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There’s something about a summer haircut that feels transformative — a chance to shed the heaviness of seasons past and emerge feeling lighter, brighter, and fresher. But when trends are a dime a dozen, where do you even start?
We’re willing to bet you’ve already pinned a bob — or several iterations of it — to your inspiration board. Then there’s the shag, back in all its mussed-up glory, not to mention the ’90s-inspired layered haircuts currently taking over Instagram.
To help narrow down the options, we asked leading hairstylists from London to Los Angeles to identify the 12 haircut trends they predict will be everywhere this summer and beyond. If you’re struggling to decide, consider this your starting point.
Celebrity hairstylist Lorraine Dublin cites Raye as the ultimate inspiration behind this retro bob, which is rapidly making its way into salons. “This is a shoulder-length bob with soft, flicked-out ends and subtle layering,” explains Dublin, adding, “it’s going to be huge this summer because it feels polished but still effortless.” Ask for a chin or collarbone-length bob (if you don’t want to go too short) with soft movement and face-framing shape, suggests Dublin. This cut on fashion and beauty content creator Grandy is beautiful.
Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon, says that mid-length cuts don’t have to be boring — especially when layers are involved. “This mid-length cut is characterized by airy layers and soft face-framing, inspired by ‘90s supermodel hair,” says Rodger, who has noticed a major return to volume, bounce, and healthy-looking movement after years dominated by flatter, sleeker styles. “This cut is perfect for clients who want to keep their length while adding shape, softness, and more styling versatility,” adds Rodger.
To get the look, he recommends asking your stylist for grown-out, “shattered layers” around the face, “soft graduation” through the lengths, and plenty of movement throughout — all without sacrificing too much density. This cut by Yuri Ponte Cabeleireiro Em Sobral is perfect.
Both STIL salon’s Rodger and Nick Stenson, brand founder and CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty, are championing the Riviera bob this season. “This is a soft, relaxed bob that sits somewhere between the jawline and collarbone with natural texture and movement,” says Rodger. Think of it as the Italian bob’s more laid-back cousin: still featuring chunky ends and subtle layers, but with an even more effortless feel. At its core, it’s a softly layered bob with plenty of choppy movement through the ends, and both Rodger and Stenson believe it taps into the easy European summer aesthetic we’re all craving right now.
Rodger reports that the cut works particularly well on naturally wavy or textured hair, and Stenson says it’s beautiful on fine to medium hair textures. “This is because the cut creates fullness and bounce without feeling heavy,” he adds. Styling is key for a je ne sais quoi finish. Rather than reaching for a blow-dryer, both Rodger and Stenson recommend letting hair air-dry. “The glamour comes from the confident ‘undoneness’ of the cut,” Rodger says. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting something low-maintenance yet still chic and fashion-forward.” This cut on makeup artist Lydia Fowler is stunning.
The choppy, mussed-up shag will always have its appeal, but the modern version is a little more polished than its rock-chick predecessor, like this cut on Liv Bowsky. “The shag is evolving into an everyday, less edgy look with airy layers and soft volume,” says Stenson. “It boasts effortless texture and movement while working with natural hair patterns, making it ideal for those with medium to thick hair or anyone who wants volume without constant styling.”
We also love this curly shag on Shaynis.ksu. For the cut itself, Stenson recommends asking for long, feathered layers with curtain bangs and soft texture around the crown. Styling is just as important: “Finish with a texture spray to further elevate this look and to perfect that lived-in texture,” says Stenson. For a similar effect, try Nick Stenson’s Texture Finishing Spray, which is buildable yet easy to brush out.
Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos predicts that “see-through layers” — which add subtle movement, rather than a step-like effect — are set to become one of the biggest trends of the summer. We’re obsessed with this cut by @beautyby.mirandaa on Instagram.
“Ask your stylist for ultra-fine, wispy razor-cut layers sitting throughout the perimeter of the hair with soft face-framing pieces throughout,” says Giannetos, adding, “The effect adds airy texture, dimension, and movement while maintaining the overall fullness and length of the hair.” To keep your layers in place, he suggests finishing off with a generous veil of L’Oréal Paris’ Elnett Hairspray.
The luxe crop is the polished evolution of the pixie cut. “A sleek short crop is becoming really popular because people want styles that feel bold, clean, and low-maintenance for summer,” says Dublin, who pinpoints Olandria as inspiration. “Opt for a wig if you don’t want to commit to a chop,” she suggests. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting a dramatic refresh without a lot of styling time.”
For those ready to brave the scissors, Dublin recommends asking your hairstylist for a soft, cropped cut with texture and shape. The result is a versatile style that can be worn sleek and blown out or left natural for an easy wash-and-go finish.
Stenson has noticed a major resurgence of long — but, crucially, healthy-looking — hair for summer. “We’ve already started seeing this look in action, most notably with the ultra-long blonde extensions Nicole Kidman debuted at the Met Gala,” he says.
The key is movement, like this cut by Tampa-based hairstylist Sophie. “It consists of long, blended ‘invisible layers’ with dense, blunt ends to achieve the look,” says Stenson, adding, “It’s great for anyone who already has naturally long hair and wants movement without sacrificing thickness, or those looking to experiment with extensions.”
To keep the style looking polished, invest in a good smoothing crème and concentrate it through the mid-lengths and ends. “This will help to maintain that glossy, milky shine,” says Stenson.
This cut is defined by a subtle inward bend at the ends, says Giannetos, created by cutting the hair at an angle. “It gives hair a polished blowout effect while still feeling effortless and airy,” he says. To get the look, Giannetos recommends asking for a feathery, mid-length blunt cut (Ryenne Snow always nails them). “Style using a round brush with extra focus on curving the ends inward to emphasize the signature ‘C’ shape,” he says. For added length, Giannetos looks to Great Lengths’ Tape-In Extensions.
“A shoulder-length layered silk press is trending because it gives movement and versatility while still feeling elegant and easy to maintain,” says Dublin, who adds that it’s ideal for those who switch between straight styles and their natural texture. It’s all in the face-framing: “Ask for long layers with shape around the face that still works beautifully with natural curls or an afro,” suggests Dublin. We love this look on Michaela Coel.
The bixie has become a firm fixture in salons — especially at STIL — but this summer’s iteration feels a little more lived-in, like this cut by Naoki Sakon. “This is a modern mix between a pixie and a bob, with softer edges and grown-out texture,” says Rodger, who has noticed a renewed appetite for shorter hair as the weather warms up. “That said, clients still want softness and versatility rather than sharp, severe crops, so this look is great for those who like a statement haircut that feels wearable and feminine,” he says.
Rodger recommends asking your stylist for a “textured pixie shape” with longer layers through the crown and bangs. “This will keep the finish soft, piece-y, and easy to style,” he adds. “Just make sure that the perimeter of the shape has enough length to keep it soft, and that it’s easy to play with and tuck behind the ears.”
“The de-Marilyn bob is a voluminous, sexy cut that delivers old-Hollywood glamour — but with a modern finish,” says Giannetos, who adds that it’s all about soft body, bouncy movement, and brushed-out texture. “It’s inspired by iconic bombshell hair, but updated for 2026 with a lighter, effortless feel for summer.” We love this cut by Suzi.
It starts with a mid-length chop. “Ask your stylist for a rounded, shoulder-length cut with long bangs and minimal layers,” says Giannetos. To finish the look, he always recommends Kerastase Elixir Ultime Serum (also an R29-favorite) for added shine.
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It’s been a little over a day since the Summer House Season 10Reunion, Part 1 aired and I know we’re all still sweating, processing, and our cortisol levels are on HIGH! OK, that’s how I’m feeling, but I’ve seen the waves of emotion hitting our timelines, especially in comparison to the lackluster energy from Amanda Batula and West Wilson on the reunion stage. It’s as if those two walked in and decided to sit down and not touch anything in hopes that maybe no one would notice them. Well, it didn’t work. We noticed their defensive behavior, the eye rolls and Ciara’s ability to calmly check them on their lies, attempts at rationale and weak responses. I know we have many new Summer HouseCiara Miller fans in the building so let’s begin with some context.
Summer House Season 10 aired on Bravo TV this year, led in part by OG houseguests, Kyle Cooke, Carl Radke, Amanda Batula and Lindsay Hubbard. But the real stars were longtime houseguest Ciara Miller and three-seasoned vets Jesse Solomon and West Wilson. With a gaggle of newbies (Mia Calabrese, KJ Dillard, Bailey Taylor, Ben Wadd, Dara Levitan and Levi Sebree) who were breakout stars in their own right, online support for this grouping was so strong. The Bravosphere finally felt like this was an IT group of houseguests. They were fresh, had heart, and best of all, they all were getting along. Sure there was drama, there were fights, and your typical reality TV ups and downs, but the house was a happy home. Things were GOOD. And fans were loving the lightning in a bottle dynamic of the new and old houseguests. Summer Should Be Fun!
That was until things began to unravel. On January 19, 2026, longtime Summer House cast members and couple, Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula announced their divorce. And while most were not shocked, what was to follow was unimaginable to fans. In the weeks leading up to filming the Summer House Season 10 Reunion, Amanda (wife of Kyle Cooke and best friend in the house to Ciara) and West (ex of Ciara and friend of Kyle) announced that they were exploring a relationship as rumors were circulating about their budding romance. There has been much debate over the timeline, so let’s breakdown the version of events revealed during the reunion:
The Pre-Reunion West/ Amanda Timeline (& When Ciara Found Out)
July-August 2025:Summer House Season 10 films.
January 17 2026: Ciara revealed at the reunion that this date was when she first suspected Amanda and West’s relationship. She called Amanda to go for drinks with her and Mia, Amanda’s location showed up as West’s house, and Amanda didn’t answer the phone. It wasn’t until Mia put them in a group chat that Amanda responded.
March 1 2026: West, Kyle, Jesse and Ben go to brunch in NYC; Amanda and West say they shared their first kiss that night.
March 5 2026: The rumors go public about the alleged relationship, Amanda texts Ciara late that evening, denying everything, claiming people [on the internet] are “psychos.”
March 7 2026: Amanda texts Ciara to check in, still denying the allegations, stating she is “super in my head about what’s happened and I hate that it’s about West.”
March 24 2026: West is a guest on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and denies the relationship rumors, calling Amanda “a good friend,” saying he has to “show her the streets” all while wearing a tie his alleged girlfriend, fashion designer Meija Moreno, made.
May 26 2026: The Summer House Reunion, Part 1 airs.
The Audacity Came Early. How The Summer House Reunion Started
We begin with Lindsay Hubbard on the couch, green screen backdrop, filming confessionals for the new Bravo show, In The City. Kyle, who also stars on the new show, walks in and tells Lindsay to check her phone. Cameras were up when Amanda and West released their joint statement and Kyle, being TV gold, came in to have Lindsay read the statement out loud.
Everyone take notes because THIS is how you self-produce as a reality star.
As quickly as the statement was released, we get Summer House cast members, Jesse Solomon and Mia Calabrese calling Lindsay for guidance, as they do. Lindsay is known as “Mother Hubbard” to the whole cast. Carl Radke, another Summer House OG, rings Kyle at the same time, and suddenly they’re all on speaker phone debriefing what they’ve just read.
It’s clear from the jump that Amanda and West would not be leading with shame or contrition, like many viewers had anticipated… seeing them so stoic and unemotional was infuriating.
lex niko
Then it was time to dive head first into reunion day central and it was clear that Amanda and West showed up with the intention to be wrong and strong with zero remorse for their actions. As the cast arrives, we learn that Amanda and West are sharing a dressing room, which is…interesting! And everybody notes it. Andy comes in to greet the new couple and see how they’re feeling. Their responses and lack of enthusiasm says it all. Go on girls give us nothing! West is feeling surprisingly “zen.” It’s clear from the jump that these two will not be leading with shame or contrition, like many viewers had anticipated. With so much comparison between this situation and Scandoval, I think my brain was wired to assume these two would come into the reunion with at least a modicum of guilt as Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss did. And beyond that, I think my expectation as a human being was that you should feel some degree of shame for your actions, plus the fact that you’ve deeply hurt the people around you. I don’t know, perhaps that’s just me, but seeing them so stoic and unemotional was infuriating. They felt damn near robotic. I think Andy noticed it too as he quickly wrapped up their pre-reunion banter with one of his signature “Okay” sighs aloud to signal he’s ready to move on (iykyk).
There are tears, hugs and apologies before the cast even hit the set (but shockingly not from Amanda or West’s camps) and before we know it, we have the cast seated and ready to reunion. As the crew finalizes filming, West gets a notification that his phone was hacked and his nudes are circulating on the internet. This is apparently the first time he’s heard of this, but the rest of the guys had already seen the photos backstage and had them readily available to show him. West confirms those are in fact, his “flaccid” (their words, not mine!) nudes.
And we are already thrown curveballs (pun intended) before the reunion officially begins!
Ciara graces the stage with her presence, giving Jessica Rabbit hair and another dynamite revenge dress. And I have to say it, in some ways it bothers me that our girl has to consistently show up to these reunions, blowing everyone else’s look out of the water. I know she’ll do it 10 times out of 10, but as a day one viewer and someone who sees Ciara beyond the physical, it’s frustrating to understand that she’s serving so hard, in part, as a “f*ck you” in response to fellow cast members disrespecting her but also because she has to. I will always appreciate the power her fashion, hair, and makeup choices hold, but I have to acknowledge that I’m upset on her behalf because we know why she’s doing it. Black women have to show up in ways their white counterparts don’t (imagine if Ciara had gone for the messy bun Amanda opted for?). Not to worry though because beyond the look, I can assure you Ciara wasted no time reminding us exactly who she is with her words. And if it wasn’t clear early into the programming, we were about to witness some of the strongest reads courtesy of Ms. Miller and all I have to say to that is: let her cook.
The Amanda and West Scandal, Excavated
Andy wastes no time, asking scorned husband Kyle, “How does it feel to not be the biggest problem in the room?” and to her credit (the bar is on the floor), we do get an immediate apology from Amanda, who calls out that she is sorry specifically to Ciara and Kyle for what has transpired between her and West. The thing that I’m having trouble rectifying is that Amanda and West kick off the reunion with apologies and say they are prepared to take accountability, only to go through the remainder of the reunion discrediting feelings from the rest of the cast, especially Ciara and Kyle.
This is absolutely the strangest part of the entire reunion IMO: I cannot wrap my head around how these two genuinely do not seem to show any remorse or shame. And there are moments where it seems like they believe they are the victims in the matter!
And as with any good reunion, the group immediately gets into the timeline of things: the allegations of when the relationship began are most pressing. Mentioned above, Ciara actually suspected something was off two days before Amanda and Kyle had released their divorce statement, though Amanda assured her nothing was going on with West. Amanda claims she was hanging out with him because he was, “there for her all summer,’ something Ciara points out she was as well but Amanda acknowledges, then quickly dismisses the sentiment. She is firm that she was simply hanging out with her other friends! She “had an awakening” and what’s equal parts sad and speaking volumes here, is how the entire cast calls out the fact that Amanda doesn’t really have any friends (minus In The City castmate Katie Deluca) of her own and was solely hanging out with West and his friends.
[The reunion] painted a diabolical picture of two people who simply did not give AF about how their actions would impact the dynamic of their closest relationships, coworkers and the entire friend group.
lex niko
The other interesting thing to note is that Amanda began turning her location off, which had Kyle’s ears perking up. Kyle highlights that around this same time, she began to hide where she was, something she had never done before and Lindsay puts it beautifully saying, “[Of course your location started going off] because you were at West’s!” Amanda is struggling to have her points stick, but that’s largely because they are just superficial points and do not carry a ton of weight as a viewer. Things are not looking good for Amanda let me tell you that.
As we learn all the dirty details: from West going out for brunch with Amanda’s (separated) husband and their housemate then leaving to go kiss Amanda, to her denying anything going on when Ciara asks her openly and directly, and then doubling down and following up of her own accord to confirm nothing is happening – it really starts to paint a diabolical picture of two people who simply did not give AF about how their actions would impact the dynamic of their closest relationships, coworkers and the entire friend group.
To make matters even worse and what I fear may have been the final straw that broke the camel’s back, was West guesting on the March 24th episode of WWHL and blatantly denying the relationship to ANDY COHEN’s face. To go from that and then one week later dropping a poorly written joint statement with Amanda, I’ve just got to say… there are holes you dig yourself into and then there’s whatever this situation is. Amanda and West cannot get their story straight at this reunion and fumble again, when they claim to have not had sex until after they released the joint statement. This moment garners a “Why continue to lie?,” from Jesse, West’s closest friend in the house, who, by the way, barely stopped tearing up the entire reunion.
Amanda and West are getting caught UP in alleged lies and half truths, leaving a ton of openings for questions from the cast. Example: when they shared the joint statement, in one breath, they’re saying they did it because they had strong feelings for each other and in another, they’re claiming they were still figuring things out. We may never know the real truth but the holes in their stories are enough leaving the cast scoffing and Kyle arguing that, “at that point you clearly don’t feel strongly, if you’re trying to understand it.”
While Amanda did send each cast member a private apology text (West did not), Carl makes the most pointed comment on how they failed to acknowledge Ciara and Kyle in their public statement because [if they weren’t going to address them publicly], “Who is the public apology for? It’s like singing happy birthday without using a name.”
My takeaway so far? For Amanda and West, public perception is priority number one. I’m not sure if Amanda thought she’d be salvaged because she was on the brink of getting the Ariana Madix treatment after her divorce with Kyle, but she quickly lost any positive sentiment gained and she severely underestimated how much the public loves Ciara.
I cannot believe Amanda gave up her friendship and bond with Ciara for this mess.
lex niko
And this is where things really start to go off the rails for Amanda and West, because she defends her poor choices by arguing, “Has no one in the world has ever been in a situation like this before? This is not the craziest thing that’s ever happened in the whole entire world,” and West, well West has said nothing. This is the man you risked it all for? Amanda, girl, please get up! This put Amanda in a different light for me, in the sense that she is clearly someone who still has a lot of growing up to do and would be better served doing it out of the public eye.
I cannot believe Amanda gave up her friendship and bond with Ciara for this mess. Amanda and West can’t even define the relationship and Amanda is ready to throw away her friend. Wow Bethenny, wow.
West Is A Manipulative Clout Chaser & Ciara Clocks It All
Finally, after sitting there like his flaccid nudes personified, West was put in the hot seat. And this might’ve been the most fascinating part of the reunion to me. The rest of the cast came prepared for this conversation, with multiple houseguests replaying their chats in the house with West (while clips are being played in tandem to validate what they’re saying), and it becomes very apparent that West is whoever he needs to be, depending on who he’s speaking to. And it’s putting it lightly to say the house clocks him at the reunion: he is one manipulative man.
In a clip, West tells Ben that he has a crush on Ciara, he says when he was with her it was “dreamy.” He then tells Jesse that it’s weird he wants to make out with her and then acknowledges they dated and that she’s an ex while housemates are discussing it. That’s for everyone who has been justifying what West and Amanda did by saying he’s not her ex. He is. Period. West loves to hitch his ass to Ciara when it’s convenient to him, his storyline and the potential for air time on the show. But once cameras are down, she becomes disposable to him in so many ways. It appears that vthe cast has realized she may not be the only one he has done that to.
But West is smart because he also clearly states that he is not trying to be Ciara’s boyfriend. West is so good at being calculated and he’s using specific words to toe the line. And it’s hard to witness as a viewer, because we’ve seen him continue to lead Ciara (and the rest of the house) on, while also knowing that he can roll those tapes and not have his specific words used against him.
And while we see him cozy up to Amanda last summer, folks have pointed out online that perhaps West was only angling for Amanda at the time because he saw the potential for her to have an Ariana Madix moment and he wanted to look like the supportive friend to ultimately capitalize off of her situation.
Lindsay put it best at the reunion, scorching the earth at West’s expense saying, “I’m like getting pulled into you now and I can like catch myself. You’re so f*cking good. You’re good at pulling girls, do whatever you need to do to climb the ladder, to clout chase, to get to wherever you f*cking need to go. And then boom they don’t work for you, they don’t serve what you need to be served and you drop them. You’re going to do the same thing to Amanda when this is not working out, because it’s not going to and you’re not going to be able to handle it West. Because you’re a f*cking toddler.”
I would have evaporated off the stage right then and there.
We cannot end the West segment of this recap without reminding you of the West and Ciara lore that makes this all even stranger. In a recent resurfaced 2025 interview on Jason Tartick’s podcast, West shares that if he had to fire anyone from the house “Apprentice” style, it would be Ciara, to “get the awkward sh*t out of the house.” The fact that this man dragged her through the mud after his first season, continued to show up in the press with her name in his mouth, realized he was never going to come out on top and encouraged their friendship time and time again, and then said THIS less than a year ago, is diabolical.
If it wasn’t clear before, it is undeniable now: West is somebody who was never interested in taking accountability or growing as a person from his reality TV experience. He simply wants to remove the “problem” so he can continue to be positively perceived by the public without having to be held to any standard of respect. And be famous. West always wants to be famous.
There is something so frustrating about watching another Black woman agree to put herself out there, only to be used for clout by a mediocre man… [Ciara] was not being “mean” or too “harsh,” she was rightly standing up for herself.
lex niko
There is something so damn frustrating about watching another Black woman agree to put herself out there, only to be used for clout by a mediocre man. And to make matters worse, there are people who are attempting to vilify Ciara for standing ten toes down in her feelings and for reacting emotionally during a difficult moment. She was not being “mean” or too “harsh,” she was rightly standing up for herself. Where was this heat when Ariana Madix was telling Rachel Leviss to “go f*ck herself with a cheese grater”? People applauded that moment, and yes, I recognize these are two different scenarios, but the sentiment still stands: Black women are never allowed the same emotional grace as their white counterparts.
It’s wild to witness a collective rose colored glasses coming off in real time with West, but here we are. What was the last straw for you? Mine was when he referred to his makeout with Ciara in the backyard (which we all saw on camera and included kissing with tongue), as “ear stuff.”
What’s With The Newbie Houseguests?
Can you believe we haven’t even discussed the newbies drama? There were surprisingly more storylines from our new houseguests Bailey Taylor, Ben Wadd and KJ Dillard. And Andy did what he could to pivot from the main topic of conversation, to give our newbies a chance to speak on their experience in the house.
And this year our newcomings were nothing short of iconic. Truly, this season’s casting brought it faces me and many others hope to see for seasons to come. KJ Dillard, the first Black male cast member in the Summer House, held what I’d describe as the most vulnerable conversation I’ve ever seen on the Summer House reunion stage. KJ shared how he loved filming the show and felt like he made family with his cast, but come fall 2025, he started going through some heavy stuff mentally and was admitted into the hospital for a week due to self harm.
Mia and Ciara visited him almost every day, we know they’re the best new trio in that damn house! And ultimately KJ entered recovery for a few months to understand why he distracted himself from his issues. He was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and currently feels back on track thanks to the help of therapy and medication. I have to continue to applaud the Summer House crew for being the most open and honest cast as it relates to everything from race, mental health, substance abuse and trauma. They have continued to make space for real and timely discussions, genuinely showing up for one another and without cameras needing to be up. This cast especially has set the bar for how sensitive subject matter should be addressed on reality TV. I know we all want to send KJ some love and thank him for being strong enough to speak on such a personal matter out loud. If you want to understand more or need support yourself, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. It’s free, confidential and 24/7.
Now as for newcomers Bailey and Ben? Well we had quite the standoff between them as the cast relived their version of The Dinner Party From Hell. Bailey drunkenly accused Ben of wanting to sleep with Amanda at her birthday dinner. And although she entered the first weekend of the summer and developed a big fat crush on Ben, at the reunion she assured the group that this did not stem from jealousy. She was being silly and thought it was fine since Amanda and Ben had been previously joking about it in front of everybody. And I believe that because as we’ve gotten to know Bailey, her quirky behavior genuinely speaks for itself. How Bailey surprised me at the reunion though, was when Ben shared he felt hurt and misunderstood after she said (on camera) that she thinks he has anger issues toward women.
Bailey did not hesitate in her response, popping OFF and backed by unseen footage from the season, where Ben is visibly and audibly rude to his girlfriend, Sabrina Belle, and in the next clip, super gentle to Kyle. The juxtaposition is jarring and Bailey puts it best saying, “You like to reprimand women, that’s your problem.” Clearly any crush that was there is over; Bailey successfully left her mark on the reunion and most likely secured her spot for next season.
My Favorite Reunion Sidebars
• Seeing Carl and Lindsay reconciling and seemingly starting to find their way back to friends. • When Jesse said “all rise” as Ciara took to the stage. • Mia and Ciara’s “Friends” style living arrangement (they live in separate apartments in the same building). • Someone’s heartbeat being fully picked up by their mic, and with so much happening during part one, it was impossible to tell who. • Bailey claiming Ben was secretly dating Sabrina prior to coming into the house from a photo on her Instagram. • Mia is now single! • Levi getting more face time at the reunion than she got all season. • Andy reading the fan comment about Ciara buying and renovating her childhood home stating, “As a Black woman it’s a feat to go from being capital to owning capital, only five or so generations separated from slavery. I hope you’re proud of yourself.” • Bailey and Carl bonding over their mutual trauma dumping. • “That’s your wife. She is not my wife.”
The Summer House Reunion part one left no crumbs. And while we still have part two and part three to come, if this is how they’ve laid the foundation, I can only imagine what’s next.
To close and leave us jaw opened, begging for more, these editors and producers shared Ciara’s parting words for Amanda and West, stating, “the best woman for West is someone who’s not gonna check him on anything, and that’s totally Amanda. Like, she’s very mute, she’s gonna be that weak figure that he needs, and he can always be the star in the relationship. So I actually think, like, maybe it could work.”
Excuse me while I pick myself off the floor in preparation for next Tuesday.
The Summer House Season 10 Reunion, Part 2 and 3 will air Tuesdays at 8pm. Uncensored and extended versions of all three parts will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
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As we rack our brains for our next girls’ night outfit, vacation capsule wardrobe, gameday aesthetic, and more, many of us go straight to our socials for inspiration. And luckily, Pinterest has released its Summer 2026 Trend Report with the best and boldest looks to try across fashion and beauty, according to data from over 600 million users worldwide. The biggest prediction? Fandom will continue to grow and influence our summer style.
“Fandom is evolving into a form of self-expression (‘WNBA game outfits’ +70%). Pinterest users are tapping into this shift, translating team spirit into an everyday aesthetic (‘female jersey outfit‘ +494%),” according to the report. Basically, many people are pulling from sport iconography and implementing it into their wardrobes off the courts or field.
And at least in New York, we’re especially seeing fandemonium surrounding the Knicks making it to the playoffs and the World Cup touching down stateside. So, appropriately, many of Pinterest’s timely summer trends revolve around sports, from luxe athleisurewear to varsity and preppy aesthetics, plus sweaty lived-in glam.
Ahead, read about some of the top summer trends that blend sports, culture, and fashion together. Then shop the best styles to actually achieve them. Go sports!
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Sports-Luxe Street Style & Off-Duty Varsity
With search terms like “Formula 1 aesthetic outfit” increasing by 483%, “Brazil jersey outfit women” by 302%, and “baddie tracksuit outfit” by 276% on Pinterest, it’s clear that we’re looking to athletic staples off the field for summer uniforms that work for watch parties and weekend plans.
According to Pinterest: “The look taps into that late-’90s/early-2000s polished playbook: windbreakers & tracksuits treated like chic sets, motorsport details adding a sharp racing edge, and the capri revival offering a refined alternative to shorts.” So, whether you opt for ‘90s minimalist palettes and athleisurewear or bold team colors and actual World Cup soccer jerseys, anyone can incorporate the look into their wardrobes.
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Dockside Americana
2025 brought us the fisherman aesthetic. And in 2026, we’ve been seeing sailor-core outfits all over our feeds, which Pinterest confirms will continue to trend this summer. “It’s preppy, athletic, and purposely a little performative: sailor stripes, crisp blues and whites, and deck shoes create a clean uniform base, while lake-ready layers (rugby tops, half-zips, slouchy crewnecks) keep it low-maintenance from chilly mornings to late dock sunsets,” according to Pinterest.
The effortless, nostalgia-inspired look is backed by trending searches like “vintage sailor aesthetic” jumping up 385% and “boat day outfit summer” up 205%. Plus, several nautical and preppy-coded staples like striped shirts, boat shoes, polo tops, linen shorts, crochet sweaters, and jelly shoes have all received bumps in Pinterest searches.
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Hybrid Kicks & Statement Shades
Sneakers are a huge shoe trend for the summer, perhaps more than sandals. Searches for “dad sneakers” increased by 906%, while hybrid styles like sneaker ballet flats and Mary Janes along with sneaker wedges, mules, and loafers have all increased on Pinterest. According to the report, there’s “a surge in hybrids that blend comfort with unexpected silhouettes,” with a “familiar sneaker DNA, reworked into lighter, more styled shapes that feel novelty-driven but easy to wear.” Therefore, slim retro sneakers continue to reign.
Moving up the body, statement sunglasses are another major accessory trend. This summer, “retro micro frames (90s ovals, tiny lenses) and bold statement shapes (wraparound, shield, rimless, spiked),” will take over, according to Pinterest. Wondering how this ties into sports and fan culture? Just take style inspo from WAGs (wives and girlfriends of professional athletes) like Victoria Beckham and Ciara.
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Pep-Rally Glam & Fan-Finishing Touches
From tons of female athletes showing off full beats on the courts and fields to fans going all out with their gameday glam, beauty has officially entered the sports chat. According to Pinterest: “Pep-Rally Glam is summer’s sports-lifestyle makeup mood: high-energy, a little sweaty, and intentionally lived-in.” We’re talking dewy skin and smudged eyeliner that can easily translate from day to night.
Nostalgic blue eyeshadow and face gems have made their presence known, especially, backed by celebrities like Zara Larsson and Zendaya. The report also states that “Pinners are building watch-party looks around team colors and iconic symbols, layering in high-impact accents like hair tinsel.” So with “tinsel hair ideas” climbing 622% and “face stickers” up 119%, get excited for playful, colorful, and sparkling beauty looks this summer.
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Fruity fragrances are a natural choice for the summer. After all, what says fun and sun like juicy peach, fresh strawberry, and tropical mango? But if you’re looking to buck tradition and wear something a little more unexpected — yet still decidedly fruit-forward — keep reading.
I’ve always felt that figs are a highly underrated ingredient in perfumery; among the family of dried and candied fruit notes (which also includes dates, raisins, and orange peel), fig stands out to me for its warm, creamy sweetness that can feel indulgent without veering into cloying. Depending on what it’s paired with, it can lean honeyed and jammy, or warm and grounding, making it one of the most versatile notes to wear year-round. (Fig leaves can also be utilized in perfumery to lend a verdant, invigorating element to the juice.)
Thanks to that naturally rich profile, fig pairs especially well with florals, dessert-like gourmands, and even skin-like musks, adding depth without overpowering the rest of the composition. The result is a scent that feels elevated, a little sweet, and effortlessly chic. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the most unique fig perfumes to wear this summer and beyond.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Marc Jacobs Perfect Absolute Eau de Parfum
ICYMI, the Marc Jacobs Beauty renaissance is officially upon us — and with fig fragrances having a major moment right now, this scent is an especially elegant way to tap into the trend. Perfect Absolute builds on the original Perfect Eau de Parfum, layering in a richer, more decadent edge with caramelized fig accord and heady jasmine absolute. The result is creamy, warm, and just a little indulgent without losing that playful Marc Jacobs spirit. Plus, the bottle doubles as a pop-art sculpture and adds a little personality to any vanity or bathroom counter.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Perfect Absolute Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Henry Rose London 1983
Henry Rose bottled the anarchic spirit of 1980s London with this striking blend, where black pepper-dusted fig collides with soft florals atop a velvety base of musk, blond woods, and brisk vetiver. Equal parts elevated and edgy, it’s the olfactory equivalent of a posh princess in her rebellious era.
Henry Rose London 1983, $, available at Henry Rose
Phlur Father Figure Eau De Parfum
If the color green had a fragrance, it would be Phlur’s Father Figure. This woody take on fig pairs the fruit’s unmistakable syrupy sweetness with airy jasmine and creamy sandalwood for a scent that feels fresh, grounded, and luxe. It’s earthy yet soft, and the kind of fragrance that works as well for everyday as it does for an evening out.
Phlur Father Figure Eau De Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Eilish Fragrances Your Turn II Eau de Parfum
Billie Eilish’s fragrances are somewhat of a best-kept secret — and a longtime editor favorite — and this one is no exception. Your Turn II opens with sweet mirabelle plum and aromatic cassis leaf before unfolding into a heart of jammy fig nectar, spicy black tea, and warm vanilla orchid. Cozy yet sophisticated, the scent settles into a warm, musky finish that feels nostalgic in the best possible way — like your favorite worn-in sweater, bottled.
Billie Eilish Your Turn II Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Josie Maran Bohemian Fig - Body + Hair Fragrance Mist
Josie Maran’s range of body mists truly has something for everyone, but this summer, we’re especially obsessed with Bohemian Fig. Here, the namesake note mingles with sharp vetiver, velvety vanilla orchid, and bright bergamot for a scent that’s equal parts sugar, spice, and everything nice. Lightweight yet surprisingly luxe, it’s the kind of effortless fragrance you’ll want to keep in your bag all summer long.
Josie Maran Bohemian Fig - Body + Hair Fragrance Mist, $, available at Sephora
Moroccanoil Lumière du Jour Eau de Parfum
Moroccanoil’s sophomore fragrance evokes the lush, sun-drenched landscape of the Mediterranean with just-picked fig leaf, romantic jasmine, and soft blond woods. Sensual yet airy, it settles into a cocooning creamy skin scent that lingers for hours long after the initial spritz.
Moroccanoil Lumière du Jour Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Yves Saint Laurent Lavallière Eau de Parfum
Out of YSL’s couture fragrance collection, our summer pick is Lavallière — named after the signature long, ribbon-like scarf often worn by Yves Saint Laurent himself. The floral scent blends honeyed fig fruit and crisp green fig leaves with berry-like rose and soft musk for a fragrance that feels skin-like, sexy, and subtly sweet all at once. (Some reviewers have compared it to the brand’s cult-favorite Baby Doll perfume, making it a must-try for niche fragrance lovers.)
Yves Saint Laurent Lavallière Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
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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 dollar.
This week: A coordinator at a film & TV production company working in entertainment who makes $65,000 per year and spends some of it on flights and accommodation for a destination wedding in Europe after breaking up with a long-term boyfriend.
This Money Diary was written at the start of 2026.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email. Please note: We are legally unable to publish any diaries that have been written with the use of AI.
Occupation: TV & Film Coordinator Industry: Entertainment Age: 26 Location: Los Angeles, CA Salary: $65,000 Joint Income/Financial Setup: n/a Assets: Investment Account: $28,614.41 Investment Account (2): $5,610.45 Robinhood Investment Account: $2,245.98 Roth IRA: $34,174.85 High-Yield Savings Account: $3,785.49 Checking Account: $997.57 Debt: My credit card debt usually floats around $1,500-$2,000. Paycheck Amount (2x per month): $2,120.61 Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $1,234 (rent). I have two roommates and I have the smallest room, so I pay a little less than they do. Utilities: My roommates and I split utilities and wifi, and it comes out to roughly $100 each. Other monthly expenses: Car Insurance: $210.27 Investment Account Contribution: $258/week. I then transfer $7,000/year from the investment account into my Roth IRA, which is my only retirement contribution (my company doesn’t provide retirement benefits). Health Insurance: $0 (my company covers it). Gym Membership: $45 ClassPass Subscription: $55 Phone Bill: $114 (I get this reimbursed through work). AMC A-List Subscription: $27.99 (working in entertainment in L.A., this feels like a necessity. I see at least two movies per month). Hulu: $1.99 (I somehow still get the discounted student rate, though I haven’t been a student in many years). Netflix: $2.66 (my roommates and I have the lowest tier, which is $7.99, and we split it). Spotify: $0 (I’m on a family plan that my parents pay for). iCloud Storage: $0.99
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Yes. My parents and all four of my grandparents have graduate degrees. My parents never encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree (because of the cost), but it was always assumed that I would attend college. My parents started a 529 plan for me as a baby. With a bit of help from both sets of my grandparents, my parents fully covered my college tuition, my room, and board.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances? My parents didn’t talk about money explicitly, but it often came up when discussing other people we knew. My parents would constantly comment on which of their friends were “rich” and which of my friends were “rich.” Until high school, I didn’t understand how privileged I was, because I grew up around people who were even more well-off, and my parents were always struggling to keep up. My parents didn’t directly educate me about personal finance, but they introduced me to their financial advisor, who manages the investment account that my parents started for me as a baby, and my Roth IRA. They also made me an authorized user on their credit card when I was in high school, so that I could start building credit early. However, that ultimately hurt my credit score. My parents accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt during a home renovation and I was still an authorized user on the card.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I babysat frequently, starting when I was 12 — but my first W2 job was when I was 17, and I spent the summer working as a lifeguard. I got the job partly because I thought it sounded like a fun way to spend my summer, but I also wanted to have more spending money. By that age, my parents still covered all of my necessities, but shopping trips and dinners out with friends were usually on me.
Did you worry about money growing up? I never worried about not having my needs met, but I was very aware that my family existed in a social strata that was hard for my parents to keep up with. I went to public school, but I grew up in a wealthy neighborhood and went to an expensive summer camp, so many of my friends were much wealthier than we were. Money became an insecurity of mine throughout middle school and high school. My house was smaller, my clothes weren’t designer, and we didn’t take fancy vacations. My parents often referenced how expensive college would be, so I worried about that. Looking back, I fully realize that my family is upper-middle-class and I’m extremely privileged, but I didn’t realize it at the time. My parents still often complain about money, but it’s not because they don’t have enough to survive; they just don’t have enough to live the lifestyle they strive for.
Do you worry about money now? Yes, I worry about money frequently. I have built up a substantial amount in my investment accounts — through a mix of inheritances and my own contributions — but my checking account is usually low. Each month I have to be very calculated about how much of my credit card bill I pay off, so I feel like I live paycheck-to-paycheck (but with a safety net). I can survive on my current income for now (though I’m not sure I could have if I hadn’t started with money from my family), but I want to have a big family, and I have no idea how I’ll ever afford to have kids.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I became mostly financially responsible at 21, when I graduated college, got my first full-time job, and moved to L.A. For a few years, I was still on my parents’ phone plan and health insurance (and I’m still on the family Spotify). I’m now on my company’s insurance, and my company also covers my phone bill (otherwise, I would probably still be on my parents’). I was briefly unemployed a few years ago, and my parents loaned me $1,000, but I paid them back as soon as I could. It’s comforting that my parents can help me out like that if I’m ever in a tough bind. Still, they don’t have enough disposable income to substantially support me, especially because they already support my brother due to his mental illness.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. In addition to paying for my college education, my parents set up an investment account for me when I was a baby. I’m not sure how much money they contributed, but it had around $15,000 by the time it was turned over to me. Both of my grandfathers have died and each left me $10,000. I used some of that money to pay off my car loan early and put the rest into the investment account, which my parents’ financial advisor still manages for me. I have had to dip into my investment account a few times over the years, such as when I was briefly unemployed and when I was moving, so I’ve probably spent most of my inheritance by now. My grandmother gave me $5,000 for the down payment on my car, which I bought when I was 21. My other grandmother gave me $5,000 this Christmas in an investment account that she set up for me, which is why I have a second investment account.
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Day One: Saturday
7:30 a.m. — I broke up with my boyfriend of two and a half years last night, and I’m so wired that I can’t sleep in. Last night was hard, but I know it was the right decision because of some fundamental differences that I can’t get past. I feel oddly calm as I make coffee with my Keurig.
8 a.m. — I told a few friends about the breakup last night, but I text more friends to update them. I call my mom to tell her and she gives me words of encouragement, even though I can tell she’s disappointed. My family loved my ex-boyfriend. I try my dad, but he doesn’t answer. I figure my mom will tell him and my brother.
8:30 a.m. — I go on a walk and call one of my best friends. We talk for about an hour and a half. She makes me feel so much better.
10 a.m. — I eat breakfast: I make a yogurt bowl with granola, banana, almond butter, and honey.
11 a.m. — My roommate, A., invites me to accompany her to a gourmet grocery store to help distract me. The grocery store is bougie and overpriced. I buy pasta, arrabbiata sauce, olives, giardiniera peppers, caviar chips, and a soda. $36.44
12 p.m. — I go home and make lunch. I cook the pasta and eat it with the arrabbiata.
1 p.m. — I go to a Solidcore class. I don’t feel like working out, but I know movement will make me feel better. I pay for the class using credits from my ClassPass membership.
2:30 p.m. — I have a group FaceTime with three of my friends who don’t live in L.A. It’s so nice to talk to them and debrief the breakup more.
4 p.m. — I make another coffee and get ready for a night out with my roommates, A. and G. We have to run an errand and stop by our friend’s house before our 9 p.m. dinner reservation, so we’re leaving the house at 5 p.m.
5 p.m. — A. doesn’t drink, so she kindly offers to drive. A. and I both get our eyebrows threaded at a place on the other side of town, and since our friend lives near there, we figured we’d stop to get our eyebrows done on the way to her house. Threading costs $15 and I leave a $3 tip. $18.00
6:15 p.m. — A., G., and I arrive at our friend O.’s house. She is moving to Chicago, so we’re here to say goodbye. I tell O. about my breakup, and she catches us up on her life. We hang out for two hours before leaving her to finish packing while we go to dinner.
9 p.m. — A. drives us across town again, to a trendy Mexican seafood restaurant. G. has the Red Dining Book, which is a book that includes vouchers for a free entree at several L.A. restaurants, including this one. We split ceviche, wagyu, a tostada, spicy tuna crispy rice, churros, and order some margaritas. We get $30 off through G.’s book. $57.00
11:30 p.m. — We get home and I go right to bed, exhausted. I scroll on my phone for a bit and wonder what my ex is doing.
Daily Total: $111.44
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Day Two: Sunday
7:30 a.m. — I wake up early again, still buzzing with some sort of weird energy or adrenaline from the breakup. I make coffee with my Keurig.
8:30 a.m. — My friend, E., is getting married in Europe in a few months. Now that I can no longer split a hotel room with my ex, E. kindly invites me to stay in the house she rented for her bridal party and close friends. The cost is $125 each for the two nights we’ll be staying there, which sounds like a very reasonable rate to me, so I gratefully accept and Venmo E. $125
9 a.m. — My dad returns my call from yesterday and I talk to him about the breakup, even though my mom has already filled him in. I spend the next hour texting more friends and scrolling. I’m so grateful for how much love I’ve received from my friends and family this weekend.
10 a.m. — I go on a run in the park nearby. It feels nice to get some fresh air.
11:30 a.m. — After showering, I doomscroll for a while. I watch footage of ICE agents and of all the protests in Minneapolis. It makes me feel so heavy and helpless. I repost some resources and statements on my Instagram story, but it makes me feel icky and performative. I figure at the very least, I can make it clear where I stand.
12:30 p.m. — I meet E. and our friend M. at the farmers’ market. E. gives me the sweetest breakup care package: a mindless book, eye patches, and candy. I spend way more money than I mean to. I get a latte ($5.90), a bunch of dips and pita chips ($20), and avocados and berries ($21). $46.90
2 p.m. — Back at M.’s apartment, M. and I order wraps for pickup. I pay for both of us, then we drive to pick them up. $35.12
4 p.m. — M. and I get froyo before I head home. The total is $15, but M. pays.
5:30 p.m. — I have a FaceTime date with another group of long-distance friends. It’s so nice to talk to them, and I feel so grateful for how many friends have been supporting me through the breakup. I’m weirdly giddy on FaceTime, and I think it’s kinda weird that I haven’t cried since the actual breakup on Friday.
8 p.m. — The friends I just got off FaceTime with sent me the sweetest care package. It includes bath salts, a bath bomb, soap, a candle, a blanket, fuzzy socks, and a sleep mask. I never take baths, but this inspires me to do so. I take a bath while reading the book E. got me, and it is so lovely. I’m actually feeling very content and so grateful for my friends.
10 p.m. — I realize I never ate dinner because I was still full from the late lunch and froyo. I eat the pita chips and dips I got from the farmers’ market, and make guac.
11:30 p.m. — After scrolling on my phone for a while, I go to bed.
Daily Total: $207.02
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Day Three: Monday
7:45 a.m. — I begin my weekday morning routine: I make coffee, listen to the NewsWorthy podcast to catch up on the day’s news, get dressed, and pack myself breakfast and lunch.
8:50 a.m. — I drive to work while listening to a podcast.
9:15 a.m. — At the office, I eat the breakfast I packed: yogurt, granola, and berries.
1 p.m. — Work is pretty slow, so I take a break to eat the lunch I packed (leftover pasta with arrabbiata sauce) and browse flights to Europe for E.’s wedding. I’m mad at myself for waiting so long because the prices have nearly doubled. I make a latte using the Nespresso machine and milk frother at the office, and snack on some SkinnyPop. I may be underpaid, but at least the office pantry is stocked with free snacks.
6:15 p.m. — I finish work and head to the gym. I’m a member of the gym in my office complex, and it annoyingly closes at 7 p.m., so I just get a quick treadmill run/walk in.
7:15 p.m. — On my way home, I stop at Ulta for more bath products. I can’t believe it took a breakup and a subsequent care package for me to rediscover the magic of a relaxing bath. I stock up on bubble bath, a few bath bombs, and a bath powder. I feel guilty for spending so much money, but I justify it with the mantra that self-care is a worthy investment. $37.92
7:30 p.m. — After Ulta, I stop at the grocery store for eggs, bread, cheese, crackers, a tomato, lemons, grapes, yogurt, and deodorant. $58.98
8 p.m. — I make avocado toast with eggs for dinner.
9 p.m. — Today’s bath is even more elevated thanks to my Ulta run. I also bring my laptop into the bathroom and watch a show and snack on the candy E. got me.
10 p.m. — I finally bite the bullet and book flights for E’s wedding ($1,187.43) since it seems unlikely the price will go back down. I’m going to be paying off this credit card bill for a while. I also book a cheap hotel for the third night I’ll be there since I’m staying three nights and the house E. rented is only for two nights. I use credit card points to book the hotel (I use 7,564 of my 62,287 points). It seems quick to fly all the way to Europe for just three nights, but I can’t afford a long vacation given how many weddings and bachelorette parties I have this year. $1,187.43
11 p.m. — I scroll for a while and go to bed around midnight.
Daily Total: $1,284.33
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Day Four: Tuesday
7:45 a.m. — I wake up feeling weird because I had a dream about running into my ex’s family. He somehow still hasn’t appeared in any of my dreams, though. I make coffee and get ready for the day while listening to the NewsWorthy. My friends and I plan to see Wuthering Heights when it comes out in a few weeks. We reserve tickets, but mine is covered by my AMC A-list subscription.
9:15 a.m. — I get into the office and eat Cheerios from the office pantry for breakfast.
10 a.m. — Our staff meeting goes by quickly. My coworkers and I have a friendly, jokey relationship, which makes the workday so much smoother.
1 p.m. — I eat the leftover pasta that I brought for lunch. I make an iced latte in the Nespresso and drink it while I go on a quick walk. I text E. and M., and we make plans to see Hamnet this weekend. My ticket is covered by my AMC A-list subscription, but I also buy tickets for E. and M. They’re on sale, so it’s $28.78 for both. E. venmos me $14 for hers, but M. doesn’t. I know I could nudge her and she totally would, but I feel petty making a fuss over such a small amount, so I just eat it. M. and I have a relationship where we often just pick up the tab for each other, so I don’t mind. I call my grandma and tell her about the breakup. She’s disappointed, and I know it’s because she really wanted me to get married soon. $14.78
3 p.m. — We meet with an author about adapting her book into a TV series. We have a productive meeting, brainstorming what we can change about the book to make it compelling for TV. I love this part of my job.
6:30 p.m. — I leave work and listen to the NYT Modern Love podcast on my drive home.
7 p.m. — I make avocado toast with eggs for dinner, and snack on crackers with hummus from the farmers’ market.
9 p.m. — I finally finish Season 1 of The Pitt and have the urge to text my ex about it. He’s the one who convinced me to watch it, and I used to text him my thoughts as I watched. I resist the temptation. We haven’t texted since our breakup.
11:30 p.m. — I scroll for way longer than I should before finally getting to bed.
Daily Total: $14.78
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Day Five: Wednesday
8 a.m. — I wake up late. I make my coffee and get ready quickly.
9:15 a.m. — At the office, I eat the breakfast I packed: yogurt, granola, and berries.
1 p.m. — I eat the lunch I packed (more leftover pasta, pita chips, and hummus from the farmers’ market) and make a latte in the Nespresso machine. A and I plan to go to SoulCycle together this weekend. I book the class using ClassPass, but I’m a few credits short, so I pay $6 to buy two more credits. $6
2 p.m. — I don’t have any meetings this afternoon, so I spend the afternoon reading incoming script submissions. I feel so lucky that reading scripts and analyzing stories is a huge part of my job. That being said, the tradeoff is that my salary is a quarter that of my friends who went into finance, consulting, and law (I went to an Ivy League college, so many of them did).
4 p.m. — I have been meaning to email my parents’ financial advisor to set up a meeting about my financial goals, and I finally do. I think I need to reduce my weekly $258 contribution to my investment account, because I need the money for my never-ending day-to-day expenses. I also want to make sure she transferred $7,000 from my investment account to my Roth IRA, as that’s my annual contribution to my retirement account.
7:30 p.m. — I go to a drop-in adult gymnastics class that costs $20. I’ve never been a high-level gymnast, but I dabbled in it growing up and it’s so fun to get back into it. I try to go to a class at least once a week. $20
9 p.m. — I make avocado toast with eggs for dinner, then eat ice cream that G. bought me after the breakup. I watch TV, mindlessly scroll, and then read a little before bed.
Daily Total: $26
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Day Six: Thursday
7 a.m. — I wake up from a dream that my ex and his whole family unfollowed me on Instagram. I feel weirdly panicked by the thought, even though I know logically that would be a totally fair thing to do. I check my followers and confirm that he, his mom, his siblings, and his cousins all still follow me.
7:30 a.m. — Since I woke up earlier than usual this morning, I actually make breakfast at home: eggs, toast, and coffee before heading into work.
10:30 a.m. — I already need another coffee, so I make a latte with the Nespresso.
1 p.m. — I eat the somewhat pathetic lunch I packed: crackers, hummus, olives, and grapes.
2:30 p.m. — We have an in-person pitch meeting, which is always fun, since most of our meetings are over Zoom. The team comes to our office to pitch us their TV series, but unfortunately, we ultimately pass. The entertainment business is tough right now, so if a concept isn’t unique and splashy, it’s nearly impossible to get it off the ground. The studios we sell to also care a lot about the “package,” so if there’s not meaningful talent (i.e., writer, director, actors) attached, it’s even harder.
6:15 p.m. — I leave the office to head to work drinks, but I stop for a few more groceries on the way. I tried a new brand of deodorant when I bought some on Monday (because it was cheaper), but I hate it. So, I buy a two-pack of my usual deodorant, as well as more avocados, lemons, and almond milk for my coffee. $18.53
7 p.m. — I meet an agent for work drinks. I find a parking spot at a meter ($4, but I can expense it since it’s for work). Coincidentally, he asked to meet at the restaurant where I had my first date with my ex. This is a bit triggering, but luckily, we’re seated in a different section. He orders a glass of red wine, and I order a glass of white. He says he’s going to get food because he’s starving, and I decide to follow his lead. We both order a salad, his with chicken, mine with steak. I tell him what types of projects my company is looking for, and he pitches a few of his clients to me and gives me strategy advice on a few of our projects. When the bill comes ($110.93 after tip), I offer to pay because I can expense it (hence why I ordered steak), and he accepts. $114.93(expensed)
Daily Total: $18.53
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Day Seven: Friday
8 a.m. — I sleep in because I work from home on Fridays. I make coffee and go on a quick walk before starting work.
11 a.m. — After a morning of back-to-back meetings, I take a break to make a late breakfast of avocado toast and eggs.
1:30 p.m. — I throw in a load of laundry (we have an in-unit washer/dryer, which is so helpful) and then go on a quick lunchtime walk.
3:30 p.m. — I make some pasta with sautéed tomatoes and onions for a late lunch.
6:30 p.m. — I wrap up work and do a 30-minute at-home yoga class I find on YouTube. I’m still sore from Wednesday’s gymnastics class, so I need the stretch.
7:30 p.m. — I was supposed to do a movie night with a friend, but she had to cancel. So, I take an edible and take yet another relaxing bath. I’m so grateful for my friends’ care package unintentionally reigniting my love of baths. It’s such a nice way to unwind at the end of the week.
10 p.m. — I watch TV, then get to sleep early.
Daily Total: $0
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The Breakdown
Conclusion: I’m happy with myself for only eating out and ordering in during the weekend (other than my work dinner, which was expensed, so who cares), but tracking my meals made me realize how repetitive and uninventive I am with my cooking. I do enjoy cooking, but I rarely have the energy to make a real, home-cooked meal. I’m definitely still recovering from the sticker shock of my flights for E.’s wedding, but there’s nothing I can really do about it. Sure, I could have (and probably should have) booked my flights earlier, but part of me is glad that I didn’t because I would have felt horrible if my ex and I had booked flights together and then broken up. At the very least, I’m glad that I didn’t give in to the temptation of extending my stay for a longer trip in Europe, because as fun as that would be, I don’t have the budget for it.
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