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5 Items Our Editors Bought This April and Loved

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

With summer around the corner, our editors are treating themselves to some retail therapy. I polled my colleagues to see what they bought or are planning to buy this month, and the results are in. From ultra-hydrating hair products to a swivel armchair one our Executive Managing Editor has recently become obsessed with, this list is loaded with products to help you re-fresh this April. 1. DL1961 Mara Straight Instasculpt Ankle Jeans Associate Commerce Editor, Natalie LaBarbera, is updating the spring wardrobe with these super-flattering ankle jeans from DL1961. “I’ve been giving my wardrobe a little spring refresh this month and I picked up these DL1961 light wash jeans that just might be the most comfortable I’ve tried. They’re SO soft and stretchy but super flattering, too, and the ankle length cut is perfect for my short legs.” They also fit true-to-size, according to the brand, meaning these jeans have got your name written all over them.” Odele Beauty 2. Odele Beauty Thickening Shampoo Marissa Wu, SEO editor, currently has her sights set on this ultra-hydrating shampoo for the season. “Earlier this year, Odele launched a new line of thickening shampoos and conditioners, and I’m excited to try it! My hair is pretty fine and thin, so I’m always looking for things to remedy that. Plus, everything is under $15!” You heard her, everything is under $15, so get to shopping! Sephora 3. Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask And since we’re on the topic of products that promote healthy hair, consider giving this hair mask recommended by Nakeisha Campbell, associate editor of news and entertainment, a try. “My stylist recommended this product to me after my last salon visit,” she says, adding, “Since I’ve been struggling with hair loss and dryness. I can already vouch for this because she used it on my hair at the time. Not only did it feel moisturized and soft, but it significantly reduced the hair shedding. Totally worth the investment.” Kenneth Cole 4. Kenneth Cole Ruched Waist Midi Dress I have a graduation to attend this spring, and this dress from Kenneth Cole is perfect for the occasion. Not only does it have a spring/summery feel to it thanks to its bright yellow color, but it’s also very comfortable. And while not a form fitting dress, it still does a good job of highlighting and accentuating me best features. For me, the cinched waistline and longer hem makes my legs appear longer, which I love. Plus, you can pair this dress with a wide range of shoe options. Vineyard Vines 5. Vineyard Vines Abigail Tie Waist Dress Speaking of breezy spring dresses, LaBarbera recently picked up this tie-waist dress from Vineyard Vines. “I also snagged this lightweight maxi dress that has a “nap dress” feel to it thanks to its lightweight cotton/modal material (that’s lined so it isn’t see-through), but there’s also an adjustable tie at the waist so you can define your shape if you want. P.S: It also comes in kids’ sizes so it would be perfect for Easter, too, if you like to do matching family pics!

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I Tested Rhode Beauty’s Top-Sellers & Here’s What Actually Impressed Me

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

We recently reviewed Rhode’s most viral products: Peptide Lip Shape and Peptide Lip Tint, but I thought it was time to try a few other top sellers from the brand. I’m always a bit skeptical of celebrity brands (as you probably know, Rhode is helmed by Hailey Bieber), so I was curious to see if the brand really lives up to the hype. Here’s my very honest review of the buzzy brand.  What Is Rhode Beauty? Rhode Beauty was founded by Hailey Bieber on June 15, 2022. The brand strives to create essential products for all skin types, using key ingredients like peptides, shea butter and niacinamide. It first debuted as a skincare brand, releasing three key products like the Peptide Lip Treatment, Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream. Three years later, it has since expanded to makeup with the Pocket Blush, Peptide Lip Tint and Peptide Lip Shape. “Rhode is dedicated to making products based in science and great formulation, simplifying many of the mysteries and complex narratives behind efficacious skincare,” she writes on her site.  How I Tested Rhode Beauty Collection Based on the best sellers list on the brand’s website, I went with two makeup favorites (Pocket Blush and Lip Tint) and four skincare hybrids (Glazing Milk, Barrier Butter, Daily Cleanser and Lip Treatment). I spent time with each product, following their instructions on how to apply it on my skin/lips. From there, I paid close attention to its quality, ease of use and finish to come up with my honest review of Rhode Beauty. 1. Rhode Beauty Peptide Lip Tint What We Like What We Don’t Like This lip tint doesn’t mess around when it comes to the shine. It has a rich formula that makes my lips so glossy. It does have a weird grainy texture at first, but slowly goes away and melts nicely on my lips. It’s formulated with shea butter to lock in moisture, peptides to visibly plump, cupuaçu to maintain skin elasticity and babassu oil to replenish skin’s moisture. I tried the “Espresso” shade and it leaves a subtle tint that works well with layering with other lip products or by itself—even adding just a lip liner for a full look. I wore it alone for a couple hours and didn’t find it at all tacky or uncomfortable. Whether I wiped it off or drank some water, my lips still felt soft and hydrated.  Fast Facts Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario 2. Rhode Beauty Peptide Lip Treatment What We Like What We Don’t Like I was very interested in trying their most viral product—you know, the one with the compatible trendy phone case. While I was unfortunately case-less, the lip treatment does live up to the hype all on its own. It has similar ingredients to the lip tint, so it was nourishing, retained moisture and visibly plumped my pout. It comes in four scents, and I tested the “Watermelon Slice,” which has a very subtle fragrance that’s not at all overpowering. I did experience the gritty texture here, but again, once you let it sit for a bit (or rub your lips together) it tends to go away.  Fast Facts Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario Wearing “TK” 3. Rhode Beauty Pocket Blush What We Like What We Don’t Like The internet’s rave reviews of the Pocket Blush are what enticed me to give Rhode a chance. A former editor wrote in her review that the blush offered her a smooth application and a flush of color that was oh-so flattering. I tried “Sleepy Girl,” a soft mauve shade that complemented my skin tone. Like many mentioned, a little goes a long way. All I needed was a dot of product and started blending it upwards with a brush, or even my finger. It has a creamy texture that’s buildable and layers well with other makeup. As someone with textured skin, I was surprised to see how it melted nicely, leaving a soft, satiny finish minus any greasiness. With key ingredients like peptides and tamanu oil, it can also be used on the lips, which was comfortable, lightweight and left a nice rosy shade on my pout.  Fast Facts

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The Absolute Best J.Crew Swimsuits to Buy Now and Wear Every Summer Thereafter

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

While there are tons (and I mean tons) of swimwear brands out there to fit your specific wants and needs—suits for big boobs, bikinis under $50, one-pieces for long torsos—there is one company I find myself returning to over and over again, summer after summer: J.Crew. Yes, J.Crew swimsuits top my list as the one of best collections to shop for classic swim that fits well, won’t break the bank and will actually last through multiple summers’ worth of beach visits and dips in the pool. J.Crew first launched swim in 1989 with a series of classic silhouettes in fairly basic colors, and while it took a while for the brand to really find its footing, its swim collection has only gotten better and better in recent years. J.Crew’s bread and butter will always be in perfecting timeless cuts with a subtle modern twist, by way of trendy color options or small tweaks to waistbands or bikini straps, and its swim line is no exception. But there are also trendier pieces to shop, too, for that gal who wants to dip a toe into the cutout craze or embrace French-inspired cuts or even a sporty rashguard top. And almost every single one of J.Crew’s suits now goes up to a size 3X or 24, with tops specifically designed for DD cups and long torso one-pieces as well, so even more folks can get in on the fun. My sisters and I used to get a new bathing suit every year in our Easter baskets, and from maybe sixth grade up through college that bathing suit was pretty much always from J.Crew. Looking back now, it’s interesting to me that there was a brand that all three of us could be so excited about—we’re all vastly different body types and have very different taste in swim, so I feel like it really says something that we all found something to love every year at J.Crew. In fact, I even still own and wear some of those Easter gifts, which have held up incredibly well. Recently, J.Crew has begun incorporating more eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable production methods into its collection, meaning you can feel better about purchasing a fresh new swimsuit while lessening your carbon footprint. As for cost, almost everything comes in under $130, and the brand frequently has sales going on so you can score major deals on high-quality pieces, especially toward the end of the season. (The site also restocks pretty often, so if you’re in love with a particular color or shade that’s currently sold out, give it a week or so and you might find you’re now in luck.)

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I Can’t Gatekeep These New Hill House Dresses They’re That Good

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

Whether you’re embracing the Portuguese girl look (which, BTW, is totally overtaking Scandi style this summer) or hoping to pull off the clashing stripes trend just as effortlessly as  Senior Editor Dana Dickey, you might want to take digital shopping trip to Hill House Home—like, yesterday. The brand behind the beloved Nap dress just dropped a slew of new dresses and prints for summer, and let’s just say there’s something stylish for every wardrobe aesthetic. From flowy florals to resort-ready stripes, Hill House’s new crop of frocks are simply too good to gatekeep (which is why I’m not surprised they’re selling out like that). Below, I’ve rounded up three picks everyone’s currently coveting—you’re welcome. 1. Hill House The Margot Dress Leave it to Hill House to make botanical motifs and a classic stripe pattern look so good together. This darling new style is actually inspired by the classic A-line dresses you’d often see on Old Hollywood starlets—very femme, very flattering. That said, the elegant square neckline and shape-enhancing silhouette totally knock it out of the park, while the smooth, 100 percent cotton sateen fabric is perfect for warmer temps. Simply put, I want to live in this colorful dress all summer—not least of all because it also has pockets. Hill House 2. Hill House The Matilda Mini Dress If you can’t resist a puff sleeve, I don’t have to tell you why you should scoop up this adorable mini. But in case I do, I’ll just say that the dress’s empire waist, princess seams and smocked back panel should make it look just as good on you as it looks on the website. But I’ll let one buyer tell it: “This dress is perfection…I was worried that the sleeves would fall down, but these stay up. The fit is fabulous, and the style of the dress is so flattering and very comfortable. I need them all!” Um, same, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t have my eye on the this new blue floral print in particular. 3. Hill House The Anjuli Nap Dress A fresh take on the famous Nap Dress, this tiered maxi cut from luxe cotton sateen features a stretchy smocked bodice and thin elastic straps, making it perfect for layering (or unlayering) from now ’til autumn. But let’s be real—those cabana stripes were practically made for beachy outings and summertime soirées. And did I mention they’re one of the top trending prints this season? Well, if I didn’t, I just did, so you know what to do.

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The Walmart Summer Fashion Collection Is Good 05 Pieces I’m Shopping

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

If you’re only shopping at Walmart for groceries and furniture, then you’re missing out big time, because Walmart’s fashion finds are (surprisingly) elite. From oversize totes to midi skirts to jackets, their clothing section is brimming with all the latest summer fashion trends—shoes included, so don’t be surprised when you see a pair of Cushionaire strappy thongs ($25) in the list below. Walmart also has quite a few in-house brands that produce amazing pieces, like Free Assembly, which makes a great black bikini top ($18) and high-waisted bottom ($16), and Time and Tru, home to this slip skirt that looks like it came straight out of the White Lotus wardrobe. With summer in sight, it’s hard (reckless, even!) to pass up affordable and stylish pieces when they’re at my fingertips. After all, it’s time to round out that summer capsule wardrobe with all the breathable sundresses, sandals, swimsuits and sneakers your eye can find…and Walmart’s got us covered. Here, 17 Walmart summer fashion pieces I’m buying now, starting at $10. 1. PrettyGarden Smocked Floral Dress First things first, I need to stock up on summer dresses, and buyers can’t get enough of this polyester flirty frock for its lightweight feel, flowy silhouette and stretchy fabric…but don’t just take my word for it. “This dress is even better in person,” gushes a Walmart reviewer. “The colors are so vibrant and beautiful. The dress has pockets, which I didn’t realize until I tried it on—awesome!!!” Some note that it tends to run small, so I’d double check your measurements against the size chart before checking out. Fast Facts 2. Scoop Linen Blend Wide-Leg Pants Cool, linen-blend trousers for summer? Yes please. These breezy wide-leg pants boast an elastic waistband (hello, comfort) and vibrant colorway—though there are more hues, including neutral shades, to choose from. The inseam measures a whopping 32 inches long, so you may need to get them hemmed at the tailor if you’re under 5’8”, but on the bright side, you’ll have a bespoke pair of pants afterwards. Fast Facts 3. Cushionaire Cruise Flip Flops Honestly, there’s nothing that gets me more excited for summer than a good ‘ole pair of flip-flops, especially this Cushionaire Cruise style that’s minimalist-chic, simple and lightweight. Psst…that means it’s travel-friendly. Despite their thin design, they’re made with a durable non-slip sole for good traction on those pool-soaked surfaces and comfortable, almost barely there fit. 4. Caistre Straw Hobo Bag Every year I go on a beach vacation, and every year, I fail to bring an appropriate beach bag. Lucky for me, this chic straw top handle will fit the bill. It has a generous size (12.2 inches long by 2.7 inches wide by 12.2 inches in height) that’s ideal for those must-have essentials: sunscreen, SPF chapstick, a beach read, hair ties, phone, keys and such. According to reviews, its sturdy shape holds up well but is quite still—a detail I actually appreciate because there’s nothing worse than having your beach bag flop into the sand the second you put it down. Fast Facts 5. Free Assembly Ruched Midi Dress There are a few reasons why I immediately fell head over heels for this darling dress. 1) It’s made from 100 percent cotton, meaning it’ll be ultra-breezy, comfy and suitable for those annoyingly hot summer days. 2) The design is so demure, with its sweetheart neckline, ruched bodice and flirty cut-out at the chest. And 3) it’s finished with the cutest lemon-filled print that’s making me want to book a trip to the Amalfi coast, stat. Need I say more? Pockets? Yeah, it has those, too. Fast Facts 6. No Boundaries Sneakers With more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Walmart, it’s clear to me that these sporty kicks are a dime a dozen in the shoe department. Low-profile sneakers are having a moment, and rightly so, considering they’re uber-stylish yet don’t compromise on comfort (thanks to that memory foam insole). After sifting through hundreds of reviews, I found three things worthy of note: they’re comfy, high-quality and true to size, and even soften and loosen up the more you break it in.

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Kate Middleton Stuns in Chic Olive Power Suit by Victoria Beckham

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

Kate Middleton has delivered so many winning fashion looks that it’s hard to keep track. In the past week alone, I saw the Princess of Wales don a flattering polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich, a plum-colored coat dress by Emilia Wickstead and a gorgeous all-white ensemble. Now, the royal is turning heads in a sleek power suit—complete with a meaningful accessory. This week, Middleton attended the British Fashion Council’s British Design Ceremony at 180 Studios to honor creatives and present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. For the occasion, she wore an olive green suit by Victoria Beckham, featuring a double-breasted blazer with tortoiseshell buttons, and high-waisted pants. She donned the suit with a ruffled white top and completed the look with beige heels. However, her power suit wasn’t the only thing that caught my attention. The princess also accessorized with Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, which previously belonged to the late queen. The pieces feature Bahraini pearls and diamonds, and the late queen originally received these earrings as a wedding gift from Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain, in 1947. She wore them on several occasions, so you may recognize them in several of her portraits. They have since been passed down to Middleton, who has worn them quite a few times, most notably for Remembrance Day in 2024. Middleton’s choice of earrings was fitting for the British Fashion Council Foundation’s Event, considering that she presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to this year’s winner, Patrick McDowell, founder of his namesake label. In addition, the royal toured design spaces with McDowell to learn about the U.K.’s thriving fashion industry and how their sustainable designs are created.

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I Tested the New lululemon Align No Line Pant and It’s Easily My New Favorite Workout Legging

Written on July 2, 2025 in Fashion

Like tons of other readers and editors, I’ve been a big fan of lululemon’s Align leggings for quite some time. So when I heard the beloved design was getting a brand new update intended to make them even more comfortable, I was obviously intrigued—but also a bit skeptical. I mean, the leggings were already so good, could they really be improved? Well, let me tell you, I actually *gasped* when I first put them on because, yeah, the new Align No Line pant ($108) really is that much better. Here’s why. What Makes the lululemon Align No Line Pant Different? The lululemon Align No Line pants are designed similarly to and feature the same soft, weightless Nulu fabric as the original Align pants, but have been updated to remove the vertical center front seam, providing a more comfortable and smooth fit. How I Tested the lululemon Align No Line Pant To test the lululemon Align No Line pants, I wore them to my usual workout (a low-impact barre class) and out for other daily activities. I also machine-washed and dried them. My Experience Wearing the lululemon Align No Line Pant What I Like What I Don’t Like Like I mentioned above, I could already tell how much I’d love this new Align design from the get-go, but I wanted to put them to the test to ensure they’d live up to my first impression. So, after machine-washing and drying the pants (they should be dried on a low setting, per the brand), I donned them to my usual weekend barre class (a low-impact workout that I frequently wear the original Align pants to), paired with the matching Align V-Neck bra and a loose t-shirt overtop. During my workout class, the biggest thing I noticed while wearing the Align No Line pants was that I didn’t have to adjust them at all throughout the entire 50 minutes of barre and floor work. They stayed in place perfectly, and thanks to the smooth front, I didn’t have any issues with seams feeling out of place. They were, of course, also just as soft and stretchy as the OG design, which I always appreciate. I also kept the pants on for a while afterwards to see how comfy they’d stay throughout the day. I was happy to find that, even after hours of wear while I grabbed some lunch and walked my pup, they still didn’t stretch out or need any rearranging. Not to mention, it was hot out while I was wearing them and they didn’t show any sweat marks. How Does the lululemon Align No Line Pant Compare to the Original Align Design? While I know it may not seem like one little seam could make that big of a difference, trust me, it does when it comes to the lululemon Align No Line pants. It’s honestly hard to describe how much more comfortable I felt throughout the day wearing them, plus, I think the look is just more flattering, too. While I won’t be ditching my original Align pants by any means, I certainly will be opting for the No Line design for any future purchases—especially considering everything else I love about the original Align pants can still be found in this updated version, from the barely-there fabric (that still manages to be plenty supportive, IMO) to the high-rise cut and versatile, minimalist look. In case I haven’t already made it clear, it’s safe to say I’m *obsessed* with the Align No Line pants and already know I’ll be wearing them weekly to workout classes and beyond. The style is currently available in six colors and two lengths (25 inches and 28 inches), but like all of lululemon’s new releases, I expect these leggings will sell fast, so if you want to get your hands on a pair (or three), I’d suggest adding them to your cart now.

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