From the Group Chat: The Anne Hathaway-aissance, the Return of “Hacks,” and “Pre-Shower Makeup”

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Sunday. I’m enjoying the calm before the Met Gala storm tomorrow, not that I’ve been asked to attend. But here’s who I’d be rubbing elbows with if I had made the guest list, and here’s a running list of everyone reportedly skipping. While the stars get red-carpet ready, I’ll be reading up on the return of the tankini (gasp), insisting my whole group chat see which overpriced item is currently flying off Erewhon shelves, and looking forward to the newest (and first international) “Selling Sunset”-style show to hit Netflix. Plus, just because it’s delightful, I’ll be replaying this video of Natasha Bedingfield singing along to her song “Unwritten” on a plane. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney could never. 

— Alex Carr / Editorial Director / New York, NY

🙃 The only thing more uncomfortable than seeing your therapist at the grocery store? Seeing them on TikTok.

👀  People are reportedly paying $12,000 to permanently change their eye color. That doesn’t sound dangerous at all. 

🐻  ICYMI, women are “choosing the bear.” Which really shouldn’t be surprising given *gestures broadly at everything.*

💰  In this week’s edition of Rich People Do the Darndest Things: New York’s ultra wealthy are supposedly rushing to install chic panic rooms — after all, “Aesthetics and historical continuity matter.”

🐱  The hottest red carpet accessory? A cat, apparently. That beats the other accessories trend of the moment: carrying not one, but two bags. Because we weren’t carrying enough already…

The Anne Hathaway-aissance is upon us. But you didn’t need us to tell you that if you’ve encountered even a fraction of the new Hathaway content 2024 has served up so far — see her “Idea of You” press tour outfits (and please, let’s push back on the idea that this is “age-gap dressing”); profiles in the New York Times magazine and Vanity Fair; videos of her dancing at a Versace party; and even just her whole Versace campaign. And who could forget the 2022 viral “Calma” clip, where both her Italian prowess and hot pink outfit were on full display. 

Hathaway’s style and charm, grasp of Romance languages, and relatable accounts of her fertility struggles and sobriety (not to mention, equally relatable advice for moms) make it hard to believe that she once, suddenly and arbitrarily, became the most despised celebrity in Hollywood. Circa 2013, she received so much internet scorn — for being not sexy enough, too enthusiastic, and in her words, a “striver” — that the vitriol got a name: “Hathahate.” It was one of the most striking examples of America’s allergy to female ambition and how that highly subjective quality, “likability,” impacts female actors’ careers. In light of all that, you could call the great press she’s getting around “Idea of You” a victory tour — which might explain why she’s suddenly joined TikTok. The woman behind Mia Thermopolis and Andy Sachs is out there again, talking about how she’s shed her “people pleaser” impulses and is as sexy as any self-respecting Scorpio. Now, if only she’d just tell us what’s going on with “Princess Diaries 3”...

Rarely does a show get better with age — but “Hacks” may be the exception. When season 3 of the seriously smart comedy series begins, its two leads are doing surprisingly well even though they are apart: Ava (Hannah Einbinder) has a steady writing gig on a John Oliver-like show, while Deborah (Jean Smart), fresh off a successful comedy special, is back on top — so much so that she’s even made the list for Tom Cruise’s Christmas coconut cake (which, BTW, is an actual thing). When Deborah sets her sights on becoming a late-night TV host, the two reunite, with all the razor-sharp humor, hilariously absurd hijinks, and brilliant chemistry we’ve come to love and expect. And this time, they’re joined by some exceptionally good guest stars, including Gerri from “Succession” (J. Smith-Cameron) and the Helen Hunt. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll probably consider enrolling in improv classes…but please, don’t.

Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Full Bust Underwire Bra

Big-boobed folks, we’ve captured your sartorial white whale: a strapless bra that a) fits, b) stays up (no, really), and c) doesn’t feel like the world’s most uncomfortable corset. Designed specifically for fuller busts (the cup sizes range from D to G), this miracle worker has a silicone grip along the top, a wide band, and, perhaps most notable, four rows of hook and eye closures to ensure it’s not going anywhere. Plus, just to quell any remaining anxiety, it also comes with a set of convertible straps — but you won’t need them.

After TikTokers started using broccoli florets to create faux freckles, it seemed a more pointless beauty trend was not possible. Not so. We are in the era of “pre-shower makeup” — which, as the name implies, is when you apply a full face of makeup (emphasis on the word “full”) before hopping in the shower and washing it all off. First question: Who has the time (or makeup)? Second question: Why??? According to some makeup enthusiasts, it’s “just about having a good time” and “experimenting with your look in the comfort of your own home.” One beauty influencer went so far as to say it makes her “super relaxed.” To each her own?

Thank you, extremely attractive “Bee Guy” for making baseball momentarily more exciting.  

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.