From the Group Chat: Beef Tallow Trend, Anne Hathaway’s Interview, and "Breadwinner"

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Sunday. What a time to be a millennial. Yes, the Seth Cohen and Lucas Scott renaissance is here. But I’m still stuck on the “What a Girl Wants” duet with Christina Aguilera and Sabrina Carpenter (dare I say, it’s better than the original), and the fact Dua Lipa combined a halter top, grommets, and a whale tail in one outfit (it’s even more chaotic than it sounds). Speaking of fashion, I’m pleased to report that the shoes I begged my parents for in middle school are “the hottest sneaker of 2024.” Plus, the dress-over-pants trend is back — and, against all odds and logic, actually looks chic. Though, I can’t say the same for the embellished denim extravaganza (sorry, Katie Holmes). But for now, I’m off to read about “October Theory,” which is apparently a real thing…

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

👵🏼 PSA: “The dawn of granny panties” has arrived. Honestly, we’re not mad about it. 

👀 Belts have officially gone rogue — from mid-thigh wraps to full-on purses, they’re doing everything but holding up your pants.

✂️ Just when it seemed like nothing could top this year’s bob mania, in comes the “Pageboy Cut” and the “Mouse Haircut.”

🐶 It’s skinny, elongated, and chances are, you probably don’t have it in your closet. Meet the “dachshund bag.”

🛩️ No one needs an end-of-week drink more than the JetBlue social media manager tasked with responding to Jessica Chastain’s very public complaint.

If you thought Kim Kardashian’s “infamous vampire facial” was intense, buckle up: Beef tallow — aka, rendered fat from cows — is apparently the latest TikTok skin care craze. Yep, people are slathering their faces with what was once McDonald’s secret French fry ingredient. Now, to be fair, the creamy substance has reportedly been used for centuries as a moisturizer. But TikTokers are crediting the “miracle” worker with clearing up acne, evening tone, and smoothing wrinkles. One person even went so far as calling it “nature’s Botox.” The obvious questions here: Where does one acquire beef tallow? (On the off chance you’re not brave enough to DIY, some indie brands sell it online.) Will you smell like a burger? (Some influencers swear it’s odorless, but others have warned of a…meaty scent.) And, perhaps most pressing, does it actually work? While beef tallow contains some beneficial nutrients, dermatologists warn it isn’t FDA-approved or regulated for skin care. Meaning, you’re better off sticking to prescription or over-the-counter products.

Of course, beef tallow isn’t the only eyebrow-raising skin care trend in recent years. Let us remind you of: the Jennifer Aniston-approved salmon sperm facial (though, Aniston admits she’s still “unclear” about the whole extraction process); “cult-favorite” caviar masks, which take “a bit of getting used to” (wonder why); snail mucin serum (it’s apparently “not as gross as you might think”); and “menstrual masking,” which is exactly what it sounds like (read: incredibly messy). Plus, there was the Japanese-inspired “bird poop facial” (respectfully, no) and the time Kate Beckinsale praised the “penis facial” (we don’t even know where to begin). Naturally, we can’t help but wonder what will come next. Face mists made from Moo Deng’s water? Who knows, but we’ll stick to sunscreen.

What’s more cringe than an awkward celeb interview? An awkward celeb interview that resurfaces and goes viral over a decade later — which is exactly what Anne Hathaway experienced this past week. On October 5, Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa posted a YouTube video titled “This might be my worst interview idea ever” in which she recalled her encounter with Hathaway at a Les Misérables press junket. In the spirit of the movie-musical, Flaa playfully suggested to Hathaway that they sing their questions and answers, and let’s just say it didn’t go over well (Hathaway’s sip of water is frankly award-worthy). But then, on Tuesday, Flaa had an update: Hathaway apparently sent her a “very personal” apology and invited Flaa to interview her for her next movie (a v regal gesture). Oh, and if Flaa’s name rings a bell, it’s probably because of the It Ends With Us press tour — when her awkward 2016 interview with then-pregnant Blake Lively resurfaced and made headlines. Specifically, when Flaa congratulated the actress on her baby bump and Lively responded with a response so snarky that Flaa “want[ed] to quit my job.” Time to draft up that email, Blake.

Because in the words of Glamour, “nobody had a better week.”

If you’ve already watched Ali Wong’s new standup special, Single Lady, we’d like to direct your attention to another comedian who’s just as funny…and just as raunchy: Heather McMahan. Fresh off a Call Her Daddy guest spot (don’t miss her hall pass story), the beloved Diet Coke-drinking, potty-mouthed Southern belle’s second comedy special, Breadwinner, debuted Friday on Hulu. For those who haven’t seen her first (Son I Never Had), expect lots of sequins (it’s her signature), jokes about her husband Jeff (fans of her Absolutely Not podcast will appreciate this), and too-real hot takes on everything from wedding planning to being her family’s breadwinner. Or, as she puts it: “Please watch this special so I can continue to financially dominate my husband and sleep like a boss b*tch.” Heather, we’ll do what we can.

Gone are the days of the $3,000 status bag. OK, maybe they’re not gone gone (see: Bottega Veneta’s woven bags), but recently, actually affordable “It” bags have entered the chat. Like this Madewell one, which you’ve likely seen on influencers and/or well-dressed women on the street. It’s in a trendy shape (bucket), color (chocolate brown), and material (suede), and, most notably, is quite practical — thanks to its roomy interior that’s big enough to fit a laptop and adjustable buckle strap. Plus, since it’s under $180, you won’t stress if it gets a little worn down, which, we think, only adds to its effortless charm.

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

We're serious about our dental care here, and recently, we've been loving Quip's new electric toothbrush. The head rotates 360 degrees to get into every nook and cranny, and it doesn't irritate sensitive gums.

In case you missed it, barn jackets are everywhere this season. We're loving this cozy quilted one for its elevated leather trim and under-$150 price tag.

And for more fall shopping goodness, take a peek at this perfect crewneck sweatshirt and sweatpants to match from Fair Harbor. PS: Until October 14, email and SMS subscribers get 25% off.

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.