Weekend reading list: 7.11.25
Plus some under $100 #NSALE picks!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Has dupe culture finally hit its limit? Last week Lululemon filed a lawsuit against Costco, and it’s the kind of legal battle that could shake up the entire world of fashion knockoffs! The athleisure giant is accusing Costco of selling near-identical versions of its signature items (like its scuba hoodies, define jackets, and ABC pants) at a fraction of the price. The kicker? Costco’s versions are so similar to Lululemon’s, they even use the same color names! These types of cases are notoriously hard to win, but if Lululemon does prevail it could have major impacts across the fashion landscape.
INFLUENCING
In an interesting trend, brands are moving away from traditional influencer marketing and taking control of their own social media content! Instead of relying on celebrities or external influencers, some companies are turning to in-house creators (and sometimes even their own employees) to create casual, behind-the-scenes content that feels more personal and authentic. This trend is particularly noticeable in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle spaces where brands are opting for lo-fi videos that promote products without the usual hard sell! Chances are you’ve already come across content like this…and perhaps didn’t even realize you were being marketed to!
SHOPPING: UNDER $100 NSALE PICKS
This trio of everyday earrings is a great deal!
This lace blouse is so pretty.
Never met a statement pair of sunglasses I didn’t like!
The prettiest special occasion dress for fall!
Fall-ready barrel leg jeans in the loveliest shade of green.
Love that you can wear this petite handbag as a crossbody.
A simple slingback to pair with jeans.
This belt is so good, a real wardrobe workhorse!
Love the neutral color way of these sneakers.
How gorgeous are these chocolate suede mules to pair with jeans?
This dress has my name written all over it. Perfect for transitional dressing into fall!
These elegant gold earrings caught my eye.
Perfect time to stock up on the best socks.
FASHION
Celine's Spring 2026 collection is all about sleek sophistication with a dose of ‘80s preppy nostalgia, and I’m here for it! I also have to say, I’m thrilled that barrel leg jeans and pants are still going strong. I’ve been loving that trend this past year! This was American designer Michael Rider’s debut at Celine. He was most recently the creative director at Polo Ralph Lauren, so it was fun to see the sporty, preppy, slightly collegiate influence he brought to the famed fashion house! He’s following in the hard-to-fill footsteps of Phoebe Philo and Hedi Slimane, but so far looks promising!
CELEBRITY
I immediately swooned when I saw Vanity Fair’s Pedro Pascal cover story! I’m of course a big fan of The Last of Us, but the way he balances his fame and celebrity with such genuine humility is beyond refreshing! In the interview, he opens up about the pressures of being in the public eye, but what really stood out to me was how he stays so grounded. I loved hearing about how he doesn’t let fame (and being the internet’s boyfriend lol) go to his head! I guess it is possible to be a heartthrob and a genuinely nice guy!
TEXAS
The recent Texas floods and the tragedy at Camp Mystic continue to haunt me. I’m so touched by those of you who have reached out to connect about your own camp experiences or to offer prayers for the place I called home every summer growing up. This New Yorker piece paints a heartbreaking picture of the lives lost when floodwaters ravaged the camp, sweeping away young girls and their counselors. It's hard to read but an important reminder of how quickly life can change and the devastating consequences when systems fail. It’s easy to feel helpless and angry in situations like this, but if you’re able to donate I wanted to highlight the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund as well as some of these fundraisers honoring the memory of some of the Dallas and Austin angels: