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EDITOR’S NOTE
Happy Sunday. Do I like that it’ll start getting dark before 5 pm? No, I’m not a monster. But do I like that I get an extra hour today? You bet. Here’s how I’ll make the most of it:
Upgrade from my Longchamp, which has been on its last legs for, oh, four years. After extensive research (read: seeing what work bags actual New Yorkers carry), I’m eyeing the Quince tote one woman swore by.
Replace my once-white Vejas with London Girls’ new favorite sneaker brand, which is even more practical (surprising) and looks precisely 50 times cooler (unsurprising). Hello, 15K steps.
Organize my kitchen. As I learned this week, if grabbing a skillet means moving mixing bowls and unstacking three other pans first, my cabinet is failing the “two-touch rule.” And it’s probably not the only spot that is.
Dream about the newly announced frozen treat I’m pretty sure was made in a lab just for me. Same goes for you if you (a) consider Nerds Gummy Clusters a personality trait and (b) always spent your ice cream truck money on Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars.
Dig through my childhood dress-up bin (Mom, thank you for saving everything) for one of fall’s biggest jewelry trends, aka the easiest way to liven up a closet full of athleisure and all-black outfits. I am who I am.
— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

👢 We’ve officially entered the two-ish weeks a year when you can go outside in a dress and knee-high boots — tights be damned. Make it count with these no-shopping-required outfit formulas.
💎 Round diamond studs, you’ll always be a classic. But Hollywood has moved on to another cut, and it somehow works as well with a white tee as with a red-carpet gown.
🛍️ The skirt everyone’s wearing this season? A length that’s notoriously tricky to pull off. Luckily, these styling ideas make it look more Cool Girl than corporate — so, yes, leave the intern lanyard in 2010.
👀 See ya, suede. A new shoe pattern has slithered into every Fashion Person’s closet. Bold? Yes. Secretly also a neutral? Also yes.
💅 We’re going to hold your hand when we say this: Burgundy nails are the mani equivalent of a PSL. Reliable, if a little predictable. No wonder people are reaching for this underrated color instead.


If there’s one thing we know about Jennifer Lawrence, it’s that she doesn’t do safe. Who else would carry an Hermès bag the color of Nickelodeon slime, single-handedly resurrect the most hideous ’00s belt, or provoke the wrath of Team Conrad? But none of that compares to her latest move: launching a haircare brand named Mes°, which, against all odds, logic, and that perplexing degree symbol, is pronounced like the thing Marie Kondo apparently loves. The obvious question: Why? Why is the woman with her own production company and the courage to seemingly troll Leonardo DiCaprio to his face peddling a repair mask, styling serum, and volumizing mist that “approach haircare differently” (cue eye roll)? Because, allegedly, the victor of the 74th Hunger Games has always been a “hair girl” — news to precisely 99% of the internet, which immediately raised a collective eyebrow and saw what was formerly known as The Greatest Instagram Debut in a new light.
Now, even if we pretend to buy the “hair girl” thing, there’s a bigger question: Is she not aware that the beauty section of the “Graveyard of Failed Celebrity Brands” is nearly out of space? For every Rhode or Fenty Beauty, there’s a Cosmoss, GXVE, The Outset, Item Beauty, or Af94. Never heard of them? That’s exactly our point. And yet the oversaturated celebrity-to-beauty-brand pipeline continues to lose the plot. Exhibit A: Scroll back up. Exhibit B: Male comedians are moonlighting as skinfluencers (Bowen, you can stay). While we’re not mad about a world where we get to see Seth Rogen in a red-light therapy mask, we can’t help but offer some very unqualified, very unsolicited business advice: Famous people, stick to your strengths. Chic compression socks from Dua Lipa, Inventor of Vacation? Sold. A Zara Larsson x Lisa Frank collab of glittery school supplies? Take our money. And if JLaw ever wants to drop a collection of Cool Mom Soft Pants, consider that preorder button smashed.


To quote a little indie movie, “In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” In Heidi Klum’s world, it’s the one holiday a year to dress like a horrifyingly lifelike ET, a cadaver straight out of anatomy class, or a truly unsettling monkey (those nipples still haunt us). And then there’s this year: a giant severed hand (you’ve got to… hand it to her), which Klum’s Patron Saint of Special Effects called “one of the most elaborate costumes ever made.” So, in honor of the woman whose biggest competition is always herself, here’s our ranking of her best Heidiween transformations.
5️⃣ A peacock. Arguably, the most extra group costume in history, thanks to the 10 Cirque du Soleil performers Klum enlisted to quite literally be her feathers. Oh, and a participation trophy to Mr. Heidi Klum, who dressed up as a giant egg.
4️⃣ Herself… times six. Pro tip: Next time you procrastinate a bit too hard on your Halloween costume, just convince five of your friends to go as your clones, courtesy of some Oscar-worthy prosthetics and hair extensions. Problem solved.
3️⃣ Herself… but old. Varicose veins? Wrinkly knees? Spirit Halloween’s “little old lady” costume could never. We’ll check back in 2066 to see how accurate it was.
2️⃣ Princess Fiona. The key to pulling off her make-ogre? Presumably, more green face paint than they keep backstage at Wicked. Plus an onion-shaped carriage, a stroller full of baby ogres, and a future Mr. Heidi Klum matching her freak as Shrek. If he wanted to, he would.
1️⃣ A worm. Four years later, we still can’t decide whether we’re delighted or disgusted. Regardless, it proved one thing: We’d still love Heidi if she was a worm.


Think your first week on the job was rough? Something tells us it doesn’t compare to this hairstylist’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad second day. Two words: sound on.
Do new leggings count? We think so, especially when they’re Vuori’s FormRefined™ Leggings. They’re designed with no front seam for a flattering fit and feature a high waistband that delivers sculpting support from warm-up to cooldown. Plus, they’re made with Vuori’s super-soft BlissBlend Form™ fabric that will take you from the studio to wherever you’re headed next. They also come in three lengths, so everyone can find their perfect fit. Time to sweat it out.*


If you’ve ever quoted Chandler Bing (so, everyone), you’ll want to make time for The One About Matthew Perry. The three-part Netflix docuseries — released on the eve of the third anniversary of the actor’s death — is an intimate portrait of Perry’s life, from his early days as a childhood class clown to his success on Friends to his decades-long struggle with addiction. Plus, interviews with his sister, ex-girlfriends, and lifelong friends (no, not those Friends) offer stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking: NBC exec Warren Littlefield’s realization “less than 30 seconds” into Perry’s audition that he’d found Chandler; the bet that landed Bruce Willis on Friends; and the Train song Perry listened to every morning in recovery. Could we be any more ready for our 15th Friends rewatch?

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👢 We’ve officially entered the two-ish weeks a year when you can go outside in a dress and knee-high boots — tights be damned. Make it count with these no-shopping-required outfit formulas.
💎 Round diamond studs, you’ll always be a classic. But Hollywood has moved on to another cut, and it somehow works as well with a white tee as with a red-carpet gown.
🛍️ The skirt everyone’s wearing this season? A length that’s notoriously tricky to pull off. Luckily, these styling ideas make it look more Cool Girl than corporate — so, yes, leave the intern lanyard in 2010.
👀 See ya, suede. A new shoe pattern has slithered into every Fashion Person’s closet. Bold? Yes. Secretly also a neutral? Also yes.
💅 We’re going to hold your hand when we say this: Burgundy nails are the mani equivalent of a PSL. Reliable, if a little predictable. No wonder people are reaching for this underrated color instead.


If there’s one thing we know about Jennifer Lawrence, it’s that she doesn’t do safe. Who else would carry an Hermès bag the color of Nickelodeon slime, single-handedly resurrect the most hideous ’00s belt, or provoke the wrath of Team Conrad? But none of that compares to her latest move: launching a haircare brand named Mes°, which, against all odds, logic, and that perplexing degree symbol, is pronounced like the thing Marie Kondo apparently loves. The obvious question: Why? Why is the woman with her own production company and the courage to seemingly troll Leonardo DiCaprio to his face peddling a repair mask, styling serum, and volumizing mist that “approach haircare differently” (cue eye roll)? Because, allegedly, the victor of the 74th Hunger Games has always been a “hair girl” — news to precisely 99% of the internet, which immediately raised a collective eyebrow and saw what was formerly known as The Greatest Instagram Debut in a new light.
Now, even if we pretend to buy the “hair girl” thing, there’s a bigger question: Is she not aware that the beauty section of the “Graveyard of Failed Celebrity Brands” is nearly out of space? For every Rhode or Fenty Beauty, there’s a Cosmoss, GXVE, The Outset, Item Beauty, or Af94. Never heard of them? That’s exactly our point. And yet the oversaturated celebrity-to-beauty-brand pipeline continues to lose the plot. Exhibit A: Scroll back up. Exhibit B: Male comedians are moonlighting as skinfluencers (Bowen, you can stay). While we’re not mad about a world where we get to see Seth Rogen in a red-light therapy mask, we can’t help but offer some very unqualified, very unsolicited business advice: Famous people, stick to your strengths. Chic compression socks from Dua Lipa, Inventor of Vacation? Sold. A Zara Larsson x Lisa Frank collab of glittery school supplies? Take our money. And if JLaw ever wants to drop a collection of Cool Mom Soft Pants, consider that preorder button smashed.


To quote a little indie movie, “In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” In Heidi Klum’s world, it’s the one holiday a year to dress like a horrifyingly lifelike ET, a cadaver straight out of anatomy class, or a truly unsettling monkey (those nipples still haunt us). And then there’s this year: a giant severed hand (you’ve got to… hand it to her), which Klum’s Patron Saint of Special Effects called “one of the most elaborate costumes ever made.” So, in honor of the woman whose biggest competition is always herself, here’s our ranking of her best Heidiween transformations.
5️⃣ A peacock. Arguably, the most extra group costume in history, thanks to the 10 Cirque du Soleil performers Klum enlisted to quite literally be her feathers. Oh, and a participation trophy to Mr. Heidi Klum, who dressed up as a giant egg.
4️⃣ Herself… times six. Pro tip: Next time you procrastinate a bit too hard on your Halloween costume, just convince five of your friends to go as your clones, courtesy of some Oscar-worthy prosthetics and hair extensions. Problem solved.
3️⃣ Herself… but old. Varicose veins? Wrinkly knees? Spirit Halloween’s “little old lady” costume could never. We’ll check back in 2066 to see how accurate it was.
2️⃣ Princess Fiona. The key to pulling off her make-ogre? Presumably, more green face paint than they keep backstage at Wicked. Plus an onion-shaped carriage, a stroller full of baby ogres, and a future Mr. Heidi Klum matching her freak as Shrek. If he wanted to, he would.
1️⃣ A worm. Four years later, we still can’t decide whether we’re delighted or disgusted. Regardless, it proved one thing: We’d still love Heidi if she was a worm.


Think your first week on the job was rough? Something tells us it doesn’t compare to this hairstylist’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad second day. Two words: sound on.
Do new leggings count? We think so, especially when they’re Vuori’s FormRefined™ Leggings. They’re designed with no front seam for a flattering fit and feature a high waistband that delivers sculpting support from warm-up to cooldown. Plus, they’re made with Vuori’s super-soft BlissBlend Form™ fabric that will take you from the studio to wherever you’re headed next. They also come in three lengths, so everyone can find their perfect fit. Time to sweat it out.*


If you’ve ever quoted Chandler Bing (so, everyone), you’ll want to make time for The One About Matthew Perry. The three-part Netflix docuseries — released on the eve of the third anniversary of the actor’s death — is an intimate portrait of Perry’s life, from his early days as a childhood class clown to his success on Friends to his decades-long struggle with addiction. Plus, interviews with his sister, ex-girlfriends, and lifelong friends (no, not those Friends) offer stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking: NBC exec Warren Littlefield’s realization “less than 30 seconds” into Perry’s audition that he’d found Chandler; the bet that landed Bruce Willis on Friends; and the Train song Perry listened to every morning in recovery. Could we be any more ready for our 15th Friends rewatch?
Stay in the know with the Daily Skimm

This Deceptively Easy Coffee Cake Is Canned Pumpkin’s Highest Calling
theSkimm
Since the dawn of time, philosophers have wrestled with the big questions: What’s the meaning of life? Why are we here? Is coffee cake breakfast or dessert? We can’t help with that last one, but we do know Broma Bakery’s Pumpkin Coffee Cake is delicious either way. The love child of plush pumpkin bread and buttery crumb cake, the no-mixer recipe pairs the spice-blend equivalent of a cozy sweater (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) with a crunchy topping that’s impossible not to pick at (speaking from experience). Finish with the maple glaze and you’ll understand why one fan warned it’s “not safe to make if you don’t have a bunch of people around to help you eat it.” Good thing Halloween parties exist.
The Time Commitment: Just over an hour, though the cake bakes for more than half of that — leaving you with plenty of time to panic-assemble a costume.
Key Tips: The cake freezes well, according to Sarah Fennel (aka Broma Bakery), who recommends stashing a few squares in your freezer for the next time you have last-minute guests or an emergency sugar craving.
Other Takes: As for what to do with the rest of that can of pumpkin? Try…
Spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and a dash of black pepper give the classic cookie a little more bite.
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. A commenter said they’ve “contemplated buying a case of canned pumpkin puree (and bulk chocolate chips!)” just for these. Same.
Mini Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins. Think: all of the donut-hole energy, with none of the messy frying. And did we mention they’re ready in 45 minutes, start to finish?
What’s new in food & home:
🎃 Suddenly adding pumpkin puree to your shopping list? Consider skipping this brand, which came in dead last in a recent taste test. Allrecipes, we thank you for your service.
🥫 Calling all Soup Girls: Making the store-bought stuff taste restaurant-worthy requires one ingredient, which you probably have left over from last night. (It works on your homemade batch, too.)
🍳 If your “perfect” seven-minute egg was perfect exactly once, Trader Joe’s new viral find lets you skip the guesswork. As one person put it, “I want to hate on this but I know it’s going to change someone’s life.” Hi, hello, it’s us.

The Brightness by Chad Harbach
theSkimm
If your baseball knowledge begins and ends with The Art of Fielding, good news: Chad Harbach is back with his first novel in 15 years. The Brightness returns to the fictional Westish College and to some familiar faces (no need to have read the first book). This time, the spotlight is on two best friends, Pella and Irma. Pella, now in her late 20s, has finally finished her degree, is newly engaged to a Westish coach, and is trying to retire her wild-child era. Then she attends a friend’s glamorous Rhode Island wedding, where a few unexpected guests threaten all of it. Back on campus, scholarship student Irma puts her future on the line when she and two pals — the self-described Witches of Westish — go national with a provocative prank protesting the school’s rape culture. Expect love, grief, and some very messy 20s. We chatted with Harbach about what he’s reading and his eggspert kitchen skills.
Q: If you could be the world’s leading expert on one thing, what would it be?
Harbach: Making omelets. It’s such a simple dish — three eggs, salt, butter — and yet there’s so much attention and technique that goes into doing it right. You really have to be present and keep practicing. One of my prized possessions is a dedicated omelet pan just like Julia Child’s.
Q: What’s the one thing you can’t leave the house without?
Harbach: I like small paperbacks that fit in a jacket pocket.
Q: What’s your shortcut to relaxation?
Harbach: Reading in bed before sleep — a habit I’ve had since kindergarten.
PS: The book that Harbach called “spellbinding” and “as lyrical as anything in F. Scott Fitzgerald”? Find out here.
Meanwhile, on the internet…
First, hotels decided bathroom doors were optional. Now, another in-room necessity is quietly disappearing. One star, would not recommend.
A list of the year’s most popular baby names is in — and while you might guess the top girls’ name, good luck with No. 2.
Before you hand out a single piece of Halloween candy, you should know there’s a right way to pronounce “Reese’s Pieces.” And, naturally, half the internet isn’t taking it well.

Think You Know Everything About This Hip Hudson Valley Town? Think Again
theSkimm
Yes, Hudson in the fall is an obvious pick. But hear us out, because the once-sleepy New York town has transformed dramatically in recent years — and autumn is when it truly shines. Sure, there are enough leaf-peeping opportunities and local farms to satisfy even the most passionate Fall Person™. But you could also spend an entire weekend exploring the buzzy restaurants, fantastic bakeries, eclectic shops, and stylish accommodations (stay at The Maker, which feels like the world’s chicest library) that now fill downtown. Plus, at just over two hours from NYC by car or train, it’s a weekend escape that’s doable on a whim — or before the holiday madness sets in.
👟 Hudson earns its nickname as “upstate’s downtown,” largely thanks to Warren Street — a lively main drag lined with boutiques and cafes that feel more Williamsburg than small-town New York. First, fuel up with a buttery croissant from Mel the Bakery. Then browse quirky greeting cards at The Social Type, pick up a dried floral bouquet at The Quiet Botanist, buy country-chic clothes at Jamestown, and flip through new releases at The Spotty Dog Books & Ale. You can also live out your Architectural Digest dreams at Hudson’s many home-design and antique furniture stores: midcentury fans should check out Neven & Neven Moderne to admire its collection of chairs; Ina Garten acolytes will love shopping for French glassware at Red Chair on Warren; and those with endless patience will find treasures at the 40,000-square-foot Antique Warehouse, just a short walk away.
🍂 Part of the beauty of a trip to Hudson is that it’s surrounded by many equally charming towns, all within driving distance. Art buffs should head to Beacon, home to superb galleries like BAU and Dia Beacon, a massive contemporary art museum that’s worth the trip alone. Outdoorsy types should trek to the area around High Falls, where you’ll find — you guessed it — an impressively tall waterfall, Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Severance fans might recognize Awosting Falls), and maybe Mandy Patinkin. Finally, for a little bit of everything, visit Kingston, another Brooklyn-like town with top-notch restaurants, excellent shopping (don’t miss Clove & Creek), colorful art studios, expansive green space, and rich history as New York’s first capital.
🍴 Let’s be real: Hudson’s food and drink scene is half the reason to visit. For New York’s best bagel (don’t come for us), go to Circles and order an everything bagel, topped with cream cheese, shiso, cucumbers, red onion, and chili crisp. Want to eat Bolognese surrounded by stunning floral arrangements and a cozy fireplace? Of course you do, so make a dinner reservation at Feast & Floret. Or, for something more casual, swing by Mr. Cat Brasserie, a hotspot with French bistro vibes and a farm-fresh menu that includes crispy fries, baked Parisian-style gnocchi, and moules-frites. Wherever you eat, end the evening with one of The Hereafter’s inventive cocktails (we’re partial to The House Dirty martini).
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