Welcome back to our Saturday edition! Are you ready to splurge on your new summer soles? Here are six shoe trends that are in, and four that are out.
On the agenda:
But first: Get in. We’re getting outta here!
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This week’s dispatch
Jill Schildhouse
Business class battle royale
If you want your luxe vacation to start as soon as you step foot into the airport, business-class travel nearly guarantees top-tier comfort.
From the lie-flat seats to the impeccable food offerings, it’s the best kind of splurge — if you’re willing to invest in the upgrade.
Business Insider contributing writer Jill Schildhouse, who takes at least 50 flights a year and has been to more than 36 countries, went on three business-class flights recently.
She compared the offerings from American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas. Here’s how they fared.
American Airlines: After flying 13 hours from Dallas to Tokyo, Schildhouse said her business class seat “was more angled toward the windows, which made it feel more private.” She was also impressed by the service. After a flight attendant noticed her drinking a lot of water, they “brought me a huge bottle to enjoy … plus a second one to take with me.”
Qantas: Australia’s flagship carrier scored points for being the only airline to offer Schildhouse pajamas during her long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne. They were so comfy, she still wears them at home. It was also the only plane to have a vibey lounge area that allowed business-class passengers to “grab snacks and drinks from coolers.”
Singapore Airlines: Schildhouse was most impressed by this airline during her 16-hour flight from Singapore to Los Angeles. It had her favorite seat “thanks to the plush bedding and three pillows provided when it was turned into a bed.” It also scored high points for having her favorite meals that were “full of flavor.”
Convinced yet? Leggo.
Dare to dairy
Getty Images
After years of being sidelined by alternative dairy products like oat milk and cashew cream, dairy is poised for a comeback. It’s riding the wave of protein enthusiasm that’s been dominating health trends.
Milk has also become culturally cool again since it’s the OG natural drink — gut-friendly and minimally processed. Plus, there’s no shortage of options: offerings include everything from chocolate butter to probiotic ice cream and pistachio-flavored kefir.
The next milk-fed frontier.
Who’s afraid of Addison Rae?
Frazer Harrison/Getty, Lexie Moreland/Getty, Ava Horton/BI
Addison Rae launched to TikTok stardom by posting lip-synching and dancing videos around the clock. Her first foray into pop music in 2021 was a spectacular flop, both in the critical and popular spheres.
Four years later, however, Rae has become pop music’s newest “It Girl.” That included a slow yet total overhaul of her content strategy, a focus on narrative and nostalgia, and a little help from friends like Charli XCX along the way.
Mastering the rebrand.
The era of extreme bachelorette parties
Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI
Gone are the days of a nice night on the town celebrating the bride-to-be. Now, friends of the bride are shelling out money for plane tickets, a space in a crammed Airbnb, a bottomless brunch, merch, and more.
Over the past decade, bachelorette parties have become nearly as anticipated — and sometimes as expensive — as the big day. From Etsy shops for decor to concierge services, the bachelorette planning industry is bolstering a whole new subset of the economy.
Bride or die.
Fine dining? In this economy?!
Shelby Moore for BI
Just as restaurants were recovering from pandemic-era woes, the fine-dining scene has been hit with the soaring costs of goods, labor shortages, and potential tariffs.
The restaurant industry won’t go down without a fight, though. In times of economic hardship, fine dining needs to feel worth the price — and restaurants are getting creative to retain diners.
The key is events and experiences.
What we’re watching this weekend
saravuth-photohut/Getty, Tyler Le/BI
- “Sinners”: For their latest collaboration, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan deliver a haunting vampire tale set in 1930s Mississippi that’s streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Fandango.
- “Becoming Led Zeppelin”: The beautifully crafted documentary, available on Netflix, chronicles the formation and early years of one of the greatest rock bands ever assembled.
- “Stick”: In the new Apple TV+ series, Owen Wilson plays a washed-up former pro golfer who finds redemption when he takes an aspiring player under his wing.
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
What to shop
- Father’s Day gift idea: Get your dad a gift you know he’ll love: great food from popular restaurants around the country, delivered straight to his door. Our deputy executive editor has trusted Goldbelly with the job for years. Here’s why.
- Your feet deserve better: Stop walking around the house barefoot! In our guide to the best women’s slippers, we’ve found 14 pairs that will support your feet for reduced arch and back pain.
- Skincare we love on sale: Some of us here on the Reviews team have trusted Kiehl’s for years — that’s why we’re so excited about the brand’s sale. Check out some of our favorites that are up to 30% off.
More of this week’s top reads:
The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Akin Oyedele, senior editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
