It's Not a Joke

Hi friend,

Not to spiral too much on this April Fool’s Day, but: What are we all going to do for work in the future? Do we really want a world where, as Bill Gates recently said, “humans are not needed for most things?” (No shade to Bill Gates, but we don’t know any parents who want their kids’ teachers to be replaced by AI.)

As the Financial Times notes, “A recent report by McKinsey estimates that in the next five years, between 400-800mn people around the world could find their jobs displaced by new technology such as generative AI.”

For Gen Xers who pursued creative careers, that reality is already here. “Talk with people in their late 40s and 50s who once imagined they would be able to achieve great heights — or at least a solid career while flexing their creative muscles — and you are likely to hear about the photographer whose work dried up, the designer who can’t get hired or the magazine journalist who isn’t doing much of anything,” writes Steven Kurutz for the New York Times. Technology has already disrupted entire industries; “magazine editor” might as well be “switchboard operator” on a resume these days.

Kurutz spoke to multiple Gen Xers for the story. Here’s one: “My peers, friends and I continue to navigate the unforeseen obsolescence of the career paths we chose in our early 20s. The skills you cultivated, the craft you honed — it’s just gone. It’s startling.”

Gen Xers are commiserating in the comments, which is nice. We’re all trying to pivot. Some of us have newsletters now!

Speaking of: In this week’s newsletter, we explore a fun spring trend, try a new eyebrow serum, and much more.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

All of a sudden, fringe and tassels are everywhere. We’ve seen them on bags (check out this one), shoes, dresses, jackets, even furniture. The look is playful and a little extra, the opposite of the minimalism and restraint that dominated fashion for so long. Below, 11 ways to try it.

• Feathery fringe makes a simple knit dress more interesting. Jigsaw Fringe Texture Knit Dress, $345. Size XS to XL.

• We’re surprised at how many pretty evening bags Mango has right now (look at this one, too). Mango Rhinestone-Embroidered Handbag, $160.

• A sexy beach cover-up. Celandine Strapless Crochet Fringe-Trim Knit Dress, $128. Size XXS to 3XL.

• Very cute. Zara Suede Jacket With Studs and Fringe, $259. Size S, M, L.

• Similar vibes to this Old Celine top. Maragua Studio Chili Vest, $177. Size 1, 2.

• A classic boat shoe with a little flair. Toujours Milano Genevive Boat Shoe, $270.

• This is lightweight, easy-wearing, and can be dressed up or down. Pixie Market Fringe Cotton Tee Dress, $188. Size XS to L.

• Extremely pricey, but also so beautiful. Sea Priscilla Embroidery Cowl-Neck Fringe Vest, $450. Size XS to L.

• These sold out immediately the first time they released them, and now there’s a new batch. H&M Fringed Suede Loafers, $99.

• Something about this cream mini is really appealing. Simon Miller Albers Sleeveless Knit Looped-Fringe Mini Dress, $258.75. Size XS to XL.

• This is a standout — the lace and fringe detailing, the color, and the belt? Rebecca Vallance Giovanni Fringed Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress, $212. Size UK4, UK6.

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You can give it a try — and access at-a-glance nutrition analysis, daily guidance from your own health coach, and more — here. Sign up today, and receive 50 percent off. #partner

TO STREAM Some people might choose to relax this week with MobLand, a new crime thriller from Guy Richie starring Pierce Brosnan as a London mob boss (now on Paramount+). Others would rather watch the Liza documentary, which is now on PBS. We’re just trying to catch up on White Lotus before the final episode this Sunday.

TO DOWNLOAD This spring is the perfect time to trade time spent on social media for time spent learning a new language with this language-learning app. It makes it easy and fun — they have award-winning lessons as well as games to help you stick with it. As a bonus: Gloria readers get 60 percent off a subscription with this link. #partner

TO TRY We’re pretty sure this brow serum was served up to us on social media because of our age, and we were skeptical, but…we’ve been using it and it totally works. Our brows are actually fuller — to the point that we had to pluck a little for the first time in years.

TO LISTEN The new Bloomberg podcast Levittown tells the story of high school girls fighting back after someone scraped pictures off their social media accounts and created fake AI porn with them. It’s both infuriating and inspiring.

Settling in to read this deep dive into scandalous behavior at The Knot, and this one about why silica gel packets are in every package now. • People are using their health savings accounts for all sorts of things. • “The worst habits for your back, according to spine surgeons.” • Dusting off a classic Janet Jackson track. • Kudos to Barnes & Noble on their indie rebrand.

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