Welcome toMoney Diaries , where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.

Today: a coordinator of family services at a domestic violence shelter who makes $52,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on green tea ice cream.

Occupation: Coordinator of Family Services
Industry: Social Work
Age: 29
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Salary: $52,000
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,311

Additional Freelance Jobs
Digital Marketing Research: $30/hour, $1,000/month
Crisis Hotline: $24/hour, usually around $350/month
Private Practice: $22/hour, usually around $450/month

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $1,022 (I share a four-bedroom apartment with three roommates, and I have my own full bathroom.)
Graduate School Loan Payment: $190 is the required minimum, but I usually pay around $300.
ClassPass: $125
Spotify: $9.99
MoviePass: $9.99
Cell Phone: $0 (I'm on the family plan still!)
Gas, Internet & Electric: $60
Metrocard: $121
Therapy: $400

Day One

7 a.m. — I wake up early to prep for work — I don't usually work on Saturdays, but every couple of weeks my coworkers and I rotate who's on call on the weekends. I've always wanted to ride my bike to work, but have been really intimidated by the 22-mile roundtrip trek. This morning, though, I'm going for it! I fuel up with a Larabar and a banana and chug a few glasses of water. Then I pack my bag for the day and make sure I bring a change of clothes.

9 a.m. — Whew! Somehow those 11 miles seemed so easy. I love riding my bike through the city, and on this particular ride I got to see so many different neighborhoods — from Greenpoint to Long Island City to midtown. I put my bags down in my office and head to the local grocery store to pick up a bag of grapes ($8) and a protein smoothie ($5). I work at a domestic violence shelter and know that I need to be in tip-top shape physically and emotionally to best serve my clients, and that means feeding myself well. $13

11 a.m. — Work is slow on Saturday, so I browse Streeteasy for apartments in Brooklyn that I can't afford. I send a few to my brother, who is also a social worker, and we go back and forth on which places we'd want to buy. He owns his home in Baltimore, and though I'm happy for him, it bums me out to think about how hard it is to buy in the city.

1 p.m. — I eat the entire bag of grapes in one sitting. I love fruit and have been known to literally eat a whole melon in five minutes. I'm truly stuffed.

2 p.m. — I type up clinical notes from therapy sessions from earlier this week and keep looking at the clock. Two more hours!

4 p.m. — Time to get back on my bike! The worst part about biking long-ish distances is that you have to do it all over again on the way home. I put on the new Drake album and take a different route this time, but end up stuck in a lot of midtown congestion. There are fewer bike lanes and I try to be as cautious as possible.

5 p.m. — I get home starving and am barely able to move my legs. I heat up a bowl of a fish stew I made the other day — it has tilapia, diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, chickpeas, basil, and chili pepper in it. I quickly shower and sit down to binge-watch a few episodes of GLOW, which is just fun and silly enough to get me to zone out for a little.

8 p.m. — The best part about my neighborhood is that all of my friends live within 10 blocks of me. I meet up with an old high school friend, B., at a nearby taco and cocktail spot with a backyard, and I get a glass of white wine ($9) with two chicken tacos and one chorizo taco ($10.50). We catch up about life back home and in the city, and touch upon both of our dating lives. I've always wondered whether he and I would ever be a thing, but the platonic hug goodbye confirms that it's not meant to be. $19.50

Daily Total: $32.50

Day Two

7 a.m. — I wake up, drink a cold glass of almond milk, and do my usual morning routine — wash my face with Kiehl's cleanser, put on Kiehl's face moisturizer, and brush my teeth. Then I put on workout clothes and head to the subway.

8 a.m. — I go to a Tabata/HIIT style class near my apartment, which I booked through ClassPass. After three rounds of three exercises done four times, I'm beat.

9:30 a.m. — I take the local bus to Dekalb Market, one of the best food markets in Brooklyn and also conveniently has a Trader Joe's inside of it. I pick up a bagel with lox spread and tomato ($5.72) and then walk over to TJ's and get groceries for the week. I've been obsessed with my slow cooker recently, and plan on making oatmeal for breakfast and chicken salsa verde for all other meals this week. I get all the essentials, including chicken, turkey bacon, tilapia, cauliflower rice stir fry, apples, bananas, nectarines, tomatoes, salad kits, yogurt, black bean pasta, burritos, beans, granola bars, and tomato sauce ($69.71). $75.43

11 a.m. — I get home and dump all the ingredients for the chicken dish into the slow cooker (chicken, jar of salsa verde, peppers, and onions), and also put sweet potatoes in the oven to roast. While all that's cooking, I mosey on over to a garden plot a few blocks away that I share with my roommates. It was only $35 for the summer, and we split it three ways, which is a steal. I pick up Swiss chard and basil to add to my lunch.

12 p.m. — Throw the garden findings into a cauliflower rice stir-fry from Trader Joe's. I eat half and pack up the rest (plus a sweet potato) for my lunch tomorrow. I'm trying to bring lunch to work every day, not just because it saves me a ton of money, but because doing away with takeout containers is better for the environment.

2 p.m. — I pick up watermelon and head to the park to meet up with a friend, L., from grad school. We did the same MSW program and live in the same neighborhood, and it's always good to have more friends (and friends who are social workers and can commiserate). $6.81

5 p.m. — After a few hours of catching up and trying to tan, I bike the 10 minutes home. I eat some of the chicken salsa verde and change into a less sweaty sundress. Then I make overnight oats with bananas, almond milk, and frozen berries.

6 p.m. — I walk over to a dive bar in my neighborhood with a spacious backyard and meet up with another friend, A. I get two bitters and sodas. We make small talk for a little, and then get into the meat of the conversation — I recently hooked up with one of her friends, and I hope it doesn't rock the boat with our friendship. $14

8 p.m. — Phew. We talk about our respective feelings towards my FWB and really process it in true therapist fashion. All the sharing makes us hungry, so we go for tacos at the same place I went last night. $10.50

10 p.m. — I crawl into bed and do digital trend/marketing research for one of the freelance jobs I have. I was an assistant editor for them years ago and luckily can still work for them. This job essentially pays my rent, and I can do it from my own bed — what could be better? After an hour, I shut my laptop and call it a night.

Daily Total: $106.74

Day Three

7 a.m. — Wake up, scarf down oatmeal, and chug water. I don't have work at the shelter today because I worked on Saturday, and instead I picked up a shift at the crisis hotline. I've also started boxing more consistently and am heading to a studio on ClassPass in Williamsburg before work. I throw on my workout clothes, pack my food for the day, and head out to catch the bus.

9 a.m. — Class ends and I hop into the shower. Naked and dripping wet after, I realize my worst fear has come true. I look through my bag and can't find my clean clothes anywhere — I must have left my change of clothes at home. I begrudgingly put all my sweaty clothes back on, including my NSFW crop top.

9:15 a.m. — Success! I find a dollar store on the way to the subway and pick up two plain t-shirts to hit the credit card minimum. I also eat a banana and nectarine that I packed before hopping on the subway. $8.69

10:15 a.m. — The J train takes its sweet time and I'm a little late. I throw my lunch into the fridge, grab a headset, and get to work. During a shift, I work on several crisis hotlines at once, from substance abuse to suicide prevention lines. I started this job as a graduate school internship, and slowly worked my way up to a paid per diem position. It's a flexible job and I pick the hours and shifts I want to work. I've toyed with the idea of quitting because it usually eats into my weekends, but it's hard to give up the extra cash.

12 p.m. — I get a 15-minute break and eat the chicken dish I brought from home. I also do digital marketing research for freelance job #1, and answer client emails for a private practice I work for (freelance job #3!). I chat with the private practice manager at freelance job #3 on Slack and catch up on the business gossip.

1 p.m. — Someone brought chocolate biscuits from Marks and Spencer, and I devour two of them.

2 p.m. — I get off work and walk past a Gap, which makes me think about an upcoming music festival I'm going to in two weeks. I stop in and get a pair of gray athletic shorts. The festival is an invite only, three-day techno party held at a horse barn upstate. My best friend from college is coming with me, and we haven't gone to one of these festivals together totally single before. We're pumped. $24

3 p.m. — Home at last! And yes, my clean clothes that I forgot to bring earlier are on my bed. I get in bed, browse Reddit for way too long, work through emails, and then make some notes for client intakes I have tonight. I'm grabbing dinner with my cousins later, but I have to stop by a coffee shop beforehand to take some calls. As the intake manager at the private practice, I talk to potential clients and try to match them with therapists.

5 p.m. — On my way to the subway I drop off a bag of clothes at Salvation Army.

6 p.m. — I settle into a coffee shop in Flatiron and get an iced tea. I love the taste of coffee, but it makes me feel like I've taken speed, so tea is my go-to. I chat with three potential clients, getting a sense of why they're looking for therapy and if we're a good fit for them. Finding a therapist in NYC is so hard, especially one under $200 per session. Despite my crazy hours at all my jobs, I'm always happy to be able to connect someone with an affordable therapist. $4.08

8 p.m. — I meet up with my cousins at a Greek place nearby, white tablecloths and all. Some of my older relatives haven't spoken to each other in years for reasons that I can't understand, so I haven't seen these cousins in years. I love that they reached out and invited me to dinner! We catch up for a few hours over a slew of dishes like Greek salad, fried calamari, and roast salmon, and their dad picks up the check.

10 p.m. — I head to catch the train back to Brooklyn, and there are massive delays. I drank so much water and stupidly forgot to pee at the restaurant. With 10% battery left, I see that a Lyft Line is actually pretty cheap, and hop in a car home. $9

11 p.m. — SWEET RELIEF. After taking care of business, I answer emails related to the intakes I did before dinner. I wash my face, brush my teeth, slather coconut oil all over my body, and get into bed.

Daily Total: $45.77

Day Four

6 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I groggily get out of bed. I didn't sleep very well and had weird sex dreams about my gay guy friend that have me feeling some type of way. I'm headed to Modelfit (thanks ClassPass!) and I grab a Larabar from the kitchen to eat before class. I pack my bag for the day — oatmeal, chicken salsa verde, a banana, and an apple. I also throw in a towel to avoid paying $2 for the ones at the studio.

8 a.m. — God, that class was hard. My best friend from growing up, S., was there too, so at least we could be in agony together. After class, I shower and throw on a dress, and S. walks me to the subway.

9 a.m. — I settle into work and read through all the emails I missed from being out of the office yesterday. Our residents all have pretty extensive trauma histories, and it's both rewarding and challenging working with them. I'm so happy to have a job where I work mostly with women as my coworkers and my clients.

12 p.m. — I eat the chicken salsa verde at my desk, and close my door so no one will disturb my five minutes of peace. There are crises unfolding at the shelter today, and I sometimes just need a few minutes to reset and recharge.

6 p.m. — After unbelievable train luck, I get home in less than an hour and heat up the leftover cauliflower rice stir-fry. I add two fried eggs and half of a roasted sweet potato and drizzle a little sesame oil on top. I have four phone screenings to do tonight for the private practice, and start to review the clients' information on my laptop while eating. Looking at how little availability we have during therapy rush hour (i.e. mornings and evenings) makes me a little stressed, so hopefully these clients will have free time during the day.

8:30 p.m. — Whew, just finished the last screening. I send out final emails to clients with therapist options for them to consider, and head to the living room to watch the latest episode of Succession. This show always gives me anxiety because all the characters are so unlikeable, but I just can't stop watching.

10 p.m. — I'm craving something sweet, and find a Trader Joe's almond butter coconut yogurt in my fridge. I eat it while chatting with one of my roommates in the kitchen.

11 p.m. — FWB texts me that he'll be out of town for a few weeks, and I consider whether to send him a “bon voyage” nude. I decide to play it cool and wait a few days to send that. I get ready for bed and turn on my white noise machine, which is truly the only thing that helps me fall asleep after a long day.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five

6:30 a.m. — Do the usual morning routine and eat a bowl of the overnight oats with tahini and honey drizzled on top. I have three phone screenings to do this morning, as well as a rescheduled therapy appointment for myself. I open up Foursquare and look up coffee shops that are near my therapist and are quiet enough to make these calls in. I pack my bag with lunch for the day — chicken salsa verde, banana, raspberry yogurt, and a Larabar.

7:45 a.m. — I order a decaf skim latte. I think about getting a muffin but remember that I'm having dinner with S. tonight — I try to stick to only spending money on one meal per day if I can. $3.50

9:30 a.m. — Finish up the phone screenings and head on over to my therapist's office a few blocks away ($100). I first started seeing this therapist after a bad breakup several years ago. The relationship was emotionally abusive and I was feeling a lot of anger towards my ex. I recently took a break from therapy for a few months but started back up again after realizing how much it balances me out and how bonkers I feel without it. Also, with the stress and secondary trauma from my job at the shelter, I need it to process everything and be the best counselor I can be.

11 a.m. — I get to work at the shelter and scarf down the banana I brought. I take a look at my calendar and see that it's pretty light today, so I start on client notes that I need to complete. I also do a little freelance marketing research and send emails for the private practice.

11:30 a.m. — I get an email from Zara that a jumpsuit I ordered last week is ready for in-store pickup. I'm going to try to swing by this weekend.

12 p.m. — Lunch is the chicken salsa verde and half of a roasted sweet potato. I take a walk to the UPS down the block and drop off a claims form to be mailed to my insurance company. I'm submitting the bills from my therapist to go towards my out-of-network deductible, so that I can start getting reimbursed for some of my sessions with my therapist.

1:30 p.m. — I'm craving something sweet, so I pull the Larabar out of my purse and snack on it while I do clinical work.

4 p.m. — After a very intense and stressful call with a potential new resident at the shelter, I grab my raspberry yogurt from TJ's and eat it at my desk. I have one more individual session and one children's group left to run, and then I'm out of here!

7 p.m. — I make my way down to Williamsburg and meet S. for dinner at my favorite Japanese restaurant, Samurai Mama. We reconnected last year after a few years of not speaking to each other, and it's nice to celebrate her birthday with her again. We ordered and split black edamame, seaweed salad, fatty tuna rolls, cold ume udon, a salmon sashimi bowl, and green tea ice cream. I picked up the check as a birthday gift. $76.61

10 p.m. — I have more private practice work to do, so I take a Lyft Line to get home quick. After sending out final emails to clients, I call it a night. $4.81

Daily Total: $84.92

Day Six

6 a.m. — Wake up, grab the last of the oatmeal, and quickly put together a Southwestern salad kit from TJ's. I also pack a TJ's yogurt and an apple, and can tell I'm going to get hungry later this afternoon. My friend gifted me some of her ClassPass credits because she couldn't use all of hers this month, so I'm headed to a boot camp-like workout in Union Square before work. I put on gym clothes and head to the subway.

7:45 a.m. — Got a good sweat in, though an old injury I have (arthritis in my big toe!) made it hard to do all the exercises. I shower and head to the same coffee shop as yesterday to do a few phone screenings before work. I pick up my usual — decaf skim latte with Splenda — and start making calls. $3.50

8:50 a.m. — I head to the subway and spot a Starbucks on the way. I don't love Starbucks, but I'm craving their spinach feta egg wrap. I order that and eat it leisurely on a bench in Union Square while doing solid people-watching. $4.30

11 a.m. — Already feeling ravenous at work, and eat the whole milk vanilla yogurt I brought from home. I may have a lead on someone who wants to buy my turntable off Craigslist — part of my attempt to rid myself of any memory of the aforementioned ex-boyfriend. We set up a time for them to check out the turntable this weekend.

12:30 p.m. — Time for my TJ's salad that I brought from home. I Slack with my private practice coworkers and catch up on emails for them.

1 p.m. — Even though I called and reminded them this morning, my client doesn't show up for our session. I take this to mean that I should browse Streeteasy for apartments and look through Reddit's juicy /r/relationship thread.

1:30 p.m. — I see my shelter paycheck deposited today, and I use my bank app to move most of it ($1,300) into savings. I have a system where I keep almost all of my money, except for $100-200, in my savings account. That way, I only have a little bit of money to play with in case I need it, and I can use my credit card to rack up points. I pay off my credit card with my savings account each month.

3 p.m. — I slip out of a meeting to buy tickets for a somewhat underground techno festival in September. It's held at a kids' sleepaway camp upstate, and we all are hoping to reserve beds in the same cabin once ticketing opens. I went the first two years it began, and this will be its five-year anniversary. It's a once a year kind of purchase, and I put it on my credit card. After I book my spot, I see that tickets sold out within five minutes! $213.20

6 p.m. — I leave work and start the hour-long commute home. I'm feeling more anxious than usual and can't tell why. I treat myself to a manicure ($15) once I get to my neighborhood, and leave a $3 tip. $18

8 p.m. — I make a hodgepodge dinner of a TJ's bean burrito, a vegan burger, and slices of gooey brie my roommate offered me. I also make a cauliflower rice stir-fry from Trader Joe's for dinner tomorrow, with extra red peppers, yellow squash, and chives and basil from our garden.

10 p.m. — I send final private practice emails and get ready for bed. I'm feeling bold and send a nude (without my face in it!) to my FWB, who promptly asks if we can hang this weekend. I lather coconut oil on my face and call it a night.

Daily Total: $239

Day Seven

7 a.m. — Today's a rest day, so no morning workout to rush to. I shower and make breakfast — sautéed red peppers and yellow squash, turkey bacon, and two fried eggs. I'm training an intern tonight for the private practice, and I spend half an hour updating part of the practice's employee manual for him to read through. I put on a silk jumpsuit, wonder if it's too risqué for the shelter, and decide it's fine. YOLO. I pack my lunch/snacks for the day and head out.

11:30 a.m. — I eat the TJ's burrito and leftover salad for lunch, plus pita chips and cheese cubes leftover from an earlier meeting.

1 p.m. — I'm craving something sweet as usual, so I grab a coconut slushie from the street-cart vendor on the corner. $1

5:30 p.m. — After several stressful client sessions and groups, I take the bus across town to the private practice, and spend time training an intern on how to do phone screenings. We're expanding our practice and will have an uptick in intakes soon, which will help us be prepared — and help me from going crazy with work.

8 p.m. — I finally get home from this never-ending workday and heat up a bowl of the cauliflower stir-fry that I made last night. An old work friend is hosting birthday drinks at a bar in Williamsburg, so I hop in the shower and get dressed. I considered biking over, but I'm wearing a leather skirt, and that is not a good look. I call a Lyft Line and head over. $8.58

9 p.m. — I order a basil and lime vodka gimlet ($11) and leave a tip ($1), and head up to the roof deck to meet my friends. Someone made an amazing key lime pie, which I obviously have a slice of. $12

9:30 p.m. — While I'm out I get an email from ASOS letting me know they received my return and refunded me $80. This was the result of one of those Instagram vs. reality moments — who knew a lime green crocheted crop top with matching shorts wouldn't look good in real life?

11:30 p.m. — I'm sticking to one drink tonight, and sip on some water while my friends keep drinking. I get a text from my roommate saying that she's locked out, and she heads to the bar I'm at to pick up my key. I'm feeling tired and decide this is my moment to gracefully exit, so I say bye to my friends and meet my roommate outside. As a thank you, she lets me ride home in the Uber for free.

12 a.m. — I get a second wind, and hit up my dealer to get party supplies for next weekend ($80). He lives close by and I change into shorts to bike over to his place. He's sweet and always tries to chat, but I'm not trying to make friends. I make my way home and throw on a Kiehl's clay mask while I brush my teeth. Then I wash off the mask, put on moisturizer, and fall asleep. $80

Daily Total: $101.58

Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29's point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.

The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.

Have a Money Diary you'd like to share? Right now, in addition to our ongoing diaries, we're looking for potential diarists along the following theme:

Your Spending In Your State: We want to run one Money Diary from a different state each week. Want to rep your state? Submit here!

Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here: r29.co/mdfaqs

In addition to our Money Diaries, we're looking for people who want to talk to us about the following topics for other stories on Refinery29:

1. Have you ever been in a job you couldn’t stand but couldn’t quit? Did you write an elaborate quitting fantasy in your mind to pass the time? Maybe you’d finally tell your boss your honest opinion. Perhaps, you daydreamed of finally calling out your co-worker who takes credit for your ideas. If this is you, we want to hear from you! Email us here to share your most elaborate quitting fantasy and how you actually quit.

2. If you decided a spur of the moment trip the court house was more your vibe than a traditional wedding, we want to hear your story. More specifically, how much did eloping cost you? We all know that today’s weddings can range from a sweet, backyard ceremony all the way to costing than a law degree. Tell us why you chose to elope for a chance to be featured on the site.

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

What Does Seeing Asians As “Crazy Rich” Achieve?

Enter To Win A Chance For A Free Financial Planning Session (Plus An Extra Money Diary)

How A 31-Year-Old Managing Director Quadrupled Her Salary in 9 Years

You never want something until you can't have it. So, each week in The Sell-Out, we're getting the scoop from your favorite retailers on what's selling like crazy. Watch this space to find out what everyone's buying, sign up for wait lists, and keep tabs on restocks.

If you've ever worn a pair of statement earrings, you know they're the ultimate compliment-getter. And yet, why do so many of our enamel pieces and jeweled chandeliers tend to gather dust in our jewelry boxes? We look at them each morning but tend to opt for a simple stud or small hoop instead.

The key to finding a pair of earrings you'll actually wear is opting for one that's bold enough to get noticed, but easy to style with your day-to-day wardrobe. And BaubleBar has just the pair: Its Faidra Resin Drop earrings have already sold out four (yes, four!) times. Coming in at just $44, you can look at them as an upgraded version of your go-to skinny hoop, and with resin jewelry trending right now, you're definitely going to get your money's worth.

We got word from the brand that they're about to restock on Tuesday, July 24, so click on to shop these best-sellers, along with some similar options in case they're totally wiped clean (again!).

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

17 Non-Traditional Dresses For The Fashion-Forward Bride

The Most Expensive-Looking Picks From H&M's Fall Arrivals

15 Pairs Of Plus-Size Jeans That Are Anything But Blah

In Refinery29's Sweet Digs, we take a look inside the sometimes small, sometimes spacious homes of millennial city dwellers. Today, in partnership with Target, R29 executive producer andStrong Opinions Loosely Held podcast host Elisa Kreisinger shows us around her impressive Glen Ridge, New Jersey home.

For plenty of millennials, there comes a time when renting an apartment just doesn't make sense anymore — whether it's due to rising costs, location, a new financial situation, or any other number of factors. Such was the case for R29er Elisa Kreisinger, who recently ventured further into the world of adulting by purchasing her first home alongside her partner, Meg.

The gorgeous, newly renovated property has three floors and is located in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, about 30 minutes outside NYC. "When we were looking for homes, we realized that we could get an entire house with a backyard and a garage and a driveway for less than we were paying for a one-bedroom [Brooklyn apartment]," Kreisinger reveals. "We both grew up in New Jersey, so it was important when moving back that we moved someplace that was accessible to both of our families. Glen Ridge just happened to be it."

She credits the house's airy environment and potential for entertaining multiple guests as two of the main factors that helped seal the deal: "We love having people over. Having an open-concept [floor plan] where you can see everybody was really important to us."

Click ahead to see how Kreisinger turned her 1,500-square-foot pad into a cozy retreat, and shop some of her top picks from Target's Made By Design collection.

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

These Are The 13 Most Popular Ikea Products Of All Time

10 Creative Décor Solutions For Temporary Living Spaces

I Live In NYC — & My House Cost $360,000

Have you watched Ariana Grande's newest music video for her song "God Is A Woman?" If not, here's a brief summary of what you'll see when you press play: vulvas, vulvas, udders, meerkats, more vulvas. Needless to say, by the time it's over, you get the message: God is a woooooman. But out of all the yonic imagery, the most compelling scene in the video is of the 25-year-old floating (dancing? posing?) in a bath of purple water, seeping out in shades of lilac, indigo, and plum paint, conveniently resembling — you guessed it! — a vulva.

Get it? She (woman) is the center of all creation, which — quick sex ed lesson — begins inside the vagina. Genius, right? What's even more genius is that a ton of fans — those responsible for the nearly 30 million views on YouTube in the past five days — have decided that the instantly-iconic purple vulva bath moment deserves something more. Something... a little more practical for at-home use.

On July 13, a fan tweeted at Lush Cosmetics, "Make a bath bomb that looks like this [and] call it god is a woman so I can bathe feeling like a goddess." Grande saw the tweet and replied, begging, "I'll do anything." Straight away, Lush responded to confirm that the idea was off to the lab. Five days later, and two official "GIAW" bath bomb prototypes exist — and they're utterly dreamy, though decidedly less reminiscent of genitalia.

YALL pic.twitter.com/3FCW8ZR627

— eisha 💡follow me ari (@grandeslite) July 14, 2018

According to Lush product developer Jack Constantine, the first version of the bath bomb wasn't exactly right; by the look of a few first tries he shared on Instagram, after it burst in water, it looked too frothy and gray, and less than appetizing. Round two brings more purple, a hint of silver, and tons of glitter — almost identical to the video once dispersed in water.

I had a fun day working on a prototype for @arianagrande of a #godisawoman #bathbomb in the #lushlabs today. Still needs work, version 2 tomorrow 🛀💣

A post shared by Jack Constantine (@lush_jack) on Jul 17, 2018 at 10:23am PDT

Leftovers in the sink were bubbling and fizzing all the right colours today 🙌 #godisawoman #bathbomb #lushlabs @arianagrande

A post shared by Jack Constantine (@lush_jack) on Jul 18, 2018 at 12:01pm PDT

By Friday, he had cracked the code, created a prototype, and sent it to Ariana Grande for her seal of approval.

I’ve finished the #godisawoman #bathbomb and sent it to @arianagrande fresh from the #lushlabs 💜👌

A post shared by Jack Constantine (@lush_jack) on Jul 20, 2018 at 9:12am PDT

No word yet on when the finalized product will hit shelves, what it'll smell like, or how often Pete Davidson will bathe in it (probably every day), so here we'll be, waiting patiently. Until then, can someone please start a petition for Harry Styles to get his own bath bomb — because we all know he deserves it at this point.

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

11 Products Singaporean Girls Can't Live Without

4 Under-The-Radar Beauty Brands Celebrities Always Wear

Constance Wu Is The Hair Color Chameleon We Need Right Now

If you've been dreaming about a shorter workweek, good news: there are now statistics to back the fantasy up as a viable idea.

Earlier this year, a New Zealand company rolled out a four-day, 32-hour workweek on a trial basis, and the results showed it was an overwhelming success.

The New York Times reports that the 240 employees at trust management firm Perpetual Guardian were found to be more productive with a shorter workweek. For two months, the company set up an experimental schedule where employees worked for four days, but still got paid for five.

Researchers from the University of Auckland who surveyed company employees during the two-month trial run found that 24% reported a healthier work-life balance. Having more time to see their families and work on hobbies led to being more energized at the office. On top of that, work productivity increased. Staff arrived on time with better attendance and scheduled their workdays more effectively, including taking shorter breaks and having shorter meetings. The policy also benefited those who need more support in and out of the office, including working parents and new parents on leave. After the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the company hopes to make the change permanent.

Though this experiment took place in New Zealand, the results suggest it could have just as profound an effect in countries with similar economies, including the U.S. A shorter workweek isn’t just about sleeping in for an extra day. Americans work more than 34 hours a week, with many adults reporting they work closer to 50 hours to make ends meet. That is more than any of our counterparts in the world’s largest economies. In the U.S., people are donating their vacation days so co-workers can have a decent maternity leave, in addition to facing pay inequity, workplace harassment, and minimum wages that don’t stack up against an increasingly rising cost of living. A four-day workweek (with, crucially, five-day pay) could not only help lots of workers make ends meet, but it may also be a more effective way to do so.

A four-day workweek really does sound like a dream: a logical, reasonable, and now achievable one.

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

What Does Seeing Asians As “Crazy Rich” Achieve?

Enter To Win A Chance For A Free Financial Planning Session (Plus An Extra Money Diary)

How A 31-Year-Old Managing Director Quadrupled Her Salary in 9 Years

A huge benefit of having a head full of coils or curls is the versatility. Wash-and-go styling makes every strand sing, box braids give you so many options, and a fresh cut gives your entire 'fro new life. What about blowouts, though? Our straight textured friends get to reap the benefits of blowout bars and cheapo flat irons — but when you're natural, that hard work can come undone in a matter of minutes. Especially on a hot day.

Don't let that deter you from rocking the sleek and smooth strands of your dreams. Kellon Deryck, who works with Missy Elliott, Monica, Blac Chyna, and more, is known for his standout work with wigs... and can do a mean silk press, too. See some of his tips for a lasting straight style, ahead.

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

"Glass Hair" Is The Latest Celebrity Trend To Try

Why These Brides Chopped Their Hair Off During Their Weddings

5 Protective Styles That Will Make Your Fall Semester SO Much Easier

With the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy from the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s crucial that we consider what would happen in a state that effectively outlawed abortion. We still hear stories about the dangers of unlawful abortion in the U.S. before Roe v. Wade made the procedure legal in all 50 states. The specter of the back-alley abortion and the imagery conjured of the coat hanger have loomed large. Whether used as a rallying cry to protect abortion rights, a warning, or a solemn remembrance of women’s lives lost, these symbols persist in the public imagination and the stories they represent are told and retold by those who lived through the era.

As an abortion provider practicing in a post- Roe United States, I have been privileged to see abortion provided safely and effectively in impeccable clinics and by caring providers. And, as an abortion provider, I have taken care of women who have made the decision to end their pregnancy outside of the “traditional” medical system. Although abortion is legal in the U.S., it is not always accessible. I have counseled and cared for women who have chosen to manage their own abortion for reasons that have ranged from difficulty accessing abortion services in their community to a desire to avoid an in-clinic abortion.

The high cost of clinical care, particularly for those who live in states with restrictive abortion laws in place can prove to be an insurmountable barrier for some women who are already struggling financially. The average cost of a first trimester abortion in the United States is $500. This does not include travel or other secondary costs. Given that 75% of patients who have abortions are low-income, they are often most significantly impacted by restrictions on access to clinic based care impacting likelihood or willingness to self manage their abortions.

As the reasons an individual may decide to self-manage their own abortion have varied, the reality of abortion in the United States has also changed, and that includes what a self-managed abortion might look like. Even as we honor and remember this history, we must acknowledge where medicine, science, policy, and law have changed so that we can understand what abortion looks like today.

Historically, restrictions on legal abortion have resulted in maternal death due to increases in the frequency of unsafe abortion. We saw this in the United States, prior to legalization of abortion and it continues to occur internationally in places where abortion is restricted. In the U.S., historians credit two major events for steep declines in the number of women dying from complications related to abortion: first, the introduction of antibiotics in the 1940s, which allowed for effective treatment of infections, and, second, the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 that made abortion legal in all 50 states.

Of course, Roe did not make abortion accessible to all. Shortly after the Hyde Amendment was passed in 1976, banning Medicaid insurance from covering abortion, Rosie Jiménez, a Chicana mother and teaching student from South Texas, died from complications from an unsafe abortion.

Advancements in medical science save women’s lives, as do public policies that ensure abortion is legal, accessible, and affordable. But women face many more restrictions to accessing abortion today. Are we headed back to the bad old days?

Thankfully, the reality of abortion in the United States has changed. Today, a woman who has decided to manage her own abortion may choose to buy abortion pills online. The abortion pill is safe, effective, and simple to use. This practice goes all the way back to Brazilian women in the 1980s who first discovered that a widely available ulcer medication (misoprostol) could be used to end a pregnancy – a discovery which saved many women’s lives in a country where clinical abortion was essentially unavailable.

It may be surprising for some of us to consider that someone might decide to end their own pregnancy, but for some, self-managing an abortion at home fits with the reality of their lives. As U.S. politicians pass new restrictions that push abortion out of reach — financially, geographically, or otherwise — some women may seek to self-manage an abortion because they don’t have another option. For others, self-managed abortion is the preference. When someone has decided to end a pregnancy, they should be able to do so safely, effectively, and with dignity, when they go to a provider and when they manage their own abortion.

I think one of the reasons the coat hanger imagery has resurfaced is that many people are concerned about the future of abortion rights in this country. With a president who vowed to punish women for abortion and a vice president who wants to consign Roe v. Wade to the “ash heap of history,” these concerns are not hyperbolic. And if abortion is outlawed outright or in all but name only, we could return to a time of widespread self-managed abortion. But thanks to the abortion pill, women would have a safe and effective option.

Jamila Perritt, MD, is a board certified, fellowship-trained obstetrician and gynecologist with a comprehensive background in family planning and reproductive health.

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

Reality Star Lyric McHenry Found Dead In The Bronx

The Omarosa-Trump Feud Is The Apprentice Reboot No One Asked For

About Half Of Millennial Women Don’t Identify As Feminists. Here’s Why.

Tammy Kennedy is the founding director of Coffee Creek Correctional Facility's cosmetology program in Oregon. Over the past 16 years, she's helped 89 women graduate with their cosmetology licenses. Only six students have returned to prison after being released — which is one third of the national recidivism average. With unprecedented increases in women behind bars in the U.S., the value of programs like this are gaining new attention. The following interview was told to Lexy Lebsack and has been edited for length and clarity.

Getting Into Prison
The cosmetology school I went to in Salem, Oregon, didn't teach its students how to do textured hair. But I wanted to learn, so after some asking around, I ended up training with the cosmetology teacher at the local men's prison. Years later, I heard that they needed an instructor, and I ended up getting a job there. I worked there for five years until it closed due to budget cuts. In 2002, I applied at Portland Community College, which is the contractor for vocational training at Coffee Creek, and I was hired to start the cosmetology program. There were a lot of programs for men at the time, but there weren't any for women. We started from scratch: Just a room and a chair.

Fresh Start
The students start at 6:30 a.m and work 1o hour days, four days a week. The point is to educate the women in all aspects of cosmetology — hair, nails, and basic aesthetics. When someone comes to prison, they're starting out with a strike against them, so I think that it's important for us to give them the best education they can get and to teach all the newest techniques

When they leave here, they will be licensed by the State of Oregon so they can go out and get jobs so they don't come back. We want them to be successful and take care of themselves and their families. My students are dedicated to changing their lives and they rise to the occasion. When I interview them for the program they all tell me, ' I'm ready, I'm ready to be different. I'm ready to be a better mom, a better wife, a better mother, a better sister.'

Check Point
Security [in prison] is really important for everyone; it's important for the students, it's important for the clients, it's important for me. Part of that is making sure the tools are all accounted for, that they don't go somewhere else in the facility where something could happen with them. We have tool cages that have shadows behind each item, and hair color is in a locked cabinet because it could change their appearance [which is closely monitored and might require new identification]; I also monitor all of the hair color.

Appearance Matters
When a student starts school, there's an expectation that they do their hair and makeup for class. I tell them you have to suit up and show up every day. You need to come prepared like you were going to work in a salon. Don't just put your hair in a messy pony; I come in with my hair and makeup done every single day, so I say, 'If I can do it, you can do it.'

This is a profanity-free zone and they don't talk about criminal activity when they're in here. I'm trying to prepare them for success. Would you talk like that to a client when you're in a salon? If not, then you can't talk like that here. We work on that every single day, as well as the things that brought them here, trying to let go of some of those things to be the best person they can be when they leave.

Caring For Clients
Anyone from the general [prison] population can come into the program for free services. A lot of self esteem is lost when women come to prison. Being able to color their hair, do their nails, and those types of things help to restore a little bit of that.

Tattoo removal is a huge buzz around the institution right now, because we're trying to get a tattoo removal laser; there's a lot of people that have tattoos that they regret, whether they are gang-related, domestic violence- related, or drug-related. Being able to remove that part of their past is huge, and they're very excited about it.

Life On The Outside
"I have a binder called 'Tammy's Success Stories.' I have some students that have gone out and gotten really nice jobs and are doing great with their careers and rejoining their families. I had a student that, when she first started the program, was like, 'I don't wanna do this or that.' But we kept with it and she worked really hard, and when she left here she opened a Paul Mitchell partner school. One student just opened her own salon.

There are lots of students that start really down and out, but then they pick themselves up and realize that they can really do this! People make mistakes, but now it's, 'What are you gonna do to change that and bring it to a positive in your life?' You can't change what happened, but now you can change where you go forward from here.

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

"Glass Hair" Is The Latest Celebrity Trend To Try

How This Male Influencer Found Power In Makeup

7 Eyeshadows That Will Make You Look Like An A-Lister This Summer

On Sunday, The Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee recommended an outright ban on the sale of fur in the United Kingdom following an investigation into numerous cases of real fur being sold as fake by big-name retailers.

Last year, real cat fur was found in a pair of pink heels sold by fast-fashion retailer Missguided. Online and brick-and-mortar stores including Amazon, Etsy, Tesco, and Kurt Geiger have also been caught selling real fur as faux.

Because of these slip-ups, UK consumers have unwittingly been contributing to animal cruelty: For animals, fur farms mean a life spent in cramped cages, ended by electrocution or gassing, a practice that's not just barbaric but incredibly dated. As such, many leading brands are already fur-free, with major names, including Michael Kors, Gucci, Versace, and Jimmy Choo having pledged to completely phase out fur by the end of 2018.

The EFRA's newly-released report, "Fur Trade in the UK," warned that the UK's current fur labeling system is "not fit for purpose." It also said that local authorities and Trading Standards officers have been "poor" at enforcing regulations relating to the sale of real fur.

The Committee's chairman, Neil Parish, said in a statement: "Reports of real fur being sold as fake fur shows that retailers are flouting their responsibility to consumers. The mis-selling of real fur should not be discovered by campaign organizations and the media, but by Trading Standards officers and retailers."

He continued: "Retailers of all sizes are complacent about the issue of fake faux fur. It is illegal to give misleading information and Trading Standards have been poor at identifying and acting against those who are doing so. The Government must ensure that local authorities are properly resourced, and local authorities should ensure that Trading Standards are properly trained."

Parish also said that "Brexit provides an opportunity to step up our game when it comes to labeling," as the UK is currently bound by EU requirements which "are not good enough to allow consumers to understand the origin and contents of their clothing."He also suggested that "the Government should consider launching a consultation to ban the sale of real fur outright."

Animal rights group PETA hailed the EFRA's recommendations as "progress" and echoed the committee's call for a public consultation into an outright ban. The group added: "While this news moves us closer to making the UK a fur-free zone, we must continue to speak out against the cruel fur industry."

The UK Government should hold a public consultation to consider whether to ban fur! #furfreeBritain #banfur 🇬🇧

— PETA UK (@PETAUK) July 22, 2018

In a statement, the government said that it "shares the British public's high regard for animal welfare," noting that "fur farming was banned in the UK in 2000. Trade in fur from domestic cats, dogs, or commercial seal hunts are also banned, but while the UK is a member of the EU it is not possible to introduce additional restrictions on the fur trade."

Earlier this year Norway became the 14th European country to phase out fur farming. The UK made the practice illegal in 2000, and the last fur farms on British soil were closed in 2003.

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

17 Non-Traditional Dresses For The Fashion-Forward Bride

The Most Expensive-Looking Picks From H&M's Fall Arrivals

15 Pairs Of Plus-Size Jeans That Are Anything But Blah

Since the introduction of Urban Outfitter's Beauty Shop back in 2010, the brand has seriously stepped up its beauty game to new levels. For some, the excitement of going to the hipster standby starts to lose interest after hitting their 20s, but the beauty department has given us reason to stick around way past our post-collegiate days.

Urban Outfitters' senior beauty buyer Laura Zaccaria told us the store is always on the hunt for the next big thing, which prompted its expansion into K-beauty and beyond. "The BB cream phenomenon really shed light on the Korean beauty industry, uncovering innovative products and formulas. Their approach to skin care in particular is so intriguing and like nothing I'd ever seen before," she said. "It raised eyebrows, which is what we're looking for."

Color us impressed. The diversity in UO's selection almost rivals that of the big names in beauty retail — except now can you pick up trendy overalls and some Beautyblenders all in one trip.

Ahead, we rounded up some of the best beauty buys to get your hands on, ASAP (but we'd suggest checking out the site for more because, trust us, there are a ton). While many of the products are exclusively online, we're sure you won't have a problem hitting that $50 free-shipping mark.

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

7 Eyeshadows That Will Make You Look Like An A-Lister This Summer

These Tiny Beauty Products Minimize Pre-Vacation Packing Stress

The Summer Eyeshadow Trend You'll Be Wearing Well Into Fall

Crop tops are probably one of those things you feel like you have to retire when you reach a certain age (the rest of the list likely includes denim diaper horts, "naked" dresses, and jeggings, among others). But you know what? We're calling bullshit on that.

If you think you've outgrown belly-baring shirts, we're here to help you reconsider: 1) It is possible to wear a crop top without looking like you just left Brandy Melville and are trying to re-live your high school days — it's just a matter of looking for the right silhouettes, fabrics, and details. 2) Skip the fringe and anything too-restricting (or revealing), and instead gravitate towards sophisticated silks, laces, a structured poplin, or even denim. 3) Try to shop for cropped picks that are versatile enough to use as layering pieces in addition to being worn solo.

And, these "adult" crop tops are easier to find than you think. Ahead, we're rounded up options from a variety of designers and price points, because a little midriff never hurt no one — even if you are a grown-up.

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

17 Non-Traditional Dresses For The Fashion-Forward Bride

The Most Expensive-Looking Picks From H&M's Fall Arrivals

15 Pairs Of Plus-Size Jeans That Are Anything But Blah

This story was originally published on April 2, 2017.

David Beckham has quite an extensive body art collection — one that spans more than 40 tattoos starting from his neck all the way down to his legs. So it makes sense then that his 19-year-old son, Brooklyn, has already started to build a supply of his own.

In fact, over the last year (since his 18th birthday), the celeb offspring has accumulated over 20 — and though many are small, none are insignificant. His first? A nod to his famous father's own controversial design from legendary tattoo artist Mark Mahoney.

Ahead, we've compiled a road map to most tattoos he's gotten — just in case you needed more proof the young star is morphing into his dad.

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

11 Products Singaporean Girls Can't Live Without

4 Under-The-Radar Beauty Brands Celebrities Always Wear

Constance Wu Is The Hair Color Chameleon We Need Right Now

With so many foundations on the market, how is a person supposed to choose just one? After all, there's a time and a place for each, from mousse to cream to cushion — hell, even aerosol. As you know, your choice of face makeup really depends on the coverage and finish you want, plus the tools you like to use. But what happens when your main priority is finding something fast and mess-free? (So basically, every weekday morning...)

Luckily for the lazy rushed set, there's one formula that's gaining popularity, with more and more brands bringing new versions to a makeup counter near you: foundation sticks. While not exactly new, they're one of the most genius bases you can toss in your bag, apply on the go, and still get great coverage sans tools and mirrors.

In short, stick foundations are the superhero of shortcut routines — and even if you prefer to be incredibly meticulous with your whole face and take more time and care, these babies are still just as useful. They can be used with your fingers or with tools, and they can be layered for maximum coverage or diffused for lighter coverage.

Fair warning: If you’ve never tried these before, you might never turn back. Our favorites, ahead...

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

What We Really Think About The Scented Makeup In The Too Faced Tutti Frutti Collection

7 Eyeshadows That Will Make You Look Like An A-Lister This Summer

These Tiny Beauty Products Minimize Pre-Vacation Packing Stress

Last week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, said the agency gives pregnancy tests to girls as young as 10 in its custody.

"We give a pregnancy test at DHS to every girl over 10, to provide for their medical care. That is how dangerous the journey is," she said. Women and girls who cross the border into the U.S. with the help of smugglers are at a high risk for sexual assault, and according to Nielsen this is one of the ways the agency tries to protect them.

This prompted an outcry among advocates, who criticized the administration, which is already behind human rights abuses such as its family separation policy, for forcing minors to undergo the procedure. Given Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) well-recorded history of abuses — a recent report uncovered over 1,200 sexual abuse complaints from people detained by ICE, with half of the alleged perpetrators ICE officers — this did not sit well with many. (ICE and CBP are both arms of DHS.)

DHS says it only administers pregnancy tests to minors with their parents' consent. "[DHS] performs pregnancy screenings on female individuals in custody generally beginning at age 10 through age 56," an official who did not provide their name told Refinery29. "Parental consent is required to conduct a pregnancy screening on a minor." The official added that this is a "long-standing policy."

“We give a pregnancy test at DHS to every girl over 10,” says DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. “This journey is terrible.” #AspenSecurity pic.twitter.com/hvIieWiouK

— The Aspen Institute (@AspenInstitute) July 19, 2018

On its website, ICE says women 18-56 are given pregnancy tests in detention, but doesn't mention minors. The official couldn't point us to a written policy that says minors receive testing.

"I'm pretty surprised that DHS does that," Rochelle Garza, an attorney in Texas who works with immigrant minors, told Refinery29. She explained that for the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), it's standard practice. Minors detained by CBP are typically transferred to the custody of ORR, and the office handles the custody of unaccompanied minors.

"I think she was trying to show compassion," Garza said of Nielsen. "But what happens if they are pregnant? What do you do afterward?"

Shaunna Thomas, executive director of UltraViolet, a women's advocacy organization, echoed Garza's concerns.

"How are these tests being administered?" she said in a statement provided to Refinery29. "Are these girls being provided access to counseling for potential histories of sexual abuse? Are they being offered access to medical treatment or abortions if they do not want to carry a child? What does the administration plan to do with the results of this information? Will the girls' pregnancy results influence the government's decision to deport or grant them asylum?"

Considering the government's behavior in the Jane Doe case, in which ORR officials tried to bar an undocumented 17-year-old in detention from obtaining an abortion, these are serious concerns.

Pregnancy tests are just the tip of the iceberg. In December 2017, the Trump administration issued a new ICE policy that allows pregnant women to be detained before their third trimester; it was officially announced in March. Before that, pregnant women were only detained under "extraordinary circumstances" or in cases of expedited deportation.

Since then, there have been reports of pregnant women who miscarried in ICE detention and didn't get proper care, and others saying they have been denied medical care, shackled, and abused. Earlier this month, Democrats introduced legislation to prevent ICE from detaining and shackling expecting mothers.

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

Oklahoma School Cancels Classes After Adults Threaten 12-Year-Old Transgender Girl

Will Voters Care About The Domestic Violence Allegations Against Rep. Keith Ellison?

This Is How Lyric McHenry Should Be Remembered

You probably read or heard about a Money Diary published at Refinery29 last week – submitted by a New York City-based 21-year-old debt-free college student who makes $25 an hour at an internship while collecting an $1,100 monthly allowance (as well as $2,100 for rent) from her family. The furor that erupted over the entry revealed much about how we talk about privilege and economic inequality. It’s also the most extreme example of a trend we already noticed, something that pops up whenever women talk frankly about money.

While it caught many of us at Refinery29 by surprise (this is not the first diary of a privileged woman we’ve published), the intense reactions to the piece reminded us why conversations around money remain so taboo. It was there from the first time we published a Money Diary back in January 2016 that featured a 27-year-old designer who earned $65,000. The diarist complained about her job, went on a Tinder date, had avocado toast at brunch, and did cocaine. The diary got 20 comments, most of them judgemental. One commenter was more upset about the diarist buying books (“get a library card!”) than doing recreational drugs. From that very first diary it was clear to us: Few subjects create more agita or judgment than how someone spends (or doesn’t spend) their money.

It also raised questions: When are women allowed to celebrate their wealth? Is it sexist the way we criticize women for their spending habits? Or when they accept help from family? And why is talking about money so fucking awkward?

Since that first diary, we’ve published nearly 500 weekly accounts of how women spend their hard-earned money (or in some cases, other people’s hard-earned money). But these diaries cover so much more than just grocery bills and rent checks. Diarists open up, in their own words, about their relationships, their jobs, their mental health, and the things they value (from cat food to coffee to bridesmaids dresses). It’s both fascinating and mundane. On the whole, diaries are rarely shocking but are often achingly relatable. Our 21-year-old intern with an allowance was an outlier in many regards.

Number of Money Diaries Published By Salary Bracket

When we started the series, we wanted Money Diaries to be a place where women could share their financial stories without judgment. As the notorious comments section proves, the reality is very different. It doesn’t matter if you make $17,000 or $170,000 — the commenters will find something to judge and something to celebrate.

On the one side: commenters were furious about the diet of a case manager in South Carolina making $38,500. She was struggling as the sole breadwinner while her husband was unemployed due to his immigration status, but commenters chose to focus on her decision to eat McDonald’s five times in one week. “Girl, cook at home! Even if you're going to have chicken nuggets and fries, it's so much cheaper to do at home.”

While users continually asked for more Money Diaries of women making lower salaries, more readers click on Money Diaries featuring higher salaries.

On the opposite end of the spectrum: commenters were supportive of the 31-year-old architect starting her own business in San Francisco. The diary detailed her ups and downs living on the $17,500 in savings she had stashed away before striking out on her own. “‘I love this. Starting your own firm is so gutsy.”

While the commenters have countless opinions about the diarists, they also have strong opinions about the kinds of diaries that we choose to publish. From the very beginning, there was outcry that we didn’t feature enough income diversity. In an early diary from a 30-year-old architect making $100,000, one comment read: “It would be nice to see some more realistic salaries.” We followed up days later with a diary from an AmeriCorps volunteer in Boston making $14,000. The commenters loved her, despite the fact that she was receiving significant parental support. But that diary also had 10,000 fewer readers than the Brooklyn architect with the six-figure salary. And that’s a big thing we’ve noticed time and again when we publish diaries: While users continually asked for more Money Diaries of women making lower salaries, more readers click on Money Diaries featuring higher salaries.

Median Visits to Money Diaries by Salary Bracket

We know this data, and yet we still publish a range of diaries from different incomes from women living around the world. That’s really important to us. But we also understand that people want to read about how high-earners spend their money. We get it: It’s the same reason why millions tune into Real Housewives or Keeping Up With The Kardashians. And Money Diaries get even more granular, because these women share the receipts for that $45 salad or $40.28 on lip gloss. This is a chance to not only see how the other half lives but how they spend.

Some might wonder why women submit diaries and open themselves up to this kind of criticism? You have to be a near perfect human to not face any backlash in the comments. (We joke at Refinery29 that you have to be self-made, make a good salary, but not too good. You can’t be too young, receive any parental support, rely on a man, or buy too many coffees. Bonus points if you are good to your pets.)

But, we’ve come to think, women arguably read, write, comment, and lurk in Money Diaries because they can’t have these conversations anywhere else. Money remains an emotionally fraught territory – triggering anger, jealousy, inadequacy, resentment, pride, gratitude, and self-pity in a split-second. Money Diaries, and its notorious comments section, provides a platform where women can overshare, vent, judge, and maybe even achieve catharsis. It’s often a difficult conversation, but an absolutely worthy one.

And that’s why this series is so crucial. That’s why we’re so grateful to the women who continue to submit their own Money Diaries, who open up their lives to our readers and give us a peek into how women really live. That’s why we plan on publishing the series — with diaries from women from all walks of life — for as long as we can. We are also grateful to the commenters, who keep us on our toes, demand more, and are actively influencing this awkward dialogue.

The truth is, we are living in a time of drastic economic inequality: The top 1% of American families make more than 25 times what families in the bottom 99% do. So much so that is why we are seeing the rise of socialism among Millennial political candidates and voters. Next week, Refinery29 is doing a deep dive into the topic of greed with a special series. Who gets to be greedy, and for what? How does it influence young women? And where does greed get us — financially, socially, and politically?

These are pertinent questions to explore, and because these are real people sharing their real experiences — Money Diaries comes up with some messy answers.

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

Advice From A Nice Girl: How Do I Make A Good First Impression When I'm Shy?

Do You Need To Tell Your S.O. That You're (Crazy) Rich?

These Are the Jobs To Get If You Want To Make Bank

There are few celebrities these days who fully commit to maintaining a consistent signature aesthetic. We get it: With so many eyeliner trends and gradient lipstick effects out there, how could anyone stick to just one look?

Ask Ariana Grande — because she certainly can. Day in and day out, you'll find the singer rocking the same sky-high ponytail (sometimes adorned with accessories), dainty cat-eye flick, and swipe of nude gloss. But we're almost ashamed to say we've completely overlooked one other beauty staple she always wears: neutral nails.

Maybe the feature is a little less iconic than the updo she talks about almost as fondly as she does fiancé Pete Davidson, but the feminine color choice is crucial to Grande's vibe nonetheless. Don't believe it? We asked her go-to nail artist — and founder of Nail Swag salon in downtown L.A. — Natalie Minerva about Grande's preference for minimal manicures, how she keeps her nails so damn healthy, and exactly why the nail art in the "God Is A Woman " music video looked so familiar. Her answers, ahead.

Refinery29: How long have you been working with Ariana Grande?
Natalie Minerva: "About two to three years in total, but the past year we've been working together consistently."

How does that work for your schedule if you're based in L.A. and she's in New York?
"Well, she just moved to New York, so I've been in and out of the city all summer. We usually have briefs on what’s coming up over the next month or two and plan it out according to her schedule. Sometimes it's like, 'Hey can you get on a flight today?' and I'm like, 'Sure, let's go!' You just kind of get used to that, in this world."

A post shared by NAILSWAG (@nail_swag) on Aug 27, 2017 at 7:14am PDT

What nail color does she ask for the most?
" When I go and see her, we always use gel extensions, to keep her nails as healthy as possible. We kind of plan out the color and design, we see the outfits and go from there. We both decide together. Normally, it's probably white. It's nice because it's so clean and simple."

She doesn't use acrylics?!
"No! Fortunately, I have this amazing gel extension system, Gel-X, and it only takes me 10 to 15 minutes to do a full set of nails. It’s soft gel, so it soaks off like a regular gel, but gives you length so they look like false nails."

So that's how you can change her nails so often?
"It's so much less damaging; you don’t even need to do any buffing or filing off the top of the nail. It's great for people who have really weak nails or for anyone who likes to change them a lot."

DRIPPIN SWAGU @arianagrande 💅🏼💍✨ This nail look yesterday 💀

A post shared by NAILSWAG (@nail_swag) on Jul 12, 2018 at 9:44am PDT

Tell us about those Chanel nails.
"Her look for the Amazon Music Unboxing Prime Day event was really sporty and very early ‘00s, so I thought this was perfect and it would match so well. I'd actually made those nails for her once before and she loved it! I've also done a neon version [for another client] that could glow in the dark."

Sistine Chapel nails 🙏🏼 for the stunning @arianagrande wearing @verawanggang ❤️✨ Nails by @natalieminerva of #nailswagdtla Hair @thejoshliu Make up @ash_kholm Skin sweetener @chantelgonsalves Styling by @luxurylaw #metgala #metgala2018 #metgalabeauty #metgalanails

A post shared by NAILSWAG (@nail_swag) on May 7, 2018 at 8:20pm PDT

What nail art did you create for her in the "GIAW" music video?
"I created two different sets for that video. First, we did the Sistine Chapel nails again, which she originally wore at this year's Met Gala. We loved them and were so obsessed with them. That was probably our most beautiful and most decadent manicure yet. It was so rich and pretty, and my personal favorite. The other was a light lavender with an opalescent sheen — it was this shell-like color with a pearly finish."

No tears left to cry 💧Lavender opalescent beauties on my love @arianagrande 🔮💜 by @natalieminerva 💅🏼

A post shared by NAILSWAG (@nail_swag) on Apr 17, 2018 at 9:10pm PDT

Lavender seems to be Ariana's thing lately...
"She loves lavender, she's a big lavender fan. We do lavender for her everyday manicures often and, for the video, she kind of knew what she was wearing and the overall vibe, and lavender was just the direction we ended up going in."

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

I Met Madonna When I Was 23 — & We've Been Together Ever Since

How To Look Rich, According To The Makeup Artist Behind Crazy Rich Asians

11 Products Singaporean Girls Can't Live Without

We're pretty sure Republicans are not ready for a girl from the Bronx.

New York congressional candidate and rising political star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit back at Rep. Ron DeSantis from Florida after he condescendingly referred to her as "this girl Ocasio-Cortez or whatever she is."

During a campaign event in Orange Park, FL this weekend, the Republican gubernatorial candidate said: "You look at this girl Ocasio-Cortez or whatever she is, I mean, she’s in a totally different universe. It’s basically socialism wrapped in ignorance." A clip of the event was first reported by HuffPo on Monday.

Ocasio-Cortez, who is 28 and a Democratic socialist, tweeted in response: "Rep DeSantis, it seems you're confused as to 'whatever I am.' I am a Puerto Rican woman. It's strange you don’t know what that is, given that ~75,000 Puerto Ricans have relocated to Florida in the 10 mos since María. But I’m sure these new FL voters appreciate your comments!"

Rep DeSantis, it seems you‘re confused as to “whatever I am.”

I am a Puerto Rican woman. It‘s strange you don’t know what that is, given that ~75,000 Puerto Ricans have relocated to Florida in the 10 mos since María.

But I’m sure these new FL voters appreciate your comments! https://t.co/xJlroSe5Hs

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) July 23, 2018

Nearly 75,000 Puerto Ricans have moved to Florida after Hurricane Maria devastated the island last September. Democrats and Republicans alike expect boricuas to be a powerful voting bloc in upcoming elections, particularly in the Sunshine State, though it's unclear if they will show up to the polls.

DeSantis has tried to make the case that Puerto Ricans are "natural Republicans," but some of his fellow party members have argued against allowing Puerto Rican evacuees who relocated stateside to vote in federal elections — even though they're natural-born U.S. citizens.

After defeating 10-term incumbent and Democratic household name Rep. Joe Crowley, Ocasio-Cortez has become a household name herself — which has led to conservatives like DeSantis to try to use her as a political punching bag even if her congressional race has nothing to do with his own gubernatorial bid.

If anything, DeSantis showed intellectual laziness that should give constituents pause. "Why argue against ideas when you can just mock and dismiss a woman based on her age?" is not a sound campaign strategy. Puerto Ricans and other voters are surely to see through his idiotez.

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

Oklahoma School Cancels Classes After Adults Threaten 12-Year-Old Transgender Girl

Will Voters Care About The Domestic Violence Allegations Against Rep. Keith Ellison?

This Is How Lyric McHenry Should Be Remembered

Welcome toMoney Diaries , where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.

Today: a marketing coordinator working in real estate who makes $57,500 per year and spends some of her money this week on steak tacos.

Occupation: Marketing Coordinator
Industry: Real Estate
Age: 30
Location: Oxnard, CA
Salary: $57,500
Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $1,518

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $500 (I live at home and pay my parents. They're pretty traditional, so me moving out isn't something they would be thrilled by, even though I'm 30.)
Student Loan Payment: $0 (I was really lucky and received a lot of state grants, so I don't have any student loans.)
Health Insurance: $72.81
Car Payment: $515
Car Insurance: $133
Netflix: $9.99
Apple Music: $14.99 (I split this with my sister.)
Gym Membership: $19.99

Day One

5:30 a.m. — My iPhone snoozes in eight minute increments, and I manage to hit snooze three times before actually pulling myself out of bed. I usually try to be out of the door by 6:40 a.m., since my commute can be unpredictable, but today I have an extra lazy morning and leave at 6:55.

7:45 a.m. — Make it into my office in under an hour! I have unsweetened green tea while I fix up the Greek yogurt and berries I brought from home, and then drink my morning shake. I go through my emails and start my weekly to-do list.

10:30 a.m. — I open an email from a company I've been in contact with about a possible job opportunity — but it's a no-go. I feel frustrated that my job search has yielded zero results. Then I chat with an agent in my office about the World Cup and how well Mexico has been playing, which makes me feel slightly better.

12:30 p.m. — I head to our kitchen area and fix my lettuce sandwich wraps. I text my boyfriend, H., to let him know about the job opportunity falling through, and he is really supportive. I take a walk to a coffee shop up the road for an afternoon pick-me-up ($3.56). I have a gift card someone in my office gave me for my birthday, so I use it to pay.

4:30 p.m. — My brain is all designed out for today. I spend what is left of my work day reviewing and checking things off my to-do list and making sure I'm not missing anything for my weekly Tuesday meeting. I change for the gym and head out of the office shortly after to meet H.

7 p.m. — H. and I wrap up our gym session and grab protein shakes at the gym juice bar. Usually we trade off paying, and today is my turn ($10). I need a new gym bag, so we drive over to Marshalls and pick up a new one ($16.15). $26.15

9:05 p.m. — I shower, watch Million Dollar Listing New York, and call it a night.

Daily Total: $26.15

Day Two

5:30 a.m. — Snooze my alarm twice — I'm improving! I lay in bed for a few minutes and think about the fact that my job no longer fulfills me, which is why getting out of bed in the morning is so difficult. I get ready for work and remember that H. and I have plans to go the a Dodgers game tonight, and suddenly I am excited because it's bobblehead night!

7:50 a.m. — I get to the office and have my peanut butter toast and morning berry shake before my weekly offsite meeting.

10:15 a.m. — I get back to the office. The game is quickly selling out and waiting last minute for tickets might not be the smartest idea, so I text H. suggesting we buy the tickets now. I pay. $68.62

1:15 p.m. — I grab a quick lunch with my coworker. I didn't bring anything from home, so I get a steak taco at a place nearby. $3.53

2:30 p.m. — I wrap up my work and head out of the office early today because it'll take a few hours to get to the game and we still need to stop by and pick up the tickets.

3:45 p.m. — On the road a little later than I had hoped for.

6:40 p.m. — We're finally here! H. pays for parking since we drove my car and I paid for gas. I'm so excited because we're early enough to get a bobblehead of one of my favorite players when we enter the stadium (a.k.a. really the only reason we came to a game on a weekday!). We grab hot dogs and beer before heading to our seats. H. pays since I charged the tickets on my card. Not the greatest seats, but it's a sold out game. Bummer — the Dodgers lose!

11:45 p.m. — Finally home. Time for bed!

Daily Total: $72.15

Day Three

5 a.m. — I feel like I just fell asleep! Up late last night and up early this morning, but so worth it because I want to make it into the office early enough to catch the first half of the Mexico vs. Sweden World Cup game.

6:05 a.m. — I finally head out and stop by for gas — but I don't fill up my tank entirely because this is one of the most expensive gas stations in town ($32). Then I load up my Coffee Bean app with $10 for a quick stop. $42

7:10 a.m. — Pull into the parking lot at work and watch the first half of the soccer game. I have a staff meeting in about 50 minutes, so I'm hoping to at least watch the first half. I'm not a huge soccer fan, but I get really into it when it's an important game. I get a text from my sister during the meeting that Mexico lost.

10:45 a.m. — Back in my office after a productive staff meeting.

12:30 p.m. — I didn't bring lunch, so I get a grilled steak taco again, since it's one of the least expensive options around here ($3.53). I feel really tired from my late night and early morning, so my coworker and I walk to the local coffee shop after lunch and I get an ice blend with my birthday gift card. $3.53

2:10 p.m. — I text H. to ask him if we're meeting at the gym or at my house. On the nights he has his son, we meet at the gym, as it keeps their routine a bit more consistent, but tonight we're meeting at my place. Driving to the gym together helps with parking and it's really convenient if we need to run errands after our gym session.

7:45 p.m. — We finish our gym session and head to Chipotle, where we each get a bowl and a water and chips and guac to share. I pay, since he paid more at the baseball game ($19.99). We try to be fairly even when we pay for things. I joke with him that if we get married the first thing we're doing is joining our accounts, since splitting expenses gets confusing. Not to mention that we always feel like the other person is paying for more. We head over to Target because I need deodorant and face wash. ($13.54). $33.53

10 p.m. — Finally home and ready for bed!

Daily Total: $79.06

Day Four

5:30 a.m. — I actually wake up feeling rested. Weird. I get up and do my usual morning routine — face wash, hair, and a little makeup, and am out of the door by 6:40 a.m.

7:50 a.m. — It takes over an hour to get to the office. Once I do, I have Greek yogurt, strawberries, and granola with my berry breakfast smoothie while I tackle my emails.

11:30 a.m. — My mom shoots me a text to let me know I received a package in the mail — an order from ColourPop! I'm really excited. I've never really been into makeup, but recently I have started getting more into it.

12:30 p.m. — I walk next door for a steak taco again ($3.53). I really need to get to the grocery store and bring lunch in, because budget and, well, because I am getting tired of steak tacos. I used to be really bad about bringing in lunch, and then realized how much money I was spending a week. It was not cheap! I have lunch with my coworker whose wedding H. and I went to recently. We end up talking about her wedding and how perfect it was, which then segues into when H. and I will get married, since according to a few people, we are the most "married" unmarried couple they know. $3.53

6:45 p.m. — H. and I end up bailing on the gym and take my dog for a walk around the neighborhood instead. My mom made salmon, veggies, and white rice for dinner, so we stay and have dinner with my family, since it all smells so amazing.

8:30 p.m. — H. takes me for ice cream. He pays.

9:50 p.m. — H. drops me off and heads home. I take a quick shower and then get into bed. I scroll through Instagram, check job boards, and email myself possible job opportunities. H. and I had a conversation tonight about how I need to focus on my job search, as a lot of my anxiety and frustration comes from how unhappy I am at my current job.

Daily Total: $3.53

Day Five

5:30 a.m. — No snoozing, it's FRIDAY! I get out of bed, tidy up my room, get ready for work, and grab a few items from the kitchen for lunch. This morning I leave my house a little later than usual because I take a few minutes to play with my nieces first. I constantly hear how I don't spend enough time with them. Ever since I started dating H. about two and a half years ago, I am hardly home during my free time, so I try my best to give them cuddles when I can.

7:50 a.m. — I get to work and have my yogurt, berries, and morning shake. Then I get an email from our office manager saying she'll be out today, which makes me slightly relieved.

12:30 p.m. — Lunchtime! I get my sandwich and crackers and head to lunch with my coworker in our assistant manager's office.

3 p.m. — I am busier than usual for a Friday, yet the the day still seems to be moving rather slowly. H. texts me to see how my day is going and to remind me that we're going to visit his parents tonight. My coworker and I decide we need a coffee break, and I grab an ice blend at the coffee shop, which I again pay for with my birthday gift card.

7 p.m. — H. and I have dinner at his parents' house and spend time catching up with them.

9 p.m. — We leave his parents' house and head over to his place, where we cuddle up on his couch and watch 90 Day Fiancé. (H. is not thrilled by this show.)

12:05 a.m. — We fell asleep mid-episode, and when we wake up, H. takes me home. Ahhhh, sleep.

Daily Total: $0

Day Six

7:30 a.m. — I wake up, clean my room, and get changed. I want to make it to Target right when they open. We're going to a concert tonight and I want to find something to wear.

8:45 a.m. — I really enjoy solo Target trips. I find a cute bolero-type jacket that I think would work great with an outfit for tonight. I text H. while I'm still at the store and ask him if he's up for bacon egg sandwiches at his place this morning. He says yes, and I pick up cheddar, as sometimes I know what's in his fridge better than he does. I check out at Target ($31.52) and head over. $31.52

10:20 a.m. — I get to H.'s condo, and he seems extra happy to see me since I picked up some Starbucks for us on my way ($8.40). I lay on the couch for a bit while he does laundry. Then I stop being lazy and start making us some breakfast. He isn't big on cooking, but luckily I don't mind it too much, even if though I'm not the greatest at it. We joke around while I cook, and I like to remind him that certain little things about his place are impediments to us ever living together...like really disorganized cabinets. He knows I'm kidding, but plays along by saying that I can organize them any way I want. He might not actually be playing. $8.40

11 a.m. — We have our breakfast sandwiches while watching the Uruguay game. Then I paint my nails.

1 p.m. — The game ends — and Uruguay wins! I head home to start getting ready. The concert is in Hollywood, so we're leaving around 3 p.m. to meet my family at about 5. Gotta love that L.A. traffic.

6 p.m. — The event is great — it's a tribute to the late Juan Gabriel and a celebration of Mexican culture. It's at an outside venue, and you can set up a picnic before the actual concert, which is a great time to mingle, drink, and have a bite to eat. Parking is a bit of a hassle and costs $7, but my mom pays. We meet up with a few family members, and we all bring different items to snack on. Our contribution is three bottles of wine and fruit to go with the other components of a charcuterie spread that my cousins bring.

8:30 p.m. — It's intermission, so I rush to the bathroom after having three glasses of wine.

10:30 p.m. — Event is over and I am feeling a quite a bit drunk. H. drives us home, since my sister and mom had a few glasses of wine as well. I think the car ride is making me quite dizzy.

12 a.m. — H. drops us off and heads home. He texts me goodnight to let me know he has gotten home and I fall asleep instantly.

Daily Total: $39.92

Day Seven

5:30 a.m. — My mom walks in to remind me I'm supposed to go to the airport with H. to pick up his parents, but I call him and tell him I won't be able to go with him... I feel horrible, as in, actually sick. As I feared, I had one too many glasses of wine.

7:30 a.m. — H. texts me that he is on his way back from LAX. I get up to grab Gatorade and Advil and head back to bed.

12:10 p.m. — I'm up! Finally! I still don't feel all that great, but I get out of bed and take a shower. I tidy up my room and H. calls to ask if I want to go get something to eat. Food doesn't sound amazing right now, but we both agree it would be good for me to have something.

1 p.m. — H. picks me up and we head over to pick up his son. We decide on a Mexican seafood restaurant — a cold shrimp cocktail sounds great! H. and I have shrimp cocktails and his son has bacon-wrapped shrimp. I mention to H. that I could really go for lemon ice cream, and his son seconds the motion. The check comes and H. pays.

3 p.m. — We head over to grab ice cream. I get lemon, H. has a watermelon popsicle, and his son has an Oreo popsicle. I pay ($7.81). Then we head to H.'s house to hang out and his son convinces us to go swimming. $7.81

4:30 p.m. — I fall asleep again. I wake up to a phone call from my dad to check in on me, and poke fun — always a little fun to make fun of hungover people, right? Once I'm off the phone, H. and I agree that I will meet him and his son at the pool after I nap a little longer.

6 p.m. — I head to the pool and put on some sunscreen. H.'s son asks me to get in to the pool, but I don't think I'm up for it today, so I just go and put my feet in. Boys being boys, they obviously start splashing water my way.

7:30 p.m. — We get out of the pool and H.'s son asks if we can go to McDonald's, which for some reason sounds like the best dinner option EVER. We head out, H. stops for gas, and then we head to the McDonald's drive-through. They get chicken sandwiches and I grab a burger, plus we all get fries, which are delicious! H. pays $18, and I Venmo him since I am trying to keep things fair. He pokes fun at the fact that I Venmo him $9. $9

9:30 p.m. — Finally home. I take a quick shower, do my face wash routine, and get into bed. Despite all I slept today, I am still fairly tired. I scroll through job boards, send a few jobs to myself, text H. goodnight, and call it a night!

Daily Total: $16.81

Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29's point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.

The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.

Have a Money Diary you'd like to share? Right now, in addition to our ongoing diaries, we're looking for potential diarists along the following theme:

Your Spending In Your State: We want to run one Money Diary from a different state each week. Want to rep your state? Submit here!

Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here: r29.co/mdfaqs

In addition to our Money Diaries, we're looking for people who want to talk to us about the following topic for other stories on Refinery29:

Have you ever been in a job you couldn’t stand but couldn’t quit? Did you write an elaborate quitting fantasy in your mind to pass the time? Maybe you’d finally tell your boss your honest opinion. Perhaps, you daydreamed of finally calling out your co-worker who takes credit for your ideas. If this is you, we want to hear from you! Email us here to share your most elaborate quitting fantasy and how you actually quit.

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

Advice From A Nice Girl: How Do I Make A Good First Impression When I'm Shy?

Do You Need To Tell Your S.O. That You're (Crazy) Rich?

These Are the Jobs To Get If You Want To Make Bank

I will always jump at the opportunity to take my sandwiches in wrap form. This thinking, however, does not also apply to my preference in tops. Frankly, wrap tops are my last pick on the blouse spectrum. But since I've heard so many friends sing their praises — how easy they are to wear (what?!) and how flattering they look ( erm, debatable) — and since I've come across so many versions of the trend, I felt like I must have been missing something.

My main gripe with wrap tops is how deceiving they are: Model one in front of your mirror and you'll think you're safe, but bend over for one second and you might reveal more than you meant to. But the biggest problem with a nip-slip isn't exposure — it's that you'll likely spend the rest of the day worrying, hand on your chest, that it's going to happen again. And all of that kerfuffle over a top just seems unnecessary.

To prove myself wrong about wrap tops, I spent seven days exploring all the ways I could make them work for me. Sure, the deli guy might have seen my girls when I ordered my morning matcha, I flashed a few people while biking to work, and I bought many an emergency safety pin, but it's all in the name of fashion, no?

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

Jeff Goldblum Is My Summer Style Icon

3 Sets Of Twins On The One Way They're Actually Different

31 Perfect Looks To Copy This August

Apart from the long weekends, the late sunsets, and the blackout period of blissfully forgetting what a jacket is, summer wins out as my favorite season for its approach to fashion. Where traditional fashion seasons — spring and fall — can lay claim to new trends, new patterns, and new rules, the sandwiched season of summer always sees a handful of seasonal classics repeat, while still reinventing themselves. Undergoing the biggest reinvention of them all? Gingham.

From its humble beginnings as a popular choice for homestead prairie dresses to the form-fitting pedal pushers of the ’60s, gingham has withstood the tides of changing trends. Its original inception as a print saved for ultra-feminine wears has made way for more modern approaches, from asymmetrical dresses to balloon-sleeve tops. That staying power has solidified it as a symbol of summer style. Needless to say, the print has become a go-to for me during the warmer-weather months.

My closet is chock-full of one gingham frock after another, but it wasn't until recently that I started to explore my options beyond the typical sundress. Perusing eBay Fashion 's latest collection of on-trend pieces, I found a mecca of gingham wears that could just as easily be styled into my looks as opposed to acting as the main attraction. Keep scrolling to see the three ways I'm incorporating gingham into my everyday wardrobe, all summer long.

If a full, head-to-toe gingham look is more print than you've bargained for, turn the approach on its head by steering toward gingham accessories instead. Using a monochrome jumpsuit as a blank canvas, I styled the marigold piece with pops of the print through a woven tote and matching block heels.

One of my favorite ways to wear gingham is to be loud and proud about it; I love displaying the print in its full glory. I went with an off-the-shoulder blouse that carried the trend and pared down the look with weekend essentials — sneakers and a pair of classic cutoffs.

You don't have to make a commitment to the print to still incorporate it into your everyday look. I opted for a low-key jeans and a tank look I'd wear from work (with an oversized blazer) to dinner. Throwing in a light-pink gingham clutch added so much texture to an otherwise colorblocked ensemble.

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

Why Is Meghan Markle’s Dad Launching A Clothing Line?

Round Out Your Denim Collection With A Pair Of Light Wash Jeans

16 Cozy Knits That Prove Summer Is So Last Season