Wednesday, May 13, 2026

I Love My Coach Tabby — & Here’s Why It’s The Perfect Gift

I don’t pretend to have much in common with celebrities, but there is one thing I share with some of fashion’s biggest stars: a love of the Coach Tabby bag.   

Seen on Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Jennifer Lopez, among several other famous fans (and slightly less famously, me), the Coach Tabby bag is in many ways, the story of a modern-day “It” purse. Introduced by creative director Stuart Vevers in Fall 2019, the Tabby has already seen several variations on a theme in its relatively young lifespan; in 2021, a soft, puffy “Pillow Tabby” was launched, followed by a quilted, chain-strap Tabby models in 2024. Years later, the bag continues to be a bestseller — which in an age of constantly-evolving trends, is no small feat. 

Let’s begin with the one that started it all: The Tabby Shoulder Bag 26. Inspired by a 1970s archival Coach style, the Tabby Shoulder Bag was brilliant in its simplicity: A single flap design and minimal hardware make it a universal piece that goes with anything, and the versatility of being worn on the shoulder or crossbody meant she was up for anything. A more structured version followed suit, in addition to larger sizes and a rainbow of colorways, including a limited-edition metallic gunmetal quilted leather version.

I scooped up last year. (And on sale! Talk about a score.)

Personally, I’m convinced that the compact but not mini size is a major part of its mass appeal. I love that I can fit a phone, makeup, and wallet in my Tabby bag without feeling weighed down by a larger purse. (And if there’s one thing about me, if you give me a bag, I will find a way to fill it.) The natural-grain leather also elevates any outfit, but not too much so that it feels stuffy. It strikes the perfect tone between casual and fancy, and works with everything in my closet, from a white tee and jeans to a wedding guest dress.  

For the versatility and endless styling options, the Tabby feels extremely rare in a trend cycle dominated by novelty. The denim Tabby is perfect for my recent grads, who deserve to finally receive their first designer bag. Plus, the price point makes it one of those rare designer bags that feels like a genuine treat without the guilt spiral. No matter who you’re shopping for this season, a Coach Tabby bag is a hard gift to get wrong. 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Hailey Bieber’s New Mango Campaign Is A Lesson In The “Big Top Rule” — Here Are The Pieces Actually Worth Buying

I spend a lot of time thinking about what actually makes a trend stick. Is it the sheer ubiquity of it on our feeds, or is it the moment a high-street powerhouse manages to bottle up a specific moment and make it feel attainable and wearable?

Looking at Hailey Bieber’s new Summer 2026 campaign for Mango, it’s clear we’ve hit the latter. While the internet will inevitably spiral over the micro-shorts — and listen, as someone who respects a borderline inappropriate trend, I see the vision — the real value for those of us building a functional, high-low wardrobe isn’t in the controversial hemlines. It’s in the intentionality of the layers.

The campaign is a masterclass in what I call the “Big Top Rule.” It’s a study in contrast: heavy, technical outerwear and structured blazers paired with soft, itsy-bitsy, summer-ready basics. It’s a vibe that feels as at home on a crisp morning in NYC as it does on the coast in California. If you’re opting for micro-tiny shorts this summer, pairing them with an oversized polo, a structured quarter-zip, or a crisp button-down is the polished, sophisticated way to nail the leg-baring trend. Life is about balance, after all. To get the full look just right, you need the volume up top to ground the mini shorts.

Thanks to Bieber and Mango, we now have a blueprint for outfits that nail the proportions. Whether you’re going full-Hailey or just grabbing the hero layers, shop the best of the drop here.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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The American Eagle x Bubble Collab Is A Playful Gen Z Dream

It takes a lot to break through the noise in a saturated market, but some collections manage to grab our attention. So when a beloved fashion retailer and a viral beauty brand decide to collaborate, our shopping Spidey-senses activate. Today, American Eagle announced its partnership with Bubble, and there couldn’t be a more perfect collection to shop. (And as a self-identifying Zillennial who solely uses Bubble skincare for my sensitive skin and whose younger Gen Z sister solely spends her money at American Eagle, we’re excited to add these playful pieces to our collection.)

The fashion and beauty collaboration, available on both brands’ websites and in select American Eagle stores, is a celebratory entry into summertime. According to a press release: “The collab is rooted in a shared commitment to self-expression, individuality, and community — bringing together style and skincare in a way that feels natural and lived in.”

From a range of colorful loungewear — including graphic hoodies and terrycloth floral shorts — along with pajama sets and denim jackets, the collection has comfy styles you’ll want to wear for girls’ nights in… and for coffee runs… and for beach sunrises with your best friends! The keychains, necklaces, and platform slippers also promise to bring joy to your summer ‘fits.

The collection also has a limited-edition Bubble skincare bundle in a checkered cosmetics case featuring some of the brand’s bestsellers (including my personal favorites). We’re particularly excited about the new cherry lip balm, which comes in a set with summer charms. Beauty accessories like the terry headband and wristband sets plus terry makeup pouches also promise to brighten up your skincare and makeup routines.

Ranging between $9 and $85, the limited-edition collection is bound to sell out fast, so be sure to cart up your favorites ASAP.

Shop the full American Eagle x Bubble collaboration on AE.com and hellobubble.com.

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Thursday, May 7, 2026

22 Items Refinery29 Readers Carted Up Last Month

April was a huge month for sales and collaborations, and Refinery29 readers made it clear which ones they were eager to spend their hard-earned money on. From the (now-sold out) Asos x Adidas athleisure collab and 818 x Salt & Stone fragrance trio to the many sales made in anticipation of the new H&M x Stella McCartney designer collab, readers were honing in on limited-edition products. And by far, the most purchases came from spring sales à la Nordstrom, Sephora, and Amazon.

From editors' beauty picks and spring handbag trends to expert-approved fragrances and (actually in-stock!) collaboration styles ranging between $12 and $395, there were a few notable themes across reader-favorite products last month.

Ahead, we're sharing all the April bestsellers you couldn't resist adding to cart for yourself (or to gift for Mother's Day). Whether you're in the market for something exciting (or just curious about what everyone else is buying!), consider this your curated guide to April's standout finds.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L


It's no surprise that Lululemon's most viral bag was a top-performing item, especially for those shopping for crowd-pleasing Mother's Day gifts. The versatile belt bag is available in 1L and 2L sizes, and tons of spring-ready colors that mom will love.


Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $, available at Lululemon

Medicube Zero Pore Pads


Going three-months strong as a top performer, Medicube's pore pads are still a favorite among readers. After Medicube was highlighted as a top K-beauty brand on Amazon, and Senior Beauty Writer Karina Hoshikawa added it to her Amazon Summer Beauty Event wishlist, nearly 200 products were purchased through Refinery29 in April alone.

Medicube Zero Pore Pads, $, available at Amazon

Kut From The Kloth Petite Sienna Cuffed Hem Wide Leg Jeans


When Nordstrom was holding its End of Season Sale in April, readers rushed to cart up these petite jeans when they were discounted... and good news! They're currently 50% off.

Kut From The Kloth Petite Sienna Cuffed Hem Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom

Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum


Fragrance expert Aamna Lone highlighted this Hermès scent as a unique perfume you should try. Describing it as "herbal, woody, and impeccably balanced," Lone added: "This is a mini powerhouse: one spray goes a long way, and I’ve been told the scent lingers well after I’ve left the room."

Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom

FP Movement Double Bubble Set


This playful matching set reigned supreme from reader-favorite retailer Free People last month. We're loving the set for its bold coordinated look, and endless mix-and-match possibilities

FP Movement Double Bubble Set, $, available at Free People

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner


In addition to being recommended to achieve the trendy lip blushing look, the beauty team highlighted this YSL lip liner as a must-buy during Sephora's Spring Savings Event. "It’s more like a lip liner stain, but you can still control and blend it easily for a blurred, plumping effect" that looks better as the day goes on, says Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita.

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner, $, available at Sephora

Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Halter Peplum Top


One of last month's hottest collaborations was brought to us by Old Navy and Christopher John Rogers... and yes, some styles like this reader-favorite peplum top are still available to shop!

Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Halter Peplum Top, $, available at Old Navy

Pedestrian Project Shoe Pillows


Chief Content Officer Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli called out these shoe inserts as a must-have back in February, and readers took note. "The foam bounce technology gives just enough cushion at the ball of the foot to take the pressure off without changing the fit of the shoe. It’s one of those small upgrades that completely changes how wearable your favorite heels are," she raved.

Pedestrian Project Shoe Pillows, $, available at Amazon

Made In India Beaded Shells Sea & Sand Clutch Bag


We predicted that artisanal seashells would be a major spring handbag trend, and readers ran with it, immediately carting up this under-$50 TJ Maxx find. This style will no doubt be a go-to all summer long.

Made In India Beaded Shells Sea & Sand Clutch Bag, $, available at Tj Maxx

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist


We're officially in sunscreen season (which we beg is all year long) so Production & Editorial Coordinator Dawnie Jefferson decided to restock this face SPF during Sephora's sale. "I love having a spray sunscreen to reapply when I am driving around a lot in this LA sun," she says, praising it for working on top of makeup.

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist, $, available at Sephora

Bay Isle Home 2-Person Patio Conversation Set with Cushions


Whether this set was discounted during a weekend sale or Way Day, it was a fan-favorite. We can picture it living on even the tiniest apartment balconies to elevate your space into a luxe escape.

Bay Isle Home 2-Person Patio Conversation Set with Cushions, $, available at Wayfair

Kundal Honey & Macadamia Protein Hair Treatment


Kundal was praised for being a favorite K-beauty brand available on Amazon from the team. Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita explains: "“Not only does this treatment make my hair smell amazing — like I've misted it with a musky hair perfume — but it’s incredibly moisturizing, turning frazzled ends silky." She also occasionally uses it to replace her conditioner for extra moisture.

Kundal Honey & Macadamia Protein Hair Treatment, $, available at Amazon

Zara Buttoned Rib Halter Top


We're always keeping a close eye on Zara's newest drops, so when we saw this adorable button-embellished top, we had to highlight it, and it quickly became a reader-favorite style too.

Zara Buttoned Rib Halter Top, $, available at Zara

Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Perfector


Yet another Sephora Spring Savings score! Social Editor Taylor Loren shares: "This is the easiest way to give yourself a tanned glow. You can pick a warmer shade for bronzer or a cooler shade for contour [...] I’ve already repurchased this three times."

Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Perfector, $, available at Sephora

Lola Blankets Desert Dune Large Blanket


Lola Blankets are viral for a reason. They're incredibly luxe and cozy, so Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa tested them out, and came to this verdict: "It’s the softest, cuddliest blanket I've ever tried — and I’ve tried countless, being a homebody who loves nothing more than a good nap." (They especially make for very thoughtful gifts.)

Lola Blankets Desert Dune Large Blanket, $, available at Lola Blankets

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Iris


Fragrance expert Aamna Lone recommends this Escentric Molecules pick as her go-to scent. "This is a fragrance enhancer, a stabilizing substance that can prolong and emphasize other notes," she says, but notes that "on its own, it has a unique musky scent" with powdery and floral notes.

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Iris, $, available at Escentric Molecules

LilySilk Geometric Print Silk Scarf


We love this Nordstrom find because it can be worn as a chic bandana alternative, a makeshift summer top, belt, or a bag handle accessory. Bonus: It's currently on sale for 30% off.


LilySilk Geometric Print Silk Scarf, $, available at Nordstrom

Nécessaire The Body Peel Resurfacing Serum


Senior Beauty Writer Karina Hoshikawa praises this serum for helping diminish her keratosis pilaris, and saying it's "easily among the best products I’ve tried for addressing stubborn bumps." Need more convincing? She adds that it "doesn’t tingle or burn, even though it’s packed with a trifecta of exfoliating acids — AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs." (I'm taking R29 readers' lead and carting this up ASAP.)

Nécessaire The Body Peel Resurfacing Serum, $, available at Sephora

J.Crew Berkeley Small Shoulder Bag in Suede


Soft shoulder bags are so in this season, and readers are loving this on-sale J.Crew style in a summer-ready lime green (which also happens to be trending).


J.Crew Berkeley Small Shoulder Bag in Suede, $, available at J.Crew

Skin1004 Zombie Pack


As readers crept through older editors' picks during Amazon's Summer Beauty Event, many of them carted up Skin1004's mask. After mixing the formula yourself, it results in a rough or cracked effect that reveals which parts of your face are lacking elasticity or hydration.

Skin1004 Zombie Pack, $, available at Amazon

ASTR The Label Scalloped Placket Crop Cardigan


This cardigan ranked as the highest Nordstrom find purchased during its End of Season Sale. And though we're starting to pack away our sweaters, this is a great transitional style and classic piece that you'll always go back to year after year.

ASTR The Label Scalloped Placket Crop Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom

The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion


For the third month in a row, this $13 milky moisturizer is still going strong. It's especially beneficial for readers with dry skin, as Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikta explains that it can both “quench dry patches and deliver hydration without a greasy feel.”

The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion, $, available at The Ordinary

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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