If the last few weeks of anxiety-inducing Brexit mayhem has taught us anything, it's that every MP definitely still has the power to make a difference.
But of course, it helps if they're equipped with all the knowledge they need to try to push society forward.
It's for this reason that Tracy King, a London-based consultant, writer and producer, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to send all 650 MPs a copy of Invisible Women by award-winning feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez.
According to its blurb, the recently published book "exposes the gender data gap – a gap in our knowledge that is at the root of perpetual, systemic discrimination against women, and that has created a pervasive but invisible bias with a profound effect on women’s lives".
Criado-Perez writes in her book about invisible inequalities caused by what she calls the "male default". For example, women in Britain are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed following a heart attack because heart failure trials tend to use male participants.
Similarly, because cars are designed around the body of a "reference man", women involved in vehicle collisions are nearly 50% more likely to be seriously injured.
As promised, I'm crowdfunding to send a copy of Invisible Women to every MP. Change in law, policy and regulation comes from the top, help me educate those in power about the gender data gap: https://t.co/RkxqcHXuQF via @gofundme
"In order for change to happen, our elected leaders must be educated about the gender gap," King writes on her GoFund Me page.
"That's why I'm crowdfunding to send a copy of Invisible Women to every Member of Parliament, starting with those who sit on relevant committees and oversee the laws and regulations that affect women. Sure, MPs could buy their own copy of the book, but most won't, and the exposure and pressure this campaign will bring helps to ensure they read it. If women make enough noise, they can't ignore us."
At the time of writing, King has raised £3,638 of her £6,750 goal. Waterstones have generously agreed to sell her copies of Invisible Women for half price, and King says that if she exceeds her target, she'll also send copies to other key decision-makers such as industry leaders. You can find out more about her campaign on the GoFund Me page.
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There are music festivals, and then there's Glastonbury. You might prefer a low-key city-based festival like London's Lovebox or Manchester's Parklife to the five days of mud and hedonism that Glastonbury brings, but there's no denying it's the most iconic UK music festival of all. For some people, it's a rite-of-passage; for others, it becomes an annual pilgrimage.
Because of its elevated status, Glastonbury's line-up and trio of headline acts (one for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival) are always a major talking point. This year's event features a 42 percent female line-up, many of them absolute queens, but no female headliners.
Then again, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise: Glastonbury has booked just three female headline acts (Beyoncé, Adele and Florence and the Machine) in its last 10 years.
After the 2019 line-up was announced, Janet Jackson edited the official poster to move herself from fifth billing to the top spot – a true boss move.
Here is the first Glastonbury Festival 2019 line-up poster, which includes our final two Pyramid Stage headliners: @TheKillers (Saturday) and @TheCure (Sunday). Many more acts and attractions still to be announced. pic.twitter.com/jYOoTQQurf
Speaking to Annie Mac at an AMP London panel event in London yesterday, Glastonbury's co-organiser Emily Eavis – who runs the festival with her father Michael Eavis, its founder – spoke candidly about the prevailing gender bias in the booking world.
"Some of them are just a bit old guard. It's a lot of old guys running things, the old bookers," she said in front of outlets including NME.
"They love a beer with the guys, the agents. They do golf days, they do football trips, and there's a whole brotherhood which is so tight. It's impenetrable. It feels like it. I'm like, 'Come on'."
Continuing, Eavis admitted that she's been labelled "a real hassle" because she consistently encourages the "old guard" to book more female acts.
"The thing about the men who book (our) stages, quite a lot of them are old men. They don't understand why I am pushing them the whole time," she said.
"When one of them presented a line-up this year, they were like, 'Right, I'm done, this is it.' And I was just like, 'I'm really sorry but you're just going to have to take some of those blokes off. Where are the women?"
Summing up the current situation frankly, Eavis added: "We are nowhere near where we need to be. We’re making slow progress, but there’s a long way to go.”
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Demi Lovato is not here for body shaming headlines, and frankly, neither are we. In a headline earlier this week, a news outlet referred to Lovato’s “fuller figure” in a headline and it didn’t sit well with the singer.
"I AM MORE THAN MY WEIGHT," she wrote on Instagram stories, sharing a screenshot of the article and even tagging the Inquisitr writer, Fabio Magnocavallo.
Lovato, who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder in the past, went on to talk about how triggering posts like this can be. "I'm angry that people think it's okay to write headlines about people's body shapes," she said, according to screenshots obtained by Teen Vogue. "Especially about a woman who has been so open about being in recovery from an eating disorder. I am not upset for myself but for anyone easily influenced by this diet culture."
She went on to mention how “articles like this only contribute to that toxic way of thinking,” and offered some advice to her followers: "If you're reading this: Don't listen to negative diet culture talk. You are more than a number on a scale. And I am more than a headline about my body shape."
The exchange ended in a teachable moment when the writer reached out to Lovato to apologise. Based on the screenshots Lovato shared we can’t see Magnocavallo’s initial apology, but he followed up with, "You're an incredible talent and you're right, your body is not all you are," he continued, "This is a lesson learnt."
Lovato, being the queen that she is, responded with even more love and respect. “Thank you,” she replied. “I really respect you for the way you are receiving this message...my intention wasn’t to hurt you either, just to get your attention. I’m sorry if this woke you. Thank you for being so understanding.”
In an effort to be transparent, the Inquisitr did not change their story but did add this author’s note: “Firstly, a sincere ‘Thank you’ to Demi Lovato for her grace and patience in our exchange. While I wrote this story with the best of intentions, I totally appreciate and understand her perspective on the matter and culture in general and I truly appreciate her taking the time to have a dialogue with me about it. As Demi said to me, ‘our voices are all we have to create the biggest change on this planet.’”
It is not the first time Lovato has spoken up about triggering content on the internet. Back in January, she called out a fat-shaming video game for their advertisement featuring two women side by side with captions reading "obese" and "pretty."
"Why is this fat-shaming bullshit on my feed? So many things wrong with this," Lovato wrote on the story. "This is absolutely harmful to anyone who is easily influenced by societal pressures put on us from the diet culture to constantly be losing weight in a world that teaches us to equate our value and worth with the way we look," she continued. "And especially anyone in recovery from an eating disorder."
If you are struggling with an eating disorder and are in need of support, please contact Beat, the UK's eating discarder charity, or call the helpline on 0808 801 0677
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If anyone knows how to ace flawless makeup, it's Cardi B's makeup artist. In a world where a lot of us are ditching foundation for a quick swipe of tinted moisturiser or simply giving our lashes a once-over with clear mascara, Erika La Pearl leans towards sharp contours,cut creases, velvet lips and perfectly defined eyebrows – and the results are nothing short of Instagram-worthy. Here's everything we learned about applying eyeshadow, contouring correctly and filling in brows from the pro herself.
How to contour like a professional
Whether you use cream or powder, it's difficult to strike the balance between a contour that lifts and sculpts cheeks and one that just drags your features down. After all, blending requires skill. But according to Erika, one simple trick will ensure a perfect finish every time. "For easiest application, simply smile," exactly like you might when applying blush to the apples of your cheeks. This will ensure you're depositing the bronzer in exactly the right place.
And always start high. "Apply your contour from the hairline next to the brows, right down to the bottom of your cheek," adds Erika. The trick is not to bring the bronzer past your nostrils, as it'll elongate instead of lift. Erika rates ICONIC London's Strobing Stick, £24.99, and Multi-Use Powder Contour Palette, £32.99, for those who prefer powder over cream-based makeup.
"Powder contours will ensure your makeup stays put," adds Erika. "Don't forget to apply the contour shades in hollows of cheeks, below hairline, and along the jawline to create definition. Dust the lighter shades on the top of the cheekbones, Cupid's bow and brow bone."
A lot of us spend a fortune on the fluffiest, plushest makeup brushes, but hardly any makeup artists actually use them when it comes to perfecting both a base and eye makeup. "I use the tips of my fingers to apply eyeshadow," Erika told R29. "I just find it better than using a brush." Not only do your fingers allow for more precise, controlled application, especially in the corners, but it means you can really pack on the colour. Erika rates Morphe's The James Charles Artistry Palette, £39.
Erika isn't the only pro to eschew tools; both Mary Greenwell and Val Garland are advocates of using their fingertips to apply things like eyeshadow and foundation. "Sometimes, makeup sponges absorb too much product and that’s a waste," Val previously told R29. "I get why some people don’t like brushes because you can often see the residue." Just make sure your hands are clean and be super gentle, especially around the eyes, so as not to tug at your skin. Erika adds: "When I go for a brightly coloured eye, I like to go with a nude lip so Cardi's eyes can pop. I love Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Unveil, £19."
Two shades are better than one when it comes to filling in brows
Erika advises steering clear of single, super dark shades when defining eyebrows. They can make them look too harsh and blocky. Instead, go for the multi-tonal effect. "Enlisting two-tone products – my go-to is ICONIC London's Brow Cushion, £26.99 – makes eyebrows look more natural. Use a double-sided applicator that has a spoolie at one end and an ultra-thin angled brush on the other." Using quick, short strokes, apply the lighter shade at the start of the brow and bring this to the centre, as this is where hairs are naturally more sparse. Then apply the slightly darker hue from the middle to the end of your brows. Brush through with the spoolie to soften the strokes as you go.
The summer after my parents split up, my mum decided we needed a holiday. Off we went to the seaside, the four of us – my little brother and sister, Mum and me – bundled into our rickety Austin Metro, navigating the M3 and the unfamiliar landscape of our family without Dad.
It was a week of firsts: the first time we stayed in a caravan; the first time I got sunburned; the first time my mum drove us on the motorway. For a woman who passed her driving test on the fifth attempt, this was A Big Deal and as the eldest child I was appointed navigator and duly promoted to the front passenger seat. We must have made quite the picture: Mum clutching the steering wheel for dear life as I, barely visible above the dashboard, strained to make sense of junctions and dual carriageways, determined to prove that we could do this, the four of us: little brother and sister, Mum and me.
My memories of that holiday have faded now but I remember arriving at the coast; it felt like conquering Everest. Whatever happened in the months and years to come, we'd taken on this challenge – and smashed it. We were a team.
This week on Refinery29 we've been celebrating single mums. Today is Mother's Day and so to round things off we're handing the mic to their daughters. Ahead you'll hear from a handful of the many young women who grew up (are still growing up) in their mother's more than capable hands – and are doing splendidly for it, thank you very much. No one's pretending that single parenthood is all sunshine and roses but as these women will attest, the relationship between a single mum and her daughter can be pretty damn special. Tissues at the ready...
Charlie, 32, lives in Brighton. Her dad left the family home when she was 13 years old and she hasn’t seen him since.
"Although my dad was around until I was 13, in all honesty it would have been better if he wasn’t – we barely had a relationship. Mum and I were both relieved when he went; I came home from school to discover he had moved all his stuff out. My mum met someone after my dad left and that man is now my wonderful stepdad.
Mum and I have always been close. She is one of my best friends and we talk all the time. I walked her down the aisle when she married my stepdad and in my speech at the reception I told everyone how much I admire her unconditionally.
Growing up with a single mum is hard but life happens and you get on with it. She has been my mum, my dad and my sister all at the same time and so I don’t feel like I missed out on a single thing. When you grow up with a strong, independent woman you become one yourself. Her strength is now my strength.
Mum taught me to pick yourself up whenever you get knocked down. There will always be people who want to hurt you but rise above it, be positive and ignore them. They are just not worth it.
The funniest memory I have of my mum? We went to a Take That tribute night and she was egging me on to get on the stage and meet 'Robbie'. So I did – and almost got thrown out. Mum couldn’t stop laughing."
Tyler is 24 and lives in Caerphilly. After her parents separated when she was 3 years old, Tyler and her mum went to live with her grandparents.
"We were already close but when it became just my mum and me, we became inseparable. Mum worked seven-day weeks to earn enough money for us; her sole focus was me and I never felt like I missed out on having a dad around because she was both. Now that I’m older, Mum and I are like best friends; we really know each other. Because we were alone for so long, we have a bond that is unbreakable.
Because of what my mum had to do when she became a single parent, I feel confident enough as an adult to face any hardship. It’s not easy to raise a child on your own – especially when your expectation of parenthood is a partnership – but Mum not only managed it, she excelled. I’m not sure who I would be if my parents had stayed together but because I grew up surrounded by such bravery from one woman, I know how positive the solidarity of women can be. I know how much courage it often takes to be a woman, and especially a mother.
Mum made me realise how strong women are. She proved that she didn’t need another person to validate her nor did she need to fulfil society’s expectations of what a family should be – my mum said no to the norm and pushed us out of a very unhappy and difficult situation. She shielded me from this as a child, and I’ve only learned about it retrospectively. By coming out of that darkness, my mum has taught me that no matter how horrible things seem, they will change; you have the power to change them.
When I was 8, Mum and I went on holiday to Florida. I was an abnormally tall (and overly confident) 8-year-old so was allowed on all the rides, and we excitedly queued to go on my first upside-down rollercoaster. When we got to the front of the queue, panic hit and I started to cry uncontrollably. Mum being Mum, she told the ride attendant to wait, then picked me up, wiped away my tears and said: 'This is the first day of the rest of your life. We’ll get on this ride and you’ll never look back.' So I got on the ride, with all the fear and panic – and loved every single moment. Which confirms what I already knew: my mum is not only the bravest and craziest woman, she is also always right."
Charli, 23, lives in Ealing in west London. After her parents got divorced when she was 5, Charli, her mum and her 3-year-old sister moved in with their grandparents.
"My sister and I were very close with our mum growing up; I think because she was a young mum and our personalities are similar. Because we had to live with my mum’s parents, my nan became a second mum to us. It was great to be extremely close with her and my papa – it meant there was always someone looking out for us.
It’s stereotypical I know but growing up with my mum has shown me how you can live on your own and that there are different types of family, other than the typical nuclear family you see on TV and in films.
Mum taught me that being independent is a great thing. It’s well worth waiting to find someone to settle down with – there’s nothing wrong with being single!
I remember my mum, my nan, my little sister and I driving to the beach every summer and always singing ABBA at the top of our lungs!"
Ophelia is 25 and lives in London. She and her brother grew up on a farm in Leicestershire with their mum. Their grandparents lived next door.
"Dad worked abroad for most of my childhood so although he officially left the family home when I was 9, I don’t have any real memories of living with him permanently. He’s been consistently present in my life since the divorce – and I love him very much – but my mum has always been the primary caregiver.
My brother and I are pretty fiercely defensive of our mum. We look out for each other in ways that go beyond parent/child dynamics – I often think the kind of emotional support and understanding I get from my mum is similar to what I’d expect of a friend or partner, which I know isn’t the case for other people with their family.
Mum was often spread across multiple projects, trying to manage mine and my brother’s lives as well as running the farm (20-hour days harvesting crops, lambing sheep, etc). She was always emotionally available but it meant we had to find ways to please ourselves and get creative when we got bored.
It taught me to love being independent and happy in my own company, which I think helped me build resilience for holding down a job and relationships in my 20s in London.
Mum’s been all up in this self-care mindfulness stuff since way before it was cool. She never pushed us to succeed and was always okay with us taking the occasional mental day off school to clear our heads and get back in touch with things that make us happy.
I have a fond memory of my mum sitting in a field foot-bathing sheep (a really technical, laborious process) while reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets aloud to me and my brother. Nuts levels of multitasking.
And whenever I'm newly single she's my biggest cheerleader for going out and snogging someone – and will actively help me locate potential targets."
Rosanna is 32 and lives in Portsmouth.
"My parents were on and off over the years but I don’t remember my dad being around much at all; he dipped in and out but didn’t interact with me and my brother very much and I have very few memories of him. I’ve had no relationship with him since I was a teen.
Mum was always there and always present for us. We knew we came first for her. Now I have children, I recognise the sheer exhaustion she must have felt at times, dealing with two children on her own. I have a renewed respect for her and it throws a different slant on the tougher times as I can imagine how lonely it must have been for her.
Watching Mum strive to ensure we achieved has always motivated me to try my best. Growing up in a single parent household has had a profound effect on my practice as a social worker, too, as I understand the impact it can have on children.
Mum taught me patience. And sassiness! She also taught us that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and how important it is to have good relationships with friends and family.
Memories of my mum: Piling into our tiny car and singing along to Heart FM on our way to visit family. Building dens in the living room and having picnics. Her refusal to wrap presents in anything other than carrier bags (she still does this, although she’s moved on to gift bags!)."
Bethany, 24, lives in Coventry. It’s been her, her mum and her sister – "the holy trinity" as Bethany calls it – since she was 9 years old.
"If anything, growing up in a single parent family has made me, my sister and my mother closer as there is no shielding us from the good, the bad and the ugly in each other’s lives. My mother looked after me when I was ill as a child and as an adult when I’ve had depression and anxiety. She has always been my biggest champion and believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself.
Through her I’ve learned what it means to be truly independent. We may not have been able to shop in the higher end of the high street but we never went without – my sister and I got to go on school trips and had dancing lessons twice a week.
The best thing my mother taught me is the saying 'just for today'. You could call it the motto of our house. Whenever I’m feeling anxious or that the world is against me, I can ring my mother and hear these words and instantly feel that a weight has been lifted.
Mum attended my university open day with me, just the two of us. I had no idea what I wanted to study but I knew my mum was there supporting me, whatever choice I made. The whole day she looked so proud and radiated happiness. I ended up getting into my first choice of university and on my graduation day, Mum was there supporting me, still exuding the same happiness."
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We’re benefiting from a go-getting moon this week as the sun highlights Aries. If you’re inspired to take on the world this week, don’t hold back. Sunday’s waning moon in Aquarius lasts until 11.01pm, helping us to think about new ways to wrap up old projects. Don’t overexert yourself, as she goes void-of-course until 10.48am on Monday, entering deep-feeling Pisces. Meanwhile, chatty Mercury conjuncts intuitive Neptune on Tuesday, connecting us to our spiritual needs. Our collective emotional intelligence will improve across the board. Use this time to get through deeper issues or build strong friendships. The moon wanes into Pisces on Wednesday, going void-of-course again until 10.56pm when she enters action-minded Aries. The waning-to-new moon in this sign can feel frustrating, like you’ve got too many ideas but no way to act. Take time to strategise — you’ll be saving a great deal of time and energy. Our new moon arrives in Aries at 4.50am, lighting a fire from within. Collect that passion for getting started on projects that are close to your heart. The moon waxes in financial-minded Taurus on Saturday, giving you the stamina you need to see them through.
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You’re the star of the show this week, Aries. The sun lights up your first house of self, first impressions and appearance. Find power in your season to inspire your community. If you’ve been thinking about giving back, why not look into volunteer positions in your area? Neptune, your spiritual ruler conjuncts Mercury, your personal planet of health and work. Use your positive attitude to make a humanitarian effort and link up with some new friends. Thursday’s new moon begins in your sign, lending you the zest you need to conquer a big project. The moon waxes full on the 19th, so consider what you could accomplish by then by making a short-term plan. The moon is Aries' personal planet of home and family. Before you start to brainstorm, think about how this could affect your domestic situation. Check in with your peers to get their feedback before you proceed.
Celia Jacobs.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Your connection to your deeper self is enhanced this week while the sun illuminates your 12th house of inner growth, vulnerability and conclusion. Keep trusting your gut — it’s wiser than ever. If you need to make any financial decisions on Tuesday, you’ll be on the right track.
Perceptive Neptune conjuncts your money planet, Mercury, guiding your judgment. It’s a good day to get ahead, and these two planets will help you to deal with debt or make an investment. On Friday, the moon begins a new cycle in Aries, inspiring you to take the reins of a new project. You’ll be able to put your money where your mouth is when the moon waxes in your sign on Saturday at 9.06am. But before you pursue your latest venture, consider how it affects your spiritual side.
Cachetejack.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
Spring is just starting to warm up, and so are you, Gemini. The beautiful sun shines his light on your 11th house of groups, friendships and goals this week, giving you the energy to socialise, entertain and get shit done. Think about joining some meet-ups this week for your favourite interests to meet some new faces. If you’ve been searching for a partner to co-manage a project, you could find a kindred spirit. On Tuesday, such a person could reveal themselves when ruling Mercury conjuncts Neptune, your status planet. This conjunction could even inspire you to invite colleagues to your home as Mercury rules your home and family zones. Wherever you meet, you will connect on a deeper level. Collaborate, socialise and inspire each other. Your financial planet, the moon has you wrapping up old projects, taxes, and bills until Friday when the new moon arrives in Aries. You’ll feel revived once you’re organised, so enjoy the fresh slate.
Amber Vittoria.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
It’s hard for you to think about anything else but work at the moment, Cancer. That’s because your financial planet, the sun, is illuminating your 10th house of career, structure and public image. You might even notice that your social media likes and follows are up a little higher than usual. While you’ve got their attention, try out new forms of expression — you could get noticed. On Tuesday, Mercury, your personal planet of spirituality conjuncts Neptune, your planetary ruler of good fortune. Follow your instincts and open yourself up to the world. You never know what opportunities are out there unless you try. The moon, your ruling planet begins a new cycle in fiery Aries at 4.50am, uplifting your thoughts. You might not know where to displace this energy. Hold on to it until Saturday morning at 9.06am to start forging ahead.
Ariel Davis.
Leo July 23 to August 22
If you’ve been dying to go on a trip, find a way to make it happen, Leo. The sun, your sign’s ruler brightens your ninth house of exploration, adventure and belief this week, giving you an optimistic view of the world. If you can’t go far, visit a nearby city or connect with nature. On Tuesday, introspective Neptune conjuncts Mercury, your planetary ruler of cash. Use this day to get better insight into your finances — you could learn a money-saving tip or two by chatting with your friends. On Friday, the moon starts a new cycle in fellow fire sign Aries, bringing your focus to a pinpoint. If you feel like you can’t act, lay out a plan to give yourself a better understanding of your timelines.
Lynnie Z.
Virgo August 23 to September 22
You’re in the process of shedding your skin this week, Virgo. The sun highlights your eighth house of transformation, mystery and dramatic change. Reinvention takes time, so be gentle with yourself while you enter your next phase. Mercury, your career planet, conjuncts Neptune, Virgo’s planetary ruler of love on Tuesday. If you’re single, it’s likely that you could become smitten with someone in your network or at the office. If you’re thinking of dating a colleague — test the waters carefully. Partnered Virgos will be able to communicate more freely about their aspirations with partners on this day. Don’t be afraid to get deep, as these two planets will enhance understanding. Friday’s new moon in Aries will spark something inside you to start spring with a bang.
Simone Noronha.
Libra September 23 to October 22
Your ability to understand different perspectives in your relationships is what makes you strong, Libra. The sun helps to burgeon your emotional intelligence all week as he lights up your seventh house of partnerships, contracts and business. It’s helping to keep your focus at work as the moon, your career planet wanes from Sunday to Friday morning. On Tuesday, Libra’s lucky planet Mercury conjuncts Neptune, your health and work ruler. Take advantage of this favourable positioning while streamlining your day-to-day tasks. If you haven’t yet, attack your spring cleaning and tick off your to-do list. The moon gets you inspired for your next big gig on the fifth, as she begins a new cycle in Aries. Take a page from the ram’s book and get grooving.
Sarah Mazzeti.
Scorpio October 23 to November 21
Maintaining your focus is your first priority this week, Scorpio. Hop on to a new healthy habit while the sun inhabits your sixth house of health, order and service. Our star is also your personal planetary ruler of career, so consider how your personal health impacts your professional life. If you've been spending too much time at the office, it’s okay to talk to your manager about how you can prioritise your personal health. It’s time to look out for number one. Reach out to others on Tuesday when communication planet Mercury conjuncts perceptive Neptune. It’s a beautiful day to find common ground. Pay attention to your desires on Thursday night, as inspiration strikes on Friday, in line with the new moon in Aries arrival at 4.50am. You’ll have a better understanding of your latest direction on Saturday morning when the moon waxes in Taurus.
Kelsey Wrotten.
Sagittarius November 22 to December 21
Your imagination is powerful, Sagittarius. The sun brightens your fifth house of creativity, pleasure and romance, bringing out your sense of wonder. If you’re single, seize each moment to meet new friends and explore new social circles. When you find inspiration, give credit to and celebrate the artist. On Tuesday, Mercury, your personal career planet conjuncts Neptune, your planet of home and family. It’s an excellent day to connect with family and get their feedback about your work. You could gather great insights to help you find a happier placement. Connect with your partner and discuss your future together. Be open about your needs and desires to get a clearer understanding of how to make your next move. Meditate on these thoughts on Friday morning, when we enter a new moon in Aries. You’ll be ready for action on Saturday morning when the moon begins waxing in hardworking Taurus.
Kissi Ussuki.
Capricorn December 22 to January 19
When it comes to home and family, you may be experiencing a smoother ride thanks to Uranus' departure from your fourth house of family, instincts and foundations. The tide is turning, and you’re enjoying the warmth of the sun’s glow on this same house this week. Celebrate your newfound harmony with your family on Tuesday, when Mercury conjuncts Neptune. The messenger planet rules Capricorn’s health and work zones, while dreamy Neptune is responsible for communications. Finding a healthy balance comes with learning and sharing your knowledge. Listen to your friends and family when looking for new ways to revitalise yourself. The latest health trend that they love could be exciting to try. At least, do it for the story. Connecting with your co-workers will be easier thanks to this movement, take advantage and share your most significant ideas to help your team. Your personal love planet, the moon wanes until Friday when it begins a new cycle in active Aries. If you’ve wanted to get in touch with someone, hold off while the moon is in a lull. Switch your read receipts back on Saturday morning when the moon waxes in Taurus.
Loveis Wise.
Aquarius January 20 to February 18
Voicing your opinion and connecting with your peers invigorates you this week, Aquarius. The sun, your personal planet of love highlights your third house of communication, thought and community all week. Exchange ideas with colleagues and friends on Tuesday when Mercury conjuncts with your financial planet Neptune. Discussing money can give you great insight or even subtle pushes towards creating a more balanced life. On Friday, the moon, your personal planet of health and work gives you a boost when she enters a new cycle in Aries. The Ram’s indomitable zest will help you to find the inspiration you need to create a solid routine for your wellbeing. You won’t feel like sleeping in on Saturday when the moon moves into steady Taurus.
Hilda Palafox.
Pisces February 19 to March 20
The sun, your planetary ruler of health and work, lights up your second house of finances, values and possessions, making you much more aware of the material good that you carry through this world, Pisces. You might be ready to upgrade an appliance or repair the list of items on your to-do list. Consider the financial and environmental benefits before removing anything from your home. If it can be fixed, you should try to save it. On Tuesday, Mercury, your home and family ruler conjuncts with perceptive Neptune, Pisces' ruling planet. If you’ve got an idea that you’ve been sitting on for fear of judgment, ask for help in brainstorming with your peers. Sounding boards are all around you. Invite people in your network out for coffee after the new moon on Friday morning to capture the beginnings of a new enterprise. Your creative energy is mirrored by the moon. She waxes in industrious Taurus on Saturday, helping to get your wheels turning.
Rachel Jo.
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Mother's Day isn't a joyous occasion for everyone. There are many reasons why people might want to avoid the whole shebang as much as possible: if they've lost their mother, for example, or if they have a strained or estranged relationship with their parents.
Other people never get to know their mothers, and some suffer the tragedy of becoming a mother and losing a child.
For many of these people, seeing all the cards and flowers and general bonhomie of Mother's Day can act as a trigger.
Because of this, staying away from social media on Mother's Day can definitely be a good move. But this week, MP Matt Warman has suggested another way of reducing the risk of Mother's Day becoming a trigger.
Warman, who lost his mother in 2009 when he was 27 years old, told the House of Commons that Mother's Day promotional emails sent by brands can act as "a reminder of what you have lost".
He praised online florist Bloom and Wild for giving customers the chance to "opt out" of emails connected to Mother's Day simply by clicking on a link that was sent out well in advance.
Can we just talk about how fantastic @BloomandWild are at customer satisfaction? This email is so thoughtful - I don’t know of any brand that does this. I’ll always buy my flowers from them for this reason! ♥️♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/w6S0AEoEmy
"If other companies were to follow suit, then the dread, and I do mean the dread, around this day might be mitigated for many people," Warman told the house, according to the BBC.
"I could be a part of something that an organisation like the Advertising Standards Authority could make part of a voluntary code around data. I'm not a Tory asking for some enormous nanny state, but I'm saying another tick box when you sign up for yet more emails would be kind."
Bloom and Wild's Mother's Day email policy has also been praised by people online. "As someone who lost their Mum and Nanna, this is amazing. I know many people celebrate but it’s not always nice getting constant reminders,” one woman wrote on Twitter.
Another tweeted: "Have you seen what Bloom and Wild have done? It’s incredible! Sent around asking people if they wanted to taken out of the Mother’s Day send lists last month so it wouldn’t bring hurt to people with the barrage of marketing now. Amazing stuff."
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Ever since my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to match people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girlsand started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Get everything I've recommended this year on Spotify, follow me on Twitter or Facebook, and leave a comment below telling me what you're listening to this week.
Saweetie feat. Quavo "Emotional"
The tides — er, or charts — and turning and we're seeing a surge of women on the rap charts. Saweetie is one of those rising stars and one listen to "Emotional" is all it takes to hear why. She's part Bey influences, with production dripping less in ice and more in a compilation of hip hop trends over the last three decades that make the track feel familiar on first listen.
Phoebe Green "Dreaming Of"
This is a different kind of girl power anthem, all about celebrating shaking off the shackles of what people project on to you and being your true, authentic self. Green hits on feelings we've all had when people decide things about us that are incongruent with how we see ourselves and she's singing about it on top of a very British indie rock sound.
Combo Chimbita "Esto Es Real (8100mg)"
Put away your Ariana Grande streams because this is a bop and a half. The way the drums are produced on this track, especially the snare, is what caught my attention (and made me want to dance). But as it goes one, it becomes clear there's something magical here. This NYC by way of Colombia band is quite a charismatic, engaging trip.
Maddie Poppe "Made You Miss"
If you, like me, were obsessed with Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" when it dropped then this song is for you. There's a country crossover vibe to Maddie Poppe that's down to her lilting accent and some killer pop production. It's a song for those dudes who hit you with the "u up?" text or mysteriously ghost after four dates and hit you up six months later. Gloat for a minute and then just block 'em.
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White suits are truly having a moment this year and Beyoncé is getting in on the action.
On Saturday night Queen Bey took home the NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year and graced the stage wearing the iconic women’s suffragette colour we have seen a lot ( especially since Trump was elected president in 2016). But, you know, with a very Queen Bey twist.
Instead of the typical trousers and suit jacket combo, Bey donned a uniquely tailored, Balmain Spring 2019 couture suit gown with lots of thigh showing. She completed the look with a large white hat and drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.
As always, Bey’s suit gown – and the expertly composed Instagram photos of it – left us shook. Even Jay-Z was completely mesmerised. During his acceptance speech for the NAACP's President's Award, the rapper shouted out his wife and her incredible fashion sense.
“I’d like to dedicate this award to the beautiful woman in my life. Just because of the white suit,” the rapper said, while the camera panned to Beyoncé, beaming and laughing.
She was on theme — Viola Davis presented the singer with the award also wearing a white suit.
Lori Loughlin has had a rough couple of weeks. Yet, she’s still found time to work out and give a polite statement to the paparazzi.
The former Fuller House actor was spotted by TMZ leaving a yoga class in Brentwood, Los Angeles on Saturday. When asked about the case by the cameraman, Loughlin gave a nice, but firm brush off – her first public statement since news of the college admissions scandal broke.
“I’m sorry I can’t talk to you,” she said. “You can follow me around all day, but I just can’t comment right now. But thank you for your time.”
The cameraman continued to press the issue, asking Loughlin if she was afraid of going to prison. Loughlin continued to search for her keys, ignoring him. That is, until he wished her well, a sentiment which she returned before getting into her car.
Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, are among 33 parents who have been accused of bribing their children’s way into college with the assistance of William Singer. Former Desperate Housewives actress Felicity Huffman, who has also been arrested and charged in connection with the scandal, was spotted out and about this weekend with her daughter, Georgia Macy, by TMZ too.
Both actors and their families have been laying low over the last few weeks, though both are set to appear in court this coming week, according to tweets from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
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Not long ago, I lost my filler virginity, which is something I didn’t imagine happening for at least another decade (or until my collagen levels had depleted beyond repair). Despite being able to deadlift more than my body weight, I've always had what is unfortunately known as a 'weak chin'. Sadly, facial features can’t be altered by any form of strength training, so after lots of thought and even more research, I decided to embark on my dermal filler journey.
My offending former chin was small and, in my opinion, not in proportion with my other features. This made me feel like my face was constantly unbalanced. Thanks to my large, Tyra Banks-esque forehead and plump lips, my absent chin meant I really disliked my side profile. Friends and family thought I was crazy for looking into filler and changing such a prominent feature, but I couldn’t wait to see how my newly proportioned face would make me look and feel.
Photo via: SKNDOCTORPhoto via: SKNDOCTOR
Although fillers were originally used to fill lines, thanks to innovative techniques doctors can now sculpt the face and enhance features like never before. A few years ago, the only option for altering something like your chin was an implant, which is far more invasive. It's also difficult to sculpt to suit the rest of the features of the face. That said, we’ve all read the filler horror stories and I didn't want to have a pillow face. I wanted my new chin to be undetectable to others while noticeably improved to me. This was the next level up from my no-makeup makeup look and I was ready. Here's everything I learned on my journey...
Literally anyone can inject filler, so it pays to find a trusted pro
You only need to scroll through Instagram for a few minutes to see hundreds of beauty salons offering fillers and Botox at low prices, often from practitioners with no medical background. You might ask, what's the worst that can happen? Well, actually, quite a lot. In the wrong hands there is a significantly higher risk of infection, scarring and tissue damage. The absolute number one priority before having any aesthetic injection is finding a medically trained and trusted practitioner. In the UK this can be challenging due to shocking regulatory laws, whereby injectable fillers are classed as 'devices' rather than drugs. This means a non-medically trained individual can legally set up shop and start injecting. After lots of deliberation, I settled on SKNDOCTOR aka Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe.
Once in the room, I sipped some water to calm my nerves. As I lay down on a plush version of a dentist chair, my jitters were immediately eased. Dr Ewoma calmed me down and reassured me during a thorough consultation. Medical credentials aside, the bedside manner of your doctor plays a crucial but often overlooked role. You will be highlighting your aesthetic insecurities and it is imperative you are in a safe environment, and feel assured that your doctor shares your vision and values.
Ask questions and make sure you understand every step
Dr Ewoma made a concerted effort to tell me she would be using Restylane to construct my new chin, which, according to the pros, is a well trusted and researched brand of filler. Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid and while abundantly found in skincare and touted as a saviour for dehydrated skin, it is also naturally produced in our bodies.
It doesn't hurt, but it does feel a bit strange
With the numbing cream in full effect, I mentally prepared myself for the imminent "sharp scratch" and felt nothing more than a strange pressure as the gel was gently injected. After every tiny adjustment, the doctor stepped back and evaluated the changes on my face before continuing.
The amount of filler you need is dependent on the area
The amount of filler needed takes into consideration the starting point and the desired effect, but it is always better to be conservative. Like blusher, it’s always easier to add rather than remove! Fifteen minutes and 2ml of filler later and my chin was complete. "It looks banging!" I announced as I gushed over it in the mirror. A longstanding insecurity had instantly disappeared.
You'll need top-ups
The filler is meant to last 9-12 months, which is the time it takes for your body to metabolise it, according to Dr Ewoma. I wasn’t advised to return for a check-up, however, Dr Ewoma did insist I return straightaway if I had an adverse reaction, as it could be a sign of vascular occlusion caused by injecting a blood vessel. Ouch.
Factor in aftercare
Dr Ewoma advised me not to touch or apply too much pressure during the healing process to allow the swelling to go down and not to displace the filler. I had mild bruising by day two, but this subsided after three or four days. A month on and with my elongated chin now fully settled, it’s undoubtedly the best treatment I’ve ever had.
No one noticed
Thankfully, nobody noticed until I told them. I find myself whipping out my phone to show people a montage of before and after pics. In photos, the difference is impressive but I’m happy that no one can see a difference in real life until I let them know. I wanted a subtle tweak and that's exactly what I got.
Do it for you
Was I full of self-loathing with my stubbier chin? Absolutely not! I liked my old chin but the 2.0 version makes me feel more confident, which, ultimately, should be the motivation for having any procedure. In the words of Felicity Hayward, "self-love brings beauty," and in the face of our ever-evolving and often unobtainable beauty standards, it’s a mantra worth remembering. New chin, new me? Probably not. But I’m more confident and my chin really does look banging!
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We like to think we know Adnan Syed. He’s known the world over as the man who was jailed for the murder of ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee at the age of 17, despite huge gaps in the evidence that was used to put him there. In the years since Serial, the podcast that catapulted the case to stratospheric recognition, fans and conspirators have turned keyboard detectives, unearthing information that hadn’t been discovered before. Millions followed in real time as his case teetered around the promise of retrial.
Many of us feel like we know all about Adnan Syed and how he wound up serving a prison sentence. So how, then, would you go about producing a documentary about one of the most famous murder cases in recent history? You turn away from the trend of the true crime shows before it and tell the victim, Hae Min’s side of the story, too.
"Often in true crime, the victim gets lost in the storytelling because we’re just analysing the case and we’re so intoxicated by that," Amy Berg, director of Sky and HBO’s new documentary series The Case Against Adnan Syed, tells Refinery29. "I wanted to make sure that this film gave proper life and breath for Hae's character and journey."
The documentary is as intricately layered as the testimonies that make up the case itself. Among the clips from the courtroom where Adnan was tried back in 2000, newspaper clippings, interviews with a range of witnesses and the police who investigated the murder 20 years ago, is content from Hae's diary. Illustrations accompany narration lifted straight from the words she wrote in the months before her death and it’s probably the most intimate, personable insight we’re likely to be given into who this young woman was.
Amy knew that this was going to be central to how she framed the documentary before she started. Where did the inspiration come from? "I’d seen The Diary of a Teenage Girl recently," Amy explains. "I loved that world of the teenage girl and I feel that told us so many things about her in such subtle visuals and so I worked with the woman who did that film on the animations and it was great. It was very important."
One of the most interesting (and perhaps disarming) things about how society's fascination with true crime operates is that, despite knowing that these sorts of cases happen the world over at a depressingly high frequency, we have a habit of compulsively zooming in on a select few. When asked why Hae Min and Adnan Syed's story captured and retained such attention, Amy thinks it’s all to do with the high school aspect. "I think it’s just the time when kids are supposed to be growing and dreaming and having steps towards their future and this case, all these different people had this traumatic experience happen to one of their friends and it stuck with them – that’s not what’s supposed to happen at high school," she says.
Courtesy of Sky
There are other wildly curious interests too, of course. Namely that there’s a huge question around Adnan’s innocence and an even bigger one around the forces that determined his guilt. "All the different blends of storylines are so strange and unique," Amy adds. "I think Baltimore is such an interesting community and place to dig in … and just, you know, the interracial dynamics, the corrupt police department. Baltimore PD is known for Freddie Gray [the 25-year-old black man who died while in police custody] and The Wire and all these different stories that tell us what is really going on down there. It’s a difficult place, so I think this story just kind of resonates for a lot of people."
The resonance goes deeper than many of us could even imagine for Hae’s family, who have historically distanced themselves from the public narrative of their daughter’s death and Adnan’s arrest – a consideration that doesn’t go overlooked. "Hae was an 18-year-old girl when she went missing and her whole life was her school community and there was just so much there to grasp. As much as I totally understand why her parents, why her mother wouldn’t want to be involved in the story, I imagine it must be traumatic for this story to come out in any way – in a podcast, a film, a news story – I’m sure it’s very traumatic for them because they feel that justice was done in 1999 but if it wasn’t, then there’s another family that is suffering right now and that is on the state."
Those familiar with the case will already be well versed in its discrepancies. The phone records weren't as airtight as they should've been before being lent on to guide the state's case against Adnan, for example. "The state should’ve done a better job of the original trial so we don’t have any questions," Amy adds. "They could’ve easily requested to get Hae’s pager records, to get the security footage from the Best Buy, there are things they could’ve done to corroborate Jay’s story which has changed so many times and so with all those changes you wonder why and how – how difficult is it to remember where you saw the body if it was such a traumatic episode? And why are there five different spots of where he saw it? So many different things don’t make sense."
Amy's documentary takes the case even further than where the podcast left off. More witnesses were spoken to, the production team's investigation uncovered some things that could help Adnan's case and the big picture surrounding it, and Amy is already receiving emails with tips and further information about what really happened to Hae Min all those years ago. For better or worse, the story hasn't come to a conclusion yet. "We’re getting a lot of tips and a lot of new information coming in now since the first episode aired, so I guess we’ll have to follow up on all of that."
The Case Against Adnan Syed box set is available from 1st April on NOW TV
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There's a lot to love about spring: Easter chocolate, the long Bank Holiday weekend and, of course, new season fashion.
Along with the sun come thoughts of the perfect spring dress – whether sporting puffy sleeves, square necklines, pastel hues, pretty prints or gingham.
Comfort is also key this season as team Refinery29 considers how to look and feel cool (in the literal sense) on their stuffy morning commutes. From classic Nike Air Force Ones to chunky, turbo-charged sneakers, trainers are on everyone's wish list this month, while our accessory choices are eclectic, kitsch and fun.
Click ahead to see everything we're buying to celebrate spring...
Georgia Murray, Junior Fashion Editor
Everything about this Kitri number (available from 7th April) screams spring: Pink! Gingham! Puffed sleeves! Square neckline! This is the definition of a throw-it-on-and-go dress. I’ll be wearing with Birkenstocks and sunnies (weather permitting).
Kitri Lenora Check Midi Dress, $125, available at Kitri
Natural fabrications are enjoying their time in the sun this season, with accessories made from everything from bamboo to rattan. How bloody adorable is this woven cotton bag! I’ll wear it with the aforementioned dress now, and with a swimsuit and oversized tropical shirt come summer.
Alienina Julia Woven Cotton Bucket Bag, $150, available at Net-A-Porter
I’m obsessed with Good News, the London-based footwear brand bringing super cute trainers into my life via sustainable practices. The rubber soles are recycled, the cotton uppers are organic, and the label uses as few environmentally taxing processes as possible. Pair with kick-flare denim and tees and that’s my spring look sorted.
Good News Hurler Navy High, $95, available at Good News
Anna Jay, Art Director
I blame the couple of days I spent in Copenhagen last week for the current Ganni -related dent in my bank account (it was raining! I needed a coat!). I quantify this as it’s an investment purchase that’ll keep me dry for years to come. Just hoping for some rain now, bring on those April showers.
Weekday Bootcut Jeans In Light Wash, $40, available at ASOS
Fact is, I can never have too many pairs of trainers.
Ganni Brooklyn Low-Top Suede Trainers, $270, available at MatchesFashion.com
Katy Harrington, Managing Editor
My ears have to put up with a lot you know, so I’m treating them to these ridiculously cute 'Blessing' studs in guaranteed-not-to-turn-your-skin-green 18ct rose gold. #blessed
TADA & TOY Blessing Stud, $35, available at TADA & TOY
Day one of my Bank Holiday weekend I will be wearing this baby blue number and skipping around like a spring lamb.
Essential Antwerp Blue Floral Print Maxi Slip Dress, $200, available at Essentiel Antwerp
I’m very taken with this beauty but sadly my budget won’t stretch this far. My bank balance loves me, my bank balance loves me not…
Maje Dress In Daisy Guipure, $290, available at Maje
Esther Newman, Editorial Intern
I would have chosen this Staud blouse for those puffed sleeves and deep-V back alone, but as an added bonus it comes in the most gorgeous daffodil yellow shade. This Bank Holiday I'll be pairing with white jeans for a family lunch, and a denim miniskirt and strappy pastel sandals for nights out.
Staud Luna Ruffled Cotton-Blend Poplin Blouse, $190, available at Net-A-Porter
Maybe it's all the Kacey Musgraves I've been listening to recently, but this April all I want to do is pull on a pair of cowboy boots and traipse through meadows.
& Other Stories Duo Toned Leather Cowboy Boots, $129, available at & Other Stories
Everything about this bag – from the polka dot print to the pearl handle – is adorable.
I’ve found my perfect spring dress in sunny yellow. It’ll be a staple for weddings and when I’m bored of dressing it up it’ll be paired with my battered Converse and a slouchy leather jacket.
& Other Stories Stretch Mesh Floral Midi Dress, $59, available at & Other Stories
I’ve been looking for the perfect pink sunnies for a while – these have a great, thick acetate frame and don’t feel flimsy. They’ll add a flash of colour to my predominantly dark wardrobe.
Mulberry Charlotte Sunglasses, $190, available at Mulberry
The skirt that goes with everything while being ethically made, win-win!
Ninety Percent Pyjama Piped Maxi Skirt, $60, available at Ninety Percent
Serena Brown, Photo Intern
It’s finally getting to the time of the year when I can wear a cute crop top without regretting it as soon as I close my front door. This simple number from Collusion is definitely one I’ll be rinsing for the next few months.
Collusion Crop Top In Squiggle Print, $15, available at ASOS
Another tracksuit? Of course! I’m a big fan of Patta’s spring 2019 collection and these orange jogging bottoms will be carrying me through the cold but bright spring days.
Patta Patta Basic Jogging Pants (Orange), $85.25, available at Patta
There’s not a hair clipAshley Williams could make that I wouldn’t want in my hair. My 2019 goal is that I’m able to create a haiku on my head out of these, how poetic!
Ashley Williams Retried Hair Pin - Retired, $135, available at The GoodHood Store
Apparently I’ve been living under a rock for the past year and had no idea Queer Eye was a thing. Having now watched three seasons back to back, I haven’t stopped thinking about a French-tucked Breton top à la Tan France. So chic.
We all have a friend that makes you ring their phone when they’ve lost it and it happens to be in their hand/bag/pocket. That's me, I’m that friend. I’m buying this to make everyone’s life better.
XOUXOU Navy Captain Necklace, $21, available at XOUXOU
Clare Friel, Client Services Manager
My ideal spring look would be these off-white straight-leg jeans with a white linen shirt. Sadly, I am too clumsy with my coffee to wear said outfit so I will happily pair them with a black T-shirt instead.
& Other Stories Tapered Mid Rise Jeans, $59, available at & Other Stories
All my sartorial loves in one dress: red, cherry print, miniskirt, shirred body and a square neckline. I’ll wear this with chunky white trainers to avoid my five-foot-three (read: two-and-a-half) self looking too cutesy as I skip through Hampstead Heath this Bank Holiday.
Faithfull the Brand Jeanne Print - Cherry - Genevieve Dress, $120.3, available at Faithfull the Brand
The Smiths AND Cher on one item of clothing? This speaks to me on a deep level.
Blouse by Geoffrey J. Finch How Soon Is Now? Printed Cotton-Jersey Top, $75, available at Net-A-Porter
Sheloa Nichols, Director of Content Production
Because everyone in London needs a dress that makes them feel like they're on holiday, even when they're not. I'll wear this with white trainers and add some thin gold jewellery and a burnt orange/red lip. Last but not least, a big blue canvas shopper for all the deals I’m bound to get in my local antiques market looking this breezy.
Mango Striped Wrap Dress, $59.99, available at Mango
This William Morris-style print makes me happy and conveniently covers any errant stains if you’re on the go all day. I’ll be pairing it with a very narrow-waisted, very wide-legged pair of beige cotton trousers which will be skimming my ankles to show off a pair of dreamy red sandals; HUGE bracelets of many colours and some tiny gold earrings.
Monki Short-Sleeved Crepe Blouse, $20, available at Monki
Lemon (sherbet!) yellow trainers – what’s not to love? They are like walking on clouds and practically provide vitamin D they are so sunshiney. Difficult to keep clean but will go with everything.
Trigenic Collection Trigenic Evo, $130, available at Clarks
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I am a huge fan of a city break. I'm always amazed that a couple of hours on a flight from London can land you in a different city, country and culture. And then manage to be back in the office for Monday with all those memories and experiences under your belt. It’s something I always love to make the most of, meaning I have now lost count of how many two-night stints I have spent in various European cities. But one place I had never ventured to was Marrakech. After waking up in London and having a coffee in the rain, I grabbed my chic Horizn Studios suitcase and in just a few hours I was lunching on a rooftop in a place unlike anywhere I have experienced before. It’s a culture shock in the best possible way.
Either side of a good night’s sleep in a beautiful riad, there is so much to do in such a short space of time, starting with the souks on the morning of my first day there. For many, the souks are what first spring to mind when thinking of Marrakech – I know they were for me – but they still took me by surprise. They are warren-like, with row after row of stalls and shops selling the dreamiest homeware (I left with a rug), Phoebe Philo-worthy shoes, mouthwatering food, and so much more I simply cannot list it all. You could spend hours getting lost (quite literally) in there, leaving with an entirely new interiors vision for your home and an unprecedented craving for olives.
Armed with quite the appetite and a wish list as long as my arm, the next logical step was lunch at the impeccably designed Nomad. This was the aforementioned rooftop spot that made me pinch myself as I gazed out across the city. It’s an amazing way to take in Marrakech while enjoying some delicious Moroccan food.
From there I took a short walk to Le Jardin Secret, which was one of my favourite stops of the entire trip. Similarly to the riads, it amazed me that something so calm was just tucked away from the souks outside. The huge gardens are full of lush greenery, with little spots to sit down, eat a light lunch or drink some fresh mint tea. It’s the perfect setting to stop for half an hour to catch your breath and feel the contrasting calm aspects of the city.
I managed a little dip into something cultural, too, and got two museums under my belt while I was there: Musée de la Femme and Maison de la Photographie. The former consisted of a few rooms showcasing the craft and work of the women of Marrakech – a mix of painting, sculptures and tapestry, I saw a lot of varied work in a short space of time. Less varied, but just as interesting, was the Maison de la Photographie. As the title would suggest, this focused on photography, which is very much up my street. The gallery itself was gorgeous too, with a light-flooded atrium draped in white sheets; there was a lot more to enjoy than just the photos on display.
Day two began with breakfast, as any busy day should, this time on the communal rooftop at Riad Jaaneman, and it’s safe to say that watching a pastel sunrise while drinking coffee is the perfect way to start any day. Suitably caffeinated, I headed to Les Jardins de La Koutoubia for a little walk; it’s well worth a visit alongside Le Jardin Secret, as they have a very different feel from one another. Both incredibly lush and green, Les Jardins de La Koutoubia are grander and far more open. The food in Marrakech was delicious so I made a habit of eating at any given opportunity, this time at La Famille, a vegetarian spot in a gorgeous garden. It was a good break from traditional Moroccan cuisine, and there is something very nice indeed about enjoying a salad and mint tea in a sun-dappled garden! Now, while I am a huge city break fan, they don't tend to make for a relaxing trip, but I managed to fit in some downtime nonetheless. At the Farnatchi Spa, a monochrome-tiled entrance leads through to various treatment rooms. It's hard to prise yourself away after a massage, but it makes for the perfect parting moment before packing my Horizn suitcase to leave Marrakech and head to the airport. Which, sadly, it was time for me to do, via the souks one last time to soak up the intoxicating atmosphere of this incredible city.
Update: With less than a month until Game of Thrones returns for its final season, Urban Decay prepares to launch its official collection in collaboration with the series to honour its swan song. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean you can now buy dragon eggs in Sephora, but it does mean that, as of April 14, you can buy an eyeshadow palette, highlighter trio, lip and cheek tint, eyeliners, and lipsticks inspired by the women of Westeros you've come to root for — and some you've come to root against (we're looking at you, Cersei).
Check out the full collection, ahead.
This story was originally published on February 22, 2019.
For seven seasons of Game of Thrones, we've heard the same exact warning repeated over and over again by the hottest bastard in Winterfell, Jon Snow: "Winter is coming." But if there's one thing we learned from his late lover Ygritte, it's that Snow knows nothing, and it's not just a long night that's been approaching all this time — it's a makeup collection, too.
In an Instagram shared earlier this morning, Urban Decay announced its official collaboration with the HBO series in the form of Westerosi-inspired beauty products. The post didn't give away much, but it did showcase an intense fire-and-ice makeup look, teasing what we anticipate will be a seriously dramatic lineup of eye and lip colours... because Game of Thrones is nothing if not dramatic.
Urban Decay tells Refinery29 that the collection will be all about the Seven Kingdoms, as well as the strong women who make up the main cast of the show — which at this point boils down to Daenerys Targaryen, Sansa Stark, and Cersei Lannister. (And Arya, but she's not really the metallic blue eyeshadow type.) Details on the actual products are scarce, but we do know they'll launch in April, the same month the show's eighth and final season is set to air.
This isn't the first time a color-cosmetics collection has been inspired by the show — both Storybook Cosmetics and Wet n Wild created subtle, unlicensed winks to the series and its characters in the past — but this is the first one created in collaboration with HBO, so you know it's legit. All we need now is Daenerys Targaryen's skin-care routine, and we won't be quite as bitter about our Sunday nights opening up for the first time in a decade.
Urban Decay is known for its glistening highlighters and blushes, so why not own the famous formulas in three new shades named for Daenerys Targaryen's dragons — Drogon (frosted pink), Viserion (metallic golden nude), and Rhaegal (metallic bronze) — and imprinted with the image of their eggs?
Urban Decay Game of Thrones Mother Of Dragons Highlighter Palette, $25, available at Urban Decay
Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on the Iron Throne? This eyeshadow palette will give you a glimpse, no matter who you pledge your allegiance to. Hiding beneath the 3D pop-up throne is a removable palette featuring 20 eyeshadows inspired by the few remaining houses (that matter): House Targaryen, House Lannister, House Stark... and the White Walkers.
Urban Decay Game Of Thrones Eyeshadow Palette, $45, available at Urban Decay
You know an eyeliner is good if it can hold up past the Wall. Would the Night King approve of this shimmery teal?
Urban Decay Game of Thrones 24/7 Eye Pencil, $16, available at Urban Decay
Since the Starks consider the White Walkers public enemy number one right now, they'd most likely prefer this wintery white liner instead.
Urban Decay Game of Thrones 24/7 Eye Pencil, $16, available at Urban Decay
As for Cersei: She'd opt for the Lannister gold.
Urban Decay Game of Thrones 24/7 Eye Pencil, $16, available at Urban Decay
And, of course, everyone rooting for the last of the Targaryens and her dragons would stock up on this smoky black.
Urban Decay Game of Thrones 24/7 Eye Pencil, $16, available at Urban Decay
There are few lipstick formulas as iconic as Urban Decay's Vice collection, which is why snapping up these limited-edition shades is a good idea. This bold metallic bronze is strictly for Cersei supporters...
Urban Decay Game of Thrones Vice Lipstick in Lannister Gold, $17.5, available at Urban Decay
While this fiery red is for the Mother of Dragons.
Urban Decay Game of Thrones Vice Lipstick, $17.5, available at Urban Decay
After everything Sansa Stark has endured over the last seven seasons, she certainly deserves her own peachy lipstick. How else do you celebrate narrowly escaping being thrown through the Moon Door?
Urban Decay Game of Thrones Vice Lipstick in Sansa Stark, $17.5, available at Urban Decay
And, sure, why not give a White Walker a berry lipstick? In Westeros, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility.
Urban Decay Game of Thrones Vice Lipstick, $17.5, available at Urban Decay
Daenerys may prefer neutral, no-makeup makeup, but we bet if she knew what a makeup counter was, she'd demand to buy the lip and cheek tint in this set in bulk. After all, it is inspired by House Targaryen and Dany's bone-chilling High Valyrian command: "Dracarys." It also features a precision shadow brush, inspired by Arya Stark's Needle and another made in the likeness of Jon Snow's famous Longclaw sword to seamlessly blend and buff out your Westeros shadows.
Urban Decay Urban Decay Game of Thrones Vault, $198, available at Urban Decay
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Over weekend, Stevie Nicks was be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She becames the first woman to have the honour twice (following 22 men who have been double-inducted) — her first induction came as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998. This time, it’s about her solo career and individual contributions.
There’s a picture of Stevie Nicks hanging on my living room wall that I’ve had since I was a little girl in the ‘80s. It means a lot to me because it was taken by a beloved, late friend of the family at one of her Houston concerts, long before I was old enough to go to a concert. He knew I was a fan, even when I was a wee one, and blew the photo up and framed it for me. I’ve kept it all these years; it’s probably my oldest piece of music memorabilia — and one of my most treasured.
Nicks has always loomed large in my life; Fleetwood Mac’s landmark, multi-million selling 1977 album Rumours defined ‘70s rock and was released the year I was born. It is one of the best-selling albums of all time with an epic backstory that dominated music culture for multiple generations: Nicks broke up with guitarist Lindsey Buckingham while Christine and John McVie were divorcing, Mick Fleetwood divorced his own wife and had a subsequent brief romance with Nicks; they all wrote mean songs about each other and great songs about falling in love with other people. So, of course, I’ve been listening to Rumours all my life. It was always the songs by Nicks that were my favourites; there was never enough of her on the band’s albums, with songs evenly split between all the prolific songwriters in the group. It was after “Silver Springs” was dropped from the album for length and god knows what other reasons that the seed was planted: Stevie Nicks was going to have to work on her own projects at some point. She broke out on her own a few years later.
With her 1981 solo debut, Bella Donna, Nicks was flourishing. Working with producer (and future music industry titan and another of her paramours) Jimmy Iovine, she stepped out with an iconic duet, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. It was a radio smash and probably the only song of Petty career where the best thing he could do was get out of the way. The video was obsession-worthy: Nicks and Petty facing each other and singing, Nicks with those curly Russian Doll bangs we’re all obsessed with anew in drop feather earrings and what was, by then, her standard outfit: a black dress with sheer panels and skirts that hit the floor. It was like, after years of feuding with her ex-boyfriend and bandmate Buckingham, she finally wrote the parts for both of them: she got to burn him with lines like “this doesn’t have to be the big get even / this doesn’t have to be anything at all” while his proxy, Petty, could only say, “I know you really wanna tell me goodbye / I know you really wanna be your own girl.” It sounded like vindication — and freedom. In that moment, who didn’t want to be Stevie Nicks? Buckingham also released a solo album, that came out three months after Bella Donna. And, well, let’s just say that only one of them is a double-inductee to the Rock Hall.
There was also the Don Henley duet on “Leather and Lace” that is a song I didn’t appreciate until much later in life. But the sheer balls to leave your songwriting and romantic partner behind and then drop two singles with other men is something else. Don’t ever kid yourself that Nicks/Buckingham was, or is, less than a heated competition — that Nicks soundly won. One of the album’s other singles, “Edge of Seventeen” would become one of Nicks signature songs, along with “If Anyone Falls” and the synth-driven dance track “Stand Back” from her 1983 album The Wild Heart. Those were her most modern songs, the ones that pop radio embraced (the latter was a response to Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” that he ended up adding keyboard parts to — NBD, just one of the biggest artists in the world dropping in to collaborate). The trifecta of songs makes a weird juxtaposition to her 1982 hop back into Fleetwood Mac for Mirage, on which she wrote and recorded “Gypsy.” Their hard-driving synths and rock guitars were nothing like what the Mac did, and gave us full raspy-voiced Nicks, while “Gypsy” was the slow velvet ballads she’d long made her signature. Whatever flavour of Nicks might be your favourite, her voice and style were inescapable from 1977 to 1984. This era of Nicks influenced so many artists, from Lana Del Rey to Jenny Lewis to Destiny's Child to Shania Twain.
Nicks got heavily involved with cocaine and lost the plot a bit musically until she dropped “Rooms on Fire” in 1989. It’s a song inspired by dopamine, that shot of pleasure your brain sends when you’re newly in love and get a thrill from your paramour (in this case, producer Rupert Hine) that’s wrapped up in her particular sort of poetry meets magic aesthetic.
Nicks, along with Fleetwood Mac, fell out of favour as the ‘80s marched on. It was deeply uncool to like Fleetwood Mac. The punk that followed made “bloated ‘70s rock” like Rumours a guilty pleasure for a solid decade. As the ‘90s dawned, Wayne’s World made fun of it, condemning it to be a relic of uncool, suburban Boomer taste. But Stevie Nicks got the redemption she deserved with one live performance when Fleetwood Mac reunited with their core ‘70s lineup behind a live album and concert film after a decade of being broken up and bitter public battles. When the band performed 1997’s The Dance, a co-sign to Nicks’ songs had been given by Oscar-era Courtney Love, who had released her own take on “Gold Dust Woman” in an attempt to align herself with Nicks’ energy and nearly lost her shit at the taping (an I would have done the same). That album, along with the resurrection Nicks’ long-lost “Silver Springs,” shot them into a renaissance period.
If you’ve never seen someone crush a soul with music before, it’s exactly what happens when Nicks sings “Silver Springs.” After the first chorus, she starts staring down Buckingham, who the song was written about, and the way she leans in and makes eye contact when she later sings, “You’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you” is enough to make your blood run cold. She then drags her mic towards him while putting her full weight into singing, “Was I just a fool?” and Buckingham, who knows there’s no getting out of this now, looks almost captivated by her performance. Twenty years later and those two were still working their shit out in the most dramatic and public ways possible.
Better known for candy-coloured faux fur and kicking off the beaded bag trend that dominated last year (the brand's gorgeous Antonia bag was the OG ornate plus-one), cult label Shrimps is collaborating with high street mainstay Warehouse, and the result is a dreamy spring-perfect capsule.
Inspired by long, lazy days on the Italian coast, the 40-piece collection is Shrimps' founder Hannah Weiland's love letter to the Riviera – complete with '50s nipped-in silhouettes in acid green gingham, and retro square-necked sundresses.
While Weiland explores new territory – offering hats, sandals, jewellery and swimwear for the first time – she continues to play with texture, where she was a leader long before the masses got on board with faux fur.
Standout pieces such as raffia bags embellished with diamanté daisies, seersucker swimsuits and broderie anglaise co-ords have us sorely tempted to book a long weekend in the Italian sun. With the collection starting at £15, everyone can nab a slice of Weiland's stellar design – but you'll have to beat us to it.
Warehouse x Shrimps Holiday Edit will be available in selected Warehouse stores and online from mid-April.
This belted silhouette is insanely flattering; just add a pair of cat-eye sunglasses to channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor.
Swimsuit, £60
Is anything more quintessentially seaside than a straw boater? Reminiscent of Picnic At Hanging Rock, this hat is ideal for blocking the rays at a spring wedding.
Daisy boater hat, £25
This puffed-sleeve, daisy-embroidered blouse is to die for. Pair with jeans for the office now, and the matching shorts come summer.
Daisy embroidered shirt, £55
You heard it here first: daisies are the flower of summer 2019.
Daisy embroidered shorts, £45
The perfect throw-on-and-go shoe for the summer, espadrilles lend an easy nonchalance to sundresses.
Espadrilles, £35
Covered with doodles of shells, seahorses and mermaids, this sundress is ideal for fish and chips at the beach. Just add a cosy, oversized cardigan for any sea breezes.
Shrimps print dress, £49
Diamanté daisies – a very 2019 update on the tried-and-tested raffia bag.
Daisy embellished straw bag, £45
This embroidered T-shirt is super cute even before you realise there are kissing seahorses on the front pocket.
White embroidered seahorse T-shirt, £25
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Remember Corbynmania? The memes, merch, reality TV appearances, gushing admiration from Stormzy, JME and other celebrities, and who could forget the spontaneous eruptions of "Oooooh, Jeremy Corbyn" at festivals and football matches. New mothers were even (apparently) naming their babies after the Labour leader. The height of Corbynmania in 2017 – which may not have actually resulted in the electoral youthquake that was widely reported at the time – was monumental for many left-wing young people. Still reeling as they were from the Lib Dems' betrayal over university tuition fees, many genuinely believed that, finally, Corbyn was the man to give voice to their desire for a more equitable future. Just as Bernie Sanders had done for a time in the US, a cardigan-wearing, sixtysomething, vegetarian backbench MP had made socialism cool in the UK.
But if a week is a long time in politics, two years is an eternity, and the shine has worn off Jeremy Corbyn for many young voters. They overwhelmingly backed Remain in the EU referendum (around 75% according to estimates), and between Corbyn's wishy-washy stance on Brexit and his non-handling of anti-Semitism within the Labour party, many feel let down, angry and betrayed by the Labour leader, and some have quit the party as a result. Labour (and Jez himself) saw the biggest drop in support among young people than any demographic group in 2018, according to a YouGov poll in December last year, while a poll in January this year found that just 23% of 18- to 34-year-olds approved of his handling of Brexit. Ahead, five young broadly Labour-supporting women explain why they've turned their backs on Jeremy Corbyn.
Phoebe Potter, 23, head of mobilisation at Our Future, Our Choice in London, which campaigns for a People’s Vote, joined Labour just after Corbyn's leadership election in 2015. She is seriously considering leaving the party and says she "likely will if nothing changes in the very near future".
I've always been quite left-wing in my principles, and was excited at the prospect of a more left-wing Labour leadership. I did not (and still do not) buy into what I see as the patronising of left-wing principles as untenable for running the country, and was hoping that Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership would prove the viability of more radical policies – particularly a strong stance on welfare and wealth inequality – and bring them into the national conversation. But I first started having doubts during the EU referendum campaign when he failed to take a strong pro-EU stance, despite claiming he was on the Remain side. It's been his failure to address the Brexit situation properly that has led me to completely withdraw my support.
We're in the midst of the worst national crisis since the world wars, and Jeremy Corbyn has failed to take a stance as the leader of the opposition. I see him now as very happy to talk about his principles and completely unwilling to actually act on them. I don't think he can responsibly talk about how he is standing up for the most disadvantaged in our society, when a botched Brexit – or any Brexit – being pushed on the country will harm the disadvantaged in our society the most, and increase the inequalities in wealth and resources that led to the Brexit vote in the first place. His recent failure to take a strong stance on anti-Semitism in the party, as well as his absolute refusal to work across his own party or cross-party at this time of national crisis (such as when he refused to take part in a meeting with Chuka Umunna), have been the final straws.
It's becoming increasingly obvious to the general public and the young people who brought him to success in the first place that he doesn't share their open and pro-EU views. His inadequacy in standing up to Theresa May, who is extremely unpopular among young people, has led many more to lose faith in his leadership. As someone who spoke to the youth vote in order to gain so much success in the general election, young people feel rightly betrayed by his lack of representation of their views.
Tanya Arackal, 20, a student at Leeds University, joined the Labour party in the run-up to the 2017 general election but has since terminated her membership over Brexit.
I first started having doubts about Corbyn when he didn't have a clear stance on the Brexit debate, no clear strategy. He's the opposition to the current government, meaning his only job is to effectively scrutinise May's government – the most shambolic in UK history – and stop her from getting away with her awful leadership.
Labour needs to have a strong stance on Brexit and show people that the Leave campaign was built on lies and illegal conduct. The public is allowed to change their mind, and should have the final say. This includes young people like me who weren't old enough to vote in the 2016 referendum and are now eligible. Corbyn is ignoring his young electorate. The Labour party should see the importance of the youth vote and see that Brexit isn't the reality that everyone hoped for. It's time for a People's Vote.
Initially Corbyn seemed sincere, unlike other politicians, and as a student I was drawn to his policy of abolishing university fees, which resonated with many in my generation, despite criticisms that it was unlikely to happen. I was also drawn to his support of the "many not the few".
There's a real need for a party which campaigns against austerity and extreme poverty in the UK; homeless people shouldn't be dying on the streets. I left Labour because I felt that people's egos had taken over. As long as Corbyn is leader, I think the Tories will always be in power.
Georgia Murray, 26, Refinery29's junior fashion editor in London, joined the Labour party in 2015 and was an avid Corbyn supporter at the height of Corbynmania in the run-up to the 2017 general election. She left the Labour party in December 2018.
After being let down by the Lib Dems and empty promises, and not feeling able to identify with warmonger Tony Blair, Corbyn felt like a breath of fresh air. He's for wealth distribution, anti-war, a free NHS, a fair job market, the abolition of tuition fees, and more. Young people were engaged [in politics] for the first time in decades, and he actually spoke to the disenfranchised, whereas the Tories looked down on them. He looked and sounded so different to the Westminster elite.
I first started having doubts about him last year – the anti-Semitism revelations definitely stopped me looking at him through rose-tinted glasses. It's unacceptable. He has also never presented a solid plan for Brexit or represented his party members, who mainly wanted to Remain.
I'm disappointed in Corbyn, but I'm disillusioned with British politics in general really. Young people have been let down by all sides, and I'm fearful of the future – from the rise of the far right, to racism-fuelled attacks on minorities, to austerity, to the breakdown of the NHS...the list goes on. I'll never vote Tory, and think May is truly horrific – just look at her track record on immigration, deportation and Yarl's Wood as home secretary – so it's not like turning away from Corbyn has led me elsewhere. Voting Green always feels like a wasted vote too. I'm not sure how I'll vote at the next general election.
Nimo Omer, 20, a second-year politics and sociology student at the University of Manchester, was an ardent Corbyn supporter when he became Labour leader in 2015, but says her illusions have been shattered.
I was about 16 when Jeremy Corbyn became Labour leader, and up to this point I was incredibly disillusioned with parliamentary politics. I didn't see myself or my interests represented by anyone, regardless of which political party they stood for. He came onto the political scene as someone who, while still white, male and incredibly privileged, cared about other people. I truly believed that he wanted to bring the Labour party back to its emancipatory roots. He stood on a socialist ticket and I was so happy about it. He talked about investment in our society, which at that point was still a dirty word because we were still dealing with the effects of the financial crash. He offered hope.
I’ve been on a rollercoaster in terms of support for him – even within the first year he was starting to show signs of unyielding ideological dogma. His heart seemed in the right place but he didn’t know how to be the leader of a mainstream party, with numerous media faux pas and a general inability to react. But ultimately it was the anti-Semitism crisis and then his aggressively ambiguous stance on Brexit that deterred me. In early 2018 when the anti-Semitism scandal was flaring up again, he continued to ignore it. The inaction to suspend and expel people within his inner circle and the wider membership to me suggested complicity. Not acceptable – particularly as he framed himself almost entirely through the lens of social justice and anti-racism. It was an alarming level of hypocrisy.
On top of this, his stance on Brexit was an attack on everything I believed Labour should stand for. Not only did Corbyn, the so-called radical, refuse to take a pro-immigration stance, he also tacitly supported Theresa May’s immigration act that would’ve put EU citizens like me at risk. It showed me he wasn’t a maverick or a kind-hearted activist – he was a cynical politician who would use vulnerable people as political pawns if that serves him. He doesn’t seem to care about anything but political grandstanding, which doesn’t help anyone.
The zealotry and support of Corbyn among young people is definitely dwindling. Many do still support him but not because they think he's going to change the country for the better, but because they see him as the lesser of two evils. We're quickly regressing back to pre-Corbyn politics; no one is actually happy with the choices on offer.
Isobel Housecroft, 18, a first-year biomedical science student at Hull University, from West Yorkshire, joined Labour in September 2017. She is still a member but says this is "sometimes difficult to justify when you look at the current state of the party".
I never worshipped Jeremy Corbyn. I believed in his vision for the country and would like to think I still do, but I've stopped believing in his leadership. With each case of anti-Semitism uncovered, I lost a little bit more faith in him. When I read comments he’d made in the past about his Jewish colleagues, about Hamas and Hezbollah, and his support for Labour members expelled for anti-Semitism, I lost faith in him completely.
He's also been consistently weak on Brexit. He needs to be open and unapologetic about his support for a People’s Vote, but I don’t think he has the political will to support it. He’s dragged his feet, and the country is at an impasse. He offers no real alternative to the shambolic way the Tories have handled Brexit.
Back in 2017, I was tired of getting a bad deal as a young person. Labour offered me something better. Free tuition, a real living wage that didn’t discriminate against me because I was under 25, the nationalisation of public transport, and an alternative to austerity. Young people aren’t single-issue voters, we also care about the economy and adult social care. The Labour party offered all of that. I’d always had my doubts about Jeremy Corbyn, but he was miles better than the alternative. I’m pretty angry with him now.
Under Jeremy Corbyn, Labour is a safer space for anti-Semites than it is for Jewish people. It hurts to even think about it. I know a lot of people who are angry with Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of Brexit and the anti-Semitism crisis. People who joined the movement because they were so inspired by him and now feel betrayed. It’s a terrible cliché, but young people really are the future of the party and the country. Jeremy Corbyn ought to listen to them.
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Celebrity magician David Blaine is under investigation by NYPD for sexual assault, the Daily Beast reports. Two women gave statements to the Special Victims Unit, with one claiming that Blaine sexually assaulted her inside his NYC apartment in 1998.
"The NYPD takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a report so we can perform a comprehensive investigation, and offer support and services to survivors," Detective Denise Moroney said in a statement to Refinery29.
In 2017, Natasha Prince accused Blaine of rape. Prince, who is a former model, alleged that Blaine raped her in the summer of 2004 when she was 21 years old in an interview with the Daily Beast. After investigating her claim, Scotland Yard did not take action.
The NYPD has not charged Blaine in relation to the two claims. The representatives for Blaine did not immediately respond to request for comment.
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Remember, every outfit ahead can be amended with more or less clothing. Because until the weather wants to cooperate, we'll figure out a way to make it work for ourselves — and our style.
Click through for the 30 transition looks we can't wait to copy this spring.
Wishing all bananas came this chic-ly polka dotted.
Match your jumpsuit to your bubblegum, of course.
Oversized blazers are the spring jacket trend to try!
Clashing track pants are just what the mod-patterned coat asked for.
Only button the top few buttons of your shirt for optimal wind flow.
