Weekly REPORT 4/28
I tried the Medicube toner pore pads, and they made me breakout into a rash all over my face, so I definitely do not recommend them if you have sensitive skin- my first, and probably last, time trying Korean skincare…I leave for Nigeria in less than two weeks, which is cuckoo bananas to think about. My to-do list grows longer by the day, and there are so many random things I need to order. Planning to watch Sinners this week and seeing Malcolm Todd on Friday!
READING
Can British manufacturing reclaim global relevance: Discusses how British manufacturing companies are looking to capitalize on US tariffs but need to be supported by the government to provide the necessary infrastructure in order to successfully take on a more resilient and competitive UK supply chain. Talks about the negative impacts of Brexit on manufacturing, the fractured focus on investment into the fashion industry from legislators and the need for brands and manufacturers to work together to assuage government concerns around the riskiness of increased investments. Super thorough article!
“‘If brands are not able to justify the cost of making in the UK, it’s because the end consumer doesn’t see high enough value in something that is made in the UK or uses British fibers as opposed to Chinese manufacturing or acrylic fibers, for example…’”
“‘One of our biggest challenges is getting the UK government to understand the economic value of the industry.’”
Lil Nas X for Paper: Talks about Lil Nas’s rebrand and his new music! Very interesting to see him change his approach to his music but still try to keep that same core ethos that he was previously known for, even though the packaging is different. Delves into how moving to New York and a lot of solo time allowed him to unpack his childhood trauma that was impacting the way he shaped his career.
“‘...last time I was bringing the world to me and this time I'm bringing myself to the world.’”
Why it matters that trauma affects men and women differently: Article about the different ways trauma impacts men and women. Always interested in anything psychology related and learning about the way symptoms show up for men vs women is very insightful.
“Research suggests that men are more likely to experience trauma, yet women are twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…”
“Trauma impacts everyone differently, but acknowledging these complexities and understanding the nuances in a gender-sensitive approach is essential for developing inclusive, effective support systems that prioritise individual care.”
EATING
Shrimp: I’ve been obsessed with shrimp for the past week. I made coconut shrimp using a very simple Tiktok recipe and they turned out pretty good! I wish they were a little crunchier, so I need to perfect my oil temperature to cook time ratio. Also made shrimp tacos, which were heavenly as usual, and grilled shrimp with chimichurri! Could drink chimichurri by the gallon honestly.
PLAYING
Boarders season 2 on Tubi: The soundtrack this season was my favorite part of it I think; specifically, the bumper cars scene with “Bon Bon” by Fcukers was so good. I hate that this show is only six episodes a season, because I really think the show would benefit from more time to develop episodes. Some episodes felt very rushed or overpacked since there’s only six 45-minute episodes to jam everything into. Filler episodes, which modern TV hates to do even though it’s one of the things that made early 2000s shows so great, could be really entertaining because there’s five main characters to follow. Toby remains my favorite, but I liked the evolution of the core five’s dynamic. Also, the last episode being named “Salt and Pepper Burn” as a Jamaican twist on Saltburn is too good.
Beach Weather performing “Sex, Drugs, Etc.”: This song has been in my life for so long, and this live rendition- it’s brought sunshine and joy to my day.
OBSESSING
Onitsuka Mexico 66 Sabot: The fact that they’re $155 is pissing me off, but I think they’re so beautiful.
RECOMMENDING
“Red Carpet Deja Vu” on The New Garde podcast: Talks about how new pop stars are heavily relying on wearing clothing worn by previous stars to garner them viral press, Kim’s obsession with random fetish objects (Marilyn’s dress and a lock of her hair, Michael Jackson’s jacket she gifted to North for Halloween, wearing Janet Jackson’s music video look to Janet’s concert) and the general over-referencing on red carpets. Also, really interesting discussion on over-referencing causing a lack of public identity (ex: Tate McRae wearing the Cavalli dress Britney wore even though her personal identity in the masses wasn’t established). Loved this episode so much and I also really agree with the sentiments that in 20 years, there’s going to be a drought of references or original iconic looks from our time because of the over-referencing.
TREATING
New makeup: I am a big fan of Juvia’s Place makeup! They are 100% Black owned and make the most pigmented products you could ever ask for. I already had their blush duo volume 1, but I’ve been really wanting to wear pinker blush, so I got their volume 5! I also got a nude-pink Revlon lipstick to add into my everyday lip combination.