TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, SEP 3
WHAT TO EXPECT
• stories: leaving your luggage on hotel floors, pandora trying to win gen-z, self-tanner for a bronze look
• listen to this: not alone podcast
• in collaboration with: Quince
• job seekers: acquisition marketing director, onboarding program manger, product manager
• extra stories
• recent article: fall fashion trends you’ll see everywhere
• quote: on quality
• bon voyage: San Diego
TRAVEL: DON’T LEAVE YOUR LUGGAGE ON HOTEL FLOORS
If you’re someone who travels often, and even consider yourself a pro, you’ll know that putting your luggage on the hotel room floor is a big time no. Even when it's carpeted it can harbor bed bugs, bacteria, dirt, and other pests. Travel experts actually recommend using a luggage rack, unpacking your clothes into the closet, or putting your suitcase on hard, clean surfaces to keep your things clean + organized.
BUSINESS: PANDORA IS TRYING TO WIN OVER GEN-Z
Pandora is stepping out of “mall charm” mode with its biggest 2025 drop: Talisman, a Roman coin–inspired lineup of sleek charms for necklaces, bracelets, earrings—even belt chains—starting at $45. Building on its lab-grown diamond launch (with Tyla and Pamela Anderson fronting campaigns), the brand is pushing into fashion while staying accessible. Q2 sales up 8% and U.S. business has doubled in four years.
BEAUTY: HOW TO PROPERLY USE SELF-TANNER FOR A BRONZE-Y LOOK
If you’re new to self-tanning, a gradual lotion will be your best friend — to allow yourself to ease into a natural glow without the stress of streaks or overdoing it (AKA looking orange). Once you’ve mastered the basics, a mousse can give you that rich, deeper tan in less time. The pros even recommend layering lotion over a mousse tan if you want a longer-lasting, more polished bronze. Also, contrary to popular belief, you can utilize self tanner with a naturally deeper complexion to even out any discoloration!
In this week’s Not Alone, Valeria and her husband Gary get real about money—what it meant in their childhoods, how they put everything on the table early on, and the defining moment before their wedding when a deal fell through and Gary told Valeria she could walk away. Her reply—“never say that to me again”—became their north star.
Listen for: how to set ground rules, what transparency actually looks like, and why trust is the best compound interest.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
If your vibe is comfortable activewear that doesn’t compromise on quality + is affordable, Quince will be your go-to. From the ultra-form high-rise pocket leggings to the ultra-form high-rise crossover flare pants, you’re going to find a piece that’ll live in your rotation of staples.
P.S — with this material you can expect a buttery-soft feel, quick-drying & moisture-wicking properties, and a 4-way stretch. Who doesn’t love that!
OPEN ROLES AT BUZZ-WORTHY COMPANIES
Acquisition Marketing Director @ NUTRAFOL (remote): Apply if you have 10+ years of relevant experience in a lead generation role within an eCommerce brand or agency. $155,000 - $170,000 USD
Onboarding Program Manager @ FIGMA (SF): Apply if you have 7+ years of experience in program management, onboarding, or employee experience. $149,000 - $260,000 USD
Product Manager @ BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE (remote): Apply if you have 5+ years of experience of Buying/Merchandising experience. $94,000 - $130,500 USD
Smart & Stylish is our Sunday newsletter — part Vogue, part Business Insider — think trend reports, deep dives into business and brand news, 15+ remote jobs a week, and recs worth your cart. You can expense it with your employer, using this template.
💄 Louis Vuitton has a new $150+ lipstick
🎁 holiday spending is expected to drop this year, especially by Gen Z
💰 Disney has agreed to pay a $10M civil penalty
🍂 Anthropologie’s Fall decor is here
🛍️ Brooklinen’s labor day sale is extended through today - 25% off sitewide
A change in season calls for a change in the wardrobe. New trends are constantly arising, allowing for us to partake in them in a a way that best suits out personal tastes. Ranging from those classic styles, cuts and colors you expect to see in the autumn, to new variations of well known styles there is a wide variety of trends coming this fall 2025 season.
ON QUALITY: Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort. — John Ruskin
True quality doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the outcome of careful planning, skill, and thoughtful work. Excellence is intentional, not accidental.
SAN DIEGO
EAT: Herb & Wood is set in a converted warehouse & is known for its wood-fired mediterranean dishes and creative cocktails. Its also got an exposed center-set bar for you to sit and enjoy around. Morning Glory (besides its entertaining website) is an Instagram-worthy brunch spot that has fluffy soufflé pancakes and creative breakfast dishes.
STAY: Hotel del Coronado is a historic beachfront luxury hotel with Victorian architecture and multiple neighborhood options to choose from. Rancho Valencia is a 5-star resort and spa to relax and unwind. The Pendry is a more modern boutique hotel. It has a rooftop pool and is quite the social hub as a nightlife central location.
DO: The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has scenic coastal hiking trails with both ocean views and unique geology, if you’re in the mood for an outdoorsy experience. For a water adventure, visit the La Jolla Caves while Kayaking. If you’re a learner on vacation, check out the USS Midway Museum. The USS Midway was actually the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century and this museum is listed as the #1 “Thing to Do” in San Diego via TripAdvisor!
