“My hairline is so weird.”
“My pores are huge.”
“My nail beds suck!”
Like most millennials, countless Mean Girls quotes are indelibly burned into my brain, but this last gripe is the one still smouldering. That’s because every time I go to my local beauty salon, I leave with a similar feeling of disdain towards my nails — usually a result of the following comments:
“Not much I can do with these.”
“Why don’t you do extensions?”
“So small!”
You see, I’m one of many people with genetically short nail beds. In the grand scheme of things to worry about, the length of the area between your cuticle and tip of your nail isn’t a big one, I know. But now more than ever, nails — in particular how aesthetically pleasing they are — seem to be at the forefront of discussion. It makes sense: With costs rising left and right, manicures are an uplifting and affordable luxury for many. The experience can be a little different for those of us with short nail beds, though.
The recent online conversation around short nail beds can be traced back to the comments section of a viral TikTok video captioned, “You might think that no one notices your nails, but I actually think it plays a big role in pretty privilege.” In the clip, which has amassed 1.4 million views, the poster @egybestie feels that she is taken more seriously when her nails are done, and calls the manicure a “door opener”. The post sparked a heated discussion about beauty standards, namely the pressure placed on women to look “groomed” at all times. Among the hundreds of comments, one stood out: “I thought you were gonna talk about the pretty privilege of your actual nail beds,” wrote a viewer. “Some of ya’ll have the perfect nail beds and mine are out here all wonky and wide.” Interestingly, it’s one of a few comments that received a reply from the poster: “I REALLY SHOULD’VE,” @egybestie responded. “I have naturally short [nail]beds so I [definitely] feel like long nail beds are pretty privilege.”
@egybestie You might think that no one notices your nails but I actually think it plays a big role in pretty privilege #prettyprivilege ♬ original sound – egybestie
Pretty privilege suggests that those who are typically attractive by Western standards (think straight hair and white skin) have better advantages. If social media is anything to go by, long nail beds are included in this list of desirable attributes. But where did such a beauty bias come from, and where does it leave those who don’t — mind the pun — measure up?
The first time I realised my long nail beds were desirable was when a school friend tried to prise my nail from my finger. She didn’t believe they were mine.
L’Oréal Blackett
What is the history of favouring long nail beds?
Long nails, and by association the appeal of long nail beds, spans centuries. Well-to-do women in the Chinese Ming and Qing dynasties wore lengthy and elaborate nail covers (made from precious metals and stones) to protect their long, natural nails, which were emblematic of social status and wealth. Centuries later, Queen Elizabeth I of England was known for her obsession with her long, slender fingers and nails, reports historian Dr Amy Boyington; these were emphasised — and often exaggerated — in her portraits and other depictions throughout her reign. Most famous is the Armada portrait of 1588 in which Queen Elizabeth’s long fingers are draped over a globe: the ultimate symbol of female power following the Spanish Armada’s defeat by the English army.
With an estimated 23,000 nail salons in the UK alone, the modern equivalent of this power pose would likely be a nail selfie. Whether you opt for gels, acrylics or regular polish, it has become second nature to post our nails online, but a quick scroll through the hundreds of millions of Pinterest and Instagram photos proves that manicures on long nail beds are by far the most popular.
Why are long nail beds deemed more beautiful?
Luxury manicurist and content creator Lois Elias notices much higher engagement on content where nail beds are long, not short: “I think people enjoy ‘aspirational’ content, even if it’s unattainable for them personally,” Elias tells Refinery29. Similarly, Refinery29 Unbothered editor L’Oréal Blackett is often the talk of her local nail salon thanks to her long nail beds. “The first time I realised my long nail beds were desirable was when a school friend tried to prise my nail from my finger,” says Blackett. “She didn’t believe they were mine.” She adds, “Manicurists often comment on them when my nails are being filed and shaped. I’m usually told that I’m ‘lucky’ or that my nails are ‘elegant,’ which leads to other clients looking over to compliment them, too.”
Celebrities aren’t excused: Love Island’s Megan Barton Hanson and actress Megan Fox have both been on the receiving end of unsavoury comments about their short thumb nails.
The word “elegant” seems to be synonymous with long nail beds. Interestingly, session manicurist Ami Streets says that long nail beds are not only perceived as a “symbol of elegance” but also “femininity”. Streets, who does nails for magazine shoots, adverts and campaigns, adds that features associated with more classically “feminine” attributes, such as longer nail beds, smaller hands and longer fingers, tend to be used for aspirational (and often expensive) jewellery, beauty and fragrance content.
Conversely, people often give short nail beds masculine connotations, says Elias. Short nails, nail beds and coarsened hands have long been associated with “masculine” work such as manual labour — also linked with lower classes. Perhaps it isn’t a coincidence that the trending TikTok hashtag #oldmoneymanicure (essentially the nude nail aesthetic of upper-class women) serves up photos of long nail beds studded with gems and pearls. Not only are long nail beds widely considered markers of class and status, they are inexplicably tied to gender identity, namely looking “womanly”.
Are long nail beds yet another beauty standard?
Fashion and beauty psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell says that beauty standards such as favouring long nail beds are rooted in evolution: “Over the years, certain traits have been deemed more ‘attractive’ for certain gazes,” says Forbes-Bell. From the perspective of the male gaze (a power dynamic where women are objectified by men), women are expected to be adorned and “pretty.” When it comes to long nail beds in particular, there’s more room to decorate, says Forbes-Bell, whether with nail colour or intricate nail art. Sadly, this maintains the impractical, antiquated and ultimately sexist ideal that women should be well groomed or dressed up at all times. Celebrities certainly aren’t excused: Love Island’s Megan Barton Hanson and actress Megan Fox have both been on the receiving end of unsavoury comments about their short thumb nails, with TikTokers and even online publications referring to them as “toe thumbs.”
Literally no nail places will do nail art for me because my nails are so small. The most they’re ever happy to do (read: not genuinely annoyed with me about) is a novelty dot.
George Driver
From a practical point of view, certain nail art (think tortoiseshell print and aura nails) requires the larger canvas of a long nail bed, says Streets. This is something George Driver, communications director at Karla Otto and former senior beauty editor at ELLE.co.uk, knows all too well: “Literally no nail places will do nail art for me because my nails are so small,” she says. “The most they’re ever happy to do (read: not genuinely annoyed with me about) is a novelty dot.” Driver continues, “I stalk [nail artist] Betina Goldstein-esque images and it took me so long to realise I couldn’t get the same look; not because my nails weren’t long enough on the ends but because my actual nail beds weren’t long and piano-like.” For Driver, long nail beds are up there with wedding dress models: “You take the vision with a massive pinch of salt.”
Not only is our obsession with long nail beds exclusionary, it’s also problematic. In the era of body neutrality, words like “slim” and “slender” feel outdated. Yet in the context of nails, and favouring long nail beds, they are used frequently. Take the trending “Italian” manicure, for example, which leaves the edge of the nail free of polish to create the illusion of more elongated, “slimmer” talons. In a similar vein, Streets says that longer nails, and by association long nail beds, are generally seen as more aspirational because they are thought to be a sign of “good health”, much like glowing skin and long hair. On the other hand, very short nail beds are synonymous with nail biting, a habit that makes us vulnerable to dirt, bacteria and illness.
What determines the shape of our nail beds?
In reality, genetics mostly determine the shape and length of our nail beds. Happily, nail enthusiasts are not afraid to point out the bias. In the #redditLacqueristas Reddit thread, a space for like-minded nail devotees, one poster amassed 120 passionate comments when they recently asked, “Does everybody here have beautiful hands?! Literally all of you have the most perfect hands, long, slender fingers with nail beds the length of airport runways.” One reply earned the most upvotes: “People with the ‘ideal nail’ will be more likely to show their nails off because they can expect positive reactions,” wrote one poster. If a trait is continually presented as “attractive” to us, and receives validation through likes and comments, we will eventually internalise it as a beauty standard, says Forbes-Bell. “Your psychology tells you that anything which doesn’t fit the status quo is often deemed negative,” she adds.
Not all long nails are considered a societal beauty standard, however. Many Black women face judgement and discrimination for their long nails and intricate nail art. Aesthetician and beauty writer Alicia Lartey previously told R29 that she is treated differently based on the length and colour of her nails. “If I go for simple, short designs, I find that [beauty] brands are nicer to me and people treat me with more respect,” Lartey said. “If my nails are long and elaborate, it’s always a very negative experience,” she added.
Like many other beauty standards, Streets believes that the infatuation with long nails beds is highly unrealistic: “Not everyone necessarily has the income — or the genetics — to reach these ever-evolving beauty ideals,” she says. Two beauty editors challenging the algorithm are Laura Capon and Lucy Partington, who set up the Instagram account All Nails Welcome after becoming frustrated with the lack of diversity in the nail industry, particularly with the rise of “luxury” manicurists. “Their feeds were filled with nothing but hand models, who had nail beds longer than our to-do list,” Capon tells R29. “As a (now reformed) nail biter with chubby hands, I knew how it felt to have your artist skip the usually mandatory ‘after’ photo. Not only is it elitist, but it’s not helpful when looking for inspiration. We want to see how a design translates to shorter, wider nail beds as well.”
Manicurists need to do better to ensure they are not only representing their paying clients better, adds Capon, but also their own work. “A sheer nude on hands worth of insurance doesn’t cut that,” she says. Forbes-Bell also suggests curating your social media feed. Instagram’s Favourite and Following features, for example, give you more control over what you see.
As Elias puts it: “I think the pressure to conform to ideals distracts from the fun and joy of nails.” Like bodies, nails come in all shapes and sizes. To elevate or to place more value on one over another is inane. Whether you never miss a gel appointment or do nothing to your nails at all, let’s collectively embrace the diversity of how they can look.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
In our series Salary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.
Been in the workforce for at least five years and interested in contributing your salary story? Submit your information here. Published stories receive £100.
Age: 26
Location: Birmingham
Current industry and job title: Charity sector, fundraising manager
Current salary: £34,650
Number of years employed since school or university: Five
Starting salary: £12,057 in 2017
Biggest salary jump: From £21,000 to £30,200 in 2020.
Biggest salary drop: N/A
Biggest negotiation regret: I’ve always been happy with salary negotiations but I wish I’d negotiated on annual leave after leaving one job that had generous flexi-time, to one that wasn’t generous at all. I don’t think I even knew at the time you could negotiate on non-money-related things. Now, I wouldn’t join a business that didn’t offer good holiday and prioritised work/life balance.
Best salary advice: Apply for jobs you don’t hit all the criteria for (yes, even those with big salaries). If they like you enough they might be willing to train you, or put you at the bottom of the salary band, or even fit you in elsewhere in the business.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Salary Story: I’m Not Afraid To Take A Pay Cut
.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center}
Whenever I wear gingham I experience a mild panic before I leave my home, worried that I look too much like a picnic blanket. The two-toned chequered pattern makes me think of grassy lunches and yellow brick roads and the fabric shops my grandma used to take me to as a child. But it’s this nostalgia, paired with its general versatility, that makes gingham such a timeless print. While I only own a handful of gingham pieces — a red Ganni maxi dress, a second-hand overshirt and headscarf, and an overnight Baggu tote — this is a spring trend that I’m definitely co-signing.
These days, gingham has been adopted into micro-trends like the coquette aesthetic, often complemented by Peter Pan collars and bow details. Last year, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie featured Margot Robbie as the titular character in a baby pink gingham sundress; significant to the film’s depiction of girlhood innocence. On the spring/summer 2024 runways, designers used gingham in various formats, from handbags to dresses to head-to-toe separates.
This pattern isn’t just restricted to hyper-feminine (or thin and white) bodies either. It’s actually the kind of pattern that’s so versatile you can find it everywhere — from your favourite second-hand shop to your boyfriend’s wardrobe. Whether in the form of an oversized shirt, wide-leg trousers, or a ridiculously-sized scrunchie, gingham’s superpower is that it doesn’t need to be the centre of any outfit.
French slow fashion brand MaisonCléo has long seen gingham as an everyday staple. “Whether it’s a trend or not, gingham fabrics have been part of our DNA since the beginning,” founder Marie Dewet tells Refinery29. MaisonCléo produces made-to-order pieces from leftover fabrics and has a spring lineup of gingham blouses, baby-doll dresses, lace embroidered co-ords and more. “Gingham has a fresh and natural vibe. It’s also very pleasant to wear in summer and can go with anything.”
To incorporate this summery pattern into your life this season, here are the styling tips you need to know.
Pair a gingham top with jeans.
Bring vintage-style gingham into the 21st century with any kind of denim. “To not get this Petite Maison dans la Prairie [Little House on the Prairie] vibe, style it with your favourite pair of denim jeans and a pair of boots or ballerina flats,” Dewet says.
Opt for gingham bags, headscarves and other accessories.
The power of the accessory shall never be underestimated. As seen in Anna Sui’s SS24 collection, gingham handbags, headscarves and scrunchie are subtle enough to make a bold fashion statement — without the impression you’re picnicking with a tin man and scarecrow.
Layer your gingham accordingly.
To style my red gingham maxi dress for busy (and chilly) London this spring, I’ll layer it with a more casual top or leather jacket, along with a pair of trainers or boots. When I want my gingham to make a statement on its own (and the weather’s warm enough) I’ll wear it solo.
Gingham from head to toe.
This is a gingham endorsement if I’ve ever seen one. On holiday last summer, I paired my go-to chequered dress with some simple sliders for a full patterned look. A fashion rule of thumb? There’s always room for maximalists. Get your hands on a gingham co-ord, suit or separates.
Perhaps the best thing of all is that this pattern will always have a use in your home. When you’re eventually ready to move on, you can upcycle it into a chic headscarf, tablecloth or (dare I say it), picnic blanket.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Butter Yellow Is Trending — Yes, You Can Wear It
3 May, 2024 | Admin | No Comments
Zendaya’s Challengers Press Tour Looks Will Inspire You To Try Tenniscore
.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center}
Nobody commits to the bit the way Zendaya does. The film star is known for her on-theme red carpet dressing. Earlier in the year, the actor embodied a futuristic desert princess when promoting Dune: Part Two. And for the last few months, alongside her stylist Law Roach, Zendaya has been cosplaying as her tennis prodigy-turned-professional coach character, Tashi Duncan, for Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, which released on April 26.
While we’re excited about the on-screen fashion in Challengers, which follows a decade-plus-long love triangle, we’re even more enthralled by Zendaya’s press tour looks. From the Loewe tennis ball heels to a glittering gown the colour of a grass court, suddenly, the standout tennis-inspired looks have got us excited to get into the (fashion) game.
To help you ease into wearing the tenniscore trend, which is bound to keep growing throughout the spring and summer (especially thanks to trending track star style and sportscore), we’ve pulled some of Zendaya’s most notable Challengers press tour looks, ranging from elevated athleisure and green-and-white colour combos to retro tennis star vibes. Read on to see Zendaya’s grand slam outfits and implement her tennis style into your own wardrobe too, even if you have no red carpets or tennis matches in your future.
Kitschy activewear details
One of the most viral Challengers press tour moments yet was in Rome when Zendaya sported tennis ball-pierced stilettos from Loewe, designed by the luxury brand’s creative director and the movie’s costume designer, Jonathan Anderson. As if the shoes weren’t enough of a showpiece, Zendaya paired them with a custom Loewe V-neck dress inspired by a tennis uniform and featuring bedazzled varsity stripes. The actress’ luxe pieces with activewear elements didn’t end there, as she donned a Thom Browne gown, featuring a polo collar and all-over tennis racket appliques, to the London movie premiere. Most recently, Zendaya stepped out at a Beverly Hills photocall in a custom Jacquemus dress with a polo shirt neckline and drawstring ties around the waist.
Show off your love for the game by incorporating cutesy activewear details and embracing tennis-themed clothing, as well as tennis gear-shaped accessories and jewellery. That means all things tennis balls and rackets! But beyond the kitschy nods, you could also dress up polo tops and tennis dresses with the right accessories. Or cart up formalwear in the form of a maxi dress with preppy stripes, a crystal-encrusted top, or a sleek hooded dress like Zendaya.
Green colour palette
Emerald and neon and chartreuse, oh my! Zendaya’s press looks have packed a punch in terms of tennis greens. Back in March, at the first Challengers premiere in Sydney, the actress stepped out in a glittery green Loewe gown featuring a tennis player silhouette.
On the chartreuse end, the star has worn the can’t-miss hue several times during the Challengers press tour, including a Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 1999 chartreuse top and matching pants set for a Paris photocall, mini dress for a BAFTA film screening, and sporty set for an interview. But the boldest and brightest Zendaya look has been a custom neon green maxi with a waist tennis ball adornment, courtesy of Celia Kritharioti.
Think it’ll be difficult finding a tennis ball neon style that seamlessly blends into your wardrobe? Don’t stress, because citron zest is trending in 2024, and several of your favourite brands are selling it right now. You can take Zendaya’s lead, and wear grassy-green statement spring jackets and matching sets. If you’re not sold, you can ease into the bold colour with playful footwear and accessories. Look out for trendy pointed-toe heels, bold handbags and chunky costume jewellery in the colour pallete.
Preppy & nostalgic nods
Zendaya has also been serving nostalgic touches throughout her press tour fashion. For the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis match, Zendaya posed wearing a retro-looking collared cable knit jumper with a preppy emblem affixed and a high-slit maxi skirt with a trouser-like waistband from Brunello Cucinelli.
During a Paris photocall, the Challengers star wore a ‘60s-inspired mod jacket dress with Louis Vuitton’s signature Damier checkered pattern from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Law Roach also pulled an archival Ralph Lauren Spring 1992 polo-neck halter mini dress, originally shown off by supermodel Cindy Crawford on the runway, in the nod to the ultimate ’90s prep brand.
Preppy fashion has been back for a while, so you likely already have something in your wardrobe to channel an old-school tennis player (or channel Zendaya channeling an old-school tennis player). That may include a cable knit cardigan, polo top or tennis shoes. But if you’re looking for fresh inspo, consider carting up the exact Tory Burch chevron polo top Zendaya wore in NYC (see below). Or cart up a visor and sleek white tennis dress a la Palm Royale… no matter if you’re planning on actually playing the game, being a well-dressed spectator or simply wanting to try out tenniscore in your everyday life.
Crisp tennis whites
Zendaya wasn’t afraid to step out in bold, bright white looks throughout the press tour, wearing several crisp white dresses, jumpsuits and matching skirt sets. Towards the end of the tour, she wore a custom white hooded Alaïa dress to a NYC screening. While in New York, she also stepped out in a collared sleeveless blouse with flowy ultra-wide-leg trousers that gave the effect of an elegant jumpsuit. And she, of course, in tenniscore fashion, swapped out her signature white Christian Louboutin heels for fresh white kicks.
But one of Zendaya’s first monochromatic press tour looks was a custom Calvin Klein blazer (sans a blouse) paired with a floor-length skirt. Rather than a tennis necklace, she opted for a diamond-encrusted Bulgari snake necklace and matching rings.
For a casual all-white look, consider carting up white matching activewear sets or the film’s iconic “I Told Ya” t-shirt (see below). Meanwhile for an elevated, evening wear look, consider a white jumpsuit, statement blazer and stiletto heels. Oh, and a white sapphire tennis necklace like the one Zendaya wore in the film wouldn’t hurt either!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Tashi Is Challengers Villain & Zendaya Is Its Hero
.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center}
Recently while on the London tube, I noticed a woman with impeccable street style and trainers by On. While it wasn’t the first time I’d seen the athletic shoes, unmissable thanks to their unique cushioned soles and reflective logos, out — in fact, by then, I’d seen On trainers all over London’s streets for months — it was a moment that, for me, solidified their hype status. Now after the release of Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, where the athletes’ On trainers were unmissable throughout the film, the brand has reached peak relevance.
Originally from the Swiss Alps, with its cleverly simple name, On specialises in performance sportswear for activities like running, training and hiking. Though the brand has been around since 2010, trends like tenniscore and gorpcore have recently catapulted On and its popular styles like Cloudmonster, Cloudwander and Cloud 5 into mainstream popularity.
“Sportswear has become the modern uniform,” On general manager Bianca Pestalozzi tells Refinery29. “We’ve embraced this evolution, bridging the gap between performance and lifestyle.”
If this evolution sounds familiar, it’s the same one that made household names out of performance brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Hoka and Salomon, the latter being the orthopaedic hiking trainers that captured a surging generation of gorpheads (and even the likes of Bella Hadid and Rihanna). According to resale marketplace StockX, which prices products based on market demand, trades for On trainers increased by 695% from 2022 to 2023. With such exponential growth, and two Loewe x On collaborations under the belt, On has successfully carved out their space in fashion and lifestyle spaces.
While my backhand isn’t good enough to take me nor my On trainers to the US Open, I’m all about styling them for everyday life. So if, like me, you’re also intrigued by the hype, scroll on to see how you can style the trend for spring and summer.
How To Style On Trainers: Parachute Pants
The first pair I test-drove was the Cloud 5 Waterproof in a light grey-and-white colourway. I normally wouldn’t choose trainers in this hue, but after seeing grey all over the runways, I decided to test its styling potential with my go-to casual trousers: parachute pants. As these bottoms are practically made for gorpcore girlies, this outfit came together really naturally. I styled them with an oversized shirt and leather motorcycle jacket on a rainy day, and felt both cool and untouchable. Puddles? NBD.
How To Style On Trainers: Statement Jeans
Next, with the same Cloud 5s, I went for a bolder look with leopard print jeans, a crew neck sweater, a motorcycle jacket and a red handbag (I love how designers favoured red accessories during the most recent fashion month, so this was a perfect opportunity to flex mine). As this was my first attempt at dressing up On trainers, I realised it would require more thought than it would to dress up my other trainers. In the end, I was satisfied with the final look, which I’d describe as “city girl on the go.”
How To Style On Trainers: Midi Or Maxi Skirt
The second pair I tried was the Cloudwander Waterproof, On’s multifunctional hiking shoe, in a military green. These feel more similar to Salomons because of their chunkiness and tonal colourway, as well as their versatility with dresses and skirts. Here, I styled it with a maxi skirt, a tee and a vintage overshirt, adding chunky silver jewellery for extra playfulness. Have I mentioned that I love the waterproof feature? The showers were no threat to my comfort in this fit.
How To Style On Trainers: Bodycon Dress
Even I surprised myself with this pairing — who would have thought that a bodycon midi dress, hiking trainers and black socks (!) could actually work together? What I like most about the Cloudwander is that, while it’s clear they are a utility shoe, they are understated enough that it isn’t in-your-face gorpcore. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, either.
My final verdict? On trainers are definitely as comfortable as they claim to be, but they’re also harder to style than your less-technical trainers (see: Adidas Sambas), unless you tend to lean more toward the gorpcore aesthetic. That said, if quality, function, and lifespan are shoe qualities you care about, it could be worth it for you to get on the On train.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
‘Challengers’ Fashion Goes Beyond Tenniscore
Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last penny.
This week: “I’m 31, married and child-free, living in north-west England. I have lived in the same town for my whole life and moved in with my boyfriend (now husband) a few years ago when we bought our first house. I work full time, as does my husband, and we bring in a similar wage each, and contribute 50/50 to all household expenses. We do have a joint account, but this is just for our mortgage and other bills and we have direct debits set up for the relevant amount to move over to this account on payday. All of our other money is separate. I work for a nursery, running the before and after school club and the holiday club. I also cover some hours in the nursery to make my hours up to full time. I love going on holiday and always have a holiday or two planned. To fund the holidays I enjoy, I am sensible with my money, saving as much as I can each month and also babysit occasionally to supplement this. I have a sensible attitude towards money, as my parents have always been savers as opposed to spenders. Although I have a relatively low-paid job, I am always on top of my budget and factor every little spend in each month, even including our weekly takeaways!”
Occupation: Nursery practitioner/out of school club room leader
Industry: Childcare
Age: 31
Location: NW England
Salary: £11.17 per hour (£21,840 per year)
Paycheque Amount: £1,537.41 after tax (this has increased very slightly recently due to NI contributions decreasing).
Number of housemates: One, my husband E.
Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing costs: £242.95 for my half of mortgage. We got a fixed rate mortgage for seven years in November 2022 — very happy with that!
Loan payments: £103.27 (this isn’t an official loan, but a standing direct debit to my mum every month as she lent me the money for my car).
Pension? £39.04 each month automatically taken from my payslip, not sure what % this is but very low. Obviously, this is not very much at all and I know I need to look at increasing this in the next couple of years, realistically.
Savings? £1,200 and then £2,250 in another separate savings account that is earmarked for a big holiday I am booking soon.
Utilities: £133.55 for my half of water, council tax, internet et cetera. £80-£100 on gas and electric (we are still on an old-fashioned payment meter).
All other monthly payments: £56 phone contract; £2.99 iCloud storage; £6.99 phone insurance; £29.71 car insurance; £14.43 car tax. Subscriptions: £14.99 Odeon Limitless; £3.70 Twinkl (I pay half with a friend); £6.99.Netflix.
Did you participate in any form of higher education?
Yes, I completed an undergraduate degree in early years and childhood studies. This was £9,000 per year and paid for with student loans. I don’t currently earn enough to pay any of this back. I also had around £3,000 per year in maintenance loans, but mainly saved this as I worked during university, lived at home and didn’t go out much as I don’t drink. Later, I did my early years teacher Status qualification, but this was fully funded by the NCTL and I worked full time during this.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money?
I grew up in a nice house with my parents and two sisters, we all had our own bedrooms and yearly holidays (either in the UK or Europe) but my parents didn’t waste money on us pointlessly. At 17, I started my first part time job. I didn’t pay rent or board, but did buy my own food and toiletries, paid my own phone bill, and so on. We talk very openly and honestly about money and I plan and budget for EVERYTHING. I wish I had been more serious about savings a little earlier than I was, but I enjoyed my earnings at the time and I’m thankful that I am sensible with money now.
If you have, when did you move out of your parents’/guardians’ house?
I bought my house with my husband (then boyfriend) when I was 25 (six and a half years ago). My parents gifted us £10,000 towards our deposit.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself? Does anyone else cover any aspects of your financial life?
Fully responsible from 25 when I moved out, before that I was responsible for my own food, clothes, phone bill, toiletries, et cetera, but did live at home for free as I did not pay board. I bought my own car when I passed my test at 21 and have always paid the costs associated with my car. My mum has since bought me two cars (not at the same time!) that I pay her back monthly for. She won’t “let” me waste money paying a car loan back when she can comfortably afford to lend me the money, so I am very grateful for that!
What was your first job and why did you get it?
I worked at McDonald’s from the age of 17. I wanted a part-time job so I could afford to buy clothes for myself and hang out with my friends more.
Do you worry about money now?
No, I don’t. I’m very careful with my money and definitely wish I had more (ha ha), as my taste in holidays is definitely far too expensive for my income! BUT I don’t “worry” about it as my priority will always be having a roof over my head, food in the fridge and money on the gas and electric meters. I don’t have much in savings, but it is enough if anything happens on a day-to-day basis. I like having that security and will be focusing much more on building my savings up in 2025 and beyond.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income?
When I was 18, I got £1,400 from my grandparents. This did not last very long unfortunately as I was young and just been handed over a thousand pounds! Then the £10,000 towards my house deposit at age 25 from my parents.
7:05 a.m. — Drive to work (10 minutes away). I start at 7.30 a.m. and have toast at work with the children at breakfast club.
9 a.m. — Today is the day I get admin time at work until 3 p.m. I have brought snacks with me. Wednesday may or may not be my favourite long workday!
11 a.m. — My mum is in Blackpool for work and has stopped by my favourite bakery for me to pick up some treats. They do the absolute best blondies, and I haven’t had them for months, so I am happy to spend the money on them (however my mum treats me because she is the best!). We live well over an hour away so don’t get to go a lot, so I am looking forward to them.
1 p.m. — Lunch is a microwave chicken sub that I bought from Asda during the food shop at the weekend. I work three long days a week where I need to bring lunch with me. I will always buy stuff on the food shop for at least two of my long days, and sometimes treat myself to a cheap lunch out on the third day or just grab something from the cupboard. My other two days are split shifts, so I am at home over lunchtime.
6 p.m. — Finish work and chat to a friend for a bit after giving her a lift home.
7 p.m. — My husband works away every Wednesday night and I usually just chuck something from the freezer into the air fryer for tea which is what I do tonight (yes, I eat like a toddler 50% of the time).
10 p.m. — Head up to bed as I need a half decent sleep tonight.
Total: £0
7:10 a.m. — Drive to work and have toast there with the children at breakfast club – a definite perk of my job!
9 a.m. — Drive home. Two days a week I do a split shift just working 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which is before and after school club hours. Sometimes these can be risky days for me for spending money as it’s so easy to nip to the shops on the way home! Today this happens and I go to Aldi. This is part of our weekly food shop and has been budgeted for. I do most of the food shopping at Asda but will nip to Aldi maybe once a fortnight and do part of the shop there as there’s some bits we do like. E will pay me back half for this when I have done the rest of the shop on Sunday, so £13.14 for my half.
10:30 a.m. — Relax watching Walt Disney World vlogs on YouTube while planning my own trip in November. I’m a planner and find it oddly relaxing making lists for everything!
1 p.m. — Lunch time, chicken strips and fries in the air fryer from the freezer. Yes, I am actually a toddler in an adult’s body.
2:35 p.m. — Drive back to work for after school club to start work at 3 p.m.
6 p.m. — Drive home and cook tea for me and E — I cook, and he does the dishes. We then chill in front of the TV for a couple of hours before bed.
10:45 p.m. — Bedtime.
Total: £13.14
7:10 a.m. — Drive to work, have toast with the children as usual. I have work all day today.
12 p.m. — Have my other chicken sub for lunch today. My mum and dad live just across the road from where I work, so I always spend my lunch hour at their house which is nice. I like the people I work with, but I do appreciate an hour away from my workplace at lunchtime.
6 p.m. — Finish work and get ready for tea out. It was mine and my husband’s 13-year anniversary of being together (not married that long!) on Wednesday so we are celebrating today due to both being at work on the actual day.
8 p.m. — We are at an all-you-can-eat Asian restaurant (yum). We always pay for what we eat individually when we go out for food as we have always earned similarly, and I find the concept of splitting the bill with anyone strange. I budget for what I’m buying, so it would throw me off if that changed because I was paying more due to splitting the bill in half. My husband generally eats a lot more than me and I don’t want to be paying for more than I am eating. I kept money aside from a babysitting job a few weeks ago to pay for this, so it almost feels like it’s free (girl math!), £25.99.
10 p.m. — Arrive home and chill watching television for an hour before bed.
Total: £25.99
8:50 a.m. — Drag myself out of bed. I literally turn into the laziest person alive on Saturdays if I don’t have plans. However, today I have to help out at the work open day for a couple of hours, so I am actually up very “early” for me on a Saturday.
9:30 a.m. — Work. This is overtime which is classed as time back so I can finish earlier another day(s).
12:15 p.m. — Obviously I deserve a treat lunch for working on a Saturday! £4.29 wrap of the day meal at McDonald’s.
1 p.m. — Nip home to grab a parcel I’ve been meaning to post for a couple of days and take to the Evri parcel shop near me.
1:30 p.m. — Pick my nephew, T, up as I am taking him to a birthday party for one of his classmates, which resulted in a massive headache and me questioning my life choices. I then take T to mine for a few hours, we watch Inside Out and make plans to go to the cinema when Inside Out 2 comes out in the summer.
6:30 p.m. — Make myself a quick tea for one (E is at the football with his dad and brother) before taking T home. Earlier than I would usually eat but I can’t be bothered to take tea with me to babysitting.
7:30 p.m. — I have my little babysitting job that I have recently started doing once a month. I get regular babysitting jobs due to having connections at the nursery where I work. These jobs really help me with my holiday fund and a little bit of extra cash to get me through the month.
11 p.m. — Home and bed.
Total: £4.29
9:30 a.m. — Get up after scrolling Instagram for a couple of hours in bed thinking about how hungry I am.
10:45 a.m. — Head to do my Asda food shop. I always do this on a Sunday morning. Me and E budget around £50-£55 a week for this (he budgets £30, I budget £25). We split equally, but every week I complain about how much all of his work snacks cost, and he always says he doesn’t mind paying a little bit more as he budgets more than me anyway. One day I will listen! £17.58 for my half.
11:45 a.m. — Get petrol while I am out (I budget for two full tanks a month and my light has just come on), £39.47.
12 p.m. — E picks my friend M up. We’re having lunch and watching the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie at mine. We have frozen pizzas for lunch that I grabbed on the food shop as they were on a good offer.
4 p.m. — Take M home. She lives near my mum and dad, so I pop in to say hello on my way home. My nephew T is there so end up staying for a couple of hours.
7:30 p.m. — Me and E go and grab our favourite takeaway. We prefer to go out and pick takeaways up as we find it’s cheaper/faster/fresher and sometimes we get food from separate places. Sunday night has always been our “movie and takeaway” night; when we first met it was the only night we could both guarantee we would never be at work, £6.29. I also remember I’ve got a dentist appointment tomorrow during my lunch break and need an easy on-the-go lunch (which I have not bought with the shopping, oops!) so grab a sandwich meal deal from Tesco, £3.40.
Total: £66.74
7:30 a.m. — Start work and have cereal with the children for breakfast. I have work all day today. Generally my longer workdays are usually no or very low spend days as obviously I am working. Also because I work with children, I don’t have access to my phone during working hours so no scrolling Vinted, et cetera.
11:30 a.m. — Dentist appointment for some treatment on a painful tooth. This appointment has been cancelled twice now over the last two months (once by me, once by them) and when I rang to rearrange from the latest cancellation, I wasn’t expecting them to fit me in this soon. I paid for my check-up last time, so today I pay the other £44.90 I owe for the Band 2 treatment. I end up having a two-hour “lunch” break due to the appointment being around 40 minutes late and being quite a lengthy appointment. Luckily, I have some overtime at work to take back so won’t lose any pay.
6 p.m. — Home time. Stop at Boots on the way home to pick up some painkillers which will be needed once this anaesthetic wears off. Annoyingly, I can’t swallow tablets due to a medical problem that I was born with, and I have to buy dissolvable painkillers. I buy two packs of Nurofen meltlets, £8.40 (shockingly expensive, sadly!)
6:45 p.m. — Jump in the shower when I get home and then cook tea for me and E. Chill in front of the TV while E does the dishes.
11 p.m. — Bedtime.
Total: £53.30
7:30 a.m. — Breakfast club shift meaning I have cereal at work with the children. Eating breakfast at work saves me money, so I appreciate being able to do that.
9 a.m. — I drive home after my breakfast club shift and spend my morning sorting my clothes out in my bedroom and packing away all my big winter jumpers and unpacking my more “summery” clothes. I have been meaning to do this for a couple of weeks now, and the weather has warmed up a little bit. I’m still expecting to need layers and hoodies and cardigans, but I don’t want to wear my big thick jumpers anymore.
12 p.m. — I have the pasta I was supposed to have for my tea last night and enjoy it now my mouth isn’t numb!
1 p.m. — Chill in front of the TV while working out the money for a few big costs I’ve got coming up. My service and MOT are due soon which will cost around £170, Disney+ is due for renewal, as well as general bill increases once the minimum wage increases. I also need to get my ESTA sorted for my travel to America in November. I am a pretty organised person when it comes to my finances and want to ensure I’m prepared for these extra expenses when they come. I will save less money in my savings/holiday funds when these are due, as well as putting babysitting money towards them.
2:35 p.m. — Drive back to work for after school club.
6:25 p.m. — Arrive home, shower and then make katsu curry and rice for tea.
8:25 p.m. — Chill in front of the TV until bedtime.
Total: £0
Food & Drink: £70.69
Clothes & Beauty: £0
Home & Health: £53.30
Entertainment: £0
Travel: £39.47
Other: £0
Total: £163.46
Conclusion
“Most of the week was fairly average for me. Obviously, I don’t go to the dentist weekly so this was an out of the ordinary, but necessary, expense. The meal out to celebrate our anniversary is a rarity, too, as we don’t eat out very often. But I had kept the money aside for this and factored this into my budget. The bulk of my spending other than that has been the food shop and petrol, which I meticulously budget for every month anyway! We always get a takeaway or two a week, too, but this is also budgeted for. I save around £350-£400 a month in my savings/holiday fund so it does leave me tight for general spending money across the month, but to be honest I manage fine with that most of the time and I would rather the money is going on something fun like a holiday rather than wasting it on things I don’t really need. I enjoyed keeping track of my spending this week as I enjoy doing this anyway and will definitely continue to do so.”
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Money Diary: A Student Money Advisor On £46,700
2 May, 2024 | Admin | No Comments
Everyone’s Asking For Bio Sculpture Nails — A Healthy Alternative To Regular Gel
Social media is a brilliant tool for discovering intricate nail art trends or spotting the season’s hottest nail polish colours — and it’s all thanks to the many talented nail artists who continue to share their creations. From BIAB (builder in a bottle gel) and shellac to gel overlays and nail wraps, the breadth of brands and techniques that those nail artists rely on are pretty much endless. Right now, though, just one is being credited as their product of choice.
Enter: Bio Sculpture.
Far from a new service, Bio Sculpture is actually the original gel polish brand. It was first launched in 1988 as the first soak-off gel nail treatment, but competitors were soon hot on its trail. Today there is an abundance of choice when it comes to visiting the salon for a gel manicure. But when the industry’s top nail artists like Julia Diogo (aka @paintedbyjools) are using Bio Sculpture to create their trademark manicures, it’s clear that there must be something particularly special about this product. Diogo isn’t alone, either. A quick scroll through TikTok proves that manicurists in their droves are swearing off other gel nail polish brands entirely in favour of exclusively offering Bio Sculpture nails. So what exactly is the appeal?
What are Bio Sculpture nails?
Available in a wide range of colours from nudes to bolder reds, blues, pinks and beyond, Bio Sculpture is a vegan gel nail enhancement that is painted onto the nail in layers using a small brush. Once sculpted into the desired shape, the product is then cured underneath a UV nail lamp. It can also be soaked off when you see fit. Bio Sculpture was the first of its kind, although there are many more gel systems on the market now. The thing that really sets Bio Sculpture apart from other brands, though, is that the products have been formulated to preserve the health and strength of your natural nails underneath. “I have always been so passionate about keeping natural nails really healthy,” says Diogo, “so knowing that Bio Sculpture revolves around nail health means that it really aligned with me. It’s pretty much what I’m known for using now.”
@theaugustdiaries Switched over to @Bio Sculpture at @OnyxStudio and I’m so happy with them! #biosculpturegel #gelmanicure #biosculpturenails #vancouver #gastown #lattenails #nudenails #healthynails ♬ original sound – Jill Lansky | Style + Beauty
What are the benefits of Bio Sculpture nails?
With that in mind, a Bio Sculpture manicure is not a one-size-fits-all experience. “It’s much more like giving a consultation where I’d determine which products I’m going to use for your nail type ahead of the manicure,” explains Diogo. Bio Sculpture products are prescriptive in nature, meaning that they can be personalised precisely to the client’s exact nail needs. “There are different basecoats to suit different nail types, whether you’ve got flexible nails, brittle nails or really strong nails. That’s really what makes Bio Sculpture stand out,” says Diogo.
The promise that your nails are looked after while your gels are on means it’s less likely to damage your natural nail plate, resulting in weak or peeling nails, which are common following repeat gel nail appointments. Diogo has lots of loyal clients who opt for Bio Sculpture manicures back to back with no problems to their natural nails, she reports. Even better, Bio Sculpture offers pre-manicure nail treatments under its sister brand, Ethos. Consisting of oils, exfoliators and vitamin- and mineral-infused base coats, Ethos products are intended to be layered under Bio Sculpture polish before starting the manicure, says Diogo. “It’s all about strengthening the nail and keeping your nails super healthy while that polish is on,” Diogo adds. Bio Sculpture devotees also claim that the gel system helps with nail growth.
What’s the difference between Bio Sculpture and other gel nail brands?
Unlike other gel nail brands which you might spot in your local salon, technicians that work with Bio Sculpture have to complete an accredited training course to be able to offer their services. “You can pop in somewhere and get a standard gel polish, but Bio Sculpture doesn’t have that same level of accessibility because you have to be trained to use it,” confirms Diogo. “I think that’s super important because you know that the nail tech sitting in front of you really understands that product before using it.”
Nail technician Jaz Moger (aka @paintbyjaz) recently completed the training in order to be able to offer Bio Sculpture manicures at her own salon space after admiring the brand from afar. “As a nail tech that cares deeply about my client’s nails, my top priority has always been nail health,” Moger says. “I loved the ethos behind the brand and how every Bio Sculpture manicure that I would see online looked so healthy, clean and flawless. I could always tell straight away if it was a Bio Sculpture product that had been used and I wanted in.”
@byleah.x Pinotage… A shade I will never get bored of🍷 #b#biosculpturegelp#pinotageb#biosculptureg#gelnailsl#luxuryhandcarel#luxurygel#autumnnailsa#autumnfashionl#londonmanicurel#londonnailsm#manicuren#nottinghamnailsa#autumncoloursg#gelg#gelpolishn#nailsluxeofficialg#gelpolishg#gelnailsdesignz#zarafashionw#welovecocod#diorbeautyloversp#plainnailss#simplenailsn#nailsofinstagramn#nailsofthedayn#nailsfashionn#nailstagramn#nailsdone ♬ Fallen down – Slowed – 「Incørrect」
So how does Bio Sculpture compare to something like builder gel, which has similarly been formulated with a focus on nail strength? If you have damaged nails or nails that grow very slowly, then BIAB might remain a good option for you. “A lot of people will lean towards BIAB because their nails aren’t in the best condition,” agrees Diogo. However, the array of base coats available with a Bio Sculpture manicure means that even people with very damaged nails will find an option to suit. “There’s a base that is almost like BIAB called Contour, which would work for [damaged] nail types,” Diogo advises.
How long do Bio Sculpture nails last?
While we all want healthy nails, there is the question of longevity when it comes to forking out for a salon manicure. Diogo credits the Bio Sculpture topcoat not only for the glossy finish that you’ll spot on most of her trademark manicures, but for how it extends the life of your gel nails. “It keeps the nails super shiny and I do believe that it has more longevity than a traditional gel polish,” says Diogo. “I have my own techniques to extend a manicure, like tucking the polish under the cuticle fold so that grow-out seems like it’s taking that bit longer, but I’ve had clients that have gone five weeks between Bio Sculpture manicures, which is just amazing.”
Of course, predicting how long a manicure will last is a bit of a guessing game as things like the condition of your nails to start with, the rate of your nail growth, and what your hands are exposed to each day can really affect the longevity of your polish. However, manicurists seem in agreement that Bio Sculpture provides a long-lasting manicure, so around three weeks seems to be what you can expect as standard. Any longer is a bonus.
How do you remove Bio Sculpture nails?
As has become the standard technique for most of the gel nail polishes that followed, Bio Sculpture nails are removed by gently buffing away the top layer of polish, wrapping the nail in a cotton pad soaked with acetone, then enveloping the nail in foil and leaving it to soak for approximately ten minutes. “If you leave it on for the right amount of time then you don’t have to do any scraping to the nail; the product literally just crumbles or comes off in one big piece. It’s really satisfying,” says Diogo.
How much does a Bio Sculpture manicure cost?
Like most beauty services, the cost of a Bio Sculpture manicure is dependent on where you live. You’ll definitely pay more in cities — and likely top price in London. On average, you can expect to pay around £40 for the service, with removal or additional nail art setting you back more.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
11 Double French Manicures Everyone’s Asking For
1 May, 2024 | Admin | No Comments
6 Dress Trends That Will See You Through Spring, According to Experts
.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center}
Putting on your first spring dress of the season is practically a spiritual experience. Once we can finally let our legs loose (with tights or not), the green light is on for alfresco dining, outdoor concerts, and the break from the cold we’ve all been waiting for.
Putting on your first spring dress of the season is practically a spiritual experience. Once we can finally let our legs loose (with tights or not), the green light is on for alfresco dining, outdoor concerts, and the break from the cold we’ve all been waiting for.
Spring dresses are the ultimate one-and-done solution for putting together versatile outfits. And this season’s dress trends are bringing some fresh excitement — from drop-waist frocks and milkmaid styles to summery crochet maxis.
“I love that spring dresses don’t demand too much time or effort styling, especially after a long winter of layering and outfit building,” Emma Hill, founder of London-based brand Damson Madder, tells Refinery29. “The right spring dress makes getting dressed so much easier.” Layer your dress with stacks of jewellery, a coat or jacket, and your kicks of choice, and you’re ready to go — whether that’s for day-to-day life, a night out, or the next spring wedding in your diary.
To help you find your next warm-weather dress that will score high on their cost per wear, we asked fashion experts about the trends of the season as well as their styling tips to match.
Ahead, find six dress trends that will see you through spring — and then some.
Spring 2024 Dress Trend: Drop Waist
A hero on the autumn 2024 runways, ’90s-inspired drop-waist dresses have staked their claim in modern dressing. The lower waistline gives off a retro, feminine vibe and works across all hemlines. According to Net-A-Porter market director Libby Page, “we expect that drop waist dresses will assert themselves as core components in our everyday capsule wardrobes.” If you want to go even bolder, opt for a bright colour or a printed style.
Spring 2024 Dress Trend: Crochet Maxi
Ring in spring (and warm up for summer) in a crochet maxi dress to bring out your inner Italian summer, White Lotus aesthetic. “Crochet dresses are perfect for summer and instantly update any wardrobe,” says Virginia Olaso Bilbao, head of design at European brand MAKSU. Layer a crochet coverup over a slip or knickers (for the naked dress effect), or opt for a dress with open knit detailing for more coverage. “We also love unexpected styling, like a midi ecru dress with red cowboy boots,” Bilbao suggests.
Spring 2024 Dress Trend: Milkmaid
Milkmaid dresses mix regency style and balletcore, with their cinched waists, A-line skirts, and common features like bows, dainty laces and puff sleeves. “I love that this dress is super versatile,” says Hill. “You can easily chuck it over a shirt or tee with ballet flats or loafers for a daytime look, and then dress it up with a heel in the evening,” Hill says.
Spring 2024 Dress Trend: Asymmetric
Asymmetric dressing applies to various styles, from one-arm necklines to eye-catching embellishments to asymmetrical hemlines. “We love an asymmetric neckline. It’s fresh and playful but still super chic,” says Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, founders of the wedding and eveningwear brand OWN Studio. “Our Take a Bow dress [pictured here] in lemon is one of our favourite pieces, The crystal bow on the shoulder means it doesn’t need much styling.” Pro-tip: Use the asymmetry as a focal point; if the look feels unfinished, match your shoes with your jewellery to bring it all together.
Spring 2024 Dress Trend: Ice Blue
Ice blue is another big colour trend that’s made its way from runway to consumer, thanks to spring/summer 2024 collections from brands like Fendi, Prada, Tod’s and more. Though you may not want to think about any sort of iciness after months of winter, this hue brings a whole lot of heat, too. “Ice blue is the colour of the moment,” says Henry Graham, creative director at Wolf & Badger. He suggests spicing it up by “layering a structured biker jacket or boyfriend blazer over a sheer ice-blue dress for an impactful and chic look.”
Spring 2024 Dress Trend: Printed
Flourishing aesthetics like leopard print and Western styling have perfectly primed us for the printed dress trend, which leans towards bigger, more playful prints. “Leopard is still a big trend at the moment,” says RIXO co-founder Henrietta Rix. “It has always been a much-loved part of our RIXO aesthetic, and leopard is one of those prints that is eternal,” she says. Beyond animal prints, experiment with big florals, abstract graphics and large screen prints.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
6 Coat and Jacket Trends For Spring 2024
1 May, 2024 | Admin | No Comments
Embracing Luxury Made Me Feel Guilty, Until The Trip Of A Lifetime
I’ve heard the term “Black woman in luxury” a lot over the past few years. In fact, at Unbothered I have been encouraged to study it: is it the cultural phenom on social media, or bougie material things to covet, or just the small, cost-free indulgences that make life beautiful, soft, and more tolerable for a Black woman trying to do all the things, all the time? Some equate it to softness, others to material things. Last year, the term “quiet luxury” became a trending term; where looking like you’ve stepped out of Hamptons wearing a Chanel tweed set, Hermes mules, and Dior sunglasses was said to epitomise wealth that whispers instead of shouts. Depending on which TikTok video you watched on the subject, it reeked of classist overtones (but the less said on that the better) which many interpreted as rich and white and only available to a selected few, the elusive one per cent. Still, my personal definition of luxury valued experiences and travel above consuming things — and yet, some destinations still remained fantasies reserved for those who have a lot of money. Until now.
Last year, I finally got my opportunity to experience exclusive luxury when I was invited to travel to the Maldives; a country renowned for pristine private beaches, extravagant marriage proposals, opulent remote hideaways and widely recognised as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world. It’s also considered one of the most romantic vacation spots on earth — yet I would be travelling without my partner and with strangers instead. (I left my man at home! Shout out to Beyoncé.) I’m all for maintaining independence within a relationship, but why did this solo trip make me feel so guilty even with enthusiastic support from my other half? Why would I want to travel to a place renowned for extravagant marriage proposals on my own? Naturally, I didn’t sit in that discomfort for too long and happily confirmed my flight. “It will be like my own, very Black version of Eat Pray Love,” I said to my partner before I left for the airport, “As long as it’s not a version of How Stella’s Got Her Groove Back, we’re cool,” he joked.
Journeying by seaplane
In what felt like a scene from a Bond film (cliché, but so true!), my travelling group braced ourselves for a flight via a very small seaplane after journeying from London Heathrow to Dubai and then to the Maldivian capital city, Malé. The aircraft was tiny — I’m 5 ft 10 and couldn’t stand up straight — and I panicked momentarily as the plane skirted across the ocean and propelled us in the air. As commercial flights go, it was one of the most daring I’ve ever taken. From the air, you see the glorious culmination of the Maldives’ 26 atolls that appear as tiny bushy-palmed paradises. I won’t forget that view in my lifetime.
I was invited to stay at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Hotel Resort on the private island Vommuli, based in the Maldives’ Dhaalu Atoll known for its immeasurable natural beauty, coral reefs and marine life. I wasn’t ready for the spectacular landscape that would unfold before my eyes. The resort is described as “nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches” — but this doesn’t quite do it justice. It is, simply, paradise. The formerly uninhabited private island is surrounded by undulating palm trees and a long stretch of white beach. The resort consists of 77 luxury villas, 44 of which appear to float above the crystal clear blue sea.
My travel companions and I agreed that the island would be the perfect setting for another season of White Lotus (I could almost hear the series’ theme tune as we descended onto the island and resort staff dressed in crisp white shirts and chinos lined up and waved to us from the deck).
At peace in an overwater villa
I stayed in one of the resort’s 44 overwater villas and gasped upon arrival. It was stunning. The one-bedroom villa, with floor-to-ceiling windows, opened up to a large wooden deck, private plunge pool, and hammocks that hovered just above sea level. From the deck, you can climb down and swim directly into the ocean and snorkel or scuba dive — the resort’s most popular activity. Full disclosure: I didn’t do that. My swimming skills aren’t the strongest. I could almost read the headline ‘British Journalist Lost At Sea After Failed Snorkelling Attempt’. I cursed myself for this missed opportunity and I made a note to book swimming lessons as soon as I returned home.
At times I did feel as if I was alone in a honeymoon suite. On my first night, champagne chilled on ice as I luxuriated in the large standalone bath overlooking the sea views as the sun began to set. It was objectively a sexy setting; as was the large waterfall shower and a king-size bed that felt fit for lovers. I quickly shook away thoughts that I needed a partner to be here with me. I didn’t. Alone, I allowed myself to enjoy the quiet. I swam in the pool, rehydrated with fresh fruit and drank from a freshly cut coconut. I read books from the hammock. I meditated from the deck at sunset. I cried from the sheer gorgeousness of it all. At home, I don’t always appreciate the “quiet” — I like a background soundtrack of my family and friends always nearby. I prefer busy coffee shops to the hush of the library, for example. But quiet serves so much purpose when you’re a Black woman who is overstimulated and tired (so tired).
Embracing a bougie, very personal experience
The service at the St. Regis Vommuli resort was unmatched and so courteous, I felt I needed to apologise. I had a butler. This took me a minute to wrap my head around. As someone who can be hyper-independent, I felt guilty fully embracing this 24-hour personalised service. For every request I made, I would add an insecure “sorry” — I’m very British in that respect. But, when in the Maldives you don’t lift a finger. I made an intentional decision to lean into the rare opportunity to be fully taken care of. Speaking of which, Hussein was so friendly, even recording and sending me a welcome video message before I arrived. I returned to my suite to find my suitcase unpacked and my clothes neatly arranged (and steamed!) in my room. As he showed me around the island in a golf cart, he shared snippets of the best of Maldivian culture, the food (a traditional fish soup that I had to try) and traditional ceremonies I would soon experience.
Crafting my own love story
“You must see a lot of proposals,” I asked Hussein, to which he agreed. The Maldives’ reputation for romance preceded the country becoming a sought-after tourist destination. In Maldivian folklore, he explained, there is an enduring tale about two fated lovers that’s become known as the “Maldivian Romeo and Juliet”. Digging deeper, I discovered that this story passed down from generation to generation, was about a man who takes an epic journey to meet the love of his life, but an unfortunate twist would change their lives forever. “Man, this place is so romantic,” I couldn’t help but think. “And I’m doing this without my man. Maybe this love story is about myself. This is my epic journey.”
Throughout the trip, I couldn’t help but see romance on every corner — when watching the sunset from the architectural wonder of the resort’s Whale Bar to the private dinner on the beach under the stars, as we drank wine and sunk our bare feet in the cool sand. I cooed, awed, and gushed, like a woman in love. But, as I was consistently reminded, this trip would be for me.
There were many standout moments on this short trip. Marine biologist Hazel Araujo explained in depth the resort’s efforts to restore the Maldives’ coral reefs and save its marine life from the lasting impact of climate change and rising temperatures. Meanwhile, St. Regis Vommuli’s hotel general manager Vincent Pauchon, who lives on the island with his family, took us out on his yacht, where he introduced the St. Regis champagne sabering ritual (something the staff would perform a few times on the trip), and shared details of the enviable peace that comes with living and working on the island. I experienced a transcendent full-body massage at the resort’s Iridium spa and dangled upside down in an aerial yoga class.
Eating (and giving into) my desires
And then there was the food. Here’s where I really sank my teeth into luxury. Each meal was a masterpiece. From dining under the palm trees and feasting on fresh Middle Eastern food at Cargo, to an opulent evening at Japanese Kaseiki-style restaurant, T-Pan, where white albino caviar and wagyu beef were on the menu. I could wax lyrical about that beef.
In the Maldives, I ate and drank with abandon. I luxuriated with abandon. And I realised that all of these activities would fill me with some form of guilt at home. Giving into my desires, selfishly, isn’t something I always permit myself to experience unless it’s for someone else. It’s why one of the biggest luxuries I’ve coveted is the ability to travel to “heal” in yoga retreats and spa retreats in idyllic, remote locations — where the overarching purpose is to renew your spirit and give back to yourself. Perhaps then, travelling to the Maldives, on my own, is the most romantic gift I could give to myself.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
12 Products Our Travel Editor Packs On Every Trip
Spoilers ahead. We’re living in an era of anti-ambition, as the New York Times coined it. As the pandemic raged on, already thin boundaries grew even thinner as steady work became more precarious, leading to burnout and waves of quiet quitting, the image of the career-driven person glued to their phones during social functions or dropping everything for a “work emergency” during off-hours, became less and less attractive. After all, why would the goal-focused workaholic be an appealing partner when, instead, you could have someone who prioritised a healthy work-life balance and focused on more personal, fulfilling things? But Challengers, in which attraction and desire are intrinsically linked to drive and competition, makes ambition sexy once again — while also proving it can still come at a cost.
The Luca Guadagnino-directed film stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor (The Crown), and Mike Faist (West Side Story) as a trio of tennis players tangled in a love triangle and bounces across time. There’s the current day, during which famous pro Art (Faist) is competing against his former friend and struggling athlete Patrick (O’Connor) in the finals of a lower-level tournament in New York, and the past, which starts 13 years earlier when the duo meets 18-year-old Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a young woman who has already been labeled as tennis’ next big superstar, and leads back to the present. It’s here, in these characters’ pasts, that the connection between ambition and attraction starts to form both on and off the court.
“Tennis is a metaphor for so many other things: attraction, passion, desire. And these characters, at the end of the day, are incredibly complicated and messy,” Zendaya tells Refinery29. “The alternate [movie] title could be codependency instead of Challengers. They are searching for something in life that they can’t just quite get on their own, so they do whatever they can to be seen by each other. They’re kind of screaming out just to be in contact, to be able to touch, to be felt seen by somebody else because they feel very alone, and it makes them act out almost childishly.”
When we meet teenage Art and Patrick, it’s clear that they’re both impressive tennis players. They’ve just won a doubles final together and will be competing against each other in the singles final. Still, there is something so unserious about them. They wear clothes that don’t fit quite right, joke about “letting” each other win certain points, and take their spot in the final — and the talent that got them there — for granted. They are charming yet silly boys who, frankly, lack the star power to earn attention.
Then, they meet Tashi. Art and Patrick lay eyes on the tennis prodigy for the first time while she’s on the court playing her finals match (she wins with ease). They can’t take their eyes off her, but it’s not just because she’s gorgeous (duh), or that they’re simply attracted to her (they unabashedly are). They are mesmerised by her skill and intense drive. When Tashi plays tennis, losing is not an acceptable outcome, and that is hot.
That night, Art and Patrick stay late at Tashi’s victory party hoping to spend more time with her despite the fact that their final is early the next morning — which she quickly notes, the slightest hint of judgement in her tone. And when Patrick offers Tashi a cigarette, you can tell she’s about ready to write him off — why would a serious athlete do that to her body? — especially while he pokes fun at her plans to continue her education, like Art (they’ll both be attending Stanford), instead of going pro like he plans to do. Here, a spark of understanding flashes between Tashi and Art. On a fundamental level, he gets her plans and the way she carefully considers her career; that’s something that lies within him too. Art lacks confidence but wants to be better; Patrick treats tennis as, well, a game. While both boys are volleying for her attention, it’s that brief connection that makes you want to cheer for Art. Tashi deserves someone who understands her goals and whose own drive could potentially match her own. In this moment, Patrick is the fun fling; Art is the guy who could maybe come close to her level.
Ambition and desire come to a head — almost literally — when the trio find themselves back in Art and Patrick’s hotel room, a scene now made infamous from the trailer. Tashi teases them, trying to pull their individual drive and competitive spirit to the forefront by offering the winner of the next day’s final the ultimate prize: her phone number. Suddenly, the two friends are more than ready to compete, leading to a steamy makeout session — first between all three of them, then between Art and Patrick. Their unspoken attraction toward each other is unlocked by Tashi’s own ambition and her desire to be surrounded by it. It’s the sexiest moment of the movie because each character is going after what they want, unencumbered and ultimately satisfied with the results while still wanting to push for more.
But ambition being the main force behind attraction and desire eventually starts to take its toll. While competing at Stanford and dating Patrick (he won her number) some time later, Tashi experiences a career-ending injury, leaving her nowhere to channel her all-consuming ambitions. This is how she and Art become reacquainted after graduating. He’s been fuelled by grander ambitions since their first meeting, his skill has improved and he’s starting to win. But he still has room to level up — something both he and Tashi recognise and want. So, Art hires her to be his coach, they giddily make out — their lofty goals turning them on. The spark that was there from their first meeting is now a full flame, and, eventually, they’re married, share a child, and, thanks to Tashi, Art is a multi-Grand Slam-winning tennis star.
By the present day, however, that spark is completely gone, replaced by a coldness. Tashi has orchestrated Art’s entire career, propelling them both to “Royal Couple of Tennis” status. But Art’s ambitions have waned — he has, perhaps, passed his athletic peak and wants to spend more time with their kid — while Tashi’s have not. Art has let Tashi dictate the majority of his career and had taken on her ambitions as his own. Now that Art no longer wants what she wants, their relationship has become all business. It’s a stark reminder that, yes, ambition and drive can be hot — especially when your partner matches your energy — but it can’t be the only thing between you. Priorities change — people change — and if you let your career be central to your identity, eventually you’ll hit a wall.
“[For] these characters, their attraction is almost about the qualities each one of them lack,” Faist said. “Art is arguably the least talented tennis player, but he’s also the least secure. Both [Tashi and Patrick] have a very deep sense of self, and so he’s attracted to that innate quality that the both of them possess and that he simply does not. Because he is drawn to that, he allows himself, and his own identity, to be thrown to the wayside, and we see him at the tail end of his career start to realise and come to terms with that.”
Reaching for ambition, then, becomes a desperate act for our trio. In a moment of self-doubt, Tashi tells Art, “Or you can keep being a tennis player. Which is what you are,” trying to push him back to his once-attractive self. Art, for his part, searches for that bygone ambition within him as a way to keep Tashi’s interest, begging her to tell him that she’ll leave him if he loses to Patrick in the final of the tournament. And Patrick, sensing the tension between his former friend and lover and refusing to accept that his lack of drive has squandered his own talents and desires, tells Tashi that Art “is ready to be dead. Who will he be to you if he’s not playing tennis?”
As adult Art and Patrick face off in their final (which is broken up in scenes across the film), Tashi finds it hard to watch, in part because neither man is playing their best tennis. Their game lacks ambition. Whoever loses feels like they will lose everything, so they’re scared and sloppy. But as the match continues, Art and Patrick find their way back to each other, connecting like they did in that moment when they first met Tashi, and allow themselves to acknowledge their drive desires. Tashi is on the edge of her seat, her head whipping back and forth as she follows their high-stakes tête-à-tête. At last, she’s no longer alone in her ambition, and to her, there is nothing sexier.
But we’ve seen this play out already. Striving for greatness is thrilling and propulsive in the moment, but also begs the question: once match point is served and they’ve all left the court, will anything actually be left for them?
Challengers is in theatres now.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Tashi Is Challengers Villain & Zendaya Is Its Hero