💌 must-have winter accessories, travel trends, weekly faves

TODAY IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: 2025 travel trends, Estée Lauder selling?, Alix Earle’s skinny jeans
• this week’s watch: Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
• in collaboration with: Apostrophe
• extra stories
• recent articles: must-have winter accessories
• weekly favorites: sunnies
• quote on: seeing the world

TRAVEL: THE 2025 TRAVEL TREND GUIDE
Travel is experiencing a boom, with Americans traveling abroad more frequently than ever, shifting from annual vacations to multiple trips throughout the year. The landscape is evolving with key trends, including luxury train travel through services like Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Travelers are seeking out "destination dupes" - lesser-known alternatives to popular spots that offer similar experiences with smaller crowds and better value. Wellness tourism is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in 2025, with travelers prioritizing restorative experiences at high-end retreats and hotels offering enhanced amenities. Innovative trends include specialized shopping trips for vintage fashion, particularly in European cities like Amsterdam and Antwerp, and a growing interest in "snowcations" to both luxury ski resorts and exotic cold-weather destinations like Antarctica, Norway, and Iceland - partly driven by climate change considerations.

BUSINESS: ESTÉE LAUDER REVIEWS BRANDS WITH A MANAGEMENT CHANGE
Estée Lauder Cos has been experiencing a 40% stock decline over the past year. The company is conducting a strategic portfolio review of its beauty brands with investment bank Evercore Inc. They own brands like Clinique, Smashbox, Tom Ford, & have been losing market shares to competitors like L'Oréal. In October of 2024, the company appointed Stéphane de La Faverie as CEO to lead a turnaround effort, leveraging his successful track record with luxury fragrances. Although the review could potentially lead to brand sales, no final decisions have been made, with the Lauder family maintaining significant control through their 86% voting power.

FASHION: ALIX EARLE AND THE RETURN OF SKINNY JEANS
FRAME Denim and Alix Earle have launched a new skinny jean collaboration called "The Alix," on January 23, 2025. This is an interesting pivot back to skinny jeans during a time when looser fits dominate fashion. Earle's involvement stemmed from positive audience reactions to her wearing skinny jeans in a social media video, inspiring her to partner with FRAME on bringing the style back. The jeans feature a mid-rise fit designed for comfort, challenging the notion that only baggy jeans can be comfortable. Earle emphasizes the importance of personal style over blindly following trends, noting how her experience as an influencer has helped her develop confidence in her fashion choices despite constant public feedback.

After leading an attack on the city of Alamut, Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal), acquires a dagger that gives the one who holds it, access to the sands of time — magical sand that can turn back time. Shortly after, he’s forced to run away with an Alamut princess named Tamina (Gemma Arterton) after being accused of killing his father, and together they work towards protecting the ancient treasure from dark forces. If you’re a fantasy & action movie lover…you’ll love this one!
You can watch it on Disney+.

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Struggling with skin concerns? Whether it's acne, rosacea, uneven texture, wrinkles, or dark spots, getting professional help shouldn't be a hassle. That's where Apostrophe comes in – they're making dermatology care accessible right from your home.

How it works: You'll connect virtually with licensed dermatology providers who assess your skin and create a personalized treatment plan. The whole process happens online, making expert skincare accessible even if you can't make it to an in-person appointment. The best part? Your prescriptions are delivered straight to your door – no pharmacy trips needed.

Dermatology care made simple.

🥗 a few ways to eat healthier without going cold turkey

🧳 pack your bags, we’re taking an adult field trip

🚫 this is the most common mistake jobseekers make (and how to avoid it)

In the winter it may seem difficult to look cute while being bundled + cozy. Whether you live in freezing cold temps or just deal with mild winds - it's fun (& important) to dress appropriately for whatever weather you may encounter. Even if your jacket is cute, it's a statement to be able to pair it with accessories that are fluffy, neutral, colorful, or even oversized to keep you looking chic, yet feeling toasty.

ON SEEING THE WORLD: The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page — Saint Augustine

Each new place we visit adds another chapter to our life's story and understanding of the world. It's such a humbling & expanding-your-horizon experience to be able to see different parts of the world; why limit yourself by not doing so?