Category: Lifestyle
Books & Bags for the Beach 📖 👜 ⛱
A Guide to Summer in Sag Harbor
LA Summer Essentials
Good Vibes Only
When a Feminist Meets a Bikini
Must-haves for summer? Kindness, confidence and a whole lotta good vibes! This according to Cameron Armstrong (above, center), founder and creator of a new line of bathing suits called Kitty and Vibe that serves up all three.
Armstrong felt that, as a feminist, no woman should feel bad when trying on clothes, bathing suits most of all. So she created Kitty and Vibe, a line of reversible, flattering suits with a custom cut feeling that come with their own upbeat playlists, each one designed to make you want to dance around the room as you try it on. Voila, a new shopping experience that is fun and enjoyable. Check out her Hinted list here.
“Our classic cuts and revolutionary sizing make it feel like the suit was custom made for you,” she explains. Every suit comes in a reversible, limited edition print, are all the same price ($95), and are accompanied by a curated to fit different personality types.
Armstrong, who graduated from UNC, considers herself a marketer, not a designer. “I was by no means a design major. I created the concept and a sketch and then handed it over to someone who made the sketch come to life.” That was a year ago. Now the concept is a company and the company is growing — fast.
Her suits appeal to women of shapes and personalities. Not all body issues are necessarily about weight, she explains, since for her the moment of “there’s gotta be a better way” came when she was feeling self conscious about her back — and the acne she has battled for years. “I was in a dressing room, trying on suits, and when I looked in the mirror I didn’t like how I looked. I have always had back acne. The saleswoman wanted me to come out and show her, and I didn’t want to.”
Like every good marketing major, Armstrong looked for an opportunity that would be universal and have a broad appeal. “A swimsuit is an item of clothing everybody has: Socks, swimsuits. It’s a consumer item that’s not going away, not just a trending item.”
So she found the pain-point and decided to solve it. “Going swimsuit shopping is something everybody hates. It’s so painful. I set out to research why is it so painful. One reason is because of the inconsistent sizing. Then when I looked into sizing, the main thing I noticed was the inconsistent cuts. I always get what I call diaper butt. My sister had not enough coverage and her butt crack showed.” So she started measuring people and truly everyone is different. Turns out the inseam matters a lot, and her sister is three inches taller that she is — so her suit needs a longer inseam. Better fit, better experience. Armstrong likes to remind people: “It’s not your body, but the cut of the suit that’s the problem. This is a problem that she wants to check off as: Solved!
“I never want to ask women to go into a dressing room if they dread it. So I wanted to create a fun experience. I have always been a dancer and wanted to bring this piece. So I imagine trying on your suit while singing in the mirror, singing into a hairbrush, winking to yourself, totally living in the moment. I decided I would create these Vibes, and made each playlist match a personality: The Cameron the James and the Ashton.”
Stop what you’re doing, add a Kitty and Vibe suit to your Hinted list, and you could win one. Armstrong is giving away one suit (in the form of a $95 credit) to a lucky hinter.
Dance around the room, and tell yourself one positive thing about the way you look, then try on your suit, and you’ll feel positive about it. Actually, we want you to always feel positive about your self. And use Hinted to create the life you want, one list at a time.
Your Sign and Style to Match
If you’re a Virgo like Beyonce, you’ll be balancing a lot of new opportunities, with a major focus on family (hello Rumi and Sir). Narrowing your range of vision to only projects that really speak to you—and that you want to work on for the long haul, will help you prioritize. November and January are full of romance, so look for love to blossom then. If you have been thinking of pulling the trigger with big changes at work, April is the time to shake things up and go in a fresh and innovative direction! Style wise this all means feel-good pieces that make you feel like its easy to get what you want.
Not a Virgo? For style hints to match your star sign, click through to our September Zodiac list on Hintd, and to find out what Cosmopolitan’s astrologer Aurora Tower has in store for you in the coming month, read on, here.
LIBRA: Try to pump the brake a little bit, and stay as mellow as possible this month. Treat yourself to pair of “go with the flow” earrings that you’ll wear as soon as your social life kicks up a notch on the 25th! But prioritize taking care of yourself more than saying YES to every invitation that comes along.
PISCES: This is one of your best months of the year for romance! Once the weather cools down your love life warms up to cuddly sweater status. So make time to get out, socialize and meet new people. The annual full moon in your sign on the 6th is especially sexy so if you are looking for someone special, be clear about what you want and go for it!
SAGITTARIUS: You are on a tear at work so say yes to any and all career opportunities at come up now, and wear boots that mean business. But home matters are important too, so pay attention to your intuition during the full moon on the 6th, and remember that your choices impact those you love as well.
ARIES: Work, work, work—You love the crisp momentum of the fall and can power through your to-do list at maximum speed right now. Jump on a new project with a graphic top that’s cool enough for late warm days and works all fall. The 2nd is an especially powerful day to put plans into action.
SCORPIO: You tend to be a bit stubborn, but you also know that teamwork is the key to lasting success. This month let your accessories do the same and stack a batch of knock-out bangles. Your more the merrier attitude will help you hit a major work milestone on the 9th.
AQUARIUS: There has been a lot of excitement and changes in your life recently, and now is the time to get yourself a pair of comfy, stylish sneakers and take long walks to reflect. Romance is hot too, especially on the 2nd, so if you’re still single- don’t spend TOO much time solo.
GEMINI: You tend to be quite social, but this month you are loving the simpler things, like an easy eyelet top to wear on these last beach days. A work breakthrough around the full moon on the 6th means you should feel free to mix business with pleasure.
CAPRICORN: This is a great month to hit the road for a trip, or sign up for a class you have been itching to take. You are envisioning your next exciting projects and fresh ideas and inspiration will help you, especially around the 12th. Get yourself an eye-catching tote and set off on a new journey.
LEO: You are still riding high from the series of exciting eclipses in your sign over the past few weeks. If there are big plans you have been wanting to put into action, do it now and put a bow on it! The 2nd is a great time to pull the trigger. Staying focused, rather than scattering your energy, will help you deliver.
CANCER: You are busy, busy, busy this month- which is just the way you like it! Meeting new people is a big focus so stay open and organized with a bright new bag. Spending time with siblings is also auspicious now, especially around the 19th.
TAURUS: This is a pretty darn romantic month for you, so count your lucky stars! Love, fun and playfulness are highlighted now, so try to put stress aside, and slip into a pair of extremely trendy jeans. The 19th is an especially positive day. You are also loving nesting, so invest in beautifying your pad.
Vogue Marketing Assistant Shares Her Office Style Secrets
One of our Cornell ambassadors, Charlotte Hersh spoke with her friend, Meghan Flynn, Marketing and Communications Assistant at Vogue, about her office style tricks.
What do you wear to the office most summer days?
Easy, light midi-dresses are a go-to (Reformation is amazing for these). Off-the-shoulder tops are still great, too, and generally office appropriate with a pair of jeans. With these looks, I’ll do a low white heel, or some kind of slide. However, when I don’t have time to think about an outfit, I’ll usually wear a pair of wide leg black pants, a crisp plain tee (James Perse has the best), and stark white sneakers. It feels corporate-dressed-down.
How important is it to not repeat an outfit?
I don’t subscribe to this philosophy, actually. I love when people have a signature look and stick to it. But, then again, nothing beats the feeling of debuting a really cute new purchase.
How do you go from desk to dinner?
I try to make plans ahead of time so that I can make sure to wear something that transitions well, and can be easily dressed-up with a change of shoes, a dramatic earring, etc. However, I’ve been known to change my mind on what I want to wear (and also what I want to do) after work as the day goes on, so I tend to keep an extra set of jeans and one or two tops at my desk just in case. It also doesn’t hurt that Saks is across the street from my office, so I can literally buy a whole new look if I’m feeling dramatic.
What do you keep under your desk?
Ideally, just a few pairs of shoes, and a box of our newest issue. It tends to get a bit more cluttered than that, though.
What is your go-to workout class?
I am absolutely obsessed with the hot yoga classes at y7. They’re all set to hip-hop/rap music— it might sound strange, but it’s seriously addicting. The Soho studio is my favorite.
What was the most surprising thing you learned when you started working in fashion?
The majority of people are really, really nice— from designers to celebrities to top editors. It’s not necessarily surprising, but it’s always so pleasant to meet someone who is super successful and still a kind, down-to-earth person.
Rosé or Raventos (sparkling rosé)?
Nothing beats a glass of rosé.
Red lip or nude lip?
Nude, but, more often, Glossier’s Generation G matte lipstick in ‘Crush.’
Uber or Lyft or Via?
Juno 🙂
By Chloe or Shake Shack?
I’ve never tried Shake Shack and probably never will. By Chloe all the way!
Slides or sandals?
Slides for sure. My signature, though, is definitely white sneakers. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I have about 20 pairs at the moment.
See her list of office essentials here!
Zodiac & Style to Match
If you’re a Leo like Cara Delevingne, this is your year, so get ready for an exciting ride! You have a rare gift of having two new moons in your sign (on July 23rd and August 21st) and the 2nd one is a very powerful and rare solar eclipse. Exciting changes are in store for you, if you have the courage to dream BIG and take action to reach your goals. Not a Leo? For your sign, read on to find out what Cosmopolitan’s astrologer Aurora Tower has in store for you…and the best style to match in this list.
LIBRA: CHASE THE RAINBOW
Your social life is expanding in wonderful and inventive ways right now, wear something as colorful as you are
SAGITTARIUS: HAVE A BALL
Contemplating a trip or a big move? NOW is the time when it will all come together! Pack along pom-poms
AQUARIUS: WALK THE WALK
Looking for a new love or business partner? It will happen. Be comfortable with who you are and wear pretty flats
SCORPIO: CHECK IT
Mingling with VIPs and expanding your network will yield fabulous long-term rewards. Dress for adventure
CAPRICORN: SEE THE LIGHT
If you’ve been struggling to find clarity, you’ll get it this month. Trust your instincts and simplify in clean whites
VIRGO: GO KA-BLOOM
You could have some spectacular epiphanies that give you fresh ideas for the future, start by wearing more florals
TAURUS: SHINE ON
There could be some exciting, and dramatic, changes in your home life this month. Celebrate with everyday sparkle
Glowing Skin Secrets
Want for gorgeous skin and all-day energy? We asked Bobbi Brown to share her secrets from her latest book Beauty from the Inside Out. Our copy is dog-eared and stained with beauty-boosting smoothie ingredients—and the best part we our skin is looking good and we feel even better (if we do say so ourselves). Check out the list and get ready to leave your makeup kit at home.
Congratulations to our June Winners!
It’s been a winning month…here are all of June’s lucky winners.
Want to see yourself here next month? Make a list on Hintd, check out the latest “Hint it to Win it,” and hint it to your list for a chance to win the prize!
Congratulations to Lauryn, our Airbnb gift certificate winner! Where will you go? Montauk? Maine? Milan? The possibilities are endless.
Congratulations to Rachel, our Full Moon Festival tickets winner! TBH, we’re jealous. Great music, mouth-watering food, and a groovy atmosphere…doesn’t get much better!
Congratulations to Caroline, our All My Love Quay sunglasses winner! It’s hard not to look cool in these shades. We hope you love them as much we do!
Congratulations to Hayley, our A.Testoni slippers winner! You must’ve gotten major daughter creds for getting your dad the best Father’s Day present ever.
Congratulations to Lisa, our RuMe Kennedy tote winner! Hopefully, this bag is seeing a lot of sand and water (for your sake).
Congratulations to Roxanne, our DryBar gift certificate winner! Perfect opportunity to snap a stylin’ selfie 😎💆🏽