Editor’s Note: This article contains nudity and graphic images that may be disturbing to some readers. Approximately 1 in 8 womenin the United States will develop some form of breast cancer during their lifetime; as a brand, we believe it is important to highlight the various effects of breast cancer—scars and all.
I knew I was in trouble the moment I heard the voicemail instructing me to call the doctor’s office back in Kansas. The twitchy tone of the recording underlined the sad news that was to come, though I tried to remain optimistic.
I was standing on a busy road in Bangkok after untangling myself from the last of 24 poses I had just completed in a yoga class. I couldn’t tell if I was sweating from the aftermath of the Embryo pose or from the fear that was seeping out of my skin in small, slow-moving droplets.
I tried to convince myself that doctors enjoy giving good news over the phone, not just bad news, which is why the message had been vague. It took three agonizing attempts before I finally got through to the doctor.
Image: Alex Klemovich.
She answered cheerfully enough; she asked how I was and what I was doing. I was fine, I told her, and after exchanging a few more awkward pleasantries, I asked why she had called.
I had tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation, otherwise known as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, she explained. This mutation increases my chances of getting breast cancer up to 84 percent. This news was followed by a series of slow, calculated sentences that laid out next steps and how I would go about completing them in Southeast Asia.
For a moment, I hated her more than anyone in the world.
As I was listening, I felt a profound void at the center of each of my breasts and looked down to see if they were still intact. She continued talking, thousands of miles away in a hospital in Kansas.
Image: Alex Klemovich.
After that day, I visited five different hospitals in Bangkok and was told the same thing each time: A risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy would give me the best chance of avoiding breast cancer given the BRCA1 mutation and my family history.
I had a total of two biopsies on three tumors. The worst was the MRI breast biopsy I had in Old City, Bangkok. I was facedown in the loud machine with salty tears and snot pouring out of me. I repeatedly asked the technicians to please inform me when the needle was to be inserted. Faced with an uncomfortable situation, they responded with laughter, trying to lighten the mood; this was one of the scariest moments of my life.
Thankfully, all those biopsies came back benign, but I knew that emotionally, I could not handle breast upkeep on a continent where I didn’t speak the same language as my caretakers.
I made the decision to eventually return home and get the double mastectomy.
Image: Alex Klemovich.
Ahead of my surgery, I was given the details of an organization that strives to better the lives of individuals affected by hereditary breast, ovarian and other related cancers. While every aspect of the website was helpful and encouraging, one of the tools was a viewing gallery of before and after photos of women who had had mastectomies. Every woman pictured looked desperate and despondent — much as I’d felt during that MRI. Seeing these photos somehow made me feel more depressed than I had that day on the streets of Bangkok when I found out I had the mutation.
I decided this needed to change.
As a photographer myself, I know the beauty and power a photograph can convey. Why, then, when women like me are in a vulnerable and fearful state, are we not using photographs to try to lift them up and empower them?
Image: Alex Klemovich.
When I returned to the States, I met up with my best friend in Los Angeles for a photo shoot. We appreciated all aspects of my breasts through her camera lens before they were to be taken away from me. I pressed my naked self against the glass window some 13 stories high and let Los Angeles get a good look before they were gone. I felt vulnerable yet powerful.
Back in Kansas City, my surgery was scheduled for July 6. I bid my breasts farewell with some of my closest friends (and one too many vodka sodas) on July 4. I have never shimmied faster or harder in my entire life than I did that night.
Image: Alex Klemovich.
About a month after my mastectomy, it was time for the after photo shoot. Fear and anxiety flowed through me as we approached the studio.
I worried about how my nipples were dry and flaky. I fussed over my stomach, which had become extra flabby during the recovery period. My scar, pink and raw, felt like an unwanted accessory.
Regardless, I stripped down, placed my hands over my numb breasts and tried my hardest to pose. My hands could hardly go above my head or hold my body weight, but for the first time in a long time, I loved my body.
The photos made me realize I wasn’t a tree falling somewhere in a forest and left to rot, as I had felt at the start of this process. The women who reached out to me when I posted my photos on social media were the forest I so desperately needed—the women to catch me. Sharing the before and after photos has helped me tap into a strength I didn’t know I had. I am no longer falling alone.
Image: Alex Klemovich.
I hope any person going through a similar ordeal knows that as isolating as it can feel, they are not alone either. I am lucky enough to have both my nipples, and though there are many challenges ahead, I am so grateful I found a way to start loving this new version of myself, scars and all.
For me, the next challenge of this mutation is the foreboding risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (removing my hopefully healthy ovaries and fallopian tubes) I must get around the age of 35 to 40, as I have up to a 63 percent risk of ovarian cancer because of the mutation.
With five mega-famous sisters, the Kardashian-Jenners were made for group Halloween costumes. But for the most part, each one shines on her own. In 2016, Kylie dressed as Christina Aguilera. In 2017, Kim won over the internet as share. Not once have they coordinated their costumes—until now.
The Kardashian-Jenner sisters—Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall and Kylie—made their group-costume debut as Victoria’s Secret angels in Los Angeles. Pictures published exclusively by the Daily Mail show the five sisters dressed in white lingerie with huge, life-size wings on their backs. The pictures were taken as the sisters headed to a Halloween party, with each reality star dressed differently than the rest.
Kim and Kendall looked similar with matching two-pieces (Kendall wore a sheer camisole over her bra) and tall feathery wings. Kylie looked the most different with beige bra and underwear, sparkly sheer leggings, blonde hair and short wings. Khloé was the only sister to not wear wings, choosing to sport feathery trench coat instead. Kourtney’s wings also looked different. Instead of dozens of fluffy feathers, the mom of three wore a few stiff ones, which she shaped into an X shape.
It’s still unknown if Kendall is returning to the Victoria’s Secret runway for the brand’s 2018 fashion show. But judging from her Halloween costume, she’s already earned her wings—and so have her sisters.
In many ways, dating apps have simplified the world of romance. You can now connect with potential matches from the comfort of your own home—simply by swiping right or sending a quick message. In other ways, though, they’ve also complicated it, forcing us to condense our entire personalities into a series of photos, blurbs and marketable assets that sum up who we are and what we’re looking for.
Your profile is the core unit of this self-promotion. It’s the first (and sometimes only) impression you give other dating app users—potential matches who may or may not be The One.
Given its significance in the dating app-sphere, it’s little surprise so many of us are apt to overthink our profiles.
We sort and re-sort our photos until they fall into an order that seems appealing. We write and re-write our bios until we’ve struck the right balance of charming, funny and honest. We link our Instagrams, and then unlink them, and then relink them—wondering if they’re adding anything of value to our self-presentations.
But all of this is guesswork. The good news: It doesn’t have to be.
We reached out to Suzanne Oshima, a Manhattan-based matchmaker and life and love transformational coach at Your Next Amazing Story. Oshima has more than 10 years of experience coaching people in online dating (yes, it’s been around that long). So naturally, we asked her to critique the profiles of a handful of people trying to make it in app-land.
Ahead, her thoughts on their profiles (and some helpful tips you can integrate into your own dating app endeavors).
Zachary, 20
Oshima’s first critique? Zachary should be smiling in his first photo. It might seem like a simple tip, but tons of people use profile pictures where they’re not smiling—and that can send the message that you’re unwelcoming or unapproachable, even though you’re on the app looking for a partner.
“The number one mistake I see people make on their profiles is their profile photo,” Oshima tells StyleCaster. “You should always be smiling in your first photo. You have to remember that’s your first impression.” Oshima adds that you should also avoid sunglasses pictures when possible, because they hide your face.
Her second critique? The bio—mostly because it doesn’t convey a ton about Zachary’s personality or interests. A bio that’s “succinct, but not generic” will go a long way, according to Oshima.
Ellen, 21
Oshima loves Ellen’s first photo; she’s smiling, and it’s not a selfie (Oshima’s not a huge fan of selfies).
Her only advice? Opt for a more colorful top. According to Oshima, black can cause people to blend into the background of a photo—and on a dating app, in a sea of other profiles, you definitely want to stand out.
A more specific bio—one that mentions some of her interests and hobbies—could also take Ellen’s profile to the next level, Oshima says.
Alyssa, 20
Alyssa’s profile photo fits most of Oshima’s criteria. But Oshima prefers Alyssa’s second picture, because—you guessed it—she’s smiling. “I’m not crazy about that the banister is in the way, but that’s a really cute photo of her,” Oshima says.
Oshima says that lists don’t always work, because you include some stuff potential matches don’t connect with. That said, Alyssa’s list features a ton of stuff guys might like—making it a great conversation starter.
Oshima also appreciates the joke Alyssa makes about being 4’11”. “They’s original and shows she has a sense of humor,” Oshima says.
Sara, 22
Oshima recommends thinking twice before using a bathing suit picture in your profile—especially as your first photo. “Whenever you show up scantily clad, you’re appealing to sex,” Oshima says. “There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what you’re looking for.” But if it’s not, you might want to opt for a different strategy.
Oshima also notes that Sara’s bio is pretty general. It doesn’t illustrate anything specific about Sara’s personality or interests. “Focus on what makes you unique,” Oshima says. Remember: You’re one of many, so you want to stand out.
Stephan, 19
“The first thing I notice is [the] full-length [photo],” Oshima says. “When you shrink it down, you can’t really see his face.” You want to make things as easy as possible for your potential matches so they actually know what you look like, and a simple way to do that is to make your first photo a portrait (and, as we noted earlier, preferably one of you smiling and wearing a colorful top).
Then, bump the full-length photo to your second slot. “You want to look, quite honestly, like you would on a date,” Oshima says. “Show them up front: This is who I am, and this is what my body looks like…No one wants to be surprised.” And let’s be real, if someone doesn’t find you attractive exactly as you are, do you really want to waste your time on a date with them?
Kristen, 21
Kristen does a great job starting with a smiling portrait and moving to a full-body picture. But Oshima says she’d prefer it if Kristen’s second photo weren’t a group shot. “While you know who you are, nobody else knows who you are,” Oshima says.
Oshima also wishes the lighting in Kristen’s first photo was a little brighter, because brighter photos are more likely to catch someone’s eye.
Xavier, 23
Oshima says that while Xavier’s first photo is a “cool shot,” it doesn’t make for a great profile photo. In fact, none of the pictures in his grid do. Why? None of them are straightforward smiling portraits.
Gabby, 20
Oshima says Gabby’s first photo is great, but it would make for a better second photo. She recommends replacing the first with a smiling portrait, instead.
Oshima says she also loves Gabby’s fourth and eighth photos; these capture her personality in a way some of the selfies don’t. If Gabby’s looking for a relationship, more photos like the fourth and eighth could be a great way to optimize her profile.
Natalie, 20
Oshima’s advice for Natalie was to include more smiling photos. “She’s got a beautiful smile,” Oshima says. She just wants to see more of it! Other fun photos that showcase her personality would be great, too.
And a few quick tips:
Use your bio and photos to “tell a story about you, your personality, what you like to do and what you’re passionate about,” Oshima says. The more information you put out there, the more efficient your dating process will be.
Oshima recommends that people don’t connect their Instagrams to their dating app profiles—both for safety reasons and logistical ones. “You don’t want someone to know everything about you before you go out,” she says.
When you’re ready to reach out to someone, read through their profile until you find a common interest. “Hone in on one thing you like about their profile—that’s it,” Oshima says. “Just make a comment and ask a question.”
After a few messages, hop on the phone or plan a date. “If someone wants to be your pen pal, then move on,” Oshima says. “No one’s looking for a pen pal.”
If you can peel your eyes away from Rihanna’s latest “Tutorial Tuesdays,” dedicated to the “Kiss It Better-“inspired Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil, we’ve got winter-specific advice from her makeup artist.
Priscilla Ono, who’s been a Fenty Beauty Global Makeup Artist since the brand’s inception, has always been generous with her advice, often referencing the hacks she uses on her most famous client.
This past weekend was no exception as she chatted with HelloGiggles at Sephoria, Sephora’s first-ever beauty event and delved into her advice for getting glowy in cold weather that tends to dry us out.
First, while she acknowledges that most of us tend to go for hydrating foundations, there’s also a major downside: they don’t hold up when you’re constantly shifting from cold air outside to artificial heat inside. To that same point, matte formulas can be extremely drying. So what’s a guy or gal to do? According to Ono, you’ve got to mix things up; specifically your skin care and coverage.
“One of my hacks is I always like to mix a little bit of facial cream or facial oil. I love facial oils, like two drops into your foundation, mix it, apply it, and your skin looks gorgeous,” she said.
There’s also the option of using primer, which has long been debated as a product that’s either absolutely necessary or totally optional. Ono appears to agree with the latter, except when you want that longwear effect. In that case, prep before you cover. And if you want that lighter, second-skin feel, mix it with your foundation before applying.
“A little trick that I do for something a little lighter on the skin, is that I mix 50% of primer and 50% of foundation, and it almost makes like a tinted moisturizer,”she said, while also adding, “I put that on all over, and it just gives me a really nice, easy-wear foundation. I’ve actually done that on Rihanna a few times, too.”
The result is not-quite-full coverage that doesn’t feel too heavy and still deliver an easy, luminous finish. If it’s Rihanna-approved, we’re definitely trying it.
What’s better than free candy on Halloween? Our opinion may be unpopular, but we’d say a full rundown of what to expect from Sephora’s Beauty Insider Holiday Sale suffices.
The mecca of all things hair, skin and makeup has already launched most of its holiday offerings, but the fun has quite literally just begun. Here’s what you need to know about the annual sale, whether you’re a VIB Rouge member or still working your way up the Insider ranks.
For starters, the sale dates are different according to your status. The entire Beauty Insider program, which is free to join, is tiered so your rewards are according to how much you spend. The more you spend, the better the discounts–make sense?
Once you spend over $350 in a year, you gain “VIB” status, and for purchases that total over $1000, you get to be a VIB Rouge, the highest rank of them all.
As first revealed in a post from the popular Instagram account TrendMood1, those with a VIB Rouge stamp will have exclusive sale access (20 percent off purchases online and in-store) November 2-5 with the code ROUGEBONUS.
Next up are VIB members, who will have also have 20 percent off their purchases online and in-store the weekend of November 9-12 with the code VIBBONUS. And finally, basic level Insiders will get 15 percent off their purchases the weekend of November 16-19 with the code BIBONUS.
The best part of this entire extravaganza is that there’s still time to dissect Sephora’s website and start bookmarking what products you plan on purchasing…as long as they don’t sell out first. Good luck!
There’s something exquisitely delightful about celebrity Halloween costumes.
During Halloweekend (and on Halloween itself), Instagram turns into a kind of red carpet—a virtual one filled with whimsical get-ups, rather than a physical one covered in evening gowns. And that’s because celebrities tend to take Halloween more seriously than we do. Honestly, they take it more seriously than anyone we know.
Chrissy Teigen is one of several incredible women on the cover of Glamour’s “Women of the Year” this month. It’s an honorable feat, highlighting the power and diversity of women this year. Still, some people on the internet choose to concentrate on something else: Teigen’s looks.
One such hater was a person named “Heidi” who told Teigen on Twitter that her Glamour cover—which featured the model smizing in a white turtleneck—was “quite frankly, awful” and suggested that she wasn’t “magazine cover material.” “This photo of you is quite frankly, awful. At first glance I didn’t recognize you. I know you don’t give a damn, but girl if you’re going to be magazine cover material, make it worth it,” Heidi wrote.
Not having it, Teigen responded with her usual Chrissy-Teigen clap back. In a sarcastic response, Teigen thanked Heidi for her criticism and asked her for “tips and tricks” as well as “past covers” she’s shot for help. “thank you, Heidi. in the future I will try harder to be the best cover model. if you could please send me specific tips and tricks (or past covers you’ve shot for reference!) that would be so awesome,” Teigen wrote.
Of course, Teigen’s response won over the internet, with several people cheering and laughing at her response. Heidi also responded to Teigen by clapping back to those who stood by the model. She also changed her photoshopped her head on Teigen’s on her Glamour cover and made the picture icon. So it looks like it’s clap backs all around.
October nights are made better by horror movies. Few things feel as distinctly autumnal as snuggling up with a cozy blanket, flipping on Netflix and spending hours alternately terrified, intrigued, surprised and disgusted by the scares horror directors have in store for their viewers.
And horror movies, of course, are made better by wine.
Selecting a bottle of wine for any occasion usually involves some basic math: How many people are drinking? How long will you be drinking? And what snacks will you pair this wine with? This calculus becomes a little more onerous when movies are involved.
Do Alfred Hitchcock classics pair better with reds or whites? Reds give off a kind of haunted vibe you can’t really get with anything else, but what if you’re flipping on a lighter-hearted scary movie? It’s hard enough to figure out how to complement the tasting notes of foods—complementing the “tasting notes” of films is seriously next-level.
And don’t get me started on quantity. How long is the movie? How many people are watching it? How quickly can you expect to down a bottle over the course of a film?
This mental interrogation is seemingly unending—and incredibly daunting. Which is why we’ve turned to the experts. Here, two sommeliers give us recommendations for delicious (generally affordable!) wines to drink with some of the best scary movies on our watch-lists. Whip out your laptops and get ready to drink up.
The Babadook (2014)
“Aussie wine for an Aussie film. A classic in the making, the Penfolds Max’s Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon is as drinkable now as it will be in 10-15 years. The suspense that builds throughout [the movie] is the perfect parallel for this wine, which will intensify and develop in sync with this 95-minute film.” —Amanda McCrossin, sommelier and YouTube vlogger
Wine:Penfolds Max’s Grape(s): Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon Region: South Australia Price: $19.99
“Nothing will make you think of the little boy in the film more than this Blue-Eyed Boy wine from Molly Dooker. A ripe Australian Shiraz with a kick of black and blue fruit [offers] plenty of body and oaky flavors [sure] to help cope with mommy issues.” —Fernando Beteta, master sommelier
“Practice safe sipping. A campy and slightly silly choice, Promisqous seems like the perfect wine for this occasion, as the name ‘implies a wanton disregard for convention.’ This film and wine definitely break the barriers of convention, with an unorthodox plot and unusual blend of Syrah, Cab, Grenache and Petite Sirah, [respectively].” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Promisqous Red Wine Grape(s): Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petite Sirah Region: California Price: $12
“Predator Old Vine Zinfandel: Old vines make better wines, [with] more concentrated flavors and power. Zinfandel is jammy, ripe and spicy.” —Fernando Beteta (Plus, Beteta adds, the wine has literally has the word “predator” in its name.)
“Alfred Hitchcock was a straight-up wine geek. In addition to being an invited member of the legendary Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (a group of like-minded nerds who love wine from the region of Burgundy), Hitchcock purchased a vineyard in Santa Cruz, where he hosted the likes of Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant. and Jimmy Stewart.
The only appropriate wine in this situation would therefore be a wine as well crafted and legendary as this cinematic masterpiece—[a wine] that pays homage to his love of Burgundy and the wines of California where his beloved vineyard once was. The Calera Pinot Noirs are some of the most Burgundian in style from California, and show a precision and focus that falls right in line with this film.” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Calera Grape(s): Pinot Noir Region: Central Coast, California Price: $29.99
“Alfred Hitchcock was an avid wine collector and had a cellar in California. He seems [like] the type who’d be very sophisticated in his selections and taste. The Chateau Haut Batailley Pauillac 2014 is a classic French Bordeaux with history and aristocracy.” —Fernando Beteta
“A low-budget film that does something a little different very well. It’s only 77 minutes, [meaning] it’s not quite long enough for the average person to down a full bottle. But it’s the perfect [length] for a can (which equals half a bottle)!
The Sans Carbonic Carignan is a little funky and weird, but in the best way possible. Not unlike the film, there is real integrity and ‘production value’ in this wine, sourced from an organic single vineyard. [The Sans Carbonic Carignan is made] using a method called carbonic maceration, which often produces cheap wines. [But] this version is done really well, [making] the wine easy to drink with its juicy, red-fruited, brambly and slightly fizzy goodness.” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Sans Carbonic Carignan Grape(s): Carignan Region: Mendocina, California Price: $15/can
AHS: Murder House (2011)
“This series from Ryan Murphy brings out some seriously twisted themes and left me feeling all sorts of surprised, uncomfortable and seriously satisfied. [The] dream team of a cast makes this odd web of twisted, demonic, erotic and downright disturbing moments believable and surprisingly realistic.
By doing all the wrong things in all the right ways, Murphy breaks a few barriers—and demolishes stereotypes with a zero-f****-given mentality akin to Charles Smith and his The Velvet Devil Merlot from Washington State. Smith puts Merlot into the driver’s seat of a Bugatti Chrion and lets her rip around a hairpin turn worthy of the devil herself. Sit down, twist off and click play to get your heart racing and have you screaming ‘gimme more’ (yes, like Britney).” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:The Velvet Devil Grape(s): Merlot Region: Washington State Price: $11.99
“Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva 2013: Rioja wines have a sanguine flavor—earthy, gamey and bloody. The wines pair with almost every food, as they’re lighter than darker grapes, but still have plenty of structure.” —Fernando Beteta
“Classic California meets classic California. Psycho has remained a seminal film—not only in the horror genre, but also across the board in cinematic history. The classic, vintage feel of the film is as artful as it is edgy, and I could think of no better wine to echo a similar sentiment than Mayacamas from Napa Valley.
One of the great historic wineries, not much has changed about the old building that lives way atop the Mayacamas range on Mt. Veeder. Stylistically, the wines are as long-lived as this film, and even current vintages will transport you to another time in Napa Valley’s history.
As the whites are more approachable in their youth than the reds, I’m recommending the Mayacamas chardonnay to enjoy while you watch Norman Bates work out his mommy issues.” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Mayacamas Grape(s): Chardonnay Region: Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California Price: $49.99
“Mommy’s other best friend is Pinot Noir—specifically, Block Nine Pinot Noir Caiden’s Vineyard 2017. The Caiden’s vineyard is named after the winemaker’s son. The Block Nine Pinot Noir [offers] red fruits, soft tannins and mouthwatering acidity.” —Fernando Beteta
“A low budget plus a little dose of modern equals a bona fide hit. Despite making the Blair Witch Project for a staggeringly low $60,000, the movie’s producers employed ultra-modern marketing techniques to make it one of the most successful independent films of all time.
[Given this,] I felt the film was deserving of a wine that hustled as hard as it did. Enter: Dirty & Rowdy. This grape juice eschews fancy winemaking techniques employed by popular blockbuster wines in favor of a more natural, raw style their devoted cult following can’t get enough of.
But when the fire-plagued 2017 vintage erupted, the kids at Dirty & Rowdy had to embrace a few modern winemaking techniques to save the taste. What resulted was a perfect blend of [modern and natural]—a wine that ‘brings aromatic healing, salvation, and redemption.’ Shaky camera work and snot-faced girl aside, I think these two are a match made in cinematic heaven.” —Amanda McCrossin
“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts. Whether you believe the story fiction or faux, the film and all its subsequent iterations tells a pretty graphic and horrifying ghost story. As the haunted house is located in Amityville, a small town in Long Island, N.Y., I think the Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc from the same area will be just the thing you need to take off the edge [while watching this film].” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Wolffer Estate ‘Caya’ Grape(s): Cabernet Franc Region: Long Island, New York Price: $32.99
A Quiet Place (2018)
“Don’t make a sound! The pop of champagne, the squeak of a corkscrew—anything that makes noise is off limits. Naturally I went to my favorite screw top wine that only makes a small crack when opening: Broadbent Vinho Verde. It’s light, bright and won’t stain your couch when you inevitably jump when a noise is finally made.” —Amanda McCrossin
“If they hear you, they hunt you. Rule #1: Don’t make a sound. Rule #2: Never leave the path. Rule #3: Red means run. When you can’t speak, your other senses increase. [Which is why I’ve chosen] Luca Malbec 2015, a dark red wine with intense aromatics and a visually appealing, almost pitch-black center.” —Fernando Beteta
Wine:Luca Malbec 2015 Grape(s): Malbec Region: Mendoza, Argentina Price: $29.99
Stranger Things (2016-present)
“Netflix and Chill with Ramona. Grab your Blondie T-shirt and a pair of leg warmers. As this show is ALL about the 1980s and definitely binge-worthy, I picked a wine that would capture the essence of the decade and allow you to have something to sip on the whole way.
At only 7.5% alcohol, Ramona is an updated and improved homage to the popular wine spritzers of the ’80s. From former sommelier Jordan Salcito, I’m obsessed with the Ruby Grapefruit which comes in cute canned four-packs! There’s a hint of sweetness, but enough acidity and low enough alcohol to keep you hydrated and perfectly buzzed for the entire two seasons.” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Ramona Grape(s): ZIBIBBO Region: Sicily Price: $20 for four-pack
“’I ate his liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti.’ While Chianti suffered permanent reputation damage as a result of this iconic line from The Silence of the Lambs film, the original line from the novel by Thomas Harris references a ‘big Amarone,’ instead.
It’s a stronger and much more apt choice for the sophisticated Dr. Lecter, as Chianti in that era was a more pedestrian and cheap wine (remember your grandma’s chianti in the basket bottle?!). Still, the writers were quite right to swap out the wine, as Amarone in the ’90s was very much an unknown (with few being exported out of Italy) that would have been lost on most of the audience.
Amarone is my first choice for this pairing, but a less expensive option is its baby sister, Valpolicella Ripasso, a sound alternative under $20.” —Amanda McCrossin
“Has to be a Chianti for Hannibal. The Castello di Volpaia literally translates to ‘the fox’s den,’ and this medieval village in Tuscany has been making wines for centuries.” —Fernando Beteta
“Spoiler alert: While there aren’t many people who haven’t seen or at least heard about the seminal scene at the prom, I should note that this Hogwash Rosé pays homage to what goes down toward the end of the film for poor Carrie. I think maybe I’ll just leave it at that ;).” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Hogwash Rosé Grape(s): Grenache Region: California Price: $18
“The Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2017 is made with ‘super natural’ winemaking, meaning it falls into the category of ‘natural’ wines that do not use chemicals, added fertilizers or pesticides. They also draw on a minimal use of sulphur.” —Fernando Beteta (A super natural wine for a supernatural film? Sign us up.)
“Hereditary is deeply complicated and nuanced—layered with thematic symbols, talismans and curiosities that take a keen eye to spot. As you ingest (and subsequently dissect) the film, I’m sure you’ll be left pondering the demonic, satan-worshipping elements that drive the plot.
The urban wine myth surrounding the Rothschild-owned Opus One in Napa Valley (and Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux) has been a subject of debate for conspiracy theorists, anchored to idea that the family was among some of the biggest satan worshippers in history.
While both wineries are filled with icons and architectural elements that support many of these claims, nothing can be said for certain. I think it makes both of these wineries (which, by the way, produce two of the most complicated, nuanced and layered wines in the world) perfect pairings for this film. As both of these wines are incredibly expensive, I’ve included two less expensive second labels they make as well.” —Amanda McCrossin
Wine:Opus One Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec Region: Napa Valley, California Price: $499.99
Wine:Overture by Opus One Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec Region: Napa Valley, California Price: $130
Wine:Mouton Rothschild Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot Region: Bordeaux, France Price: $599.99
Wine:Mouton Cadet Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Region: Bordeaux, France Price: $14.99
“13 generation winemakers—passed from father to son since 1481—the Chaves in Northern Rhône continue to make wines like their ancestors. The Mon Coeur (my heart) is a spicy blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre.” —Fernando Beteta
Out of the entire royal family, Meghan Markle seems the most relatable. Perhaps it’s her messy buns. Perhaps it’s her start as a struggling American actress. But there’s something about the 27-year-old that screams “Most Relatable.”
The Duchess of Sussex proved her relatability on Wednesday when she and her husband, Prince Harry, visited New Zealand as the final stop on their 16-day royal tour. For the occasion, Markle wore a color-coordinated blue set, consisting of a Givenchy sweater and a matching skirt, which was completely see-through when the sun shone on it. The skirt, which Markle wore as she met and shook hands with fans, featured sheer stripes near her waist, exposing the underwear or bodysuit she wore underneath.
It’s unclear if Markle’s skirt was meant to be sheer, but judging from how many celebrities show their bodysuits underneath see-through dresses and skirts these days, we wouldn’t be surprised if Markle’s exposed underwear was a part of her look.
If the look was accidental, however, it only proves Markle’s relatabilty. Who hasn’t unintentionally worn something see-through and didn’t know it?
Winter is no longer coming…. It’s arrived, and all we have to say is, “Brrrrrr, it’s cold in here.” (We can’t resist a Bring It On reference.) Yes, we agree it’s the best season for flaunting our fiercest fashion, but it’s also the most problematic time of year for our skin. It can’t decide if it wants to be oily or dry, covered in blemishes or clear as day, or an unpredictable combination of them all.
And unless you’re extremely good about keeping up with doctors’ appointments, the chances of your having a tailor-made routine from a skin-care professional are slim to none. Well, fear not, because we’ve got a handful of under-the-radar product recommendations from dermatologists who know all about those all-too-common skin-care woes. From facial oils to pricey moisturizers and drugstore serums, here’s what they suggest trying on for size.
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