“Friends” actor Matthew Perry opened up about his decades-long addiction in his new memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” (available now). Now, in a recent interview with CBC, he details the juxtapositions of his struggles with the disease of addiction with playing funny-guy Chandler.

“I had a rule that I would never drink or do drugs while working,” Perry says. “Because I had too much respect for the five people I was working with. So I was never wasted while working.” When he wasn’t filming, he was taking 55 Vicodin a day. “I weighed 128 lbs, I was on Friends getting watched by 30 million people — and that’s why I can’t watch the show, ’cause I was brutally thin,” he says.

Perry also shares his frustration at the hand he was dealt in an exclusive cover story interview with People. “It’s not fair that I had to go through this disease while the other five didn’t. They got everything that I got, but I had to fight this thing — and still have to fight this thing,” he added.

Perry tells People that his memoir is “[full] of hope.” But he definitely doesn’t shy away from the hard periods of his life, which include multiple gastrointestinal surgeries, 15 visits to a rehabilitation center, and a complicated relationship with sobriety. The memoir even opens with a heavy disclosure: at 49, Perry nearly died.

Perry tells People he experienced a gastrointestinal perforation — a serious medical condition that describes a hole in the gastrointestinal tract — as well as a burst colon resulting from opioid use. After two weeks in a coma and months in the hospital, Perry recovered, but initially, the “doctors told my family that I had a 2 percent chance to live . . . I was put on a thing called an ECMO machine, which does all the breathing for your heart and your lungs. And that’s called a Hail Mary. No one survives that.” The experience left Perry feeling “grateful to be alive,” per People.

Another epiphany Perry experienced happened in rehab when meeting with a counselor who saved his life by simply validating his struggle. Perry shares with CBC, “He told me, ‘Just remember, it’s not your fault.'” Perry then asked the counselor to repeat himself. “I went, ‘What do you mean it’s not my fault? I’m the one who is doing it.’ And he explained addiction and alcoholism to me and he saved my life.” He adds, “Because I then knew I wasn’t weaker, it wasn’t my will that was screwed up, that I have this disease and I need to get help.” He continues, “There are people who will help you. It won’t go away, it never goes away.”

With the memoir, Perry says he wanted to share his story to help others who may be dealing with the disease of addiction firsthand. But he had make sure that he was in a good place before doing so. “I wanted to share when I was safe from going into the dark side of everything again,” he tells People. “I had to wait until I was pretty safely sober — and away from the active disease of alcoholism and addiction — to write it all down. And the main thing was, I was pretty certain that it would help people.”

The writing experience — though it can be intimidating to share your life so publicly — has shown Perry his own strength.

“What I’m most surprised with is my resilience,” he tells People. “The way that I can bounce back from all of this torture and awfulness. Wanting to tell the story, even though it’s a little scary to tell all your secrets in a book, I didn’t leave anything out. Everything’s in there.”

But it’s still difficult for Perry to watch himself struggling on television. Until now, he hasn’t watched “Friends” because he knows exactly what substances he was taking during the show. “I could tell season by season by how I looked. That’s why I don’t wanna watch it, because that’s what I see.”

Now he’s opening up to the idea. “I think I’m gonna start to watch it, because it really has been an incredible thing to watch it touch the hearts of different generations,” he says to CBC. “It’s become this important, significant thing,” he goes on. “It was really funny and all the people were nice. I’ve been too worried about this, and I wanna watch Friends too.”

If you or someone you know is in need of substance-related treatment or counseling, you can reach the Substance and Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on its Treatment Referral Routing Service helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

— Additional reporting by Melanie Whyte

The post “It’s Not Fair”: Matthew Perry Shares Honest Reaction to the Disease of Addiction appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

“There are two types of people in the world: dumb smart people and smart dumb people,” she says to me as we make our way through LAX airport. “Which one are we?” I ask.

“Smart dumb, obviously,” she replies. A dumb smart person, she goes on to explain, is someone with zero intuition about people but “knows about, like, books, and things.” Smart dumb people, I conclude, are the opposite. We are flying to New York City for the weekend—a plan we made in hopes that, if we flew across the country, there would be no choice but to leave our respective homes. It was meant to be a refreshingly chilly change of scenery from Los Angeles, where we both live. Fall, I’m told by people who live with seasons. It ended up being a frightening 75 degrees and was also, unfortunately, the last weekend in October, known to some as the dreaded “Halloweekend.” Not realizing this until we had already strayed 3,000 miles from our residences, we resigned to yet another weekend of sweatpants and staying in—there was simply no other option.

Alex Cooper and Cazzie David.

I knew Alex was famous, but it turns out Alex is evidently really famous. Perhaps the only person who has ever reached this level of fame from a podcast, rather than become a celebrity who then decides the world would simply be amiss if they did not start a podcast. Walking through the West Village with Alex was like tailing Elvis: adoring, beautiful women throwing themselves at her left and right, screaming “daddy!” at the top of their lungs. But what I also observed was an unusual kind of fan relationship. Alex and her listeners interact as if they are friends from sleep-away camp. Girls who haven’t seen each other in years and have a lot to catch up on. It took me no less than a dozen of these interactions for me to finally stop asking, “How do you guys know each other?”

Unlike some celebrities who covertly strive for a cultish fandom that blindly follows whatever they do, Alex has managed to create a real community—one where she and her listeners exchange stories, advice, and ideas. She is not selling anything. She will never ask you to spend your hard-earned paycheck on her new hair extension line. Her devoted listeners, a.k.a. “Daddy Gang,” (a moniker Alex coined in the early days of the show, predicting it would make people feel like they were a part of something) aren’t afraid to give her constructive criticism, because she takes it like a champ. In fact, she has been publicly called out on more than one occasion, and while this might cause others (me) to flee the country and assume a new identity, Alex has proven herself to be capable of reflection, and possesses an almost superhuman ability to laugh at herself. She’s real with her audience even in conversation about times she wasn’t being real (wow…BeReal really ruined the word “real”).

In September 2021, a TikTok account attempted to expose her for photoshopping the side of her waist in an Instagram post. After a few days that she describes as “mildly embarrassing,” she responded by releasing an episode aptly titled, “I Got Caught Photoshopping.” She doesn’t pretend to be above the things that we as young women living in the nightmare of modern internet culture get sucked into, but also understands how important it is to talk about them.

Another weekend of sweatpants and staying in, apart from taking these photos.

According to a report from Demand Sage, as of June 2022, there are over 2.4 million podcasts in the media landscape. Of those, there are probably one million podcasts titled something along the lines of Two Girls, One Glass of Wine, each spewing the same given commentary on dating, like, “Girl, listen, if a guy is toxic, you need to cut him out of your life.” Even though Call Her Daddy’s pure existence was ahead of the podcast curve by almost a decade, Alex’s opinions have never been obvious or shallow. “As much as people say [Call Her Daddy] is polarizing, it was me trying to find a way for women in the world we are living in, where we aren’t just bitching and moaning, complaining about the patriarchy,” she tells me. “Oh, you want the power? Here are a couple tips to gain the power from the inside out.”

This mission statement still serves as a north star for Alex, and is partly the reason the legion of people trying to emulate her ascension doesn’t bother her. “I am my own competition,” she says. “I don’t pay attention to what other people are doing and I don’t consume other people’s content so I can maintain an original voice. When I started, I had never listened to a podcast in my life. I focus on who I am rather than trends and quick hot takes that aren’t going to last.” A quality you have to admire in this day and age where fast-moving trends and endless comparison live on a screen that’s permanently attached to us.

Getting ready to go…nowhere.

What differentiates Call Her Daddy in such an oversaturated market is how deftly Alex traverses such a wide range of topics. She launched season 2 with a tell-all interview with Hailey Bieber, where she dove into salacious tabloid drama from years past. This episode was followed by a human interest piece in North Carolina, interviewing the workers and women who visited A Preferred Women’s Health Center abortion clinic in Charlotte to examine the impact of Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Call Her Daddy has become a safe space for people to explore everything from sex to mental health. Prospective guests practically run to the pod as their first friend to phone after major public turmoil, while Alex patiently listens to their side of the story without judgment—a skill she attributes to growing up with a professional psychologist for a mother. “When I was younger, and still to this day, I will walk into my house and one of my friends will be sitting on my couch speaking to my mother. Growing up, I would get frustrated that she was so intuitive, because she would always know if I was lying. But now I feel so grateful, because it made her there for me and my friends in a way other parents couldn’t be.” Alex herself often approaches the interviews from a psychoanalytic perspective, making the listening experience feel like what one hopes to gain from their own therapy session—that is, if your therapist called you a “hoe” and gave you explicit tips on how to masturbate.

The consistent through line that draws listeners in week-by-week, though, is Alex’s unabashed authenticity. She comes to the mic prepared to serve up her unfiltered opinion and lead a dynamic, no-holds-barred conversation, and with that, she serves up a piece of herself. Her massive audience isn’t here for her celebrity guests or gossip, they are here for her. “One week I’ll have a comedian on, and the next I’ll have someone who talks about their childhood trauma,” she says, throwing a Cheeto into her mouth and promptly wiping her fingers on the hotel bathrobe. “I have a loyal audience that sticks with me even when I switch up my content. I don’t stick with what I know.”

What Alex does seem to know is how to make people laugh. Many of her stories remind me of the Nora Ephron mantra that her mother told her when she was young: “When you slip on a banana peel, people laugh at you. But when you tell people you slipped on a banana peel, it’s your laugh, so you become a hero rather than the victim of the joke.” For Alex, it’s sharing horrors like the time she vomited her dinner on her boyfriend’s cock, or when she went to the hospital in Las Vegas on her birthday due to a kidney infection she contracted from back-to-front sex. You know, classic Nora…

Cohabitating in a single hotel room for three nights is the kind of thing that can make or break a relatively new friendship. Annoying habits are revealed, and questionable moral principles come to the surface. Before leaving L.A., I had asked Alex to put her hood up on the plane if she wasn’t planning on washing her hair before we shared a bed that night. Thankfully, I don’t snore, as she said if I did, she’d “suffocate me with a pillow with zero remorse.” Expecting to find out what shameful quality of mine or hers would lead to the untimely demise of our relationship, I instead acquired a full grasp on how singular the culture of Call Her Daddy truly is, and that if Alex is a smart dumb person, it’s possible she’s the smartest dumb person alive.

Photographer: Emilio Madrid; hair: Frankie Calire; makeup: Carolina Dali

Cazzie David is a New York Times bestselling author and actor.

The post Alex Cooper Is the Smartest Dumb Person Alive appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

The list goes on and on, but the best men’s tracksuits have and will always be here to stay. They extend beyond pop culture as one of the most practical articles of clothing a man can own. I mean, come on, not having to match your jacket to your pants? Genius.

If you’re looking to upgrade your tracksuit collection or perhaps dip your toe into the water of monochrome, keep reading. We have the best tracksuits for men that will make you look like anything from the Royal Tenenbaums to a rap star. The choice is yours.

Highly coveted streetwear brand Palm Angels has some of the most recognizable tracksuits in the game. Well known for flashy colors, interesting patterns, and materials ranging from soft velvet to shiny silks, these tracksuits define social capital. 

You’ve probably seen them on celebs like Future, Louis Thompson, Terry Rozier, and even in Lil’ Baby’s DO DAT music video. The Palm Angels brand screams clout. 

This olive green tracksuit keeps it simple. Dual white stripes down the sleeves and pant legs with matching white detailing and exposed seams. The zippered pockets and high collar stick to retro tracksuit roots, and the signature Palm Angels logo is the cherry on top of an effortlessly cool look. 

Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: XS – XL | Colors Available: Olive, Navy

There’s only one word for the Adidas tracksuit: iconic. We can also throw in timeless and classic as this set is still the top pick for the best men’s tracksuits worldwide. Adidas has been perfecting the tracksuit game since the late 1960s, and they’re still pumping out a dependable product. The proof can be seen on every corner of the earth. 

The Essentials 3-Stripes Tracksuit stays true to its name. One of the most dependable options for athletic wear, this tracksuit will take you from the field to the court to the track with no issues. 

Remember, athletic wear is more ingrained in streetwear than ever (and hip-hop culture, we can’t forget about Run-DMC here). That means this tracksuit can even carry you to social events without so much as breaking a sweat. Plus, at less than $100 for the whole set, it’s hard to find a deal better than this. 

Material: 100% Recycled Polyester | Sizes Available: S – 2XL | Colors Available: Black, Navy

Understated but never boring. This tracksuit from Swedish brand Axel Arigato is a top pick for a polished, monochrome look. Featuring a creamy white colorway and eye-catching bird motif, this set stays true to Axel’s roots of simple yet highly functional design. 

With a flattering silhouette and contrasting stripes, this tracksuit gives more office than gym vibes. Finished with exposed seams and a comfortable elastic waistband, it really takes the stress out of getting ready. It’s hard to find fault in such good-looking clothing.

Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: XS – XL | Colors Available: Beige, Black

It doesn’t get any softer than organic cotton, so this tracksuit gets top marks in the comfort department. While it’s technically more of a sweatsuit than track apparel, it still makes the cut for this list. You can thank the snug design and luxurious offerings for that. 

The hoodie is one of the best, with a crossed neckline, ribbed cuffs and hem, and a roomy kangaroo pocket. Topped off with Neurale’s emblem on the sleeve and a smooth green colorway, it’s the ideal accompaniment to the comfy matching pants. 

The twist is these are an upgrade from a typical pair of sweats. They have a side cargo pocket in addition to the traditional slash pockets and a drawstring elastic waist. 

Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes Available: S – XL | Colors Available: Dark Forest, Cloud Cream

An orange tracksuit may seem a bit over the top. But when you see them on celebrities like Future, ASAP Rocky, Burna Boy, and even Big Sean, it’s easy to understand their pull. This flashy number from Percival will allow you to stay on top of the latest trends without sacrificing coziness. 

There’s nothing quite as slick as this well-tailored jacket. Wait, I take that back. There’s nothing quite as slick as this jacket, except when paired with the matching trousers. With a slightly tapered silhouette, faux fly, and matching racing stripes, this captivating set is well worth the splurge. 

If you’re worried you’ll look more like the villain from Despicable Me than a rap star, this set also comes in bright green and a dialed-down navy. 

Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Elastane | Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: Bronze, Forest, Navy

The best tracksuits during the summer are a thing, and this set from Unrecorded is a welcome addition to any warm weather wardrobe. Let me just say, whoever invented sweat shorts is nothing short of a genius. And this charcoal, French terry pair is particularly flattering with a drawstring waist and faux fly. The matching hoodie is a delightful bonus. 

Though what makes Unrecorded particularly noteworthy are the company values. The brand’s manufacturing partners have a reduced environmental impact and work in fair conditions, allowing Unrecorded to deliver their product directly to consumers. This means transparent pricing and a higher quality garment than something produced unethically. You’ll feel as good as you look in this responsibly-made tracksuit. 

Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Sizes Available: XXS – XXL | Colors Available: Gray, Navy, Charcoal, Black, +

Gucci is notorious for bold, flashy designs. But this tracksuit for men keeps things simple in a chic black with the signature Gucci camel-hued stripes down the sides. Rather than a feature-hugging cut, this tracksuit is a tad roomy with an oversized silhouette. 

It’s an investment, true, but it also takes the effort out of getting ready every time you throw it on. Simply pair it with a crisp tee and spanking white kicks—you’ll be the talk of every gathering you attend with this easy, breezy, beautiful… tracksuit. 

Material: 55% Polyester, 45% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS – XXXL | Colors Available: Black

As far as the best tracksuits for men go, it doesn’t get more comfortable or practical than Nike’s tech fleece line. This best-selling set is ready for anything, whether you’re putting in reps at the gym or crushing bags of chips on the couch. 

The technical fleece traps heat without the puffy snowman effect, ideal for cold weather and winter wear. Coupled with an unbeatable color selection and multi-tone designs, it’s hard to outdo this well-loved set. That said, it’s worth noting that the Tech Fleece line runs large, so if you’re after a more tailored look, be sure to size down. 

After something flashier for the summer months? Opt for Jordan’s brand new ‘Why Not’ track jacket and matching shorts. Whichever Nike tracksuit you choose, it’ll look sharp with your favorite pair of Swoosh kicks or Jordans. 

Material: 66% Cotton, 34% Polyester | Sizes Available: XS – XXXXL | Colors Available: 17 Options

It may be a surprise that brands beyond Juicy Couture pump out velvet tracksuits. But you know if Reiss is partaking in the game, you’re in for a dose of gentlemanly luxury. This one hits the mark if you’re looking for something more Hugh Heffner than Paris Hilton. Don’t worry, there’s not a rhinestone in sight.

The compelling collab between Reiss and sustainable brand CHÉ Studios created the ideal velour tracksuit. It gives off major Y2K vibes with contrasting paneling and ribbed cuffs for a vintage sportswear look. And the contemporary fit is tailored enough for all the casual events on your calendar. It’s a must-have for the sleek man seeking an extra dose of super soft comfort. 

Material: 79% Cotton, 21% Polyester | Sizes Available: XS – XL | Colors Available: Camel

You know when it’s not too hot but not too cold? This tracksuit is made for days like those. Crafted from knit seersucker, this tracksuit is the ultimate weekend companion. Barbeques, days on the golf course, and any other warm-weather activities life throws your way.

Dressed up with white piping and seersucker’s signature puckered texture, the breezy jacket features a two-way zipper, dual pockets, and a high neck collar. The pants don’t leave us wanting for much either, and we are especially appreciative of the zippered pockets. For a memorable look, pair this tracksuit with clean Converse high tops, loafers, or boat shoes and a plain white tee. 

Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: Brown, Dark Cobalt

Japanese denim powerhouse KAPITAL pulls out all the stops for their rendition of the best tracksuits for men. This black number may look simple at first glance, but it’s filled with showstopping details. Paying homage to Jamacia and Japan on the embroidered velvet sleeves, this set has plenty to look at. 

Despite the crafty embellishments, the jacket stays true to men’s tracksuit roots. However, the pants break away from the norm with a flared leg rather than a tapered one. Pair this set with boots, Converse, or your favorite leather sneakers. It’s hard to miss with clothing this stylish. 

Material: 100% Polyester | Sizes Available: XS – L | Colors Available: Black, Brown, Burgundy

Reebok fits the bill to a tee if you’re on the hunt for an athletic tracksuit. The matching Vector track set comes complete with the signature ‘swish, swish’ fabric symphony. 

If you’ve ever worn university-issued warm-ups, this tracksuit will bring back some memories. It’ll still be your go-to outfit for any kind of fitness training. Plus, this retro tracksuit is instantly recognizable and will never go out of style. 

Material: 100% Recycled Nylon & Polyester | Sizes Available: S – XXL | Colors Available: Navy, Blue, Black

What to Look for When Searching For The Best Tracksuits for Men

When it comes to picking out the best tracksuits for men, these are the primary considerations to keep in mind: 

Material

The Best tracksuits for men come in many materials—cotton, nylon, polyester, fleece, velour, and more. The material also defines the weight of the set. Velour or fleece will contribute to a warmer tracksuit. More breathable fabrics like nylon, polyester, and seersucker make for a summer-ready tracksuit. If you’re looking for a year-round option, consider one made from lightweight cotton.

Fit

Second to material, the fit is the most important consideration for the best tracksuits for men. A retro, athletic style may have a baggier fit than a modern, tailored tracksuit, for example. If you’re looking for something more polished, pay close attention to buzzwords like ‘tapered’ and ‘fitted.’ If you’re after a slouchier look, opt for a vintage style. At the end of the day, it pays to check the sizing chart of individual products to guide you toward the right fit. 

Color

Finally, color really factors into the look and feel of the best tracksuits for men. Don’t pick a pink velour tracksuit unless you want to be mistaken for a middle school girl. Do pick something that matches your personal style, whether it’s a funky orange or a dialed-down black. 

The best part about tracksuits is they take the guesswork out of putting together a nice outfit. So simply pick a color that speaks to you, then throw on a solid-colored tee and a pair of kicks. You’re ready to rumble.

The post 12 Best Tracksuits for Men – Ultimate Style Guide in 2022 appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

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Brendan Fraser’s body has been under scrutiny for most of his career. This past year, he wore a a 300-pound prosthetic, or “fat suit,” for his role in “The Whale.” But in a recent episode of Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, Fraser opens up to Adam Sandler about what his body went through for the 1997 comedy “George of the Jungle.”

In order to obtain the Tarzan-inspired look, he was waxed and “starved of carbohydrates.” At one point, his diet started to mess with his memory. One night on the way home from work, he stopped to pick up something to eat. “I needed some cash one day, and I went to the ATM, and I couldn’t remember my PIN number because my brain was misfiring. Banging on the thing. I didn’t eat that night.”

“Starved brain” is a common side effect of anorexia, according to studies. Otherwise known as cerebral atrophy, it happens when the body doesn’t receive adequate nutrition regularly. Research shows it can effect concentration, memory, cognitive flexibility, and fear responses.

Starving himself wasn’t the only way the film industry impacted Fraser physically. He says he “destroyed” his body doing movie stunts and spent seven years undergoing various surgeries.

The irony? Sandler admits to feelings of jealousy during their talk. “I was disappointed how good you looked in [“George of the Jungle”]. You weren’t supposed to do that to us. You were supposed to remain like a human!” Jokingly, he adds, “You made us feel bad about ourselves.”

But Fraser himself really struggled with the constant pressure to look good on screen. “The wardrobe was there was no wardrobe,” he says. “George wears a loincloth.” The industry standard of achieving unsustainable and unrealistic body goals for certain roles is still quite common 25 years after the movie’s release. Hopefully, Hollywood is taking notes as more actors like Zac Efron and Kumail Nanjiani speak out about the dangers of these practices.

The post Brendan Fraser Says His “Brain Was Misfiring” While Filming “George of the Jungle” appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

The couple’s appearance comes hours after Prince William and Kate Middleton had their own luxe evening in the U.K., attending King Charles III’s first Diplomatic Corps Reception as king.

It also comes just two days before the first part of their Netflix documentary series, Harry & Meghan, is released on Thursday. Three out of six episodes will be available to stream, and trailers have made it clear that Meghan and Harry are going straight into the royal drama that led them to step back from their senior working royal family roles in the U.K.

“There’s a hierarchy of the family,” Harry says in the latest trailer. “You know there’s leaking, but there’s also planting of stories [in the British tabloids].”

“It’s a dirty game,” he continues. “The pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution is a feeding frenzy.”

Meghan touched on the couple’s feelings about giving their story to documentary director Liz Garbus and her team in an interview with Variety.

“It’s nice to be able to trust someone with our story—a seasoned director whose work I’ve long admired—even if it means it may not be the way we would have told it. But that’s not why we’re telling it,” she said. “We’re trusting our story to someone else, and that means it will go through their lens.”

“It’s interesting,” she continued.” My husband has never worked in this industry before. For me, having worked on Suits, it’s so amazing to be around so much creative energy and to see how people work together and share their own points of view. That’s been really fun.”

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.

The post Meghan Markle Is Stunning in a White Off-the-Shoulder Slit Dress for the 2022 Ripple of Hope Award Gala appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

For the uninitiated, La Patiala is a go-to resource and encyclopedia of all things luxury, from how to shuck an oyster, which bottle of champagne to give as a gift, where to travel in Napa Valley, and, yes, how to buy a watch. The Watch Encyclopedia is a collection of 50 articles debunking every watch brand myth out there, with instructions for where to spend your money, what mistakes to avoid when making your first big purchase, and everything in between.

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Shirley is indeed a trusted source of knowledge for the complicated world of watches, which are not only a utilitarian purchase—they’re investment pieces that stand the test of trends and time (no pun intended). Ahead of the holiday season, we spoke with Shirley about the Watch Encyclopedia, her dream timepiece, and the styles she thinks you should gift (or ask for) this year.

Why do watches make the best gift?

Watches have been a traditional gift for special occasions and memorable moments for decades—and for good reason. Watch design hasn’t changed significantly—a classic dress watch from the 1950s has a similar look to a contemporary dress watch. So even though watches can be expensive, you know you’re giving them a gift that will last a long time and will remain stylish, no matter what the fashion trends are. People also wear their watches a lot and look at them frequently throughout the day, so they will be reminded of you every time they check the time.

What’s your favorite watch that you own? You must own a lot of them.

My favorite is my Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas watch. As a former fashion editor, I am drawn to its distinctive design. It really does look like a snake wrapping around your wrist, and it’s so fabulous. It stops people in their tracks when they see it, and you don’t see a lot of people wearing one, so you stand out from the crowd. I have the double wrap, which makes a really strong statement.

What’s the number one watch on your wish list?

Honestly, there are too many to count! I’ve always loved Dior’s Grand Bal watches. Automatic watches usually have a rotor (a semi-circular weight) on the back of the watch movement that winds the watch as you wear it. Dior took the unusual approach of putting the rotor on the front of the watch and decorating it using different métiers d’art, including feathers, diamonds, and engraved gold. I love how it twirls above the dial as you move. My favorite is the Dior Grand Bal Plume with brilliantly covered feathers. It’s the perfect combination of style and high horology.

What prompted you to launch La Patiala and the Watch Encyclopedia?

I started my career as a fashion assistant at ELLE, and by the time I left, I had an encyclopedic knowledge of fashion designers. In my next job, I started to cover more categories, and I was astounded by how difficult it was to earn about watches. They were so technical, and there wasn’t a resource that could teach me everything I needed to know. Most of the websites focused on watch news and were geared towards enthusiasts and collectors who already knew a lot about watches. I had to learn the hard way—asking a million questions and doing copious amounts of research.

After close to a decade covering watches, I wanted to share the knowledge I had accumulated and make watches accessible to those who appreciate craftsmanship and design. After all, watches can be extremely stylish. The Watch Encyclopedia includes everything from a glossary of watch terms to movement basics and a breakdown of the main types of watches and complications.

I know women who collect jewelry and handbags, but are scared of timepieces. I wanted to strip away all the fear and intimidation surrounding learning about watches and make it approachable to everyone. And even if you’re not interested in watches but spend a lot of time with someone who is, you can quickly learn the basics and know what they’re talking about.

Shop Kristen Shirley’s Favorite Luxury Watches

Open Gallery

The post La Patiala’s Kristen Shirley Shares Her Favorite Luxury Watches appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

From Jodie Turner-Smith’s gauzy Gucci to Elsa Hosk’s sequined co-ord, the fashion was so much fun.

Oscars, schmoscars — turns out, celebrities have the most fun with their outfits at slightly more low-key awards shows. Case in point: the 2022 Governor’s Awards in November and the British Fashion Awards that look place in London on December 5, where top models, designers, muses and celebrities gathered to celebrate all things fashion. Notable names in attendance included legends like Naomi Campbell and Tilda Swinton, model (and newly minted designer) Elsa Hosk and actor Florence Pugh.

And, no surprise here, the British Fashion Awards red carpet looks didn’t disappoint. There was longtime British style muse Alexa Chung in prim Prada, Bridgerton star Simone Ashley in a hooded, crystal-covered 16Arlington creation and TV host Tan France playing with proportions in shorts, knee socks and a long coat. The ceremony was hosted by style star Jodie Turner-Smith who put her fashion chops on display in multiple outfit changes, including the vibrant Gucci gown pictured in the gallery below.

Here, we round up some of the most fun and fearless looks from the 2022 British Fashion Awards red carpet.

The post All Things Sheer and Sparkly Ruled the British Fashion Awards Red Carpet appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

The date night comes just two days after Palmer announced her pregnancy while hosting Saturday Night Live. “I’m especially glad to be here though, because there’s some rumors going around,” Palmer started. “People have been in my comments saying ‘Keke’s having a baby,’ ‘Keke’s pregnant,’ and I want to set the record straight. I am.” She then opened her blazer and revealed her pregnant stomach.

“I’ve gotta say though, it is bad when people on the internet spread rumors about you, but it’s even worse when they’re correct,” Palmer continued. “I was trying so hard to keep it on the down low, because I’ve got a lot of stuff going on. People kept coming up to me [saying] ‘Congratulations,’ I’m like ‘Shh! Can y’all stop, I’ve got a liquor sponsorship on the line. Let the check clear, then we can get to the damn baby shower… But honestly, this has been the biggest blessing, and I am so excited guys—I’m gonna be a mom!”

Palmer and Jackson first started dating last summer.

Palmer reflected on her experience hosting SNL and sharing her pregnancy in a candid Instagram post, giving Jackson a heartfelt shout-out at the end. “Thank you to my other half @dvulton for giving me the things that only true unity can bring,” she wrote. “Love is all we have isn’t it, you do nothing in this world alone and trust me, I am not alone!” Read the caption in full here:

I had such an amazing time hosting SNL! Truly such a unique experience, I learned so much. The cast was incredible, I was so happy to be taken into their home for such a short time. Being around so many others that appreciate and put their all into their craft was especially fulfilling. I love to preform so much.. I love bringing laughter and good vibes and just taking us all away for a moment. Even if not just for myself, but for whoever wants to join. I thank Steven Higgins and Lorne Michaels for sharing their insight with me, I was soaking up every minute. I love being around the goats chile! Forever a student… Who could’ve told little me that I’d be on stage with @kenanthompson and @iamkelmitchell for a Kenan and Kel/Kelly reunion 🤪—I would’ve passed out. These brothers are ICONS. Talent like theirs is hard to come by, there’s a reason why we loved that show and it’s cause they knew what they were doing. Even as kids! Thank you @nbcsnl and also the WRITERS! The incredible writers that give and give and give everyday, no matter what you see or what you don’t see these people put their hearts into it. Art is your heart so it isn’t always easy, but they still get out there and that’s just amazing.

This year has taken me for a ride! And how cool, my baby and I are already doing it all together. Thank you God! Thank you to my amazing parents and family who continuously support me. Thank you @noraradd for being my spiritual sister as ALWAYS! You feel me my little Pisces moon 🥹. Thank you to my team who have been constantly reaching and moving mountains to extend the reaches of my gift, and thank you to my other half @dvulton for giving me the things that only true unity can bring. Love is all we have isn’t it, you do nothing in this world alone and trust me, I am not alone! Very grateful… Happy Holidays!

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.

The post Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson Had a Hockey Date Night Days After Announcing Pregnancy appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

And the good news doesn’t stop there. Dewy girls everywhere, come together for a most joyous occasion: Lash Slick, Glossier’s cult-favorite mascara, will be available in brown starting on December 7th. A mascara created for people who hate mascara (my interpretation), Lash Slick elongates, strengthens, and separates lashes without that clumpy, makeup-y look. Brown mascara ups the au naturel ante, adding a hint of definition to blonde lashes, and making brunettes look like they’re not wearing makeup–they just have lovely genetics.

Glossier Lash Slick

Glossier Lash Slick

TikTok’s ability to reignite a fervor for past beauty launches (Black Honey, anyone?) seems to be benefiting the millennial-pink clad brand. These days, Glossier’s world-famous Boy Brow gel is getting far less attention than Cloud Paint blushes, Futuredew glowing primer, or Glossier You fragrance–beauty editors are actually carrying Generation G in their purses again. It seems like the new generation of beauty influencers are buying what Glossier is selling again: natural-looking makeup, a skin-first approach, great formulas, and the brand’s signature messaging: You Look Good.

Shop our favorite Glossier products here:

Beauty Commerce Writer

Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She’s a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages. 

The post Glossier Is Launching A Brown Mascara appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.