April is the first full month of the new astrological year, and the universe isn’t asking if you’re ready to lead. It’s asking why you’re s...

April is the first full month of the new astrological year, and the universe isn’t asking if you’re ready to lead. It’s asking why you’re still waiting. Aries season launched the cycle. We are done with the retrograde, and now you’re being called to actually embody the authority you’ve been cultivating. You’ve got the green light to awaken the dormant power inside of you. 

The leader you came here to be isn’t a future version of yourself. It’s who you already are when you stop asking for permission and start trusting what you know. This month is about recognizing that you’ve always been ready and there is truly nothing standing in your way, unless you decide there is.

These tarotscopes will show you where your leadership is being activated and what’s still holding you from claiming it fully. Read for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Let Spirit show you where you’re ready to step up. Then do it like you’ve been here all along.
Aries (February 19 - March 20) - The Emperor

This is your astrological new year, Aries. Your season. Your energy is literally powering the collective right now, and you’re still asking if you’re qualified to lead. Quit it. The Emperor doesn’t ask for approval before they build the empire. They trust the vision they’ve received and open themselves up for the way in which the universe wants to use them. They trust their authority and command reality with conviction and Godly confidence. They know that they can’t “get it wrong,” and they take initiative by making the first move. That’s you. That’s always been you. This month is about embodying that without the performance anxiety, without the need for external validation, and without waiting for everyone else to be ready. They’re not going to be ready because you are the leader they’ve been waiting for. They’re waiting for you to show them it’s possible. Act like you’ve been doing this forever. In your soul, you have.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - King of Pentacles

You’ve been building in silence for so long that you forgot the point was to eventually enjoy your creations rather than nit-pick the process. You have the capacity to activate the baseline energy of anything and expand upon it. Generate abundance out of thin air. You must trust in your vision and ability to execute this. You are the blueprint. You don’t need to follow “steps” because they are naturally engrained in you. You must trust that you are more resourceful than you give yourself credit for. But you’re still treating your authority like it’s something you need to perfect in private before you’re allowed to share it publicly. That’s fear disguised as patience. You already have the mastery and are the mastery. You’ve already done the work. You’ve already proven to yourself that you can build something sustainable and real. Your authority doesn't come from being the loudest or the fastest. It comes from being the most grounded, the most embodied, and the one who built something that lasts while everyone else is chasing trends and doubting themselves. Stop waiting for more proof that you’re qualified. You are the proof. Believe that.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) - The Magician

You’ve been downplaying your gift for so long that you forgot communication is actual sorcery. You have the capacity to take invisible concepts and make them tangible through language, to see connections others miss and articulate them in ways that shift everything. Your mind isn’t scattered; it’s designed to hold multiple truths at once and weave them into something people can actually use. This is your magic. However, you’re still treating your voice like it’s not real leadership because it doesn't look like everyone else’s version of authority or, perhaps, because you think holding that power is too simple and you have to make it complex. You’ve already shown yourself that your words move energy, open doors, and create pathways where none existed. Monitor what comes through you. Your authority doesn’t come from having a singular focus or one definitive message. It comes from your ability to translate between worlds, hold multiple perspectives that benefit you, make the mystical practical, and to speak truth in a way that lands. Your capacity to articulate is the exact form of power this moment requires.
Cancer (May 21 - June 20) - The High Priestess

You’ve been waiting for external confirmation of what you already know in your body, and it’s keeping you stuck between worlds. The High Priestess doesn’t need proof to trust what she feels, and, aside from that, what she knows with conviction. She does’'t need everyone else to validate her vision before she moves on it, because she is Source. You’re being asked to stop translating your intuition into logic so you can believe in yourself and start honoring the knowledge that comes through your body, your inner conviction, and your emotional currents. Your inner sight is more accurate than anyone’s perspective of it and how it works. It will certainly be on overdrive this month, so lean into the intention that you are the primary Source and you need no validation than that of your internal world. You read energy like other people read data. You feel the future before it arrives. You know things you have no logical way of knowing. That’s not something to second-guess or brush off. That’s your access point; that’s your magic. This month is about stepping through the veil you’ve been standing at and claiming what’s on the other side. Stop waiting for permission to honor your own psychic knowledge. The mysteries don't reveal themselves to those who need proof first.
Leo (July 23 - August 22) - Three of Wands

You’ve been standing at the edge of your vision for months, visualizing everything you desire, but now you’re second-guessing whether you’re actually ready for it to arrive — or if it will even arrive. The Three of Wands is the card of expansion that's already in motion. Everything you desire, desires you and is making its way to you right now. You are implementing the moves. You are putting the energy out there. You committed to the bigger version of what you’re building. And now that you’re starting to see the reality catch back at you in increments, you’re trying to shrink yourself back down to fit the old container. That doubt is normal because it’s showing you that you are outgrowing the old version of you. The work is working. You already set this in motion and are in this momentum, but you have to stick to the pose. Your job isn’t to question whether you’re worthy of what’s coming. It’s to expand your capacity to receive it, to be witnessed holding it, to let yourself be seen standing in the fullness of what you called in. Stop making yourself smaller so other people feel comfortable with your growth or so that you can feel comfortable internally. This month is about owning the expansion you’ve already initiated and being courageous enough to step into it. You are proof that bold vision creates bold results. Own it.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22) - 8 of Pentacles

You’ve been perfecting your craft for so long, but is that really necessary? The Eight of Pentacles is mastery through devotion, and you have it. Your passion speaks for itself when you dive into endless research and spend hours fascinated on a topic. But now it’s time to trust what you know and to apply it. Your experience along the way will be the best teacher. You’ve developed a level of skill that most people will never achieve because they’re not willing to do what you’ve done. But you have to trust that you know more than enough at this point and can still tap into your genius to make it unique to you. You are overly qualified, and sometimes you don’t believe that. So let me tell you! Perfectionism is in the trash, and you have the green light to still treat your expertise like it's enough. Not like there's one more thing you need to learn before you're qualified to build something real with it. You already possess the mastery because you are the mastery. Your precision is what makes everything you touch better. Stop using “I'm still learning” as a shield against being seen for what you actually know. This month is about applying your skills in the world instead of hoarding them in private. You are the proof that devotion to craft creates undeniable results. Build something with what you know.
Libra (September 23 - October 22) - 2 of Swords

You’ve been weighing your options for so long that you forgot making no decision is still a decision, and it's costing you everything you say you want. The Two of Swords is the card of deliberate avoidance and negating your intuition. You already know what you need to do; you don’t need a loud sign in the sky in order to take the next steps. But you keep gathering more information, seeking more perspectives, waiting for some permission slip for you to be powerful. Bank on trusting yourself and watch how everything changes. You already hold the clarity even if the next steps might be uncomfortable to take action on. Your intuition knows the answer before your mind finishes analyzing all the variables. Your gift for seeing multiple sides isn’t meant to paralyze you; it’s meant to help you make informed choices and then commit to them without looking back. The more you trust, the faster you travel. Stop treating every decision like it needs to be unanimously approved. You are not a beggar. Validate yourself. This month is about choosing your direction and trusting it enough to move, even if someone disagrees, even if it disrupts the peace, even if you can’t guarantee the outcome. Choose and witness what takes form from that path.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) - 7 of Swords

Yo’'ve been moving in the shadows for so long that you forgot that you can come into the light for air. You don’t have to consistently work on yourself in order to have what you desire. You might be approaching yourself as a DIY project that is never ending and always has some issue that needs to be “fixed.” The Seven of Swords is the card of strategic solitude, doing the necessary work alone because all transformation starts within. You don’t trust anyone else to handle you with the depth and intensity you bring. And you’re right, for the most part. Most people can’t. But you’re also using that as an excuse to never let anyone see what you’re actually capable of, to never collaborate, to never let your work touch the world in its full power because that would require you to be seen. And you’re also approaching your Spirit like it’s broken, instead of showing yourself grace and accepting the moment as perfect as it is. You are the power you seek. You’ve proven your ability to transform, to alchemize darkness into medicine, to see what others are afraid to look at. Let’s not become addicted to perpetually treating yourself as a project that needs to be worked on. Allow your intensity and shadows to be met and embraced by others who can appreciate them. This month is about trusting that you are good as you are and that what you’ve been building in private is ready to impact beyond your own inner world.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) - Knight of Wands

Your life is about to accelerate in such a profound speed that you will not recognize the old you and the ways you have lived in the past. The Knight of Wands is perpetual motion but with fierce determination: always moving toward the horizon, seeking the next adventure, the next philosophy, and the next level of expansion. And that’s your gift — fast personal development that translates into growth in every area of your life. You don’t wait for things to happen; you feel the shift and the embodiment of what you want internally first and you let the world catch up to your inner transformation. But sometimes you can be impulsive and focused on escaping challenges and problems instead of building a better structure for yourself. You keep telling yourself you need more freedom, more space, and more time before you can commit, but, truthfully, you already have those things. You’re just restless. You might need to recognize your vision and make it bigger so that it can motivate you the right way. You’ve already proven your ability to see possibilities, to inspire movement, and to expand beyond limitations, and now it’s time to commit and build something tangible. Your philosophy is supposed to live in your body, not just your mind. Stop running from the life you’re actually in by romanticizing the one that’s always six months away. You are proof that expansion requires roots. Plant them.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) - 10 of Pentacles

The empire you’ve been building is as clear as day and taking form in front of your eyes. The Ten of Pentacles is legacy, generational wealth, everything you’ve been grinding toward for years and you have it even if you don’t see it just yet, because the reality lives within you. But you keep moving the goalpost, telling yourself that once you hit the next milestone, then you’ll rest. Then you’ll enjoy it. Then you’ll finally feel successful. You’re punishing yourself as a form of ambition. You already created the foundation and have done the practical and spiritual work as well. You’ve already proven that your discipline, your strategy, and your willingness to play the long game when everyone else quit, that created something real. Your work ethic isn’t the problem. Your refusal to let yourself enjoy what you’ve earned is. Step into a new level of ease and receivership. Yes, you may have mastered this, but you can always expand upon it. You have always been faster than the 3D realm, always creating from the end result and letting the world catch up with your genius. Now allow yourself to rest so you can receive additional support for your next missions and expand even further in opulence, wealth, and luxury. Be present for the blessings you’ve already established for yourself and your ancestors.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) - 7 of Cups

The Seven of Cups can represent infinite possibility — every future timeline laid out in front of you and every version of what could be if you just had the right conditions, the right team, and the right moment. And you can see all of these timelines. That is one of your spiritual gifts. But you’re forgetting that embodiment is what makes these timelines present. And you can get lost in the art of drifting into alternative realities versus bringing them into the present and into your body, without needing 3D proof or validation. You are not committing to one path, perhaps because you haven’t decided on what you want. But this is so, so important. The perfect path reveals itself once you decide that you’re always walking on it. You can’t get it wrong; you’re always in alignment. You don’t need to look for the blueprint or permission to take steps because you are the blueprint, and it unlocks with you giving yourself permission and taking action now. You can see what's possible before anyone else does, imagine systems that don't exist yet, and think beyond what’s been done. But how are you going to make this practical? Lead by example. Show others that they can envision a new reality for themselves, by actually seeing it and living it. Your ideas take form once you move. Choose one cup and drink from it fully. Revolution happens in reality, not in theory. Ground it.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) - 9 of Cups

The Nine of Cups is fulfillment, the watery emotional kind where you know that you are everything and everything flows from you, even if you can’t see it in the 3D yet. Whatever you have been dreaming about or desiring, is available to you right now. But there’s a fine line between dwelling in the waters excessively and coming up for air, onto land and building it. Take this sensual energy you are in and intend for things to be easeful, pleasurable, and joyful. Intend for the aligned resources to come to you and for you to be supported in every way. And open yourself to receive these things. Dwelling too much in fantasy, however, will bring you the opposite of your desires. You’ve already proven that your sensitivity, your ability to dream, and your connection to what’s unseen are all superpowers. They’re how you create. But creation requires you to come down from the ethers and actually live in your body, in this life, with what you’ve conjured. Stop treating embodiment like it’s less sacred than transcendence. This month is about letting yourself have what you’ve been praying for and staying present enough to feel it.

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From the moment I started working, bilingualism was a core part of every job I’ve had. At 14, I worked at a day care helping Spanish-spe...

From the moment I started working, bilingualism was a core part of every job I’ve had. At 14, I worked at a day care helping Spanish-speaking kids learn numbers and letters in English, while communicating with coworkers who only spoke Spanish. Later, in teenage lifeguarding jobs, I translated for community members because it was expected in the largely Spanish-speaking neighborhood I grew up in. At the time, I thought of it as coming with the territory. Not something I should be paid for, just a skill I was lucky to use to help others.

School, however, framed language differently. Teachers often preached, “learn more languages, and you’ll make more money.” Spanish, Italian, French, Mandarin, whatever came next. Bilingualism was sold as a direct ticket to opportunity. But while my Spanish-speaking skills have consistently benefited my workplaces, it has never translated into higher pay for me.

The fact of the matter is, speaking more than one language is a blessing that opens up new worlds. And some companies do understand that. According to Preply, nearly half of the companies in the U.S. Fortune 100 advertised jobs that require bilingual or multilingual skills in 2025. Even more, a study from FluentCap from 2019 found that about 90 % of U.S. companies rely on employees who speak another language besides English. And some people are getting paid for this language proficiency. Some estimates suggest bilingual workers can earn anywhere from 5% to 20% more than their monolingual peers. But when it comes to fairly compensating Latinas — many of whom speak Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole as a first language — for those same door-opening abilities, the promise often falls short.

“While my Spanish-speaking skills have consistently benefited my workplaces, it has never translated into higher pay for me.”

NATASHA LÓPEZ

Sarah*, 29, who works in nonprofit legal aid-adjacent work in New York, describes it bluntly: “I think there is ultimately a difference. My dominant language is Spanish. I’ve been the default person before because there was an awareness that I was a bit more comfortable and flexible with translation work. And now, if I ever leave this role, it’ll just be expected of the next person to be bilingual, with no bonus or special recognition.”

When asked if she was ever compensated for it, she says, “Technically yes, but it’s one thing to be compensated differently, and another to actually be compensated properly for the amount of work that is added on when you’re bilingual.” For Sarah, being bilingual added hundreds of hours of client-facing work, ad hoc translation, and emotional labor, but the salary bump amounted to only about $1,000 more than a non-Spanish-speaking colleague. 

The numbers back up her experience. Based on the U.S. Census, Latinas earn roughly 58 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, even before considering bilingual labor. Even among college-educated workers, Latinas can still earn 31% less than white men with the same education, and over a lifetime, these pay gaps translate to losses of more than $1 million in earnings. Being bilingual, it seems, does little to close the Latina pay gap if the added labor is expected of your identity but not formally recognized.

“Being bilingual, it seems, does little to close the Latina pay gap if the added labor is expected of your identity but not formally recognized.”

NATASHA LÓPEZ

While bilingual workers are often told their skills come with financial benefits, those gains aren’t distributed evenly. Language premiums are more likely to appear in higher-paying, white-dominated industries or when the language itself is considered “specialized.” Meanwhile, Latinas are overrepresented in lower-paying fields like nonprofit and public sector work. Even more, Spanish is often treated as a baseline expectation for Latine workers rather than a professional skill. While white workers are often rewarded for acquiring a second language, Latinas are expected to already have it. The result is a gap where bilingualism adds value to organizations, but not to the Latina workers themselves. 

Camila, 27, a public health worker in county government, tells a similar story. Her job requires translating documents, running community health events, and providing education, often in Spanish. “I am the default translator for my team,” she explains. “They equate it to Google Translate. I have to step away from my own work to translate for others. It benefits the organization more than it benefits me. I’m one of the people who gets paid the least on my team, even though I fill in gaps for higher-paid positions.” Like Sarah, she was hired because of Spanish fluency, except there was no extra pay. “When I was hired, it was discussed as something they were looking for, not something that was going to be compensated higher.”

The pattern holds across industries. Camila, 36, a product designer in tech who grew up in Colombia, speaks Spanish, English, Hebrew, and French. She’s used her multilingual skills to open markets in Latin America and navigate multicultural workplaces, including at the United Nations. “I’ve never been compensated differently because I speak languages,” she says. “People are impressed, but it’s never meant any monetary addition.” 

“Whenever it’s someone who isn’t Latino, it’s considered a professional skill. But if you come from a culture where that language is spoken, it’s just assumed you should’ve been there in the first place.”

Sarah

It’s hard to imagine that the devaluing of Latina bilingualism isn’t directly connected to racism or xenophobia. Accents, cultural fluency, and language from Latin America are still treated as lesser, while the same skills in white or U.S.-born speakers are rewarded. In practice, that means the same skill can be rewarded, ignored, or expected depending on who is speaking and where they’re speaking it. Sarah notes, “Whenever it’s someone who isn’t Latino, it’s considered a professional skill. But if you come from a culture where that language is spoken, it’s just assumed you should’ve been there in the first place.” 

While Latinas — who often occupy the roles that require bilingual skills the most, from client-facing work to translating documents to bridging cultural gaps — rarely see that labor reflected in their salary or promotions, the benefits flow overwhelmingly to organizations: broader client bases, stronger community trust, expanded markets, and increased funding opportunities. Meanwhile, the workers themselves absorb the emotional impacts, added responsibilities, and time.

What would fair compensation look like? Camila, 27, suggests a clear path: “Putting in a differential for bilingual pay would make it equal for everyone who has a second language. It would set a standard so that everyone coming into a company with that skill can be compensated properly.” Sarah adds that formal recognition, even tagging bilingual skills onto job titles, would prevent the expectation that bilingual work is just part of the baseline.

“Bilingualism pays, just not for us.”

NATASHA LÓPEZ

Being bilingual has opened doors for many Latinas, but it has also opened a conversation about what is truly valued in the workplace. It’s not enough to teach students in school that speaking multiple languages will make them more marketable. Without structural change, workplace recognition, and equitable pay, bilingual Latinas continue to face a system that profits from their labor and skillset far more than they do. And until that changes, speaking more than one language remains a skill that society expects for free. 

If bilingualism is truly valuable, then it needs to be valued consistently, not just when it benefits employers, but when it comes time to pay the workers who make that access possible. Because right now, bilingualism pays, just not for us.

Only first names are used in this story to protect the identities of sources.

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On a breezy week in March, I had the opportunity to touch down in Georgia for the Crown Royal x Realtree Kickback Experience to celebrate...

On a breezy week in March, I had the opportunity to touch down in Georgia for the Crown Royal x Realtree Kickback Experience to celebrate a new collaboration that truthfully may not have stood out from my inbox… until finding out that Love Island alumna and The Traitors winner Rob Rausch was the face of it!

Yes, the snake-wrangling, denim overall-wearing, reality TV heartthrob that the internet is obsessed with is the face of the camouflage and whiskey brands’ new capsule collection. “A perfect fit,” Rausch says to me. Even more kismet, Crown Royal and Realtree tapped Rausch before knowing the outcome of season four of The Traitors. His laidback nature and outdoor lifestyle were simply a match for the brands, which both value heritage, connection, and kicking back.

Like Rausch (and his recent endeavors with MAC Cosmetics, DoorDash, Quinn, Celsius, Sonic, and more), clothing and gear brand Realtree is no stranger to notable collaborations, adding its iconic camouflage prints to the likes of Nike, Supreme, and even Skims (modeled by Post Malone) throughout the years.

“When we looked at what Crown Royal has built around their brand – the tradition and the heritage — it was clear this wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill brand collab,” said Tyler Jordan, VP of strategic partnerships at Realtree in a press release.

Meanwhile, this is Crown Royal’s first time creating a co-branded Crown Royal Fine Deluxe whiskey bottle pouch design (which I’ve since learned are deemed collectibles).

“We always hear stories about what people do with their Crown Royal bags. For our first nationally distributed collaboration, it was important that we made something with the right partners that would be cool and collectible,” said Hadley Schafer, vice president at alcohol leader Diageo. “The result is a collection that reflects not only style, but also our shared appreciation for craftsmanship, time spent outdoors, and, of course, generosity.”

In addition to the Crown Royal bag, the capsule collection includes a Crown Royal x Realtree T-shirt, hoodie, baseball cap, and 45-quart cooler. Crown Royal will also be donating at least $20,000 to the Purple Hearts Foundation tied to this collection.

And Rausch, while extremely humble — he was shocked that the likes of Olympian Alysa Liu and actor Daniel Radcliffe have introduced themselves since his Traitors fame — seemed happy to talk about the collab and to actually kick back (and escape from his press cycle) at Realtree Farms in Georgia.

“Crown Royal is something I always tend to go to when I’m back at home, chilling with friends. Crown Royal lemonade,” Rausch told me. “Realtree being part of it is massive. And I love everything they’re about — being outdoors with wildlife is what it’s all about. What more do you need?”

On a sunny day full of cornhole, fishing, tractor rides, campfires, Traitors talk, and an impromptu game of mafia (basically Traitors, which Rausch, as the gamer he is, prompted us to play), we celebrated and tested the new camo styles and whiskey cocktails.

Rausch specifically called out Crown Royal lemonades as one of his favorite concoctions to drink. (And in case you’re wondering, he prefers his drinks neat, in red solo cups.) He also shared that he was excited to hand deliver the new coolers to his friends and family, and that he’s most likely to wear the new camo hat to go snake wrangling.

When describing his ideal kickback, Rausch says: “One of the ways I like to relax — I love playing poker with friends back home. Pour myself a little Crown Royal and lemonade. Have a good time with the boys. And being home on the farm at the creek by myself. That’s when I feel most like myself.”

In a press release, Rausch also added: “This partnership brings together the things I care about most, like being in nature, spending time with my people and enjoying great whisky. I’ve always been into camo, and everything in the collection fits both how I live and my personal style.”

And by the end of the kickback experience, I truly couldn’t think of a more perfect or down-to-earth celebrity to represent Crown Royal and Realtree.

Rausch says he wants to spend time back home in Alabama, settle down, and seemingly doesn’t want a chaotic celebrity lifestyle. He even explains that he probably wouldn’t join an all-stars version of The Traitors because he already has a “perfect record” and that, regarding the fan theories that he’ll join the next season of Dancing With The Stars, he doesn’t think he’d do it: “But never say never, you know?”

Shop the full Crown Royal x Realtree collaboration

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I never need an excuse to visit the salon for a fresh manicure , but if you’re looking for one, then the upcoming Easter weekend is as go...

I never need an excuse to visit the salon for a fresh manicure, but if you’re looking for one, then the upcoming Easter weekend is as good as any. Perfectly aligned with the arrival of spring, I’ve been saving colorful French tips, minimalist florals, and playful scrapbook designs. They’re fresh and undeniably cute, but without overloading on pastels or kitsch Easter bunnies.

Ahead, find 12 nail designs that prove that Easter manicures can be sophisticated and fun.

Baby Blooms

If you like your nail art subtle, then digital creator Mateja Novakovic’s baby blue micro floral set will certainly appeal to you. The vibrant pastel shades are perfect for spring.

Chocolate Cherry

Dark colors can work for spring, too, and this chocolate-cherry shade makes a sweet option for Easter. I love how nail artist Daisy Marsden contrasts the bold color-block nails with subtle French tips and floral nail art.

Daisy Chain

Nail artist Heather Errington’s painterly florals are beautiful enough in their own right, but the gold leaf detailing at the heart of each bloom adds an extra special touch. (And it reminds me of an Easter egg wrapper!)

Pastel French

Minimalists will adore this fresh take on a classic French manicure created by manicurist Lois Samantha. You can use any color combination, but this milky base with sky-blue tips is so dreamy.

Spring Scrapbook

If you want something that’s guaranteed to turn heads over the bank holiday, then take inspiration from manicurist Olivia Muyskens’ (aka @nailstolivin) spring scrapbook set. It’s a floral fever dream — in the best way.

Stained Glass Florals

I’m in awe of this stained glass set created by nail artist Samantha (aka @samrosenails), which feels suitably celebratory for the Easter weekend.

Mini Eggs

Forgive me, but this list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the best Easter treat in existence — the humble mini egg. Nail artist Kate (aka @kessernails) pairs soft pastels with monochromatic speckles for the perfect homage.

Rainbow Ribbons

Bows were everywhere for Christmas last year, but nail tech Ashlyn Zentner (aka @nailsbyashlyn_) proves they can work for every occasion by updating the color palette accordingly. This rainbow set is so joyful.

Mix & Match

Can’t decide on one design? Make like nail artist Phoebe Cascarina and go for five instead. Stick with a couple of key colors (I love this white and egg yolk-orange combination) and have fun experimenting.

Butter Yellow

Set to be one of the most popular nail colors for spring, butter yellow makes an excellent choice for a sophisticated Easter manicure. Nail artist Stacey Machin uses the shade on the tips of the nails to create some dainty tulip detailing.

Floral Shine

Nail artist Anna (aka @melanated.mani) uses a bright white base and a sparkling floral top coat for a fresh and modern take on the pixie dust manicure that we’ve been seeing everywhere.

Spots & Stripes

In my opinion, a great Easter manicure should have all the variety of an incredible box of chocolates — and that’s exactly what this vibrant set from nail artist Tamami Page provides. 

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After weeks of speculation and online discourse, on March 31, Summer House stars Amanda Batula and West Wilson finally released a joint...

After weeks of speculation and online discourse, on March 31, Summer House stars Amanda Batula and West Wilson finally released a joint statement on their IG Stories, heavily implying, but not officially verifying, that they have entered into a romantic relationship. If you’re not up on the drama of the Bravo-verse, here’s the TLDR: Ciara Miller and Amanda Batula were two of the three “Bed Bugs,” the well-known BFF trio on Summer House. Alongside Paige DeSorbo, the trio loved to enjoy day parties and then retire early to bed to gossip, snack and scroll as a group. 

Enter West Wilson, who came into the house a couple seasons later. He then engaged in an on-and-off romance with Ciara. Despite their messy 2024 breakup, in the most recent season of the show, signs of lingering attraction were rising. Meanwhile, Paige left the show as Amanda and Ciara deepened their one-on-one friendship, with Ciara being one of Amanda’s biggest supporters through her difficult split from ex-husband Kyle Cooke, which makes this betrayal sting that much more. Ultimately, when West and Amanda released their joint statement, Ciara was spotted appearing upset in reaction to the news (outside of a Hermes no less) and unfollowed both her housemates who quickly unfollowed her back.

Was Amanda and West’s statement a clear confirmation of their romantic relationship? No, of course not. That would require either one of them to have a backbone when faced with public scrutiny. And from everything we’ve witnessed about these two on Summer House, it appears that even when it comes to matters of the heart, Amanda and West struggle to stand ten toes down. And when it comes to this story, it’s more than just a dating scandal. As Ciara expressed in Season 10, Episode 7, this is also a racial conversation, because of the added scrutiny she faces as a Black woman, specifically a Black woman dating a white man, in the public eye.   

But before we get into it, let’s break down the timeline of this entire Summer House journey, featuring our key players, Amanda Batula, her currently-separated-but-not-divorced-from husband Kyle Cooke, West Wilson and of course, the inimitable Ciara Miller.

The Ciara/ Amanda/ West Timeline

February 2021: Ciara Miller joins Season 5 of Summer House.

September 25, 2021: Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke get married.

February 22, 2024: West Wilson joins Season 8 of Summer House. 

Spring 2024: Ciara and West begin dating IRL.

June 2024: Ciara and West call it quits, due to West saying he can’t commit, “for show-related reasons.

June 12, 2024: West Speaks to the NYT (again) after the Summer House Reunion, about his and Ciara’s relationship, leading to their fallout.

January 19, 2026: Amanda and Kyle announce they are separating.

February, 3, 2026: Season 10 of Summer House premieres with West and Ciara seemingly reconciling as friends and possibly romantically. 

March 5, 2026: DeuxMoi posts West and Amanda together in NYC “holding hands” under the table at a bar. 

March 17, 2026: Season 10 Summer House episode airs where Ciara discusses the racial abuse she experienced after West’s New York Times article and breakup.

March 25, 2026: West goes on Watch What Happens Live and says Amanda and him are “friends” but doesn’t deny anything romantic.

March 26, 2026: Ciara and Amanda host an Amazon Live separately after it was promoted as them hosting together.

March 31, 2026: Amanda and West release a joint statement confirming dating speculation. And when asked how she is doing, Ciara, on the red carpet at Apple TV’s Your Friends & Neighbors premiere, tells Jon Hamm, “Well, I’ve been better.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 27: (L-R) Lindsay Hubbard, Amanda Batula and Ciara Miller of the cast of Bravo’s ‘Summer House’ appear on SiriusXM’s Front Row Series at SiriusXM Studios on January 27, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Is This Summer House Scandal Really The New Scandoval?

Many online commenters have pointed out that this controversy feels similar to Vanderpump Rules’ Season 10 scandal, Scandoval, involving then couple, Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval. The entire blowup had viewers (and fellow cast members) discovering in real time that Tom had cheated on Ariana and started an affair with one of Ariana’s best friends, Raquel Leviss, who she had opened their home to. It created so much turmoil both on- and off-screen, that Bravo picked cameras back to catch the fallout and ultimately it led to production scrapping the entire cast and starting fresh all brand new faces.  

West is in the reality TV game for the fame and for West alone [so] why, of all people, would Amanda put all her newly single, “I didn’t marry a DJ” eggs in his podcaster basket?

lex niko

As Vanderpump Rules star Tom Schwartz said when visiting the Summer House in Season 9, “You guys have to cherish these moments.” And while we know that he was saying it to Paige DeSorbo and Ciara at the time, in hindsight, he should’ve been saying it to all of us. Because  while we’ve been gearing up for a perfect season with a perfect cast, this scandal aka Amandoval, West Side Story, ScAmandal (I don’t even know what we are calling it at this point in time), has suddenly left us questioning not only our houseguests, but also our judgment of character. West had been dubbed as the breakout star of Summer House since his first season when he took the public scrutiny of his behavior towards Ciara and clawed his way back into the audience’s good graces, winning hearts this season. And Amanda has been a near-OG Summer House cast member, synonymous with the franchise season after season, and bringing her big sister energy to the house. 

What Does This Mean For The Summer House Reunion? 

Andy Cohen let us know that the reunion is taping in a few weeks. And while I’m sure the rest of the cast is preparing to come correct, if history is any indication, something tells me that Amanda and West will show up with their tails between their legs — if they even show up at all. 

If West’s behavior at past Summer House reunions is any indication, we know that he loves nothing more than to default to naivety. He often claims that he is “new” to the reality TV game (and relationships), despite running around to the New York City media with Ciara’s name in his mouth (receipts here and here). West gets to learn as he goes, a luxury that is traditionally only afforded to mediocre white men. And while he “apologized” to Ciara on a recent episode (Season 10, Episode 7) for the way he went to the NYT and spoke on their past breakup and the racial implications she had to face as a result, he didn’t even actually ever use the words “I’m sorry.” I just think that’s an important point to point out. 

If anybody has eyes, they will see that West is in the reality TV game for the fame and for West alone, which leads me to question why, of all people, would Amanda put all her newly single, “I didn’t marry a DJ” eggs in his podcaster basket?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: West Wilson, Amanda Batula and Jesse Solomon attend Bravo’s “Summer House” Season 10 at 92NY on January 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Amanda, Girl, What Are You Doing

Let’s talk about Amanda. I keep seeing fodder online about people’s shock and dismay because, “Amanda is a girls’ girl?!” And to that I must ask, “A girls’ girl to WHOMST?!” 

Amanda wasn’t a girls’ girl to Jules when she kicked a bottle of Fireball into her teeth and laughed about it. She wasn’t a girls’ girl to Lexi, who she openly mocked and laughed about with Jesse, despite being the “friend” that invited Lexi into the Summer House. Amanda definitely wasn’t the friend she’s been hailed to be to Hannah when she remained silent as Hannah stood up for herself to Amanda’s soon-to-be ex-husband? 

If we really want to go into detail, Amanda isn’t a “girls’ girl” at all. And she hasn’t exactly been the best bestie to Ciara through this whole West situation either.  You want to see an example of an actual girls’ girl in this scenario? Turn to Paige DeSorbo, who has definitively had Ciara’s back when it comes to her relationship with West. 

I hope Ciara is afforded the same empathy and space to express her rage that Ariana Madix was after Scandoval, and that the same outpouring and support and opportunity comes her way. 

lex niko

Listen, I’m not here to bring another woman down, but Amanda is currently acting like the epitome of a pick-me girl. Amanda just publicly announced her separation from Kyle Cooke and went on a little press tour of her own about her single era and newfound independence. She was on the brink of having her Ariana Madix moment and then decided to blow it all up for her best friend’s ex. It’s mind boggling why a woman would choose to throw away all her goodwill for a man. As for her ex-husband, Kyle Cooke? Pour one out for Loverboy, as this breaking news might be the thing that gets the brand some sympathy sales. 

We Have To Talk About Ciara & How Her Race Comes Into Play

The biggest point that needs to be made in all of this is the fact that Ciara has consistently been vocal about her experience on this show and in this house as a Black woman. She’s spoken extensively about the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman dating a white man and what that has all meant for her publicly. She comforted Amanda, night after night in the house, as she navigated her marriage and ultimately her separation. Ciara is the person who has shown up for her new Black castmates, creating community and holding space for uncomfortable conversations. She has carried Summer House’s storylines about race and has continued to endure the labor of educating Bravo’s white audiences on a global scale. 

Amanda and West’s actions are disrespectful, period, but these two have also been so selfish in their choices that they refused to confront what it would mean for the person they disrespected.  They sat around a table with Ciara last summer and claimed to understand the Black perspective that she so generously offered them, and then their joint statement didn’t even have the gall to acknowledge her directly, or ask their fans to be mindful of her in their comments online, or simply apologize by showing an awareness of how this may impact her differently. It’s disappointing but not surprising. As former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay put it, quoting Malcolm X, “The most disrespected, unprotected, and neglected person in America is [the Black woman].” 

Not only is Ciara a Black woman in the public eye, she is also the true definition of a girls’ girl, a loyal friend, and a bonafide reality TV star. But we know how this plays out; there will be the masses who can’t see past Amanda and West’s privilege. They will vilify Ciara because of the color of her skin. They will find any and every excuse to turn her into the issue publicly and deny her the grace of experiencing her emotions privately. Despite West and Amanda being the ones who released their vague joint statement regarding their actions, Ciara is the one who is forced to deal with the consequences. What I hope happens is that Ciara is afforded the same empathy and space to express her rage that Ariana Madix was after Scandoval, and that the same outpouring and support and opportunity comes her way as well. 

At the end of the day, I do not have a crystal ball but my woman’s intuition has served me well in the past (I’ve BEEN knowing that Amanda and West ain’t shit). I know one thing for certain: These two blew up their lives, and potentially their reality TV careers, for a mid hookup and some lubricated attention. I do not see these two being end game, considering they can’t even define their relationship in a joint public statement. All I see are two people caught up in the fresh attention of one another and the impending allure of another PR moment. 

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Spring arrives awash in color , from the season’s first blooms to its golden-hour sunsets. You might embrace the brighter days by wearing...

Spring arrives awash in color, from the season’s first blooms to its golden-hour sunsets. You might embrace the brighter days by wearing less black or refreshing your accessories collection with more playful additions — but it’s also the perfect time to consider a change in hair color. 

“Barn girl blonde,” “liquid noir,” and “art school copper” are just a few of the shades colorists have conjured up ahead of the sunnier season. Better still, there’s an option for every taste and budget, whether you’re booking in with a professional or opting for the ease of an at-home gloss

Scroll on for more spring hair color trends — from London to LA colorists — and exactly how to ask for them. 

Dimensional Cocoa Brunette

Cass Kaeding, celebrity and editorial hairstylist and Revlon ColorSilk ambassador, predicts that dimensional cocoa brunette will reign supreme this spring, thanks to its nuanced finish, which truly comes alive in the sun. “This is a rich, multi-tonal brown hair color that mimics the depth and softness of chocolate tones,” says Kaeding, combining a medium-to-deep brunette base with subtle ribbons of lighter-to-medium browns, including mocha, caramel, and soft chestnut.

“It’s not a flat brunette,” Kaeding adds. “Rather, it’s layered with several different shades to create movement, shine, and a natural-looking blend.” Colorist My Huynh’s take on brunette is beautiful, as is this more muted shade by Haven Hair. “These brunette tones will vary per skin tone, so make sure to consult your colorist on the best blend for your complexion,” adds Kaeding.  

Barn Girl Blonde

Charley Henery, international artistic director at TONI&GUY, reports a shift away from high‑maintenance highlights in favor of more “effortless and lived-in” color, like this shade by Haven Hair. “That’s where barn girl blonde comes in,” she says, adding, “It’s a muted, sandy tone with soft root depth and beautifully blended lengths — the kind of blonde that looks polished, but in an understated way.” TONI&GUY’s Luxe Lights service will get you there, says Henery. “It’s all about mixing those easy, natural tones with a few brighter pieces for dimension, so you get that glow without it ever feeling overdone.” 

Liquid Noir

In their seasonal trends presentation, Nicola Clarke, creative color director of Nicola Clarke Salon, and Zoë Irwin, creative director at John Frieda Salon, predicted that liquid noir — the darkest brunette — will transcend winter and have a serious moment in spring and summer. It’s a move on from their previous trend prediction, liquid brunette, and one that places renewed emphasis on hair condition and hydration. Think layers of bonding and moisture, as both are key to achieving that high-shine finish. Irwin pinpointed this picture of Chase Infiniti, posted to Instagram by makeup artist Amber D, as inspiration.  

Champagne Honey

Kylee Akina, Danger Jones global ambassador, champions champagne honey blonde — a sparkling shade created with darker honey pieces that enhance shine, like bubbles in a glass. This shade by hairstylist Devyn Pennell is stunning.  

Beige Baby Blonde

Kaeding describes beige baby blonde as a neutral, balanced blonde shade that occupies a cozy space between warm or gold tones and cool or ashy elements. “Think of it as a soft, creamy blonde with slightly sandy or taupe undertones,” says Kaeding, adding, “Nothing too yellow gold but also not overly icy.” This color by Marco Gilento at Encapture Hair Spa is perfect. 

To maintain a balanced blonde like this, Kaeding drives home the importance of DIY color care. “For keeping hair healthy outside of the salon, I recommend using the Revlon ColorSilk After Color Shampoo and Conditioner.”  

Plum Noir

Siobhan Haug, colorist and co‑owner at Haug London Haus, says this is one of the most luxurious shades for those with darker hair. “Outside of natural light, the hair looks almost black, and it reveals its rich purple tones only when it catches the light,” says Haug, like this dreamy shade by hairstylist Nicole Zubair. It’s essentially a mix of cool violet tones with a dash of red, Haug adds — a subtle, dual‑tone burgundy that looks expensive thanks to its high‑shine finish. 

The REDs

Kaeding calls this trend “the REDs” owing to the many red tones, each of which can be tailored to different skin tones. We’re a little obsessed with this copper brown hue by Daniel Mora Ayala. “The REDs range from cherry cola and fiery crimson to soft golden copper and rich auburn,” says Kaeding, who recommends booking a consultation with a colorist to see which shade of red works best for you. But there’s a catch: “Red color can fade very quickly,” says Kaeding, “so it can require more visits to the salon to maintain your desired shade.” For those looking for an at-home color solution, Kaeding rates Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Hair Dye, especially in the shade Radiant Raspberry, as a top-up between salon visits.  

Art School Copper

Irwin is convinced we’ve moved beyond softer coppers like cowgirl copper. Now, they’re “raw and characterful” — and particularly well suited to natural textures. To Irwin, the effect is reminiscent of henna in the hair. “It’s a solar-y, ginger that really makes your eyes pop. Think of a creative student, a gallery girl — it’s the revival of the bohemian and it feels a bit more rebellious than cowgirl copper.” It’s easiest for blondes: “With a gloss, you don’t have to commit,” said Clarke. We love this bold shade on model Gemma Seymour

California Copper

Emily Chen, a Danger Jones global ambassador, hints that cowgirl copper is giving way to Cali copper — a brighter, punchier, all‑over copper shade that looks incredible in the sun. We’re just a little bit obsessed with this copper brown by Celeste Robles

To boost shine, Chen favors Danger Jones Epilogue Permanent Color paired with a gloss toner developer. 

Gothic Blonde

“With the “clean” girl aesthetic, everything has been super minimal for a long time,” said Irwin, but these paler, more porcelain shades have what she describes as a “cooler antique quality.” Rooted in a broader cultural fascination with gothic storytelling, the effect is more ethereal than icy, Irwin adds, thanks to a clearer — rather than gray — base with a subtly powdery finish. “It’s a big commitment,” said Clarke, “but once you’ve got there, the maintenance is quite low.” This shade on model Biba is perfect. 

Folklore Blonde

Christel Barron-Hough, founder of STIL Salon in London’s Chelsea, drew inspiration from the Scandi street style set at Copenhagen Fashion Week for this trend, which spotlights grown‑out roots — great news for the low‑maintenance among us. The key? “Allowing the natural cycle of hair growth to take center stage,” says Barron-Hough. To perfect the look, she uses a hand‑painting technique to create a blurred transition from the root through the mid‑lengths and ends, as though the color has “naturally diffused” over time. This color by blonde and extensions specialist Darcee is spot on. 

Persimmon Copper

Persimmons might be out of season, but colorists are drawing inspiration from their sunny orange hue — like this color posted to Instagram by hairstylist Ryenne Snow. “This shade is one of pure joy and energy,” says Haug. “It’s confidence-affirming, bright, juicy, and undeniably optimistic,” but it doesn’t have to be full on. Haug says strands of persimmon can be woven between tones of gold and apricot for a more auburn result, or used to soften vibrant reds. The downside? It’s demanding. Haug recommends investing in a good, sulfate‑free shampoo (try Kérastase Discipline Sulfate‑Free Smoothing Shampoo) and a pigmented conditioner. R29 rates dpHUE Gloss+

Midway Blonde

Barron-Hough says that midway blonde sits comfortably between warm and cool tones, creating a perfectly balanced blonde shade that suits all skin tones. She first tones the natural hair color with a gloss, then uses a precise hand‑painting technique to take certain sections warmer and others cooler for a nuanced, satisfying mix. This shade posted to Instagram by creative stylist Airi is so good.  

Molten Bronze

“I’m obsessed with Veneda Carter’s hair color,” said Irwin, who describes molten bronze as a sunlit copper meets sepia — essentially a flatter, more wearable bronze hue. Actor Haley Bennett also serves as key inspiration, with Clarke frequently working on her hair. “For the BAFTA’s, she brought in a picture of Linda Evangelista on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, and the color had ribbony highlights with tawny, molten bronze pieces.” We also adore this color by curly specialist Jessenia Robayo

Uptown Blonde

Clarke and Irwin have been singing uptown blonde’s praises for a while now, but thanks to Love Story — and the multiple images of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy doing the rounds — it’s going nowhere. “This blonde feels so New York,” said Clarke. It’s a creamy, expensive‑looking blonde that goes right up to the root. Of course, that means more maintenance in the form of regular root touch-ups, but when it looks as good as this hue by hairstylist Sara Bulger, it becomes a commitment you’re happy to keep. 

Bare Bloom

Bare bloom has been a key shade for fall and winter, but it’s carrying through into spring and summer, says Irwin. Rooted in natural tones, it’s the kind of hair color that looks like you were born with it, with a subtle wash of pink throughout that leaves hair looking healthy and softly glowing, like this color posted to Instagram by Miho Mai.

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