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Someone with more time on their hands than us could probably write a thesis about the ascendancy of SoCal culture in the early aughts. We’re talking fashion (surf/skate brands, low-rise denim and trucker hats), music (Sublime, No Doubt, Blink 182), and television.
When Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County launched on MTV in 2004, reality TV was in its prime. The show, which ran for three seasons and followed a group of wealthy teens still in high school, overlapped with the scripted teen soap The OC. Both cataloged a world of excess: beautiful houses right on the ocean; kids driving around in Audis, BMWs, Tahoes, and Suburbans; parents who seemed to look the other way at teen partying; and boys named Trey.
Roku is testing the durability of Laguna Beach nostalgia with a 20th-anniversary special this week featuring all the important elements, including a beach bonfires and the plaintive notes of Hilary Duff’s “Come Clean.”
If your preferred flavor of nostalgia leans less 2000s fluff and more ‘90s alt-rock, there’s a book for that. Out today from the romance imprint 831 Stories, Found Time is a Gen X-flavored yearner about meeting your soulmate at a Jeff Buckley show in the East Village, then reconnecting with him 30 years later. It’s almost too targeted at ladies in midlife; there’s even a part where the romantic interest gladly tags along on a trip to help the main character’s elderly parents fix their printer. Now that’s fantasy.
Bye,
Your friends at Gloria
Image via @jessie_loeffler_randall.
Plaid’s traditional. Paisley’s eccentric. Polka dots? They’re joyful. No wonder they’re popping up all over the place. We’ve seen dots of all sizes covering shirts, skirts, swimsuits, even jeans. Below, a few favorites.
The cute skirt Jessie’s wearing in the picture, above. Loeffler Randall Valeria Skirt, $295. Size 00 to 12.
These are cool. Mango Balloon Jeans, $90. Size 0 to 14.
The perfect spring/summer event dress at a great price. Gap Poplin Drop-Waist Maxi Dress, $102. Size XXS to XXL.
This brand’s silly little bags are made of textiles that would otherwise have gone to waste. Trash Bandit Sling Bag, $30.
This pretty option is selling out super fast. Sea Melody Lace-Trimmed Crepe de Chine Midi Dress, $350. Size 0 to 16.
Covered up, but still sexy. & Other Stories V-Neck Swimsuit, $79. Size 0 to 12.
Such a good dress (just wish it was half the price). Apiece Apart Ballet Tank Maxi Dress, $645. Size 00 to 12.
Adorable. Caro Editions T-Shirt, $134. Size XS, S, M.
Easy cotton pants with a bit of structure to them. Xirena Tori Pant, $235. Size XS to XL.
A nice camp shirt that would look great with jean shorts. The Great The Messenger Top, $250. Size 0 to 3.
Dressed up, but in an ultra-comfy way. Donni The Taffeta Drawstring Cargo Pant, $418. Size XXS to XXL.
What a beautiful shirt. Rails Lazara Lace-Trim Blouse, $109. Size XS to XL.
Two French brands collabed to make one incredible bikini. Sézane Éclat Bikini Top and Bottom, $75 and $55. Size 2 to 12.
A statement-making skirt. Maeve Kiki Pleated Maxi Skirt, $178. Size XXS to XL.
A serious summer contender — love the shape. The Bekk Chloe Dress, $119. Size XS to L.
Shop the Story
& Other Stories V-Neck Swimsuit, $79
Rails Lazara Lace-Trim Blouse, $109
The Great The Messenger Top, $250
Trash Bandit Sling Bag, $30
Loeffler Randall Valeria Skirt, $295
Mango Balloon Jeans, $90
With the weather warming up, we’re getting our outdoor spaces ready for the season, and the idea of an outdoor rug is really growing on us, especially after seeing all the great designs Ruggable has right now. It defines a space and feels more pulled together. We’re eyeing this colorful one and this classic one.
Don’t sleep on their doormats either; they’re a simple way to refresh your entry for spring. Everything is designed to handle real life: weather, dirt, and all. Shop it all here. #partner
Image via @instillmode_books.
TO READ In Emma Straub’s funny and empathetic new novel American Fantasy, one divorced woman confronts a scenario that strikes fear into our hearts: going on a cruise solo when her sister drops out last-minute. This isn’t any old cruise, it’s carrying the members of a ‘90s boy band and thousands of their dedicated fans.
TO TRY Therapy that fits your busy life. BetterHelp lets you connect with licensed therapists by video, phone or live chat — anytime, anywhere. No more driving to and from appointments or getting on a waitlist. Simply take the quiz and get matched to a therapist who fits your needs and preferences. They’re offering Gloria subscribers 25% off your 1st month. Get started here. #partner
TO WATCH The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, is the source material for a new Hulu series. But who needs a fictionalized account of forced submission, patriarchy, and religious coercion when footage of it playing out in the real world exists — as in Netflix’s new documentary about an FLDS sect, Trust Me: The False Prophet?
TO LISTEN When, in the ‘90s, a popular high school teacher at her school has a serious climbing accident, aspiring reporter Isolde Raftery decides to write it up for the school newspaper. What she finds is less than ideal. In the fascinating new KUOW podcast The Adults in the Room, she tries to untangle what was really going on at their school back then.
TO COOK This bright and springy salmon recipe (love all the fresh dill) was ready in 30 minutes. We ate it with rice, but it’d also be good with in-season vegetables like asparagus.
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Life changes, and so do your sleep needs. That’s why every Sleep Number Mattress delivers personalized comfort that adapts with you — night after night, year after year. With so many options and features, there’s a mattress perfect for you.
Refresh your bedroom for spring and upgrade your comfort with limited-time deals on Sleep Number mattresses and bedding. Shop here. #partner
What are we bidding on in the And Just Like That… auction? Big’s last will and testament? Lisa Todd Wexley’s silk pajamas? Seema’s leopard suit? Carrie’s cat house? • Will never look at Back to the Future the same again. • After the divorce: holding on to your house, living alone, divorce registries, and more. • Promising new developments in the search for a cure for osteoarthritis. • Cool: The Strokes sent their new single out via cassette tapes.
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