Smut sales jumped 24% in the US — 51M books sold in a year. Sexologists say that’s not surprising, and explain why reading desire matters.
Refinery29’s Susan Devaney shares her September picks: a NYT bestselling memoir, a hidden Lush spa in London, and an unresolved backpack hunt.
The high-low formula makes $65 basics read expensive — not through spending more, but through understanding exactly which pieces belong next to each other.
Taylor Swift and Bella Hadid are both wearing brown boots this fall — but their approaches couldn’t be more different. Here’s what each technique actually requires.
Chelsea boots keep dominating fall wardrobes — here’s how to actually style them well, from midi skirts to tailoring to the sock trick that works.
Netflix’s Forever returns for season 2 following Justin and Keisha’s emotional breakup, with filming starting soon for Mara Brock Akil’s acclaimed adaptation.
Miami Grand Prix transformed F1 racing into a festival-style cultural event with multi-day programming and elaborate brand partnerships.
The 2026 Met Gala “Fashion is Art” theme pushed celebrities beyond typical interpretations, creating a red carpet gallery of Renaissance masters, Klimt portraits, and contemporary works.
Met Gala after-parties showcase wearable fashion risks that often outshine red carpet formality, with celebrities trading couture for accessible style choices.
Jeff Bezos’s Met Gala sponsorship sparks protests over Amazon’s labor practices and political ties, highlighting tensions between billionaire philanthropy and worker rights.
Amazon’s Alexa Skills have quietly trained consumers to accept corporate surveillance as normal, fundamentally changing privacy expectations through convenience.
Book banning attempts have become the most powerful marketing force in publishing, driving sales far beyond what literary awards achieve.
Dating apps profit by keeping users single longer, using addictive design and algorithm manipulation to maximize subscription revenue instead of facilitating genuine connections.
Natural wine markets itself as authentic and accessible, but high prices and exclusive culture create barriers that lock out casual wine drinkers while insiders perform sophistication.
Celebrity social media vulnerability has evolved from genuine sharing into calculated marketing strategy, with stars timing emotional posts around releases and brands monetizing authenticity.




























