EDITOR’S NOTE
Happy Saturday. As a former NYC magazine editor, it’s not an exaggeration to say The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the greatest thing to happen to me in years. To celebrate the long-overdue sequel, here are a few things I think would earn Miranda Priestly’s seal of approval:
The preppy staple I wrote off after the early aughts is officially back — and it got a Cool Girl makeover I did not see coming. Double layering not recommended, mercifully.
Fashion People in Paris and London are ditching their black and brown pants for this surprisingly versatile color. Did I mention it’s probably already in your closet?
Move over, silly little pouches and woven totes — this practical yet polished bag is the one “everyone wants to get their hands on.”
Gird your loins: Trader Joe’s is getting ready to drop yet another version of its most cult-favorite item (you know the one). And, dare I say, it seems like the most stylish yet.
Apologies to Dua Lipa, but The World’s Busiest Actress™ might actually be this summer’s ultimate style muse. No notes from this Gillian Owens fan.
— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC
One Fan Said This Pasta Salad Was “5x Better” Than Expected — And That’s Underselling It
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One thing we can (hopefully) all agree on? Pasta salad is at its best when it isn’t swimming in mayo — and random bits of carrots and celery aren’t involved. Case in point: Brocc Your Body’s Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallot Vinaigrette. Perfect for using up all the spring produce you impulse purchased, this fast and fuss-free recipe is packed with tender orzo, crunchy asparagus, sweet peas, peppery arugula, tangy feta, and a generous helping of herbs — all of which soak up the light, bright, ridiculously good dressing. Plus, it holds up really well in the fridge, and creator Carissa Stanton Dutina says it never gets old. So make extra and thank yourself later.
The Time Commitment: Just 20 minutes.
Key Tips: Another reason to love this supremely springy salad? It’s infinitely riffable, as evidenced by the comments. Don’t love asparagus? Green beans, artichokes, or snap peas work equally well. You could also swap orzo for couscous or farro, top it with chopped almonds or pistachios for extra crunch, or add your favorite protein.
Other Takes: For more (blessedly) mayo-free pasta salads, try…
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Fried Halloumi. Inspired, in part, by a sacred millennial film character and tastes like a trip to Santorini? Yes and yes.
Caesar Pasta Salad. The love child of Caesar salad and pasta salad, this dish calls for minimal chopping, two styles of Parm, lots of sourdough bread croutons — and pairs best with a Diet Coke, naturally.
Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad. Loaded with asparagus, radishes, and arugula, it’s no wonder a commenter said it’s “the definition of spring.” Oh, and while the dressing technically calls for mayo, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt instead.
The Sane One by Anna Konkle
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If we still had AIM away messages, ours would be: “brb rEaDiNg Anna Konkle’s The Sane One <333” On Tuesday, the Pen15 co-star and co-creator releases her first memoir — and fans of the coming-of-age fever dream will quickly recognize some parallels. Like her character, Konkle’s parents fought frequently, leading to a divorce so bitter that it literally split their house in half, with one parent on each side. But the book goes beyond what we saw on screen. It chronicles her relationship with her father — a charismatic 7-Eleven HR manager she once idolized — and how it deteriorated into a years-long estrangement. That is, until one day, when he knocked on her door with concerning health news, forcing Konkle to reckon with whether reconciliation was possible. Blending the same humor that made Pen15 a breakout hit with brutal honesty, consider The Sane One essential reading, whether you’re on your 10th rewatch or somehow still haven’t seen the show. We asked Konkle a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: What’s the one place everyone needs to visit?
Konkle: Elderly homes.
Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?
Konkle: 7-Eleven. My dad worked for it, and I got coupons for free cheese-filled hot dogs and Slurpees.
Q: What is your most prized possession?
Konkle: This scares me to answer, unsure why.
If This Magical Mountain Town Isn’t on Your Summer Bucket List, You’re Doing It Wrong
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Already planning your summer travel? Gold star for you. And allow us to make the case for Lake Tahoe. Sure, it’s a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders — but here’s the not-so-secret secret: The absurdly scenic mountain town is maybe even more magical in the summer. Whether you’re staying in laidback North Tahoe (book a room at The Incline Lodge) or livelier South Tahoe (check out the Desolation Hotel’s Scandinavian-meets-Japanese design), expect striking blue-green waters, top-notch dining and shopping, and an all-you-can-explore buffet of outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting). In short, Tahoe’s got range.
🛶 Once the snow melts, Lake Tahoe — the largest alpine lake in North America — and its see-to-the-bottom cerulean waters become the main character. Spend the day at some of the dozens of stunning beaches, like uber-popular Sand Harbor (it’s one of the area’s most photographed spots) or lesser-known Kiva Beach. Or, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail — a 72-mile route that’s basically a front-row seat to the Sierra Mountains. You can also book a private boat tour or a cruise to picture-perfect Emerald Bay, correctly known as the crown jewel of Tahoe.
🥾 Need a break from the water? The mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe are home to all sorts of hikes, from the family-friendly Cascade Falls Trail (it leads to an impressive 200-foot waterfall) to the 9.5-mile Mount Tallac Trail (we promise, the views are worth it). More of a biker? Cruise the Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” Or, take a day trip to Truckee, a historic logging town filled with colorful Wild West charm, cool coffee shops (fuel up at Pacific Crest Coffee Co.), and indie boutiques, like Lorien Powers Studio Jewelry (known for one-of-a-kind pieces) and Bespoke + Atelier (perfect for artsy gifts).
🍴 If you’re staying in South Tahoe, start your day at Heidi’s Pancake House, a beloved local staple serving up towering stacks of fluffy pancakes for over 60 years. Later, swing by Base Camp Pizza Co. for inventive pies (think: Thai Chicken Curry, Pear & Gorgonzola) with a side of live music. Up north? Don’t skip West Shore Market, ideal for grabbing picnic supplies before a day outdoors. For something more elevated, try Smoke Door, a Japanese-inspired hotspot where the menu includes a wagyu katsu sandwich and seasonal donabe rice (the burnt miso soft serve for dessert is non-negotiable).
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
A friend confided in me about something her boyfriend did — and they’re still together. I can’t stand to be around him now, so do I say something to her or just grin and bear it?
“There are options beyond abandoning your friend over her choices or sticking around and being fake. One is what I call telegraphing your dilemma — telling her directly about the internal conflict you’re experiencing. Something like, ‘If I’m being honest, I’m torn on how to show up for you right now. I want to support you and be a champion of your relationship, but I’m really struggling to be around him knowing what he did.’ Most people will appreciate [that honesty]. It gives her a window into your experience and opens the door to a real conversation about what support looks like going forward. Also, keep in mind: when you don’t show up the way someone expects, it can be read as a lack of support. So frontload the conversation by making it clear that even if you can’t be there in the way she wants, it doesn’t mean you don’t care for her or want her to be happy.”
Skimm’d by: Jamie Feldman and Melissa Goldberg. Fact-checked by Barbara Kean.
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