From the Group Chat: Katy Perry's New Era, "The Bear," and Nara Smith

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Sunday. The Paris Olympics are less than a month away — but I’m still buzzing from Paris Couture Week, the unofficial warm-up. If we’re giving out medals (and why shouldn’t we), Miranda Priestly takes the gold for her groundbreaking appearance. Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts score silver for twinning with their daughters. Selma Blair’s necktie made of braided blonde hair and Lisa Rinna’s “dramatic” platinum hair (and tuxedo) tie for blonde — I mean, bronze. And Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner get participation medals for being horse girls (show us a different routine, ladies). As for who should have competed? Jennifer Lawrence, who easily would have medaled for this brave footwear choice. There’s always 2028…

— Alex Carr / Editorial Director / New York, NY 

🍾 From Irish exits to Instagramming people’s homes, here are the new — and polarizing — rules for attending parties this summer.

🍈  Cucumber Melon hive, rise up: Y2K-era body mists are apparently “back and better than ever.”  

💘  Remember when making it “Facebook official” was the marker of a serious relationship? Now, it’s when your date’s no longer called “865-432-1234” in your phone. 

💅  Another week, another nail trend. This time, “junk” nails are having a moment — and to say they’re slightly chaotic is an understatement.

It has to be asked: What era is Katy Perry in? While the singer has never been one to shy away from a fashion statement (see: the infamous whipped cream bra, the “chic cow” look, and that time she dressed as both a chandelier and hamburger at the same Met Gala), these past few months have been…a lot. First there was the thong-bearing, lace-up skirt and corset (we can’t forget it if we tried), followed by the trio of looks she served up in Paris this week. They included a leather-and-tulle naked dress (described as “a feat of geometry”), a furry coat with almost nothing underneath, and a red, one-shouldered bodycon, featuring a very long train printed with song lyrics.

The lyrics are, of course, to her new single, “Woman’s World,” announced earlier this month. For those who’ve managed to avoid the track on TikTok, it’s sparked plenty of conversation online. There were reports Perry had once again teamed up with Dr. Luke — yes, that Dr. Luke — for, of all things, a song about female empowerment (lyrics include: “sexy, confident, so intelligent, she is heaven-sent”). And some people are convinced it’s AI-generated, comparing the lyrics to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign materials, tampon ads, and…Charmin commercials. While the rest of what fans are calling “KP6” remains a mystery (we can’t wait to see what other outfits it inspires), one thing is certain: It’s got our attention.

Fix yourself an Italian beef sandwich because your favorite chefs are back in the kitchen. Yes, the highly anticipated third season of “The Bear” (Hulu) is now streaming. When we last left the loveable culinary trainwrecks, the new restaurant had just opened for friends and family. Life behind the swinging kitchen door was even messier than usual, largely because Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) had accidentally locked himself inside the walk-in freezer. The new season picks up the next morning, with Carmy thankfully out of the freezer and lots of questions looming: Will the new restaurant be successful? Will Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) finally get her Michelin star? Will Carmy reconcile with, well, everyone? TBD, but expect more panicked screaming matches, delicious food, celeb chef cameos, and yes, stress. Since, according to White, the season is “even stranger” and more “anxiety-ridden.” We didn’t know that was possible.

Even if you don’t know her by name, chances are, you’ve seen one of Nara Smith’s viral TikToks. Over the past year, the model and mom of three, who is anywhere between 22 and 28, has earned millions of followers (and a good amount of heat) for somehow finding enough hours in the day to make Cocoa Puffs, Oreos, and Cheez-Its entirely from scratch. All while wearing a full face of makeup and outfits that have no business being in a kitchen. But this week, the “glamorous Gen Z tradwife” might have taken the “from scratch” idea a bit too far when she and her husband Lucky Blue (that’s his real name) decided to make their own sunscreen with the beeswax, cocoa butter, and zinc oxide powder they seemingly had lying around. Which, according to dermatologists everywhere, is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea. Also, who has the time?

Thank you, Ellie the Elephant, whose moves are attracting their own fan base.

Improved cardiovascular health. Reduced stress and anxiety. Boosted immune function. More radiant skin. When it comes to saunas, the list of benefits goes on and on (and on). You could say the same for cold plunges: They relieve muscle strain and joint pain and help you feel more energized. Sound like a match made in heaven? We thought so too. But wait, it gets better: Skimm’rs can get a special deal on this sauna, cold plunge tub, and cedar shower bundle from Almost Heaven Saunas. Making this summer the perfect time to transform your outdoor space into a calming oasis. Just be sure to invite us over…please.*

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

An A-line skirt for anyone in their Sporty Spice era.

Don’t be surprised when you see this performance-wear skirt all over your feed. It’s made with a soft, stretchy BreatheInterlock™ fabric that supports your every move (without making you hot). Brb, snagging every color.*

Fourth of July sales to start shopping now.

Our advice? It's best to start shopping for holiday deals early and often.

72% off the Our Place Knife Trio.

Head to Martie to get a major discount on one of our favorite kitchen tools. While you’re there, you can find deals on home goods, groceries, beauty products, and more, without needing a subscription.

Keep your mind sharp with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and claim victory. Start playing.

Burnt (out) to a crisp

Sound familiar? Women are more likely than men to label their job as stressful and overwhelming. If that stress becomes chronic, it can damage more than your productivity at work. Think high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and other conditions. 

Enter Skimm Well. Our weekly health newsletter offers expert-backed advice on topics like how to lessen your mental load and scripts on how to navigate difficult conversations like setting boundaries at work. Plus, every week you’ll get the most up-to-date health news and wellness trends to keep you in the know. Succeeding in your career shouldn’t cost you your health.