Browsing through Pinterest for hairstyle inspo is honestly a favorite pastime of mine. Lately, I've had braids on the brain, scrolling through summer-inspired styles, and I'm kind of obsessed. So many celebs have been spotted in braids recently — especially our fave Taylor Swift who sports the style almost every time she's papped as of late. And while the tried-and-true simple braid is always a smooth move, there are so many different ways to incorporate braids into your hair for summer! We chatted with braids specialist, Ellie Mulqueen and founder of The Roslyn, Katelyn Ellsworth to learn more about these sweet styles. So keep scrolling for even more ways to add a little flair to your hair with our favorite braided hairstyles!
Photo via Ellie Mulqueen
This is a super simple style that we'd love to see you rock! And we have all the details on how you can achieve it! Our hair expert, Mulqueen, says, "Take two small sections of hair from each side of your head, braid them, and secure them at the back of your head to create a braided crown effect while leaving the rest of your hair down. You can dress this style up or down, it’s perfect for summer!" And voila, it's as easy as that! We can not wait to try this one. It's perfect for weddings or any events where you want to dress up your hair a little bit!
Photo via Getty
One of our favorite looks for summer are forever and always bubble braids! To achieve this, you simply need colorful hair bands and lots of braided sections to add texture.
Ellsworth says, "Braids are amazing for the summer and can be worn in so many different ways. Styling, even the most basic of braids can be fun. Using glitter, earrings, or even pops color with string or extensions is always a fun way to dress up a basic “B” braid. Using multiple braid techniques on one style is going to be seen a lot this year in festivals and in the wild." She adds, "Taking it back to Brittany style with crimps/waves and micro braids will be making it back into 2024 summertime. So get your accessories and your braid guides ready to the room with your style and accessorized braids."
Bubble braids are definitely the perfect way to standout and add some statement pieces to your hairstyle! Throw in some butterfly clips, and you're a Y2K goddess for sure!
Photo via Ellie Mulqueen
One bonus about this braid? It keeps your hair out of your face and from getting knotted. Mulqueen says, "Adding braids into your hairstyles for summer is a great way to keep your hair healthy and tangle free!" And this fishtail braid is sure to protect your hair in such a cute way! Simply take a piece from either side and tuck it in-between; just repeat this until you get the braid you want!
Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images
We simply adore this look on Zendaya, and we definitely think this style will will pop up more and more with the rise of tenniscore and impending beach days! It's so simple that all you need to do is put your hair in a slicked-back ponytail, braid the ponytail like you would normally, then put in a bow for added effect! And there you have a chic, fun hairstyle for the summer!
Photo via Ellie Mulqueen
I absolutely love this braid hairstyle for summer! You can find some flowers (fresh or fake) and pin them to your hair with either clips or bobby-pins and there you have it; a fresh bouquet braid! However, if you're less interested in (or don't have time for) the DIY of it all, you can also just buy clips that have these details on them already at Target or Amazon. I love how elegant this style looks, especially for the upcoming wedding season! This looks straight from our Pinterest board and I need to try it so don't mind me running to Trader Joe's for some fresh flowers immediately...
Photo via Ellie Mulqueen
For this style, it may seem complicated, but it's actually quite simple! You braid a tiny section of hair (like the small, center braid above) and then do a very loose fishtail braid underneath it. For a fishtail, all you do is divided the hair into two sections and take pieces from the outer edges of either side and drag them to the middle one at a time. Then put your hair into a messy, chic bun like so! We love this fun style for wedding season, too!
Which variation of the modern shag would you try? Follow us on Pinterest for more hair inspo!
Header image via Getty
The stars are always moving and shaking things up from day to day, so naturally there's a lot to unpack in your weekly horoscope. Because no two zodiac signs experience these astral changes in the same way, I dug into it all, revealing what the planets have in store for you and how to use astrology to navigate the week ahead. Read along for your sun, moon, and rising sign for additional insight for the first week of May 2024!
Photo by Andres Ayrton/PEXELS
The planets Venus and Mars feel at home, meaning your love life is about to experience that same feeling.
We've ended April fully intact post-eclipse season and Mercury Retrograde. With the moon continuing to wane, this is an ideal period for you to slow down and release. As the moon loses its light each day, it ignites momentum for you to release the unwanted. The Sun, being in the sign of Taurus, extends stability for you to become more solid instead of impulsive.
The love planets, Venus and Mars, enter their dignity signs, Taurus and Aries. This moment will grant you grace and grit as you navigate your relationships these next several weeks. Venus enters Taurus on April 29, and it will beautify your outlook on things that involve creature comforts and love. Indulge yourself by booking a spa or self-care day that invokes the spark inside you, adding the confidence you need. Starting on April 30, Mars in Aries will power up your motivation while adding fuel to your fire involving your passion. This fuels the need for instant results, but practicing patience and optimism will buffer out the impulse. Watch your temper or for those around you who seem to have a short fuse. (Aries energy has a knack for this.) Be observatory in line with conflict.
May 1 is a powerful day as the love planet Venus faces the need to transform with Pluto – it will make love or self-worth feel like a pressure cooker.
Under pressure, Venus in square with Pluto can manifest as power and control issues between love and values. This is the moment to embrace change involving your desires. The split between wanting stability with Venus in Taurus and the radical energy of Pluto in Aquarius can lead to a powerful transformation in your love story while opening the path to realizing your worth. There is a part of you or the relationship itself that needs to evolve to attract a healthier outcome. Hold still, and don’t react. Just observe your environment. Take this as a sign to reevaluate your priorities in your relationship and everything else that can deflect you from living authentically.
Get ready to be “comfortably uncomfortable” because Pluto retrograde starts this week.
If you are unsettled, this Pluto retrograde phase (until October 11th) will help you see clearly what needs to be released from your trajectory to make room for positive changes. It's not a period to control or remain in harsh environments or situations. This can fall in line with unhealthy habits or relationship patterns. It's the moment to let go. Luckily, Mars will ignite that boost and positivity when this retrograde begins when it forms a sextile to Pluto on May 3rd. This phase will enable you to embrace the idea of facing the unresolved and powering through without looking back.
Photo by jasmin chew/PEXELS
Although it's past your birthday season, the spotlight continues to shine on you. Mars entering your sign this week will power up your mojo. Whatever you have your sights on, be sure to initiate, not wait on the sidelines, because that is how you can experience early burnout. The Venus square Pluto can make you feel like you are facing a dead end with your friends or networks. Don’t stress about the results. When your ruler, planet Mars, sextiles Pluto, you will get your second wind as you learn to discern your connections. Assess your connections and those who reflect your values. Remember to hold to your vision and belief. The right people will support your future visions in time. It all begins with you this week.
You will begin to see life around you as a work of art. Venus, your ruler planet, crosses into your first house of self-image, confidence, and identity. This can be a great week to indulge in self-care and upgrade your look. Venus beautifies whatever it touches; you will be magnetic in this sector. Book a photoshoot or update your dating profile, and you will likely attract a flow of potential love partners. The Venus square Pluto this week will trigger you to realize your worth in your professional and personal life. It can present challenges with authority. However, you will be equipped with the ingenuity to stand your ground with grace. Later this week, when Mars sextiles Pluto stemming from your twelfth house, it will grant you a new pattern of thinking that will enable you to establish the terms in your career direction.
These last few weeks have been lowkey. The tempo will rise this week, involving your ideas as Mars enters your third house of communication. With Venus also entering your twelfth house of the subconscious and dream realms of life, there will be an overflow of inspiration that may be hard to grasp. Take a moment and journal about everything that comes to mind regarding what needs to be improved or beautified in your life. The Venus square Pluto will ignite a phase of you realizing that you must stay true to yourself while empowering you to embrace your nonconformist ways. By the end of this week, you will feel a renewed sense of understanding of your purpose. Clearing out the unnecessary dialogue and finding your inner voice is a great place to start.
This week emphasizes social connections and future ambitions for you. Venus in Taurus energizes friendships and group activities in your 11th house, while Mars in Aries fuels your professional drive in the 10th house. Be mindful of power struggles involving friendship circles or networks, especially when Venus squares Pluto. Diplomacy is key. If you feel a bit of shade, learn how to deflect instead of adding fuel to the fire. Mars sextile Pluto encourages profound transformation and growth, urging you to confront inner fears. Prioritize self-care amidst career demands to avoid burnout. There will also be a lesson regarding boundaries and the power of saying “no." Overall, balancing socializing with career pursuits, maintaining boundaries, and embracing opportunities for personal development will be your main vibe this week. Trust your intuition when navigating challenges, and you will emerge stronger spiritually.
There is a lot of action for you this week, Leo, with your career, beliefs, and relationships. With Venus in Taurus boosting your professional aspirations in your 10th house and Mars igniting your thirst for knowledge in the 9th house, you're in for an exciting ride. Be ready for some intensity in your relationships as Venus squares Pluto, but don't worry, you've got this. Embrace the transformative opportunities coming your way with Mars sextile Pluto. Remember to find that perfect balance to keep things harmonious. Dive deep into open communication and mutual respect with your partner, and watch as your connection blossoms. Discuss your long-term ventures or visualize your dreams. Take time for yourself, nurture your spirit, and trust your intuition—it'll lead you to profound discoveries.
This week is all about exploration and transformation for you. With Venus igniting your curiosity in the 9th house and Mars urging you to dive deep into vulnerability in the 8th house, a lot of inner growth is happening. Watch out for power struggles in relationships, especially with Venus square Pluto. Welcome those challenges—they're growth opportunities, especially with Mars sextile Pluto supporting you in facing the unknown and learning the importance of igniting change in your narrative. Focusing on financial planning and collaborations in your career would be best. Stay on top of your game at work by factoring in those who align with your interests. Regarding your job or your personal life, trust your instincts and make a move if you feel called to step up in your life direction, Virgo.
Expect inner growth opportunities involving your relationships this week, Libra. With Venus in Taurus sparking intimacy in your 8th house and Mars igniting passion in partnerships in the 7th house, your connections are intense. Watch for power struggles, especially with Venus square Pluto powering up a voice or feeling you didn’t know existed. Justice will be on your side when Mars sextiles Pluto, helping you see a clearer picture of your stance on love or close connections. Trust your instincts and communicate openly to strengthen bonds. Remember to capitalize on your well-being and integrity to keep yourself in check.
Scorpio, this week is a blend of relationships, work life, and home matters for you. Venus in Taurus sparks partnership harmony or the need to refine it, while Mars in Aries amps your energy for work and health routines. However, watch for tensions at home due to Venus square Pluto, and utilize this interchange to deepen emotional bonds. Focus on open communication and balance amidst any challenges. In relationships, prioritize understanding, stay productive in work, and care for your well-being. Navigate with patience and aim for harmony at home, especially with family responsibilities. Trust your inner strength to guide you through any turbulence, Scorpio—it's your power source.
Slow down and pay attention to your process of taking care of your mind and body, Sagittarius. With Venus in Taurus in your 6th house, focus on improving your daily routines and well-being. Begin a new fitness regimen or establish a self-care practice. The body is a temple and begins with how you view yourself. Whatever you wish to improve in your life starts with the body. As Mars enters Aries in your 5th house, it will stir fire (your element), and you will feel more passionate than usual. Reignite your connection with your romantic partner or start a new creative venture. This is the week to dial down and become more intentional in your process of life and what stirs your heart. Feel again, and your paradigm will shift.
This week revolves around fulfillment, home life, and financial matters. Venus enters Taurus in your 5th house, inspiring you to express yourself creatively and find joy in your hobbies. Mars moves into Aries in your 4th house, energizing your domestic sphere and prompting action on home-related projects. However, be cautious of power struggles around money or values as Venus squares Pluto. Accept the potential for transformation and empowerment with Mars sextile Pluto, especially regarding your financial security and family dynamics. Become open to receiving input from your loved ones to clear the air or establish a better path with your family unit.
This week is all about communication, emotional security, and personal growth. With Venus in Taurus in your 4th house, focus on nurturing your emotional well-being and finding comfort in your home environment. It's time to orchestrate a spring cleaning or beautify your surroundings. This will attract a flow of opportunities involving prosperity. When Mars enters your 3rd house, it will energize your communication style and prompt action on your ideas and plans. This will be an ideal week to get your message and witness movement. Practice your pitch or message by writing it down or speaking aloud to establish confidence. You will be heard. However, be mindful of power struggles, especially concerning your identity or self-expression, as Venus squares Pluto. Prioritize open communication, integrity, and truth when handling any challenges.
Focus on your inner dialogue, finances, and personal beliefs this week, Pisces. Venus entering Taurus in your 3rd house will ignite heartfelt conversations and harmonious interactions with siblings or neighbors. Be mindful of power struggles concerning communication or hidden influences, go within, and analyze the state of your connections energetically as Venus squares Pluto. Prioritize clear and compassionate communication when handling any conflicts. This is your opportunity to clear the air with any message that was left unresolved and make amends. As Mars moves into Aries in your 2nd house, it will motivate you to take initiative towards your stability and self-worth. To gain the upper hand is to face your subconscious patterns, and Mars sextile Pluto this week will extend the solution for you to learn how to rewire yourself into a better version.
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This post has been updated. Lead image by Getty/We Are.
Going for a big chop can be intimidating, especially when opting for more layered haircuts after years of consistently long locks. Luckily, we rounded up the trending layered haircuts that will have you running to the salon to book your next appointment! Our favorite experts gave us the inside scoop on what haircuts are trending this season. And an added bonus? They work for all different hair textures! So don't worry if you have straight or curly hair — we've got you covered with the perfect layered haircuts, plus all the expert advice you need to get it.
Photo via Roman Bond/Instagram
If you're wanting to stay more risk-averse and opt for a simple, flattering cut then we have the one for you! Face framing layers are an amazing way to really help shape your face and flatter your features. Hair stylist and expert Roman Bond says, "Incorporating small layers around the face can delicately shape and enhance one's features, exuding an aura of softness and sophistication." That sounds like a dream to us!
Image via Instagram/@renee.valerie
If you want to stay a little more tame with your hairstyle but still want to incorporate something new, then we suggest going with a classic-layered cut. This will keep your hair looking natural but still give it new dimension and depth.
I love classic layers, especially when they go all around with face-framing pieces that are flattering to all face shapes as well. Renee Valeriesays, "Introducing layers to longer hair is an effortless and subtle method to boost volume, create movement, and infuse a touch of softness to the style."
Photo via Roman Bond/Instagram
This is a look that will allow you to try out a shorter style without being too risky! This flattering cut works on so many hair types because it allows straight hair to gain some volume and textured hair to sit at a nice length with some dimension.
Roman Bondsays, "Individuals with thick, porous hair who prioritize manageability and styling versatility may benefit from shorter, textured layers. These layers are adept at distributing volume and facilitating styling efforts, particularly for those who can’t imagine their lives without blow-dryer or Airwraps."
This cut is perfect if you want to test out a shorter, more layered length without going too far! I love the mid-length for summer as well.
Image via Roman Bond/Instagram
Long layers is another insanely perfect hairstyle we love to see! We adore this style because, again, this one is perfect for all hair textures. You can style it like above with textured, long hair and maybe even adding some mild highlights to it for summer. Or you can style it with a blowout for a vintage-inspired supermodel look.
Hair expert Roman Bond adds, "Layered haircuts are also exceptionally suited for curly hair. Understanding the unique structure and styling needs of curls is paramount. When cutting curly hair, I opt to work with it in its natural, dry state, foregoing straightening methods. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of the hairs natural tendencies, enabling me to strategically enhance volume, texture, and shape according to the client's preferences and lifestyle." This haircut is sure to be a summer go-to for so many!
Photo via Vladimir Flores/Pexels
Who could forget iconic Bardot bangs? Named after the famous actress who made messy, slept-in bangs iconic, this haircut is everything — especially with this modern, updated cut. It's slightly over-grown side-swept bangs that really help to frame your face and accentuate your features. It's another great look to give you some dimension without trying anything too risky.
Hair expert Renee Valeriesays, "Bardot bangs infuse a cool vibe into any hairstyle. I love how they complement all hair textures seamlessly and quickly enhance a hairstyle's overall look with minimal time to create." Running to make an appointment for this cut ASAP!
Follow us on Pinterest for more hair inspo and styling tips like these layered haircuts!
Lead image via Renee Valerie
Ladies and fashionistas, hold on to your Manolo Blahniks because our favorite New York City dames are coming back for a third season of And Just Like That.... That's right, the cult classic Sex and the City spinoff is set to grace our screens once again! So, what can we expect from AJLT's junior season? Buckle up, darlings, as we delve into all the juicy details.
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max
Now, here's the catch — while the fabulous return of our beloved Manhattanites is on the horizon, there's no set return date just yet. The writers strikeand SAG-AFTRA strike put production on hold for a while, but this delay gave us all the more time to binge-watch and reminisce about Carrie's iconic rent-controlled apartment. So, don't fret; we'll have more than enough time to sip our cosmos and rekindle our SATC love affair.
On May 1, 2024 Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed the series was back in production when she posted a photo of her script! "Here. We. Go. X, SJ," she says in the caption. While she perfectly positioned her pen to block the name of the first episode's title, we can see the last three letters look like "OOD." The title could be anything from "For Good" to "The Neighborhood" and I'm very curious to find out.
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max
Before we dive into the excitement of season 3, make sure you're up to speed by streaming the first two seasons of And Just Like That... on MAX. That's where we'll find season 3, too!
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max
Let's talk about the heart and soul of And Just Like That... — the cast. Sans Samantha, it's likely that all of our favorite characters from season 2 will be making a glorious comeback for season 3. With Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis all donning the executive producer hats, it's a safe bet that ¾ of the original SATC gang will grace our small screens once more. Fingers crossed Nicole Ari Parker, Sarita Choudhury, John Corbett, Karen Pittman, and more of our AJLT faves come back, too!
Who's not returning? According toThe Daily Mail, Sara Ramirez was let got from the show. Ramirez, who uses they/them pronouns, hinted at their departure from AJLT on Instagram. They wrote this statement on their story:
"Our industry is so duplicitous. While they give awards away, casting directors and agents are making blacklists of actors and workers who post anything in support of Palestinians in Gaza to ensure they will not work again. While they lift up some of their own clients who have spoken up against this genocide, they are firing and letting others who have smaller platforms go. While they award 'lgbtq orgs', they are silent on those orgs ties to weapons manufacturers who are currently supporting the Israel military as it commits genocide on Palestinian lives that include LGBTQIA2S+ lives."
The statement ended with a very tongue-in-cheek reference, "It's wild how performative so many in Hollywood are, even more performative than the last character I played."
Though Ramirez intimated that they got fired for their political beliefs, but allegedly the show has other reasons for the cast change. According to reporting from The Daily Mail, a source revealed that Che was "too annoying" as a character. It's no secret that people have strong feelings about Che Diaz, but we haven't received an official statement from the AJLT team confirming this reasoning.
Reporting from Varietyrevealed that Che's character simply came to a "natural conclusion." Their sources maintain that the severed ties with Sara Ramirez had nothing to do with their politics and everything to do with the fact that Miranda and Che's relationship was over.
Photograph by Craig Blankenhorn/Max
The burning question on everyone's mind...will Samantha Jones make a triumphant return to the city that never sleeps? Season 2 did give Samantha's fans a taste of what they craved when Kim Cattrall made a brief appearance in the finale. However, for those yearning for a classic brunch scene with all four of the original cast members, it's time to temper your expectations.
After a revealing interview on the Today Show back in June, Kim Cattrall put the Samantha saga to rest. When asked by Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager about a potential season 3 comeback, Cattrall left us with lingering uncertainty, stating, "That's as far as I'm going to go."
Though it might be disheartening to know that Samantha won't be gracing our screens in the upcoming season, it's essential to remember that the magic of And Just Like That... extends beyond one character. Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda's enduring friendship and the vibrant energy of New York City are still very much at the heart of the show.
Image via Max
While we all anxiously await any news about And Just Like That... Season 3, watch this homage to Carrie's classic apartment.
Who's your favorite And Just Like That character? Let us know in the comments!
Header image via Craig Blankenhorn/Max
If you've been missing Chad Michael Murray as much as we have, then you're going to want to tune into Mother of the Bride. Chad stars opposite Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove in the new rom-com, and the Sullivan's Crossing actor is trading the cozy forest for a tropical beach! The flick has plenty of romance (that is, after all, the "rom" in question), but instead of ending with a big proposal like a lot of other romantic movies, Mother of the Bride begins with a wedding announcement. And, naturally, relationship chaos unfolds from there. There's dancing, there's yoga, there's pickleball. This is one movie you won't want to miss! Here's everything we know.
Image via Netflix
Lana (Brooke Shields) is thrilled when her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) returns to the states from her time abroad. She's less thrilled, however, to learn that Emma is getting married on the other side of the world...in 30 days. Lana is ready to support Emma however she needs, but things take a turn for the worse when she realizes Emma's future father-in-law is the man who broke her heart in college. Watch the Mother of the Bride trailer here!
Image via Netflix
Mother of the Bride begins streaming on Netflix Thursday May 9, 2024, which makes this the best movie to watch this weekend. You can check out the rest of our Most-Anticipated May Movies For 2024 to update your monthly watchlist!
Image via Netflix
Alongside Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove as Lana and Emma, we'll see Chad Michael Murray, Benjamin Bratt, Rachael Harris, and Sean Teale. Michael McDonald, Wilson Cruz, Tasneem Roc, and Dalip Sondhi also star.
Image via Netflix
Mother of the Bride was filmed on location in Thailand. That sounds like a dream! According to Miranda Cosgrove, the movie filmed for six weeks, and the cast and crew spent almost every minute together.
Image via Netflix
The mother of the bride can be an important part of any wedding ceremony (should the couple choose to include her). While she provides some serious emotional support for the bride, the MOB also helps with wedding planning. Plus, in the past, she's also had a role in making sure any religious, cultural, or traditional elements are incorporated into the ceremony. Basically, she's the bride's right hand woman! (In addition to the Maid of Honor, of course).
Are you excited to see Brooke Shields, Chad Michael Murray, and Miranda Cosgrove? Add the rest of our 54 Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024 to your watchlist for your next weekend binge watch session.
Lead image via Netflix
