Everyday Style Inspired by the Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was all about celebrating Black fashion and tailoring – and let’s just say, mission accomplished. Think old-school glam with a bold, modern twist. Drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance fashion and Black dandyism, the looks felt timeless and incredibly current.

Tailored suits were everywhere, but not in the traditional sense. These were refined, high-quality pieces combined with bold accessories and personalized elements. Zendaya took her Louis Vuitton zoot suit – originally a symbol of jazz clubs in the 1930s and 40s – and reimagined it for today with sharp lines and crisp white fabric. Rihanna’s structured Marc Jacobs outfit blended the vintage drama of yesteryear with the streetwear edge of today.

Historically, zoot suits and pinstripes made bold statements—that hasn’t changed. But today, it’s less about following fashion rules and more about owning your story through what you wear.

To bring these trends into your own wardrobe, think menswear-inspired pieces with a twist: a tailored blazer, trousers, or pinstripes – styled your way. Pair them with a crop top, statement jewelry, or heels to add a modern, personal touch. It’s all about mixing classic structure with expressive, contemporary flair. The end result should feel polished and statement-making.

Expect more looks that blur the lines between masculine and feminine, formal and casual—fashion that feels truly free. Personalized tailoring and cultural storytelling are on the rise, and the fusion of history and modern design is officially in style.

Lab-Grown Diamonds Gaining Ground

Lab-grown diamonds are steadily becoming more popular, according to new survey findings that reflect evolving attitudes in the jewelry market.

A recent study by the Plumb Club, a group representing jewelry manufacturers, found that a growing number of consumers are open to choosing lab-grown diamonds. Many said they would consider purchasing one in the future, suggesting increased awareness and comfort with alternatives to mined stones.

Younger shoppers, in particular, are leading the way. A rising percentage of respondents said they’d consider a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring—pointing to a generational shift in how people view these products.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Some consumers raised concerns about long-term value, uniqueness, and the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds. These insights show that transparency and education remain important for building confidence.

Even so, lab-grown diamonds are carving out a solid place in today’s jewelry landscape. Many participants said they appreciated the pricing and sustainability benefits, and more than half said they’d recommend lab-grown diamonds to others.

While lab-grown diamonds may not yet be the default choice for everyone, they’re clearly moving beyond niche status. As familiarity grows and more people see them as a viable option, they’re becoming a meaningful part of the modern fine jewelry conversation.

Unique Mother’s Day Ideas

Many moms still love breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day. Others love those handmade cards, or a nice brunch. These are all lovely ideas. For the mom who wants something else, or for the father or children looking for a new and unusual way to spice things up on Mother’s Day, here are some ideas.

  1. Give mom time alone. Yes, it seems counterintuitive, but if mom is a harried woman looking after little kids, she might actually love a night in a hotel, or a massage by herself. These could be a really lovely way for her to recharge and be ready to get back to the grind the day after.
  2. Hands on workshops. There are all sorts of fun ways to spend time together at a painting session, a mosaic workshop, a pottery class, a jewelry making workshop, etc.
  3. Active moms. For those always on the go, who love to be active, you can rent bikes together, join in a 5k happening nearby for charity, take a long walk or enjoy a hike.
  4. Sea legs. If you live near water, perhaps you can book an evening cruise, a picnic on the beach (or river), a surfing lesson or something similar.
  5. Art admirers. Some people love art and museums. Take mom to a new exhibit at a local museum, to an out-of-the-way small gallery, to a play or to a beautiful garden.

Whatever you select to do for Mother’s Day, keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a fortune or come up with the world’s most creative idea. Being together and expressing your love and gratitude are the true purpose of the day.

All Eyes on Dior

Those in the fashion know will have their eyes on Jonathan Anderson this spring, as he is joining the Dior line up for June. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault announced Thursday that celebrated designer Jonathan Anderson will create the June collection for Dior Men’s Fashion. The announcement came during the group’s annual shareholder meeting.

Anderson, 40, recently departed from LVMH’s Loewe label on March 17. His move represents part of a broader industry shift as major fashion houses bring in fresh design talent amid challenging market conditions. The luxury sector has experienced sluggish growth due to China’s property crisis and consumer hesitation about high prices.

During his acclaimed tenure at Spanish label Loewe, Anderson elevated the brand with distinctive, unconventional designs. His noteworthy creations include €800 barrel-legged jeans and the popular Puzzle bag selling for approximately €3,000.

The Irish designer has earned multiple British designer of the year awards for both his Loewe work and personal JW Anderson brand. His Loewe legacy includes establishing a respected craft prize competition and transforming Daniel Craig’s image with a memorable campaign featuring casual sweaters and relaxed trousers.

Sleep Issues Linked to Alzheimer’s

We all know that sleep is important for so many reasons – but researchers are now isolating not only the hours of sleep, but the type of sleep that is important for us. And they are finding that the lack of sleep can accentuate and accelerate issues like Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent research reveals a compelling connection between sleep quality and brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. A groundbreaking study led by Gawon Cho from Yale School of Medicine found that insufficient time spent in deep sleep stages—slow-wave and REM sleep—may accelerate deterioration in brain regions associated with early Alzheimer’s disease.

The study discovered that inadequate deep sleep correlates with shrinkage in the inferior parietal region, an area critical for processing sensory information. This finding aligns with clinical observations by preventive neurologist Dr. Richard Issacson, who confirms the relationship between sleep metrics and cognitive function.

During deep sleep, our brains perform essential maintenance—clearing toxins, repairing tissues, and restoring bodily systems. REM sleep facilitates emotional processing and memory consolidation. Despite adults needing 7-8 hours of quality sleep with 20-25% in deep and REM stages, more than one-third of American adults are chronically sleep-deprived.

With all of this in mind, here are 8 ways to try to sleep better.

8 Essential Tips for Better Sleep

  1. Create a Sleep Nest: Maintain a cool bedroom temperature (60-67°F) with a comfortable mattress and appropriate bedding.
  2. Develop a Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime ritual and stick to regular sleep-wake times, even on weekends.
  3. Cut the Lights: Eliminate sources of light, especially blue light from electronic devices, to support natural melatonin production.
  4. Dampen Sound: Use white noise or fans to mask disruptive sounds and keep smartphones outside the bedroom.
  5. Boycott Caffeine: Avoid caffeinated beverages and foods (including chocolate) at least six hours before bedtime.
  6. Skip the Alcohol: While alcohol may help with falling asleep, it disrupts deeper sleep stages necessary for restoration.
  7. Avoid Heavy or Spicy Foods: Choose light, sleep-promoting snacks like nuts, cherries, or bananas instead of heavy meals before bed.
  8. Make the Bedroom Sacred: Reserve your bed exclusively for sleep and intimacy to train your brain to associate it with rest.

Prioritizing quality sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed—research shows good sleep habits can add nearly five years to a man’s life expectancy and 2.5 years to a woman’s. With sleep deprivation linked to numerous health conditions from cardiovascular disease to dementia, implementing these strategies represents a vital investment in long-term health.

Show a Little Love to Your Socks!

Most people never consider their socks as a sleep aid, but sleep experts are revealing a surprising connection between warm feet and faster, deeper rest. According to Michelle Drerup, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, wearing socks to bed can actually help you fall asleep more quickly.

The science behind this recommendation is fascinating. As night approaches, our body naturally begins to lower its core temperature, a process critical for initiating sleep. Wearing socks triggers “distal vasodilation,” which widens blood vessels in the feet and helps cool down the body’s core temperature more efficiently.

A small 2018 study demonstrated the remarkable potential of this simple strategy. Young men who wore socks to bed fell asleep nearly eight minutes faster and enjoyed 32 minutes of additional sleep, with fewer nighttime awakenings.

Sleep specialists like Drerup emphasize that individual comfort is key. While socks can help some people, others might find them uncomfortable. The ultimate goal is finding what works best for your unique sleep patterns.

Additional sleep hygiene tips include maintaining a cool bedroom temperature around 65°F and taking a warm shower before bed to facilitate the body’s natural temperature drop.