My nails have been through a lot over the past three decades. I was a compulsive nail biter throughout most of my childhood and teen years, and it wasn’t until college that I kicked the habit for good. From there, I’ve struggled with brittle, weak nails on and off depending on my anemia, stress levels, diet, and other factors. Even though I no longer instinctively chew my nails like I once did, I was still prone to picking if I noticed a scraggly edge or a hangnail. Until one day, I decided that I’d be a lot less likely to pick if I had a better alternative than taking matters into my own hands — literally.
I was first introduced to glass nail files a few years ago through Bare Hands’ Dry Gloss manicure kit, and ever since then, my natural nails have never looked better. Most manicurists have sworn by glass files for years, thanks to their ability to shape nails without snagging, but I had no idea that the right tool could actually prevent me from damaging my nails and help them grow. Recently, I was traveling and broke a nail; instead of picking at it, I ran to the closest beauty store and picked up a glass nail file to reshape and prevent further damage. The one I found? Ulta Beauty Collection’s version, which came in a travel-friendly sleeve perfect for keeping in a makeup bag or purse for on-the-go use. It also turned out to be the best impulsive buy for my natural nails. Read ahead for a deep dive into the benefits of glass files — and exactly why they’re worth the investment.
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Why are glass nail files better for your natural nails?
You might not think twice about the kind of nail file you’re using, but there’s a good chance it could be causing more harm than good to your natural nails. “Traditional emery boards cause microscopic tears at the tip of the nail,” explains Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of nail care brand Dr. Dana. “Glass files create a perfectly smooth edge that seals keratin [which nails are made of] and prevents splitting, peeling, breakage, and even premature polish chipping,” she adds.
How should you use a glass nail file?
According to Dr. Stern, glass files are best suited for filing the free edge (aka the “top”) of the nail to shape and shorten. Unlike other types of files, glass versions can be safely used to file the nail in any direction. With other, more abrasive materials, you are usually instructed to only file nails one way to avoid creating a jagged edge.
How often do you have to replace glass nail files?
Happily, glass files are a sustainable, reusable alternative and can be cleaned between uses. “In salons, any porous item should be considered one-time-use as they can potentially harbor infectious material and cannot be sterilized,” Dr. Stern says. “Another advantage of glass tools is that they don’t dull and are therefore continuously reusable.” Keeping your glass file in a protective case will help shield it from chemicals and getting scratched (or scratching other things).
How do glass nails help natural nails grow?
It may seem counterintuitive that a tool designed to shorten your nails can actually help them grow, but think of it as a long game strategy, like how regular hair trims can help avoid split ends. “Switching to a glass file is advantageous because the nail is less likely to peel, split, and break, so over time, you are more likely to achieve length with a glass file than a traditional emery board,” explains Dr. Stern.
For me, having neat, groomed nails — with or without polish or gel — discouraged me from picking at them, which would cause them to peel or break, and set my growth journey back to square one. I’ve been using the Ulta one several times a week since it lives in my bag and therefore accompanies me almost everywhere. I’ve found myself fixing my nails waiting in line at a coffee shop, or when I touch up my lipstick in the bathroom at happy hour. Despite the $9 price tag, it’s just as good as any other brand (including more expensive ones) I’ve tried; it’s lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. Plus, the grain is on the finer side, making it quite gentle on my nails. Within a month, my nails looked visibly better and were breaking and splitting less often. In the past, I swore by builder gel to achieve any meaningful growth. It’s been months since my last gel manicure, but with my wedding coming up, I’ll likely get one in the books soon — especially now that I’m set up for success with healthier natural nails.
Is there any recommended “aftercare” post-glass nail file use?
It’s not required, but then again, pampering your nails is never really a bad thing. “Nothing needs to be done [after using a glass file] for the nail per se, but I always recommend keeping the cuticle well hydrated,” says Dr. Stern, adding that a healthy cuticle is foundational for a healthy nail. Her go-to? The Dr. Dana Nourishing Cuticle Oil, which contains indigo naturalis (an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for reducing inflammation), plus sunflower and jojoba oils to moisturize (yes — your nails need that too!) and support nail growth.
“When used regularly, cuticle oil will keep cuticles properly hydrated and allow nails to grow healthier and stronger,” Dr. Dana explains. I keep one on my nightstand as a reminder to use it at least nightly, but am trying to be better about using one a few times a day. I’m a fan of Olive & June’s Cuticle Serum pens, which absorb quicker than an oil for easier, grease-free use during the day.
Which glass nail file is best for me?
Not all glass files are created equal, and Dr. Stern specifically notes that the level of abrasiveness can vary among glass files. What’s more, not all of them are meant for natural nails. (Grittier ones may be used as a first step to remove gel polish, for example.) If you’re simply looking to replace your basic emery board, something like my new Ulta find or the Dr. Dana Glass Nail File will be a major upgrade and gentle enough for regular use.
Glass files also come in a variety of shapes, which can lend themselves to other purposes besides filing. Germanikure’s Moonfile has a slight arched shape (hence the name), which is ergonomically designed for a comfortable hold, but is also great for pushing back cuticles and gently exfoliating dead skin on the sides of the nail.
In addition to using a glass file, I also like to use a glass polisher tool — namely Bare Hands’ polisher — to gently buff the nail surface. It works by removing the superficial layer of keratin (which will look like mini clouds of whitish dust) on your nails, resulting in a naturally shiny appearance. According to the brand, the polisher lasts for around six months if you buff once a week for your nails. With less frequent use, it can last up to a year. Mind you, I’ve had mine for nearly two years and it’s still in pretty good shape.
Using a glass buffer comes with a caveat, though: Dr. Stern is quick to note that a glass file is not the same as a buffer, which is safe for the nail plate. “Using a glass file at the surface can dislodge nail cells, creating an uneven surface that is more prone to peeling and breakage,” she says. “Also, filing or even over-buffing the nail surface can result in a nail that is too thin.”
Besides using a glass file on the free edge of my nails, I buff the surface once every other week at a maximum to avoid compromising their integrity, and I think it’s helped my nails not only look better (they have a natural luster, so sometimes I skip polish entirely), but grow in healthier. (Think of it as maintaining a healthy skin barrier — less is more!)
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I write this story from one of countless cafes in Seongsu, a hip area that’s been referred to as “the Brooklyn of Seoul.” Lined with quaint boutiques and a revolving door of pop-ups for some of Korea’s hottest fashion and beauty brands, it’s become a top shopping destination for locals and tourists alike. As such, it’s also a great spot to see what’s currently trending. After spending many afternoons scanning the sea of shopping bags in people’s hands, it’s clear that one category of K-beauty is especially popular right now: fragrance.
Tamburins, Nonfiction, pesade, Borntostandout: They may not be household names—yet—but they are among the most beloved perfume brands in Korea right now. Below, let’s take a closer look at the world of Korean fragrance houses, including a few under-the-radar brands on the rise.
As if on cue, on my way over to the cafe, a girl handed me a perfume blotter advertising a pop-up nearby. I had never heard of the brand before, but the sample smelled so good, I had to check it out.
FRA 422 is centered around sustainability and scent. (The “422” in the name is a reference to Earth Day, which is April 22.) As an employee explained to me, the brand only uses extracted essential oils from plants that aren’t endangered or at risk — or they formulate closely matched synthetic substitutes that are indistinguishable from the original scents.
To that end, the line is tightly curated with just five core perfumes, including a leather and oud number called Won and a rose and oakmoss scent named Kim. My personal favorite is Hani, a fresh citrus that’s grounded in amber and musk and wears like a second skin.
Tamburins is perhaps the most well-known K-fragrance brand of the bunch, thanks in part to its affiliation with luxury eyewear brand Gentle Monster, and global celebrity ambassadors like Jennie from BLACKPINK and actor Byeon Woo Seok.
With architecturally stunning retail spaces filled with objets d’art and packaging that elevates the experience of using one of their scented offerings, it’s easy to see why people are instantly drawn to the brand.
Since debuting in 2017, Tamburins has expanded its extensive lineup to include perfumes housed in egg-shaped bottles, solid fragrances for on-the-go, scented hand creams, candles, lip balms, and even car diffusers in distinctive scents like Pumpkini, a sweet pumpkin and coconut milk fragrance cut with invigorating shiso leaf and ginger.
Nonfiction was the first perfume brand I purchased when I moved to Korea last fall. I walked into one of their bright, airy stores one afternoon and immediately fell in love with their Neroli Dream scent (a softer version of Tom Ford’s iconic Neroli Portofino IMO).
The brand’s messaging is all about finding calm in your days through sensorial rituals that connect you to your inner self. This ethos is reflected throughout the minimalist packaging and the fragrances themselves, which are formulated using plant-derived ingredients that are never too overpowering.
In addition to the perfumes in its current lineup, Nonfiction also makes body and hair care products, as well as hand creams, lip balms, room sprays, and candles.
If quiet minimalism isn’t your thing, give Borntostandout a try — honestly, the name says it all. Launched in 2022 by a former investment banker and lifelong fragrance fanatic Jun Lim, BTSO was created for those who “rebel against the standards” — but still want to smell really good.
The brand’s smooth white flacons nod to traditional Korean porcelain wares and have memorable names like DGAF and Fig Porn emblazoned across them in crimson typeface; the fragrances themselves are equally memorable, thanks to unconventional accords that range from basmati rice to banana bread.
Sure, some of the scents may throw you at first sniff, but they dry down into something softer and more familiar as they wear. This might explain BTSO’s rapidly growing fan base and L’Oréal’s recent funding, as the brand plans its expansion into the U.S. and European markets.
Just a stone’s throw away from Borntostandout’s Itaewon store is pesade, where the ambiance is decidedly more relaxed. From the sleek interiors to the structural tables that showcase the brand’s timeless scents, everything about pesade feels refined and classic.
The brand’s unlikely source of inspiration comes from dressage, a discipline of equestrianism. A pesade refers to a dressage move where a horse balances on its hind legs at a 45-degree angle from the ground. Per the brand, “This particular movement symbolizes the harmony of power and balance, which is deeply connected to pesade’s philosophy.”
The scents come in highly concentrated parfums ($210 for 100ml or roughly 3.4oz) and eau de parfums ($180) that last long after first spritz. With a diverse range of unisex fragrances to choose from, pesade is a place where one could easily find their 인생 향수 or “life perfume,” as the Koreans say.
Fans of Kinfolk will be delighted to know that the brand is still alive and well in 2025 — and has a physical store in Seongsu that has the same relaxed, yet dignified vibe of the indie lifestyle magazine.
The flagship space includes a flower shop, café, and the full range of Kinfolk Notes fragrances exclusive to Korea. Initially launched in 2022 with hand soaps, lotions, and creams, Kinfolk Notes has since expanded to include eau de parfums, diffusers, and candles.
With dreamy names like Splendor in the Grass, inspired by William Wordsworth’s poem and movie of the same name, and Blue Velvet (a reference to David Lynch’s neo-noir mystery), all of the fragrances in Kinfolk Notes bring the brand’s artsy sensibilities to life.
If you’re looking for more affordable K-fragrance options, I’d suggest W.Dressroom (which counts BTS’ Jungkook and Seventeen’s S.Coups among its wearers).
The brainchild of renowned designer Bum Suk Choi, W.Dressroom’s scents are uncomplicated in the best way. The straightforward names clearly indicate notes of the juice, and the comprehensive lineup includes everything from fruit-forward options to traditional florals and powdery musks. (Think: Bath and Body Works meets Grown Alchemist.)
My favorite is 97 April Cotton, a fresh laundry scent that I regularly douse on my clothes after sweaty dance classes. BTW, the brand’s “dress perfumes” have deodorizing and antibacterial ingredients in them to neutralize unwanted odors from clothes and spaces, making them great for a post-workout spritz or a smoky K-BBQ dinner.
For a scented souvenir to take back from Seoul, make a stop at one of Granhand’s eight stores scattered throughout the city (though their original outpost in Bukchon Hanok Village is still my favorite). Granhand’s perfumes are unique in name and composition. Take Susie Salmon, for example, a juicy blend described as smelling like “a midday nap after eating sweet fruits” or Lumberjack, a clove bud and cedarwood scent that smells like “a sip of whiskey in front of the fireplace.”
The brand also offers complimentary personalization for each purchase, so you can add your name or initials (or that of a loved one) for an extra sentimental touch.
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Major spoilers ahead. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners isn’t an easy watch. That is, it will have you sitting up straight, shifting towards the front of your seat, squirming in terror, and holding your breath. It’s unflinching, enthralling and entertaining, a wild ride that never lets up and pushes you to think, to imagine, to feel. The first hour unfurls like the climb of a rollercoaster, inching you towards an exhilarating descent into madness. The anticipation of the drop is its own thrill, with the dread of the film’s inevitably gory climax looming over the quiet character development of its first half. In an era of the easy, throw-it-on-in-the-background slop movies streamers churn out, Coogler treats his audience with respect, delivering a smart film that takes itself seriously while still having fun. Reunited with his muse, Michael B. Jordan,Sinners is Coogler at his most free. It’s a meticulous and ambitious masterpiece. It’s challenging and provocative. It’s also surprisingly romantic. It’s packed with metaphor and meaning, religious allegory and racial commentary, complimentary and conflicting genres, breathtaking performances and stunning sequences that barrel towards an electrifying conclusion that requires processing and unpacking — I’ve been thinking about it every day since I screened the film weeks ago.
But let’s start at the beginning. As we meet Smoke and Stack (both played with thoughtful precision by Jordan), the prodigal twins of Clarksdale, Mississippi, their ambitions are clear: after spending years as enforcers for Al Capone and bootleggers in Chicago, the boys are back to open up their very own juke joint. They prefer the South, the devil they know. As they tell their cousin Sammie (newcomer Miles Caton is a revelation), “Chicago is a plantation, just with taller buildings.” Smoke is more reserved and pessimistic, the “bad cop” of the duo, while Stack is unrestrained and slightly more boisterous, the risktaking, jazz-loving lil’ brother. Their love interests also showcase the differences between the identical twins: Smoke’s former love is Annie (a wise, raw, and riveting Wunmi Mosaku), a spiritual medicine woman still reeling from the grief of losing their infant child, whose potions and hoodoo knowledge come in handy later. And Stack’s old flame is Mary (a saucy and unguarded Hailee Steinfeld), his white-passing childhood friend with Black ancestry that shows up in her relations, not her face, who is still pissed at Stack for ghosting her.
Through Annie and Mary, we get to know the brothers more. Stack is reckless enough to get involved with a white(ish) girl but smart enough to distance himself to protect her from the optics of their seemingly interracial union (it is 1932 afterall). Smoke is still in love with Annie but their loss broke him, and them, and he’s burying himself in his business with his brother to try to forget. It’s naive to hope for a happy ending for either of the two pairings, yet you find yourself rooting for one anyway. It’s a testament to Jordan’s insurmountable skill that he has rousing chemistry with both Mosaku and Steinfeld — with entirely different dynamics and mannerisms with each — but it’s his scenes with Mosaku that scratched my brain. Together, they are devastating. Smoke and Annie’s romance, the love story at the center of Sinners, is slow and sensual, rooted in history and heartbreak. From their first scene, the viewer is invested, and so was Wunmi Mosaku.
[When I read] the scene with Smoke and Annie in the shop, I had never cared so much about two people I knew so little about. I felt like I knew their whole world.
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“[When I read] the scene with Smoke and Annie in the shop, I had never cared so much about two people I knew so little about, but felt like I knew their whole world,” Mosaku told Unbothered’s Claire Ateku during the film’s press day in New York City. The moment is the movie’s sexiest, a stirring, intimate love scene starring a dark-skinned Black woman with curves, something you rarely see onscreen, period, let alone in a massive blockbuster. “I felt like I understood their hope, their love, their grief, their connection, their understanding,” Mosaku continued. “When I read those seven pages, I just felt so inspired. I was like, oh, people are making art that matters — that excites and fulfills. And I said to Ryan, ‘thank you for writing something that has gotten me [to fall] back in love with my craft.’”
Ryan Coogler’s love of his craft is on full display throughout Sinners. This is an artist who cares deeply about his medium, and you can tell through every exquisite detail: the entrancing and addictive score (Ludwig Göransson), the staggering cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the film was shot on IMAX 70mm cameras), the era-specific and intricate production design (Oscar-winner Hannah Beachler) and the impeccable costumes (thee legend Ruth E. Carter). But it’s in the storytelling where Coogler shines most.
After Smoke and Stack buy a building to turn into a juke joint from a shifty looking white man who swears the Klan doesn’t exist anymore (sure, bud), they each spend the day preparing for the grand opening that night. Sammie, also known as Preacher Boy, rides with Stack and they pick up affable drunk and local jazz celeb, Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo is as charming and enigmatic as ever) who will be the night’s headliner. Preacher Boy shows off his heavenly voice and affinity for jazz music, but his father, an actual preacher, rebukes the genre as the devil’s music, like most good Christians did back then. Preacher Boy seems to be loosely based on the legend of real-life blues musician Robert Johnson whose guitar was said to have been tuned by the devil at a crossroads, granting him musical prowess. In exchange for his soul, the myth goes that Johnson was given great guitar skills which launched him into blues infamy. In Sinners, Preacher Boy’s guitar is a hand-me-down from his cousins and the devil isn’t the blues, it’s a vampire in the form of a white man, Remmick (a terrifying Jack O’Connell).
While Smoke was on the other side of town securing food, booze, supplies and a sign from Chinese American shopowners Grace and Bo Chow (Li Jun Li and Yao) to create the perfect space for his community to convene and celebrate, Remmick is turning a couple (whose well-placed Klan paraphernalia proves that the KKK is alive and well) into his own clan of vampires and just after the sun sets, they go straight to the juke joint to rain on an uninhabited night of Black joy.
It may seem a little on-the-nose to have blood-sucking, melanin-deprived vampires act as a stand-in for culture vulture white people who have pillaged Black land, music, and art for their own gain for centuries. But the metaphor isn’t hamfisted in Coogler’s hands; it’s perfect. Of course a vampire story is the ideal way to allegorize white supremacy, gentrification, and appropriation. Coogler brilliantly explores the different ways in which whiteness exploits and pilfers — violently, purposefully, and sometimes subtly. As the juke joint is thriving, hookups are happening and the party is raging, you’re left in suspense, wondering how it all falls apart and who is going to infiltrate this safe space. The answer is, of course, the whitest person Smoke and Stack know: Mary. She leaves to talk to the banjo-playing strangers who have asked to be let in. Whiteness is why she goes outside. Her proximity to Blackness is why she’s allowed back in. That, and Stack’s greed. Money, and his attraction to Mary, end up being his downfall.
Later, when Remmick has wreaked havoc and created monsters out of club goers, he promises freedom to Smoke, Annie, Delta Slim, Preacher Boy, and the other last-standing survivors — something he knows Black folks of that era are desperate for — and inclusion without the threat of racist violence, they just have to give up their souls… and succumb to vampire violence. So, to choose one life of bondage for another. Once again, Smoke picks the devil he knows. Remmick tries to convince him through a speech about how Black folks will never be free in the Jim Crow South, no matter how much money they acquire, using the racism of other white folks as a shield against the harm he wants to inflict (sound familiar?) and assuring love and acceptance. The lies Remmick sells can be read as a vampire just trying to lure his prey, but they are also the lies white supremacy sells to Black folks. Like the cliches go, these vampires have fangs and hate garlic, but instead of sex, they are offering acceptance through assimilation. In Sinners, assimilation equals death.
When it’s revealed that Remmick just wants Preacher Boy’s voice — which we know can transcend time and space through the film’s more original, arresting, lyrical, and mindblowing scene (seriously, I gasped out loud in the theater) — the con comes into focus. Remmick isn’t a savior, he’s a leech. Not since Jordan Peele’s Get Outhas a horror movie tackled the terrors of racism in such a smart and unrelenting way (though many have tried). And doing all that with jazz as the soundtrack and the beating pulse of the film is genius. White people stole the blues. Sinners isn’t just about reclamation, it’s about a radical reimagination.
Sinners is more than just a Southern gothic horror flick like it’s been billed. It is that, but it’s also an enthusiastic musical, a consequential period drama, and an earnest romance. It’s the latter that piqued my interest the most, and its execution is swoon-inducing. I already knew Mosaku was a star, but in this role, she’s assertive, luminous and so damn sexy. Some will say the title belongs to Sammie, but Annie is the heart of Sinners. She’s also its hero.
“I like to think of Annie as Smoke’s other other half, like Stack is,” Mosaku said. “Stack is one side of him, but Annie is another side of him. She’s his protector, lover, mother, safe place. She is his sanctuary.” Annie’s knowledge of the spiritual world also saves everyone’s — including Smoke’s — asses. “She moves with purpose. She moves with strength and power. She has such an anchored spirit and is so in tune with the other stuff that we can’t see or feel or hear. She sees and feels and hears it.” Near the end, Annie is the one to tell the remaining humans not to let their friend and the night’s acting bouncer, Cornbread (Omar Miller), in after he’s been turned. She teaches them how to stake a vampire in the heart. She also puts them onto the good ol’ garlic trick. Through her spiritual practices, she becomes their first line of defense and sacrifices herself (she tells Smoke she would rather die than become a vampire) to be their savior, like so many Black women do.
“Annie was someone who I really looked up to and was inspired by, and I found parts of myself within her, parts of myself I didn’t know existed within her,” Mosaku, who is British-Nigerian, shared. “With hoodoo, I didn’t know about it. I’m now introduced to Ifá through the Europe Yoruba, a traditional religion I didn’t know about. And so now I’m introduced to my ancestry, my ancestors, parts of our strength and healing and our traditions. I didn’t know I was missing it. That was quite profound for me.”
I like to think of Annie as Smoke’s other other half, like Stack is… Stack is one side of him, but Annie is another side of him. She’s his protector, lover, mother, safe place. She is his sanctuary.
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That profundity is apparent in Mosaku’s performance, and in the film’s sublime ending. You could read it as tragic — Stack is a vampire and Smoke, like Annie, dies in a blaze of glory as he takes out the racist landlord and his KKK gang as they try to take back the juke joint the next morning — but you could also interpret the film’s end as hopeful and almost happy, like I did. As Smoke is dying, after being shot by the KKK, he reaches into the afterlife and sees not just Annie, but their child. Their family is finally together again. He delivers a final blow to the cowardly villains and succumbs to his fate, seemingly joining his love and their baby.
Mosaku agrees: “I think it’s a happy ending… Ultimately, [Annie] feels sorrow for anyone who was turned into a vampire. She says it perfectly, they can’t feel the warmth of a sunrise and they have to live amongst all this hate in this world,” she said. “These two are now connected in the ancestor world forever and by creating life together. This is the right way to join the ancestors. Is the right way everything else is to be trapped in a world of hate and pain and sorrow. So yeah, I feel like ultimately, [Smoke and Annie] are reunited.”
Smoke and Annie get to be together for eternity in the spiritual realm, while Stack and Mary stay together in the physical world as vampires. Preacher boy Sammie lives out his life as a musician and in a shocking post credits scene (a nod to Cooger’s Marvel tenure), he gets a visit from his immortal cousin and his white-passing undead partner. Stack may still be walking, talking, and breathing, but he died that day at the juke joint. Stack calls the day of Remmick’s attack the best day of his life, because it was the last time he saw the sunrise and the last time he saw his brother. “For a few hours, before the sun went down, we were truly free.”
Sinners is a sentimental exploration of love and loss, of faith and consequence, of the duality of humanity and the perseverance of spirit, and for the unassailable fact that Black folks will survive and persist — in the face of evil, of racism, of white supremacy, of mystifying hate and insoluble madness. Smoke and Annie chose to hold onto to their souls and to cling to love; the one thing that can never be taken.
Let Serena Williams be a reminder that not everything centers men.
In February, the 23-time Grand Slam champion stunned more than 133 million live viewers with her surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’srecord-breaking Super Bowl halftime show. And though that performance happened to coincide with the biggest moment within the biggest rap feud in years, Williams is crip walking right past the mess.
In a recent Time Magazine interview , Williams (the tennis icon made the Time100 list) explained the motive behind her Super Bowl appearance, where she crip walked to “Not Like Us.” And despite the viral beef between Kendrick and Drake, she says her reasoning had nothing to do with shading Drake. She saw it as an opportunity to celebrate how renowned a little girl from Compton had become during the biggest night on television.
“Who would have thought that a tennis player from Compton would be regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time?” she told the outlet. “It was just putting an exclamation on it.” Williams also noted that her and Kendrick had been trying to collaborate in something for a while.
To be fair, it’s understandable why audiences immediately thought Williams was joining the Drake hate train. The two were rumored to have dated in the early 2010s and Drake has a habit of writing music about the women in his life. The superstar rapper admitted that Williams inspired “Too Good,” which features Rihanna. The Toronto rapper called her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, a groupie on his song “Middle of the Ocean.” And on “Not Like Us,” Kendrick defends Williams, saying Drake “better not ever speak on Serena.”
Even so, Williams told Time that she “would never” throw shade at Drake, who just filed a new defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group regarding his rival’s Super Bowl performance. “Obviously I can see how someone would think that. But absolutely not. I have never had negative feelings towards him. We’ve known him for so many years.”
And that, people, is called a graceful answer. But the grace Williams has shown hasn’t always been reciprocated.
Obviously I can see how someone would think that. But absolutely not. I have never had negative feelings towards [Drake]. We’ve known him for so many years.
serena williams to time magazine
Many people forgot how hard media and sports institutions alike made it on Williams. After winning gold at Wimbledon in 2012, the Compton native crip walked to celebrate. Critics accused her of glorifying gang violence with the dance.
She faced widespread backlash afterwards. That was a direct result of misogynoir and ignorance. Williams used the dance in 2012 as a celebratory nod to her roots. Critics used that moment as an attempt to minimize her joy.
Williams bringing the dance back in 2025 felt like a redemption, in a sense. But the bigger picture went over some folks’ heads.
I get it. We all love a good messy moment. But this male drama doesn’t involve the G.O.A.T.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
Today: a strategic finance associate who has a $850,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on eating out and healthcare.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Occupation: Strategic finance associate Industry: Tech Age: 26 Location: New York Salary: $145,000 Household Income & Financial Setup: My husband (Z.) and I have recently combined finances post marriage. Our joint income is $850,000, and we contribute 70% of our individual monthly incomes to our joint accounts, and keep 30% for separate accounts. We are keeping everything pre-marital separate. For this diary, I largely only tracked my own spend unless I was together with Z., or noticed his spend. He’s generally a pretty low-key guy, so I have probably captured most areas of his spending this week. Assets (Mine): Tax-advantaged accounts (401(k), Roth, HSAs, etc.): $210,000; brokerage accounts: $180,000; rental property: $150,000; home: $140,000 (my half of the equity); emergency fund: $30,000; jewelry and bags: $20,000; Bitcoin: $6,000. Z. has additional assets like his investments, cash, an extra property, but it’s unclear to me what they exactly total up to. He has no debt. Debt: We have ~$900,000 left on the mortgage, of which I am responsible for half. Paycheck Amount (Bi-weekly): $5,500 Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $2,500, including mortgage and HOA fees. Utilities: I expense these since I work from home and company provides as a benefit. iCloud Storage: $2.99 Spotify & Hulu: $11.99 Amazon Prime: $11.58 Netflix: Z. pays. Cat Expenses: ~$50 (subscriptions/payments for food and insurance) Credit Card Fees: $52 (my half, split 50/50 with Z.). This is for lounges, travel perks, and higher cash back on restaurants, since we eat out a lot.
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Yes, my parents saved up 529 plans for my sister and me. I went to an in-state college and was able to graduate debt free. There’s definitely a heavy emphasis on education in my culture. I’m considering getting a graduate degree but the cost of it makes me second guess myself.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? Mom was very frugal, very good at budgeting and saving. Dad emphasized spending money on things that made lifestyle better. Being immigrants to the U.S., I definitely grew up with a scarcity mentality. We rarely ate out, and we saved everything, but it all felt OK to me at the time, because I didn’t compare my family too much to others on the financial side.
What was your first job and why did you get it? Tutor in high school for extra spending money! It was a good use of my skills and paid decently well at $20 an hour, so it worked out.
Did you worry about money growing up? Yes, all the time. My parents constantly fought and my mom moved in and out of living with my dad, so things felt tight all the time and very unstable. It felt like money was a means to freedom and deciding things on your own terms.
Do you worry about money now? Yes, I used to work in a much higher-paying field, but took a pay cut to switch industries into something that I find much more sustainable and interesting. I lowered my earnings power, but it felt worth it to switch into a lifestyle that I felt suited me and my personality in the long run. I don’t worry too much on a day-to-day basis because Z. and I have good joint income, but I do feel ambitious and want to raise my earnings power through promotions and start some fun side hustles. The aforementioned industry switch is also why I have a good chunk of net worth saved up. I think on longer horizons now than I did a few years ago where I worried about the near term. Now, I think about when we will be able to afford a bigger house and children, as well as what types of trade-offs we will need to make.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? During college I was responsible for living expenses outside of rent and tuition. After I graduated I became fully financially independent. I think my family would allow me to live with them if I really needed to.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. Yes, my mother gifted me a rental property, and my grandmother left me $20,000 when she passed. My husband gave me half of the condo we live in when we married, and now I am contributing to the mortgage as well.
Day One: Thursday
9:30 a.m. — Wake up for the day and cuddle my cat. Do my normal skincare routine: Beauty of Joseon toner, Torriden hyaluronic serum, Hado Labo moisturizer, Biore sunscreen, and then pour myself a coffee and log in to work from home. I spend the first 15 minutes catching up on industry and general newsletters, then start working. Today is a bit of a stressful day because there are a lot of deliverables due, and it’s a shortened week.
11 a.m. — I have a 1:1 with my manager where we discuss prioritization of deliverables this week, as well as brainstorm on datapoints and methodology on an analysis we’re supporting for a cross-functional partner. Afterwards, I eat some leftover soup and rice for lunch and take a quick break.
1 p.m. — I make good progress on a key deliverable throughout the afternoon, have a meeting with a new executive, send out a few more messages on Slack, and then log off for the day. I notice a bunch of white hairs growing on my head again, so I buy vitamin gummies from Amazon, even though it is sadly probably due to genetics. $15
6 p.m. — I eat leftovers that I packed from the office yesterday, and then go to a yoga class in my building. It feels nice to stretch it out, and a great way to decompress my spine. Z. gets home and we catch up on our days, then head down to the building spa. I sit in the sauna for 20 minutes while hubby chills in the hot tub. Don’t feel brave enough for the cold plunge today.
10 p.m. — Z. and I watch a few episodes of Silicon Valley. I have a magnesium and then fall asleep.
Daily Total: $15
Day Two: Friday
9:30 a.m. — Wake up and cuddle my cat. Do the normal skincare routine and then walk downstairs to the grocery store to grab a few bottles of Starbucks iced coffee for the fridge. Once back home, I pour myself a coffee and get logged in. $15
1 p.m. — Today is a day where we are trying to push a key reporting pack out the door, so I am heads down trying to complete a piece of work for it. To be honest, this particular piece of work is super boring and the least interesting part of my job, but it’s something that I only need to do once a month for a few hours, so I just put up with it. I take a quick break for lunch — Z. went out and bought wonton soups so I eat that. $30
5 p.m. — Send out the reporting pack to my manager’s manager and then start catching up on other workstreams. I make a prioritization list for next Monday, and make sure that the cross-functional teams are aligned on it.
6 p.m. — Have a few bites to eat and then head out to the pickleball courts ($2.90 for the subway and $7 for the LIRR). The commute is pretty long — ~1.5 hours — so I read Babel by RF Kuang on my commute. Play two hours of doubles ($45.10), where I focus on footwork and ball placement, and generally have a great time, then commute home. $55
11:30 p.m. — Get home, have a ramen as a snack, take a magnesium, and then relax and go to bed. Z. is out to karaoke, so I chill until he gets home. He gets home around 1 a.m., pretty drunk and super cute looking. I give him a kiss and then we go to sleep.
Daily Total: $100
Day Three: Saturday
9 a.m. — It’s the weekend, yay! I wake up from the sound of the apartment above dropping something on the floor. Cuddle my cat, give my hubby a kiss, pour myself a coffee, and chill on the couch for a bit while Z. keeps sleeping. This might be meta, but I read the Silicon Valley Money Diary joint $904,000 diary and am so impressed at the many things the lady accomplishes throughout the day. It’s wild how different life looks with kids.
10 a.m. — I cuddle my furball and stare at my overgrown gel nails and think to myself that I really need to go to the salon, but don’t want to go outside in the cold, and don’t want to pay, so I don’t. Z. wakes up so I give him a kiss, and then he goes out to lunch with friends (he probably spends ~$50 for his portion of food). I also work on booking hotels with points for our honeymoon at year end. $50
1 p.m. — It’s a nice day, so I bundle up and take my bike to meet my friend for coffee! We catch up on our lives. She gets an avocado toast; I pass on getting anything at the café. Then I bike over the bridge to take a tennis lesson ($95) with my friend, and then bike home after. When I get home, I see boba in the fridge so I drink a yummy grape slushy. Z. probably spent $20 to get it delivered. $115
6 p.m. — Our friend is hosting dinner in K-town, so we head out to the local grocery store to pick up ice cream bars to bring over ($26.20). We choose four different types so that everyone can try a lot of different flavors, and then get the subway over ($2.90). Dinner is super tasty, and it’s great to meet new people. We play card games after dinner, and I have a lot of fun. $32
12 a.m. — Hubby and I subway home a little past midnight, I take a magnesium and then fall asleep a little past 1 a.m. $5.80
Daily Total: $202.80
Day Four: Sunday
9 a.m. — I wake up naturally, cuddle my cat and give Z. a kiss. Roll out of bed and pour myself a coffee and do my usual skincare routine, pick up the mail and packages, then take my bike out the door to a few overdue appointments. First I get a facial where I get a phenomenal lymphatic massage and really painful extractions. Then, I bike over and get my brows threaded and upper lip waxed. I’m a regular at these spots so I tip a little over 20% in cash. $127
12 p.m. — I get home and prune and water the plants. Z. has gone grocery shopping while I’m out and he makes lunch — delicious butter seared scallops and marinated air-fried chicken wings with rice. I clean up after lunch and then we both chill out. I online shop a bit for Z.’s upcoming birthday and decide to get him a nice watch for a little over $1,000, but will wait to purchase until closer to and see if there is a sale. $40
2 p.m. — I get the subway to my friend’s apartment to record our very first podcast episode together ($5.80, including the return journey). We yap for two hours, and generally have a great time. Then we divvy up workstreams and brainstorm on podcast names. When I leave, I buy a book on Kindle to read on the train ($15). $20.80
6 p.m. — Z. and I go to the spa. I read my book in the sauna and cold plunge for a little bit, then head back upstairs and work on organizing our podcast idea for a bit, then chill out. Z. makes a tasty dinner of ramen with some additions like beef and fried eggs, and orders some dessert. I eat some fruit for dessert instead. Z. peels and cuts a mango for me, yummy.
9 p.m. — I chill in bed, take a magnesium, drink an Olipop, and watch The White Lotus. Sooooo good. Halfway through I ask Z. if he thinks we would ever be a stereotype featured on the show. He laughs and says we are normal. I finish booking our hotels for Japan with credit card points. Hubby buys groceries online. $150
Daily Total: $337.80
Day Five: Monday
9 a.m. — I wake up and cuddle my cat, then get ready for the work day and bike over to the office. Today is also another stressful day because we have a ton of activity in go-to-market and I am the business partner supporting them in decision making. I work cross-functionally with a bunch of teams on analyses that we are bringing to the executive team for go/no-go decisions tomorrow.
12 p.m. — Quick break for lunch, where I eat some yummy and healthy Indian food with my coworkers, and then I get back on the grind. Keep working on the same analyses.
5:30 p.m. — I bundle up and bike home, then keep working on analyses. Z. comes home and we eat dinner together — I eat leftovers I packed from the office while he eats noodles. Then I hop on another call to discuss two large and urgent projects with my manager and my manager’s manager. We align on our messaging and takeaways going into the cross-functional meeting with the exec tomorrow. I send out a few more messages and write up action items for tomorrow morning, then log off for the day. Z. peels me a mango and I eat it.
7:30 p.m. — My eye is bothering me and I suddenly remember that I need to buy contacts solution because border control threw mine out, so I order 10oz and a 2oz on Amazon ($15, using FSA funds).
8:30 p.m. — I head out and take the subway to play a few rounds of volleyball with my friends (my friend paid for me). This is my first time playing in a super long time. I generally have a great time, the group isn’t too intense, and I leave a bit early and subway home to go to bed at a reasonable time. $5.80
11:30 p.m. — I get home, take a magnesium, drink an Olipop, cuddle my cat, and go to bed. I also remember to buy ibuprofen and tampons on Amazon ($33.44, paid for with my FSA). Z. is off for a late-evening gym session.
Daily Total: $5.80
Day Six: Tuesday
9 a.m. — I wake up, cuddle my cat, get ready for the workday and bike over to the office. I make my morning coffee and keep working on analysis for exec review, and send out a separate reporting pack to the executive team. I order sushi rolls for lunch (covered by work) and pay a bit extra for the fatty tuna out of pocket. $3.86
12 p.m. — Eat lunch while in back-to-back meetings for three hours. We align on legal terms for a special situation, make decisions on how to move certain deals forward, work with product on a new plan rollout, and sit in a cross-functional alignment meeting.
3:30 p.m. — I bike home to finish the rest of my workday at home. Kitty is thrilled to see me and sits in my lap while I work. After the sprint in the last few days, I take some time to get organized on action items and next steps for each of the workstreams I’m staffed on. There’s a massive project that is going to require prioritization in the next few days, so I post my managers to make sure they’re aligned on order of priority for my workstreams.
5 p.m. — I wrap up the workday, since we’re still waiting for data on things and I can’t get projects started until we get the data. Then I listen to a webcast on macroeconomic conditions going into 2025 for personal knowledge, and unpack the groceries that got delivered. The guy delivers a balanced set of puts and takes on anticipated economic and investing variances going into 2025.
6:30 p.m. — I lay in bed, kitty purrs on my chest, and I order snow crab pasta, marinated chicken, glutinous rice, and some sides for me and Z. Hubby gets home and we go to the spa. I sit in the sauna and read Clash of Kings, feeling a bit like my mind is swirling around because of all the work and meetings from today. We get our food and eat together. $155
9 p.m. — Z. and I watch a movie together. I brush my teeth, take a magnesium and go to bed.
Daily Total: $158.86
Day Seven: Wednesday
8:30 a.m. — I wake up before my alarm, and since I have a busy day today, I decide to get up early. I cuddle my cat, do my makeup, and bike into the office. Make myself a coffee and then get to work, preparing analyses for a big upcoming meeting and preparing my speaking notes for our meeting with the exec team later today.
12:30 p.m. — I have a 1:1 with my manager where we talk about progressing current workstreams, adding a headcount to the team given my workload, and timing of my promotion. I leave feeling OK about general feedback which was positive, but feeling impatient, too. I grab lunch in the office and join the monthly full-company meeting where the exec chats on firm strategy. I leave the meeting to keep preparing for the remainder of meetings and tasks for the day. I’m in back-to-backs for most of the afternoon, and feel satisfied with my presentation at the executive meeting.
6 p.m. — I pack up vegetables and protein leftovers from the catered in-office lunch to eat as my dinner, and then bike home. I scarf down my dinner and then head out on my commute to the tennis courts. Because the commute is 1.5 hours ($2.90 for the subway and $7 for the LIRR), I read my Kindle and respond to Slacks on the way there. $9.90
8 p.m. — Get to the courts and play two hours of doubles. We’re practicing as a team for play-offs, so I practice with my usual partner. We play pretty well, round-robin style with other teams, and win two sets, lose one set. I didn’t think too much about areas to improve today and just played my usual style. $40
10 p.m. — I commute home with a few other tennis players (because LIRR has peak versus off-peak pricing, it was cheaper on the way back). Chat with my tennis partner on our commute home about life aspirations, mental health, and other random topics. Get home, take a magnesium, clip my cat’s nails with Z., and go to bed. $7.90
Daily Total: $57.80
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“Overall, this was a pretty low-key week of spending, with no major purchases. Recently I’ve been working on keeping our household expenses down by lowering the amount of times we eat out each week, which is also a pro for health reasons. Reading this back, it definitely sounds like work was very busy this week, more so than usual. Since this diary was written, I’m happy to announce that I received a 10% raise, which feels satisfying!”
Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.
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If you see an oversized frilly collar or leopard-print vest and immediately think of Damson Madder, then you’re likely a superfan… or simply in the know about the UK brand that’s taking over our Instagram feeds (and the streets). Either way, you’re in luck: The It-girl-approved brand just announced its spring sale, which is packed with (select) viral and bestselling styles at 40% off.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a new milkmaid-esque dress and quilted spring jacket or in the mood for some trendy cargo jeans and an edgy animal-print bag, Damson’s Madder’s sale section is your one-stop shop for it all. You’ll also find tons of matching separates begging to be paired together — plus, whimsical hair accessories to top off your favorite looks.
Read on to upgrade your spring wardrobe with fresh styles while the sale (and stock) lasts.
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Damson Madder Dresses On Sale
For breezy spring days, cart up a midi dress that can take you from picnics and garden parties to museum strolls and al fresco dinners. The sunnier weather also has us craving a break from LBDs in favor of white mini dresses — and luckily, several Damson Madder styles featuring eyelet designs, bows, and flouncy collars are on sale.
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Damson Madder Jeans On Sale
Get your denim fix with Damson Madder’s lineup of everyday jeans, unexpected cargo silhouettes, and statement patterns like snakeprint. The brand’s popular Drew and Dion styles are offered for under $100 in a few washes and prints, meaning you can find your perfect pair without compromising your vibe (or budget).
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Damson Madder Jackets & Vests On Sale
Damson Madder’s sale also offers plenty of standout spring layers, from reversible jackets and denim vests to quilted styles. Plus, checkered- and floral-printed pieces serve all the whimsy.
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Damson Madder Matching Sets On Sale
Button-down and trouser coordinates, blouse and skirt combos, trendy polo and jogger pairings — Damson Madder’s matching sets deliver easy, put-together looks (and yes, several are on sale). Bonus: You’ll even find pajama sets for 50% off, perfect for leveling up your stay-at-home style.
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Damson Madder Bags & Accessories On Sale
Complete any outfit with Damson Madder’s absolutely adorable accessories. Many of its popular bags — from crossbodies to slings and totes — are discounted. Plus, cherry-on-top picks like hair bows, clips, and scrunchies.
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted an abortion. The immediate decision didn’t come from fear or confusion; it came from clarity. I was too sick to work, constantly running out of my classes to throw up and juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat. Behind all of that was a mental health battle I’d been quietly fighting for years, and I didn’t have access to the support I needed. There was no way I could carry this pregnancy to term—and, more importantly, I didn’t want to. It was my body. It was my life, and I made my decision. It really should have been that simple. But almost immediately, I learned how hard it was to access abortion care.
This is America, after all — where racist, sexist policies are so deeply embedded into our institutions that they shape who gets access to essential care and who gets left behind. And for folks most impacted by systemic inequities—like disparities in income, health insurance and medical racism—no one is facing the brunt of these bans and restrictions like Black women. We’re already more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes or suffer physical and mental health complications. Forcing us to carry a pregnancy to term isn’t just a denial of our rights—it’s a direct threat to our lives.
Because of the abortion restrictions in my state at the time—and a deeply hostile access landscape—getting my abortion turned into a lengthy, complicated process. My appointments had to be split into two parts: the first was “options counseling,” and the second was the actual procedure. On top of that, there was a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between visits. I was attending school in a very rural part of Ohio, an hour and a half from the nearest abortion clinic and three hours from my hometown. I didn’t have a car and was too sick to drive anyway. I was at everyone’s mercy to get to my appointments. I felt complete desperation and helplessness.
By the time I sat down in the clinic for my abortion, it had been an entire month since I first sought care, and I was exhausted. It was thirteen weeks of vomiting, sleepless nights and the slow, glooming dread that I might not make it through this. I hadn’t kept down a full meal in weeks. I couldn’t even hold down my morning coffee, and I couldn’t imagine being pregnant for one more day. I just wanted out of my body. When the procedure was finally over, I was the most grateful I’d ever felt. I could’ve kissed the ground because my future had been returned to me.
Like so many others across the country, I was living in one of the many states actively determined to ban or restrict our reproductive rights—a human rights offense that disproportionately impacts Black women and birthing people. More than 57% of Black women—roughly 7 million of reproductive age—live in states with abortion bans or severe restrictions. Horrifically, many of these same states also report some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. In my home state of Ohio, a 2023 study showed that Black women are five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than women in other states.
Let that sink in: Five times more likely to die.
What’s more, states with restrictive abortion laws are more likely to be maternity care deserts with fewer maternity care resources, weaker Medicaid coverage, fewer clinics and less access to OB/GYNs. These combined factors create a terrifying container for the Black maternal health crisis in America. Nationally, Black women and birthing people are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC. Why? Not because of biology—but because of systematic racism. These outcomes are driven by income disparities, medical bias and insurance gaps. The message is devastatingly clear: Black women cannot afford to be denied abortion care.
This is America, after all — where racist, sexist policies are so deeply embedded into our institutions that they shape who gets access to essential care and who gets left behind.
In August of 2022, Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year-old student and mother, died in Georgia after being denied a simple dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure that would have saved her life. A D&C is a routine procedure used in both abortion and miscarriage care. Doctors watched her health deteriorate for 20 hours. Twenty hours of fear and hesitation because Georgia’s new felony laws made them too afraid of being prosecuted. When they finally intervened, it was too late.
Just a few months later, another Georgia mother, Candi Miller, died in November 2022—also unable to access safe abortion care due to Georgia’s criminalization of D&Cs. She was denied abortion care and denied dignity. Denied life. Legal access to D&Cs has saved countless lives since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. In fact, studies show that the maternal mortality rate for women of color dropped by up to 40% in the year following legalization.
These stories have deeply impacted me because I see myself in them; I see my friends and my family. These women deserved to live, and they deserved compassion, care and agency. When we’re forced to carry pregnancies, we suffer—physically, mentally, financially. Our families suffer, too. The ripple effects are enormous. So, how can we address this? There’s no single answer, but a crucial part of addressing Black maternal health inequity is abortion justice.
“We can’t talk about improving maternal health outcomes for Black women and birthing people without confronting the relentless attacks on abortion access,” says Nourbese Flint, President of All* Above All, a policy organization advancing maternal health equity through abortion justice. “These aren’t just political tactics—they’re racist, classist policies that uphold systems of control and deny us agency over our bodies and our futures.”
Abortion justice—an approach that goes beyond legality—envisions “a world where care is there for everyone who needs it, without barriers based on who you are, where you live, or how much you earn.” That means real access, no questions asked. No traveling across state lines. No fear of prosecution. No trying to decipher legal jargon. No dying because of delayed or denied healthcare—just care.
Centering us means building systems that honor our autonomy, trust our decisions, and make space for us to lead—not just during Black Maternal Health Week, but every single day.
When we can live self-determined lives, we can truly thrive. For me, my abortions gave me the power to determine my future. They allowed me to continue my education and keep the jobs that helped me stay in school. They gave me the space and resources to heal, access mental health care, and, ultimately, escape poverty. Now, I’m in a position to support myself—and even my family when needed. I’m an awesome big sister, granddaughter and friend, and I am able to hold space for those I love. These are the titles I cherish. They’re what I need to live a meaningful, healthy life and to give life if I decide to.
In an effort to advance abortion justice as a solution, All* Above All launched the Abortion Justice Playbook—a roadmap to improving maternal health equity through the lens of abortion access. “It’s about transforming the systems that are failing Black communities,” says Flint. “The Playbook gives advocates, organizers, and policymakers the tools to connect the dots between abortion access and maternal health equity.”
And let’s be clear: Black women and birthing people must be the center of this movement—not just represented, but resourced. Not just heard but trusted. As we continue working toward equitable maternal health outcomes, we need to be at the front, the center and all sides of the discussion. The conversations must start with our voices, not just include them.
“Centering Black women and birthing people starts with power—not just presence,” Flint reminds us. “It means resourcing Black-led work, listening to our lived experiences, and ensuring that policies are shaped by our realities—not political compromise. Centering us means building systems that honor our autonomy, trust our decisions, and make space for us to lead—not just during Black Maternal Health Week, but every single day.”
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As we embrace the slightly warmer and sunnier days, we’re eager for a fresh start… and a closet refresh. From spring wardrobe essentials like classic trench coats and slouchy carryall bags to fresh wedding guest dresses and do-it-all trousers, Refinery29 editors are opting for functional, versatile, and transitional pieces to round out their spring outfits.
However, we’re also excited about more trendy styles, like playful butter-yellow pieces and whimsical bloomer pants. So whether you’re looking for a tried-and-true staple (with a twist) or an unexpected find to liven up your wardrobe, we’ve got recommendations for you.
Read on to discover the top spring fashion must-haves that we’re reaching for this season (and think you should, too).
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Cos Clean Cut Regular Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
“I’ve been reaching for this striped shirt almost daily since I bought it last month. The soft, breathable fabric is perfect for early spring temperatures. What I love most is its versatility: It looks great with jeans when I’m struggling with deciding what to wear, but, thanks to the slim fit, it also makes for a great layering piece under a waistcoat, blazer, or even overalls (as you can see in my photo). When it’s cold, I layer it under another sweatshirt so the colorful collar peeks through. While my exact colorway is sold out, there are a handful of other hues in stock.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
COS Clean Cut Regular Long-Sleeved T-Shirt, $, available at COSPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Reformation Kensington Trench
“Disclaimer: From olive green to black, I own a few trench coats. Some I’ve had for years; others I’ve only recently added to my wardrobe. A well-made trench will last a lifetime, which is why I always say to invest in a really good one. Enter: Reformation’s Kensington trench. I’ve been wearing this one for a few seasons now, and it’s become my go-to staple. The website description says it’s khaki, but I would say it’s closer to a cream color. While I love my black and olive green trench coats, this pared-back shade is ideal for any occasion.” — Susan Devaney, Life Director
Reformation Kensington Trench, $, available at ReformationPhoto: Courtesy of Susan Devaney.
Madewell Denim Crewneck Vest & The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
“I loveee a Canadian tuxedo in any iteration, but this vest-jean combo may just be my favorite. I own several vests because they’re a versatile wardrobe staple that can be paired with trousers for the office or shorts for casual plans. And this Madewell denim vest is the best addition to my collection. It has a slight stretch that’s very comfortable and a slightly flared silhouette that gives the illusion of an exaggerated hourglass shape. Plus, the dark wash perfectly matches the brand’s Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean. I typically buy Madewell jeans in “curvy petite” fits, but this pair is just “curvy,” and manages not to swallow up my under-5’3” frame. Together, the vest and jeans are an easy look to put together… and look put-together.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Madewell Denim Crewneck Vest, $, available at Madewell
Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean, $, available at MadewellPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Babaton The Slouch Coat
“While I’ve long become a pro at cold-weather dressing (blame it on the almost 20 years that I’ve spent freezing while living on the East Coast), I still find it difficult to find good outerwear for the transitional weather — those days when it’s cold in the morning and warm mid-day. This season, I’ve found my solution in this coat from Aritzia. It’s oversized enough to comfortably fit over sweaters while being lightweight enough to avoid me overheating when it gets warmer (and to carry should I need to take it off). Plus, I love this gray hue, which goes with everything.” — Irina Grechko, Global Fashion Director
Babaton Coat, $, available at AritziaPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Jenny Bird Mini Tome Hoops
“I’m a creature of habit and have been wearing the same pair of gold huggies every day for the past few years. I finally decided to mix it up and landed on the silver Mini Tome Hoops from Jenny Bird. I appreciate that they feel substantial without weighing my ears down, and their shape is slightly more chunky and interesting than a standard hoop earring.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Jenny Bird Mini Tome Hoops, $, available at Jenny BirdPhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Intimately Forever Young Pants
“I first spotted these pants on Pinterest last fall and instantly fell in love — then I stalked the Free People site every day for weeks. Finally, in late November, I managed to snag a pair after a restock, and have been desperately waiting for it to be warm enough to wear them ever since. That time is now! I’m even more in love with them — I feel like an extra in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette when I wear them. (Note: These are slightly see-through so I suggest wearing tights underneath.)
Given that bloomer shorts are having a moment, I’m ready for more bloomer-style pants to shine, especially now that Free People has added more colorway options, which are also tempting me.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Intimately Forever Young Pants, $, available at Free PeoplePhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Barbour Catlin Showerproof Jacket
“This is the perfect spring jacket. It’s lightweight, timeless, and goes with almost everything. I love how the pockets fold over so things are more secure inside, as well as the contrasting collar against the light-colored body. I also love the slightly sporty details with the drawstring bottom, freshening up the classic Barbour look. Paired with jeans and sneakers on casual days, you can’t go wrong. While this Sofie style is sold out, the Catlin style is a similar alternative.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
“I’ve never gotten more compliments on a white button-down than on this Brooks Brothers shirt — and for a good reason. The 100% cotton fabric makes it look perfectly structured (and prevents you from overheating or the shirt from wrinkling too much even when worn under a blazer), the silhouette is oversized enough without being boxy, and the subtle monogram (which you can add for $12) adds a special touch to an otherwise simple look.” — Irina Grechko, Global Fashion Director
Brooks Brothers American-Made Oxford Cloth Button-Down Dress Shirt, $, available at Brooks BrothersPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Away Featherlight Cargo Pack
“Shaped like a vintage camera bag, this boxy crossbody bag from Away fits a ton (yet is super lightweight). F(or reference, I fit a swimsuit, coverup, and flip flops into the main compartment, plus a digital camera and portable charger in the side pockets, and my credit cards and lip balm in the front zipper.) I’ve already styled it for festival season and plan to tote it around throughout the seasons.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Away Featherlight Cargo Pack, $, available at AwayPhoto: Courtesy of Alice Gao.
Uniqlo Jersey Barrel Pants
“I love a barrel-leg pant, and these ones from Uniqlo have quickly become a wardrobe favorite. They’re just the perfect everyday trouser — comfortable yet stylish and versatile. The best part? Uniqlo’s alteration service. I got them hemmed to my desired length at no extra cost and even got them back the same day! For the price point, you really can’t go wrong.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Uniqlo Jersey Barrel Pants, $, available at UniqloPhoto: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
Lululemon Slouchy Sling Bag 6L
“Lululemon’s belt bags have been massive for a hot minute now, and I predict this slouchy sling will be the next viral hit. I love the crescent shape, which feels very on-trend, and it holds a surprising amount of stuff despite its smaller size. I was able to fit my umbrella and water bottle in it, in addition to my wallet, phone, and portable power bank. The double-zipped pockets (great for keys and earbuds) are so practical, as is the fact that this style can be converted into a crossbody bag. Did I mention that it’s also waterproof?” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Lululemon Slouchy Sling Bag 6L, $, available at LululemonPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Dr. Martens Buzz 5-eye Grizzly Leather Shoes
“Doc Martens shoes that are comfortable fresh out of the box! I want to shout loud and proud about these bad boys — my latest and greatest obsession. Trust me, I’ve already been stomping around in them plenty to test them out, and I’ve not suffered one blister (all in thin, normal, cotton socks, too, might I add). As a petite gal, I love that these give me all the platform-boosting height that the classic Jadon boots do, but that is a lighter silhouette for spring.
At the moment, I’ve been wearing them with jeans, but I can’t wait until it’s warm enough to pair them with my prettiest spring dresses; I love that tough-meets-soft and femme vibe (it makes me think of ‘90s Riot Grrrl and grunge icons like Kat Bjelland and Courtney Love).” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Dr. Martens Buzz 5-Eye Grizzly Leather Shoes, $, available at ZapposPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Damson Madder Butter Floral Embroidery Rue Shirt
“Butter yellow is in, which is good for me because yellow pops against my tanned olive skin in such a flattering way. As always with Damson Madder, I love the high-quality materials and special touches. There’s subtle red stitching near two of the sleeve buttons, embroidery details on the front, and a pearl button at the neck.
I love this oversized top paired with light blue jeans. When it gets warmer, I’ll go with a gingham skirt. Overall, it’s the butter yellow shirt to end all butter yellow shirts.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Damson Madder Butter Floral Embroidery Rue Shirt, $, available at Damson MadderPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Aligne Henry Slim Barrel Jeans
“Barrel-leg jeans are certainly having a moment. But, if like me, you can’t fully commit to this new denim silhouette just yet, then give Aligne’s slim version a go. I’ve been wearing these jeans for a couple of months now, and not only do they go with everything but they’re so comfy, too. I really like the classic dark blue shade and can’t wait to wear them with an oversized white shirt and sandals come summer.” — Susan Devaney, Life Director
Aligne Henry Slim Barrel Jeans, $, available at AlignePhoto: Courtesy of Susan Devaney.
Jaded London Osmium Studded Leather Bag
“A statement bag is one of my favorite ways to liven up an outfit; thanks to the studded detailing, the leather bag is head-turning while still being subtle enough to be used for the everyday. While you might think the metal hardware would weigh the bag down, it actually feels super lightweight. It also has an adjustable strap and a handy inner pocket. If you’re looking for a spring bag with some edge, this is it.” — Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Jaded London Osmium Studded Leather Bag, $, available at SelfridgesPhoto: Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.
Leset Pointelle Sleeveless Crew
“I was drawn to these sweet pointelle tanks from Leset because of the boxy shape and the high crew neck (I like a sliver of my T-shirt collar sticking out from my sweaters). I picked this up in white and black and have already layered them under button-up shirts and outerwear, but am equally looking forward to wearing them alone with jeans and skirts when the weather finally turns.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
LESET Pointelle Sleeveless Crew, $, available at LesetPhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Hill House Home The Dominique Dress
“With wedding season back in full swing, I’ve been on the hunt for spring wedding guest dresses that are both pretty and comfortable enough to wear for the all-day occasion. The classic Hill House Home Nap Dress is what I’ve gravitated to in the past, but I’m very glad I gave the more loose-fitting Dominique style a try. It’s slightly more modest, with a higher neckline and short sleeves shirred at the shoulder seams. This gives a ruffled look that flits and floats with every movement. Combined with the romantic floral pattern, it’s a dress that encapsulates spring perfectly.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Hill House Home The Dominique Dress, $, available at Hill House HomePhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Adidas Taekwondo Lace Shoes
“Sure, Sambas and Gazelles have been a fan-favorite sneaker for years, but I’m currently loving the under-the-radar-turned-viral Adidas Taekwondo. The slim silhouette and thin sole remind me of a soccer cleat, and I love that sporty look. And while this style is naturally great for athleisure outfits, I’ve also styled them with work separates.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Adidas Taekwondo Lace Shoes, $, available at AdidasPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Mango Silk Blouse with Asymmetrical Neckline
“I got this top in February, and have worn it at least once a week since then. Thanks to its voluminous collar and pretty green color, it’s the perfect layer to dress up my go-to pantsuits or throw underneath a leather jacket or coat for a dramatic flourish that doesn’t require much styling (or time getting ready).” — Irina Grechko, Global Fashion Director
Mango Silk Blouse with Asymmetrical Neckline, $, available at MangoPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Prada PRA05V Eyeglasses
“I need to wear glasses every day due to my poor eyesight, so I like to have options for different styles to suit various outfits and occasions. These are a little out of my comfort zone as they’re a fairly thick frame, but changing things up is good! The brown tone matches my hair color perfectly and complements my skin tone, bringing everything together. The slightly squared-off edges feel retro, too, but also unique. ” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Prada Prada PRA05V Eyeglasses, $, available at Glasses USAPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Núnoo Maxi Dandy Braided Mountain Bag
“This is the perfect everyday bag! Not only is it super roomy (it fits my 16” laptop with ease — a rarity), but it also sits comfortably on my shoulder with zero slippage. Made from genuine leather, I know it will last. The woven texture also adds a unique and fun touch to any outfit. It’s very quickly become my go-to work bag, and I can easily see it staying in my rotation for seasons to come.” — Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Nunoo Maxi Dandy Braided Mountain Bag, $, available at NúnooPhoto: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
Cozy Earth Studio Cropped Wide Leg Pant
“Leave it to Cozy Earth, a brand beloved by R29 editors for its uber-soft sleepwear, to make the best travel pants. The modal-spandex blend on this style feels just like wearing my favorite Cozy Earth PJs, and the material dries quickly. These pants have held up beautifully through laundering without any pilling or shape loss.
The sleek, wide-leg silhouette looks very put-together, and the cropped length is perfect for my 5’1″ frame. The drawstring waist offers generous stretch, which is great for when I need to contort myself in various positions on a long-haul flight in economy class. You bet I’ll be wearing these pants on repeat on my trip to Japan and China next month.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Cozy Earth Studio Cropped Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Cozy EarthPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Significant Other Coralie Maxi Dress
“I’m always wary about ordering maxi dresses online since I’m under 5’3”, but this style actually hits at my ankles, which is a big win. The ribbed knit is very stretchy and comfortable. And while the dress feels lightweight and breezy (making it great for spring weddings and parties), it’s also lined, giving it a thickness that offers some warmth and makes it look expensive.
I’ve noticed that the brown appears differently under different lights, but whether it’s more of an olive or chocolate, it achieves that trendy Mocha Moose look. Bonus: The high neckline is a statement in itself, so I don’t have to worry about adding a necklace.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Significant Other Coralie Maxi Dress, $, available at Significant OtherPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
LilySilk Full Bias Cut Silk Pant
“I’m all about elevated comfort, and I feel like a silky pant — with an elastic waistband — is the perfect spring transitional style and wardrobe staple. Although an investment, this navy pair from Lilysilk is high-quality, should last many many years, and makes me feel like I’m wearing pajama pants. Plus, when paired with a sweater, button-up, or blazer, these pants can be dressed up for any occasion. I’m now eyeing a pair in black, too.” — Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnership Manager
LilySilk Full Bias Cut Silk Pants, $, available at LilySilkPhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Sken Studios Smiley Heart Signet Ring
“I am a jewelry magpie. I usually have at least one ring on every finger. (My husband recently said, ‘You’ve run out of space on your hands!’ to which I vehemently disagreed.) I just love to drench myself in gold shiny jewelry — it makes me feel connected to my Indian heritage. This Sken Studios signet has taken permanent residency upon my forefinger, and so many people have commented on it. I particularly love the smiley face! It brings me so much joy.” — Humeara Mohamed, Contributing Writer
Sken Studios Smiley Heart Signet Ring, $, available at Sken StudiosPhoto: Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.
Jenny Bird Art Heart Button Earrings
“I’m really getting into the look of irregular jewelry and asymmetrical fashion. These heart-shaped earrings are a subtle take on that. Hearts can look a bit juvenile to me, but the reversed look makes them feel more grown up and sophisticated. Edgy even. Plus the backs of these are so thick and sturdy, there’s no way they’re going to accidentally fall off while I’m rushing around London.” — Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Jenny Bird Art Heart Button Earrings, $, available at Jenny BirdPhoto: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Never Fully Dressed Reversible Soller Quilted Jacket
“This is basically me in jacket form. The colorful, tarot card-like designs? The clashing leopard-print base and contrasting orange trim? The versatility of the reversible wear? I’m obsessed! Even better, this Never Fully Dressed jacket is thin enough to layer up under coats for winter and light enough for spring into summer. I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this. I’ve already got plans to take it to Glastonbury Festival with me!” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer Shop Never Fully Dressed
Never Fully Dressed Reversible Soller Quilted Jacket, $, available at Never Fully DressedPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Rise & Fall Cashmere Merino Knitted Hood
“None of my favorite jackets or coats have hoods, which is a travesty that seems to haunt womenswear, much like our blatant lack of pockets. While I wait for fashion designers to remember that London is really rather cold and rainy, I’m turning to Rise & Fall’s cashmere balaclavas — they look chic, keep my hair dry from spring showers, and warm my ears when cycling. Tick, tick, and tick!” — Humeara Mohamed, Contributing Writer
Rise & Fall Cashmere Merino Knitted Hood, $, available at Rise & FallPhoto: Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.
Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Bodysuit
“I had never tried Shapermint before receiving a NYFW survival guide package — and this bodysuit was the most versatile piece for me, since it can also be worn as shapewear. I’ve tried it hidden under a dress for some smooth compression and extra warmth, and also paired with an open blazer and jeans. I’ve worn it with and without a bra, and it works both ways, too. I particularly love this dusty blue color, which makes me want to show it off, so I’m looking forward to styling it with denim shorts and maxi skirts throughout the spring.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
In today’s crowded perfume scene, it takes something truly extraordinary to make our beauty editors sit up and take notice. This is especially true for spring and summer perfumes, when brands jostle for attention with new releases that promise to transport you to warmer climes and lift your mood.
Given the current status of the world, I’m skeptical about perfumes that aim to spark joy. But when I heard about Noyz Detour Eau de Parfum, $85, a scent that claims to capture “the warm and happy memories of a road trip”, I was a little more than curious.
If you’re a Refinery29 regular, you’re probably already aware of our love for Noyz, an LA-based fragrance brand with cool girl status. Renowned perfumer Jérôme Epinette, who has worked on bestselling perfumes for the likes of Byredo and Floral Street, is the creator behind the collection. Our beauty director Jacqueline Kilikita is already a big fan: “My bathroom shelf is chock-full of fragrances, but I’ll always make room for Noyz,” she says. “The brand oozes cool, and its note combinations are so unique; Unmute Eau de Parfum, $85, for example, is like no other vanilla scent I’ve tried.”
Detour, the brand’s latest drop, is another variation of that vanilla-heavy, “skin musk” perfume trend we’ve been seeing everywhere. But we actually think this has serious potential to stand out and emerge as the viral scent of the summer. Keep reading to learn the stamps of approval from two picky Refinery29 editors.
Call me a Debbie Downer, but “happy” olfactory notes don’t usually do it for me. Most gourmands — fragrances with sweet, edible notes — smell more cloying than comforting to my nose, and I tend to get sick of floral scents after a few wears. Meanwhile, citrus notes remind me of cleaning products. Admittedly, I wasn’t too convinced that I’d like Detour, which features all three components. But it proved me wrong.
In fact, I fell in love with Detour at first spritz thanks to its bold initial blast: I could smell a burst of white florals, namely creamy jasmine and powdery gardenia, but it’s balanced out by equally powerful whiffs of crisp apple blossom and Spanish mandarin. This bright and juicy combination lingered in the air around me, and made me think of that first breath of summer air when you roll down your car windows. This was precisely Epinette’s intention. I couldn’t help but smile as fun memories of past summer road trips washed over me.
Kilikita was also impressed by the scent’s incredible projection: “Just one spritz on my left wrist was enough to garner multiple compliments from friends on a recent night out,” she says, adding, “The staying power is akin to a perfume extrait, which boasts a larger concentration of fragrance oil.” This makes sense given the emerging perfume trend of pairing citrus with musk, which prolongs the wear time of a scent.
As Detour settles, it transforms into something more intimate, with skin-wrapped musk and warm, comforting vanilla. Kikilita caught subtle hints of tobacco, coffee, and dried flowers, while it smelled more like caramel toffee to me. It has a warm, lived-in feeling that doesn’t try too hard to be “sexy” but rather, invites people to lean in closer. I’ve been wearing the perfume for a week straight and haven’t been able to stop sniffing my wrists. Ever better is how it changes throughout the day, gradually transforming from an invigorating citrus-floral bomb at the start of the day to a cozy, skin-like scent by nighttime. As someone who gets bored of a fragrance easily, this is such a blessing.
This unique shapeshifting quality convinced us that Detour will be the cool girl’s scent of the summer. In fact, it has already generated lots of buzz since making its debut at none other than Coachella. It certainly has a fun and energetic burst that bodes well for festival season, while the creamy and musky dry down brings a slice of nostalgia for summer’s past.
Personally, I can’t wait to break this out for my upcoming summer vacay, and will definitely be wearing this when I need a timely reminder of more carefree days.
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