Happy Sunday. Nothing tugs at my nostalgic heartstrings quite like the return of Pizza Hut’s Camp BOOK IT! program. Sadly, I’m too old to participate, but here are a few things I’ve read this week, anyway: a profile on the influencers teaching their followers how to find a “high-value provider” (aka, marry rich), an investigation into why no one wants to wear merch anymore, and a new study saying “one-sided relationships with YouTubers are more emotionally fulfilling” than “casual” friendships…which feels kind of sad? While I process how I feel about all that, I’ll reward myself with a Reese’s Frozen Peanut Butter Dessert Cup, courtesy of Costco. It’s no pizza, but it’ll still hit the spot.
— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY
🖋️ Is calligraphy the new sourdough starter? Thanks to social media tutorials, the ancient art form is apparently having a revival.
✂️ Just in case there weren’t enough bob styles, we’re here to inform you the “cowgirl bob” is now in. Honestly we’re not sure how it’s that different from a regular bob, but perhaps you could pair it with one of summer’s hottest hair colors, like “charcoal brunette.”
🛫 The latest flying trick that has airlines up in arms...or, should we say, feet? Passengers using foot hammocks.
Are jeans okay? It’s a valid question, given the number of celebs who’ve recently stepped out in some very, uh, unique denim looks. Yes, that includes Travis Kelce — and his exceptionally questionable shredded jeans. (In the words of one Swiftie, “what the f*ck did taylor[’s] cats do with his jeans.”) But also: Bella Hadid’s bedazzled denim bikini, Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s denim Met Gala gown, Beyoncé’s thigh-high “joots” (yes, that’s a thing), and JLo’s I-just-rolled-around-in-a-barnyard denim get-up.
There’s no denying that the Great Denim Revival has arrived, thanks to, among other things, the ongoing resurgence of Y2K fashion and western wear. But this time, “it’s an era of seeing how far we can push it,” says one fashion exec. That’s pretty obvious if you take a look at some of the biggest denim trends, from deeply divisive barrel jeans to extremely sparkly, extremely messy glitter jeans. Even sweatpants that have been painted to look like jeans are apparently “sweeping America.” But before you toss that stack of skinny jeans, wait — because according to one expert, “there’s definitely going to be a point in the future where we move away from [extreme denim].” Fingers crossed that’s before Sydney Sweeney’s “whale tail” look gains traction.
Calling all fans of cult docs: If you’re looking for the next “Escaping Twin Flames,” look no further than Netflix’s “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.” The new docuseries lifts the curtain on 7M Films, a talent management company led by Robert Shinn, who also happens to be a pastor at an invite-only church. If that sounds fishy, it is — according to the family of 7M dancer Miranda Derrick (co-creator of the once popular Wilking Sisters TikTok account), who claims she’s actually trapped in a cult. In the doc, testimonies of former 7M members seemingly corroborate that allegation, while also accusing Shinn of sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. (Shinn has previously denied the allegations made against him, and Derrick has reportedly denied being in a cult.) And since both Shinn and some former 7M members have filed lawsuits, there may be a sequel.
On Wednesday, Variety announced its latest “Actors on Actors” lineup, which includes pairings like Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki (both of whom played Princess Diana in “The Crown”), Quinta Brunson and Jennifer Aniston, and legends Robert Downey Jr. and Jodie Foster. That all seems pretty normal — until you get to Kim Kardashian and Chloë Sevigny. Sure, they’ve both starred in Ryan Murphy projects, but as the internet was quick to point out, when it comes to acting resumes, Kardashian seems just slightly…out of place. (As one X user said, “in what world is Kim Kardashian an actor please be so serious right now.”) To be fair, unconventional pairings are what make the conversations fun — which naturally got us thinking about our dream “Actors on Actors” lineup. Some ideas: Nicola Coughlan and Gordo from “Lizzie McGuire.” Ayo Edebiri and Sonja Morgan. Bowen Yang and the Olsen twins. Glen Powell and Molly, the American Girl doll. North West and Blue Ivy. Variety, you’re welcome.
Just when it seemed like Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was destined to be this year’s summer earworm, in come the finance bros. Or, more accurately, a song about finance bros. For those who don’t live on TikTok, at the end of April, comedian Megan Boni (aka, @girl_on_couch) posted a video in which she put on her best Alexis Rose accent and in the perfect sendup of the aspiring stay-at-home girlfriend, recited “looking for a man in finance, with a trust fund, 6’5, blue eyes.” She paired it with a request: “Can someone make this into an actual song plz?” The internet did its magic. DJs added beats and samples (like the 2010 anthem “Like a G6”), while thousands of others, including the Sleepytime Bear, made their own takes (don’t miss this hilarious riff, inspired by Indian moms). All of which has resulted in a record deal for Boni, who says she hopes “the finance bros are not too mad.” Probably not, since Vogue just called them “apparently hot again.” Stock’s going up, bro.
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Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
A pair of comfortable skinny jeans that cost less than $30.
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Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
If you can’t keep up with all of the hacks, products, and methods hitting your feed, we can help.
Every week, Skimm Well breaks down the science — or lack of it — behind the latest wellness fads. We also round up the health news and expert tips you need to take charge of your health. Subscribe to Skimm Well to stay ahead of the curve — or at least feel less lost in your group chat.
Skimm’d by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson
Photos by Gotham/Contributor via Getty Images, Jamie McCarthy/Staff via Getty Images, courtesy of Netflix, Pierre Suu/Contributor via Getty Images, Jon Kopaloff/Stringer via Getty Images, Brand Partners