A New Essential

Hi friend,

If you ever used Hotmail or posted photos to Flickr or MySpace, you’re well aware that no matter how popular an Internet platform is, it will likely fade into irrelevance after a decade or so. And according to what tech leaders are saying in antitrust trials, the same fate may soon befall Facebook, Google search, and the iPhone.

As CNN reports, “during courtroom testimony, executives indicated consumers are losing interest in some of the very tasks Facebook and Google were initially built for…Even the iPhone may be at risk of losing favor over the next decade, an Apple executive said.”

Is it, in the context of an antitrust trial, useful to claim that the product your massively profitable corporation produces is fading in popularity and relevancy? Perhaps. But Meta, Apple, and Google also have reason for concern. Google search utility has been declining, a slide that’s worsened with the introduction of AI answer engines. Meanwhile, Meta’s plan for the future of Facebook and Instagram relies heavily on AI-created posts, which sounds like a nightmare for human users. (Sidebar: The trial’s forcing Meta to air out a lot of interesting Instagram data.) 

Are we, as Vimeo co-founder Zach Klein suggests, in the “Napster” phase of the AI rollout – with something much more disruptive to emerge? In a world in which the most socially inept among us are trying to architect the way we all socialize, we hope an alternative vision for the future wins out, like this.

Below, shopping for a more immediate future, plus a few recommendations for your week.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

The season of the dress has arrived. That’s a product of the weather, but also all the occasions that come up at this time of year. There are graduations, weddings, trips, the list goes on. We went looking for dresses that were daytime appropriate, but still special; that offered a good amount of coverage, but didn’t feel frumpy. There were so many, it was hard to whittle the list down to just these 20.

• An affordable cotton style feels both cute and wearable. Asos Scoop-Neck Pleat-Waist Midi Dress, $48. Size 0 to 14.

• The look of a two-piece outfit, with the ease of a dress. J.Crew Pintuck Mixy Dress, $148. Size XXS to 3XL.

• We like the gingham version of this simple shift. Quince Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress, $59.90. Size XS to 3XL.

• Really beautiful. Ulla Johnson Isadora Tiered Lace-Trimmed Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress, $520. Size 00 to 14.

• Could go dressy or casual. Dissh Alexandra Hybrid Midi Dress, $190. Size 2 to 12.

• A prim option that feels very “parent at their child’s college graduation.” Self Portrait Lace Collared Midi Dress, $555. Size 0 to 12.

• Breezy, while still looking cool and minimal. Cos Open-Back Cotton Midi Dress, $165. Size 2 to 14.

• Versatile, and at an incredible price. Old Navy Mini Swing Shirtdress, $16. Size XS to 4XL.

• This print is cool and unusual. Rixo Camellia Silk Midi Dress, $560. Size 2 to 22.

• Pretty! The Great The Reunion Printed Cotton Midi Dress, $75. Size 1, 2, 3.

• A swingy V-neck that’s just the right amount of revealing. Merlette Wallis Embroidered Dress, $145.50. Size XXS, M.

• Obsessed with this ‘70s-esque print (it comes in a shorter style, too). Faithfull the Brand Sola Maxi Dress, $390. Size XS to XXL.

• We’ve had this in our carts and we need to snap it up before it sells out. Zara Polka-Dot Midi Dress, $99.90. Size XS to XL.

• Lightweight, forgiving, and with pockets. Uniqlo Volume Sleeve Dress, $39.90. Size XXS to XL.

• Wish this was still available in more sizes. Isabel Marant Étoile Long Dress, $209. Size 6, 10.

• Very artsy-cool. Banana Republic Cotton-Poplin Shirtdress, $200. Size XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL.

• This brand is a go-to for stunning prints. Agua by Agua Bendita Lunatus Habitat Floral-Print Embellished Cotton Midi Dress, $351. Size S to XL.

• A winner, from the color to the shape to the material. Madewell Pleated Mini Shirtdress, $128. Size XXS to 3XL.

• This looks designer. Mango Printed Dress, $90. Size 0 to 20.

• Popular for a reason. Dôen Marianne Shirred Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress, $250. Size XXS to XXL.

Shop the Story

There’s one brand that’s absolutely nailing it when it comes to beautiful shoes we actually enjoy wearing, and that’s Margaux. There are so many styles on our wishlist right now, but in particular, we want:

• These extremely sophisticated woven flats.

• These strappy kitten-heel sandals that are perfect for a night out.

• And these luxe-looking leather slides (with a padded sole!) for everyday wear. 

Somehow, magically, they all go perfectly with our favorite summer skirts and dresses. And they’re all comfortable enough to go all day. #partner

TO STREAM In the semi-autobiographical comedy series Overcompensating (on Prime Video Thursday), social media-minted star Benito Skinner plays a closeted jock trying to navigate college life. It kind of reminds us of Mindy Kaling’s college sex-life series, but with more likeable characters? There’s also the new HBO ‘70s crime drama Duster (out Thursday), which looks intense.

TO TRY In addition to skincare and sunscreen, we take this supplement to help fight fine lines, melasma, and other signs of sun damage. It’s packed with antioxidant properties and is derm-recommended to aid in eliminating free radicals.* Click here to give it a try. #partner

TO READ True wellness, for us, involves cooking meals at home, good sleep, the ability to take long walks, and being social — all hard to monetize. Journalist Amy Larocca’s new book How to Be Well (Bookshop, Amazon) tackles the rest of the wellness world, exploring the industries that have sprung up around our obsession with health. She shares her colonic experience in an excerpt here.

Win a four-night stay for two in a one-bedroom oceanview suite at the Radisson Blu Aruba with daily breakfast and round-trip airport transfers. 

Other prizes include:

• $300 book bundle compliments of Reese's Book Club.

• $150 Visa gift card compliments of Gloria.

• $100 in product compliments of TOMS.

• Remodelista Membership Package and Visa Gift Card valued at $500.

Nestled between Aruba’s stunning Palm Beach and its vibrant nightlife, Radisson Blu Aruba offers a tranquil escape with luxury accommodations. Relax by the breathtaking infinity pool, indulge in world-class dining, and unwind in elegant one, two, or three-bedroom suites. Experience the perfect blend of serenity and island adventure.

The cool shower curtain brand imperiled by tariffs. • The look of the new “West Village girl.” • “I came to study aging. Now I’m trapped in ICE detention.” • Why the lurid details of Diddy’s trial might be a problem for the prosecution.

_{*Gloria may receive an affiliate commission on purchases made through our newsletter.}

_{**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended todiagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.}