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Tis the season for nestling up under a cozy blanket beside a roaring fire (real or otherwise), steaming mug of cider in hand, and a glorious book to escape into. Here are a selection of books that I recommend for the perfect autumnal reading experience! Lucy Jane Wood is one of my favorite authors! I've been watching Lucy on YouTube for years and find so much comfort in her content that once she announced she would be publishing a novel, I figured I'd be destined to love it. For the past two autumnal seasons, I've had Lucy books to read in Rewitched and Uncharmed. This year continues the lineage with Disenchanted which I'm very excited to dig into as the weather gets crisp. Last fall, If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia was my standout favorite. Everything about it (especially the '90s time period) was delicious and felt like a warm hug. I'm looking forward to adding Call It Serendipity by C.A. Steinhaus (also set in the '90s) and Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore by Brittanee Nicole to my TBR this year. I've heard excellent things about both books! I first heard about The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard from Darling Desi last year and immediately added it to my list. From what I know, it's reminiscent of Scooby-Doo but with a darker tone and it's set in the early '00s so I'm sold! Trust Fall by Lynn Painter has all the makings to be a delight within the list of Lynn Painter YA romcoms. The premise has a Gossip Girl feel and iykyk Gossip Girl is such a fall show. I've had Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman on my TBR for years and as the movie is one of my favorite films, I've been wanting to read the book. I loved this charming, witchy series by Erin Sterling. I read each of the books subsequently each year that they were released. The Ex Hex is my favorite but I do love the Christmassy vibes of The Wedding Witch. Perfect Halloween witchy energy all around in this series! There's nothing like autumnal books during the season to accompany the spooky or romantic feels. I'm always interested in hearing about new books that people love so if you have any recommendations feel free to email me eloiselondonblog@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram! I hope you pick one of these books to read or add to your TBR this year! Happy reading fall friends!

When Gilmore Girls premiered in October 2000, no one could've foreseen the impact a simple question like "which team are you" would have on generations. A lot can be said about someone based on which boyfriend they root for. Serious judgement may be passed depending on who you reveal your team to. There are two ways of thinking: either which boy is best for Rory or which boy is your personal favorite. It's time we discuss such important matters as these. Rory Gilmore is a small-town girl turning sixteen who hasn't so much as held a boy's hand when we meet her at the start of season one. That is until the new kid in town takes a liking to her. Enter Dean Forester, boyfriend #1. Rory's intrigued by him; he's brand new in a town where everyone knows everyone, and also he's tall as hell. You can't blame a girl for taking an interest. Dean just moved to Stars Hollow from Chicago, and we learn he owns a motorcycle, enjoys fixing cars, and is a reader (however, this trait seemingly disappears from his character quite quickly). He ends up being Rory's first boyfriend, first kiss, and unfortunately in season four, first time. Dean is the boyfriend that is in Rory's life the longest. Their relationship starts innocently as any adolescent relationship might but over time turns tumultuous with lots of on-again, off-again toxicity. Dean is also widely known as the least favorite of all of Rory's boyfriends. He's co-dependent, possessive, hot-tempered, clingy, and selfish. During episode sixteen of season one, Dean tells Rory he loves her for the first time while on a date for their three-year anniversary. Rory doesn't know how to respond and, after a long pause, simply says, "Thank you." Dean proceeds to throw a fit over this and leaves Rory alone before ultimately breaking up with her for it. This is just the first of many infractions with Dean. He really only gets worse as the seasons go on, which is even more concerning because you'd hope he would get better as he matured and hormones subsided, but no. Now, to play devil's advocate, if I were to give props to Dean, it would be that he does care for Rory and wants to protect her. During the Chilton school dance in season one, Dean stands up for and defends Rory when Tristan Dugray starts taunting her. Okay, now that I've given him some positives, I need to go back to hating him, and I know the perfect way how. Dean gets married during season four and ends up cheating on his new wife with Rory; it's a huge mess, and Dean acts like a total jerk to his wife. It may be Jared Padalecki playing him, but nothing could give Dean enough redemption for me to like him. Then you have Jess Mariano, boyfriend #2, Luke's troubled nephew who begrudgingly comes to live in Stars Hollow during season two. It's immediately portrayed during Jess' arrival that he is a rebellious teen and against the happy-go-lucky nature that is Stars Hollow. He does, however, take a liking to Rory upon meeting her. Jess is the fan favorite of Rory's boyfriends. Though it isn't apparent on the surface, the pair have a lot in common and get along really well. Rory's relationship with Jess is the most short-lived of the three boys but the one that probably leaves Rory the most impacted. When Jess leaves Stars Hollow at the end of season three, he essentially ghosts Rory. He simply leaves without planning to say goodbye and says very little when he does accidentally run into her. Jess had a much rougher upbringing compared to the other boys and isn't good at working through those struggles. This leads to bad communication and recklessness. Now to his credit, Luke really helps Jess in more ways than one and helps to give him the resources he previously never had. In a particularly bad moment, Jess forces himself onto Rory when making out at a party. The two hadn't had sex before, and Rory was definitely not wanting to do it right then and there. At first he doesn't respond to her pushing him off, but eventually she does get him to cut it out, and he immediately feels bad for it. There's also the general lack of commitment Jess shows to Rory over the course of their relationship, occasionally playing with her feelings and leaving the status of his commitment to be desired. Even though he has his reckless and sometimes arrogant or rude moments, Jess is regarded by many fans as Rory's "Luke" or her true match, in other words. This particularly works due to the literal blood relation to Luke that Jess has as well as the two being similar in certain lights. Though the pair never get back together post-season three, Jess does reappear sporadically over the remainder of the series. When he does return, he's quite different from the teenage version of Jess Rory dated. He makes something of himself and becomes the person Rory always believed he could be. This is what also wakes Rory up during her Yale hiatus in season six when she sees the life he's made for himself as well as him questioning her life choices. This prompts the iconic "why did you drop out of Yale?" line that Team Jess girls ride for. He's also an avid reader and writes notes in the margins, so brownie points for that! When Rory begins her second year at Yale during season five, she meets Logan Huntzberger, boyfriend #3. Logan is really the antithesis of both Dean and Jess; he's rich, arrogant, sure of himself, and also blonde. He may also be the boyfriend that challenges who Rory is as a person the most. Part of this has to do with the fact that Rory is becoming an adult while she's with Logan, and thus, everything she knows about the world starts to change. She's no longer a kid growing up in a small town where everything she knows and thinks has come from her mother. For the first time, just as we all do, she's experiencing the real world without the protection of what's familiar. Logan gets a lot of slack for being the main reason Rory's character "goes downhill," but I wouldn't equate that all with him but more so her own struggles as a girl in her early twenties. It was bound to happen that Rory was going to fumble and make mistakes; she isn't the perfect daughter Lorelai believes her to be (it wouldn't be realistic anyway). When Rory quits Yale in season six and navigates inner turmoil, Logan is by her side through all of it. Allowing her to process things and go at her own pace but always supporting her. Jess and Logan were both very supportive of Rory; it was just that Jess had too much going on with him to always show it well. Richard and Emily Gilmore easily approve of Logan compared to the other boyfriends, as they know him and his family well; one might say "he comes from good breeding." However, the Huntzberger clan only causes more havoc and leaves the Gilmores with a bad taste in their mouths during season six. Thankfully, Logan is quite different from his family, even if Lorelai doesn't always want to believe that. Logan is Rory's most serious relationship, as they have been in a committed relationship (with only a couple rocky moments) for the better part of three years. They live together, they plan their futures together, and they are very involved in each other's lives (family, friends, work, etc.). This all accumulates to the end of the series, when on her graduation day, Logan asks Rory to marry him. Spoiler alert: she says no. When Taylor Swift wrote "Champagne Problems," she must've been watching Logan x Rory edits because it's truly so fitting. For those who don't like Logan, they would probably refer to him during season five. When we meet Logan, he's self-absorbed and arrogant; his main issue is when he lets his rich playboy ways get in the way. At first, he tells Rory that he doesn't do relationships but ultimately succumbs to Rory and decides to try a relationship, making Rory his first real girlfriend. His other major strike is when he and Rory are "on a break" (you'd think they'd know better after Ross and Rachel) when Logan believes they are broken up but Rory believes they are just on a pause; Logan drowns his sorrows by hooking up with one of his sister's friends. Rory ultimately forgives him but takes a while to get back to trusting him, so she freezes him out for a while. But they always come back together and demonstrate how much they care for one another; you don't just jump off scaffolding with someone and have it mean nothing. The one thing all of Rory's boyfriends have in common besides Rory herself is being disliked by Lorelai Gilmore. I love Lorelai, but she absolutely gets on my nerves when she gets going on the boyfriends. Dean is ultimately the only boyfriend that Lorelai ends up actually liking, which is severely alarming. At first, Lorelai is apprehensive of Dean because he's Rory's first crush and interest in a boy romantically. She doesn't trust his intentions but ends up coming around to him and would prefer Rory with Dean over Jess. For different reasons, both Jess and Logan are bad influences and drag Rory down, according to her. When it comes to Jess, Lorelai is skeptical of him because she's unfamiliar with that kind of guy herself and never saw Rory with the brooding type. She doesn't trust him; she can't see him being a real fit for Rory. Whereas with Logan, she is far too familiar with guys like him. Upon hearing he's rich and in her parents' circle, she immediately dislikes him. Logan represents Christopher to Lorelai, and that is dangerous territory that she doesn't want Rory falling into. She quite unfairly pins everything that Rory does wrong on Logan when in reality he really doesn't have anything to do with the decisions Rory makes. Both Jess and Logan are much better fits over Dean for Rory for different reasons. They are also both a little too good for Rory and are saints for even putting up with her at times. My vote? Well, I thought you'd never ask! Drumroll, please... I have always been team Logan. Logan represents one of the very few men I have ever liked who is blonde (IYKYK). With that said, I think Logan and Rory have the best relationship out of them all. They have their bumps, but for the most part they fit together really well and have a sort of domestic relationship that you can see lasting. When Rory refuses Logan's proposal, it's actually the most irritating thing for me to watch. They could've done a long engagement; they could've done long distance, or Rory could've moved with Logan to California, like suggested, and found a job there. Their being over just like that kills me, and I have to pretend it never happened. Now, do I necessarily agree with the all-or-nothing ultimatum he presented to her? Definitely not. However, I can see where he's coming from and why he did it that way, but I think they still could've found a way to be together no matter what their future looked like... but whatever. We all know the writing for the last couple seasons of the show (especially season seven) was a bit of a hot mess, so I'll just chalk it up to that. Even though I love Logan, I will admit to liking Jess and understanding the draw he has and why so many people love him and Rory together. As I previously stated, I do think both Jess and Logan are too good for Rory (and I'm not even that big of a Rory hater like so many people). As she gets older, Rory becomes far too stubborn, whiny, and dependent. I unfortunately could see her potentially dragging both of these men down over time if they were to be together. I think some of the dislike Logan receives primarily has to do with the fact that Rory really starts to dip as a character while he's around and the fact that people love Jess so much they only want to view him. When referring to teen Jess, I do not think he's a good match for Rory, but when referring to adult Jess, I can see the picture. I'm not sure which of the two is actually better for Rory; all I can say is that I love Logan. If Rory doesn't want him, he can come give me a Birkin bag, and I'd be more than receptive to his wooing. Before we round this off, I wanted to give you a fun piece of trivia! While Rory is at Chilton, she has an interesting dynamic with fellow classmate Tristan Dugray. He is portrayed by heartthrob Chad Michael Murray. Tristan and Rory never date, but they do share a kiss. Tristan shows his interest in Rory in a, let's say, immature way, and Rory never reciprocates. In the end, Tristan ends up leaving school during season two. The reason for this is not my fun fact but rather commonly known. Chad departed the show in order to join two other WB shows, Dawson's Creek and then One Tree Hill (two of my favorite series!). There's also a fun nod when Tristan leaves, saying he's going to boarding school in North Carolina. Both Dawson's and OTH were filmed in Wilmington, NC. Fans as well as creator Amy Sherman-Palladino have discussed that Tristan's original arc may have included an on-again, off-again relationship with Rory. He was prompted to be the Logan before there was a Logan. He was rich, connected to the Gilmore circle, and also blonde. I think it would've been really interesting to have seen this play out and how Tristan's character would've evolved. He was far too immature to have been Rory's boyfriend in high school, but if he grew up a bit, it could've been an interesting storyline to see come back when she was at Yale. Instead, this relationship was brought to life through Logan, and I can't be mad at that outcome. Also, CMM needed to be Charlie on Dawson's and Lucas on OTH, so I'd say it all worked out for the best! So whether you swoon over a Doose's Market aisle kiss, notes written in the margins of your favorite book, or shouting "In Omnia Paratus" in a ball gown, your love of Gilmore Girls is always heard. Whoever you choose, a lot can be said for the dedication we possess as GG fans. Debates like these keep our pop culture hearts thriving, so keep it up and remember to refrain from ripping someone's hair out when having your heated discussions!

If you're dreaming of a summer that's drenched in California sunshine and set to the soundtrack of "The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani, then turn no more to your guide Summer Roberts from The O.C.! Summer is all about glossy lips, Juicy tracksuits, and tanning by the pool all day while totally not pining over Seth Cohen. Sharpay Evans from High School Musical 2 is your summer guide if you love body glitter, the color pink, and lounging by the pool. You can spend your day flipping through a magazine, hitting up the country club golf course (even if it's just to ride in a golf cart), or unwinding with a face mask, just as long as you maintain the mentality that you are fabulous. If you want your summer to be spent playing mermaids, then your guide is Aquamarine from Aquamarine. Dip-dye your hair blue, relax in a bubble bath, indulge in a pint of ice cream, or ride your bike to your bestie's house, but remember, your scales will be on full display if you find yourself in the water! I couldn't help but wonder... is a Carrie Bradshaw-inspired summer the one for me? Looking to beat the heat in the chicest way possible? Then your guide is, of course, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Fewer clothes doesn't have to mean less fashionable. Mix and match your summer wardrobe with vibrant colors and patterns and accessorize with kitten heels and silk scarves to achieve the summer fashionista status of your Carrie dreams. If you're wanting less pop star and more country girl, then your guide is Miley Stewart from Hannah Montana: The Movie! Take a trip to the state fair or spend the day painting outside. Make yourself a homemade breakfast with the ingredients you got at the farmers market and chill out on the porch as the faint sound of a '90s/'00s country CD plays softly from inside. You may not be spending the summer at the Catskills and cozying up to a hot dance instructor, but you can dream! If a vintage-style summer is your vibe, then your guide is Baby from Dirty Dancing! Scrunch up your hair with some mousse and lace up your Keds this summer. Go to a drive-in movie or spend a night out dancing; you never know what kind of enchantment awaits you! We have Eurosummer at home! If that's what you're telling yourself, your summer guide is Sophie Sheridan from Mamma Mia! Let the sun kiss your nose with freckles, and let your salty hair air dry, or use a beach waver to achieve the same look. Sing your heart out to ABBA, spritz in hand, and embrace a Greek-inspired summer no matter where you live!

Tan lines and sunshine! Summer days are warm and sunny and fleeting. We have just a few months to soak up the joy and playfulness that summer brings. The final moments of poolside lounging and melted ice cream at the farmer's market are coming to a close. So here I share with you all of my favorites from this summer before the school bell rings and the leaves begin to change! 2026 Summer Mixtape "Questions" by Maisie Peters "I Knew It, I Knew You" by Taylor Swift "Tastes So Good" by Niall Horan "Boys Are Fun" by Niall Horan "Monochromatic" by Niall Horan "Earrings" by Malcolm Todd "stupid song" by Olivia Rodrigo "maggots for brains" by Olivia Rodrigo "expectations" by Olivia Rodrigo "Off The Wall" by Michael Jackson "Spinning Around" by Kylie Minogue "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" by Kylie Minogue "Roam" by The B-52's "New Sensation" by INXS "Showdown" by Britney Spears "Intimidated" by Britney Spears "My Body Isn't Ready" by Sombr "Joy" by ROLE MODEL "Cranekiss" by Tamaryn "Talk To Me, Zara" by Robyn and Zara Larsson "Can't Tame Her" by Zara Larsson "I Would Like" by Zara Larsson "Ain't My Fault" by Zara Larsson "What Took You So Long?" by Emma Bunton "kiss me" by Ariana Grande "stay" by Ariana Grande "freak" by Ariana Grande "like i do" by Ariana Grande "Twiggy" by Remi Wolf "brand new chanel$" by Slayyyter "Don't Lie" by Black Eyed Peas "Kitty Kat" by Beyoncé "I've Got My Eyes On You" by Jessica Simpson "Stop The Wedding!" by Ashe ˚⭒⋆ My Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/fgodr4ru3t1d2w8i3pb80h3g3?si=b6e03b0c7cc043b8 My television this summer was essentially occupied by Amazon Prime and my One Tree Hill DVDs. Starting with the latter, nothing has brought me joy the way that watching episodes of OTH every night has. Currently, I'm wrapping up season five and have been having the time of my life. This is not my first time watching the show, as it is one of my all-time favorites; however, it had been a while since I'd watched it in its entirety top to bottom, so late this spring, I decided to start from the beginning! I would quite frankly do anything for my close personal friends Brooke Davis, Nathan Scott, and Haley James Scott (and little Jamie Scott!). As for Prime, they really have been the place to be this summer. They ended spring with a bang with Off-Campus, as I previously mentioned in my spring wrap-up. Then they gave me Elle and Sterling Point this summer, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had been anticipating the release of the Legally Blonde prequel show with bated breath. Generally, reboots, remakes, and sequels are bad territory in my opinion. So I was hesitant going into the show, but I had hope knowing Reese Witherspoon was attached to the project. Thankfully, it delivered! Lexi Minetree, who plays young Elle, was absolutely incredible and nailed the aura of Elle Woods perfectly. The soundtrack was spectacular, as was the time period being set in the late '90s. Now my one critique would be that I wish they leaned into the '90s fashion more authentically, but it wasn't as rocky as it could've been (and can Hollywood please go back to shooting on film and bring back saturation?!). I'm definitely looking forward to season two! Now Sterling Point wasn't one I had on my list going into the summer simply because I hadn't heard anything about it. This one flew under the radar up until its release. When the first trailer dropped, my interest was piqued due to the producing teams behind the series. Not only is Margot Robbie (yes, that Margot Robbie) an executive producer with her husband and their production team, but so are Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Josh and Stephanie are the creatives behind two of my favorite shows, The O.C. and Gossip Girl, as well as producing numerous iconic shows. Knowing these two had their hands in the show made me really excited. It has a great soundtrack, really realistic and well-rounded characters, a gorgeous location, and an unravelling web that keeps you on your toes. I do, however, wish the season was longer, i.e., bring back 22 episode seasons. PLEASE! I would also like to mention that I am firmly Team Ellis. A Prime show that did not deliver was Every Year After. In my spring wrap-up, I mentioned my anticipation for the show, as I am a huge Carley Fortune fan and adore that book. The show adaptation, however, was a major flop. I didn't even finish episode two before removing it from my continue watching. I did not like the casting, nor did I like how much they changed from the source material. Frankly, Sterling Point is what Every Year After should've been between the location and the dialogue, the characters and the connections. I know they are making a season two based on the second book, One Golden Summer, which I adored, but the jury is out whether or not I tune in. Then over on Netflix, I binged the third season of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. I find this show so fascinating and the girls so endearing. As someone who grew up dancing for most of my life, watching the routines and the highs and lows of the sport is extremely reminiscent for me. Every season they've put out, I've loved and gotten through very quickly due to being so invested. To finish this TV section off, though it isn't premiering for another week, I am preemptively putting Adults season two on this list. The first season was so funny and easy to watch. I'm looking forward to finishing summer with the new season! It's a great little watch! Though I read a handful of books this summer, there were two absolute standouts. The first being Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick. Holy cow. I cannot express how much I loved this book from start to finish. The fact that it is a debut is astounding. Phoebe is such an amazing female main character, and all of her male prospects are perfection (I was rooting for each of them?!). And I have to add that I was NOT expecting the story to move the way it did, and when that big revelation happened, I was shocked to my core! I'm so excited to see what Brooke writes in the future because if it's like Phoebe, then I will be all over it. Then I began a little series called The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. I spent the entirety of Fourth of July devouring the first book in one sitting and immediately understood the obsession. Every book just got better and better. I've nearly finished the eight that are currently published, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with myself until the next volume comes out! The setting is so immersive, and the characters feel so real. Reading this series has been unlike anything else I've ever read; it's as though every time I pick up one of the books, I fall into the pages and enter another reality. If that's not the sign of a great book, I don't know what is! And I'm Team Islington, btw! I've been a bit low-key with my movie watching this summer. I didn't watch nearly as many as I normally would, and I blame that entirely on One Tree Hill. I rewatched a handful of my favorites, amongst them being Dick, High School Musical 2, Everybody Wants Some!!, Mean Girls, and Aquamarine. But primarily, I watched new releases that I've had on my radar! *New Releases Michael - incredible, unbelievable talent and the best soundtrack ever (obviously) Toy Story 5 - love these characters, but the premise makes me so sad, and I think we need to be done with the sequels (this goes for all of Hollywood, not just Disney) Voicemails for Isabelle - pleasantly surprised at how good this was; Robyn and Taylor Swift on the soundtrack is going to get me every time Supergirl - enjoyable but forgettable; my main reason for watching was to see my husband (David Corenswet) Heartstopper Forever - emotional as always, and well done; just think it would've been better suited as a final season instead of a movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day - SO good, the Spider-Man franchise carries every time, and oh, how I've missed it One Night Only - I love Will Gluck movies; they are so silly and swoony and fun From my ever-evolving watchlist, I viewed and loved Singin in the Rain, Theater Camp, 3 Men and a Baby, Jawbreaker, Beauty Shop, and Mermaids! Besides television and movies, I also watch a fair share of YouTube. I stick to my favorites and watch everything they post. My rotation includes Molly-Mae, Lauren Norris, KC Cibran, Hannah Marsh, Erin Davila, Darling Desi, Brogan Tate, All Things Lilly Ann, and Bonnie Barton. In addition, I pop in to watch videos from Vanillamace, Jack and Dan React, and Trixie Mattel. Those are all of my core favorites! I'm putting a cap on summer earlier than some would find acceptable, but fellow autumn lovers will understand my haste. Let's wave goodbye to bikinis, fireworks, and strawberry refreshers and hello to pumpkin chai lattes, chunky sweaters, and apple picking!

The pop bible. On October 27, 2014, former country sweetheart Taylor Swift released her first full-fledged pop album. The album that would go on to establish Swift as a worldwide phenomenon and true pop star. Anthemic, infectious, and sparkling. 1989 is laced with catchy choruses, scream-your-heart-out bridges, and synth-driven productions. To this day, 1989 is still Taylor Swift's top-selling album of her career. So to the fella over there with the hella good hair, come on over because it's time to talk about one of the greatest pop albums of all time. TRACK LIST: Welcome To New York Blank Space Style Out Of The Woods All You Had To Do Was Stay Shake It Off I Wish You Would Bad Blood Wildest Dreams How You Get The Girl This Love I Know Places Clean Wonderland (Deluxe Track) You Are In Love (Deluxe Track) New Romantics (Deluxe Track) "Slut!" (Taylor's Version Vault Track) Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version Vault Track) Now That We Don't Talk (Taylor's Version Vault Track) Suburban Legends (Taylor's Version Vault Track) Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version Vault Track) Pop has always influenced Taylor's sound. You can find it all the way back on her very first album with the alternative pop version release of her hit song "Teardrops On My Guitar." It carried through to her second album Fearless, by transcending country radio with global hits like "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story." Her next dabble into non-country territory came during her third album, Speak Now, which explored rock and pop-rock influences. When it came time to write her fourth album, Red, Taylor was feeling the pop itch more than ever. However, her label wasn't as convinced. Scott Borchetta, founder of Big Machine Label, told Taylor she needed to still appeal to her country audience. But Taylor found a way to get a little bit of pop snuck in. Red marked the first time Taylor worked with legendary producers Max Martin and Shellback. With their help, Taylor released some of the biggest pop hits in her catalog with "22," "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," and "I Knew You Were Trouble." While touring for Red, Taylor became more sure the universe was pushing her to go pop. So she began writing what would become 1989. For a new direction on her fifth studio album, she marked the era by chopping off her famous, long, curly blonde locks into a blunt bob and moving to New York City. During an interview with Paul Zollo, Swift describes waking up at four o'clock in the morning with the notion that the album would be called 1989, it'd be '80s synth pop, and it'd be a true pop record. Continuing to work with Max and Shellback, Taylor also brought on Jack Antonoff. Taylor and Jack were brought together to work on the song "Sweeter Than Fiction" (one of my personal favorites of Taylor's) for the film One Chance in 2013. Jack was making his way up as a sought-after producer after having success in the bands Fun. and Bleachers. Taylor and Jack bonded over the '80s, specifically in regard to the decade's notable synth-heavy song productions, as that was also an area of Jack's expertise. For 1989, Jack collaborated with Taylor on "Out Of The Woods," "I Wish You Would," and "You Are In Love" (a song Taylor wrote about his relationship with ex Lena Dunham). On the song "Clean," Taylor brought on British artist Imogen Heap. They recorded "Clean" at Imogen's studio in London in one day, just the two of them. Taylor had Max oversee the entire project in order to ensure the album was cohesive. Notably on Red, critics took issue with the album's jagged sound. Claiming that the back and forth between country ballads and poppy anthems was jarring and lacked cohesion. This time, Taylor was going to make an album that flowed and didn't question the sound or genre. As any Swiftie knows, Taylor has a knack for placing what she feels is the most vulnerable and honest song on the album as track five. On the list are heavy hitters like "All Too Well" (Red, 2013), "Dear John" (Speak Now, 2010), "My Tears Ricochet" (folklore, 2020), and "The Archer" (Lover, 2019). For 1989, Taylor chose the song "All You Had To Do Was Stay" to fill the coveted spot. But AYHTDWS is an outlier compared to the rest of the Track Fives in her discography. This is because it is not a ballad, nor is it sad in its production. The track fives that come closest are "Delicate" from reputation in 2017 and "You're On Your Own, Kid" from Midnights in 2022, but both still have a more mellow pop sound, whereas AYHTDWS is upbeat and vibrant. If you were to take a listen to the album, you might put a song like "Clean" as track five. But although "Clean" fits the bill for what a track five is: emotional, heart wrenching, ballad-adjacent, where it falls on the standard edition of the album as the closer makes perfect sense. When you look at it, there really aren't any songs on 1989 that fit the traditional track five mold. But perhaps the brilliance of 1989, the theme, if you will, is that there can't be pleasure without pain. She may have been "happy, free, confused, and lonely" on Red, but Taylor was still a girl in her early twenties navigating adulthood for the first time. This meant that you could simultaneously be grooving on the dance floor while also cathartically scream-singing about someone messing with your heart. If you ask me, "All You Had To Do Was Stay" is one of the most underrated songs in Taylor's catalog. As with everything in Taylor's public life and career, 1989 was the catalyst for many pop culture moments. One of the massive singles from the album, "Black Space" details the media's infatuation with Taylor's love life. In the song, Taylor takes on the persona the media had painted her to have, the boy-crazy pop star who will write about you in her songs. The accompanying music video showcases an unhinged Taylor who stabs bloody heart cakes and smashes fancy cars with golf clubs (both of which became iconic motifs for the era) when the man she's seeing is no longer good enough. The lyrics are catchy and playful, though it became a cultural event when some people misheard the lyrics "got a long list of ex-lovers" as "got a long list of Starbucks lovers." I, for one, was not one of those people, but Starbucks sure loved the free promotion. "Style" acted as the most direct link to her relationship with Harry. And on "Bad Blood" Taylor hints at the feud that went on between her and Katy Perry at the time. The story goes that the friendship breakup between the pop stars happened when Katy apparently tried to sabotage Taylor's tour by hiring several of her dancers out from under her. This was seemingly confirmed when those dancers were then seen working with Katy. The music video for "Bad Blood" features notable cameos from high-profile celebrities who were linked to Taylor at the time. During the 1989 era, Taylor was highly criticized for her friend group. With people saying she was fake and inauthentic for only being seen with models and A-list celebs. Taylor has been objectified and criticized for her dating history since she first arrived on the scene. Her first celebrity relationship with Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers was so publicized and dissected that when they broke up, fans couldn't help but pick up on the diss Taylor seemed to be sending him with songs like "Forever and Always" (Fearless, 2008) and "Better Than Revenge" (Speak Now, 2010). Throughout her career, the press and fans alike have always put emphasis on Taylor's relationships. Taylor writes about her life and all of the things that come with that, including romantic trials and tribulations. She's candid, open, and sometimes scathing with her pen, but it's never for lack of putting herself out there and letting the world in on her story. A new Taylor Swift album means new information to back up the rumors and paparazzi pictures that swirl throughout the era she's in. For 1989, she not-so-subtly opened up about her relationship with One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles. The songs "Style," "Out Of The Woods," "All You Had To Do Was Stay," "I Wish You Would," "I Know Places," "Wonderland," and essentially the entirety of the vault tracks are all rumored to be about Harry. And yes, that comprises a majority of the album. For someone like me who is a diehard Taylor, Harry, and One Direction fan, their entire relationship is deeply iconic to me. The two briefly dated from the end of 2012 to early 2013. "Haylor," though brief, left quite an impression. Besides an entire album being the subject of their time together, we also got songs like "Perfect" by One Direction and "Two Ghosts" by Harry, both rumored to be about Taylor, as well as wacky conspiracies and fandom jokes. "Out Of The Woods" somehow took a snowmobile accident and turned Taylor into an accomplice for vehicular manslaughter with Harry at the wheel. It also gave us the iconic paper airplane symbol recognized with the 1989 era, as Harry famously wore a necklace that included a charm of a paper airplane, which was then also spotted on Taylor. A picture of a somber-looking Taylor wearing a blue dress, sitting alone on a boat in the British Virgin Islands, opened the rumor floodgates that the couple had just broken up while on vacation. Pictures of Swift and Styles in Times Square on New Year's Eve brazenly kissing as the ball dropped at midnight swarmed the internet. And a date to the Central Park Zoo marked the beginning of a whirlwind romance. In the present day, Harry sits as one of the only exes to be on what appears to be good or at least pleasant terms with Taylor. The two were seen together again for the first time at the 2021 Grammys, where they were both nominated, and again at the 2023 ceremony; during both occasions, they happily greeted each other and briefly conversed. But their history wasn't done being explored yet when the Taylor's Version of 1989 was released. On October 27, 2023, nine years after the original 1989 debuted, Taylor Swift released the Taylor's Version of 1989. This marked the fourth album to get re-released as part of the "Taylor's Version" re-recording project Taylor did in an effort to reclaim her previous work and masters. Five new songs "from the vault" were released as part of the Taylor's Version album of 1989. The original album cover and aesthetic featured Taylor as seen in Polaroid pictures, often wearing mini skirts and RayBans, against the backdrop of New York City. But with the Taylor's Version, the imagery showed Taylor at the beach. The OG album cover involved seagulls on her sweatshirt that were then carried into the new album cover with the iconic seagulls flying overhead. In my opinion, having these two versions really encapsulates the two central themes of the album. On one hand, it's about running around in the midst of New York City's bustling streets, but on the other, it's inherently summery and makes you want to drive around with the windows down. The 1989 vault tracks, to me, are the most solid vault track collection of any of the Taylor's Versions. Each song fits right in on the album and adds more depth to the stories already prevalent on the standard album. Am I biased because 1989 is my favorite album? Perhaps. But not only are the songs genuinely good, but, as I said, they also gave us more information to add to the narratives we already knew. In this era's case, that primarily has to do with Harry Styles. While Taylor and Harry were dating, and frankly, something that has been present during all of her relationships, the media made the relationship into such a frenzy and put such a microscope on them at all times. In "Slut!" and "Suburban Legends," Taylor sings about a relationship that is surrounded by rumors and gossip, but there's something about it that's magical and feels worth it, even though there's uncertainty. "Slut!" also calls back to "Blank Space" and the narrative surrounding Taylor being a boy-crazy psychopath by essentially saying that the world calling her a slut is worth it because of how good this relationship feels while also still commenting on how the media can label her as such, but she knows she isn't doing anything wrong. Whereas the other three vault tracks are a more direct link to their relationship. In the song "Say Don't Go," the lyrics evoke a sense of begging and questioning as to why this person left her when she was holding onto their relationship for dear life. The song was originally slated for the album but was shelved. Taylor had written the track with the legendary Diane Warren after Taylor had reached out to Diane in 2013. The song is similar to "All You Had To Do Was Stay" and is most likely why it was left off of the original album. Then you have "Now That We Don't Talk" which did hold the title for shortest Taylor Swift song, clocking in at two minutes twenty-six seconds, but was dethroned by "I Look In People's Windows," which is two minutes eleven seconds from The Tortured Poets Department in 2024. The song is direct, describing the strange feeling you get when you're no longer a part of someone's life. The lines "You grew your hair long and got new icons" are perceived to be about Harry, as he did grow out his hair, and the "new icons" refer to his plethora of tattoos. Finally, "Is It Over Now?" closes out the album by reopening the wounds sung about on the standard album. The infamous boat breakup and the snowmobile accident are lyrically addressed. Taylor also digs her knife in a little bit, calling out his tendency to date models, stay in the paparazzi's lenses, and be seen with girls who look like her. The remix feature of "Bad Blood" with Kendrick Lamar was also re-done for the album, as well as Taylor tacking on the re-recording of "Sweeter Than Fiction" with the vinyl release of the album. For me, 1989 is pure gold. Since it came out, it's always been my favorite album, not only by Taylor but by anyone ever. I can't describe the all-encompassing feeling I have when listening to it. These songs seem to have been formulated just for me: the electric guitars, the catchy choruses, the passionate bridges, the delicious melodies, and the lyrics that allude to a deeply iconic pop culture relationship! When I hear the, excuse my French, slutty electric guitar when "Style" comes on, I genuinely feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience every single time. Though the relationship ended poorly, I think "You Are In Love" is the greatest love song ever and has always been what I imagine the first dance at my wedding would be to. And I don't know if Taylor knew it would happen, but "Welcome To New York" will now forever be a piece of the NYC experience alongside "Theme From New York, New York" and "Empire State of Mind." All of this is what makes up 1989 and is why it's had the unwavering success that it has. 1989 won three Grammys at the 58th ceremony in 2016: Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Music Video for "Bad Blood," and the biggest award of the night, Album of the Year. This made Taylor the first female solo artist to win the prestigious category twice after having won for Fearless in 2010. Among its accolades, 1989 remains a fixture of pop music and is why it's so often referred to as "the pop bible." Taylor's transition to pop music was brilliant, and kicking it off with this album was the perfect way to do so. 1989 encompasses the feeling of being young and living out on your own for the first time. Taking Polaroid pictures and chopping off all your hair. Galavanting through New York City and day-tripping to the beach. It all happens underneath the backdrop of the baby blue skies of summer. "New Romantics" is my favorite song of all time, and I think it acts as the mission statement of the album. So I leave you with these lyrics in hope of summarising the shimmering landscape that is 1989: "Heartbreak is the national anthem; we sing it proudly. We are too busy dancing to get knocked off our feet. Baby, we're the New Romantics. The best people in life are free." Sources: Zollo, Paul. “The Oral History of Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ | Grammy.Com.” The Oral History of Taylor Swift’s “1989,”Grammy, 18 Feb. 2016, www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-1989-oral-history. Barnes, Kelsey. “7 Ways Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ Primed Her for World Domination | Grammy.” Grammys, 27 Oct. 2023, www.grammy.com/news/taylor-swift-1989-taylors-version-pop-stardom/.

With summer beginning, it's time to wrap up and reflect on spring. This spring brought new obsessions in TV shows, music, films, books, and more. Here are all of my favorites! 2026 Spring Mixtape "Showgirl At Heart" by Haute & Freddy "Dinner Party" by Niall Horan "The Best" by Conan Gray "Black Balloon" by The Goo Goo Dolls "Feel Your Rain" by Eli "drop dead" by Olivia Rodrigo "On Purpose" by Sabrina Carpenter "Stars" by PinkPantheress "If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)" by The 1975 "Crush" by Mandy Moore "American Girls" by Harry Styles "Wrong Impression" by Natalie Imbruglia "Pop" by Harry Styles "Dance No More" by Harry Styles "Cherish the Moment" by The Cheetah Girls "Dancing on the Wall" by MUNA "Be Like A Woman" by Chris Rainbow "Carnival" by The Cardigans "Her Diamonds" by Rob Thomas "Dress You Up" by Madonna "Crazy" by Alanis Morissette "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie "Little More Time" by Niall Horan "Losing Streak" by Avery Cochrane "You Are" by Atomic Kitten "Bring Your Love" by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter "Jump" by Madonna "Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night" by Avery Cochrane "Heroine" by Maroon 5 "Mary Jane" by MUNA "Girl's Girl" by MUNA "The Good Kind" by The Wreckers "Warwick Avenue" by Duffy ˚⭒⋆ My Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/fgodr4ru3t1d2w8i3pb80h3g3?si=b6e03b0c7cc043b8 For TV, I was primarily watching Dawson's Creek (still cracking away it, currently halfway through season five) and restarted One Tree Hill. As a girl who collects DVDs (amongst many other things), it's my desire to own all my favorite shows on physical discs. OTH is one of the series that I finally have the entirety of, and getting to rewatch the show on DVD has been making my nights. Rapid-fire OTH thoughts: Naley is the best TV couple of all time, Brooke Davis for president, Lucas Scott is a little b*tch, my holy trinity of characters is Brooke, Nathan, and Haley! <3 Now my favorite thing I watched this spring was, of course, Off-Campus. I've been highly anticipating the release of this series, as I have read and adored the books. Just like any adaptation made nowadays, I was nervous and skeptical going in. Especially after all of the promo that was done leading up to the show and the original cast announcement, I had my hesitations. Then the show came out and completely erased any skepticism I had. Wow, wow, wow did they do a fantastic job across the board. I'm severely addicted and thus desperately want to reread all of the books in order to keep living in this universe. I need season two to come out as soon as possible, especially because it's Dean and Allie's season and I am deeply obsessed with them. As a hockey romance ADDICT, I am thoroughly pleased and satisfied with what they presented to me. All I want to do is talk about this show and consume content of the cast. Literally nothing has occupied my brainwaves except for this show. The way that I was blessed with two superior dance scenes this year so far between the Dean and Allie JLO scene and the People We Meet On Vacation New Orleans scene, not to mention two incredible couple costumes to add to the list! Speaking of Off-Campus, if you are craving more hockey romance book series, let me recommend some of my other favorites. My classifications for a good hockey romance series (besides having good writing and characters) include found family amongst the guys and girls, swoony flirtation, sexy smut, and the couples having insanely good chemistry. So, if you have only watched the show, definitely go read the book series as well as the second-generation spin-off called Briar U (Hunter Davenport has his own book in this series!). I'd also recommend the Maple Hills series by Hannah Grace, the Off the Ice series by Bal Khabra, and my FAVORITE, the Undone series by Peyton Corinne. I am always on the hunt for more hockey series (it's my favorite niche area of romance). Otherwise, for books I read from the months of March to May, I had some heavy hitters from some of my favorite authors and some meh, but cute reads. I started March by reading Hit Girls by Nora Princiotti, and holy crap, have I ever read a book more catered to me! If you love early 2000s pop girls than you MUST read this book. From there I continued with the non-fiction by picking up Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson, and it was a wonderfully done biography that I had on my TBR forever. 2026 has been my journey of rereading the Harry Potter books, and in April I read Goblet of Fire. Also in April I read Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren, which is a Tangled (aka my favorite movie ever) inspired story. It was a little slow for me at first, but as it went on, I got more and more into that by the time it got to the last hundred pages, I was so invested I finished it all that night. I also read The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez and absolutely adored it. Last year was my first endeavor into Abby's books, and I am now firmly a fan and will read everything she puts out. To kick off May, I read the fourth book in the Undone series by Peyton Corinne, Unbound. As I previously stated, this series is my all-time favorite hockey series next to Off-Campus, and this book only further validated that. Back to back to back with my favorite authors, I then went on to read Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune and ate it up! Carley is my queen of quintessential summer romances, and the way she writes scratches my brain just right. I cannot wait to watch Every Year After when it premieres on Prime! To round the spring off, I finished with First and Forever by Lynn Painter, with whom I have a love-hate relationship. Better Than the Movies is one of my favorite, favorite books, but with Lynn, she can either create super cute, perfectly executed romances or super cringey, unrealistic romances. This book was somewhere in the middle; it wasn't bad, but it wasn't too memorable either. As an avid movie watcher, there are far too many for me to list in one go. Instead, I'll give you my highlights. *New Releases Hoppers - didn't love it; good message but didn't love the premise Project Hail Mary - loved it; Ryan Gosling is one of my favorite actors; I adore him The Drama - I still don't know how to feel about this one; "the drama" was a little too real/intense for me to digest The Devil Wears Prada 2 - pleasantly surprised; this was much more enjoyable and well done than I had anticipated (obviously it will never hold a candle to the original) I also got to see Legally Blonde in theaters for the 25th anniversary as well as Ferris Bueller's Day Off for the 40th anniversary, and they were both amazing. Getting to see my favorite films brought back to the big screen makes me so happy, and I will always go see every one that I can. In my opinion, there's nothing better than rewatching your favorite movies because you know everything that's going to happen, so you don't have to have any anxiety over the unknown, and you get comfort in the familiarity of all of the best moments you know and love. With that, I rewatched many of my favorite spring films such as My Best Friend's Wedding, 27 Dresses, Cinderella (2015), Wild Child, The Devil Wears Prada, Steel Magnolias, and You've Got Mail. I also watched a collection of films that have been on my watchlist, like Emma (2020), Nine to Five, The Virgin Suicides, and Spencer. I loved each of them and immediately added them into my rotation of favorites to come back to. Some miscellaneous favorites of this spring included sprinkles on my coffee, FM radio, writing in a physical weekly planner, strawberry açaí refreshers with raspberry syrup from Starbucks, my laptop, blouses and flowy tank tops, Little Words Project friendship bracelets, Coco Wyo coloring books, Victoria's Secret/Pink, pajama sets, blueberry crumb cake tea, white eyeliner on my waterline, and my Djerf Avenue robe! I'll see you next time for a summer wrap-up (not to rush summer, but as an autumn girl, I already have a slight itch for all things cozy and autumnal)! XO E.L. ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆.˚⭒⋆

In the early 2000s, there existed this aesthetic now affectionately known as "shoe diva." This niche genre is categorized by swirly fonts and girly illustration styles. The figureheads include Carrie Bradshaw, Rebecca Bloomwood, Fran Fine, Blair Waldorf, and more. Shoe diva women are stylish shopaholics known to have a cocktail in one hand and a designer purse in the other. They live a single, independent "it girl" lifestyle. They often have careers in journalism or fashion. Their stilettos click-clack on the pavements of New York City as they exude sassy, confident attitudes that everyone else aspires to emulate. They're glamorous, classy, chic, and at times, a little flirty. Their outfits are expertly curated, and their makeup is flawless. The shoe diva aesthetic also often references Parisian motifs and iconography. If you're like me, you grew up idolizing this lifestyle and believing that it was the promised future. If, as a little girl, you dressed up in your mom's high heels and snuck lip gloss to school, you were most likely on the shoe diva pipeline. So if you are still waiting for that once-promised future, to you I present the definitive guide to the shoe diva lifestyle and how you can become a shoe diva woman yourself! A French manicure, glossy lips, a bronzed smoky eye, shiny locks, and a dousing of luxurious perfume are key elements to her look. A latte and bagel for breakfast while flipping through the latest edition of Vogue in her eclectically styled yet cohesive apartment is her ideal morning. For work, her clothes are crisply pressed and accessorized; a chunky pair of bangles or a thin pair of rhinestoned glasses perfectly completes the ensemble. Then of course there are the after-work drinks with the girls or weekend shopping trips on Fifth Avenue. The melodies of Madonna, Jessica, Janet, Mariah, and Britney are the soundtrack to her life. She embraces these little things every single day, and ultimately they make up who she is. There are varying degrees of shoe diva; for example, Andie Anderson and Carrie Bradshaw are quite different, but they both fall under the shoe diva umbrella. You also have the "aspiring shoe divas" like Brooke Davis, Poppy Moore, Cher Horowitz, London Tipton, and Sharpay Evans, who are poised to be shoe diva women in their adulthood. One thing about a shoe diva is that she is incredibly smart, more so than she is given credit for. To some, specifically insufferable men, she's vapid or "a ditz with a credit card." In reality, she could mop the floor with you any day and never chip a nail while doing it. To put it into perspective, here is an example of a shoe diva icon putting her intelligence and femininity into action: "Isn't the first cardinal rule of perm maintenance that you're forbidden to wet your hair for at least 24 hours after getting a perm at the risk of deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate?"... you know the scene. When in doubt, look to Elle Woods as a beacon of inspiration. If, and I do mean if, a shoe diva chooses to have a man in her life, he is never one to dull her sparkle or reduce her shine; instead, he rolls out the red carpet for her in an impeccably tailored suit that was specifically selected for him. For as clever and assertive as she is, a shoe diva is also incredibly kind-hearted and exudes a bubbly personality and loves her life even if at times it's messy. Her closet is bursting at the seams, full of to-die-for heels, sparkly tops, chic coats, and flattering cocktail dresses. Basically take a nod from Carrie Bradshaw's closet and you'll find all the inspiration you need. Designer brands like Chanel and Dior are, of course, desired, but shoe divas can notoriously be semi-broke, so there are lots of other ways to get those posh pieces. Vintage stores are a must, and nowadays you can accumulate second-hand pieces easier than ever with online thrift retailers like Etsy, eBay, ThreadUp, Depop, Poshmark, etc. I, however, am partial to in-person shopping, even just to browse. A shopping day is an ideal shoe diva outing, especially when it is accompanied by coffee and a stylish outfit. There's also reading material. My petition is to bring back magazine collecting and perusing. Keep a copy of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens, or whatever you desire with you for whenever you have free time needing filling. Instead of scrolling social media, grab your magazine and skim the pages. Pulling out a magazine when you're in a waiting room or on a plane just makes you cooler than everyone around you. Not to mention, you can find great inspiration and can either hold onto the magazine for your collection or use it for junk journaling or general collaging after you're done reading! This also goes for books, but with the reading boom of the last few years, this area is pretty easily obtainable, and the material can consist of whatever you enjoy. The feeling of physical material in your hands, to me, is a treasured experience far superior to that of a phone. The same goes for collecting other physical media like CDs, DVDs, and VHS. I cannot say enough how much I love buying physical media and garnering my own personal collection. The title menus on DVDs add to your viewing pleasure (I miss when little details like that were given so much thought and effort!), AND no commercials... bonus! Once again, thrifting is going to be your best friend in this department. Check your local thrift stores or chains like Savers and Goodwill, and if you have one near you, I highly recommend Half Price Books. Other analog items that are very on-brand for a shoe diva can include a Filofax or daily planner, address/phone book, diary, digital camera, and CD player (not just for CDs; I love putting my favorite early aughts local FM radio station on in the background). When it comes to fitness, I find I'm more willing to get active when I put on a cute athletic outfit (my inspo is mostly taken from what celebs were wearing to yoga in the early '00s) and find exercises that I actually enjoy doing. There are plenty of ways you can be active at home without having to spend money on a class or gym. You can go on a walk or find videos to put on your TV, such as yoga, dance, Pilates, or 5-10 minute target-area workouts. Filling your time with activities that are not your phone is going to make you feel a million times happier and more productive and bring you back down to earth. Write a column or short story on your laptop à la Carrie Bradshaw, have a dance party in your bedroom, make a bucket list, exercise, rearrange your furniture, bake a sweet treat... the possibilities are endless! At the end of the day, the labels on your clothes or the career you pursue do not make or break your shoe diva status. What it really comes down to is your attitude and the way in which you present yourself. When you wake up in the morning, set yourself up for success by imagining you are in your own romcom, and the opening montage is playing as you brush your teeth and rifle through your closet for a fabulous outfit. Every day can be special if you just have the mindset for it, and every day can be a shoe diva day if you set yourself up for it. Romanticize everything you do, light your favorite candle, put jewelry on for lounging around the house, use glitter gel pens, put your favorite music on when you make your breakfast, etc. Mundane activities should be made fun too. Eventually, you won't have to think about the act of doing these things; you will just be able to do them naturally. You are a shoe diva, so go act like it! XO Shoe Diva Films: Confessions of a Shopaholic Uptown Girls 13 Going on 30 How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days Sex and the City: The Movie Legally Blonde Clueless Wild Child The Devil Wears Prada Shoe Diva TV Shows: The Nanny Desperate Housewives Sex and the City Girlfriends Gossip Girl Beverly Hills, 90210 The Simple Life Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica The Hills Any good shoe diva day starts with a bubbly soundtrack as you coat your skin in lush skincare and dance around in your bathrobe. Here's that divalicious playlist for you:

There is nothing like cozying up under a blanket and clicking select on your evening TV show. If you're like me, you find that television is the ultimate way to unwind; it's the best form of peace and distraction. Yes, I love to read and watch movies, but nine times out of ten, I'm going to be watching a show. I have been TV obsessed since I was a very young child (say what you want about that), but to me, watching TV doesn't count as a form of "screen time." I'm not scrolling on my phone, polluting my brain and losing my attention span; rather, I'm escaping into twenty-to forty-minute episodes where I can turn off my brain altogether. Whether I'm sitting in Monica's purple apartment, walking the halls of Capeside High, or attending a Newport beach party, these are the worlds I go to to escape from reality. As a kid, if I ever got in trouble (which was typically to do with my sassy attitude), my punishment would always be taking away TV time. It was torture. What do you mean I was missing the new episode of Hannah Montana? That is preposterous! Getting to grow up in the prime of Disney Channel was no doubt the spark that led to my TV adoration. My love of sitcoms also started at an early age with shows like Full House, The Nanny, and Boy Meets World. Then I started on more adult comedies like Friends, Modern Family, and The Middle. This all accumulated to the big bang, aka when I first discovered teen TV. The landscape of teen television in the early 2000s is a piece of pop culture that should be revered. To be honest, I don't remember which show I discovered first; it was either Gossip Girl or Gilmore Girls. Both were unlocked around the same time when I started middle school, and what great first introductions they were. From there, the world opened up to me, and I would go on to discover my favorite, most coveted comfort shows. So here I share with you my definitive top ten list of my favorite shows (as it stands today) with a little synopsis of each show and some details from me! I would recommend any and all of these shows to you, whether you haven't seen them before or to act as a reminder that it's time for a rewatch! Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) 7 seasons - Drama/Comedy Notable theme song: "Where You Lead" by Carole King Stars: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Kelly Bishop In the quirky, small town of Stars Hollow, closely bonded mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore navigate life, love, family, and heartbreak alongside a slew of memorable characters. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving" (S3E09), "The Lorelais' First Day at Yale" (S4E02), "You Jump, I Jump, Jack" (S5E07) *Favorite Characters: Lorelai Gilmore, Emily Gilmore, Logan Huntzberger *Favorite Ship: TEAM LOGAN <3 The O.C. (2003-2007) 4 seasons - Drama Notable theme song: "California" by Phantom Planet Stars: Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson Troubled teen Ryan Atwood is taken in by the wealthy Cohen family in Newport Beach, CA, where drama and emotions runs high amongst teens and adults alike. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "The Escape" (S1E07), "The Strip" (S1E26), "The Rainy Day Women" (S2E14) *Favorite Characters: Summer Roberts, Seth Cohen, Julie Cooper *Favorite Ship: Seth and Summer <3 *PEAK SOUNDTRACK Friends (1994-2004) 10 seasons - Comedy/Sitcom Notable theme song: "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer A close-knit group of six friends live in the same apartment complex in New York City, getting into silly situations and misfortunes all while relying on each other through the good and the bad of adulting. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "The One Where No One's Ready" (S3E02), "The One with the Football" (S3E09), "The One Where Everybody Finds Out" (S5E14) *Favorite Characters: Rachel Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller *Favorite Ship: Chandler and Monica <3 One Tree Hill (2003-2012) 9 seasons - Drama Notable theme song: "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw Stars: Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, James Lafferty Estranged half-brothers, Lucas and Nathan Scott, find their worlds suddenly intertwined when Lucas joins Tree Hill High's basketball team; girls, friends, and family are all flipped on their heads as new bonds are formed and broken. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "Every Night Is Another Story" (S1E06), "Near Wild Heaven" (S2E03), "An Attempt to Tip the Scales" (S3E04) *Favorite Characters: Brooke Davis, Nathan Scott, Haley James *Favorite Ship: Nathan and Haley <3 *PEAK SOUNDTRACK Dawson's Creek (1998-2003) 6 seasons - Drama Notable theme song: "I Don't Want to Wait" by Paula Cole Stars: James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes In Capeside, MA, idealist Dawson Leery confronts the dramatic highs and lows of adolescence alongside his closest friends, including Joey Potter, the girl that's been in love with him since they were childhood best friends. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "A Weekend in the Country" (S3E12), "Coming Home" (S4E01), "Castaways" (S6E15) *Favorite Characters: Pacey Witter, Jack McPhee, Jen Lindley *Favorite Ship: Pacey and Joey <3 *PEAK SOUNDTRACK (streaming platforms got rid of the original music due to copyright so you'll have to take my word on this!) New Girl (2011-2018) 7 seasons - Comedy/Sitcom Stars: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris Quirky elementary school teacher Jessica Day moves into a Los Angeles loft with three single men where they form an unlikely, dysfunctional family. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "See Ya" (S1E24), "Menzies" (S2E07), "Quick Hardening Caulk" (S2E19) *Favorite Characters: Jess Day, Schmidt, Nick Miller *Favorite Ship: Schmidt and Cece <3 That '70s Show (1998-2006) 8 seasons - Comedy/Sitcom Notable theme song: "In The Street" performed by Cheap Trick Stars: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon A group of teenage friends living in the Wisconsin suburbs during the 1970s get into mischief as they explore adolescence (oftentimes under the influence). *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "The Best Christmas Ever" (S1E12), "Ice Shack" (S3E10), "Going to California" (S5E01) *Favorite Characters: Jackie Burkhart, Stephen Hyde, Donna Pinciotti *Favorite Ship: Jackie and Hyde <3 Sex and the City (1998-2004) 6 seasons - Drama Notable theme song: "Sex and the City Original Theme" by Douglas J. Cuomo Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon Sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw and her three friends explore relationships, sex, and friendship in New York City. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (S2E01), "Twenty-Something Girls vs. Thirty-Something Women" (S2E17), "Where There's Smoke" (S3E01) *Favorite Characters: The Girls (Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones, Miranda Hobbs *Favorite Ship: Samantha and Smith <3 Gossip Girl (2007-2012) 6 seasons - Drama Stars: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford The privileged students of an exclusive Manhattan prep school are tormented by an anonymous online gossip columnist who stirs the pot for a core group of students. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "Blair Waldorf Must Pie!" (S1E09), "Roman Holiday" (S1E11), "Summer, Kind of Wonderful" (S2E01) *Favorite Characters: Blair Waldorf, Nate Archibald, Georgina Sparks *Favorite Ship: ....um, I don't ship any of them together they are all toxic oops! *PEAK SOUNDTRACK Modern Family (2009-2020) 11 seasons - Comedy/Sitcom Stars: Julie Bowen, Sofía Vergara, Eric Stonestreet, Ed O'Neill A somewhat untraditional family is picked to be filmed by a documentary crew and highlights how they navigate their one big, crazy, happy family. *My Most Rewatched Episodes: "Hawaii" (S1E23), "Little Bo Bleep" (S3E13), "Disneyland" (S3E22) *Favorite Characters: Cameron Tucker, Phil Dunphy, Gloria Pritchett *Favorite Ship: Mitch and Cam <3 Honorable mentions: Boy Meets World, Derry Girls, Glee, The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Nanny, Full House Favorite limited series: One Day and Daisy Jones & The Six Recent years favorites: Off-Campus, Bridgerton, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Heated Rivalry, Love Story, Nobody Wants This Top of my watchlist: Smallville, Friday Night Lights, Desperate Housewives, Beverly Hills 90210, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

"Florals for spring? Groundbreaking." Miranda Priestly may have her thoughts on overdone motifs, and whether or not you agree is a personal preference. I, however, love a theme and a fresh season. Thus, I adore playing with clichés like pastels and flowy fabrics during the season of bloom. In this edition of my fashion edits, I've curated a selection of outfits (floral or otherwise) to help you accompany the arrival of spring! Spring is all about ballet flats, berry-blushed cheeks, flowy skirts, dainty accessories, pastel cardigans, and light long sleeves. *Note: These outfits are just examples to help spark inspiration; you can easily swap items out and customize for yourself (that's the whole point!). Use what you have in your closet and make pretty outfits catered to you! A fitted, thin cardigan and slip skirt is a dreamy and breezy combination. Paired with some boots (Walmart's significantly cheaper dupe of Frye boots is a steal; I highly recommend!) and simple accessories, pull together an effortlessly cute and comfy outfit! Tip: A jean jacket is an absolute staple for throwing on during the spring and on those cool summer nights. I recommend checking your local thrift stores for a roomy, worn-in one. Trust me, it is the essential jacket to have in your closet. Overalls, overalls, overalls! You want to talk about comfort, cuteness, and '90s realness? Then look no further than a trusty pair of overalls. Pair them with a fitted long sleeve or baby tee underneath, and for extra layers, throw a cardigan on top. Spring is also the perfect time to add extra whimsy to your accessories. I love to do this through my earrings (e.g., strawberries, butterflies, hearts, etc.). Tip: Everyone knows sunglasses are one of the best accessories to boost an outfit. The same can be said for regular glasses. You can buy non-prescription ones in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I've been weirdly obsessed with wearing fake glasses since I was a kid, and when I heard Molly-Mae say her glasses were non-prescription, that was the seal of approval for me. This outfit, to me, is quintessential fairy-girl spring. Ballet flats, butterfly clips, babydoll tops. Another staple is the jean skirt; it is so versatile and can be worn during every season. I love a jean skirt with any kind of darling blouse or flowy tank top during the warmer months. Simple, easy, and cute every time! Tip: To further add whimsy to your everyday, clip a dainty barrette into your hair. Or try the "Fancy Nancy effect" and add a slew of different types of barrettes (colors, shapes, etc.); thrown all together, it adds so much flair. I especially love mixing clips when I do any sort of updo. This ensemble is one that teeters into summer territory, but I still wanted to include it. I've essentially stolen this look from Cher Horowitz, but as she is the ultimate fashion inspiration, how could I not? This look makes you feel like you're more athletic than you maybe are. You look put together, chic, and on the move. Add an iced coffee in your hand, and the vision is chef's kiss ! Tip: Overconsumption due to today's internet culture is a serious problem. Don't think you have to buy every cute item you see. One way to get your fix of an endless variety of outfits is with staple pieces. Everything in this look is a staple piece and probably ones you already have in your closet. A simple white tee, black camisole, sneakers, gold hoops, sunglasses... These basic pieces aren't something you have to invest loads of money into. Buy the basics you know you need and balance the "fun" item purchases in between! And don't forget you can always thrift and thus save money and reduce, reuse, recycle! You're cute jeans! Once you find your go-to pair of jeans, there's no stopping the endless supply of outfit combinations (my favorite supplier of every variation of denim is Abercrombie; their Curve Love line is perfection, and the price is totally worth it). I love the look of kitten heels paired with jeans, but you can easily switch those out in this look for ballet flats or a flat sneaker like Converse or Keds. This would be a sweet outfit for a brunch date or day out. Tip: I am of the firm belief that a dark cherry lip is a fabulous way to enhance your pout. This shade looks good on every skin tone and is the perfect way to elevate a look (especially when dealing with black and white as your primary colors). Frilly, pattered, or eyelet bandanas are perhaps the most enchanting spring accessory. Rain boots are also peak spring fashion, though they are generally unnecessary. If you don't own a pair of rain boots and aren't in the market for some, then don't fret, just wear any shoes you'd like with your dresses (ballet flats or espadrille wedges are my top suggestion). Tip: Who said glitter hairspray was just for concerts or children? This season I'm embracing the thing I've loved since I was a kid even more... glitter! Just a little bit of glitter sprayed into my hair or swiped on my chest feels like a sprinkling of pixie dust giving my day a little extra magic. The glitter spray from Eva NYC is my favorite; it doesn't leave your hair with a sticky feeling and it adds the perfect sparkle. Just be warned: when you spray it, it will go everywhere, so I recommend doing it in the shower or outside. There's something magical about a new season beginning, and spring is no exception. As the tulips bloom and rainbows paint the sky, fairies come out to welcome the woodland creatures back home. Spring is for lounging in your best sundress while drinking blueberry tea, picking fresh flowers in your overalls, or shielding from the rain in your comfiest cardigan. Whimsy can be found in the strawberry shortcake gloss on your lips, the glitter dusted on your hair, candles that smell of fresh-cut lavender, sprinkles in your morning coffee, the butterflies clipping back your bangs, the sunbeams warming the colors in your room, or the bows on your ballet slippers. Seasons are whatever we make of them, so I invite you to romanticize every ounce of this spring wherever you can, through your clothes and more. Happy spring, dolls! XO E.L. 🧚🏻‍♀️👒🫖🫧🪿🪺🌷☁️🩰🧺🍃💌

POV: It's Halloween 2001, and instead of filling a pillowcase full of Tootsie Rolls, you're busting down the doors at Sam Goody to get a hold of the new album from Britney Spears. Britney is the third album by the blonde pop-star, following up the 2000 smash hit Oops!... I Did It Again . Experimenting with a new sound through dance-pop while kicking up the sex factor, Britney took the pop princess to a new level of iconic. TRACK LIST: I'm a Slave 4 U Overprotected Lonely I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman Boys Anticipating I Love Rock 'N' Roll Cinderella Let Me Be Bombastic Love That's Where You Take Me When I Found You I Run Away What It's Like to Be Me Before The Goodbye Following the success of her debut and sophomore albums, Britney Spears decided it was time to change things up a bit and lean into her femininity. Since the music video for "...Baby One More Time" came out in 1998, a then sixteen-year-old Britney became a topic of conversation for her "provocative" nature. Certain people (specifically parents) were shocked and disturbed by the video, as it depicted Britney in a schoolgirl uniform where the midriffs were out and the stockings were thigh-high. From that point on, Britney became a target for all things sex and the intrusive behavior from the press (and audiences alike) over her sexuality and her expression of it. Looking back at her first two albums, the songs are pretty tame; sure, some of the lyrics are a bit of nonsense, just like producer Max Martin liked them, but still, they were overall just your typical (notably superior) teen pop songs of the time. Going into 2001, Britney was turning twenty and entering a new decade of her life, a decade where she wanted to amp things up a bit. Not only would her stage performances change but so would the content she'd be singing. On September 25, 2001, the first single from Britney's third studio album was released. Titled "I'm a Slave 4 U," the change in direction for this new Britney era also meant switching up the behind-the-scenes team. Straying from Swedish hitmaker Max Martin, who produced and wrote her first two albums, Britney teamed up with rising writing and producing duo The Neptunes (consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo). Martin wasn't cut off completely; however, he did lend his hand to "Overprotected," "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman," "Cinderella," and "Bombastic Love." The lead single was originally intended for Janet Jackson, who passed, and ultimately led the song to be helmed by Brit. Britney wanted the world to know things were different now; if you thought she was provocative before, wait until you saw this. The song opens with Britney talking rather than singing the line "I know I may be young, but I have feelings too, and I need to do what I feel like doing, so let me go and just listen" in a whispery, sultry tone. Then the beat drops and a synthesizer plays the tune to a sexy track all about wanting to dance and wanting to do it with (or rather on) a particular person really badly. When I listen to it, I picture a dark and crowded club where the beat is pumping so loud you can feel it in your bones, and then there's Britney in the center of the room surrounded by sweaty bodies dancing on one another. And that's essentially what the music video is! The accompanying video was directed by Francis Lawrence, who's done videos for the hit songs of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, The Pussycat Dolls, Justin Timberlake, and so many more before he moved to directing major motion pictures like The Hunger Games . The video features Britney in a club-like room with her dancers. She wears a fuchsia bra with a matching arm cuff and cascading pieces of fabric, metallic teal (don't forget low-rise) flares with matching pink bikini bottoms over top, and pink boots. Her hair is down and has a wet look to it, giving the appearance of having been dancing for hours in a sweaty club. She also dons heavy eye makeup, adding to the overall vibe. In the second half of the song, a dance break switch-up happens during which, in the video, a choreographed routine by Brian Friedman and Wade Robson is performed. This choreography goes down on the list of iconic Britney routines that everyone was practicing in their bedrooms (including me to this day). But to really talk about the legacy of this song, we have to go back to September 6, 2001, a whole two weeks before the single dropped. On this fateful night at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, Britney debuted "Slave 4 U" with a musical performance at the MTV VMAs. Approximately ten million people were watching the broadcast that night and had no idea that they were about to watch what would be one of the most talked about performances of all time. On the roster that night were performances by Alicia Keys, *NSYNC featuring Michael Jackson, Eminem, Janet Jackson, JLO, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, and more. It was a jam-packed night full of seriously good music from the '00s. I mean, the performance of "Lady Marmalade" alone was enough to take the crown for the show, but no, Britney had something up her sleeve to take the cake. To set the scene, the curtain (or metallic Connect 4-looking curtain, more accurately) rises where dancers made to look like jungle animals fill the stage. There's fog and lasers and a backtrack of a stormy night and animal noises. Then all attention is captured when the cage-looking cube at the center of the stage turns and the beat of "I'm a Slave 4 U" starts up. Inside said cage is Britney herself, and behind her is a live tiger. Britney busts open the cage door as she sings the opening lyrics (note the subtle metaphor being depicted there) and walks out in head-to-toe body glitter. She twirls, she struts, she dances in an outfit of green, gold, and blue. The ensemble was designed by Alina Campbell, who worked numerous times with Spears throughout her career. Campbell was picked by Britney's styling duo Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller (known as Kurt & Bart), who were looking to revamp Britney's aesthetic for her new era. Alina designed a green bralette top with a bejeweled pendant in the middle and two on the straps; teeny-tiny shorts with a glittery blue and green butterfly at the center; green and blue fabric with gold appliqués making a sort of skirt on the back of the shorts with all sorts of sparkly jewels making a belt overtop; and nude stiletto boots with even more embellishments on the shoes (i.e., a snake made of sequins curls around her calf). For accessories, Britney wore a dangly jeweled bracelet and matching earrings, her signature belly button ring, rhinestone body jewels on her chest, a pink rhinestone 'Britney' mic, and, like I said, lots of body glitter. Simply put, no one has ever looked so good literally ever! Then, halfway through the performance, Britney turns to one of her fellow performers, who hands her a 7-foot-long yellow Burmese python. Britney struts down the stage and even dances with the serpent draped across her arms. From that point on, both the performance and the song have been a notable piece of pop culture history. Along with "Slave 4 U," the other songs that got music videos were "Overprotected," "Boys," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" (the Joan Jett & the Blackhearts cover), and "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman." In 2001, Britney's feature film Crossroads was released and featured "Overprotected," "Rock 'N' Roll," and "Not a Girl." The film starred Britney alongside a young Zoe Saldaña, Kim Cattrall as Britney's mother, Dan Aykroyd as her father, and Taryn Manning. It's a story about a trio of girls who were once childhood best friends but grew up to fit in different social cliques and stray from one another. They find their way back to each other on a cross-country road trip where sisterhood prevails and also a love interest for Britney's character, Lucy. Critics hated the film, and to that I say, F*CK YOU CRITICS! The movie is so ridiculously good, an easy five stars, and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased to Britney! It's genuinely such a good story with such an important meaning; if you haven't watched it, please, please go do so ASAP! At this time in her life, Britney was also in her notorious relationship with Justin Timberlake. The pair donned their famous matching denim-on-denim red carpet looks for the AMAs. She embarked on her Dream Within a Dream Tour, which ran from November 1, 2001, to July 28, 2002. During which Britney closed the show with a performance of "...Baby One More Time" while it poured down rain as she wore a diamond bra designed by Bob Mackie and a clear cowboy hat. This performance gave inspiration to fellow blonde pop diva Sabrina Carpenter when she performed her song "Tears" at the 2025 VMAs during which it rained and she wore a diamond bra. Britney also made a guest appearance during the 2001 Super Bowl Halftime show. The show starred Aerosmith, who brought out surprise guests Mary J. Blige, Nelly, *NSYNC, and Britney. It's safe to say that Britney was everywhere in the year 2001 and making nonstop history everywhere she went. Back to the album, there were the expected mixed reviews over the themes sung about and the "message" Britney was sending... * eye roll *. But there was also the timing, as the tragic events of 9/11 happened just weeks before the album dropped. Though it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and helped her achieve becoming the first female artist to have her first three albums debut at number one, it dropped in sales compared to her previous album, with approximately 745,000 copies sold. In comparison, Oops!... sold 1.3 million copies in its first week, which also broke the record for the first female artist to sell over one million copies in the first week (a record that was held for fifteen years). Even now, Britney is more of a cult favorite, with only "Slave" being the definitive song on the album for the general public. But as it is that I'm writing this, for me personally, this is my favorite Britney album next to Blackout (another album that marked a definitive change in Britney's career). My connection to Britney is one I could go on about for hours, but I will narrow it down to focus solely on this particular album. Growing up as a competitive dancer, I spent every competition with my headphones in backstage warming up to almost solely Britney with a mix of other Y2K favorites thrown in (Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, The Pussycat Dolls, etc.). I distinctly remember blasting "What It's Like To Be Me" on loop for an entire comp. weekend in Iowa. Britney and her music have always been able to transport me to my idealized lifestyle. Confidence, sexiness, and attitude are all the things I feel when listening to her music. Britney is the first album of hers to really capture those ideals. So songs like "Like To Be Me," "Slave," and "Boys" all make me want to embrace feeling feminine and powerful. Notably, Justin Timberlake infamously beatboxes and lends his vocals on "Like To Be Me," as well as helping write the song alongside Wade Robson. Timberlake was really into beatboxing... He liked to freestyle during *NSYNC tours as well as on their song "Pop," and his "talent" is, well, something. My other favorites include "Lonely," "Cinderella," "Let Me Be," "Anticipating," and "Overprotected." All of these being the most upbeat songs on the album, it's no surprise they are my favorites. I genuinely think these are some of the best songs in her discography, and that's saying something! On "Lonely," Britney references her song "Don't Go Knockin' On My Door" from Oops!... while singing about feeling free and definitely not lonely after breaking up with someone. She doesn't need a man; she's better off alone, and she's not about to let him back in. A girl's night anthem, I think. "Cinderella" is about not believing in fairytales after her guy blinded her with lies and acting out the part of Cinderella when she runs away, but in this version, she doesn't go back to the prince. It's a fantastic melodramatic belter. In "Let Me Be," Brit sings about needing her partner to, you know, let her be her and do so on her own. If you noticed, there's a bit of a pattern here where Britney is over her beau thinking she can't stand on her own. This is a bit ironic considering she was deep into her relationship with Justin during this time. As for "Anticipating," this is another one that I think is perfect for a night out with the girls. To me, this song has a similar vibe or is a good song to accompany "All For You" by Janet Jackson (another one of my favorites). The bridge on this one is one of the best parts of the song! Lastly, "Overprotected" is a commentary, similarly to "Like To Be Me," about society and everyone treating her like an innocent little girl who has to be so "damn protected." She wants to be able to make mistakes and learn who she is, but how is she supposed to do that when her life is so overprotected? Britney performs this song during the credits of Crossroads . If you just look at the pictures of her during this time, Britney in a lot of ways was at her peak, for better or for worse. Some of her most iconic looks and moments came from this era. That's what makes it even more interesting that the album that accompanied this time has not had the same legacy that some of her other albums have. With that said, there's no denying the commercial success and lasting impact Britney has had, especially on someone like me. There are many more Britney albums I hold on a pedestal, but I felt it was right to start with this one. Now I'm going to leave you with your homework: watch the "I'm a Slave 4 U" VMA performance, watch Crossroads , and listen to the album, of course! Sources: Real, Evan. “Exclusive: Meet the Designer behind Britney Spears’ ‘era-Defining’ Crop Tops.” Page Six , Page Six, 21 Jan. 2022.

POV: I'm a starry-eyed little girl growing up in the 2000s, and on my screen during Nick at Nite is Friends . Like a shimmering beacon of all future inspiration was one Rachel Green. If you're reading this, you too have probably been mesmerized by the '90s figure. I believe that anything I've ever learned about fashion has stemmed from my idolization of Rachel. The girl knew how to put together a look from top to bottom. Whether it was a casual pair of overalls or a black mini skirt with sleek black boots, Rachel has had me covered for every occasion. With the blessing of 10 seasons of the beloved sitcom, totaling 236 episodes, there are ample visuals of what's hanging in Rachel's closet at any given time. In my series, "Style Lookbooks," I detail the icons that have ruled my life and what makes their looks so illustrious. I start with an overview of the individual and then dive into the nitty-gritty of their wardrobe before rounding off with how you can get the look for yourself! Today we're looking at the adored Friends  character, so without further ado, let's get into the one and only Rachel Karen Green's lookbook! On September 22, 1994, television screens across the nation were introduced to a group of six friends who would go on to dominate the world for generations to come. Their humor, love for one another, and realistic ups and downs of life in NYC for a bunch of late twenty-year-olds resonated with millions. During the pilot, we meet our sixth member of the group (played by Jennifer Aniston) after she comes barreling into local coffee shop Central Perk in a wedding dress. This is, of course, conveniently timed after Ross Geller (spoiler alert: Rachel's future on-again, off-again lover) announces that he wishes he could be married again. The dramatic gown and matching veil Rachel wears were pulled from the Warner Bros. costume department by the show's costume designer, Debra McGuire. It was the introduction to one of TV's most recognizable characters of all time. Over her ten years on the air, Rachel Green wore approximately 700 outfits. These are not just any outfits; they are the inspiration for thousands of women's wardrobes to this very day. Whenever I'm getting ready, I think to myself, "How would Rachel Green style this?" or "How can I make this feel like Rachel Green would wear it?" My ultimate fashion inspirations have been, and probably always will be, Rachel Green and Lorelai Gilmore (we'll get to her during another installment of this series!). When we meet Rachel at the start of season one, she is a Long Island rich girl thrown out on her own for the first time after she leaves her would-have-been husband at the altar. Her father cuts her off, and she's forced into the reality of adulthood. Much to her dismay, she starts her working career as a waitress at Central Perk. Over the years, Rachel moves her way through the fashion industry, her preferred career. She works as a personal shopper at Bloomingdale's before moving up to a role as an assistant buyer/merchandising manager at Ralph Lauren and then ultimately ends the show by accepting an executive position with Louis Vuitton in Paris (but we all know how that ends…). A love and passion for fashion runs through Rachel's character from the time we meet her until the end (even in flashback episodes, Rachel always had a love of all things clothes). She loves to sift through a catalog of staple pieces along with new but classic ones that seamlessly move along with the years that follow. When the show starts, it's 1994, and her outfits (and hair!) perfectly captures a fashion-forward girl of the time. In episode 19, titled "The One Where The Monkey Gets Away," Rachel wears a red and white plaid skirt with a cropped, white long-sleeve turtleneck and tube socks. This is an example of one of Rachel's most replicated looks IRL. The combination of mini skirt and fitted top goes on to be repeated in an ever-evolving way throughout all ten seasons of the show. Another similarly repeated ensemble includes trusty denim overalls. During episode 22, titled "The One with the Sonogram at the End," Rachel visits her almost husband, Barry, at his dental office. She wears a pair of full-length denim overalls over a lacy white tank top. She accessorizes with a brown leather crossbody purse, a silver wristwatch, and a thin navy sweatshirt tied around her waist. Across future seasons, Rachel wears overalls numerous times, usually paired with fitted, everyday tops. Rachel likes to alternate between casual outfits for lounging around the iconic purple apartment and feminine silhouettes perfect for parties or work. Even her pajamas are famous. Did Rachel Green invent plaid pajamas pants and a graphic (often athletic related) top? Probably not. But to me she did! For me personally, my favorite season of Friends  is season three. There's something about that season that brings me peak levels of comfort and joy. Perhaps it's because my favorite episodes take place here, i.e., "The One with the Football" and "The One Where No One's Ready." Both of these episodes also, oh so perfectly, contain a few of my favorite Rachel outfits. In the Thanksgiving episode, she wears one of her cute graphic tees, this one reading 'Girls Boxing,' over a black long sleeve with black sweatpants and blue Nike Air Max 96s, with her hair in two braids and a black backward baseball cap. In the latter episode, she rotates through THREE gems of outfits. She starts off with a sort of ombre-wash blue mini dress with a black cardigan and black pumps. During the episode, she (along with everyone else) is struggling to get out of the house on time for Ross's paleontology benefit. Rachel is unsure what she should wear as a "paleontologist's girlfriend," Phoebe quipping that she might be the first one ever. After vetoing the mini dress and frustrating an already stressed-out Ross further, Rachel decides she isn't going. She comes out of her bedroom wearing an oversized New York Knicks crewneck and green plaid pajama pants. Ultimately, she does go to the event and wears a knockout fitted mint green floor-length gown with a matching cardigan/shawl. In the later seasons of the show, her outfits mature with her as she enters her thirties (as well as the new millennium). We see more clean, solid looks rather than the overalls and graphic tee staples from the earlier seasons. During this time, Rachel opts for lots of chic patterned midi dresses, neutral or more muted colors, and simple blouse and skirt combos ideal for work. With that said, converting her wardrobe to be more business professional chic doesn't mean she lost her effortless cool-girl ways. For example, in season ten, episode one, titled "The One After Joey and Rachel Kiss," (do Joey+Rachel shippers actually exist?) Rachel wears a fitted tee with a pair of lips printed on the front with the words “save the drama for your mama” scrawled across. A design that has become well-loved by audiences everywhere, including Harry Styles, who wore a replica tee (made by his sister) while out and about in 2020. Now if you're a die-hard Friends  fan like myself, you could probably picture each outfit I mentioned in your head perfectly. However, if you're more of a casual watcher or perhaps reading this to understand the hype, it won't be hard to do a quick search to get a visual. To round us off, it's time for what you're all waiting for... how to get the Rachel look for yourself! The Rachel Green Lookbook Staple pieces: Mini skirts (black and plaids) Black stiletto boots (calf length) Graphic tees and sweatshirts (fitted for the t-shirts and oversized for the sweatshirts) Black sheer tights Mini dresses (patterned, fitted, spaghetti straps or strapless) Midi/maxi dresses (solid colors, slip dresses, flouncy fabric) Denim overalls Fitted '90s-esq jeans White sneakers Signature outfit combos: Mini skirt, tights, fitted top, boots Cropped graphic tee or blouse, jeans, sneakers Overalls, fitted tee, sneakers Mini dress, cropped and fitted matching cardigan, strappy heels BONUS extras because an outfit isn't complete without accessories and hairstyles! Rachel is very minimal when it comes to jewelry; she's often seen with hardly any or none at all. But when she does choose to accessorize, she loves a little wristwatch or a very dainty matching necklace and earring set (typically worn with a more formal dress). She also sometimes has a small purse or clutch with her or a pair of '90s-famed oval sunglasses. Now for hair, Jennifer Aniston's has essentially been a character of its own throughout her career. Over ten years, Rachel's hair changes many, many times. In season one she has the famous layered bob affectionately known as 'the Rachel,' and in season three she changes it up with a darker auburn dye with face-framing layers (my personal favorite). During the middle seasons, she grows her hair out with a warmer honey-hued blonde (Jennifer wore tape-in extensions during season six to achieve the long locks). In season seven, Rachel chops her hair into a short bob, which grows into a 'lob' in season eight. To end off the show, Rachel's hair is more of her regular longer length, but this time with side bangs. As for hairdos, Rachel loves a claw clip or a delicate barrette and most often wears it straight with her layers flipped inwards. Rachel Green is the definitive style icon of the late nineties and early aughts. Not only is her fashion timeless and always perfectly curated, but the character  of Rachel is just as amazing as her clothes are. Friends  is one of my all-time favorite TV shows, one that I've seen too many times to count, and Rachel Green is one of my ultimate inspirations in more ways than one. When people talk about which character you resonate with the most, I've always said Rachel because in more ways than one she's both my muse and my emotionally overdramatic twin. With that said, I do relate to Monica pretty heavily too! For more than thirty years, Rachel's style has continued to be referenced and discussed. With the show's costume designer, Debra McGuire, saying to Vogue  India that if she were to dress Rachel today, she would dress her nearly exactly the same as she did then. I will forever give my flowers and owe all of my fashion decisions to Rachel, for she will forever be my OG style icon. This was the Rachel Green Style Lookbook by Eloise London. Sources: Goulet, Emily. “Someone Ranked Every Single Outfit Rachel Green Wore on Friends.” Philadelphia Magazine , Philadelphia Magazine, 1 June 2015. Raniwala , Praachi. “Why Is Rachel Green’s Style Still Relevant Today? Friends’ Costume Designer Debra McGuire Spills the Tea.” Vogue India , Vogue India, 29 Nov. 2019. Sarawrites. Rachel Green’s Wedding Dress in the “Friends” Pilot Was a Last-Minute Pick and It Became Iconic. | by Sarawrites | Medium , 21 Apr. 2025.

Welcome to the first installment of my monthly favorites wrap-up! You can expect the current music, TV shows, films, and books that I've been loving covered each month. This is also a way for me to document where I was at and what I was loving at this current point in time. Let's get into it! Shall we begin with music? I primarily listen to pop and, more specifically, bubblegum pop. Though I can appreciate and get into more depressing, sad girl music when the mood is right, I usually want songs that make me happy and make me want to dance around, singing into a hairbrush. This month was a mix of rediscovering music from the early aughts and a heavy emphasis on current artists I'm loving. Below is a playlist of my favorites from this month! "Puss Puss" by Zara Larsson (I haven't been able to stop listening to this album for months!) "Homewrecker" by sombr (I was back to my sombr fixation this month.) "Ladies Room" by Olivia Dean "The Dress" by Dijon "Dancing On The Wall" by MUNA (THANK GOD MUNA is back, how I've missed them!) "Dying for You" by Charli XCX "Leave Your Man At Home" by Cate "Future Tripping" by Hilary Duff "Tell Me That Won't Happen" by Hilary Duff "Weather For Tennis" by Hilary Duff "Opalite" by Taylor Swift (Deeply obsessed with this music video, I can't stop watching it; thus, the song has been back on rotation.) "Mercy" by Duffy (I actually can't believe I forgot this song existed.) "Rock DJ" by Robbie Williams "Kids" by Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue (We'll get to it later, but I had a major Robbie Williams fixation this month.) "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera "Hold It Against Me" by Britney Spears "One Thing" by One Direction (I found myself listening to so much One Direction.) "Smile" by Avril Lavigne "Pure Shores" by All Saints March's playlist will be entirely consumed by Harry Styles, just a warning now! :) Next up, we have TV shows, where I will also be including a bit of YouTube as well. One thing to know about me is that I will take, at minimum, a year to finish an entire series, and by "entire series" I mean traditional shows that have 20+ episode seasons. In September, I started a full rewatch of Gilmore Girls, which I watch all the time, but this year I wanted to do a top-to-bottom watch. I just started season six and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I made a promise to myself that once I finish it, I can start rewatching One Tree Hill, which I've been itching to do for months, to be continued on that one. And before anyone asks, I'm Team Logan, so the last three seasons of the show aren't unbearable for me the way they are for others. Continuing along with the long-standing series, I am also still watching Dawson's Creek, and I can't get over James Van Der Beek's death this month. I actually had to wait a few days after his passing before I could watch any more episodes; it just felt so sad. It was at the end of last summer that I FINALLY began my Dawson's journey after having never seen it (besides the first few episodes) and having it on my watchlist for years. I just finished season four and have been loving listening to the podcast Back To You, Bob! (which I discovered not long after I started watching the show) after each episode. Team Pacey forever; I love him and Joshua Jackson so much I can't get over it. This month I've also been watching the new Ryan Murphy show Love Story about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Firstly, can I just say that the soundtrack hit it out of the park? Like, obviously the time period is the '90s, but my god, every episode they are picking such good songs. It's safe to say that I am so invested in their relationship and this story. Yes, I'm aware that this is a fictionalized and dramatized version of events, but the core of the story is real, and everything about it I am so fascinated by. Every week after the new episode, I have to go look up more information about the events that unfolded IRL; it's that serious. We were also graced with the second part of Bridgerton season four at the very end of the month. At the time of writing this, I have not finished the remaining episodes yet, but from what I have watched, it just keeps getting better and better. I'm beyond thankful that they brought the show back to life just in time for my dear Benedict. Anthony, Benedict, and Eloise are just my holy trinity of Bridgerton siblings, and so far they are two for two with perfect seasons, so now I just need them to do Eloise's right too! I'm literally listening to a playlist of all of the show's covers right now. Next, for a show that isn't normally my speed: it's How to Get to Heaven from Belfast on Netflix. I watched the trailer when it came up on Netflix and knew I had to watch it when it said it was from the creator of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee. It's a murder mystery thriller, which is so not my thing, but I'm absolutely loving it. Between the humor and the soundtrack (both staple elements from Derry Girls), I can't get enough, and I can't wait to see how it ends! To finish this section off, I wanted to include a bit of YouTube because it is the other piece of entertainment I consume the most. My favorite, favorite channel is Hannah Marsh, and I have been going through all of her videos this month; it is absolutely my top channel. Some of my other favorites that I'm always watching are Lauren Norris, All Things Lilly Ann, and Molly Mae. When it comes to movies, I feel like I wasn't in a big film mood this month. I didn't find myself gravitating towards watching movies, which happens to me every once in a while, but what will happen next is I'll do a 180 and be watching movies nonstop. As for what I did watch and enjoy, it consists entirely of rewatching favorites. I started the month with The Princess and the Frog, then continued with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Valentine's Day, and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, and finished off with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I also saw "Wuthering Heights" and apparently liked it more than most people did. Now, to preface, I have never read the book and really had nothing to go off of story-wise. I did know that Emerald Fennell was going to be putting her more risqué touch on it, which was bound to cause controversy on its own. I thought it was visually gorgeous and loved the soundtrack accompanying it. Just like Saltburn, there were uncomfortable or unsettling moments, but I really wasn't that fazed. It wasn't a five-star movie or one I'm going to run to rewatch, but it was entertaining. I'm also going to include a few documentaries in this section as well. Remember what I said earlier about having a Robbie Williams fixation? Well, it started last month when I watched the Netflix docuseries about Take That and then found out there was a Robbie Williams docuseries, so I then proceeded to watch that this month. I find it so interesting how both Take That and Robbie are so freaking huge everywhere else in the world except North America. Take That was on One Direction level, and Robbie was kind of the OG Harry Styles. If you haven't heard of either, I highly recommend giving these documentaries a watch or listening to some of their music because this is the type of niche content I live for. Lastly, I watched another Netflix docuseries about America's Next Top Model, which is actually a show I never got into, but I obviously know about its legacy and iconic memes. All I have to say is that everything they were doing was batsh*t crazy, and hearing from the girls themselves was startling. Tyra Banks is stunning, but she is also absolutely insane. For books, I only read one this month. Am I going to pretend the reason for that is it's a short month? Yes. In reality, however, I was just really slow reading the one book I did get through and didn't dedicate a lot of time to it on a day-to-day basis. Even though I only read one, it was a fantastic pick at least. The book being Unloved by Peyton Corinne, it's the sequel to Unsteady, which I read in January. There's actually nothing I love more than a five-star hockey romance, and I knew immediately when I started reading this that it would fall into that category. I thought Unsteady was good; I mean, I adore Rhys Koteskiy, but freaking Matt Fredderic is perfection. I am so beyond excited to continue reading the books that come out in this series. Peyton Corinne is speaking my language with these! Hopefully, I can get back into my reading grind and get through more than one book in March! That's about all I have for you this month. Lots and lots of good content being consumed in February. Looking ahead, I mentioned Harry's new album coming out a week from now, so that's going to consume me entirely. As well as all of his press, including his double duty on SNL that I will be sat for (the back-to-back lineup of Connor Storrie, Ryan Gosling, and Harry is my definition of a dream). Not to mention, March is the first month of spring, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome in a new season. I'm ready for spring rain, warmer temperatures, and blooming flowers. Thank you so much for being here, and I hope you have an excellent March! I'll see you next time! XO E.L.