TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
WHAT TO EXPECT
• stories: Spanx x Bala collab, saying bye to heated workouts, the queen of athleisure is back
• listen to this: Malibu highway house mix
• in collaboration with: Nurx
• job seekers: 3 positions for you
• extra stories
• recent article: shimmer is the dress code for beauty routines this August
• quote: on belief
• bon voyage: Brussels, Belgium
BUSINESS: SPANX X BALA COLLABORATION
Spanx has teamed up with cult-favorite wellness brand Bala for its first-ever activewear partnership, blending fashion, function, and a playful spirit. The limited-edition Spanx x Bala capsule includes four custom-designed workout essentials—Bala Bands, 2-lb Bala Bangles, No-Slip High Socks, and The Wavy Mat—created to match Spanx’s buttery-soft SPANXsmooth™ OnForm Fall activewear line. With rich autumn tones, clever details, and both brands’ signature innovation, the collab is all about helping women feel confident, strong, and stylish while they move.
WELLNESS: SHOULD WE CHILL WITH THE HEATED WORKOUTS?
Heated workout classes—whether that be hot yoga to barre, Pilates, HIIT, or cycling seem to be more hype than health, to a lot of people. They’re noting that sweating in high heat ≠ better fitness gains and is mainly a response to environmental factors rather than workout intensity (hot rooms, duh). Experts clarify that while heat exposure can help with acclimatization for hot-climate events, generally working out in a cool, comfortable space will give you similar, if not better results.
FASHION: THE QUEEN OF ATHLEISURE IS BACK
Athleisure isn’t dead—it’s just so ingrained in our wardrobes that we don’t even notice it anymore. Once the buzzy term for leggings-meets-lifestyle dressing, it’s now simply how we dress, from coffee runs to cocktail parties. With Outdoor Voices founder Ty Haney back at the helm, the brand’s new chapter leans more “fashion forward” than “matchy set,” proving that sportswear (yes, the old-school kind) might be the truest name for what we’re all wearing now.
Smart & Stylish is our Sunday newsletter — part Vogue, part Business Insider — think trend reports, deep dives into business and consumer news, 10+ remote jobs weekly, and recs worth your cart.
Here is an example of this week’s newsletter.
Trend Report: bob haircuts, shimmer makeup, status symbols, bag charms, lace, cowboy boots, and more.
Smart Girl Intel: the UK athleisure brand worth $530M & that’s loved by celebs.
Consumer: Pink x LoveShack Fancy, a new organic formula, Rare Beauty’s new fragrance, The RealReal is projecting up and more.
Job Board: 14+ remote roles.
Chris Luno is mixing some beats atop an open vehicle on a Malibu highway. If you’re a fan of live-acts, you’ll love listening to (or watching) this. Good music, a sunset, great company…this checks all of the above.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Birth Control, But Make It Convenient 💊📬
No more waiting rooms. No awkward pharmacy runs. With NURX, getting birth control is as easy as answering a few questions from your couch (or bed, or bubble bath—we don’t judge).
Here’s how it works:
Fill out a quick online consult—tell them your health history + preferences.
A licensed provider reviews it and writes your prescription, if appropriate.
You get a 3-month supply delivered right to your mailbox. Done and done.
NURX has over 50 types of birth control to choose from and medical providers you can message anytime on your schedule. Because taking care of yourself should fit into your life—not the other way around.
OPEN ROLES AT BUZZ-WORTHY COMPANIES
Manager of partnerships, THRIVE MARKET (remote): You must have 3+ years of experience in Influencer Marketing — a focus on Instagram is mandatory and Paid experience is preferred.
Operations manager, BIOM (remote): You must have 3-5 years of experience in the retail/CPG industry or top tier consulting firm, with a focus on operational functions — preferably in a startup environment.
Social media manager, OLIPOP (remote): You must have 3+ years of experience as a SMM (in-house or agency), with a strong preference for CPG or consumer brands, alongside 5+ years of experience in social media and marketing roles.
🏠 these Iceland airbnbs are out of this world, truly
🍻 founders are all work and no play
👃🏼 ridiculously chic people only please
🤳🏼 if you’re into minimalist fashion, this is for you
🧑🏻⚕️ are we going too far now?
Goodbye matte and hello shimmer! This August we're ditching our dull, matte makeup and skincare products for something that will give us a little bit of glow. Or, if you're lucky, a little bit of sparkle. We've been loving a variety of shimmery beauty products and put together a list of our faves to help you find the perfect products without stress.
ON BELIEF: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right." — Henry Ford
If you believe something is possible, you’re more likely to take action and make it happen; if you believe it’s impossible, you won’t even try.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
EAT: If fine dining is what you’re looking for, Comme Chez Soi is the iconic restaurant for you. It’s got quite the exquisite art-nouveau décor & on the menu you’ll find well crafted Belgian-French cuisine. They also offer tasting menus for any occasion. Anju is a contemporary standout from the neighborhood of Saint-Gilles where you’ll find Korean comfort food with a Belgian twist! Think duck breast bulgogi or hot ginseng chicken. It represents Brussels’s dynamic, modern culinary pulse with Korea’s burst of flavors.
STAY: Hotel Le Plaza is a grand 5-star Art Deco treasure that was built in 1930 + restored. It’s located near De Brouckère square and quite-the-happening shopping streets. With 190 rooms, 14 suites, and classic elegance, it’s a glamorous mainstay that blends heritage with modern comfort. For a luxurious stay, consider Hotel Amigo. It’s Anchored in the city center & is home to a very stylish bar, Bar Magritte, that’s called an adventure for the senses. They also have thematic suites — making your stay all the more fun. It pairs historical character with contemporary touches and is consistently praised in selector articles as a standout stay.
DO: A towering iron-crystal that’s Brussels’ futuristic symbol is the Atomium. It’s actually a museum & viewpoint where you’ll get to climb through glittering spheres for panoramic city views or to dine in the top-level restaurant. The Royal Theatre Toone
is actually a beloved, centuries-old marionette theatre located near the Grand-Place. It stages traditional puppet shows in the local dialect and houses a cozy tavern and puppetry museum—definitely immersive + whimsical if we ever heard of the two.
