It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to dissect every single morsel coming out of the Villa on season seven of Love Island USA, airing on Peacock right now. (I personally dedicate more than I’d like to admit to this.) There’s also not much that the growing (and growingly divided) audience universally agrees on — except the fact that Ariana Madix looks amazing, whether it’s in a molten bronze maxi with a Rapunzel-worthy braid, in a hot pink LaQuan Smith cut-out dress, or in a red latex mini as her newly-discovered brunette alter ego.

The reality TV star and Love Island superfan has leveled up her fashion for her sophomore season as host. Her secret weapon? Content creator and stylist Emily Men, whom Madix has been working with since season 10 of Vanderpump Rules. (Fun fact: They connected through fellow Bravo star Lindsay Hubbard.) Having already collaborated on Love Island looks last summer, they didn’t feel the pressure to one-up themselves fashion-wise, even with all the attention the show’s gotten since season six. “That being said,” Madix says, “I definitely feel like we’ve still somehow managed to [bring] it.”

Men describes herself as “very go-with-the-flow,” and she wasn’t particularly concerned with people’s expectations. “Working from last season to this season, I didn’t change anything because my philosophy is: Whether it’s Love Island, a press thing, whatever, just pull what’s best out there,” she says. “Whenever I’m looking and sourcing, it’s always what looks the best. I’m not super strategic with it.”

The main difference between seasons six and seven, Men adds, is that she and Madix started sending each other ideas during the off-season, compiling a folder of inspiration that served as a starting point for the wardrobe. “We want to have an element of surprise, which I think we do execute, but it’s still Love Island,” she notes. “It’s still tropical, so the obvious things come to mind.”

“I was saving a lot of crochet, a lot of very mermaid looks,” Madix says, “some muted dusty pinks and blues.”

As a Love Island connoisseur, Madix is quite familiar with the sartorial language of the show, which influences how she dresses as the host. “It doesn’t have to always be bright colors, but it’s got to be something,” she says. “It can’t just be a nice dress. It always has an element — if it’s a pink dress, it’s a pink dress with my whole stomach cut out and my whole back out; if it’s going to be a darker color, it’s going to look like I just came from outer space…. Everything is a look.”

If she were to sum up her Love Island wardrobe, it would come down to: “Strong looks, bright colors, and sexy. Always sexy. I come to Fiji with pounds of boob inserts.”

While the two are very in tune on the types of looks they want, the show’s production schedule presents logistical challenges. For one, the clothes need to be in Fiji for the duration of filming, from the beginning of June through mid-July. “It can be a bit of a struggle to narrow down what’s available [for that long] and what [we can] get our hands on,” Madix says. “You think, ‘Oh yeah, host of Love Island, all these cool outfits, everyone’s just giving things’ — it’s not as easy. So many of those fashion houses are like, ‘Oh, it’s a reality show? No.’”

Two months is a long time to cede a sample, but this is a production that has continuously broken viewership records, with Peacock reporting that 39% of those tuning in are new to the show — especially after season six, which was so successful and beloved, its cast members are getting a spin-off. You can’t log onto any social media platform “every day but hump day” without seeing posts about what the current Islanders are up to (and the audience’s assessment of the drama unfolding onscreen).

Madix’s wardrobe ends up being a mix of pieces Men borrows from showrooms, is gifted, thrifts, or finds online. “The colorful rainbow disc one — that one was from a small business that I found on Etsy,” she says.

They’ll have a fitting about a week or two before Madix heads out to Fiji. Men will then tailor everything to Madix’s measurements and do a second fitting to make sure everything’s good. “Once we decide that these are the looks, I’ll start to accessorize — shoes, jewelry,” Men continues. “Then I send off a PDF of all the looks. Some things change, because sometimes I’m not able to try on rings and that kind of stuff, but I [map it out] as best as I can. It’ll even show ‘right hand, left hand, helix piercing, whatever side faces the camera more.’” She’s not in Fiji with Madix, so those in-real-time adjustments are at the hands of Emily Abbey and Karissa Loveday, the on-set wardrobe team that gets her ready for filming; though they’re all on a WhatsApp group together, where they’ll send pictures, chime in on changes, and communicate what’s happening in real time.

For her part, Madix will keep all her options on a rack, so she can remain flexible and make game-time decisions. “Let’s say there are 10 more times I’m going to be going in — ‘Okay, well, we don’t want two gold [looks] next to each other.’ We try to stagger everything,” she says. “Sometimes we think, ‘This might be good for [Love Island:] Aftersun. Oh, but we wanted to have a moment. Is this now going to be a game [look]? Is it a daytime thing?’ We’re changing in real time sometimes.”

She also thinks about why she’s going inside the Villa. “Night one, we go sparkly — something that feels sexy but also fun and celebratory,” Madix explains. “When I came in this season for America’s Vote, when Charlie got dumped, I was very much leaning into, ‘I know someone’s going home tonight, I’m coming in delivering America’s Vote, and it’s going to be intense.’ Then Casa Amor Recoupling, it was sexy, but also I wanted to feel kind of dangerous, because it’s one of those nights that can go many different directions, but usually is pretty intense. When I came in to introduce Casa Amor, it’s like, ‘This is a daytime look. I want it to be bright. I want it to be fun. I’m having fun with them. No one’s going home.’”

Another very real consideration for Madix: “Sometimes I’m in my luteal phase, so I don’t want to wear a certain outfit — I’m here long enough to be on two periods. That type of stuff affects [outfit decisions] as well.”

This season, Madix and Men have been able to call upon friends, like L.A.-based designer and seamstress Taylor Cox, who made her custom beaded crystal mesh gown for night one. They’ve also had a lot of fun experimenting with new looks, like Madix’s “Leather and Lace” party ensemble. “I had two options for that night, one of which was a black lace bodysuit with a black leather corset, harnesses, and bunny ears. But then we tried on the red dress and the coat, and Emily found some amazing accessories online,” Madix says. “I thought, ‘Wow, to casually wear a ball gag as a necklace — chef’s kiss.’”

“I was just ordering random stuff,” Men admits. “It was funny because a lot of people didn’t catch it, but then a lot of people did. It was just something subtle.”

The duo also gives props to the hair and makeup team, Carl Cambridge and Krystal Dawn, the former being responsible for Madix’s brunette locks for the “Leather and Lace” party. “You need all the components,” Men says. “You need all the elements for it all to go together. So it’s amazing that we’re able to form this great team.”

Madix and Men still have a few tricks up their sleeves for what remains of the season. “There are a couple of things that are pretty epic that I hope we have a moment for,” Madix teases, adding that there’s a hard-shell top moment she’s excited to wear.

“Love Island is fun because there are so many looks in one show,” Men notes. “[There are] so many different moods and so many different types of styles. We love to mix and match. Some people take fashion too seriously, but, at the end of the day, it’s fun, and you should be able to wear all the things you want to wear.”

“Now,” Madix says, “we got to think about, ‘Well, where do we go from here?’”

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In the words of The Fresh Prince [Will Smith] and DJ Jazzy Jeff, it’s officially “summer, summer, summertime.” And for award-winning actress Regina Hall, this season is all about the cookout — firing up the grill, making memories and taking in all the good vibes with family and friends.

The D.C. native has a career spanning more than two decades, delivering unforgettable performances in Black cultural staples from hilarious comedies like Girls Trip to heartfelt dramas including The Best Man and Love & Basketball.

Beyond the screen, she has built a legacy as a creative force and a champion for stories that feel real and relatable. But for all the standout moments throughout her career, it’s the memories tied to food, family and friendship that she holds closest.

That’s why she partnered with Bounty to build her ultimate cookout — from the ribs to the clean-up crew — and let us in on how everyone has an important role at the function. However, for Regina, it’s not just about the food. It’s also about protecting your peace, finding joy in the little things and feeding your spirit as much as your plate.

So we had to ask: What’s going on her plate and what’s really feeding her soul these days, and in true Regina fashion, she didn’t hold back.

Unbothered: What’s a dish you have to have at a cookout, no matter what?

Regina Hall: There are probably three, I would say. And that’s for me. You’ve got to have barbecue, and you have to have burgers, but also you’ve got to have ribs and wings. I know that’s three things, but it’s really one thing. I have to have baked beans, and if you can keep it hot, I really love mac and cheese. I also like potato salad, depending on who makes it and how it’s prepared.

What’s your unspoken role at the cookout?

RH: Taste tester. I like to eat all the food. I can’t stand messiness, and I hate to be at a cookout and you have to clean everything at the end of the night. I am probably someone who helps everybody. If I were throwing the cookout or if my friend were throwing the cookout, I would be the one helping with the cleanup and making sure people aren’t being wasteful. I can’t stand when people waste water, drink this much and then go get another one. I really can’t stand wasted paper towels either, where I’m like, “You barely used it. Fold it up and use it again.” I don’t like waste, so I would be the one cleaning up. That’s my role.

Beyond food, what’s something that’s been feeding your soul lately?

RH: I always love reading books that teach me really practical things. There’s a book I read recently called The Let Them [Theory] that I liked, allowing people to do… without it affecting you and getting upset. Like, “Let them.” And I love summertime, because it’s a good time to be outdoors. I enjoy being in nature; I like to walk, and I love the sunshine. I think waking up to sunshine is wonderful. I enjoy being outside, and I actually love cookouts because they’re a chance to spend time with friends and family. It’s the social aspect of healing that is, and the sense of community. So those things are really, really healing for me. Or soul feeding, I should say.

That’s a good point and brings me to my next question. What did the cookouts of your childhood teach you about family, belonging or joy?

RH: I think it’s more than what they taught me. I mean, they just were. They gave me aspects of joy and aspects of family, and what I think I gained from that was an understanding of how important those things are to my life and how much I value them. I’ve lost family members, I’ve lost my mom, so the importance of memories and the importance of making time, making it special. Food, celebration, friendship, all the things that you remember more than anything. Right? More than money.

I have incredible memories. The truth is, my mom was like me. My mom was a Virgo, so my mom was incredibly neat. That’s why she’s like, “You don’t clean up when you finish, you clean up as you go.” So I think it’s just the importance of family and the importance of memories, dancing and laughter. Everything that you grow up and realize are the truest treasures of life.

Absolutely. I lost my mom too, but when I do certain things, I hear her voice. Or to your point, you incorporate her teachings into your daily life.

RH: Yes, and what about things that you didn’t do? Do you remember when your mom would say things like, “Turn off all those lights. Why do you have all the lights burning?” Or my mom would be like, “Stop using so many paper towels.” But you weren’t paying bills then, so you didn’t really know. All those things that you heard, that you didn’t necessarily realize that you were digesting into your being, you hear it now, and you kind of do it, even something as simple as making your bed. It’s a really interesting thing to watch yourself hear and become from your mom or your loved one.

Yes, I definitely understand that. And has there ever been a season where you realized you were giving too much and you needed to refill your own plate first?

RH: I think there are periods of life like that. Maybe if you feel like, “Oh, I’m working a lot.” Not that the work is too much, but you’re like, “Oh, I need to relax so that I can enjoy the work.” Or you say, “Gosh, I haven’t spent enough time with friends,” or “Maybe I need to do something where I need to nurture my body a little bit more,” whether it’s with a diet. Not a diet, as in not eating, but rather a focus on healthy things and exercise.

I think life means that you’re always searching for balance. And at one point, this could be an imbalance, and you might say, “Oh, I haven’t done this and I haven’t done that.” So there are always times, and I think your heart and your spirit remind you. If I’m going too hard and I’m not listening, my body will just catch a cold or something. Life will slow me down in some way, and so I’ve learned to listen to that.

It’s all interconnected. Like you said, once you start listening to your body, it gives you that warning to slow down.

RH: And after a couple of times of not listening, you’re like, “All right, I get it. I’m going to listen from now on.”

Exactly. And what are the little joys you protect no matter what?

RH: I always make sure I take some time for solitude. That’s really important for me. I love quiet, because that’s when I think, or don’t think, and hear. I love my friends and I love food. My joys are really simple. It’s probably a lot less complicated than most, or maybe I assume that.

Also, I protect my food at all costs, I’ll tell you that much. (laughs) My hairstylist is an amazing cook, and I begged her to cook for me, so she cooked, and the food was so good. If someone had said, “Can I have one?” “No. No!” I will say no, because it’s easy for me to share a lot of things, but not food. But I’m always begging for someone else’s food, so I’m hypocritical in that way.

I feel you on that! (laughs) My last question. What would younger Regina be surprised to know about your life today?

RH: Oh my gosh. She’d be surprised about it all. You know, young Regina probably thought, Oh, this was going to happen at this age. “Oh, by 26 I’m going to do that, and then by 29 I’ll be married, and then by 30 I’ll have 1.1 kids. I’ll have my second one at 32. I’ll be a mogul at 33.” I mean, I don’t know. But she would be happy to know that I was happy.

In many ways, my life is beyond my wildest dreams, and in some ways it’s not what I imagined at all. But the biggest thing would be that I have good friends. I have great people in my life. Professionally and personally, I have amazing people in my life. Young Regina would be very happy to know that she made some good choices because she spent a lot of time in the clubs. She could have made some bad ones.

I try to tell my nieces and nephews that every decision always comes with a consequence, so be careful and mindful of the decisions you make.

RH: Every decision.

Your life can go right or left depending on your choices.

RH: Yes. Yes, yes! That goes from grade school to high school to college. I’ve always had really good friends.

Your support system means a lot.

RH: And you know what? My mama always knew. They always know who’s good for you and who’s not. I don’t know how moms know. I’d wonder, “How’d you know?” It’s amazing how they know. But yeah, that’s been really good.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

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We’re deep into Fourth of July sales, and Aritzia’s annual Summer Sale is one not to miss. Now, through July 6, the TikTok-viral, Gen Z-approved retailer is offering 20% to 50% off sitewide (excluding collaborations), with markdowns on all the best summer must-haves, from breezy dresses and oversized button-downs to airy pants built for scorching days.

That means plenty of under-$100 finds — including easy slip dresses, crisp cotton tops, wide-leg trousers, and bike shorts made for heatwave errands. Whether you’re rounding out your summer wardrobe, elevating your vacation outfits, or just need an excuse to try the cult-favorite Effortless Pant, this is your moment. Scroll on to shop the standout pieces before sizes sell out.

Aritzia Summer Sale Dresses

Take the stress out of dressing up with versatile summer dresses that work for office days, weekend plans, and destination getaways. From button-down minis to wrap midis and easy cotton maxis, Aritzia’s on-sale styles — especially from Babaton and Wilfred — are breathable, lightweight, and island-ready.

Aritzia Summer Sale Tops

Round out your summer rotation with staple tops like Wilfred going-out blouses, relaxed Babaton button-downs, and picnic-ready Sunday Best tanks. The wide range of on-sale designs may make it difficult to narrow down to just one pick. Luckily, the steep discounts will allow you to cart up several styles, even if you’re staying under a $100 budget.

Aritzia Summer Sale Pants

If there was ever a time to grab hold of Aritizia’s The Effortless Pant, it’s now. The high-waisted trouser — offered in several fabrics, colors, and lengths — is a fan-favorite, and now you can try them for yourself while many are 20% off. We’re also eyeing discounted breezy wide-leg pants and trendy denim for everyday summer ‘fits.

Aritzia Summer Sale Shorts & Skirts

Yep, you can also find the beloved Effortless Short on sale, too. Find mini, mid-thigh, and Bermuda lengths of the front-pleated design for under $100. Also, be on the lookout for discounted skirts like ‘90s-inspired slip styles and milkmaid-esque tiered maxis.

Aritzia Summer Sale Activewear

Don’t sleep on the retailer’s Golden activewear line, which offers tons of cute matching sets to take you through the summer. Already reasonably priced compared to competitors, now you can find styles for as low as $15. So if you’re looking for separates or workout dresses, now’s the time to try the line, including the extra-soft Butter fabric and athleisure Life styles.

Shop full Aritzia Summer Sale

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Peru’s fashion roots run way deeper than the average trend cycle. Long before global runways, Indigenous communities like the Paracas and the Inca were weaving history, identity, and meaning into textiles using techniques passed down for generations. With natural fibers like alpaca and prima cotton, handwoven patterns, and natural dyes, Peruvian craftsmanship has quietly shaped the global fashion landscape for years. Designers all over the world have long looked to Peru for texture, quality, and inspiration — even if they haven’t always credited where that inspiration came from.

What’s exciting today is that Peruvian-owned brands are stepping into the spotlight and telling their own stories. They’re not just supplying materials or serving as inspiration to the rest of the world, but building their own fashion identities. Whether it’s through reimagined traditional silhouettes, collaborations with local artisans, or the thoughtful use of native fibers, these brands are helping position Peru as a leader in global fashion.

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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If you’re in the habit of spritzing perfume on your wrists, you’re missing out on a key piece of real estate: your hair. As a fragrance-obsessed editor, I find hair perfumes to be a vastly underrated category. They come at a snip of the price of eaux de parfum — which typically feature a higher fragrance oil concentration — making them a low-commitment way to trial a new signature scent and a great option for gifting. Unlike traditional perfumes, hair perfumes typically contain little to no alcohol and instead boast moisturizing, shine-enhancing ingredients that help nourish rather than dry out your ends.

Standing at just 5 ft tall, I’ve come to learn that my hair often makes the first impression when I talk to taller people. Having hair that smells amazing feels like a small but meaningful way to make a good first impression. I personally find that my hair holds on to scent molecules longer than my skin does, especially in the summer when I’m sweating a lot in the heat. Not only are hair perfumes great for scent layering, but they also leave a lovely trail when I move around.

Ahead, I’ve rounded up a list of hair perfumes I’ll always keep on my beauty shelf.

Initio Parfums Privés Atomic Rose Hair Perfume, $93

This intensely feminine hair mist is by far my most complimented perfume. I always get told that I “smell so expensive” when I hug someone while wearing this scent. Bulgarian rose, bergamot, jasmine, and pink pepper form the basis of this sensual and spicy floral scent, which lingers on my hair for hours and has incredible projection. I’d say that because of how heady the rose heart notes are, it’s more suitable for nighttime wear.

Ellis Brooklyn Peaches Hair and Body Fragrance Mist, $48 $36

Peaches is the hair perfume equivalent of a refreshing cocktail on an unbearably hot and sticky afternoon. It has a candy-like initial blast, but the dry down is surprisingly photorealistic: juicy peach notes smell exactly like the actual fruit, while orris and ambrette musk bring a skin-like intimacy that reminds me of peach fuzz. It’s an ideal beach perfume that feels carefree and flirty, without being too much.

Diptyque Do Son Hair Mist, $76

Do Son needs no introduction. This gorgeous white floral scent is a classic for good reason: it has a linear scent profile that’s equal parts elegant and distinctive, thanks to intoxicating tuberose, gardenia and orange blossom. The hair mist version is heavily slept on, in my opinion: the hit of tuberose is just as potent, and the packaging is equally beautiful as the full-size eau de parfum.

Phlur Vanilla Smoke Body & Hair Mist, $25

Vanilla Smoke marks an interesting deviation from the sweet gourmand perfumes that Phlur has helped popularize in the last couple of years. The scent is still anchored by warm and comforting vanilla, but smoky incense and sappy birch are here to inject depth and personality. The result is a woody, spicy aroma that almost smells like a burning vanilla candle. It’s so unique and elevated, especially considering the $25 price tag.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Hair Perfume, $82

I reach for this crowd-pleaser of a scent when I need to impress. The bergamot, mandarin, and orange top notes lift my mood at first spray, and as the scent dries down, my nose is hit with an exquisite concoction of rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang. I love catching whiffs of this every time I move my head, and it helps me feel more self-assured. I’m glad that Chanel has retained its chic glass bottle and square cap, as many luxury brands package hair perfumes in a plain-looking aerosol bottle.

Gisou Lavender Berry Honey Infused Hair Perfume, $25

Gisou’s hair perfumes are my go-to for when I’m getting ready for bed. There’s something about making my hair smell like delicious honey that helps calm my thoughts, not to mention nourish the hair and boost shine. I carry the mini version of the lavender and blackberry scent on my travels; I’m convinced it helps me fall asleep faster.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Hair Perfume, $85

If you can’t get enough of clean, musky perfumes, this Byredo classic is the one. There’s a reason Mojave Ghost is enduringly popular: it envelopes you in a cloud of magnolia, cedar, and musk that smells so alluring on freshly-showered hair. I like spraying this liberally onto my paddle brush and pulling it through my hair.

Le Monde Gourmand Lait De Coco Hair & Body Mist, $28

It doesn’t get any more summery than this coconut-based scent. I’m normally not a fan of sweet gourmand perfumes, but here the combination of coconut, vanilla praline, and bergamot really works to create something that smells delicious and inviting without coming off as cloying or juvenile.

Parfums De Marly Delina Hair Mist, $93

Delina is an all-time R29 editor favorite; we can’t get enough of this sweet-yet-sophisticated fragrance, which greets the nose with a buoyant cocktail of lychee, peonies, rose, and rhubarb. I’m very happy to report that this fruity floral scent hits just as hard in hair perfume format. In fact, the creamy vanilla and cashmeran base notes smell more prominent on the hair. This is a great one to pop in the purse for fun summer plans, from festivals to picnics and garden parties.

Ruka Hair Perfume, $35

I spritz this scent in place of a leave-in conditioner or hair oil when the weather gets too hot. It contains mongongo oil, an ingredient from Zambia that is rich in nourishing vitamin E and omega-6. There’s also aloe vera, which prevents breakage. My hair immediately feels softer after using this, and the refreshing coconut and musk scent is simply gorgeous.

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