Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
With any luck, the arrival of May should usher in the type of weather that’s just right. In other words, perfect for those delicate linen sets and lightweight trench coats we’ve been desperate to bring out of hibernation for an entire year. This Goldilocks-style forecast makes spring one of our favorite seasons for putting together an Instagram-worthy fit. Aside from some much-needed sunshine, though, May is also synonymous with the biggest event in the sartorial calendar: The Met Gala.
This year’s theme, The Garden of Time, produced some awe-inspiring looks. Think Elle Fanning’s glass gown courtesy of Balmain and Cynthia Erivo’s petal-adorned tuxedo by Thom Browne. Then there was the Met’s Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion exhibit, which produced some of the most inspired makeup looks of recent galas. Beauty went bold thanks to Zendaya, who accessorized her Maison Margiela Couture dress with paper-thin blonde brows, glossy skin and a vampy lip, not to mention Ariana Grande, who embellished her eyes with petal wing appliqués.
Our invite may have got lost in the post, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to pull together some similarly influential looks this month. If you’re equally as inspired, here are our top fashion and beauty picks to help you on your way.
Sunny days are here, and Reformation is celebrating by launching a capsule collection of sunglasses with French eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly. The limited-edition line — which marks Reformation’s first foray into eyewear and follows the brand’s swim launch — features five vintage-inspired styles, including oversized aviators and thick-rimmed oval frames in color combos like black/pink and tortoise/brown. And in true Reformation eco-conscious style, the sunglasses are made using 100-percent bio-acetate frames and bio-nylon lenses. Prices start at $185.
Shop now at Reformation
Reformation x Jimmy Fairly The Coline Sunglasses, $, available at Reformation
What can you expect from LoveShackFancy’s third capsule made in collaboration with British heritage brand Liberty Fabrics? Lots of volume, romantic silhouettes, floral prints, bows, soft pink hues, and more. This latest collection, inspired by ’80s style, features a warm-weather-ready array of flowing maxi dresses, tiered skirts, and bustier mini dresses. And, for the first time ever, the collab has also resulted in a line of swimwear that includes bikinis, one-pieces, and girls’ styles.
Shop now at LoveShackFancy
LoveShackFancy x Liberty Fabrics Sabela Liberty Fabric Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at loveshackfancy
It’s safe to say that since Fenty stepped on the scene, foundation has never been the same. Setting the bar for extensive shade ranges, the Riri-owned makeup company is back with an all-new formula, this time focusing on luminosity and hydration. Perfect for warmer weather, this foundation boasts long wear and medium coverage, promising a “golden hour glow”’ that lasts through sweat and humidity. Available in 50 shades, the non-greasy, lightweight formula is built to feel comfortable on the skin while still delivering that all-important luminous finish thanks to hydrating cyperus papyrus leaf cell extract and skin brightening kakadu plum extract.
Shop now at Sephora
Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundati, $, available at Sephora
It’s AAPI Heritage Month, and 3.1 Phillip Lim is marking the occasion with a special exhibition called “Crafting Selfhood.” Inspired by the brand’s new handbag collection, the ID, the exhibition features stunning ceramics and sculpture work from 13 Asian American women-identifying artists and designers, such as terracotta vessels by LA-based Myung Jin Kim and porcelain creatures created by Janny Beak. The exhibition will be on display at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s NYC flagship until May 23.
Learn more at 3.1 Phillip Lim Art: Janny Baek; Photo: Angela Hau
Designed in New York and created in Italy, Mansur Gavriel is the embodiment of accessible luxury. This season, the fashion brand known for its bucket bags embarks on its sixth collaboration with hand-printed canvas connoisseurs Stamperia Pascucci to create a beach-ready capsule collection, inspired by all things seaside. Including striped ballet flats, totes and a sailboat-print beach towel in blue hues of the Mediterranean, this capsule has dolce vita written all over it.
Shop now at Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel x Stamperia Pascucci Limited Edition Dream Ballerina Flat, $, available at Mansur Gavriel
True beauty aficionados know that The Ordinary is one of the best budget-friendly skincare lines in the business. From its famous AHA + BHA 2% Peeling Solution to the armpit-friendly Glycolic Acid, the company is known for high-grade ingredients that work. This looks to be the case once again with the launch of its new non-acid exfoliating toner, which uses N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) to promote gentle surface exfoliation. Unlike an acid, this sensitive-skin friendly approach to exfoliating is all about harnessing the power of yeast ferment technology for smoother, hydrated skin. While this might sound super-sciency, the milky toner promises to reduce the look of dark spots, smooth skin texture and minimize the look of dark pores without the risk of acidic irritation, and for only £12.40, we’re sold.
Shop now at The Ordinary
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, $, available at The Ordinary
In the mood for another Barbie-forward summer? Then the Barbie x Keds collab is for you. As part of the iconic doll brand’s 65th-anniversary festivities, the capsule collection features four types of platform shoes. There’s the Point Striped pointed-toe canvas sneaker in a black-and-white chevron print (just like the famous swimsuit from 1959) and an iridescent gold leather, a Mary Jane in bright pink with a white lug sole, and a metallic pink Triple Up sneaker with fuchsia laces. Prices start at $90.
Shop now at Keds
Barbie x Keds Point Striped Canvas Lace Up, $, available at Keds
Barbie x Keds Lug Mary Jane, $, available at Keds
Barbie x Keds Triple Up Metallic Leather Lace Up, $, available at Keds
Barbie x Keds Point Metallic Leather Lace Up, $, available at Keds
The good news? Celeb-loved handbag brand Telfar is expanding into denim. The even better news? The brand promises it won’t sell out immediately like its shopping totes, making it much less stressful to shop. According to the press release, Telfar Denim has been in the works for two-plus years as the team aimed to perfect the unisex fit, styles, and materials. Now, it has launched with nine versatile styles, including a baggy jean, a straight-leg pair with thigh cutouts, full-length and cropped denim jackets with detachable sleeves, and mini and maxi skirts. Prices range from $110 to $240.
Shop now at Telfar
Telfar Cropped Detachable Jean Jacket, $, available at Telfar
Telfar Baggy Jean, $, available at Telfar
For those who find a lipstick bullet too chunky and instead opt for drawing in all-over lip color with a liner, this product is for you. ILIA’s new Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon is all about a nourishing feel with long-wear results. Unlike other lip crayons, this version can be sharpened just like a lip liner (big win), while still offering a thicker diameter for easy application. Plus, the formula has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil, so lips can stay looking luscious all day long. It’s available in 12 different shades (the blue toned crimson is our current fave).
Shop now at ILIA
ILIA Beauty Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon, $, available at ILIA Beauty
Though it might not seem like it right now, hot weather is on the horizon. This means it’s time to plan some picnic ready looks, and luckily the new UNIQLO x Marimekko has arrived just in time to inject color into our warm-weather wardrobes. Inspired by the bright, bold patterns of the ’60s and ’70s, the collaboration is all about wearable maximalism, with block-printed tees, wavy midi dresses and floral shirts. For those obsessed with the viral UNIQLO bag, the Japanese retailer is stepping beyond its solid color designs with graphic prints that the Finnish brand is famous for, as well as offering matching kids clothes.
Shop now at Uniqlo
Uniqlo x Marimekko Graphic Sleeveless T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo
“I’ve always wanted a pair of truly all-black sunglasses,” LaPointe founder and creative director Sally LaPointe said in a press release about her eponymous brand’s newest launch, a pair of sunglasses. “So I decided to go more discreet with the logo placement because it’s more about the vibe than brand visibility,” And with their oversized frame, flat-top silhouette, and logo etched on the inside the temple, LaPointe hopes “La-Sunglass” becomes your everyday pair for any outfit, occasion, and mood.
Shop now at LaPointe
Lapointe La-Sunglass, $, available at LaPointe
In recent years Coach has (once again) skyrocketed in popularity thanks to the viral Tiktok videos of bloggers restoring vintage bags from the brand . This interest in giving designer bags a new lease of life is explored in the new campaign for Coach’s eco-minded sister brand, Coachtopia, featuring the work of four designers with a love of upcycling. Some of the pieces include UK designer Tade Kayode-Newman’s version of the cult Ergo bag covered in recycled PET plastic spikes and NYC-based designers Anna Molinari’s and Zizi Zeng’s eyelet-embellished and lace bow-adorned bags, respectively. However, if handbags aren’t
your vibe, the collection also includes a cute cherry graphic tee by designer Sabrina Lau.
Shop now at Coach
If you think of Glow Recipe, it’s likely that your mind jumps straight to the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. The glowy serum has become a cult product online, thanks to its hyperpigmentation-reducing ingredients and shelfie-worthy bottle. Now, just in time for the summer heat, Glow Recipe has released a sister product in the form of a broad-spectrum SPF serum stick. Made to be the perfect day bag companion, the dewy formula is made for on-the-run sunscreen touch-ups, promising ultra hydration and SPF 30 (PA+++). Formulated with niacinamide, the stick aims to help even out skin tone over time while ingredients like hyaluronic acid hydrate the face and squalane soothes skin while still giving a glowy finish.
Shop now at Sephora
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick- S, $, available at Sephora
Jeans are one of the centrepieces of every wardrobe, and it’s even better if that denim is sustainably sourced. Continuing its initiative to reduce the chemical, energy and water impacts of clothing production, Levi’s is launching its latest WellThread capsule collection, which utilizes transitional cotton (cotton in the process of becoming organic) and plant-based dyes to create more planet-friendly denim designs. Our favorite pieces include the ceramic white boxy trucker jacket and the washed denim wildflower dress. However, the most eye-catching piece in the collection has to be the ’80s mom shorts featuring a diffused botanical print made from plant-based indigo ink.
Shop now at Levi
Levi’s Wellthread Down to Earth Trucker Jacket, $, available at Levi’s
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