Weekly Link Roundup

▪ Forever 21 just re-released one of my favorite travel pieces. I own probably ten of these knit skater dresses in various colors, and they’ve held up well despite countless washes. The material composition is a little different from years past (they were 96% rayon, and 4% spandex; they are now 62% polyester, 33% rayon, and 5% spandex), but the retail price has been reduced from $14 to $9.90. Other new arrivals that caught my eye: Open-Shoulder Flounce Jumpsuit, Racerback Maxi Dress, Draped Mini Dress, Lace-Up Cami Romper, and Lace-Panel Cropped Cami.

▪ The last reality TV show I watched with any seriousness was (the first season of) Jersey Shore, and (I blame lack of access for this) I have since struggled to keep current on this front. I smile and nod when people talk enthusiastically about the newest season of the Bachelorette, but can’t even feign familiarity when the Real Housewives (regardless of locale) enter any conversation. I try to bridge this gap in basic conversation fodder by reading detailed analyses of reality TV shows, like “The Dark Decline of ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

▪ In the vanguard of men’s fashion: RompHim (aka male rompers), because everyone should be able to dress like toddlers.

▪ Embattled retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is apparently an attractive acquisition target.

▪ Everyone panic, robots are coming for your (white-collar) jobs.

▪ Take 25% off your purchase or 30% off off sale styles with code GOFISH at J.Crew. My sale picks: Shift Dress in Morning Floral, Edit Bag, Lace-up Suede Sandals, One-shoulder Ruffle Top in Eyelet, Sheath Dress in Polka Dot Textured Tweed, and Off-the-shoulder Ruffle One-piece Swimsuit.

▪ Things people are doing now: getting married to themselves.

▪ The Atlantic’s June cover story (subject matter: Asian slavery) is predictably polarizing and fraught with emotional and ethical tension. While I don’t personally identify with the “economic, cultural, and historical context” of the story, it nevertheless touched me.

▪ 4 inches = the distance between civility and hostility.

▪ Rich person Tim Gurner to Millennials: If you ever want to be a homeowner, stop buying avocado toast (But for real, avocado prices are out of control). I can’t decide if this is more or less condescending than the time Jason Chaffetz told constituents to stop buying smartphones and use that money to “invest” in their health care instead.

▪ Some bags from Madewell’s Transport line are on sale at Madewell: transport tote (also here, transport weekender (reviewed here), transport rucksack, and suede medium transport tote.

▪ Modern families have become multifaceted, so when they break up things can get messy. I was prepared for messiness going into “What Makes a Parent,” but was unprepared for how frustrated it would make me. I had hoped that the article would reframe the question for me, but instead it just reminded me of how overpowering privilege (in this case money) can be.

▪ I don’t watch Anthony Bourdain’s shows because five minutes is the longest I can go without rolling my eyes at him. Something about his pursuit of the “authentic” feels spurious and affected to me. His disdain of food trends is endearing though, and I find myself wondering if I should give his shows another shot after watching this clip (video link).

▪ A New York Times reporter clicked on countless “Around the Web” ads so you don’t have to. I’d accidentally clicked on a few of these ads previously, but a (not irrational) fear of malware prevented me from actively exploring that part of the web. I may start now.

▪ The whole Juicero… imbroglio has been super entertaining to read about. If you’ve enjoyed the coverage so far, you can’t miss this Gizmodo piece titled, “The Mad King of Juice: Inside the Dysfunctional Origins of Juicero” (no relation to Lear).

▪ Recently purchased: Ann Taylor Fluted Sleeve Striped Shift Dress, J. Crew Smocked Off-the-Shoulder Gingham Dress, Kate Spade Harbour Stripe Shower Curtain, and BP Scalloped Faux Leather Tote.

Have a great week, all!