💌 June 14: viral Aritzia pants, weekend plans, the summe candle

TODAY IS FRIDAY, JUNE 14

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: $12.25M Hudson Valley Estate, $148 viral Aritzia pants, is your 401k match unfair?

• icymi

• quote: on self respect

• extra stories

• weekend plans: scavenger hunt

• recap: this weeks watch, listen, and read

• winner: garz***@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE: A $12.25M HUDSON VALLEY ESTATE IS FOR SALE
Friedrike Merck, whose family co-founded the Merck pharmaceuticals company, is now listing their fully renovated historic NY Hudson Valley estate for $12.25 million. With family ties to the original builder and recognizing photographs of her cousins, Merck felt compelled to purchase and renovate the 10-bedroom, 10,000 sq ft home set on 53 hilltop acres, in 2014. She spent millions restoring and upgrading the property to its original architectural vision while preserving original details like the turret and spiral staircase.

FASHION: HOW $148 ARITZIA PANTS TOOK OVER
A pair of wide-leg pleated pants called "The Effortless Pant" from Aritzia has become wildly popular among young working women, especially millennials and Gen Z. At $148, these versatile trousers are seen as reasonably priced and can be worn for both the office and going out. The pants developed a cult following organically through word-of-mouth on group chats and TikTok, where users rave about how flattering and comfortable they are. Women appreciate that the relaxed yet polished silhouette allows them to have a put-together casual style for work. The Effortless Pant is considered one of Aritzia's bestselling items.

WORK LIFE: IS YOUR COMPANY’S 401K MATCH UNFAIR?
About half of the $200B that companies contribute (annually) to employees' 401(k) retirement plans goes to the top 20% of earners, while the lowest-paid workers receive only 6%, according to a new study. Alternative approaches like dollar-cap matches or automatic enrollment at rates capturing the full match could help distribute employer 401(k) contributions more equitably across income levels. Some companies like Costco and Microsoft have switched to dollar-cap matches specifically to boost retirement savings among lower-paid workers.

(IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)

ON SELF RESPECT: If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started. — Marcus Garvey

Without believing in yourself and having a sense of self-worth, it becomes extremely difficult to overcome challenges and achieve success in life. Self-respect is the foundation upon which confidence is built, and it allows you to approach obstacles with a positive mindset and determination. When people have self-respect, they have already won half the battle before even starting, as they possess the inner strength and resilience to persevere through difficulties.

👟 these are too cute to pass up on

🔵 the bold dress for summer

🕯️ neroli, bergamot, and jasmine scented candle…yes please!