How Yoga and Meditation Can Biologically Reverse Stress

Ashley Macey
Aug 13, 2017

Have you been bitten by the yoga bug yet? Whether you’ve just decided to try it out at home with a few YouTube routines or you’re a veteran of advanced classes (we hear cat yoga and anti-gravity yoga are amazing), yoga has become an exercise staple for millions of Americans. One of the reasons that yoga has become so popular is because many health and fitness aficionados claim that a simple daily routine can significantly reduce your stress levels. A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology is confirming what dedicated yogis have been saying for years: Mind-body interventions like yoga, meditation, and tai chi ease stress on a molecular level, and may even lower the risk of ill-health and depression. Now if that isn’t a good enough reason to do some sun salutations, we don’t know what is!

Before we get into this study’s groundbreaking findings, let’s break down how stress is translated in our body. When a person is exposed to a stressful event, their sympathetic nervous system is triggered. This system is responsible for our trusty fight-or-flight response, and when it’s activated, it increases production of a molecule called NF-kB (stay with us!). This molecule translates stress by activating genes to produce proteins called cytokine, which causes inflammation on a cellular level.

So why does this matter? While this inflammatory reaction is useful as a short-term fight-or-flight response, if stress persists and this inflammation continues, it can lead to a higher risk of certain cancers, accelerated aging, and depression. Interestingly, the study’s authors note that this inflammatory effect would have played an important role in our hunter-gatherer prehistory, “as it linked [the] fight-or-flight response with pro-inflammatory gene expression that provided protection when there was a higher risk of bacterial infections from wounds.” Even though this may have worked when our stress was primal (think getting attacked by wild animals), “in today’s modern societies where stress is primarily the results of psychological threats, this response is maladaptive as it promotes inflammation-related diseases, both psychiatric and medical.”

Still with us? Good. Here’s the great news you’ve been waiting for: The results of the study tentatively found that people who practice mind-body interventions like yoga had a decrease in pro-inflammatory gene expression. “Millions of people around the world already enjoy the health benefits of mind-body interventions like yoga or meditation, but what they perhaps don’t realize is that these benefits begin at a molecular level and can change the way our genetic code goes about its business,” says lead investigator Ivana Buric from the Brain, Belief, and Behavior Lab at Coventry University’s Center for Psychology, Behavior, and Achievement. “These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. Put simply, MBIs (mind-body interventions) cause the brain to steer our DNA processes along a path which improves our wellbeing.”

While there are other factors that can be attributed to lowering stress and inflammation (sleep patterns and diet being two very important ones) and more research needs to be done on the subject, we are certainly encouraged by this study to indulge our yoga obsession.

Do you practice yoga or meditation regularly? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

Travel Anxiety Sucks — Here Are 7 Easy Tips To Soothe It

Traveling can be so rewarding; new experiences lend to a broader and more understanding mindset and taking time away from your everyday routine can feel like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Whether you’re headed away on a quick weekend accompanied only by a carry-on, or jet setting on a bachelorette trip to celebrate a lifelong girlfriend, trips are good for the mind, body, and soul.

While the positive aspects that accompany traveling are plenty, it’s completely normal to experience anxiety around this process as well. It’s inevitable that each time you take a trip you’re usually forced to encounter one uncomfortable situation or another; planned or not. Maybe your flight gets delayed, your friend can no longer watch your pet while you’re away, or you get sick just days before heading overseas; the unpredictability of travel can be extremely anxiety-inducing, and we get that.

Instead of leaving you to fly solo to stress about the potential anxieties of any upcoming trips you may have on your calendar, we spoke with California-based mental health professor, Dr. Ishan Shivanandwho has experience in groundbreaking protocols for reversing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

What is anxiety?

Photo by Liza Summer/PEXELS

Dr. Shivanand describesanxiety as "a complex state that can manifest in various forms and intensities, affecting both the mind and the body." He continued, saying, “At its core, anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating. One way to understand anxiety is to think of it as the mind being overwhelmed by the multitude of thoughts, concerns, and stimuli bombarding it at any given moment. Just like a computer with too many open applications, the mind struggles to process everything efficiently, leading to a sense of being scattered and unable to focus.”

Why do I get anxious when I travel?

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When it comes to anxiety specific to travel, the reason for why you may experience these uncomfortable feelings could be due to a multitude of reasons and can vary in intensity from person to person. Dr. Shivanand shared that travel anxiety could be in part due to “fear of the unknown, fear of safety, fear of flying, control issues, and past traumatic experiences,” as well other areas of anxiety including “separation anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety.” Dr. Shivanand went on to explain that, although fun, “traveling often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone and encountering unfamiliar situations, environments, and people. For some individuals, the uncertainty of what to expect can trigger feelings of anxiety.”

No matter why you experience anxiety related to travel, “It's important to recognize that travel anxiety is a common and valid experience, and there are various strategies and coping mechanisms available to help manage it,” offered Dr. Shivanand. “These may include relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, seeking support from mental health professionals, and planning ahead to minimize stressors during travel.”

​How can I control my travel anxiety ahead of my upcoming trip?

Photo by Vlada Karpovich/PEXELS


  • Plan and Prepare in Advance: “Plan your trip ahead of time to reduce uncertainty,” says Dr. Shivanand. “This includes booking accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the destination, and local regulations.” Having a loose agenda of things to look forward to when your trip starts is a great way to get excited when thinking about traveling, instead of stressed.
  • Practice Relaxation Techniques: “Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm and center yourself. [Yoga of Immortals] Breathwork and Advance Cognitive sessions can really help,” says Dr. Shivanand. As the founder of the Yoga of Immortals practice, he uses its principles in his everyday life and has seen how it can positively impact the lives of others from a mental health standpoint. However, any type of yoga, meditation, and other similar practices you're familiar with should help.

Image via Andrew Worung/Dupe

  • Create a Checklist: “Create a checklist of essential items to pack and tasks to complete before your trip to stay organized and minimize last-minute stressors,” shared Dr. Shivanand. “Organizing your belongings and documents can also help you feel more in control during your travels.” The simple task of crossing off packing items from a list can feel cathartic and ensure you don’t forget anything essential during your travels.
  • Stay Connected: “Maintain communication with friends or family members before, during, and after your trip,” Dr. Shivanand recommends. “Knowing that you have someone to reach out to for support or guidance can provide reassurance and alleviate feelings of isolation.” News flash, the people you care about care about you too! They’ll be happy to hear from you and walk you through any tough feelings, if need be.
  • Stay Grounded: “Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and centered during your travels,” shared Dr. Shivanand. Embrace the ‘pinch me’ moments of your trip as they happen, this is why you’re traveling in the first place after all!

Photo by Cliff Booth/PEXELS

  • Seek Professional Support: “If travel-related anxiety significantly impacts your ability to engage in travel experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional,” says Dr. Shivanand. Listen; asking for help is okay, and something that you should do if it will have a positive impact on your life.
  • Incorporate Meditative & Wellness Daily: In doing so, Dr Shivanand says, "One can effectively manage travel-related anxiety and enjoy your travel experiences with greater ease and confidence.” Dr. Shivanand reiterates that “it's okay to seek support and take proactive steps to prioritize your mental well-being during your travels.”

Looking for more travel tips? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Header image via Cora Pursley/Dupe

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Lucy Boynton’s “The Greatest Hits” Is Like “About Time” Meets “A Walk To Remember”

In spring movieThe Greatest Hits, Harriet loves vinyls — just like actress Lucy Boynton! "At home, I have a turntable," Lucy tells me. "My dad got me this really cool red record player, so it's like my pride and joy. And my dad and I — music has been the center of our relationship, so he's been giving me loads of his old vinyls since getting it. And the sound quality on vinyl is like nothing else. You hear the crunch of what it was supposed to be, and the sound in the room. So, yeah, that's where my heart is."

She's currently listening to Sam Cooke, but there's another artist who has a special place in her heart: Bob Dylan.

"Dylan's lyrics throughout the history of his career have spoken to young people and their restlessness," she says. "I remember always knowing that and enjoying his music aesthetically, and then hearing 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' when I was in my late teens. In that restlessness when you're trying to be a full person, you feel like an adult, but you're obviously still so young and so in denial of that. And I heard the lyrics to that and just felt so seen and...suddenly it's like I have someone far more eloquent than myself articulating exactly how I feel."

The same can be said for contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift, whose music consistently tops charts because it makes listeners feel seen. And in The Greatest Hits, music isn't just an emotional experience, it's a physical one too.

What is The Greatest Hits about?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

The Greatest Hits follows Lucy Boynton's Harriet, who can travel back in time by listening to specific songs — and who's hunting for the one track that will help her save her late boyfriend. Think of it like About Time with some of the relationship devastation that comes from A Walk To Remember. (For her part, Lucy was inspired by everything from Like Crazy to My Girl to The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion). This movie has got everything you need from a good rom-com: incredible actors, memorable makeup from Euphoria's Donni Davy, and quirky details like a silent disco and the fact Harriet always wears headphones.

But the movie is also incredibly grounded. While Harriet is focused on her past relationship, a brand new one begins to blossom in the present, throwing an unexpected (if welcome) wrench in Harriet's plans. As a self-proclaimed "nostalgic, sentimental person," Lucy Boynton says The Greatest Hits made her think about living in the present in a whole new way.

"I knew it was better to live present and forward-looking," she says. "But this job calls for you to be so in tune with your past and feelings, and it's so useful when you can draw from your own experience. So I kind of kept one foot in the past deliberately...seeing the way that prohibits Harriet from being aware of what's happening in her present tense because you just miss opportunities. Something that could catch your eye if you're open to it won't happen if your peripheral is clouded by the past."

"I think it's such a temptation, I don't know how I would be able to resist if given the opportunity to go back," she continues. "But I don't know that it's fate so much as relinquishing the power. Where it's like, you don't know what the other road looked like...You don't know what option B was and yeah, something terrible could have happened [but] you might not know the people that you know now. And so I think as painful as things can [be], I don't know any other road and I would choose the safety of the road I know now and can learn from."

Who's in The Greatest Hits cast?

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In The Greatest Hits, Lucy stars opposite Justin H. Min and David Corenswet. She's worked with Will Poulter on Why Didn't They Ask Evans and Emma Watson on Ballet Shoes, but in 2023, she also had a role in the biggest movie of the year: Barbie!

While we only see her onscreen for a brief moment, Lucy says being a doll in Weird Barbie's (Kate McKinnon) house was a dream. "It was wild just to be in the room with those brains," she says. "It's undeniable. Greta is brilliant, but Kate McKinnon is a comedic genius...Just like hearing her riff, hearing her improv line after line was heaven. It was like being front row at SNL or something, and that's the joy of being on any kind of set. It's the experience in the moment. So yeah, that was a comedy show that I loved."

Lucy's also looking to the future and would "just love to be in anything written by Michaela Coel," she tells me. "I think she's an extraordinary, completely unique voice. And just brilliant. So, yeah, anything penned by her. I think Andrea Riseborough is a really extraordinary actress, Brit Marling. You know, the list is extensive."

Rapid Fire With The Greatest Hits' Lucy Boynton

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Brit + Co: I love seeing all the dates Harriet goes on with her new love interest David. What's your idea of the perfect date?

Lucy Boynton: I think anything that's spontaneous. My best dates and my best memories have been days that [have] just unraveled as you go along them.

B+C: As much as I love dates, I also love having nothing to do. When was the last time you canceled plans?

LB: Embarrassingly recently. I feel like this press tour has kept me in line and kept me in check with the schedule. But it'll probably be tomorrow.

B+C: What is your on-set must-have?

LB: A book and mints because you're in really close proximity with people. So mints are a must-have and then a book because you're inevitably waiting around between set changes and it's always longer than you think it's going to be.

B+C: What is on your summer 2024 bucket list?

LB: Say yes to more things. I think, especially in a freelance job, it's really easy to want to keep the window open for any work that comes up. And I'm trying to be better at taking the reins on my own life and saying yes to more opportunities with friends and family. So honestly, just like a holiday. I'm going to go on holiday.

B+C: We've talked so much about nostalgia, is there anything particular you miss from the pre-smartphone era?

LB: Oh my God, yes. Not being cross eyed and glued to [your phone], I think. Just that thing of like, when you're waiting for someone, just being in your environment. And I know when you're young, that's for some reason humiliating, to look like you're not doing anything. But when it was just looking up and looking around, whereas when I have a beat [now], I'm probably looking at my phone and that's just horrific.

Where can I watch The Greatest Hits?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

You can stream The Greatest Hits on Hulu now.

Where was The Greatest Hits filmed?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Principal photography for The Greatest Hits took place in 2022 around Los Angeles, California. Specific locations include Echo Park, Silver Lake, Chinatown, and Venice Beach! If you ask me, this is even more of an excuse to take an LA trip in 2024 ;).

Would you go back in time if given the chance? Let us know on Facebook! Stream The Greatest Hits now and check out all the May Movies you can see next month.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Lead image via Searchlight Pictures

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Emma Watson's Daily Journal Prompts Will Change Your Life

Take it from my first-hand experience: daily journal prompts will totally transform your mindset. Not only does journaling help you put things into perspective (and improve your penmanship), but it also allows you to be more aware of what's going on around you, to get more in touch with your emotions, and help you grow. But journal prompts aren't just for us — celebs love them too.

In a recent installment of British Vogue's In The Bag, Emma Watson explains how important journaling has become in her life. "This is my ritual...Every single day I write in this," she says in the video. "If I had to choose one thing that I went on the plane with, with my passport, it would probably be this because [journaling] has been really important."

Her journal is covered in words, and seems to be full of different images, inserts, and notes. "Lots of thoughts, feelings, emotions," she continues. "It makes me look very emo. I really am a bit emo."

She continues to explain the daily journal prompts she follows, and they blew my mind because of how simple, but how impactful, they are. I've been journaling recently, and at the very least, writing in a stream of consciousness format (where I write down what I think as soon as I think it) helps me process thoughts that I haven't been able to process yet. I recommend you try the same! It might just help you think more clearly and feel less overwhelmed. Because the great thing about journaling is that no one has to see it but you. Here are some of our favorite Harry Potter alum's daily journal prompts to inspire you this week.

Emma Watson's Daily Journal Prompts

Image via Brit + Co

3 Things That Were Joyful

Whether you choose to write every morning about the day before, or you cozy up with your journal and a cup of tea at night to write about your day, highlight three things that encouraged you or made you smile. It's so easy to get caught up in all of the bad things happening, both personally and worldwide, but when you focus on the good, the good really does get better. It will also make a huge impact at the end of your week, then your month, then your year, to look back on all the goodness you experienced.

Image via Brit + Co

3 Acts Of Kindness

Remembering back on acts of kindness — either from yourself or from other people — will remind you of how many good people are in your life! These acts of kindness can be as simple as giving someone a compliment or paying it forward at your favorite Starbucks.

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3 Self Affirmations

It's absolutely vital to growth and our relationships to others that we get to know ourselves. You can tailor your self affirmations to something you need to hear in the moment, write the same thing every day, or set the goal to write something new every single day. Once you understand the roots of everything from your insecurities to your favorite memories, then you'll be able to be a truer version of yourself!

Other Daily Journal Prompts

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Daily Journal Prompts For Growth

Work through what growth looks like for you right now — and in the future — as well as any habits that might be preventing you from growing the way you need to. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels

Relationship Journal Prompts

These daily journal prompts will help you figure out what you're personally looking for in a romantic relationship, but also how to better relate to the people around you. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Arina Krasnikova / PEXELS

Mental Health Daily Journal Prompts

We mentioned the emotional and mental health benefits of journaling earlier, and these prompts will help you delve deep into emotions, gratitude, your imagination, and some time for self-reflection. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Gabrielle Henderson/Unsplash

Fall Journal Prompts For Creativity

Journaling is also great for creatives because it can serve as an outlet for so many different things. You can process events with poetry or short stories, or just work through a single idea by writing about it. You can't go wrong. (via Brit + Co)

What daily journal prompts do you like to work with? Check out our email newsletter for more creative inspo.

Lead image via British Vogue/YouTube

This post has been updated.

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Taylor Swift's $24 Accessory Was A "thanK you aIMee" Easter Egg The Whole Time

If you're a Taylor Swift fan, then you probably know about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian's history. What started as Kanye West interrupting Taylor's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs — a moment that altered the course of pop culture history — spiraled into a very public feud that gave us Reputation and always seems to reappear in a new form. And after the release of The Tortured Poets Department, Swifties think we've got another piece of the puzzle with Taylor's new song "thanK you aIMee."

In true Taylor fashion, the popstar actually hinted at the song in October 2023 when she wore a $24 clip from Anthropologie called the "Aimee" clip! She loves to add all kinds of clues and references within her outfits, and I love that this one is so affordable. Here's everything you need to know. Don't forget to check out Every Pop Culture Reference In Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department.

Is "thanK you aIMee" actually about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian?

Image via Big Machine Records/YouTube

There is plenty of evidence suggesting "thanK you aIMee" is about Kim Kardashian & Taylor Swift. The first and most obvious is that the title of the song only has three letters capitalized: "KIM." The song talks about "Aimee" (who Taylor admits actually has a different name in real life), a bully figure who beats Taylor's spirit "black and blue."

In the summer of 2016, Kanye West (Kim's husband at the time) released his song "Famous," in which he takes total credit for Taylor's fame following the 2009 VMAs incident. Taylor claimed she never gave him permission to call her a bitch in the song, a video leak from Kim seemed to show the opposite (the video turned out to be edited). At the time, Kim even told GQ that “[Taylor] totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn’t.”

#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty started trending on Twitter, Taylor Swift deleted all social media and stopped doing interviews for three years, then returned with a vengeance on the "Look What You Made Me Do" music video in 2017. The video starts off with a zombie Taylor burying the "nicer" version of herself.

Taylor Swift's "thanK you aIMee" mentions "It wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take." If you ask me, it definitely sounds like a reference to the music video and maybe even Kim's interviews.

Why does "thanK you aIMee" have random capital letters?

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Taylor Swift loves hiding clues in her titles, lyrics, and messages. And historically, she's hidden words by using random capital letters. That means "thanK you aIMee" is supposed to draw our eyes to "KIM."

The Lyrics To "thanK you aIMee"

Image via Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Verse 1: When I picture my hometown // There's a bronze spray-tanned statue of you // And a plaque underneath it // That threatens to push me down the stairs at our school

Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I dreamed that, one day, I could say

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I can't forgive the way you made me feel // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal

Verse 2: And it wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take

Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I prayed that, one day, I could say

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I couldn't wait to show you it was real // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // I pushed each boulder up the hill // Your words are still just ringing in my head, ringing in my head

Verse 3: I wrote a thousand songs that you find uncool // I built a legacy, which you can't undo // But when I count the scars, there's a moment of truth // That there wouldn't be this if there hadn't been you

Bridge: And maybe you've reframed it // And in your mind, you never beat my spirit black and blue // I don't think you've changed much // And so I changed your name and any real defining clues // And one day, your kid comes home singin' // A song that only us two is gonna know is about you, 'cause

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, it was all for nothin' // And our town, it looks so small from way up here // Screamed, "Thank you, Aimee" to the night sky and the stars are stunnin' // 'Cause I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // So I pushed each boulder up that hill // Your words were still just ringin' in my head, ringin' in my head

Outro: Thank you, Aimee // Thank you, Aimee

Do you think "thanK you aIMee" is referencing the feud between Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian? After you listen again, check out All Of Taylor Swift's Albums, Ranked!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Monica Schipper/Getty Images

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Move Over Lavender Haze, Lilac Is The Superior Color For Spring

We know that Taylor just released The Tortured Poets Department, sending the internet (and us) into a frenzy to decipher her lyrics and determine who is the subject of each song (we're looking at you, Matty). But we’re still stuck on her last album, Midnights — and more specifically, "Lavender Haze." While we're still obsessed with that song — especially the acoustic version — we're even more obsessed with the shade of purple itself.

Lavender took over the 2023 spring/summer fashion shows, but lavender’s lighter cousin, lilac, is taking the crown as the costar of the season alongside butter yellow this year. This pastel shade has always been a springtime favorite, and it's honestly the perfect color to add to your wardrobe right now. With that in mind, here are a few on-trend pieces to add to your wardrobe to enjoy this season’s fave color.

Shop The Lilac Color Trend Here!

J.Crew Collection Layered Sequin T-Shirt

This sequined top and matching skirt from J.Crew could be my favorite set I’ve seen this season. The top is a sheer and shimmery short-sleeve with a matching colored camisole underneath. The shirt comes with a shorter liner for a fun and flirty evening look, without showing too much skin. Both pieces come in lilac and are covered in light-reflecting sequins.

Coach Jonie Bag

An easy way to incorporate a new color is through accessories, like shoes, jewelry, or bags. I adore Coach, and I'm always checking their website and socials for their latest drop. I’ve been eyeing this purple Jonie Bag for a while and it might be time to click “order.”

Abercrombie Textured Button-Through Shirt Dress

This loose and airy short-sleeve mini dress from Abercrombie is perfect for hot summer days in the office or running errands. Available in petite, regular, and tall, there’s a length for everyone. Pair with flats and a light jacket or blazer for an easy and cool office look.

GAP Mid Rise Crinkle Gauze Wide-Leg Pants

I practically live in linen pants once the temp hits 70 degrees. This style is a "breathable cotton" and comes in a variety of colors, including lilac. These are effortless and easy to throw on with an elastic waistband. I'd love to see them with a graphic tee and sambas!

Abercrombie Ottoman Slash Top

I’m a huge fan of the Ottoman tops from Abercrombie, and this lilac one is in my shopping cart as we speak. This fitted sweater top is a closet staple and easy to pair with linen trousers and sneakers or a mini skirt and heeled sandals.

Urban Outfitters Bri Double Bow Satin Mini Dress

As someone who is obsessed with bows, this lilac dress with bow straps is too cute. I’ll be wearing this satin mini all summer long.

H&M Open-Back Gathered Top

With a variety of purple, lavender, and lilac shades — and a just bit of yellowy orange — this tie-dye-inspired tank is the perfect going out top for spring and summer. The gathered seams on the side provide a great shape and the open back is perfect for a hot summer night.

Adidas Sambas OG

As someone who is getting bored of plain, white sneakers, I am seriously considering adding a colorful tennis shoe to my (overflowing) closet. Adidas Sambas are everywhere right now, and this purple pair is so cool.

J.Crew Garçon Classic Shirt In Striped Cotton Poplin

This everyday button down shirt is a classic from J.Crew, but the color and print make it feel fresh and new. This top is perfect with white trousers and white sneakers for a cute and casual daytime outfit or with black trousers and pumps for an office-ready look.

Lululemon Varsity High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt

Even Lululemon is into lilac. This trendy tennis skirt, which comes in a variety of colors, is now available in lilac. Designed for tennis but also perfect for all your Hot Girl and Wine Walks, this fun and bright skirt will make any workout better.

Banana Republic Ariella Taffeta Midi Dress

Midi dresses are the best for summer — they’re comfortable, easy to throw on, and always look cute. This purple one from Banana Republic is no exception, and would be a perfect pick for your next vacay.

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