Kirsten Dunst Just Recycled a Dress More Than a Decade Old

In our opinion, there are few things as criminally underrated as shopping your own closet for events. If you looked BOMB in that dress a couple of years back, why not dig it right out and sport it again? After all, getting photographed twice isn’t a crime — it’s actually very, very smart and celebs do it all the time. Case in point: When Elle Fanning wore her Cannes dress to prom. Kirsten Dunst is the latest celeb to show off her frugal side.

In an appearance at Paris Couture Fashion Week, Kirsten wore a dress that looked very familiar — but only for those with a very long memory.

The Fargo actress’s dress that she wore in the front row at this week’s Chopard event is a repeat from 2004. Her white Christian Lacroix minidress made its first debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party 13 YEARS AGO.

But everything old is new again with some styling tricks. Kirsten switched things up at the beginning of the night, donning a black blazer with only a little bit of the dress peaking out of the bottom.

And not only was her dress a much-loved favorite, but her shoes are old reliables that she’s been wearing since 2007. In fact, according to her stylists Nina and Clare Hallworth, the only thing new about Kirsten’s look was her Chopard diamond necklace. And since the stylists have been with their client since the early 2000s, it’s likely that they had a hand in the original look.

If you’re inspired by the ethereal minidress, take a tip from the pros: It’s never something you just fished out from the back of your closet. It’s “vintage” you!

What do you think of Dunst’s look? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t People; photo via Samir Hussein / Getty and Jean-Paul Aussenard / WireImage)

Blake Lively was just spotted living her best life vacationing in Capri, Italy donning the cutest one-piece swimsuit – in perhaps one of the most unexpected colors for the season!

Miss Blake took a break from filming A Simple Favor 2 to board a boat (jealous!) wearing a bold coral swimmie from Gooseberry Intimates – and I was immediately convinced 2024 is finally the year of one-piece swimsuits. Ugh, her power!

Unlike most celebrity style we're seeing these days, Blake's swimsuit is super easy to track down and is fairly accessible price-wise. Below, find all the details you need to know about Blake's one-and-done vacay look before you snag the ultimate swim staple for yourself.

Shop Blake Lively's One-Piece Swimsuit

Gooseberry Intimates One Piece in Coral

This $99 swimsuit from Gooseberry Intimates is downright flirty. Just look at that plunging neckline! The v-neck effect is overwhelmingly sultry and sexy, so there'll be no doubt that you'll feel confident AF every beach or pool day you wear it. No wonder celebs like Blake Lively, Sydney Sweeney, Kendall Jenner, and Vanessa Hudgens love it!

The bottom half of the suit boasts a cheeky cut with a playful high leg that adds a flattering elongating effect on your legs. Since it's specifically crafted to sculpt your figure, there are no annoying cups or inserts to mess with, plus the material is double-lined for additional peace of mind!

The suit comes in sizes XS-XL and is fitted with thin adjustable spaghetti straps so you can find your perfect fit. The solid color opens doors for endless styling possibilities, whether you wear it with a swimsuit cover-up to prep for the pool or with a flowy maxi skirt on dry land. You can also shop it in 14 other hues, from key lime green to royal blue.

With solid TLC, this Gooseberry Intimates swimsuit can last you years and years (and years). Now that's what I call a good investment. According to the brand, "each garment is hand dyed, cut and sewed to order," so you can get excited knowing this one-piece was made just for you.

More Must-Have Summer Suits From Gooseberry Intimates

Gooseberry Intimates One Piece Cutout Black

This luxe-looking black one-piece swimsuit is also made from figure-sculpting materials that hug you in in all the right places. Compared to Blake Lively's coral swimsuit, this one has a bit more coverage up top and on the bottom. The double-lined fabric swarms the entire suit with comfort and coverage, including the bust and the medium-coverage brief areas.

The exposed back and keyhole cutout in the front are sure to turn all heads toward you. The scoopneck suit flexes some sleek gold hardware: a ring in the front, and an adorable little tag on the back for added elegance.

This chic cutout piece comes in 6 other colors, so you're bound to land on one that fits your vibe the most. It's shoppable in sizes XS-XL for $99!

Gooseberry Intimates One Piece Tank Baby Pink

This one-piece is probably my favorite of them all. Sure, the square neckline feels less revealing up top, but the style is still super sexy with high legs and a cheeky brief cut. Plus, I just can't resist baby pink!

This pick is crafted with Gooseberry Intimates' signature double-lined fabric for added modesty (love it!), and it comes in especially handy for wearing lighter colors like this subtle pink.

The thin, adjustable straps don't feel intrusive, which is great for when you're strolling along the sand or dipping your toes in the pool. It comes in sizes XS-XL and 5 other eye-catching colors for $99.

Gooseberry Intimates Sculpting Top Rum + Bikini Bottom

This bikini top feels like it's inspired by vintage lingerie, and I'm ​very ​here for it! The seaming on the underwired bust is reminiscent of your classic balconette bra, except this suit flaunts a tad more coverage. You're easily able to find your perfect swimsuit fit with the help of adjustable straps and a back clasp closure. 

The double-lined bottoms, on the other hand, aren't adjustable, but stretch accordingly to your shape. They are perfectly mid-rise and cheeky, with a flirty high-cut leg in tow. While I adore this rusty red color, this set also comes in black, white, royal blue, and baby pink. 

This bikini is currently shoppable in sizes XS-L. The top is $55 and the bottoms are $45. ​

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more celebrity style! Find even more editor-approved picks with our One-Piece Bathing Suits roundup.

Images via Gooseberry Intimates.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images


August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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Header image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Copyingcelebrity stylecan feel really out of reach. A lot of times, what the Taylor Swifts and Hailey Biebers of the world are wearing is cute, but simply out of the budget, and we have to go hunting for dupes! But not with Free People! Many of our fave “It” girls share the same love we have for the Free Peoplebrand, and have been spotted donning their pieces everywhere from grocery trips to the ‘gram.

We’ve got the inside scoop on what exactly our fave celebs are wearing from Free People. Scroll to steal their looks for the low!

Love Letter Cami

As seen on Taylor Swift

We're constantly taking notes on Taylor Swift's style, and our list begins with this adorable tank top that Tay was spotted wearing in a pic alongside Geraldine Viswanathan! This super-stretchy top also comes in a darker gray, blue, white, black, and brown and sizes XS-XL for $38.

Photo by Weiss Eubanks / NBCUniversal

We The Free Jayde Flare Jumpsuit

As seen on Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson looked so amazing in this Free People denim jumpsuit she wore on her show in January 2024! This one-piece is made from a stretchy material that fits like a glove, but still moves with you comfortably. The snatched waistline and flared legs flatter your figure even more! This versatile (and verycowgirl-core) Free People pick is also available in black, white, brown, red, and a few other denim washes in sizes XS-XL for $158.

Good Karma Onesie

As seen on Hilary Duff

We admire Hilary Duff's street style because it's super relaxed, but still has a touch of her personality. This bold onesie from Free People's Movement line that Hilary was spotted wearing is the perfect foundation for a casual atheleisure 'fit. It's made from a thicker ribbed material that hugs your bod in all the right places, even if you're breaking a sweat at the gym. It's equally appropriate for weekend festivities, like hitting the farmer's market or grabbing brunch with the gals.

The Good Karma Onesie is shoppable in 10 other colors and sizes XS-XL for $98.

Image via @haileybieber on Instagram

Three Day Weekend Tank

As seen on Hailey Bieber

In true clean girl fashion, Hailey Bieber likes to keep things simple. Case in point is this lightweight Free People tank she was seen wearing to promote her eyewear collection with Vogue Eyewear in 2023! Though it's no longer available in the spicy red color she sported, the Three Day Weekend Tank is still a great staple piece to add to your wardrobe. It can be layered among other pieces you already have, or worn on its own for hotter days. It's now available in pink, gray, or black in sizes XS-XL for $20!

Karina Sweater Set

As seen on Selena Gomez

We're happy to report that Selena Gomez is a fellow comfy gal like us (we've been eyeing the We The Free Old West Slouchy Jeans ever since she wore them)! She was seen sporting the Karina Sweater Set while posing with a fan, and this pick is definitely something we could live in year-round. This matching set pairs an oversized long-sleeve top with high-waisted, wide-leg bottoms for a seamless duo that can be easily worn separate, too. You can snag it in 4 other colors in sizes XS-XL for $108 right now.

Sailor Mini Dress

As seen on Ashley Benson

Actress Ashley Benson was rockin' this mini dress earlier this year, and it's been living rent-free in our minds since it's so adorable! The Sailor Mini Dress flaunts a babydoll-inspired fit with striped stitching details and a darling open back that ties with a bow. Ashley styled it with some black loafers and black sunnies to brave some warm weather, but this can also be styled easily with sandals or boots, too. This pick comes in this black color or a light yellow shade in sizes XS-XL and costs just $70.

Image via @brielarson on Instagram

Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi Dress

As seen on Brie Larson

Brie Larson's Instagram account is everything to us. She flaunted this Free People dress on her feed in the cutest way possible, posing outside with some strappy striped ballet flats on her feet. Talk about total outfit inspo! The drop-waist and flowy midi skirt on this strapless Free People tube dress give it a wonderful, whimsical feel for summertime. The Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi Dress comes in 4 other fun colors and sizes XS-XL for $78.

Hit The Slopes Printed Pullover

As seen on Lucy Hale

Actress Lucy Hale has been spotted in Free People numerous times, and often, what she's wearing is uber-comfy. This pullover is no exception, and it looks like the ultimate piece for a lazy day! The Hit The Slopes Printed Pullover is fully fleeced, with a quarter buttoned neckline and a convenient side pocket that zips up. We are obsessing over this unqiye tie-dye colorway (the shade Lucy originally wore – a cool blue-green – is sold out), but it also comes in a few different floral and color blocked designs. Shop it in sizes XS-XL for $168.

Image via @whitneyeveport on Instagram

We The Free Ryder Sport Vegan Moto Jacket

As seen on Whitney Port

Whitney Port's ensemble of a basic tee + classic jeans + Adidas sneakers is screaming cool girl! She topped off her 'fit with this vegan leather moto jacket from Free People to add a layer of sportiness, and it's so cute. The jacket is made for a slouchy fit and features color-blocked details for eye-catching effect!

We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

As seen on Sienna Miller

Actress Sienna Miller was spotted out for a stroll earlier this year with her family, wearing these Free People barrel jeans. Though divisive, barrel jeans are the comfiest jeans of all with wide, breezy legs and a loose-fitting waistline. These mid-rise bottoms are shoppable in 13 different colors and sizes 24-33. Snag a pair for $98!

Easy Street Tunic

As seen on Jessica Alba

For a celeb-inspired piece that you can wear literally every day (it's so cozy, you won't want to take it off), take notes from none other than Jessica Alba! She was seen out and about while donning this tunic top in black, but it also comes in white, cream, blue, green, and marigold. The fabric is lightly ribbed for a soft touch on the skin. This wear-everywhere top comes in sizes XS-XL for $128!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
  • Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
  • Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
  • Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

  • Cuticle oil
  • Biotin
  • Diet
  • Nail protection
  • Avoid picking and peeling
Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

Looking for more beauty tips and inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

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