the roundup 10.20
angel wings, splurges, and spooky essentials for your next halloween gathering...
Hi! I hope you all missed me during my one-week hiatus — and if you’re a new face joining us this week, an extra special hello to you too. The break was much needed after a whirlwind of product leaks, early launches, and an inbox that never seemed to rest. Honestly, I might start taking one week off each month to go cold turkey from the Stack (or at least The Roundup). We’ll see how next month goes…
But for now, we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming — and let’s just say this week has been interesting, especially in the undergarments department (more on that later…)
What We’re Rounding Up:
👀 Stacks of the Week
🕷 Spooky Hostess to Add to Your Cart
🎃 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Sneak Peek
🛍 What I’ve Been Splurging On
📢 Taking a BITE Into the News Roundup!
For those lucky enough to have a space to host this spooky season (unlike me!), this one’s for you. I’ve curated a selection of pieces that will elevate your Halloween gatherings—from chic tableware to hauntingly beautiful décor—perfect for your next party or intimate dinner. Think of it as your go-to guide for adding that extra touch of spooky magic, making your space feel festive, fun, and totally Insta-worthy.
Halloween is creeping up, and for those of us who wait until the last minute, fear not—I’ve got you covered. This Friday, my Last-Minute Halloween Costume Finds letter drops, packed with curated ideas that are as effortless as they are eye-catching. For a little taste, I’m giving you a sneak peek at four ideas looks from the lineup, designed to spark inspiration and help you craft a costume that feels fresh, fun, and totally you. Consider this your go-to guide for elevating your Halloween plans without breaking a sweat.
Welcome to a revamped news segment we’ll be testing out in the next few newsletters—something I like to call “News Bite”. Here, I’ll give you news in easily digestible bites, with a few thought pieces sandwiched in along the way. Please bear with me as I make these changes to create a more uniform and enjoyable newsletter for you all! For now, let’s take a bite of what’s been happening, shall we?
It’s the season of bundling up—or, apparently, wearing less. My feeds were flooded this week with lingerie wings to the left and faux-pubic-hair panties to the right. Which brings me neatly to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, making its full return after a six-year hiatus that once felt like the end of an era.
The show originally went dark in 2019 after plummeting ratings and mounting backlash over its lack of inclusivity. But Victoria’s Secret has been on a steady rebrand ever since, and this year’s revival felt like an unapologetic attempt to merge nostalgia with a modern audience. The 2025 show streamed across YouTube, TikTok, and Amazon, pulling around 2.6 million peak viewers, an 18% increase from last year’s reboot and a 79% jump in average viewership according to StreamCharts data—clear proof that curiosity about the brand’s new identity is back.
As someone who once lived and breathed the brand—literally, I was a Victoria’s Secret PINK Campus Rep in college and somehow managed to rank Top 10 out of 180+ schools (despite the closest store being an hour away in Memphis)—I’ll admit, I tuned in with both nostalgia and skepticism.
This year’s cast struck a balance between old-school glamour and Gen Z relevance. Iconic Angels like Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, and Alessandra Ambrosio graced the runway alongside newer faces like Paloma Elsesser, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and even athlete icons Angel Reese and Suni Lee. In total, the show featured roughly 80 looks, spanning fantasy wings, metallic corsetry, and a few very 2025 “naked” illusions.
Compared to last year’s shaky reboot—with viral moments like shoes stuck in runway floor panels and oddly flat energy—this production had a renewed polish. The pacing was sharper, the stage design richer, and the confidence palpable.
But the biggest buzz this time? Influencers on the runway. The inclusion of creators like Brazilian influencer Gabriela Moura sparked a social media firestorm over what defines a “real” Victoria’s Secret Angel. Critics argued it diluted the brand’s legacy; fans pointed out that influencers are the modern-day sellers of fantasy—just via TikTok instead of TV. And honestly, if an influencer can sell out a product in seconds online, why shouldn’t they walk a runway? The outrage felt more nostalgic than necessary.
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about lingerie runways without mentioning Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, which completely reset the standard for inclusivity, gender expression, and creativity. Victoria’s Secret clearly took notes. While it still trails behind Fenty’s radical embrace of diversity, this year’s casting was one of its most inclusive to date. It’s late—but better late than never to finally join the conversation.
For all its flaws, this year’s show felt like Victoria’s Secret finally found its footing again—embracing evolution without entirely abandoning the sparkle that made it iconic. Maybe this isn’t the fantasy we remember from 2015, but it’s one that at least reflects the world we live in now.
This week, SKIMS decided to literally pull back the curtains to announce the launch of their Faux Hair Micro String Thong — a $32 piece with built-in faux pubic hair in twelve shades and textures — and yes, it sold out almost instantly. The campaign leaned into playful 1970s vibes, calling it “The Ultimate Bush”, and social media promptly went off: millions of views, thousands of comments, and endless memes.
Kim explained that the idea came from a photo shoot where a pubic hair look was requested, which inspired the thong. She admitted she didn’t expect the reaction it would get. And react people did — some called it clever, some called it ridiculous, and some questioned the product entirely.
Here’s the thing: this concept isn’t new. Designers like Tom Ford for Gucci, John Galliano for Dior, and even Vivienne Westwood in 1994 have incorporated pubic hair into runway looks or editorial campaigns. Fashion has long played with body hair as art, provocation, or spectacle. What feels different this time is the face selling it: Kim Kardashian. There’s a persistent scrutiny on the Kardashians and Jenners when it comes to women’s bodies, from shapewear to skincare to lingerie. If any other brand launched something similar, the conversation might focus on design or creativity. With Kim, it’s inevitably tied to debate over her influence, past controversies, and what it means to profit off women’s bodies.
Marketing like this is smart — even if you don’t buy the $32 thong, it drives attention to the rest of SKIMS. People are watching the campaign, scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, and browsing the collection. Whether you see it as art, a gimmick, or a clever “sell,” the product succeeds at sparking conversation.
Another Gomez v. Bieber round has entered the ring — for what feels like the 500th time — just when I was finally enjoying some peace (thanks, WSJ). This all reignited after Hailey Bieber’s WSJ. Magazine cover story, published October 14th, where she sat down to discuss Rhode’s recent expansion into Sephora, the brand’s reported $1 billion deal with e.l.f. Beauty, and her evolution as both a founder and new mom. The feature was part of WSJ’s Innovators Issue, spotlighting women redefining the beauty industry — yet somehow, the internet found a way to twist a thoughtful business profile into yet another round of “Selena vs. Hailey.”
During the interview, Hailey opened up about being deeply involved in Rhode’s product development (“I test them on my husband, I test them on my friends. I’m product-obsessed.”) and how important it was for her to retain control of her company. “I had lent my name enough times to see how it benefited that company,” she said. “I knew for a fact that if I’m doing this, I have to be the majority owner.”
When the conversation shifted to Rhode’s big Sephora debut — where Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty also sits — Hailey was asked whether she felt competitive among other celebrity-founded brands. Her response was calm but instantly headline-worthy: “It’s always annoying being pitted against other people. I didn’t ask for that. I think there is space for everybody. I don’t feel competitive with people that I’m not inspired by.”
And just like that, the internet lost its collective mind. Fans dissected every word, reading it as subtle shade toward Gomez, while others argued Hailey was simply expressing frustration with constant comparisons. Her team later clarified that she wasn’t referencing anyone specific — just the general exhaustion of being endlessly pit against others in the same industry.
Then, enter Gomez — who briefly broke her silence with an Instagram Story that she quickly deleted, writing: “Just leave the girl alone. She can say whatever she wants. Doesn’t affect my life whatsoever. It’s just about relevance not intelligence. Be kind. All brands inspire me. There is room for everyone.”
In my humble shade-detecting opinion, Gomez wasn’t “defending” Hailey the way parasocial sleuths love to frame it — she was simply over it, trying to shut down the noise before it spiraled (again). Both women have built powerhouse beauty brands that reflect their own visions and values. One billion-dollar deal and one wildly successful philanthropic empire later, I think it’s safe to say they’ve both moved on.
At this point, this so-called “feud” has been beaten down to a pulp — tired, recycled, and still somehow rooted in a man. Both women are thriving, leading global beauty empires, and minding their own business. Maybe it’s time the rest of the internet does the same. Let the women run their brands, sell their blushes, and live their lives — and maybe, just maybe, we can finally let it go.
All feedback is good feedback, so please—let a girl know what you think and even drop a comment! As always, thank you for bearing with me as I continue finding my footing in creating a newsletter that’s both worth the read and visually pleasing on your screens. Wishing you a great rest of the week!
I love your presentation 😻