Return to a classic Earth911 podcast conversation about how market competition can move past thinking…

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Rachel Zegler has been one of the most controversial Latinas in Hollywood since it was announced in 2021 that she had been cast to play Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake of the 1937 classic. Critics were upset that an actress with Latin American roots would play the titular role, despite Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, being racially white. In 2023, when photos of the film were leaked, the public outcry grew stronger, with Zegler receiving an onslaught of hate online that she opted out of responding to. But since Snow White has flopped in theaters since its March 21 release, Zegler, and specifically her politics, is also being blamed.

A hit piece published by Variety at the end of March claimed to have insider information about Disney’s latest live-action trainwreck. Relying mostly on anonymous interviews of powerful executives in Hollywood that have a vested interest in justifying the dismal performance of the film through anything other than their own decisions, the piece is critical of Zegler’s public political positions. First, the execs blame the Latina actress for the film’s failure because of her outspoken support of Palestine. After she presented the first Snow White trailer in August 2024 at Disney’s D23 fan event, Zegler took to X (formerly the social media platform known as Twitter), to thank fans and, in the same thread, wrote: “and always remember, free palestine.” The post was short and to the point, but Zegler’s boss and producer of Snow White, Marc Platt, personally asked her to take it down for the good of the upcoming film and Zegler refused to do so. A few months later, she also critiqued the original 1937 Snow White picture, accurately describing the prince as stalking the heroine. According to the anonymous insiders who spoke to Variety, these two events were enough to push the public away from the film — never mind that live-action Disney remakes have been routinely badly reviewed and received lower attendance in more recent years.

On the Internet, Zegler has become the villain du jour, with social media users calling her “immature” and “narcissistic” for sticking to her principles and refusing to back down when stating her values, something many people think she should do for the greater good of (checks notes) a bad remake by a huge corporation. Commentators have also mocked Zegler’s body hair, speculating that this is the real reason why Snow White flopped.

Zegler’s position on the newly elected Donald Trump administration — she tweeted “fuck Donald Trump” three months after the election — has also caused backlash online. Considering that Trump has ramped up deportations, slashed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and has generally shown contempt for Latines, this particular backlash is an indicator of what people think Zegler should be: a Latina actress who should be grateful for her job, silent about her values, and submissive to the status quo. Thankfully, Zegler has made it clear she will not submit to the whims of the public or the Hollywood execs that would rather she stays quiet.

Unfortunately, it’s not surprising that Zegler is being thrown under the bus in the current political climate. The actress is a young Latina in the public eye, which many in the entertainment business see as disposable. The reality is that Zegler’s only crime is that she has principles and lives by them in an industry where celebrities are expected to abandon their morals for profit and the success of their own careers. Zegler has consistently not allowed more powerful people to intimidate her out of doing what she feels is right, and that disrupts the Hollywood status quo. She is braver than most of the entertainment industry for sticking to her guns and refusing to be intimidated into silence — and this kind of fearless woman is scary for people who put profit above anything else.

It’s also important to contextualize that Zegler’s co-star, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has also made political statements about the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for the civilian hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attacks to be returned. However, those statements are curiously considered less overtly political than Zegler’s, even though it’s well-known that Gadot was directly involved in the conflict because she served in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years as a combat trainer. But Gadot is less disposable to the general public because she is more palatable to the xenophobic, racist, right-wing people who are blaming Zegler for the tanking of a movie that underwent extensive reshoots and was on the receiving end of several anti-diversity backlashes. It’s easier to blame all of the film’s failure on Zegler rather than admit that a $270 million production was severely mismanaged, especially because Zegler is a young woman and a Latina, two demographics that have experienced social decline in the current political climate.

Framing Zegler’s support for a free Palestine as “narcissistic” and “immature” is not only ridiculous, it also reeks of misogyny. Those adjectives are often used against young women who refuse to be quiet, to submit to the status quo. The allegations that she made the Snow White set a hostile work environment for a literal ex-IDF soldier is questionable and calls on the fiery Latina stereotype. It’s fully possible for a young Latina to stand her ground and not be a bully, but ethnic stereotypes will always cast us as bullies.

It’s not narcissistic to defend Palestinians as they are barraged by bombs; it’s honorable and brave. And as a Latina whose community is being directly targeted by the Trump administration, it’s not surprising that Zegler would stand with the Palestinian people. The idea that the film tanked in the box office because of Zegler is ludicrous, especially when some of the clips of the movie circulating around the Internet that showcase the terrible storytelling and exceedingly auto-tuned singing are the best motivators for film-goers to stay at home.

At a time when most people are comfortable being neutral so they don’t experience the consequences of standing up for what’s right, Zegler is a breath of fresh air. We need young women like her to speak out in these times; we need young women who take the most difficult path to expose injustice and support marginalized people, even if it hurts their own privilege. I actually admire Zegler’s ability to express herself politically and to stand her ground no matter the personal cost to her reputation. Latina girls and women everywhere should look up to her as a role model, as a woman who expresses herself well and isn’t intimidated by Hollywood executives who would never understand the importance of living by your principles.

Zegler is clearly comfortable in her skin and in her politics, and most of us can learn a lot by watching her weather this storm. We should all be supporting her and recognizing the strength it takes to go against such a powerful industry.

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Festival season sets the stage for summer dressing, offering up a playground where personal style can run wild. It aggregates all of the fashion trends from Fashion Month that we’re excited to put into action for the forthcoming season — and amplifies them with an extra dose of “cool factor.” That gold sequin skirt you’ve been debating to wear on a night out but felt like a little too much? Or, that sheer mini dress that sat in your closet all winter with the tags on? Now’s the time to embrace them in all of their style glory.

The season kicks off with the height of festival style inspiration –– cue the ultimate party girls who opened the season with Miami Music Week or the trendsetters who will soon flood our newsfeeds with covetable outfits during Coachella. But, festival inspiration doesn’t just mean shopping for the most trend-forward pieces on the market –– the events are known for long days, and comfort is a factor, too. The best festival looks balance style with utility to withstand action-packed schedules spent stage hopping in the sun (and weathering dusty or muddy terrain) –– that’s where trends like moto boots and distressed knitwear come in.

Whether you’re heading to California’s desert this year and in need of a last-minute look or planning in advance for what to wear to Lollapalooza to cap the summer, these are the top trends of festival season 2025 that you’ll want to “add to cart.”

Festival Fashion Trend: Micro Shorts

Don’t let the length (or lack thereof) of micro-shorts stop you from embracing the trend –– not only are they actually surprisingly comfortable but, if there was ever a time to try a daring trend like this, it’s at a music festival. Style a leather pair with complementary leather boots, opt for a breathable knit that lets you move around and dance to your heart’s desire, or bring back your trusty cutoffs, a festival fashion staple that pairs with everything.

Festival Fashion Trend: Statement Belts

Use a statement belt, a big 2025 fashion trend, to bring even the simplest of outfits to the next level. Pair a stamped metal belt with a maxi skirt and a white tank for an effortlessly cool approach, or layer a fringe or corset style over a mini skirt or micro-shorts to make the look go all out.

Festival Fashion Trend: Biker Boots

I can still recall when I attended my first Lollapalooza over a decade ago. Amidst a downpour on night one, my flip-flops got stuck in the mud and the straps snapped off leaving me without footwear. Avoid my mistake and wear durable shoes. If the classic festival-favorite Western boots aren’t quite your thing, opt for knee-high biker boots instead. There’s an array of details –– like platform soles, slouched leather, or buckles –– that can add a touch of personalization to the look.

Festival Fashion Trend: Open Knitwear

Move aside denim jackets, open knitwear is the coolest, lightweight outerwear fabric to hit this festival season. For an edgy, borderline dystopian aesthetic, consider a distressed-look sweater or, for more style impact, a hooded dress. For a more summery, beachy take on the trend, wear coverup-like pieces over swimwear or tank tops. This look was a hit at Miami Music Week and is sure to continue throughout the festivals to come this summer.

Festival Fashion Trend: Babydoll Top

A babydoll top is a sweet, nostalgic trend that’s a perfect styling piece for festival season thanks to the loose-fitting silhouette.  You can lean into the girly aesthetic by pairing it with equally frilly shorts and embellished platform sandals, or tap into juxtaposition by styling it with denim shorts and leather biker boots. If you’re not afraid to show a little skin, try out a tie-front option (which you can layer over a swimsuit top or bra for an extra pop).

Festival Fashion Trend: Pendant Necklace

Pendant necklaces are the perfect accessory for showcasing personality (see zodiac or personalized pieces), complementing a deep V neckline, or acting as the anchor for a cool necklace stack, the ultimate festival look. Plus, you can continue wearing the jewelry pieces long after the festival circuit is over.

Festival Fashion Trend: Gold Finishes

Both on the runways and the festival circuit, gold is the metallic of the moment. For festival season, this look can be achieved through brushed gold knitwear, standout embellishments, or a molten, liquid-like fabric. With a gold outfit, jewelry, and shimmer-oiled skin, you’re set to give goddess energy on the grounds.

Festival Fashion Trend: Asymmetrical Styles

Another runway repeat, asymmetrical styles can easily be adapted from designer runways to festival grounds. (The fabric moves just as beautifully on a catwalk as in the wind at a festival.) This trend can be achieved through a strappy neckline on a tank or bodysuit, with tendril ruffles on the hemline of a mini dress, or edgy slits in a skirt, just to name a few.

Festival Fashion Trend: Graphic Baby Tee

Who can argue against the comfort of a baby tee? Breathable cotton in the heat is always a solid choice –– plus, with a cute graphic, this is the ideal option for the last day of the festival when you’re running solely on adrenaline and a Celsius but still want to look like you put in a dose of effort to your look.

Festival Fashion Trend: Lingerie-Inspired

Between lace being dubbed cool again and garters becoming a styling cue for outside of the bedroom, lingerie-inspired pieces are another top trend for the upcoming festival season. Style a corset-inspired top, a lace slip dress, or a see-through catsuit with a statement belt and Western boots, and you’re good to go.

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As a team with several editors and contributors under 5’4”, we believe that good things can come in small packages. Check back for our go-to places and styling advice on petite denim, outerwear, and so much more.

Being 5’3, I’ve come to (somewhat begrudgingly) accept the fact that most of my jeans will have frayed ends from being dragged along the sidewalk. It’s a look that I can typically get away with — especially when the distressing looks intentional — and I’m willing to sacrifice a clean hem if it means having some solid denim staples in my wardrobe. But my trousers? They don’t get that same grace. Unfortunately, there is simply no disguising it when your wide-leg trousers start pooling at your feet.

For petite shoppers, structured pants demand a fit that is just *right*. Whereas a typical inseam usually falls between 30 and 32 inches, for people who are 5’4″ and under, an inseam should range from 25 to 29 inches, depending on the brand and style. A slightly too-long inseam can make even the most tailored pair look sloppy. And if a high-waisted style hits too low, it can throw off the entire proportion. When you’re working with limited inches, every detail matters.

Over the years, I’ve learned that not all petite-friendly lines are created equal. Some brands get the length right but miss the mark in proportion, while others might nail the fit but are filled with uninspired designs. Luckily, a few retailers have figured out the formula—offering trousers that don’t just skim the floor but actually hit right where they should and are equipped with rises that sit exactly where they’re supposed to.

After extensive online shopping (and research), I’ve stocked my wardrobe with the best pants that don’t require a tailor. Below, my favorite brands to shop for the best petite pairs.

Best Overall Petite Trousers: J. Crew

As a fashion editor, I’m picky about the things I choose to put in my wardrobe. If I’ve made space for it in my tiny NYC apartment, it’s because I know it will be there for years. J.Crew is one of my favorite brands in general, but I especially appreciate how their petite styles aren’t just a shrunken version of regular sizes — they’re thoughtfully designed, with inseams that typically range from 25” to 29”, and the fit always feels spot-on. I’m also a fan of their tailored cuts that look polished. Plus, the fabrics never disappoint, with everything from crisp wool blends to breezy linen holding shape years after purchase.

Best Everyday Petite Trousers: Madewell

Madewell’s petite section is my go-to when I’m after trousers that toe the line between polished and timeless. They offer plenty of styles I can rely on design-wise, and always have a style that feels like a versatile addition to my wardrobe. Their petite trousers typically come with a 27” or 28” inseam. Having tried multiple pairs, I can confirm that the fit is consistently true to petite proportions — with no awkward bunching or dragging. Though the color range is mostly made up of neutrals, the quality makes up for it — think 100% linen or breathable cotton blends.

Best Investment Petite Trousers: Reformation

Reformation’s petite section offers an impressive range. Nearly every pair of pants the brand carries is available in a petite size, with low, mid, and high-rise options to suit different tastes. The inseams range from 27” to 30” and are crafted from luxe materials that look as good as they feel. It’s rare to find such a variety of styles in petite sizing, which, at the time of publishing, range from elegant silk for the evening to breathable linen for the everyday. While some of the pairs aren’t cheap, it’s worth the splurge to invest in something that fits perfectly. These petite styles give me that extra confidence that I won’t be dragging or damaging them as I go about my day, making the investment feel even more worthwhile.

Best Variety for Petite Trousers: Anthropologie

Whether I’m in the mood for something tailored or a little more relaxed, I know I can count on Anthropologie to have plenty of options that feel cool and trendy. The brand’s petite trousers typically come with inseams between 25” and 29”. While the range spans from casual boxer pants to dressier pleated slacks, the brand’s wide-leg, slouchy trousers are my go-to for looking laid-back vibe but not sloppy. Even styles with longer inseams hit that sweet spot where they drape perfectly without overwhelming my frame.

Best Affordable Petite Trousers: Ann Taylor

This is your reminder not to sleep on Ann Taylor. It’s no secret that trousers can be pricey depending on where you shop, so this is always the first stop when I’m on the hunt for affordable petite options that don’t skimp on quality. Ann Taylor’s petite styles come with shorter inseams — usually between 25” and 28” — and in a solid range of cuts, from sleek straight-leg trousers to more relaxed wide-leg styles. I also enjoy that while they tend to stick to neutrals, they’ll mix in fun seasonal shades and patterns that keep things fresh.

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In July 2023, I was laid off from my dream job. I remember the Zoom call like yesterday, the bubble of anxiety in my chest as HR spoke in corporate babble, letting me know my role was eliminated immediately. The way my mind spiraled into a whirlpool of stress and nerves. How my self-confidence slowly deteriorated the longer I went unemployed. The hopelessness I felt after every rejection, every “no,” every “sorry, but you weren’t the right fit.”

My depression felt like existing in a void, where no one could hear me scream or beg for something — anything — to make things better. To reassure my distressed mind that the worst was about to pass and things would return to normal. Things didn’t, of course. It took nine long painful months to find full-time work, and the only thing that kept my sanity together, that kept me from jumping over the (literal) edge, was my Xbox.

It sounds too absurd to be true. How does a gaming console “cure” depression? Well, it didn’t but gaming did disquiet my emotions in ways no other coping mechanism (like journaling) did. It comforted me, like your favorite blanket as a child or that stuffed animal you couldn’t not sleep with. Playing Assassin’s Creed or The Sims was my way of grieving what I had lost or, really, what was taken from me. See, that’s what people don’t tell you about getting laid off; it’s not just the loss of your income, but *so* much of your identity, too.

Playing cozy games was my way of coping with loss. I mean, it’s not like I could attend therapy. (When you don’t have consistent income, therapy isn’t considered an essential like housing or food.) So, what do you do? Play games.

I’m not alone in this either. Research shows that video games offer tons of mental benefits including treatments for depression and anxiety. One 2021 study from Trends Psychology even found that playing casual video games for 20 minutes can help significantly relieve your psychological stress.

“A cozy game that doesn’t stress you out can be a great way to take a break from a hectic day or intrusive thoughts and act as rest and possibly re-energize you for the rest of your day,” Josué Cardona, a licensed therapist and founder of mental health nonprofit Geek Therapy, tells me. “It can improve your mood in the short term depending on how much you enjoy the visuals, sounds, and gameplay.”

During really dark days, I skipped the role-playing and simulation games and opted for something violent like Mortal Kombat because the blood and gore made me feel better. No one would describe Mortal Kombat as “cozy” like they would for Animal Crossing or Unpacking, but for me it was. Fighting games are so satisfying. Something about winning a match (especially after dying in previous rounds!) feels rewarding and just eases my anxiety. It’s like a mini pick-me-up.

When it comes to cozy games, Cardona says it’s important to know that games marketed as cozy will not always necessarily be comforting to you. For example, Stardew Valley, a life simulation game where you play as a farmer, is considered cozy because it’s low stakes and easy. But, I find farming games uber stressful and kind of like homework. When I first played it, I *literally* made a Stardew Valley textbook, and you can never convince me to return to that life phase again.

Sometimes, the best cozy games are just playing your favorite game on the easiest level and having a nice, fun experience. Or maybe mobile games is your vibe because, yes, those can help too. Smartphone games offer similar psychological benefits to console gaming including relaxation, community engagement, and emotional control, according to a 2018 study. Mobile games are also super accessible and convenient. You don’t need a crazy gaming setup that costs bajillion dollars — just your phone, a charger, and you’re able to play anywhere you go.

Ultimately, whether it’s mobile, PC, console, or even in-person board games, gaming is a great way to emotionally and mentally feel better.

Now, should you use gaming as a total replacement for therapy? Umm… perhaps not. Gaming therapy does a lot of things, but it does not help you “process difficult emotions and reach new understandings about life events,” Cardona explains. It’s a solid coping mechanism for feeling better, but it doesn’t help address or heal trauma like a therapist would. Plus, there’s a super fine line between gaming as stress relief and a form of escapism.

I myself have crossed this line many, many, many times. It felt good to bury my emotions in The Sims and distract myself from the dumpster fire that was real life. And that wasn’t totally a bad thing. “Escape, in terms of taking a break and resting or seeking safety, is a necessary part of healing,” Cardona notes. But you can’t escape forever and at some point, you need to address the cause of your pain because it’s not going anywhere.

I learned that the hard way. I may have felt temporarily better both during and after playing, but my depression didn’t just stop once I powered off my controller. My feelings of worthlessness and suicidality didn’t go *poof* just because I played The Sims for a bajillion hours straight. No, I needed professional health — and yes, I eventually got it. Cardona recommends finding a therapist who offers free or reduced-price services or attending group therapy sessions as they’re often cheaper. “Improved sleep and regular exercise are truly gamechangers when it comes to mental health, and while very difficult, they can be the most affordable means to improve mental health,” he adds.

But if you are in a situation like I was and can’t afford therapy, gaming can help in some form. I know not everyone (most of us, really) has the luxury of seeing a therapist. We have to make do with what we have, which sometimes are games. So, if playing The Last of Us makes you feel better, then dammit go ahead and kill some effing zombies.

It’s been 18 months since I was first laid off and I’ve been laid off again (yes, lol). But I’m okay this go-around. When I feel down because I have my moments, I have my Xbox right next to me for a lil mood booster. If things get super dark, my therapist is on my speed dial. But I don’t think I’ll need her — I have my games and they mentally have me.

If you are thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Suicide Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433.

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Most conversations about the carbon footprint of a building focus on the activities that go…

The post Embodied Carbon: What Is It and Why Is It Important? appeared first on Earth911.

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Whichever music festival you’re heading to this summer, three things will always be true: You will be on your feet for hours, there will be a distinct lack of shade (or if there is, it’s already spoken for), and you will need to drink more water than you anticipate. From the deserts of Coachella and Stagecoach to the open-air parks and fields of Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, water is liquid gold. Take it from me — I’ve been camping at music festivals every summer since I was 15 and know that the more hydrated you are, the more dancing you can do, the longer you can last as the sun goes down, and the fresher you’ll feel in the morning (despite all the lukewarm pints you drank and your camp mates’ endless snoring). And so, at the very top of my packing list every year is a reusable water bottle to keep my water fresh for longer, and to limit my plastic usage.

However, not all water bottles are made equally. I am the proud owner of five, but so far, none has proven itself festival-worthy in my eyes — they are either just too big, bulky, and heavy to carry, cause spillages, or have open-air straw tops which I don’t want to risk with the dust, dirt, and grime of festival life. So, recently, when I was introduced to a new brand — one that seemed to tick all my festival needs — my interest was piqued.

That brand is TAL, which is Walmart’s number one water bottle brand. Its latest collection seems designed with festival goers in mind, and every kind of festival goer at that. Consider TAL’s lightweight designs, touch-free, flip-up straws and covered spouts to stop germs getting in, secure, leak-proof lids with double locks, easy carry loops and handles, and fun, funky colorways and patterns. Not to mention, incredibly reasonable prices — most of TAL’s bottles are $15 and under, and the most expensive is $35. Compare this to the eyewatering costs of its competitors, and I’m sold. After all, when shopping for a music festival, I don’t want to be spending more on my water bottle than I do my official festival merch.

Read on to discover my highlights from TAL’s latest collection.

TAL Stainless Steel Ranger Water Bottle with Easy Sip Straw

This is TAL’s classic design, now upgraded for festival season in a range of shimmery shades (along with the OG colors, there are now 15 options to suit every taste). It’s quickly become my go-to, everyday bottle; partly because of how slim it is and therefore how comfortable it is to hold, but also because it’s easy to slide into a packed bag and is totally leak-free (I’ve been testing it out in my work bag and on long weekend hikes to be sure). Not to forget the flip-up, touch-free straw that is locked in place by a silicone flap. This solves the exposed straw and spout situation that often befalls reusable water bottles. The cherry on top is the price: This bottle is only $11 — a bargain!

TAL Stainless Steel Ranger Water Bottle

Now, a big bottle like this may seem counterintuitive when packing for a music festival, but hear me out. This is ideal for festival campers — do away with the thin and flimsy plastic water containers you panic buy every year, and instead invest in a big solid and secure stainless steel bottle like this (it holds 64 oz, btw). Its round spout is perfect for filling up at the water fountain, the large loop makes carrying your precious cargo back through camp a breeze, and it will keep your water fresh and cold for ages, even in a hot tent (top tip: fill up on water before you head out for the day, and that way you don’t have to queue up first thing in the morning). Bonus: The large screw top opening is perfect for adding ice to your water if you’re able to secure some at your festival. Plus, it’s not as heavy as it looks when empty — I would clip it onto my backpack with a carabiner to save space.

TAL Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler

This is for the thrifty festival-goers who love their fun drinks kept ice-cold. Rather than settling for a plastic cup that gets increasingly warmer by the hour, pour your drinks into one of TAL’s wine tumblers (again, with ice if you can find it — I tested mine out on a particularly warm day and my G&T stayed crisp for several hours). Once you’re done, you can take the straw out, slide over the opening cover and throw the tumbler in your bag. (My cherry print tumbler is not yet live, but watch this space for new releases.)

TAL Stainless Steel Hudson Tumbler with Straw

The Hudson Tumbler is one of TAL’s bestsellers, with over 3,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the Walmart website. I can totally see why. TAL has thought of everything, from the sturdy and solid body (which is also surprisingly lightweight) to the grippy base to stop it tipping over, and the auto-closing seal when you take out the straw, which stops any spillages. I reckon this is perfect for those traveling a significant distance to their music festival, whether that’s by plane or car. It’s quickly become my favorite at-home water bottle and now lives on my bedside table.

TAL Stainless Steel Paracord Handle Water Bottle

Thanks to this sturdy, reinforced handle, made with a thick, woven paracord, there’s no chance your water bottle is going to break on you — even when clipped to your day bag and bounced along with all your dancing. Again, TAL wins for its foldaway spout and double lock technology to stop any leaks, no matter how hard you’re headbanging. (Alternatively, it makes for a cute accessory when walking through camp to the water tap.)

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Feel that? Spring is in the air, and so is our wardrobe refresh. Though the season officially starts in late March, this month, we finally shed winter’s brisk clutches and stepped into our truest spring selves. From floral fragrances to pointelle tops to sheer tinted balms, the forecast is fresh; just peep our team’s favorite recent purchases (and the occasional gifted gem we loved so much we’ll repurchase with our own money).

Every month, our professional online shoppers (aka Refinery29 editors) reveal the smartest buys across fashion, beauty, home, and more so you can see — and shop! — what we’re loving right here, right now. Sure, we love splurging on timeless pieces we’ll keep for years, but nothing beats the thrill of a steal under $100. Here are our top picks from last month.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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History has been made. “I yield the floor,” New Jersey Senator Cory Booker concluded after his 25-hour speech protesting the Donald Trump administration on Tuesday, April 1. Booker first announced his extended return to the United States Senate floor in a TikTok video titled “Good Trouble,” referencing the renowned philosophy first introduced by late U.S. Representative and Civil Rights activist John Lewis. In the months since Trump was sworn in as president, he has demolished federal DEI programs, laid off hundreds of government workers, spearheaded unlawful ICE arrests, and tanked the economy. So, why does it seem like barely anyone (Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are notable exceptions) in the Democratic Party is fighting back with the same vigor and passion as Booker? The stakes are incredibly high. It’s no coincidence that the majority of the politicians getting in the most “good trouble” are Black. Aside from Booker, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett has also used her platform to speak up — loudly and unequivocally — against Trump, his administration, and billionaire Elon Musk. Are Booker’s and Crockett’s protests working? And where do the Democrats go from here?

Reeling from the past two and a half months of the Trump presidency, lethargic voters nationwide were yearning for change within the Democratic Party. According to a recent Harvard Caps Harris poll, only 37 percent of voters approve of the Democratic Party, one of the lowest ratings since March 2018, aside from February 2025. Seventy-one percent of voters called for new political party leaders, with 57 percent of the polled identifying as Democrats. Booker then took to the chamber floor to challenge waning stats only days after the poll was released. In his “Good Trouble” video, Booker commented, “I’ve been hearing from people all over my state and indeed all over the nation calling upon folks in Congress to do more.”

A true test of endurance, the 55-year-old Senator didn’t eat, drink, or use the restroom throughout his speech delivery to prioritize the needs of the American people before his own. In an interview with MSNBC, Booker expressed, “That was really what I was dreaming of is that somehow I can strike a chord that weren’t the normal left/right debates.” In a powerful parallel, the speech that preceded Booker’s record-breaking moment was former South Carolina Governor Strom Thurmond, a white man who aimed to halt the Civil Rights Act of 1957 from being passed. During a 24-hour-long filibuster, Thurmond expressed his disapproval of enacting the Civil Rights bill into law, stating, “No new right is granted by the bill.”

Succeeding the segregationist argument 67 years later, Booker, the first Black Senator of New Jersey, challenged Thurmond’s stance not just through his words but through his mere existence. Mentioning Thurmond’s previous record, Booker acknowledged, “The man [Thurmond] who tried to stop the rights upon which I stand.” He concluded, “I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful.” In his speech, Booker used unifying rhetoric that centered on the everyday working-class person. He raised concerns about the heightening rate of inflation, the cost of Trump’s across-the-board tariff wars, and the potential cuts to Medicaid, all topics from a 1,164-page document prepared by Booker and his staff. This is the type of action that people who voted for the Democrats have demanded, especially following the protest of Democratic Congressman Al Green for repeatedly disrupting Trump’s joint address to Congress. “You see how 10 Democrats voted to censure Al Green? There’s no trust,” wrote one frustrated voter on X. As Booker recounted over 200 stories from the American public grappling with an unstable political landscape, he revisited the quote, “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

Booker’s address was powerful, and there’s no doubt that it ignited something that the Democrats have been missing: a fighting spirit. But he’s still a politician, not a celebrity, and a stunt is just the beginning. If Booker’s aim is really to embolden the power of the people, he still needs to answer to some of his critics, like the people who oppose his acceptance of money from AIPAC or some of the inconsistencies in his voting record. “Booker’s speech almost got me,” racial, social, and gender justice educator Ericka Hart wrote on Instagram. “I want Cory Booker to denounce the apartheid state of Israel and stop accepting AIPAC money. It’s antithetical to speak against one dictator while accepting money from a lobbying group that supports a dictator.” What Booker did on that Senate floor was necessary, inspiring, and important. But he’s not perfect — no politician is — and in this critical moment of political unrest, as we are rightfully praising Booker’s actions against Trump, we also need to hold him accountable for his own. Two things can be true. Standing up to Trump is the bare minimum, and like Booker, the rest of his party should be following suit.

 Along with Booker and Green, Black congresspeople seem to be the most willing to rise to the occasion and go hard against the Trump administration. In the past few months, Crockett, known for her civic outspokenness, has also been making headlines regarding her social justice stances and vocal disagreements with her Republican political adversaries — some of these interactions have gone viral. Crockett’s usage of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in publicized debates and refusal to code-switch remains at the core of the criticism against her. Yet, she never fails to speak her mind. “If you are competent, you are not concerned,” Crockett fiercely relayed in an interview on anti-DEI policies. “You know why I don’t feel a way, and you can’t make me doubt who I am? It’s because I know I had to work ten times as hard as they did just to get into the seat,” she said. In a recent House Judiciary meeting, Crockett expressed her disdain for Elon Musk, reinforcing how much she didn’t like him and his leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). “That is somebody that is operating above the law,” she said while calling out U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s “tread very carefully” comments made on Fox News.

Speaking out against the powerful, rich men running the U.S. government is imperative, and the fact that Crockett, a Black woman, is doing so while being unapologetically herself is nothing short of remarkable and radical.

A first-generation lawyer, Crockett served as a Civil Rights attorney for over 15 years, determined to make her voice heard and advocate for the voices who have been suppressed. But choosing to remain a vocal figure in the controversial realm of politics has its consequences. Crockett recently came under fire for referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as “Governor Hot Wheels” but denied ableist claims in a series of X posts. “I wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition- I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable,” she responded. In an Instagram Live Congressional Culture Convo with Meagan Good, the 44-year-old Congresswoman declared that her recent criticisms were national distractions, stating, “They are expending so much time and energy on me instead of talking about the things that matter. I’m not the President of the United States.” She’s right, but once again, no politician is above reproach. We can applaud Crockett’s stances and still acknowledge when she makes a misstep. We just know the standards are always way higher for Black women, and when she makes mistakes, she’s even more vulnerable to an onslaught of hate.

It’s inspiring that in the face of this pressure and double standards, Crockett continues to speak up. And that  Booker’s trailblazing address came on the heels of a growing movement. On Saturday, April 5, thousands of anti-Trump “Hands Off!” protests erupted across the globe to combat the current administration’s recent policies. “Way to go, US!” a user wrote on social media. After months of relative silence and the depressing notion that the Democrats and their supporters were passively accepting the scary new reality ushered in by the Trump administration, it’s heartening to know that inside Congress — and in the streets — the power seems to be shifting back to the people. The revolution will continue to be televised.

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March has come and gone, bringing a sense of renewal alongside a flurry of irresistible sales. Our readers have been busy snapping up spring deals left and right, from the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale to Nordstrom’s savings event. It’s clear that investing in skincare devices and high-quality makeup are high on our readers’ priority lists as we settle into a new season, eager to refresh our routines and embrace the promise of warmer days.

But this past month wasn’t just about the beauty bargains. Spring has also ushered in a wave of fashion trends, with the cowgirl aesthetic continuing to ride high, thanks in part to Beyoncé’s forthcoming Cowboy Carter tour. Our readers have been quick to embrace this trend, adding rustic cowboy boots and eye-catching leather belts to their carts. Meanwhile, home products also got tons of love, with small-space storage solutions and WFH furniture getting solid traction from our shopping stories. Our readers seemed to be keen to spruce up their living spaces as spring cleaning season hits full speed.

Read ahead as we dive right into the most popular products that captured your attention in March, based on anonymous data gathered from our stories. Whether you’re looking to update your beauty routine, refresh your wardrobe, or revamp your home, these picks are sure to inspire your springtime buys.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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