyone who approved this should serve jail time, but I’m not not going to say it.

American Vogue has been on a famously depressing streak of rarely shooting on location, often opting for boring, blank sets to serve as the background for celebrity cover shoots. And this cover is clearly no different. It feels like an afterthought…especially since other Vogue publications (i.e., Vogue Italia, Vogue Portugal, British Vogue, etc.) are fashioning creative covers so beautiful, they could be standalone pieces of art that I’d happily display on my walls.

It’s embarrassing how #flop American Vogue is compared to its sister magazines.

This cover shoot, specifically, had some potential to be okay, given the fact that Kaia Gerber is actually a model. The styling isn’t complete trash (aside from the ghastly Louis Vuitton outfit that I don’t even want to include because it made my eyes melt out of my sockets), but the grey background carried throughout the entire shoot does a disservice to pretty much everything. These photos could be major if we had…well, any contrast at all. What a shame.

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The nepo baby narrative is tired.

My problem doesn’t explicitly lie with the cover itself—the overall narrative of this issue is heavily tied to the “nepo baby” discourse that has become one of the most overplayed themes in recent pop culture history.

It’s a gimmick that keeps on giving…us absolutely zero substance.

It really only works when the nepo baby in question is iconic in their own right, and not continuously propped up by the legacy of their famous parent. Only then does the nepo storyline become a fun part of their narrative, rather than the whole damn thing.

But again, the September issue is meant to introduce new ideas, explore fresh cultural avenues, and provide commentary on where fashion is headed. Harping on a dry subject matter that’s been beaten to death with verbal baseball bats for years feels like three steps back into a ditch.

I’m not sure I can stomach hearing yet another quote like:

“I’ve only ever been a nepo baby, and I’ve only ever benefited in my career from it. But what that’s done for me is make me want to work harder.”—Kaia Gerber

With the appointment of Chloe Malle as Vogue’s new Head of Editorial Content last September, I had hopes that the magazine would start to explore new ideas and introduce more meaningful fashion stories into its pages, with Malle having a journalistic background, rather than that of a passionate fashion-lover. But instead, it’s been the same old, same old.

But is it really a surprise that Malle, a self-proclaimed nepo baby herself (daughter of Candice Bergen and Louis Malle), chose to make this the most important throughline? Not at all. But I expected more.

Vogue’s finger is chronically behind the pulse.

I’m not going to sit here and act like this cover is the first time Vogue has missed the mark, but it’s insane how consistent they are at failing to have their finger on the pulse when they have all the resources to do better.

I mean, the past few September issues have also been as much of a joke as this one—Emma Stone’s horrible Louis Vuitton-clad cover and the tone-deaf shitshow that was Blake Lively x Baz Luhrmann. Who is it even for? They’ve completely lost the plot.

Yes, debuting Taylor Swift’s Dior wedding dress on the September 2026 issue would have been insanely predictable, but it would have at least been a big cultural moment worth highlighting. And it’s almost comical that they chose to spotlight this FX show with a cover and failed to take full advantage of the actual fashion phenomenon that was FX’s Love Story. Sure, they did a feature, but having a cover with Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly would have been iconic. Such a wasted opportunity.

Where was a Charli XCX cover when Wuthering Heights came out or during the height of Brat Summer? An ancient Greece-inspired photoshoot and cover story with Zendaya and Law Roach to promote the Odyssey? Where is the “Women of a Certain Age” issue featuring Demi Moore and Isabelle Huppert in Balenciaga? Margaret Qualley and ASAP Rocky together on the cover in Blazy’s Chanel? Madonna?

Instead, we get bland covers with half-baked stories that say nothing worthwhile about the state of fashion.

Great photographers are brought in to shoot watered-down versions of the fashion photography that made them iconic in the first place—limited by Vogue’s lack of creative budget, ideas, and willingness to try anything new.

What will the future hold for Vogue?

Just remember, I rant because I care.

I’d love to see change in the right direction for the publication, but unfortunately I don’t anticipate that happening any time soon. Maybe if we’re lucky, they’ll let Marc Jacobs be guest editor again, but until then, I will hope for the best and expect the absolute worst.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Until next time, stay critical.

For business inquiries, email me at emileerussell1998@gmail.com

More Fashion, More Fun

Once upon a time, there was a (fictional) woman who was gifted a Judith Leiber swan clutch by her boyfriend.

It was all wrong.

24 years later, that same (fictional) woman carried the JW Anderson Pigeon Clutch with pride.

What gives? Why would Carrie Bradshaw be SO offended by one bird bag, yet willingly choose to wear another? The answer is simple. Taste.

Ever since that fateful episode aired in 1999, a large subset of Sex and the City fans have been asking the same question:

Basically, people are baffled that Carrie took issue with the rhinestone-encrusted Judith Leiber bag. They seem to think that just because Carrie has a “quirky sense of style,” she would 100% “rock” that bag, or go out and buy it herself. Fans are positively perturbed. But they’re missing the point.

Culturally speaking, (in 1999) Judith Leiber bags were often carried by wealthy Upper East Side matrons, Park Avenue women, and high-society socialites. They represented a culture that Carrie was not a part of, nor wanted anything to do with.

Visually speaking, not all novelty bags are created equally.

Just because a purse is shaped like an animal, an inanimate object, or references pop culture, doesn’t make it tastefully campy. In fact, most of them aren’t. And likewise, just because a purse is expensive, that doesn’t make it tasteful either.

The Swan Clutch leans kitschy. While the novelty bird shape could be considered interesting from an artistic perspective, the all-over crystals make it gaudy, over-the-top, and flashy in a way that reads tacky, rather than tasteful. The rhinestones pretty much take away from any point it could be trying to make by its existence. All commentary is lost by the “look at me” message the jewels are (by default) sending.

So, what makes the JW Anderson Pigeon bag any better? For starters, no rhinestones. Jonathan Anderson uses a 3D-printed resin clutch to celebrate the mundane. It’s not trying to be flashy. It is simply a pigeon, as they are, in New York City, every single day. It’s funny. It’s not fussy. It’s absurdist.

That’s the difference. And Carrie, a bona fide fashion girl, understands this.

But listen, I’m not here to shame anyone for liking Judith Leiber. She’s tapped into a very successful niche and captured the hearts of whimsical wealthy wives everywhere. I am here to help you discern whether or not a novelty bag is tasteful, with a few simple rules. As someone who has decided to start (casually) collecting novelty handbags, I feel I have a certain eye for what reads chic vs what reads cheap.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s dig in.

Rule #1: Moschino is the Crown Jewel of Novelty Bags

Founded in Milan in 1983 by Franco Moschino, fashion house Moschino is one that’s rooted in campy designs, ironic clothing, a sense of humor, and an artistic playfulness that critiques the state of luxury fashion. It’s never silly for the sake of whimsy, but pushes the boundaries of what we consider to be fashion while offering cultural commentary on other major houses/the industry as a whole. Moschino is a brand that is self aware and always in on the joke.

Whether it was parodying Chanel by creating its own version of the tweed suit, complete with gaudy chains, or fashioning necklines with teddy bears to mock designers that use real fur, Moschino’s novelty pieces served a purpose, which is why it’s my absolute favorite luxury brand.

And much like the JW Anderson Pigeon clutch, Moschino’s bags are often fashioned after the mundane—shipping boxes, newspapers, toothpaste, cooking pots, McDonald’s Happy Meals, a tub of ice cream, etc. The list goes on…forever. You name it, they probably have a purse for it. And unlike Judith Leiber, their renditions often come without unnecessary flair (unless they’re sending a message). However, they do LOVE a tongue-in-cheek tagline if their bag is a parody of an object with words on it—pill bottle, pack of cigarettes, road sign.

Basically, you can never go wrong with a novelty Moschino handbag from any era. They’re well-made, creative, campy, and fun. Some of my favorites are:

1990s Red Leather Heart-Shaped Handbag Worn By Fran in the Nanny

Early 2000s Moschino Jeans Playing Card Bag

Fall/Winter 2025 Spaghetti Clutch

Fall 2019 Washing Machine Bag

Fall/Winter 2022 Ice Bucket + Champagne Bag

Fall/Winter 2019 Slot Machine Chain Purse

Fall 2017 Trashcan Bag

1990s Soccer Ball Handbag

Yes, a lot of the most sought-after Moschino bags are pretty expensive on resale, because they are collector’s items. Go figure! But, if you’re vigilant on resale sites, you can still find an interesting Moschino bag for a more reasonable price. It’s all a game, really. And hey, they are still cheaper than almost any Dior Saddle Bag…ever.

Here are some options I found on the resale market that are classic and not TOO expensive:

• Depop - Moschino Black Multicolored Grommet Bucket Bag - $150

• Depop - Moschino x H&M Black Condom Chain Purse - $205

• Depop - Moschino Silver Coin Wristlet - $145

• eBay - Moschino Pink Hairspray Bottle Bag - $800

• eBay - Metallic Gold Fork Cutlery Leather Bag - $595

• eBay - Jeremy Scott Moschino Leather Cup Clutch - $295

• eBay - Vintage Moschino Harlequin Tote - $200

Also, the great thing about buying Moschino on resale (as opposed to other brands) is that the bags are so unique that it would be a lot harder for someone to create a fake, if you want to buy from an unauthenticated site like Depop or Poshmark at a lower cost.

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Rule #2: Added Bling = Kitsch, Not Camp

Rhinestones are your worst enemy. Sparkle cheapens. And too many “cutesy” elements signal poor taste. If you think I’m being too harsh…I can live with that.

Like we talked about with the Judith Leiber bags, an overly blinged-out bag reads as gaudy, not tasteful. Even too much gold hardware in the wrong places or a prominent label (we’ll talk about this later) can drastically devalue a novelty bag.

To evoke everyone’s favorite evil puppet, let’s play a game. In each photo, we have two handbags shaped like an item of food. One of the handbags is considered kitschy (derogatory), and the other is considered campy (complimentary). Can you identify which one is which? I’ll give you a hint…*twinkle twinkle*

Round 1: Not Your Little Caesars

Round 2: Soda Pop

Round 3: Betsey Spaghetti

Round 4: Hot Chip and Lie

Round 5: Tomato, Tom-ah-to

I won’t insult your intelligence, dear reader, by giving you the “answers” to this quiz. You get the point.

Too many conflicting elements or additional whimsy can also take your novelty bag to kitsch territory—like this Kate Spade Glamwich Bag. The name alone scares me deeply.

What’s wrong here?

• The sparkly bacon

• The pickle in the middle of the sandwich (also complete with sparkle)

• The prominent zippers in the bread crust

All of these elements, along with the complexity of the sandwich design, make it insanely busy and tacky.

Now, this sandwich bag is incredible—wearable art. No visible zippers. No unnecessary hardware.

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Rule #3: Label Placement Can Make or Break a Bag

Notice how I didn’t mention the Kate Spade sandwich shop label as being one of the tacky elements? That’s because a well-incorporated label is totally okay in my book.

Just because a label is visible, doesn’t mean it’s all bad. Yes, I hate logo mania for the sake of logo mania, but parody designs that naturally incorporate the brand name into the thing they’re parodying work—like the Moschino bags, the Balenciaga chip bag, etc.

This one, on the other hand, fails that test. Aside from the glitter popcorn faux pas (gag), the Kate Spade New York logo is front and center. My eye darts directly to said logo. It’s not doing anything interesting. If you’re going to put the brand name on the front of your novelty bag, it needs to be worked into the design in a meaningful way…or else, slap it on the back. Maybe I’m a snob, but this placement automatically devalues the purse in my eyes.

A good example of logo placement? These nylon Telfar bags made to look like various classic plastic takeout/grocery/shopping bags.

Now, Telfar isn’t my favorite, historically. The Telfar Shopping bag gives me the same visceral reaction as the Marc Jacobs “The Tote Bag.” Equally loud. Equally haunting. But the brand did tap into something clever here that I can get behind—the creative logo placement being the most respectable.

A distracting logo diminishes the art of the bag.

Rule #4: Your Novelty Bag Doesn’t Need to Break the Bank…or Be Designer

Yes, I’ve mentioned lots of designer brands as examples of great novelty bags and trashed some more affordable ones—like Betsey Johnson and Kate Spade. You don’t need to settle for a gaudy bag, just because you don’t have the funds for a designer clutch. God knows I’m not shelling out that kind of coin!

Money can buy a Balenciaga chip bag but it can’t buy taste.

There are countless affordable, tasteful novelty bags all around us—like my most recent addition, Grover the Horse.

He doesn’t fit 40 men inside of him (sorry Odysseus), but he does fit my Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm, my #thick wallet, my migraine medication, and a pair of sunnies. And I can clip my keys to his gorgeous, unassuming hardware. I was lucky enough to be gifted this gorgeous steed by Karkki, a brand that’s God’s work—creating great quality leather bags at prices that don’t make your wallet cry a river. Although, Grover did cry when they burned the Trojan Horse in the end…

What other great novelty bag brands are there?

Nik Bentel Studio is a brand with insanely creative bag drops and highly sought-after collabs. You may have seen his Trolley Bag in collaboration with Lidl, or maybe his giant Tums Bag (my personal favorite). I’m obsessed with how whacky his ideas are, and my favorite thing ever is when a non-fashion company decides to make clothes. I’m a sucker for it every time. You’re telling me I can rep Tums on a daily basis via giant metallic chain purse? Sign me up.

While you can snag some iconic, well-made bags on his site right now—The Manila Folder Purse, The Dinner Bag, The Pasta Bag, The Shipping Box Bag, and more—you can also find some of his work on the secondhand market. I was able to find a brand-new (still in the box) Spaghetti Clutch for just $35 from a Depop seller. Best day of my life.

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Dumpling Bag = Delicious

The Dumpling Bag by Esenes Worldwide is 100% on my wishlist for only $149. Pretty reasonable if you ask me. The translucent outer layer paired with the canvas lining made to look like the innards of a pork dumpling is a stroke of genius. It’s perfect.

Edie Parker is For the Girls

NYC lifestyle brand, Edie Parker, has a ton of “cheeky” designs that are chic and a little bit naughty. One day, I’ll pull the plug on the classic undies clutch—perfect for a night out.

Shop Secondhand for the Best (Most Unique) Finds

I’ll say it again (and again), sites like Depop, eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark are treasure troves for campy handbags. Exhibit A, B, C, D, E, F, and G:

1. Marylin Monroe Magazine Clutch - $70

2. Studio Cult Bread Clip Bag - $50

3. Vintage 60s Vinyl Mini Scottie Bag - $24

4. Handmade Enchanted Frog Purse - $145

5. Marc Jacobs Denim Jeans Bag - $90

6. Timmy Woods Wooden Boxer Purse $132

7. Upcycled License Plate Purse - $44

Rule #5: Material Matters

The older I get, the more I pay attention to the quality of a bag. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen an adorable purse hanging on a hook at the thrift store, only to pick it up and immediately feel how poorly made it is.

No matter how cute a novelty bag is, if it’s made out of cheap material like PU leather or has cheap hardware, you should sit that one out. You want to be the person with the unique, clever, cool purse, not the clown that has a stupid, tacky cell phone-shaped bag that’s clearly from Shein.

If the design is cool enough, you’ll be able to find a similar, better alternative that will last longer.

Because we want to keep these weird and wonderful bags for generations and generations, right? Who doesn’t want their family heirloom to be a life-size bottle of Tums with a chain strap?

But seriously, if you’re ordering online, make sure you’re taking a look at what the material is in comparison to the price, the brand, etc. All of those factors together should give you a pretty good idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Rule #6: And Unconventional Materials are Your Friend

A novelty bag doesn’t HAVE to mean it’s shaped like something other than a purse. It can mean the bag has an unusual print, is adorned with weird embellishments, or is even made out of unconventional materials. My favorite understated bag (that goes with everything) is one made entirely out of soda pop tabs that I found at a vintage shop here in Atlanta. I wear silver, so it pretty much goes with everything. It’s not too “in-your-face,” but when people notice it, I get tons of compliments. Over the past few years, it’s become my go-to bag—not too small and I can clip my keys to it.

We live in the internet economy. If you can think up a bag made out of [insert unconventional material here], it probably exists:

• Vinyl records - Love this one

• Diet Coke - I’m a #regular Coke drinker but I can recognize that Diet Coke is the hot one

• Carved wood (Timmy Woods is THE guy if you’re looking to mimic the vibe of Carrie’s horse head bag)

• Puppet skin - Don’t show Oscar…

• Human skin - Don’t show…me

• Ikea bags - This, and a couple of other upcycled Ikea bags are on my wishlist!

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May the Perfect Novelty Bag(s) Find You

I hope this newsletter serves as your conscience when buying your next novelty handbag, because God knows Jiminy Cricket doesn’t want you out here looking like a tacky mess, and neither do I.

Just remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to walk around with your phone inside a giant, photo-realistic frog, but it’s a humiliation ritual to be seen “rocking” a bedazzled piece of pizza. Why? Well, now you know. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

And by the way—these bags are not your friend.

If you find yourself yearning for one, buy a Susan Alexandra bag instead.

Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments which novelty bags speak to you, which ones you hate, and which ones you want to be buried with.

More from it’s critical.

It’s a time where rigid dressing is completely thrown out the window in favor of a lighter, airier kind of presentation. It bewitches you—body and soul.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been in a “minimalist” mindset, swearing to myself that the prospect of summer won’t persuade me to buy that new, hot tote bag or that kitschy little pair of crab earrings. But alas, I am influenced all over again, without fail. As much as I try to escape my island roots/beach town upbringing, it rears its ugly head by the time the Atlanta heat wave sets in.

This year’s summer fashion trends almost feel like a deliberate rejection of the Q1 CBK effect that took the world by storm due to the success of FX’s Love Story. Or maybe Carolyn Bessette’s style, more so, lends itself to cooler weather—camel coats, loafers, dark wash denim, solid neutrals, etc.

Either way, we’ve entered a new season of life, of style, and of exploration.

So, let’s talk about the trends shaping summer fashion—right here, right now. But I want to do more than just give you a list of trends…because that would be boring. I’m all for a round-up, but we need context. We need substance. We need criticism. Fashion without friction is meaningless, in my humble opinion.

I’m here to dissect. A trend autopsy, if you will, except they are all alive and well.

You’ll also notice that many of these trends are actually spin-offs of last summer’s familiar trends, but with a slight tweak or evolution.

As someone who hates the whiplash of a microtrend, it’s a breath of fresh air to see certain styles stick around for longer, even if they are being slightly upgraded in different ways. Maybe society is healing after all…? Doubtful, but I’ll take my wins.

Let’s dig in.

Trend #1: Beaded Woven Bags

Simple mesh totes were all the rage last year, but now it’s time to up the ante. The summer bag needs to be a little more personalized, and a little more durable than just a thin, mesh number you take to the grocery store and plop two oranges in (for the aesthetic). Whether crochet, raffia, fishnet, rope, or woven canvas, pretty much every brand has its own formula for this kind of bag—and beads are fitting into many of the equations.

The Scene of the Crime: Zara Beaded Bucket Bag

This trend hit me over the head when I kept seeing the Zara Beaded Bucket Bag online, everywhere! Now sold out (of course), this bag pretty much sums up Summer 2026 in one, tightly woven little package. The hard handle, the multi-colored beads, the cream weave—simple but effective. It has a certain element of craftiness that summer trends tend to have. The more handmade-looking, the better. The irony is that now, every other affordable brand is ripping off Zara. The #ripperoffer has now become the #rippedoff.

The Paper Trail: Fendi Spring 2026

Silvia Venturini Fendi’s last show before stepping down as creative director was something truly magical. Honestly, one of my favorite spring collections in recent memory—the colors, the ideas, the styling—everything was gorgeous. And the bags? SO creative. I’ll take 500 of these innovative, playful woven/beaded handbags over Maria Grazia Chiuri’s “beating a dead horse” baguette iterations.

Other brands like Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, Giorgia Armani, and Bodi introduced unique woven bags/beaded bags in their Spring 2026 collections, but nothing as "in full force” as Fendi.

Do I think that Fendi singlehandedly made this kind of bag into a hot item? Not fully. They were the first to lean in, but I also think the popularity of the simple mesh tote made way for a more “elevated” version, naturally—and paired with the popularity of a 1920s-style of embellished…everything (tops, skirts, dresses), it only feels right to pair that with the ultimate summer accessory.

The Verdict: Diverse Enough Not to Be Cringe

This trend, done right, is fabulous. It’s not super forced. It feels like the natural progression of fashion, rather than a weird thing the algorithm is forcing down our throats. There are also SO many different iterations and diverse designs to where you can really forge your own path here. Not everyone’s beaded, woven bags are going to look the same—you can find your true personality piece. Maybe you’re a monochromatic wooden bead with black netting and a round handle girl. Or maybe your vibe is a multi-colored rock-like bead with a double layer of fabric underneath and a long, soft handle. You can do anything! My only gripe is that some of the bead color combos are ugly. That’s about it. It’s not that deep.

Exhibit A: Beaded, Woven Bags for Your Thoughts

Affordable Picks (Under $120)

1. Etsy - Vintage Handmade Beaded Bucket Bag in Primary Colors - $53

2. Etsy - Handmade Crochet Beaded Tote Bag (Zara Dupe) - $91

3. Etsy - Beaded Mesh Tote Bag - $118

4. ASOS - South Beach Resin Beaded Crochet Crossbody Bag - $39

5. Etsy - Green Crochet Beaded Evening Bag - $50

6. Lotus Yarns - Handwoven Wooden Beads Bag - $39.80

7. (personal fav) J.Crew Hand-Crocheted Top Handle Bag with Beads - $79.50

8. Revolve - Milo Bag - $110

High-End Picks ($120+)

1. STAUD - Del Mar Bucket Bag Sea Glass Multi - $495

2. Marina Rinaldi - Sphere-Detail Crochet Knit - $335

3. Simon Miller - Beaded Shelly Bag - $245

4. Cult Gaia - Mercier Mini Tote - $358

5. Aqua - Medium Beaded Tote Bag - $128

6. Xierna - Orange La Gemme Mini Bucket Bag - $465

Trend #2: Bug-Eyed Sunnies

No, this doesn’t just mean “big” sunglasses. I’m talking about giant, round glasses so big, they look like they’re on a mission to swallow your entire head. The Celine Disc, the Prada PR B21S, and the YSL Howl sunnies—just to name a few. You’re an alien. You’re 2026 does Y2K does 70s. Maybe you’re hiding a hangover or your face (in general), because you’re feeling #stale. Either way, you look unbothered and cool.

The Scene of the Crime: Phoebe Philo Cookie Sunglasses

I bought a couple pairs of giant sunglasses last year, so I knew they were making their way back around (in some capacity), but it wasn’t until I saw ’s Substack selfies of her wearing the Phoebe Philo Cookie Sunglasses that I felt that a more #major iteration of this trend was set to take off. BTW: I hope you kept them, Georgia!

The Paper Trail: Reject CBK, Become Jackie O

Remember when I brought up Love Story and Carolyn Bessette? Yeah, I’m going to do it again. Amidst the sea of CBK references, style deep dives, and inspo reels, the “niche” thing to do was to focus on Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s style or her sister, socialite Lee Radziwill. With this came the influx of moodboards featuring Jackie’s ironic massive glasses—ones she often hid behind throughout the 1970s. They were a staple for her. America’s favorite bug, as everyone called her. No one called her that, except for me…just now.

The Verdict: Hide From the Sun…and the Haters

As someone who uses sunglasses to hide my face when I’m feeling particularly hideous, I’m all for a comically large pair of shades. I steer clear of wire frames, because they always end up getting bent or crooked or wonky. Give me thick frames with the strength of 1000 men. Industrial grade sunnies that can withstand being thrown into various bags, left in the car in 100 degree heat, and dropped onto concrete when they ultimately fall off my head. Oops! That being said, sunglasses are almost like hairstyles: certain frames (or cuts) don’t suit certain people, so it’s helpful to be aware of which ones are right for your face shape. I’ve bought many a sunglass that looked gorgeous standing alone, but the second they touched my face, I went from a 7 to a 5…

I honestly feel like there aren’t really any brands truly taking advantage of this trend right now with the perfect pair of affordable, giant sunnies. The best options are mostly vintage/secondhand. Let’s explore:

Exhibit A: Bug Girl Summer

Affordable Picks (Under $150)

1. Etsy - 90s Deadstock Bug Eye Sunglasses - $18

2. Poshmark - Dior Oversized Tortoiseshell Brown Gradient Sunglasses - $120

3. Jimmy Fairly Paris - The Bora - $148

4. Etsy - Donna Brown Round Oversized Sunglasses - $20

5. Poshmark - Round Gradient Brown Women’s Sunglasses - $90

6. Free People - Giant Vintage Whisper Oversized Round Glasses - $25.60

7. Etsy - Champagne Vintage Round Sunglasses - $28

8. Amazon - Big Huge Oversized Vintage Style Sunglasses - $11.99

High-End Picks ($150+)

1. Bonnie Clyde - Princessa - $228

2. Nordstrom Rack - Gucci 54mm Sunglasses - $229

3. TheRealReal - Miu Miu Oversized Gradient Sunglasses - $248

4. TheRealReal - Gucci Running GG Logo Oversize Sunglasses - $228

5. The RealReal - Tom Ford Oversized Gradient Sunglasses - $180

6. Mrs. Couture - Contemporary Brown And Grey Over-Sized Balenciaga Sunglasses - $325

7. TheRealReal - Dita Oversized Gradient - $183

8. TheRealReal - Gucci Double G Logo Oversized Sunglasses - $269

Trend #3 - Printed Midi Skirt (and Kitten Heels)

The hip-hugging midi silhouette was quite popular in the late 90s/early 2000s, but was really made popular by none other than Carrie Bradshaw herself—the mother of the midi. She often opted for a dress, but was known to turn out some killer printed skirt looks from time to time, paired with a breakneck stiletto. Fast-forward to 2026 and we’re seeing a familiar shape and fun prints, BUT with a softer shoe—the kitten heel. Sometimes strappy. Sometimes pointy. Sometimes…thong-y. Always divine.

The Scene of the Crime: You and I….NOTHING

The midi skirt phenomenon has been a thing for probably over a year now (in the most fashionable sectors of the planet), though I started seeing an influx of normies (with love) take to the trend more recently. Now, there’s this (arguably funny, yet inaccurate) TikTok/Instagram Reel trend happening where women are going full rage mode wearing kitten heels and a midi skirt with text overlay with different variations of the phrase, “how life sounds in a midi skirt and kitten heels,” with the audio of Carrie yelling at Big before she goes to Paris with Aleksandr Petrovsky.

Like I said, this meme is historically inaccurate, because Carrie didn’t wear kitten heels with her midis, but nonetheless, I find it humorous. And I guess as Carrie is closer to God in her stilettos, these women feel closer to Carrie in their midi skirt/kitten heel combo, albeit spiritually incorrect. High heels just aren’t en vogue right now, so we must pair them with the heel of the moment. We’re in our comfy era.

And yes, I know these examples are not “printed” midi skirts, but this is where I first clocked the skirt/shoe pairing on a blatantly viral level that I can pinpoint.

The Paper Trail: All Roads Lead to Polka Dots

As someone whose middle name is quite literally, “statement skirt,” I was thrilled to see SO many great ones hit the runway last fall at shows like Chanel, Balenciaga, Alaïa, etc.

You know what else we saw a lot of? Prints—specifically polka dots. They’re not dead yet, contrary to popular belief.

Hear me out. I believe that the rise of polka dots has become the gateway drug to allowing more people to experiment with printed midi skirts. A polka dot is an easy print to lean into if you haven’t otherwise dabbled in such whimsy. It’s unfussy. It’s classic. It’s cute. You can’t go wrong. Thus, bias cut, polka dotted midi skirts were everywhere. Hell, I even have one. But now, the ladies are bored. We want a more unique print like a Pucci or a Missoni or even just a fun geometric little number. How about a floral? We’ll take them all. Something colorful. Something campy. Something that can carry the full look.

The Verdict: Embrace the Female Form

I used to despise a midi cut on myself, because my goal was to always look taller, have long legs, and elongate my body by any means necessary. The midi skirt + kitten heel combo pretty much does the opposite unless you naturally have long limbs. It hugs the hips, reveals the calves, and only props you up a tiny bit. But now that I’ve moved past ONLY dressing in a way that “flatters” my body in one specific way, I’ve come around to the idea of a midi…and if you know me, a printed skirt is my most favorite article of clothing. So yeah, I’m fully on board with this trend.

Exhibit A: Flirty and Thriving

Here are some of my favorite printed midis in store now, but honestly, I’d recommend looking on resale sites like Depop, eBay, TheRealReal, or Poshmark, because I think you’ll find some more unique prints for sure—and bonus points for some kind of funky embellishments! Most of my midis are actually from Goodwill and are honestly just random (unimportant) brands from the late 90s/early 2000s that resell for pretty cheap.

In Stores Now:

1. Tyler McGillivary Fawn Midi - $115

2. Banana Republic Mesh Midi - $140

3. Art Abri Tarla Midi Skirt Crystal Black Flower - $45

4. STAUD Lucia Beaded Superbloom Scarf Skirt - $495

5. Zara Floral Sarong Skirt - $79

6. Desigual Printed Midi - $139

Depop Finds:

1. The Limited Orange Scribble Skirt - L - $33

2. Pink and Black Geometric Midi Skirt - S - $12

3. Mesh Midi Tulip Skirt - M - $45

4. Vintage Floral Mesh Midi (White and Pink) - S - $80

5. Wrapper Blue + Green Ombre Midi Skirt - M - $24

6. Custo Barcelona - Brown and White City Print Midi - S - $75

7. Briggs & Riley Women’s Black and Purple Skirt - L - $18

Trend #4: Elevated Jelly

We’re all privy to the 2026 jelly revolution, which I believe is part of a much larger trend that involves “clothing we yearn to chew on.” This involves jelly/PVC/patent leather garments and accessories that resemble Polly Pocket clothes OR delicious candy. One of those things is actually edible, but the teeth want what the teeth want…that’s all I’ll say.

Yes, jelly was a trend last summer, but this time, it’s different. And not the kind of “different” you say when you get back with your ex for the second time.

In 2025, we saw simple jelly mesh flats, jelly flip flops, and transparent jelly totes, this summer. We’re basically being served more complex jelly versions of clothing items we already love. The designs are getting a little more complex. A little more nuanced. Brands are putting their own spin on jelly and creating highly specific pieces.

The rise of the Jelly Firkin (a Birkin dupe, but jelly, duh) on social media has been practically inescapable. Chloé came out with a heeled mule that’s essentially a real life Cinderella slipper. Saint Laurent sent transparent jelly lace-up loafers and belts down the runway at their most recent menswear show. It’s not just brands like Target and Old Navy that are churning out jelly #stuff like there’s no tomorrow. Luxury brands are taking a stab at creating high fashion “art” using PVC.

And just this past week, luxury fashion house Schiaparelli debuted its Fall 2026 Couture collection that featured silicone bodices and bias cut skirts that are positively Polly Pocket.

The Scene of the Crime: The Jelly Firkin

I just mentioned the ridiculously named Jelly Firkin, but what exactly IS it? And is it a figment of my imagination?

This giant jelly bag first came into my consciousness when I saw this note by , writer of :

At the time, I was intrigued, as I am with any Birkin dupe. I remember Googling these bags and I pretty much found zero sources and zero websites to buy one, other than the online shop 9folds (that Emma mentioned in her original note). 9folds was having Jelly Firkin drops every so often, but did they invent the bag itself? No, but they did help popularize it. We may never know the origins, but we do know it’s MAJOR.

For more info on the mysterious Jelly Firkin, I’d recommend reading ’s newsletter “Birkins and Baudrillard: thoughts on the rise of the firkin” where they actually interview 9fold and dive into more info about the bag/its origins.

The Paper Trail: Chloé Spring/Summer 2025 Collection

All the way back in September 2024, Chloé debuted a kitten heel jelly shoe—the Jelly TPU Sandals. Who What Wear called them “the world’s chicest jelly shoes.” Subtle, retro, and unfussy, these jellies are more stylized than your average slip on. They’ve got a heel. They’ve got a belt clasp. They’ve got a unique shape. They were the perfect jelly creation to get the ball rolling for other innovative designs.

The Verdict: Cute for the Moment, Bad for the Future

Am I enthralled by the cuteness of a jelly moment? Yes, I’m a human woman. It’s simple. But do I ultimately recognize how unsustainable plastic clothing is? Also yes. The more elevated versions of the PVC accessories are of course better than the stock standard ones—if only because having an artistic quality to them will keep them in the conversation/in people’s closets for longer, rather than tossing them into the landfill next season.

But that’s not where it will stop.

As a trendy material, they’ll keep being produced by the boatload from brands that are simply churning out goods. And I don’t know about you (dear reader), but the last pair of jelly shoes I had gave me insane blisters and the little jelly bag I bought was completely warped when it arrived and even after a month of stuffing it to try to have it keep shape, it’s still lopsided…

You best believe both of these items will be in my donate/sell pile come next closet clean-out. That being said, I am fighting the urge to buy a Jelly Firkin…and any cute new jelly item that comes out, because visually, they are adorable. I can’t help it. The colors are delicious. They have a futuristic quality to them, being transparent and all. Maybe I bought cheap items and that’s my fault? Is there such a thing as a better made/comfortable jelly piece if it’s all the same material? I’d love to know.

Exhibit A: Jellyfish Fields Forever

So the popular jelly brand Melissa has a collab out with Diesel right now—and how come no one is talking about this?? They have all kinds of insane “Quantum” flip flops, slip-ons, sandals, sneakers, and even bags. I’ll take one of each in every single color, please. They’re pretty insane and one of the most interesting jelly creations I’ve seen on the market thus far.

• Quantum Platform - $189

• Quantum Flip Flop - $149

• Quantum Sneaker - $319

• Quantum Dome Bag - $199

The prices aren’t like INSANE—pretty reasonable for a brand new designer shoe collab. The green color is calling to me like Nickelodeon slime.

WHERE CAN YOU GET A JELLY FIRKIN? GLAD YOU ASKED.

Hello Flower Child is selling Jelly Firkins for $139 in every color you could imagine. Again, tempted to get me a slime green one. These ones don’t seem AS translucent as some of the others I’ve seen, so if you’re into the idea of not having a stranger see your loose tampons through a thin, jelly bag, this version may be the one for you.

Dear Nikola is selling them on sale now for $80. I have no idea which one is better, or if there is even a quality difference to justify getting a more expensive one. Beats me!

J.Crew has some cute jelly shoes—fisherman sandals and a kitten heel. GAP has some cool, elevated (literally) jelly flip flops. Anthropologie is selling a handbag that looks like it belongs in the Great Barrier Reef. And Melissa has these insane platform jelly flops that I might break my neck in, but I’d look cool doing it.

Trend #5: Buttons, Buttons, Buttons (For Zero Function)

Cues ‘Loosen Up My Buttons’ by the Pussycat Dolls

Call me crazy, but this trend (IMO) hasn’t reached its full potential yet. It’s all over my Pinterest but it hasn’t picked up enough steam in the real world…or at least under my rock. Of course, there is always at least one summer trend with a craftiness element to it. Let it be this one.

The Scene of the Crime: New York Fashion Week 2026

While independent brands like Paloma Wool and Caspar the Label have been making heavily buttoned pieces for a while, slowly trickling them into collective consciousness, it wasn’t until this past New York Fashion Week (NYFW) that I clocked SO many contrasting buttons. Some of them were functional, some of them were overkill, but all of them were to be noticed.

The Paper Trail: Emma Chamberlain x West Elm

Back in March, Emma Chamberlain released a 78-piece furniture/decor collection with West Elm. It was cute, muted, and vintage-inspired. Knowing Emma’s style, I definitely wish it was more kooky (because she a freak), but what are ya gonna do? Anyway, because I used to listen to her podcast “Anything Goes” religiously, I know that Emma is a huge fan of the 2009 film Coraline—which is why (I assume) there were countless button-covered pieces in this collection. Basically, anything that could be shaped like a button, was. And anything that could have 1000 buttons on it, did. Even the pieces she wore in the photoshoot were button-themed.

After this, my Pinterest was pretty much riddled with multi-colored buttons taking up every inch of real estate on a purse, or a dress, or a tank top.

The Verdict: Too Cottage, 4 Me

This feels like a trend that should have taken off during COVID, but it missed the boat. I think it’s cute, but not necessarily one that yells to me personally. It feels a little too grandmother/cottage core for me to see myself partaking, unless the buttons are arranged in a cool geometric pattern or in a less faded color way.

Embellishments on anything are SO big right now. People want their clothes to be special/to have some sort of unique element practically popping off the “page” so to speak. I can say (with my full chest) that I’m not a fan of a black top with giant white contrasting buttons. I think it looks cheap. I can’t really explain why. This was my least favorite pattern I spotted at NYFW and I honestly hope that we don’t see this again and designers decide to “cut it out!”

Exhibit A: Button Nation

Jaded London has a tank with buttons in random places for $110. And now that I’m saying that, I’m sure any one of you could DIY something similar…even better?

Ciclo is a brand that has TONS of button-adorned shirts for very affordable prices:

• Gracie Button Top

• Hattie Button Cardigan

• Vera Spiral Top

Trend #6: Funfetti

Remember when we talked about polka dots? Yeah, there’s an evolution of those too. This one’s for nostalgia…and viral trends. Returning to girlhood—birthday parties, polka dotted sheets, sprinkles, and the classic cake/ice cream combo. Everything is sweet. Nothing is crucial.

The Scene of the Crime: The Viral Dotcake

If you’re in my neck of…the Instagram (because no, I do not use TikTok), you would have seen the ever popular Dotcake that took the world by storm a couple months ago. These little desserts in a cup are basically just layers of [insert flavor here] cake and icing with a bunch of rainbow sprinkles on top. People were lining up outside of Butterfield Market in NYC to get their hands on them…and film content, of course. Because, if you ate the Dotcake and didn’t film it, did it actually happen? Unlikely.

But yes, I did stop and watch every single “unboxing” of a Dotcake that came across my explore page. Something about the tapping of the sprinkle layer and the spoon piercing the cake to reveal a fluffy, familiar sweet treat worked wonders for my brain. It’s nostalgic. It’s for the girls. That’s why it works.

The Paper Trail: Maison Margiela Rainbow Polka Dotted Tabis

As soon as I saw this on Instagram, I had two thoughts almost simultaneously.

1. OMG

2. These must be fake

I thought for sure I was being bamboozled and that someone had been tricking me (and every excited commenter) with an AI Tabi, or it was one of those “concept” accounts that piss me off and get my hopes up. But alas, they’re real. I didn’t peg Margiela to go full “cutesy,” but I’m pleasantly surprised that they’ve leaned into it. They really nailed the textured print, because up close, the polka dots resemble the paper confetti circles.

The Verdict: Fun(fetti)…For Now

This screams microtrend to me—especially the prints that lean more pink/pastel-y. I think a more chic version (with primary colors) has more staying power. It feels a bit more sophisticated, rather than #summertrend territory. I’d opt for something along those lines, if I was going to partake. I can’t deny the genius of the Tabi shoe, though. They might go down in history (for me) as one of the ultimate trendy pieces. Like, Summer 2026 really is the summer of the Confetti Tabi.

Exhibit A: Rare…But There

I’ll be honest, not a lot of brands are capitalizing on this trend. The best rainbow polka dotted items are going to be on the secondhand market—like Depop, Poshmark, eBay, etc.

• Bill Blass Neck Scarf - $28

• 80s Black with Rainbow Polka Dots Blouse - $20

• Vintage 70s Wrap-Around Top - $31

• Vintage Colorful Polka Dot Shoulder Bag - $35

• Japanese Polka Dot Pencil Skirt - $48

• Charles and Keith Polka Dot Bucket Bag - $80

• Women’s Multicolored Skirt - $25

Trend #7: Pull-On Pants

Buttoning your pants is so last year.

But seriously, women have discovered that we actually don’t need to wear uncomfortable, restricting pants. We can look just as chic with a drawstring or an elastic waist.

The Scene of the Crime: The Fashion Soup Newsletter That Started It All

Fashion Soup

The Perfect Pull-On Pants for A 10-Day Trip Around the World

In one week, I leave for a ten-day trip around the world. Literally. I leave New York and head east, first to Italy (Naples and Milan), then Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, before flying home to New York. I’m traveling with my boss and several colleagues to meet with our global partners and visit our fabric mills, cut-and-sew factories, international …

Read more

4 months ago · 1435 likes · 233 comments · Lindsay Sword

My friend (and Substack fashion icon/prophet) wrote a great piece on her newsletter Fashion Soup, all about the best pull-on pants to pack for your vacation. For those of you reading from your email inbox, this newsletter went pretty viral. This was the moment I realized that pull-on pants weren’t just a fly-by-night trend. They were a whole shift in the personal style movement. Seriously, now that brands have caught up with our need to look stylish/put together AND be comfortable (and flexible) at the same time, there is a surplus of cool, comfy pants on the market. It’s pretty insane.

The Paper Trail: Rag & Bone Miramar “Jeans”

Last year, Rag & Bone came out with a pair of sweatpants that LOOK like jeans—thus the Miramar was born.

We finally tricked society into thinking we got dressed, when in actuality, we are soooo unbelievably cozy. As Obliviate-d Gilderoy Lockhart says, “Amazing—this is just like magic!” Based on…my own personal feelings and being chronically online, I feel like the rise of the Miramar pant was the ultimate signal to brands that we were sick of uncomfortable, crunchy, stiff pants. We want fun, chic pants that are also comfortable, even if it means we’re literally tricking people into thinking we are wearing something we aren’t.

I also think the fashion community has done a lot to destigmatize a track pant and an athletic short to the point where you can basically get away with wearing any traditionally “lazy” item of clothing, so long as you dress it up, add some jewelry, and show the world that you've made an effort in every other department. Now is the perfect time for the pull-on pant to emerge and dominate the market.

The Verdict: It’s a Yes From Me

Of course, if I had the choice to wear scrubs and not be socially penalized for it, I would. I’m not particularly a fan of a metal button digging into my stomach while I sit with my legs folded into myself in my rolling office chair—thank you very much! I love the linen blend pants with a drawstring. I love an elastic waist. I’ve actually been on the train for a while—my favorite black pants are these stretchy velvet Urban Outfitters ones I got 100 years ago at the thrift store that I still get compliments on all the time, even though they are my certified “comfy pants.” Let the ladies breathe. Let us live in comfort. Let us have all the fun colors, too.

Exhibit A: Comfy Picks You Can Even Wear to Work (And I Do)

My favorite pull-on pants are from Uniqlo (and I’ve probably recommended these 1000 times but in the interest of this conversation…here they are again!

• Linen Blend Easy Pants - $39.90

• Nylon Culottes - $49.90

But you can never have enough—so here’s what’s on my wishlist:

• COS Wide-leg Linen Drawstring Pants - $69.30

• J.Crew Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse - $119.99

• J.Crew Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin - $98

And not to be a hater, but I’m not sold on the insanely popular Donni taffeta pants. Yes, they are cute, but for like $430…I don’t understand. The fit makes it look like it would “widen” me, proportionally (derogatory).

Trend #8: Two-Toned Flip Flops

Monochrome flip-flops are out. Two-toned, color blocked cotton flops are in, thanks to the Olsen twins.

The Scene of the Crime AND The Paper Trail: The Row, Duh!

This time, the place I first spotted them and the origin story happen to be the same—the power of twinship, minimalism, and a $750 price tag. The Row released its Dune Cotton Flatform Thong Sandals in red/black and they took the world by storm. As a girl whose wardrobe is primarily red and black, I’m sold. But not actually, because (I know this may come as a shock to you) Jennifer Lawrence and I do not make a similar yearly salary.

Fast-forward to now (yes, right now), and every brand and their sister brand have dupes of these shoes. The Row’s version are literally just made of cotton and unless the cotton was extracted by God herself, you should buy a dupe, instead.

The Verdict: Flip Flops Are Here to Stay?

This may be rash to say, but I think flip flops have some serious staying power right now. They’ve been “trendy” for the past 8 or so summers (just in different forms) and I don’t think they’re budging. That being said, I think we’re going to get burned out on the red/black thick, cotton ones eventually. There is a case for other two-toned colors that aren’t AS exposed as The Row’s version and its various dupes. I enjoy it. I’m a color blocker forever, so I welcome it. Although, I have zero idea if they are comfy or not. I’ve never actually worn a cotton flip flop.

Exhibit A: Dupes, Dupes, Dupes

I may have to call you insane to pay full price for a pair of The Row’s cotton flops…unless it’s someone else’s money, then go right ahead. You deserve it.

Atorie has the classic red/black pair that look basically identical to the Olsen twins’ original design. GAP has a green and navy blue pair that gives tomboy mermaid vibes. J.Crew has a few different colorways in their collab with TKEES—white/navy striped, red/navy blue, vintage red/aqua, and dark turquoise/navy.

Revolve has the Xylon ones in yellow/black and Urban Outfitters has the Sanuk Yoga Mat II in a bunch of pleasing colors—the orange being my favorite.

Honorable Mentions

I know—I cannot possibly write about every single summer trend or my fingers would start to bleed. But there are some more I want to shout, either because I enjoy them or I feel they are important enough to bring to your attention.

Big Sequins

Magazine Clutches

Macrame Layering Pieces

Evening Clutches/Vintage Beaded Bags

Goodnight, Trends

Overall, I’m a fan of most of these trends. Nothing here is particularly grating to my eyes. And living in a place with very little fashion-forward individuals (sorry, Atlanta), I’m not getting bombarded with many of these in real life.

Comment below which trend is your favorite, which ones you despise, and which ones you’re not quite sure about.

As always, stay critical.

For business inquiries email me at: emileerussell1998@gmail.com

More from it’s critical.

Does anyone even care? Spoiler alert: I do.

But as I sit here on a random (undisclosed) weekday, cozied up in a blanket in front of my television with a debilitating migraine, I thought, “What better way to spend my sick day than to binge every single menswear show?”

I didn’t anticipate having SO many thoughts that I’d have to take notes, pause, AND rewind. Or as Missy Elliott would say, “put my thang down, flip it, and reverse it.”

I was surprisingly inspired by many of these collections, and it’s kind of crazy (and embarrassing) that it’s taken me this long to really pay attention to menswear in this way—very naive of me. There is real creativity here. Real fashion that I’d otherwise be missing out on. Real stories being told.

So, here’s to all the men (in my real life) that tell me I should write about menswear. I’m sure they are all waiting with bated breath and are reading this right now, taking notes. I’ll be sending out pop quizzes afterward.

Dior Men

Dior Men Spring 2027—or as I like to call it, “cunty little prince discovers ripped jeans and Keith Richards.”

As much as I love Jonathan Anderson as a designer, I had mixed emotions about this collection. I appreciate the mixing of fashion genres (so to speak), but the more casual aspects of this collection were simply styles I vehemently dislike. It was like Young French royalty x One Direction circa 2010 x the worst guy you know at open mic night with an acoustic guitar.

This look alone gave me war flashbacks to the #shipwrecked-looking One Direction X-Factor performance of Torn at Simon’s house.

And all the long scarves woven in throughout did not help me stop thinking about the Harry Styles of it all…

Okay, jokes aside, this collection didn’t spark joy. The styling felt too simple for me and lacking any of the extremely detailed accessories Jonathan Anderson is known for—especially in his women’s designs. All the looks yearned for some sort of animal-shaped pocket watch or chain detailing, IMO. Too stripped down. Too bare bones. I want more whimsy. Where are the cool book totes? All we saw here were some pretty forgettable, suede messenger bags and a strange “Dior does Missoni” weekender bag design at the end. The accessories felt like an afterthought, which is never usually the case with Anderson’s women’s collections.

I didn’t catch any new ideas being brought to the table. It was an amalgamation of what we’ve already seen from Anderson at Dior, meshed with the effortlessness of his namesake brand JW Anderson…which is cool, but it’s not exciting. The colors were pretty much neutral throughout, but the looks I did like the best were the few that introduced color.

The ripped jeans did NOT do it for me, either—especially the ones that had a yellowish tint to the rips. It made me desperately want to give them whatever the Crest White Strip equivalent for frayed denim is. Gnarly.

So, what did I like about this collection? Let’s sprinkle in at least some positivity.

• The first few suiting looks were great—love a sheer/organza printed jacket. Would have loved to see this theme carried into the rest of the collection more.

• The sequin/sparkle scarves embedded into the blouses was super cool. I loved how they were sort of peering out underneath the jackets.

• A butter yellow and navy fit always hits

• The more preppy ensembles in the middle of the show looked cool—I love the bright button ups under the suits with the flower boutonnieres. The sneakers in this section also worked for me!

• The orange sparkle knit with the giant glitter flower brooch was my favorite look. Something about the sparkle, the orange, and the grey just feel unexpected yet cohesive. The metallic shoe ties it all together in a really fun way.

Overall, I wanted more. Maybe I’m greedy, but my criticism for Dior comes from a place of love. I see the amount of effort Anderson is putting into crafting an image for Christian Dior womenswear and I want the same for menswear, especially since he’s no stranger to designing for men. It’s completely in his wheelhouse.

Am I being too harsh? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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Louis Vuitton

First and foremost, I must hand it to Pharrell (creative director for Louis Vuitton menswear) for an excellent set. I’m not even sure how to describe it, but it was essentially a giant breaking wave that models would emerge from the center of, making their way onto a runway of sand. A “surfing dandy” was essentially how Pharrell described the collection to Vogue journalist Luke Leitch. That’s exactly what it felt like. 100% accurate.

Unfortunately, the production was so cool that it overshadowed the clothes, for me personally. The music flipped between rap and a live orchestra with a choir, which I liked very much.

The silhouettes of the clothes, though? We’ve seen it all before in different fonts. This one just happened to be in Good Vibrations Regular.

They should have just collaborated with Vans if there was going to be this much checkerboard print, canvas sneakers, and striped crew socks. But at the same time, it almost wasn’t surf-y enough? Too much outerwear for me to fully be invested in the #beach of it all. I would almost definitely pass away from a heat stroke if someone made me wear this stuff anywhere with authentic sandy terrain. More breathable streetwear would have been neat to see.

I quite liked the surfboards as props and thought that the dudes wheeling in the giant LV trunks were quite comical—I just wish I liked the design of said surfboards and trunks better. I also have a bone to pick about the empty, flaccid bags being gripped throughout, not by the handle, but by the side. Also, the wetsuits were hideous.

What did I like?

• The dark turquoise color introduced throughout with various jackets, suiting, and leather pieces was a highlight for me.

• Light highlighter/butter yellow pieces in the middle, palm tree printed tops, and sparkly palm tree sweater vests were COOL

• Overall, the colors felt intentional and the styling/pairing of said colors were visually pleasing. Suiting was also nice—fit well.

At this point, what even is Louis Vuitton, though? Pharrell has such a strong vision that I feel he should just start his own brand, rather than creating whatever the hell he wants, slapping LV monograms on it, and calling it Louis Vuitton. I respect him as an artist—I just don’t know what it means in the grand scheme of things, especially since they have Nicolas Ghesquière designing Louis Vuitton womenswear, operating on an entirely different (worse) playing field. The brand itself isn’t cohesive. And sales are dropping. It’s kind of wild to see one of the largest luxury fashion brands in the world knowingly fumble the bag in this way.

Anyway, I thought the show was just: good. I don’t have beef with Pharrell. I think he’s doing a good job and Louis Vuitton menswear is miles better than whatever train wreck is happening on the women’s side of things.

Prada

Futuristic. Stripped down. Utilitarian. Tight. Flaccid belts?

These are the words I wrote down as I was watching Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons’s latest menswear collection. Apparently the idea behind this presentation was the idea of rejecting “decoration for the sake of decoration” in fashion—fussy designs that ultimately mean nothing.

“Fashion is what you think is right to wear in that moment.” - Miuccia Prada

What else did I write down during my viewing?

• Lol, the loud Pac-Man intro sound was fun

• Rock and roll ???

• Leather !!

• Kind of hate the pants…

• Love the all green fit tho

• Once the orchestra kicked in, the outfits got better

• Intentional color blocking—callback to women’s collection

• Tight pants with looser fitting jackets are more palatable

Riveting stuff, truly.

I should never underestimate Prada. Even if I don’t think I enjoy a show at face value, the more I “stew” in it, the more it intrigues me. Straight up though (in this moment in time), I’m personally not a fan of the super tight looks—shrunken denim is actually one of my biggest fears. And a thick, worn leather belt…also pretty frightening. However, I get it. Everything has been oversized for so long, that we have entered the cycle where everything is skintight all over again. It’s just the way it works and I have to accept that…even if it makes my skin crawl.

This show felt like a 2000s Nokia ad. The stark white clothes on a white background with intentional pops of color—it all felt very “the past’s idea of what the future is like.”

Many of the monochromatic looks had the thick leather belt (that looked like it was put in the washing machine about 1000 times) and a colored pouch clipped onto it as the “main attraction” accessory.

Matching, restrictive leather or denim sets with just a sliver of midriff showing. Asymmetrical sunglasses that I swear were going to go full Juni Cortez.

Pretty genius. This creative partnership between Miuccia and Raf has proven very fruitful for us Prada lovers, and they always know how to push the envelope with restraint. Nothing is overly styled, accessories are few and far between, but the intentionality of said accessories speaks volumes and elevates the looks in such a sophisticated way. And as a color blocking fanatic, I am endlessly impressed with the hues they choose to highlight and the colors their pair together. The middle section of colored clothing served as a callback to the Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection that was HEAVY in color blocking.

Overall, I’d say it was a pretty solid collection. While there were some pieces that personally irk me, the vision was clear and I liked the rest of the show regardless. Tight pants and all, I’ll take it.

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Saint Laurent

See-through jelly dress shoes. Decorative suit buttons. Highlighter windbreakers. Jewel tones galore. “I’ll show that but in every color.”

Straight up, watching this collection on my television pissed me off. The presentation of the models walking around a giant, circular hollowed-out room is excellent, but whoever was in charge of the smoke machine was a little too trigger happy. I found myself one concealed look away from mimicking the act of swatting away at my screen.

The more I stew on this collection, the more I appreciate it, though. Anthony Vaccarello’s way of presenting very similar silhouettes with minute edits has become somewhat of a signature for him at Saint Laurent. He knows exactly what he likes and he’s going to give it to you in every single colorway.

While I could have done without quite so many repetitive suits, I did enjoy the flower-esque, jewel encrusted button detailing on many of them. They were tailored with extreme precision. Hell, I’d wear any one of them! The color profile of this entire collection was gorgeous—Vaccarello has been on his 80s-inspired kick for a while now and the jewel tones he chooses to play around with never cease to stop me in my tracks. The neon windbreaker section was a stroke of genius. Truly some of my favorite menswear looks (possibly ever) came out of this show.

I wasn’t a fan of the restrictive neck ties around many of the model’s necks—too thick, too glaring, and they prevented me from enjoying the whole look in a balanced way. If Vaccarello threw all of them into the nearest garbage can before the show, I would have regarded this collection as one of my favorites…

And, of course, we have to discuss the main attraction…the shoes. Everyone online is having a discourse heyday in regard to these guys:

Don’t hate me (or do), but as impractical as they may be, I find them fun. Who said a man can’t enjoy a jelly? The popularity of jelly material has grown immensely in the past few years and we’ve reached the point of no return. Instead of cranking out the same silhouette, we have evolved as a society. Now, jelly must transcend. Transcend into new forms—dress shoes, bags, belts, etc. Saint Laurent capitalizing on that in this way is very smart and “of the moment.” And who doesn’t love when fashion perfectly reflects society in SUCH a topical way?

Much like Prada, this collection was intentional with its accessories, also introducing matching jelly belts throughout to fully drive home the #vibe. Collection as a whole? Like Steve from Sex and the City says, “there’s good stuff here!”

Celine

Feathers will be ruffled with this one.

I just don’t think I am a “Michael Rider Celine girly,” and that’s okay. Just when I think I’m vibing with his vision, he goes and sends something like THIS down the runway, and I’m confused and disgusted all over again:

I’d love for someone to defend this look. I beg of you. DM me. I am ALL ears.

Jokes aside (for now), I do love the amount of color he has injected into the brand and the womenswear collections make infinitely more sense to me, but everything else feels a bit disjointed? Like he’s throwing a handful of spaghetti at the wall in between the genius.

He has obviously mastered the preppy, effortless vibe of a suit jacket, relaxed denim, and fun pops of color, no doubt from his time at Ralph Lauren. But there are random slivers of strange outfits that look like an art school kid got dressed with their eyes closed, and it takes me out of the moment. I understand that he is trying to evade a certain “trendiness” with his collections, but when the successfully timeless looks are juxtaposed with some of the ugliest pairings I’ve seen, I cannot help but to be confused.

This collection made me feel like if Ralph Lauren and Tibi had a baby that was a little too much of a Harry Styles fan.

Too much negativity? Fine, here are the looks I DID like:

Everything else pretty much had a scary, tight cropped pant that made me want to crawl out of my skin. Or a shrunken little jacket with “too short” arms.

“Tight little clothes for skinny little men” seems to be the theme for many of these collections…unfortunately.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren always has the most delicious styling. It’s never too much, the layering is impeccable, and the accessories are pretty much always in a state of harmony. Everything is exactly as it should be. It’s hard to say anything bad about a Ralph Lauren show—even for a certified hater like myself.

Many of the looks definitely felt dandy-esque. Pinstriped suits, pocket watches, berets, and funky little ties. Classic but with some personality. Then, we see a series of looks with tuxes but the top suit jacket is something a little off—patchwork denim, bomber jacket, etc. I’m obsessed with the fisherman sandals many of the models were wearing in brown and black. I’m not typically a sandal lover (especially on a man), but these felt classy and not revealing of the #toes.

The whole time I was watching this show, I thought, “John Travolta needs to wear ALL of this.” His slutty little beret probably yearns for these suits.

A mix of this, a pinch of Patrick Bateman, and a sprinkle of Diane Keaton. It’s what you want to see from a Ralph show.

Halfway through, we got an intense change of scene—primary colors, patchwork plaid streetwear, Mister Polo Bear himself, and some truly exceptional duo-toned sneakers. Preppy, sporty, and chic—Polo really is SO much fun. I’d wear any of these looks. And the accessories? Topical. Boat totes with scarves tied around the handles. Beaded bandanas. Primary-colored striped canvas belts. This is the kind of balanced styling I wanted for the Dior show.

No notes.

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Thom Browne

Thom Browne is having a Bug Girl Summer! This collection was apparently inspired by… A Bug’s Life? Who’d have thought? Embroidered ants, honeycomb patterns, seersucker bees, grasshopper suits, and plaid patchwork dragonflies—it was a fresh perspective on his signature Thome Browne vibe and playful as always.

Models wore dapper straw hats that reminded me of the hat that Cecilia wears (that flies away) in the 1993 animated movie, We’re Back. Ever seen it? Certified classic, according to me.

Others wore beekeeper veils over said hats. The layering with ties, short vests, dress shirts, and some double stripe action gave the looks a deconstructed vibe—as if strips of fabric were patched together and hanging off the models. I could seriously look at the detailed shots of this collection forever. There are so many hidden intricacies you miss the first time around and that I definitely didn’t notice watching the live stream.

I’ve actually been meaning to write a newsletter on “bug fashion,” because I recently became obsessed with beaded and embroidered ants on clothing. This collection is certainly more fuel for that fire.

Thom Browne himself ended the show by coming out in a giant, netted frog hat. What an icon. Not to put an expiration date on Ralph Lauren, but I really think Thom Browne is geared up to be THE American designer of the next generation. He’s one of the most consistent, meticulous, and creative people we have working today and I really think there is something for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite details (if you get giddy for bugs like I do):

Rapid Fire Reviews

I could seriously sit here for years dissecting every single detail from every single show, but now is the time in the newsletter where I force myself to remain…brief-er. Let’s talk about the rest:

Dries Van Noten

Anyone else feel like we were witnessing a real-life Mii Plaza simulation at the end of this show?

Oh, yes the clothes! That’s what we’re here to talk about. The skin suit prophecy was fulfilled. Big sequins for men were worn. And the sheer layering did work on me. I enjoyed this collection very much—the music, atmosphere, and lightness of the collection made me feel like I was in a fairytale. It was light, and airy—it evoked images of Bambi galloping through the forest. The colors from one look perfectly melted into the following look like gradient brush strokes.

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Simone Rocha

Although Simone Rocha has dabbled in menswear before, this was her first full menswear collection.

I thought it was gorgeous. Feathered boas, culottes, white lace, flower brooches, and of course…sequins for men—the talk of the town! This show managed to strike a delicate balance of introducing historically feminine accessories and detailing (ones popular in Rocha’s womenswear collections) to menswear in a way that didn’t feel forced. This genuinely just seemed like the natural progression of the brand and none of the garments struck me as “try-hard” or like Rocha was trying to put a square peg in a round hole.

Nobody show Harry Styles these clothes, though! Avert his eyes. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt the rest of us.

Cartoon Villan Shoes (Not a Designer but a Movement)

And That’s All the Time We Have, Folks

This concludes the great ‘it’s critical.’ menswear extravaganza. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the shows—was I too hard on Dior? Is anyone else perpetually confused by Louis Vuitton’s place in the industry? Am I a tasteless bitch because I don’t like Michael Rider’s Celine? Let me know.

And more importantly (maybe), let me know if you enjoy the menswear coverage. If you all are digging this, I can most certainly carve out time to talk about it more often, rather than treating it like the redheaded stepchild of this newsletter.

For business inquiries email me at: emileerussell1998@gmail.com

More Fashion, More Fun

Somewhere between writing about Matthieu Blazy's Chanel debut and calling Calvin Klein's spring collection a hate crime against women, a brand decided I was the right person to review their THC drink.

"Your style is the perfect match for our brand!"

Is it? Is my style the perfect match for your hydration packets? Your compression socks? Your makeup brushes—the category of product I have never once, in my entire time on this earth, spoken about publicly?

For all anyone knows, I could be putting my foundation on with my bare fingers.

But apparently yes. Apparently, I contain multitudes. Maybe these brands know me better than I know myself.

Here's the thing: I'm not exactly a coveted partner. I'm a 27-year-old woman with a Substack, a ShopMy account, and zero self-control when a free thing arrives in my inbox. I will accept the compression socks. I will accept the THC drink (even though I don’t even drink or partake in weed-related substances). I will accept all of it. Lady Gaga must have tapped into my brain when she sang, “I want your everything as long as it’s free.”

But will I write about it? Turns out, I guess I will.

Though I had zero plans to write about free products that aren’t in my “wheelhouse,” I figured there’s an angle here that IS on brand—giving you a brutally honest review of all these products at once. And there’s nothing I love more than being 100% honest, even if I burn a few bridges in the process.

So, here is a “no-holds-barred” review of every single item a brand has sent me for free and whether or not I’d recommend you pay full price for them.

Note: None of the brands featured here have paid me a single dollar. No contracts. No "paid partnership.” No promise of a positive review. They sent me things. I accepted. And I'm saying whatever I want about them. That's the whole deal.

Affiliate links will be sprinkled throughout—meaning if you buy something, I get a small cut. This costs you nothing extra and funds my ability to continue writing this newsletter for free!

Fashion-Related Items

Ruti Wide-ish Pants

It seems like everyone and their mother is writing full newsletters about Ruti pants. They’re a viral sensation. But are people actually buying them? That is the question.

Ruti reached out to me via ShopMy a couple of months ago with a gifting offer. I could select one product from “Core and Denim Lookbook.” Oh, happy day.

The funny thing here, is that I actively dislike barrel leg pants…And this lookbook was literally entirely barrel leg pants, I kid you not. I searched through for a good 15 minutes to try to find the one non-barrel-legged, so that I could order that. No luck. The joke was on me. I was destined to look like Kim Possible no matter what.

Though I’m always quick to accept a gifting offer, I take forever to decide what product I want—I need to make sure I’m making the right choice, duh! No one can say I’m not a thoughtful mooch.

So, I stalked their website, social, etc. I seemed like everyone was smitten with the “On the Loose Work Pants.” I opted against them, because I wanted something with button that could look a little more polished for work. The “Wide-ish Pants” spoke to me more. I chose those.

The verdict?

I’m not entirely sold.

My first thought upon ordering was “Damn, these pants are $259. They’d better be the best pair of pants this side of the Mississippi.” I’ve never paid more than like $110 for a pair of pants and those were my Levi’s 501s, AKA the best jeans known to man. How could these 75% Nylon, 25% Spandex pants be $149 better than 501s? Riddle me that.

When I took them out of the packaging, I was surprised with how cheap they felt, considering the hefty price tag. They felt like worse quality than my polyester Lululemon pants that were also around $100 (and incredible). They are, however, extremely comfortable. I can’t argue with that. Very breezy, easy to move around in, and not restricting in any way. However, I’m not biggest fan of HOW cropped they are AND the fact that they are barrel-legged. As someone with a short torso and longer legs, I don’t like purposefully making my legs look short and stubby.

Nonetheless, I did wear them to the office with a red/black, fitted geometric button up top, a black belt, and my Tabi flats. And while they were comfortable, and I didn’t feel capital H hideous, I’ve just come to realize that I still dislike being shaped like Yogi Bear. Not for me. I’m glad I had the opportunity to try it out (at no cost), but I don’t see myself reaching for these often. I also kind of hate how they are sewn/purposefully engineered at the back of the knee to pooch out. It just looks weird when the rest of the pant is straight.

The button in the front + elastic waist in the back is pretty genius though, I will say. More of that!

Are Ruti pants worth $259?

Honest answer: no. I know Im biased because I don’t like barrel leg, but even if you do, the material doesn’t justify the price tag. I just bought a vintage Moschino Cheap and Chic skirt suit in perfect condition for less than these synthetic, black pants. Also, if I am to come around on a barrel leg, it’s gotta be sleek and straight. One swift motion. The strange pouch of extra fabric around the back of the knee is a no-go.

These Eileen Fisher pants are pretty similar, but cheaper AND have a more elegant shape. Straight and smooth.

Sorry, Ruti. I appreciate the gift, but I just have to be honest.

KARKKI Mini Cloud Soft Leather Bag

I’ve already talked about this bag before in a previous newsletter, but in just in case you missed it, here we are again.

In January, I was sent this Aira Mini Cloud bag by a newer handbag brand called KARKKI. I chose the royal blue color, because I have a disease to where any time I need to buy a purse, I only buy it in black, because I want it to match everything…which is very limiting for color blocking, etc. Since this one was a gift, I decided to branch out and try a fun color!

It’s so unique. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a bag like this in my life. It’s made of sheepskin, so it’s insanely soft—just like a cloud. The handle feels incredible and plush. It does come with a long, detachable strap, but I’m a “bag in hand” girl, so I don’t tend to use it all that much, although it does look cool as a crossbody.

My only complaint is that it’s a bit shallow, so I can’t dream of fitting my whole key situation inside, but it does fit my phone, lipstick, and cards. I can, however, clip my keys to it in various places, so that’s nice. They do have a medium size version, though! I just opted for the mini, since the medium didn’t come in the blue colorway I wanted.

Is the KARKKI bag worth $159?

Yes, absolutely. Before being sent this bag, I was on the hunt for a good quality, interesting purse brand that makes bags with 100% real leather at an affordable price. KARKKI is just that. I sound like a crazy fangirl, but their other purses are really neat and I would buy another one in a heartbeat…and I just might! Most of their bags are in the $100-$200 price range, which is pretty awesome for a certified “regular person” like me. And their marketing/Instagram presence is super creative and fun, to boot.

Here are some of their other bags, just to get an idea of the kind of styles/colors they have. Highly recommend:

• Quinn Pocket Leather Hobo - $169

• Rhea Mood Leather Boston - $139

• Hazel Medium Vintage Leather Belt Bag - $159

• Nora Leather Baugette Bag - $139

• Gamepad Leather Boston - $119

• Nook Pony Leather Crossbody Bag - $219 (I WANT THIS ONE)

• Carry All Leather Knotted Tote - $90

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Forme Arch Booster Sock

”Patented socks engineered with biofeedback technology to improve foot alignment and stability, ideal for walking, standing, flat feet and plantar fasciitis.” —Forme

Listen, I’m not saying these socks DON’T do all that, but I will never know, because they are so unbelievably tight that I cannot bring myself to wear them. I followed their sizing chart (7-8.5 = small), but these are just insane. I feel circulation in my feet being cut off immediately. Big uncomfortable.

This review pretty much sums up my thoughts:

Are the Forme Arch Booster Socks worth $29?

No. ”I’m scared of these socks.”

Case-Mate Jelly Tote Bag

This was my most recent gift—came in a few days ago. When Case-Mate originally reached out, I thought it was funny, because their headquarters is (I kid you not) a couple blocks away from where I live (not to dox myself). Anyway, they let me pick out a tote from their new jelly collection.

I’ll be honest, a lot of the styles were not #myvibe—a little too pastel/cutesy with bows. But, the red gingham? I can get behind. Red is my spirit color, so I had to do it.

The bag is huge. It’s jelly. It’s cute. It’s waterproof. It’s got a small zipper pouch that attaches to it that holds your phone. I’m going to the lake in a couple of weeks, so I’m definitely going to bring it there—give it a spin. Overall, it’s cool. It’s exactly as advertised.

Is the Case-Mate Jelly Bag worth $80?

If you think this bag is adorable and cool and functional (for what you’re getting into this summer), I think it’s worth it. It’s a unique design from your classic canvas tote. Jelly is trendy. It’s massive. Yeah, why not? If someone told me they bought this bag for $80, my reaction would be positive.

Household Items

Stanley Flowstate™ Spring Bottle

Stanley released these new Flowstate water bottles for spring. Yes, water bottles. Not dildos—contrary to my belief. Kidding…

They come in all sorts of color ways, but I had to choose yellow…because I don’t subscribe to a homeware aesthetic that welcomes pastels, however cute they might be. Much to my surprise, when it arrived in the mail, I was greeted with the soft orchid color…not the daffodil yellow. But all was well, because I let them know that it was incorrect and the Stanley PR team (shoutout Chloe) was super nice and they sent me another! I ended up giving the orchid one to my co worker, so now we show up to every meeting with matching bottles. How cute!

I think the shape of these are quite sleek. As much as I enjoy the top giant top handle Stanley I use at home, it does feel like I’m slinging around a legit weapon. Great for knocking out burglars. Bad for wanting to feel dainty in the summertime.

I keep mine at my desk in the office at all times, so it’s naturally become my work bottle. It sufficiently supplies me with hydration. It has a snap cap that opens when you push the button down. I will say, it’s not the easiest, effortless button to press and close. I know I’m a certified weakling, but it’s a bit tough—hoping it will loosen up over time or maybe I need little tiny weights for my fingers. Who knows!

It’s not that big a deal, though. It doesn’t bug me. But if that’s dealbreaker for you, let it be known.

Is the Stanley Flowstate Water Bottle worth $30?

Sure. If you’re all about having a #fashionable water bottle, this one is certainly cool. I get a ton of compliments on it when I carry it around the office—partially because of the yellow color. It makes people happy. Simple as that. The yellow is sold out (as I’m writing this) on Stanley’s official website, but they seem to be in stock at Dick’s.

Note: I’ve seen some reviews that say the bottle whistles sometimes when drinking out of it. While this is not my experience, let it be known (again).

Cadence Discovery Edit and The Large Capsule

Cadence is essentially a set of magnetic capsules that can hold various substances—haircare, skincare, pills, small jewelry, etc. Great for traveling.

They also sell magnetic labels/icons that you can add to the top of your capsules to identify which substance is what and customize your “system,” as they call it. As someone who just bought a bunch of cheap plastic bottles that took up entirely too much space in my suitcase AND cut off the tops of post-it notes to label each of them (that eventually all came unstuck anyways), this feels like a genius idea. I’m still traumatized from not knowing the difference between my toner and my heat protectant spray…

I quite literally just got my Cadence in the mail last night, so I cannot speak to a travel experience, yet. But I can tell you how I feel about the items so far.

First of all, I love how everything looks. It’s sleek. While I wish they had more saturated colors, rather than pastels and muted colorways, I’m happy with the Cacao and Jade capsules I ordered. I got the Discovery Edit that comes with a (jelly material) Large Parcel with a magnetic locking closure to hold my #stuff. It also comes with capsules labeled shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, pill icon, sun icon, and one blank label. I also threw in a large capsule for good measure.

They all fit nicely in my bag, the magnetic aspect is cool/keeps everything tight inside, and it doesn’t take up a ton of room. I kinda wish these weren’t plastic, although I’m not sure another lightweight alternative. Overall, I like this idea and think it’s a cool way to be able to organize your travel essentials…and cute! Are they too good to be true though? If they are actually leak-proof, I’d say they’re pretty great.

Is Cadence worth $154?

The price is kind of steep for plastic, but I guess you’re paying for the ease of the “system” and the aesthetic. Everything comes in a neat little package and you don’t have to think about labeling or much else. If you’re a frequent traveler, this may be worth it in the long run—again, as long as they don’t leak!

Skincare/Beauty

Saltyface Everywhere Bag + Brush No.3

I can recognize when someone’s glam looks…”off.,” but I do not claim to know much of anything about beauty. So, as a resident normal person (with no deep-seated interest in makeup), I’ll give you my thoughts.

I’ll be straight up, my makeup brushes are really cheap and probably from TJ Maxx or E.L.F. I don’t think I’ve ever bought good quality makeup brushes in my entire life. It’s like the opposite of what Dolly says—it costs next to nothing to look this cheap!

Brush No. 3 is double-sided brush with one side angled and the other compact, yet fanned out. It’s pretty sweet. I had absolutely zero expectations, but it’s incredible smooth, blends excellently, and doesn’t shed. I’ve kicked all my other brushes to the curb. I use the angled side to blend in my liquid concealer, liquid foundation, and cream bronzer. And then I use the other side for my powder.

Is the Saltyface brush worth $44?

Knowing what I know now, yes. If you would have told me to pay $40+ for a makeup brush 6 months ago, I would have told you to kick rocks. Now that I know what it’s like to brush my face with something sooo smooth, I’m not sure I can ever go back. The double-sided aspect of it definitely helps too. Aside from my eyeshadow brushes and my little under eye powder brush, this is pretty much all I need for my face. Big fan!

I also got The Everywhere Bag in addition to my brush. It’s soft. It’s simple. I used it to put my mini shower products in when I went on vacation and it did the trick. I’m a sucker for any little makeup bag/pouch, because it’s a product I never think to buy.

Is the Saltyface Everywhere Bag worth $36?

I like it, but probably not. It's not a special design and it’s not unique in any way. The only USP they have for it on the website is that it’s made from recycled materials, which is like…many things these days. How unique is that really?

All in all, buy the brush. Skip the bag. The end.

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Prequel Solar Shade Sunscreen + Sunscreen Lip Balm + Wide Brimmed Sun Protection Hat

Prequel sent me 3 different products to try out—a sunscreen lip balm, wide-brimmed sun hat, and a chemical sunscreen. I take sun protection VERY seriously, because I like to be naturally pale. I keep my skin looking like a porcelain doll if I can help it. If you ever catch me with a spray tan, you’ll know we’re in an Invasion of the Body Snatchers situation.

Let’s talk sunscreen. This Solar Shade Chemical Sunscreen SPF 46 is super lightweight, but I’m not a fan. It leaves my skin feeling/looking pretty greasy. I appreciate the lightness, but it leaves me feeling like an oily pizza box. I tend to have oily facial skin (according to my facialist), so this could just be a product that’s better suited for people with dry skin. I can’t speak to the “effectiveness” of said sunscreen, because I only put it on twice and never again…

Is the Prequel Chemical Sunscreen worth $25?

For me, absolutely not. But, everyone’s skin is different. Some reviews say it’s oily. Some reviews say it’s perfect. This is a product I would urge you to try for yourself if you have dry skin. Those with sufficient natural oils? Pass. My go-to face sunscreen is the Innisfree Daily UV Defense, for context!

Let’s talk lip balm. I was pretty excited about the Lip Visor Sunscreen SPF 30—I’ve been on a tinted lip balm journey recently (as opposed to thick lipstick). I picked out the shade Rosedust. The color is fantastic, as I tend to gravitate towards rosy colors that aren’t TOO saturated—something that mimics a natural pink/reddish hue. It does have a strong minty smell/feeling, almost like menthol (but there is no menthol in the product). Personally? I’m a fan. It feel fresh and it doesn’t sting. Maybe that’s just years of Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Gloss talking, but I love it.

Issues? Over time, it does get increasingly harder to squeeze product out of the tube. I don’t feel like it lasts a super long time (on my lips) and it doesn’t moisturize my lips in any way. When you hear “lip balm,” you assume that it’s going to leave your lips feeling plump and hydrated. This isn’t really the case.

Is the Prequel Lip Visor Sunscreen worth $14?

Despite my issues with the product, I haven’t abandoned it. I still use it in rotation with my other lip balms for a darker shade of rose, or if I know I’m going to be outside. That being said, I can’t say I’m obsessed with it or would plan on buying a new tube once this one runs out. I do like the idea of sun protection for your lips, though and I’m sure it’s a tricky thing to get 100% right—moisturizing, long-lasting, non-sticky, perfect shade—so I appreciate what Prequel is doing here. I’ll say, it’s worth trying out!

Let’s talk hat.

It’s a wide-brimmed hat that you can turn inside out, depending on your color #vibe—off-white or black. It’s 100% cotton and made to protect your face from the sun monster. It is really #thiq material, almost like a canvas bag, which a lot of the reviews take issue with. If you’re looking for something breathable, this hat is not that. It seems like it’s legitimately made to block sun from hitting your face. Period.

As someone who’s beach/summer vibe is very much, “this photo of Margot Robbie,” I appreciate a black hat that has 1 job.

It fits my head well and I’m excited to wear this sitting out by the pool. The design is simple. It’s got a removable strap. It’s cool.

Is the Prequel sun hat worth $30?

I think for $30 it could stand to be a little more stylized. It does give off “prototype” vibes. I do take issue with the product description on the website that claims “The soft, breathable cotton has a detachable strap and comes in 2 different sizes to ensure a proper fit.”

I like this hat, but there is nothing soft or breathable about it. That just feels like a straight up fib. Anyways, if you want to hide from the sun by way of minimalism, this hat is for you.

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Remedy Skin Gel-to-Foam Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

I’m pretty sure the founder behind this brand is an “influencer doctor.” I know, crazy that that exists… I was kind of skeptical at first, but I had been using a gel cleanser that I didn’t feel was doing anything for my skin, so I thought, “what the hell?”

I was pleasantly surprised! I love the feeling of the gel and how well it actually lathers when you rub it in. I’m not breaking out AS much since switching to Remedy as my cleanser and I do feel like it’s cleaning my face (whatever that means). The bottle is pretty big and it’s lasted me a lonnnngg time.

Is Remedy face wash worth $15.30?

For me, yes. I will be buying another bottle when my current one runs out. They also sell it at my local Target now, which is supremely convenient. Again, everyone’s skin is different. What works for my skin may not work for yours! Purchase at your own risk. I’m having a great time, though.

SWEED Kohl Eye Pencil

SWEED gifted me this eye pencil, a tube of brown mascara, and an eyelash serum…but since I haven’t stuck with the eyelash serum long enough to accurately review OR worn mascara in quite some time, I feel it would be dishonest to give my opinion without more evidence and use.

So, let’s talk eye pencil. I got the shade “bright” that’s a pinkish/white hue, made to use as a classic eyeliner or brightening pencil. I use this in the inner corner of my eyes to give the illusion that I’m not AS sleepy as I look, pre-pencil. I’m not a morning person, so I need this level of brightening trickery to help convince people otherwise. I enjoy it. It does what it needs to do. It’s creamy and smooth. It’s not heavy. Overall, good. Because it’s not stark white, it seems to naturally open up the eye without a ton of attention drawn to it—a silent hero.

Is this eye pencil worth $25?

I haven’t tried other brightening pencils, so I can’t speak to comparisons. I think it’s fab. It works for what I need it to. No issues on my part. If this is an important makeup component for you, buy it.

Ingestibles…and Stuff?

CANN Roadie Blood Orange Cardamom

Lord knows why I was sent these…but I must review. Great flavor. Like actually delicious. I would drink 1000 of these willingly just for the taste. It’s like juice in a little packet. I guess people mix these with other drinks, but it’s not concentrated enough to where you absolutely need to. If you’re abstaining from alcohol, these could be nice.

I enlisted in one of my friends to drink a few of these to test out their potency and they didn’t feel much of a buzz at all. I think you’d have to down at least 5 or 6 to get…any vibe at all? Again, I’m no expert. I don’t even know what 2mg of THC and 4mg of CBD even means in a cosmic sense.

Are CANN roadies worth $45?

Probably not!

Proper Reusable Water Bottle + Hydration Boost Packets

Proper is a brand founded by Amanda Kloots—a name I’ve heard before but honestly have no earthly idea where, why, or how. I guess she was on The Talk. Anyway, I got a water bottle and some hydration packets.

The hydration packets come in a variety of flavors. None of them are bad. They’re all pretty neutral and aren’t much different that Liquid IV—maybe a bit milder. Like all hydrations packet drinks, I got tired of them pretty quickly. To me, they start to taste like medicine or like I have the flu and I’m forcing “helpful” liquid down my throat.

Are the hydration packets worth $15?

I pretty much think all hydration powder is overpriced. Case in point.

I get what the water bottle is trying to do. It’s reusable, has a measurement line for your liquid, and has a removable filter for shaking the powder in with the water.

But does it have to be this ugly?

It’s a creamy off-white and greyish clear bottle that doesn’t make me excited to shake/drink my “medicinal-feeling” mixture. It’s just plastic. It’s cheap. It’s hideous. It feels ridiculously lazy. It’s not a “minimalist” design. It looks like an afterthought.

Is the Proper Reusable Water Bottle worth $14?

No. Do not buy this. And especially don’t leave the house with this—embarrassing!

You’ve Reached the End of This Review

That's every free thing I've accepted in recent memory, laid bare for your reading pleasure. The verdict? Brands: keep sending things. I'll keep being insufferably honest about them. It's the least I can do.

More From it’s critical.

• 2027 resort collections have trickled in (some wonderful, some hideous)

• Bad Bunny released a colorful collaboration with Zara

• Margiela designed a cheerful, funfetti-esque Tabi shoe

Basically, summer is approaching fast, and fashion news isn’t slowing down.

And while the Met Gala may be in our rearview mirror, the Costume Art exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is just getting started. I was lucky enough to see it in full force a couple of weeks ago on my trip to New York City. It was MAJOR, to say the least.

Almost every garment was paired with a corresponding piece of art that complemented it in some way—whether the garment inspired the work, shared its time period/construction elements, was depicted within in, or was meant to evoke a similar emotion. All of the mannequins had mirrors for faces, although most were positioned too high to see yourself reflected directly.

The creativity of this exhibition was off the charts, and I loved how they went the extra mile by weaving in other art forms—not just costumes, to give context to the clothes. My overall rating (based on personal preference) would have to be a 7.8 out of 10.

What was missing for me?

It was pretty much as perfect as it could be—curatorially speaking. I just had a few issues with how everything was laid out. As you may know, the Costume Art exhibit is the first one of its kind to be shown in the new wing, adjacent to the Great Hall. Basically, it’s right when you walk in on the right. It was a huge, grand, open room with garments lining the sides and large shadow boxes full of art and fashion in rows in the middle.

A good portion of the fashion designs sat super high, making it hard to see all the details. I would have loved to see these pieces (pictured below) from the Comme des Garçons Lumps and Bumps collection at a normal, face-to-face angle to get a proper sense of the distortion, rather than the even more skewed upward angle.

While it’s okay for some of the garments to be viewed in this way, I felt there were just far too many pieces to look up at. The stacked approach wasn’t my fav.

I saw the Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion exhibit in 2024 and was blown away, so that’s probably why I’m holding this one to such a high standard. That one was shown on the second floor in the Tisch Galleries, which led viewers through a hallway of sorts past each piece. It felt way more intimate and even had a scent element for many of the designs, via a series of tubes.

This exhibit, being in a large, open room, felt crowded and chaotic. There were too many people milling about and no real method for viewing anything in order. I had to backtrack several times and was often blocked by large groups. And not that taking pictures is the main goal (obviously), but it felt difficult to find a window of time where someone wasn’t completely blocking a design.

All in all, I was super glad to have seen this exhibition. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness pieces (in the flesh, pun intended) I’ve fan-girled over for years, along with some new ones I didn’t know existed. I highly recommend seeing it for yourself, so you can form your own opinion!

And in case you missed these newsletters all about the exhibition theme and Met Gala attendees, here you go:

Enough about that, let’s talk about what else is going on in the world of fashion, starting with the 2027 Resort shows. I know the Chanel one was almost a full month ago, but I wanted to wait until we had seen more than just a couple before speaking on them as a whole.

Chanel Resort 2027—No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem

Matthieu Blazy has found his footing at Chanel, to say the least. He’s developed his own vibe—1920s Coco Chanel with a modern effortlessness that can lean eccentric at times. Not your grandma’s tweed suit. Smart layering. Feathers. Red. That’s what I think of. His resort collection followed the same formula, but it was, of course, riddled with beachy elements.

• Starfish-trimmed jackets

• Interlocking C swim cap hats

• Beaded scenes depicting undersea adventures

• Wicker totes and mini handbags

• Printed silky scarves worn as…everything

• Nautical stripes, fishing net, and actual cartoon fish

The most controversial? Semi-barefoot shoes.

Just the heel. RIP Achilles, you would have loved these. While certainly not practical (unless you’re trying to trick a restaurant owner into thinking you’ve got sandals on), they are a fun concept for a resort show. I love it when designers lean into whimsy and commit to a bit in this way. I’d love to see a fun celebrity in these this summer to solidify the ridiculousness of them. Maybe a Margot Robbie or a Bella Hadid.

Another thing to note, Chanel does newsprint.

Ever since Carrie Bradshaw donned that Galliano Dior dress, we’ve all been newspaper-pilled. The looks in this collection certainly scratched that familiar itch, since Jonathan Anderson seems to be avoiding the area (aside from one piece we’ll talk about).

Overall, the collection was solid. Not my MOST favorite in terms of sheer fashion, but I did love the beach-themed prints, beaded elements, and general playfulness. The more I look at it, the more it grows on me. Ask me in a month and it might be my favorite Chanel collection to date.

Dior Resort 2027—Seeing Double?

Jonathan Anderson debuted his (now) fifth womenswear collection at Christian Dior. It’s safe to say, he is still finding his footing. While he is killing it and creating some pretty major looks, I’m not sure I know exactly who the Dior women in 2026 is, while Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel woman is loud and clear.

This collection opened with three beautiful, monochromatic dresses with giant flowers lining the drop waist—pretty stunning if you ask me. But, I’m going to say it. Yes, this collection did give Chanel vibes. I don’t care if you disagree. I’m not saying that Jonathan Anderson “copied” or even took inspiration from Blazy, but there definitely is some crossover with certain elements and I’d be remiss not to mention that.

The drop waists. Flower brooches. Feathery detailing. Slinky dresses. Tweed layering. All very reminiscent of what Blazy is nailing down at Chanel, though Jonathan Anderson was able to add his Dior-isms—like The Bar jacket shape, rounded hips, intentional draping, and floral realism.

I think it’s also easy to draw parallels (naturally) since Chanel decided to do newsprint. It’s a no brainer. Jonathan Anderson did give us a mere “blink and you’'ll miss it” crumb, though of the (now) classic Dior print.

Yes, a singular bag. You’re welcome!

Okay, but was the collection good? Certainly. I actually think this one is my favorite new Dior shows, as far as the clothes go. Yes, the Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear show in Paris was the best #vibe, but the collection itself wasn’t necessarily for me.

This one had everything I want. Feminine flavor with a side of fashion cool girl. Whimsical florals, but not too cutesy. More effortless styling/layering. A little more chaotic and untamed, but still elegant. The men’s pieces fell a bit flat for me, but this is a Dior collection I would happily wear any look from.

My favorite piece? Obviously the pin cushion hedgehog clutch. Genius.

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Louis Vuitton Resort 2027: No One Wants to Look Like This

For the love of god, someone take away Nicolas Ghesquière’s sewing needles. This man must be stopped.

This cruise show was inspired by the late New York artist Keith Haring. We all know Keith. We all love Keith. His art has been commercialized to death at this point and as a self-proclaimed Haring lover (with throw pillows, wall art, and a coffee table book), I say: let’s give it a rest.

Anyway, Ghesquière showed in NYC at The Frick Collection. If I could describe this collection in 3 words, they would be:

• Disjointed

• Loud

• Confused

But that’s honestly how I feel about every Louis Vuitton womenswear collection. What’s new? Ghesquière has the rare talent of being able to create the ugliest color palettes imaginable, without fail. He’s truly unmatched in his ability to show us how hideous patchwork can be.

Not to mention, he lives for putting together looks that marry multiple different archetypes to arrive at a vibe SO singular (and foul) that no one on earth has ever once thought, “I want to look like that.” Here are a few examples from this show:

• A failed So You Think You Can Dance contestant from 2008 with a single carry-on, ready to move to the big city

• Planter’s wart but with a spicy fedora

• If a Temu lesbian Paris Hilton was made to go fishing on The Simple Life at 8am, but also make a pit stop to the So You Think You Can Dance auditions at 2pm

• If Michael Jackson was Michael Jordan

• Alysa Liu as Joan Collins as a 2009 alien as Belle from Beauty and the Beast as the Runway Bride

• Rocky Balboa doubling as a “sexy” rodeo clown, a linebacker, and a contestant on the hit reality TV show So You Think You Can Dance

And more!

• An 80s linebacker bully with a mullet doing 2012 twee

• Rue 21 toga party

• Jules from Euphoria if she was a shoplifter

• The Loewe logo as a bathing suit coverup for Zenon

• A gay little court jester travels to Morocco for the first time

• 2014 Bella Baxter simultaneously discovers Victorian-era curtains and The Nightmare Before Christmas via Hot Topic

None of this is giving New York. The Keith Haring designs woven throughout are so odd (derogatory). They felt disjoined and didn’t mesh with any of the styling at all. I could have gone my entire life not knowing what a monogrammed Louis Vuitton Alma bag with an orange “melting” Keith Haring design printed onto it looked like. Spoiler alert: puke.

Yeah, not sure there is much more to say about this. I’ll let the disturbing imagery speak for itself.

Gucci Resort 2027: Regurgitated Tom Ford with a Side of Soulless Sleaze?

Demna’s 2027 resort show for Gucci took place in Times Square. The flashiness, the billboards, the inherent (dare I say) tackiness of it all seem to perfectly align with his vision for the house. Though he has a very strong POV, which is important for any designer, his view is not one I’m particularly fond of. What worked at Balenciaga doesn’t work for Gucci, IMO, but maybe I’m just a hater.

So, was this collection good? Depends. Overall, the styling was stronger than his last show, which felt particularly bare and twisted. These models (and influencers and actors) were much more covered up, donning all kinds of overcoats. The best looks were the first two suits, but that’s only because they felt like Tom Ford Gucci cosplay.

We had all the archetypes of a Gucci customer—The Tom Ford reminiscer, the Alessandro Michele-head, the Grey Gardens heiress, the Eurotrash, and now the Hypebeast Himbo, which is pretty much just a Balenciaga customer that now shops at Gucci. The suiting and the furs were the strongest parts for me. Everything else just felt like a cheap version of expensive s*** that already exists.

The one thing I do appreciate is that do cast older women to walk in the shows. Honestly, women over the age of 50 are the ones who can pull off Demna Gucci. They feel more layered/intentional on the runway, as opposed to a 25-year-old influencer mannequin with lip filler. I can believe that a glamorous older woman just wants to put on shades and look fabulous in a giant fur coat. Absolutely.

All in all, I’m always interested in what Demna has cooking up, even if it’s not a meal I want to devour.

Side Note: I’m sorry, this girl with the wide dead eyes makes me laugh every single time I see her on the runway. It’s so unserious.

Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet: Who Served?

The women (and John Travolta) of a “certain age” dominated the Cannes red carpet. No question about it. Here are my best-dressed:

Demi Moore in Balenciaga

Incredible. I wouldn’t think of these two colors together, normally, but it works. The dark sea foam green column dress + frosted blue comforter wrap paired with her dark hair and a simple jewel halter neck. Exquisite. Very Balenciaga—gloves and all.

Demi always looks wonderful (fashion wise), and is honestly one of the only people who can look good in Demna Gucci, but she is scarily thin and I’m worried she’s actually taking The Substance. Hope she’s okay!

Bella Hadid in Schiaparelli

Bella is the unofficial queen of Cannes, despite not being an actor. Oh, the irony. She just always look SO major, they have to keep inviting her. Here, she’s wearing custom Schiaparelli—an homage to white lace dress Jane Birkin wore to the Artist’s Union Gala in 1973.

While this dress is out of this world, I do prefer the original. Bella’s body is tea, duh, but something about Jane’s version—no crazy curves, perfect boobs, or insane proportions—feels more beautiful to me in a real way. Effortless, not manufactured.

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Stellan Skarsgård in Ami

First of all, LOVE a grey suit. The matching subtle pinstripe on the button-up and the tie is genius. Stellan has never been cooler. The kicker? Sentimental Value costar (and on-screen daughter) Renate Reinsve wore the exact same suit a few days later. It’s said that she actually borrowed it from Skarsgård himself. Iconic! I can’t even begin to determine who wore it better!

Taylor Russell in Dior

Taylor Russell is someone where I can’t tell if she actually has good personal style OR if she’s pretty much just a vessel for Jonathan Anderson to clothe. Either way, she looks cool in this silk jacquard Dior skirt from the 2026 Spring Couture show—except, she flipped it around backwards. A little whacky, but elegant nonetheless. Such a fun silhouette.

Chloe Zhao in Schiaparelli

This dress is quite demented in the best way. It’s like if the hyenas from The Lion King wore couture. Shenzi core! But Chloe looks amazing in her minimal makeup look. It’s high fashion. It’s glam. It’s not too much.

Isabelle Huppert (in general)

Isabelle Huppert wore a bunch of lovely looks to Cannes, but these are my favorite. The floor-length Balenciaga leather dress is probably the coolest anyone has looked…ever? Leather bomber but make it “evening gown.” And something about the short, straight, reddish hair really does it for me. The second dress is a custom Gucci that has me blown away. Gucci and Balenciaga belong to the older women, now. I’ve decided. The color, the glam, the gloves, the jewelry. Everything is perfectly balanced and harmonious.

John Travolta in Dior

John Travolta is back and smoother than ever, ready to cosplay as a director. We all know he’s now in his beret era and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t fully into it. He looks incredible.

The beard is a bit too clean for my liking and makes it a bit off-putting, but honestly, it’s camp. It’s incredibly sleek, the glasses are the perfect shape, and all in all, he just looks confident and cool. I love to see an older actor step back into the spotlight with a new (and improved) look that’s a bit surprising, yet feels like the natural progression of things. It’s not too contrived feeling. He can 100% pull it off. And he seems happy to be playing around with personal style in this way.

Other Looks I Loved…

Some of my other favorites—Demi in Gucci and Matieres Fecales. We’ve also got some great Chanel looks, Odessa A’zion in a self-styled loose suit, and more excellent silhouettes worn by older women.

Looks I Hated…Sorry!

These ones were either tacky, overwhelming, or just plain disjointed. Sorry, Heidi Klum, you did make it on here twice… This is not your color, girl!

Retail Hour: What’s New? What’s Exciting? What’s the Deal?

Before we close out, I wanted to take a second to talk retail. There have been some interesting collabs, new releases, and general exciting things I feel the need to mention. Let’s go!

Note: These are all authentic/unbiased opinions. Some of the items below do have affiliate links (because I don’t paywall ;)), but I’ve not been offered free product or paid by any of the following brands.

Maison Margiela Drops Confetti Tabi Ballerina Flats

When I first saw these, I thought, “this has to be AI.” But, alas, it is real. Margiela really did release these adorable summer shoes. I love how, up-close, the print looks like paper mache—how crafty! The price tag is $1350, so I will naturally be sitting this trend out, but the concept has me smitten.

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The Perfect Ballet Flats: BRB Getting a Pair in Every Color

On my trip to New York, I stopped by ONS in Soho (S/O ) and stumbled upon these beautiful red, square-toed ballet flats, complete with a bow. I’ve been looking for a comfortable flat for a while, and most shoes rub against my heel and give me horrible blisters. Eeek! These Alohas fit perfectly, aren’t stiff, and have a soft suede-y material inside where the heel sits (no rubbing!).

I wore them for 2 days, walking around NYC and beyond and it’s safe to say, no pain at all. They are ridiculously comfy. And I plan to get some in every color. 100% worth it.

The Coolest (Dumpling) Bag Ever

In my journey to find (affordable) bags that are shaped like…well, anything other than a purse, I stumbled across this insane dumpling bag by Esenes Worldwide. The outer layer is translucent and has a canvas print lining to make it appear as if there is filling inside the dumpling. Genius. I may have to get this as an early birthday present for myself, because aside from it being creative, and one-of-a-kind, it’s also only $150.

Affordable Summer Pull-On Pants, Office Pants, and Athletic Pants

Uniqlo doesn’t exist in my sad neck of the woods…Atlanta. Unfortunately, every time they unveil a new store opening, my heart drops with immense sadness. I wipe the tears from my eyes and in my flurry of desperation, I comment, “Please come to Atlanta!!” It’s embarrassing, but I need them to know. I’m not proud of it, but I’m not ashamed either.

So basically, if I want to shop Uniqlo in person, I have to travel to various #otherplaces.

I bought 8 pairs of pants at the Philly Uniqlo and I regret nothing. For some reason, Uniqlo pants fit me incredibly well, so I take advantage of that whenever I get the chance. Here is what I got (and recommend):

Linen Blend Easy Pants (Pull-On)

Pull-on pants have been all the rage on fashion Substack as of late—popularized by some of my favorite writers, , , and . Women simply want an “easy pant” to slip on for spring/summer. It’s a simple as that. No fuss, but still fashionable. This Uniqlo pant checks off all the boxes for me—drawstring, hits right at the ankle, deep pockets, and no saggy butt. What more could you want? I bought a navy blue and brown pair and I’ve even been wearing them to work (in a business casual environment).

Note: I’ve been washing these in the machine on a cold water cycle and hanging to dry. They do wrinkle quite easily after washing so make sure you try to smooth out the wrinkles when wet. Spraying some water on them after you put them on helps to work out the wrinkles as you wear them too!

Nylon Culottes—For Looking Cute in Questionable Weather…and Beyond

I’ve seen culottes before and thought, “cute, not for me.” I’ve never been particularly compelled to wear them…but I was picking up everything in sight in that Uniqlo to make up for the fact that it would be my only opportunity to try things on for a while. I then thought, “what the hell!” The verdict? Obsessed. No, seriously, these are the most comfortable, most flexible, and most simple pants ever. I don’t have to worry about getting them wet and they’re not restricting in any way. No wrinkling.

These are now my new go-to for a rainy day. I also wore the black ones with a red boat neck tank top, a spider brooch, and my new Aloha red shoes to two different events (birthday party + house warming party) last weekend, and I felt ridiculously cute. Some people even thought I was wearing a skirt! Needless to say, you can dress them up OR down.

If Nylon isn’t your speed, they also have cotton ones.

Here is a photo of me at the Philadelphia Museum of Art wearing the beige ones on a drizzly day:

Smart Wide Pants AKA The Best Work Pant Ever

I’ve been on the hunt for a grey and black slack pant for quite a while. My favorite work pants for the winter have been 2 pairs (beige + dark grey) of the jersey blend kind (also Uniqlo) but they’re almost wool-like. Not summer friendly! These are fab. High waist, stretchy/wide-leg, deep pockets, and comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. I’ve had too many pants that feel/fit amazing when I’m standing up and walking around, but when I sit down to work on a project, they cut off my blood flow in a diabolical way. These are not those pants. Do yourself a favor, and get them in every color.

I Finally Found a Sneaker That Doesn’t Give Me The Ick

I may be late to the party (but fashionably so). I’m VERY picky about a sneaker, which is why I haven’t really purchased a pair in a few years. After scouring Pinterest for what felt like decades, I stumbled across the Adidas SL72 style and thought the shape and colorways looked nice—not hokey. Sporty, not too chunky, and sleek.

I mean, if Bella Hadid looks THIS good in them, I have to get them, right? Even though there was that crazy controversy with her promoting them in 2024 due to their connection with the 1972 Munich Olympics, where a tragic terrorist attack against the Israeli Olympic team took place. Eek!

Anywho, I love the shoe. Sue me! I found the brown and yellow ones on sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods (lol). At first, I’ll admit, the back flap sticks up a bit high and was quite hard when I first tried them on. After several minutes of blow-drying each heel and softening them up, they were as good as worn in! I’m thinking of waiting for another sale and scooping up the blue, red, or silver pairs.

• Silver and Black (on sale for $75 at ASOS)

• Red and Lilac (on sale for $75 at ASOS)

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Old Navy Boatneck Tee

Great basic. Nuff said.

Ikea PS Collection 2026—Thoughtful Design

Ikea recently released its PS Collection featuring 40 playful yet functional designs for the home. While I haven’t got the chance to see these in person (yet), the inflatable chair has made a big splash online for being an awesome design feat. I’m personally a fan of the red tube clock, orange foldable chair bed, and adjustable wooden stool. What can I say, I’m an Ikea fangirl.

That’s All Folks

Thanks for reading this unhinged fashion commentary. Next newsletter? I’ll be writing a brutally honest review of all the free brand items I’ve been gifted since becoming “important” enough on Substack to warrant freebies. And guess what? We aren’t scared of burning bridges!

More Fashion, More Fun

La Petite Colombiana

Growing Up Without Likes Vol. 2 (Special Guest)

This one is long; your email might cut it short. I recommend you open it in the Substack app…

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3 months ago · 25 likes · 23 comments · Natalia Herrera and Emilee Russell

If you’re looking for some 00s nostalgia, I was interviewed by the lovely for her series "Growing Up Without Likes,” where I talk about my childhood before social media became the toxic wasteland we know today. I’m talking all things Avril Lavigne, low-top converse, tabloid culture, and more. Check it out!

Apologies for not being as timely as I would have liked on a long-form #roastpost. I work a 9-5 job AND I was on vacation last week…and if you know me, you know I barely ever take time off to travel, etc.

Needless to say, I deserved a tiny break. But, I’m also a man of my word, and I said I’d write you guys a long-form Met Gala review, so here we are.

I did stay up late on May 4th to quickly review each of the looks on my Instagram story, so if you’re looking for a shorter yet more comprehensive opinion on even more looks, you can check out my pinned story highlights.

Cue the original intro!

“I know you can be overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?” — 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Another Met Gala has come to pass. How would I rate this one? On a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a solid 6.5.

The looks that killed it were some of my absolute favorites in recent years—ones that will live rent-free in my head. But the vast majority of ensembles happened to be utterly subpar…go figure!

And I’ve grown BEYOND tired of watching the [insert color here] carpet interviews where they ask the celebrities what the “inspiration" was behind their look, only to be met with a nothing-burger statement that doesn’t mention the dress code whatsoever. They can’t even bother to come up with an answer anymore.

cough Nicole Kidman cough

Anyway—the theme of the exhibition is Costume Art, and the dress code was Fashion is Art. Yes, the event was sponsored by Amazon founder and proud owner of a brand new face, Jeff Bezos, and his wife, with a similarly man-made mug, Lauren Sánchez.

But this newsletter isn’t about billionaire politics. It’s about the fashion. And talk about it, we must. It is my duty to provide honest commentary (along with everyone else with a tiny mic and a dream) about said fashion. I don’t have a PhD in criticism, but I’d like to think I at least would be awarded an honorary Master’s in snark.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the looks from fashion’s biggest night.

If you missed my deep-dive on this year’s Met Gala exhibition and dress code, I’ll just leave this here:

Emma Chamberlain in Mugler

Starting off strong with custom Mugler by Miguel Castro Freitas and hand-painted by artist Anna Deller-Yee—Emma looks positively delicious, although we’ve (hopefully) learned at a very young age not to eat paint.

She, of course, went for the “body as canvas,” in a literal sense, but this proves that being on the nose doesn’t HAVE to be cringe. The look was inspired by several archival Mugler pieces, but most notably the Butterfly dress from the Spring/Summer 1997 collection.

I think this look is breathtaking. You’d have to be crazy to think otherwise. The palette knife strokes that seamlessly blend into the lower half. The extremely fine fringe dripping from her sleeves. The understated yet haunting glam that matches the darkness of the dress but knows not to overshadow it. It’s incredible.

Rihanna in Maison Margiela

She looks like a giant peach pit.

Let me be frank, I’m not a “Rihanna can do no wrong” fashion stan. This look isn’t sending me into another stratosphere, but it’s good. It’s fine. She really went for it with the silhouette and the fabric and the hair(arguably the best part), but the long sleeve bodice loses me. It feels less artistic and more gaudy, like “look how many jewels I have.”

This look was originally featured in the Fall 2025 couture collection…and dare I say, the model wore it better? I love how the original look is all the same fabric, draped over the shoulders and covering the elbows in an elongated oval shape, rather than just one big circle over Rihanna’s top half. It feels more meaningful.

Rihanna’s version is more disjointed. My eye stops and starts every time I look up and down. If we didn’t have this runway look, I may have liked hers better, but knowing that we could have had something more seamless, like a liquid gold, I’m left feeling “meh.” Sorry to curse you with a side profile of the dress, but I have to just leave this here:

ASAP Rocky in Chanel

The Alaskan Bull Worm returns...in custom Matthieu Blazy? I do enjoy this outfit on its own, though I’m not sure it pairs well with the theme. What is this saying about fashion as art? What is this saying about the body? It’s a pink robe with a scarf tie and a flower brooch. That’s pretty much it. It just looks like he was contractually obligated to wear Chanel (which he was) and he met his quota.

Nicole Kidman in Chanel

Listen, I know Nicole is some of you guys’ “fav,” but we can’t keep letting her get away with EVERYTHING just because her wig sits right (most of the time) and she’s delightfully cat-like in an oddly comforting way.

The crime here? Theme be damned. When asked how the costume art theme inspired her look, she stumbled into this answer:

“Well for me, I mean, fashion is art. I wanted something red, because I wanted to…embrace the way in which red has been used in art, through the years.”

Earth-shattering. Consider my ground broken.

The dress looks great, obviously. But the Met Gala isn’t about just looking great. That’s the bare minimum. Nicole knows this. She just doesn’t care. And can’t even be bothered to come up with a legit answer to the one question she knew she would be asked.

Doja Cat in Saint Laurent

Underwhelming for what we know Doja Cat is capable of, but a cool look nonetheless. Thank god someone did skin color.

She’s wearing a draped silicone dress designed by Anthony Vaccarello, inspired by Greek statues and of course…SKIN. She said she wanted the whole look (head to toe) to be a sort of monochromatic moment, matching her skin tone. Her glam team certainly nailed the hair and makeup. She looks insanely fresh in her flesh!

Cardi B in Marc Jacobs

Someone injected themselves with a familiar green serum before hitting the carpet!

Honestly, one of the only Substance-esque looks we saw, which is surprising. I really thought more people would be wearing or paying homage to the Comme des Garçons “Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body” collection. I think celebrities are quite afraid of looking intentionally grotesque. They mustn’t let us forget they are hot.

This custom Marc Jacobs look is insane (in the best way). Exaggerated proportions meant to look like overflowing skin, all wrapped in black lace—it’s to die for. And guess what? She was still able to show off her body, showcase excellent glam, and be playful at the same time. It is possible, ladies and gentlemen.

Beyonce in Olivier Rousteing

Was I happy that someone did boning? Yes. Was this look THAT major? I’m sorry, no.

We’ve seen her in a headdress. We’ve seen her in furs. The skeleton concept was creative, but this look feels dated. The silhouette, glam, and accessories are nothing new for Beyonce. All things considered, Oliver Rousteing did a fantastic job with this design, but it’s not truly pushing any fashion boundaries.

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Teyana Taylor in Tom Ford

It’s giving Muppet chic. Someone tell Louise Trotter that you can do a fluffy, fringe fur look without making the model look like a linebacker. I love this look, but it feels a bit safe for the Met Gala and I’m not exactly sure how this is on theme.

She looks lovely and very cool, but considering how fantastic Teyana looked at last year’s ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ Met Gala, this left something to be desired.

That being said, keep it coming with the Teyana Taylor in Tom Ford!

Sabrina Carpenter in Dior

Film as fashion? Count me in. Sabrina wore custom Dior by Jonathan Anderson and this little number is to die for. The dress is made out of film strips from the 1954 film Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn.

Usually, I get bored when the homage is just “old Hollywood” but this is certainly an exception. I love when Sabrina leans into her cheeky side, rather than going full bombshell glam. The halter neck. The headdress also featuring stills from the film. The gathered/rolled strips with the bow on the side—looking almost as if she’s gift-wrapped. The whole thing is genius.

Sabrina and Emma Chamberlain were both styled by Jared Ellner and let’s just say, he really cooked with these two completely different looks. The man has RANGE.

Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent

I genuinely was expecting nothing from Hailey. She typically sticks to simple, black dresses—nothing too exciting. Her aura is typically that of a single breath. This year? I’m happy to report that she stepped it up.

She wore a 24-karat gold sculpted bodice with a cobalt blue chiffon skirt and a matching cape—inspired by a 1969 Yves Saint Laurent design collaboration with artist Claude Lalanne. Although, I wish Gen Z would branch out in the silhouette department and wear something that doesn’t have to showcase their bodies…I will take this as a win. The gold and blue are beautiful on her, the jewelry is balanced, and it’s simple but effective.

Claps for Hailey!

Charli XCX in Saint Laurent

Call me a hater, but this look makes me want to boo AND hiss.

It’s so incredibly boring. It’s just a black dress with a resin iris on it to pay tribute to Vincent Van Gogh…but like in the most subdued way possible. Van Gogh was known for his emotional, expressive paintings, vibrant colors, and energy. This dress is a shell of that. It’s literally just a flower. It doesn’t even look like a Van Gogh specific flower.