Photo by Mirko Fabian on Unsplash

You ARE Abundance

#GMFavorites – Ep 372 Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

Take a while to listen to today’s 6-minute-long check-in and reset from “Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki”!

Join our community of Go(o)d Friends:

Bonus episodes every week:

▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings

Go(o)d Mornings merch:

▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings

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The truth is right where you are.

Perfection is right where you are.

Abundance is right where you are.

It’s who you are.

You ARE abundance.

And there is nothing you can do to change That.

There’s nothing you can do to not be That.

Wake up and live That, today.

Smile.

Shoulders down and back.

Feel His Grace.

RECEIVE all.

Today’s Quotes:

“There’s nothing to fix in your life. Nothing to change. Nothing to accomplish. Nothing to do except to abide in the Power that knows the way.”

-Robert Adams

“Everyday you should sit quietly and affirm with deep conviction: “no birth, no death, no caste have I;  father, mother, have I none. Blessed Spirit, I am He. I am the Infinite Happiness.” If you again and again repeat these thoughts day and night, you will eventually realize what you really are: an immortal soul.”

-Yogananda

“Your body is a little universe, and God is residing in that little universe.  Search for that power of God. He dwells within you.”

-Guru Hariharananda Paramahansa

I Love you,
Nik
nikki@curlynikki.com

**I’m on vacation/pilgrimage/a self-care break! New episodes to resume in July!  I’ll be checking in regularly on Patreon. I love you and we’ll chat soon! 

If you want to help me out, please subscribe, review and share with someone that needs it! Let’s start a new morning routine, a dope self-care ritual, together, TODAY, and everyday weekday morning at 7 am ET!

**10% of revenue generated from this podcast will be donated to “Showering Love” a non-profit organization that restores good mornings, dignity, hope, and health to people experiencing homelessness by providing showers and other supportive services.

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Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

I’ve been sunscreen testing again and these are my current five SPF favourites. I’m pretty picky when it comes to sunscreen for the face – I like a lightweight feel and a traceless finish – but thankfully formulations have improved massively over the past few years and there are so many excellent versions to choose from.

I’m a big fan of the high protection lightweight SPF fluids such as Anthelios from La Roche-Posay (you can find the incredible new UVMune 400 Fluid online here*), Beauty Pie Featherlight UV (£12.50 to members here* – use affiliate code RUTHSENTME for money off membership if you’re a new sign-up) and Bondi Sands Hydra SPF50+ (online here*); but my current favourites all have a really fresh, gel-like feel on application. Almost cooling. I also think that I keep coming back to them again and again because I don’t really need to use a moisturiser underneath them, which is actually something I forgot to mention in the video below. They’re all intensely hydrating and sit well directly beneath makeup and won’t leave a white cast on the skin.

A quick note on SPF: three of my favourites are SPF30, which offer less protection than SPF50. I realise that for some that might be a dealbreaker, but when it comes to sunscreen, especially for the face, I think it’s important to find a texture that you enjoy applying and that works well within your routine and lifestyle. If you absolutely detest your sun protection and dread applying it then you’re a) probably not going to apply enough to reach the stated protection and b) possibly going to skip applications when you’re feeling lazy. Find an SPF for the face that you love and it just becomes part of your morning beauty line-up. If it’s an SPF50 then all the better.

Let’s get cracking with the “best sunscreens for face if you hate using sunscreens on your face” feature.

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Skin Generics Niacinamide + Osmo City SPF30, £32.95 at Superdrug*

This is the most weightless facial SPF I’ve ever tried. It really feels just like water jelly. It’s lighter even than something like Clinique’s Moisture Surge. Completely disappears on the skin. Feels satisfyingly cool on a hot day. It is quite heavily fragranced and comes in a glass jar – which isn’t ideal for travelling – but the texture is simply supreme.

Buy Skin Generics at Superdrug*

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Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF30, currently £51 instead of £60 at FeelUnique*

If you’re after the same fresh feel but more of a comforting cream than a gel texture then Murad’s Day Moisture is just beautiful. For me it’s the ideal daily-use day cream: sophisticated moisturisation and antioxidant protection with a broad spectrum SPF30. This is also perfumed but smells slightly orangey and optimistic. It’s more expensive than the rest of the facial sunscreens on this page but it’s Murad, so I always feel I’m getting the appropriate results for the extra spend. The formulation is beautiful – deeply hydrating but no grease left on the skin.

Buy Murad at FeelUnique*

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La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Aquagel SPF30, currently on sale (£25 instead of £34.50) at FeelUnique* 

The gel-lest feeling gel SPF after Skin Generics, La Roche-Posay’s HyaluB5 is also delightfully cool on application but has a twist to the tale: as you glide it over the skin it becomes a sort of gel-gloss with long-lasting hydration that feels somehow sealed in. For those with dehydrated skin it’s an absolute dream. If I was very oily then I’d probably go for the Skin Generics just because it feels so fresh and weightless but the Hyalu pips it to the post in terms of packaging. Much more convenient in a pump!

Buy HyaluB5 at FeelUnique*

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Paula’s Choice Youth Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid, £35 but in the sale at Paula’s Choice here*

This brilliant SPF50 from Paula’s Choice might just be my new favourite overall sunscreen for the face. It’s as light and fresh to apply as the Murad but has the benefit of higher protection. (It’s also half the price.) No residue after application yet it manages to feel very moisturising and sits quietly underneath any makeup you decide to plonk on top. It’s just such a good all-rounder. Expect to hear more on this one.

Buy Paula’s Choice online*

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Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50, £34 at SpaceNK*

This SPF from Australian Brand Ultra Violette has been “trending” which means, apparently, that lots of people are talking about it. For good reason: it offers very high protection in a formula that goes on like silk and then completely disappears. Australians do sunscreen like nobody else, you’re almost guaranteed to get a well though-out formula and this is no exception. It has perhaps slightly more sheen than the others at first but quickly dries to a satin finish. I’d say it’s very slightly suited to drier skin rather than oily but Ultra Violette also do a mattifying version that’s mineral* (there’s is zinc-only) if you prefer a physical sunblock.

Buy Supreme Screen at SpaceNK*

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Do you have any favourite sunscreens for the face you’d like to suggest I try? Let me know in the comments, please. I’ve found some excellent products through the comment section here on the blog!

The post 5 Skincare Favourites: Sunscreen For Face appeared first on Ruth Crilly.

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©2020 "


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Ruth Crilly, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Polo shirts have become a staple item in any man's wardrobe. They're versatile, comfortable, and look great on most guys. But when it comes to which brands you should buy, there's only one choice: Ralph Lauren polo shirts for men.

Let's face it – Ralph Lauren isn't cheap. So why should you invest in a Ralph Lauren polo over a bargain basement knock-off? You're just paying for the logo on the front, right?

Wrong. The Ralph Lauren Polo is a style icon worldwide – and for a good reason. In today's article, I'm breaking out what makes Ralph Lauren my go-to polo shirt of choice.

We'll be covering:

1. The History Of Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts
2. Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt Designs
3. Are Ralph Lauren Polos Worth The Price?
4. How To Style A Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

#1 The History Of Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts

Ralph Lauren first released his polo shirt design in 1972 – it was an instant success.

The shirt was released in Ralph Lauren's flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, and was designed for the wealthy and successful man who wanted to look his best.

The Ralph Lauren Polo shirt was successful because it was a high-quality shirt made of 100% cotton and featured a classic holding design – perfect for the wealthy man who wanted to look professional, modern, and stylish.

It quickly became a staple in the wardrobes of Hollywood's elite and was seen on the likes of Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and Clint Eastwood. In fact, the Ralph Lauren polo shirt can be seen in many of Hollywood's greatest movies, such as The Great Gatsby and Wall Street.

In the 1980s, Ralph Lauren released a line of Polo shirts designed for the more casual man. These shirts featured a more relaxed fit and were made of cotton and polyester.

This line of Polo shirts was very popular with preppy men who wanted a shirt that they could wear both on and off the golf course.

At just over the $100 mark, many consider the Ralph Lauren polo an ‘affordable luxury' within reach of everyday men and women.

#2 Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt Designs

Ralph Lauren polo shirts come in many different designs.

Since its release in 1972, the Ralph Lauren polo shirt has gone through many evolutions and transformations to suit the changing needs of athletes and stylish men alike. In fact, the massive variety in colors, patterns, and materials means that there are hundreds of options for guys looking to invest in their next polo shirt.

However, for the sake of this guide to Ralph Lauren polo shirts for men, we'll be breaking out the three main fits and the two main fabrics available in 2022.

Classic Fit

Ralph Lauren's original fit is the loosest of the three and is a bit dated. The shirt has a wide boxy body with long sleeves that are almost elbow length. This fit is only suitable if you are pretty out of shape or so muscular that you need the wide boxy fit and broader arms.

As a result of the excess material of this fit, tucking the shirt in is not advisable – you'll end up looking far larger than you are as the fabric will puff out and emphasize the size of your torso.

A better option is to use the “half-tuck” method, which will help decrease the length of the polo shirt without creating that ‘mushroom' aesthetic.

Ralph Lauren's original fit is probably not the best choice for your next big presentation or a hot date. However, if you're hanging out with friends or doing yard work, it'll do the job just fine. After all, with the classic fit comes comfort, which can be a significant benefit in many situations.

Custom Slim Fit

The custom slim fit is the way to go when it comes to Ralph Lauren polo shirts for men.

It's slimmer and shorter through the body, with a shorter arm length – perfect for showing off those biceps.

Compared to the Classic fit, the same size is 1.5″ trimmer in the body, 1.5″ shorter in length, and has a shorter modern sleeve length.

The best part about the custom slim fit is that you can wear it tucked in, untucked, or half-tucked – allowing you to dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. Just keep in mind that this fit shows your body a bit more, so it's generally best to stick to darker colors.

Wear this style of Ralph Lauren Polo on a first date or under some high-quality tailoring. The slimmer silhouette will show that you take care of yourself without making you appear as though you're trying too hard with ‘skin tight' clothing. The Custom Slim Fit still maintains some boxiness in the mid-section of the torso, leaving space for movement and not making you look like you're wearing a wet suit!

The custom slim fit is great for guys with a bit of extra weight around the middle – it'll help you slim up and make you look more attractive so long as you stick to darker colors and buy a polo shirt that fits you properly!

Slim Fit

Ralph Lauren's slim-fit polo shirt is perfect for skinny guys who struggle to look good in boxy clothing.

The slim fit design is 1.5″ trimmer in the body than the custom slim fit and 0.5″ shorter, so it will complement a slender frame and avoid that unfortunate ‘looks like he's wearing a tent' aesthetic.

Just make sure you wear skinny jeans with this shirt, as anything else will look too baggy compared to the slim cut of the polo.

I advise avoiding this cut at all costs if you have a muscular or chunkier physique. A slim fit on a larger man shows off every lump and bump and makes you look like you're wearing children's clothing.

Fabric Options

The Ralph Lauren polo shirt for men lives up to the quality standards we've come to expect from the brand. This shirt comes in two fabric options: cotton Mesh and Interlock.

Both options are made from cotton (obviously!), but there are some differences between them:

• Cotton Mesh is the original fabric for the Polo shirt. It's designed using pique knit, meaning that the material is textured and has a little give. This makes it more comfortable to wear, especially in hot weather.
• Cotton Interlock is a newer option that feels lighter and smoother to the touch. As a result of the more lightweight material, a cotton interlock is often seen as the dressier option and is more likely to be worn on formal occasions.

So, which one should you choose? If you're looking for a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt to wear to a casual event, go for Cotton Mesh. Opt for the interlock material if you want a shirt that looks slightly nicer and might even be suitable for work.

In my opinion, Cotton Interlock is the better choice overall when compared to Cotton Mesh because it is more comfortable and has a nicer feel to it.

Plus, it's easier to care for – you can machine wash it and tumble dry it without any problems.

#3 Are Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts Worth The Price?

Ralph Lauren is a name that is synonymous with high-quality, preppy clothing. And their Polo shirts are a great example of that style reputation.

But with a price tag that often exceeds $100, some might wonder if they are worth the money. So, what sets Ralph Lauren polos apart from the dozens of other brands on the market?

For starters, Ralph Lauren uses higher-end materials in their garments, such as cotton piqué fabric that is both breathable and comfortable. Piqué cotton is a type of knit fabric that is textured and has a bit of stretch, making it more comfortable to wear than other types of cotton. You'll find this cotton style on more luxury clothing as it is more expensive to produce.

Ralph Lauren also takes the time to finish their garments properly. Many Ralph Lauren polo shirts are hand-finished, which makes the shirt more durable and less likely to rip or tear.

Additionally, their polos are expertly crafted, with intricate details like embroidered logos (rather than the cheaper printed logos), which look more expensive and show a higher quality point.

Their timeless style can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile addition to any man's wardrobe. Sure, the same can be said about many different brands of polo shirts, but none are as recognizable and iconic as the classic polo-horse logo of RL.

So yes, Ralph Lauren Polo shirts are definitely worth the price. After all, you get what you pay for.

#4 How To Style A Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

Polo shirts are incredibly versatile. You've just got to know what you're doing and how to correctly style the garment to suit your style and circumstances.

Wearing A Polo Shirt And A Suit

You can dress a polo shirt up or down to suit any occasion. When worn with a suit, there are a few style rules to follow to achieve a polished look.

• First, you should neatly tuck the polo shirt into the pants. This helps to create a clean line and prevent the shirt from looking bulky.
• Second, the polo shirt should be a solid color that coordinates with the suit. A light blue polo shirt looks great with a navy suit, while you can wear a white polo shirt with any color suit.
• Third, you should wear formal shoes with a polo shirt and suit. Sneakers may be acceptable in some casual settings, but they will not give the same level of polish as a nice pair of dress shoes.

By following these simple style rules, you can easily wear a polo shirt as part of a stylish and sophisticated suit ensemble.

Wearing A Polo Shirt With Chinos

Polo shirts are a wardrobe staple for men of all ages, but what are the style rules for wearing a polo shirt in a smart-casual setting? How can you style a polo shirt with chinos to create the perfect outfit? And should you tuck in your polo shirt when wearing it with chinos?

First, let's start with the basics. The key to nailing the smart-casual look is to avoid anything too casual or too formal.

So, steer clear of Ralph Lauren polo shirts with big polo player logos or striking patterns. Instead, opt for a classic style in a neutral color. Black, white, and navy are all excellent choices.

When styling your Ralph Lauren polo shirt, there are two key things to keep in mind. First, make sure the polo shirt fits well. It should be slim-fitting but not too tight. Second, tuck in your polo shirt when wearing it with chinos. This will create a more polished look.

Finally, complete the outfit with a pair of smart-casual shoes. Brogues are always a good choice, or you could opt for loafers or desert boots. Just make sure your shoes are clean and well-maintained.

You could always wear a blazer with your polo shirt and chinos in the colder months. Just make sure that the blazer is well-tailored and color-matched to the rest of your outfit.

Wearing A Polo Shirt With Jeans

If you're looking for a casual yet stylish outfit, you can't go wrong with a polo shirt and jeans. But you should follow a few style rules to ensure you look relaxed and casual, not sloppy.

• First, make sure your polo shirt is half-tucked into your jeans. This will help define your waist and prevent your polo from getting bunched up when you sit down. A half tuck is when you push the front portion of your shirt into the front of your pants while leaving the remainder of the shirt untucked at the back.
• Second, choose a polo shirt that is either solid in color or has a simple pattern. A polo with a busy print can look too busy when paired with jeans – your outfit should look well balanced, and a bright/bold design can easily throw that off.
• Third, choose sneakers or loafers as your footwear. Sandals look far too casual, while dress shoes will make your outfit look too dressed up.

And finally, don't forget to accessorize! A watch or bracelet can add just the right finishing touch to your polo shirt and jeans outfit. The key is to make your outfit look effortless and stylish – so keeping it clean and straightforward is the way forward.

Wearing A Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt With Sweat Pants

Can you wear a polo shirt with sweat pants? The answer is yes, but should you?

Designers usually make their polo shirts from cotton or a cotton blend. Typically, guys wear them as casual wear or as part of a uniform.

Sweatpants are usually loose-fitting and typically made from a synthetic fabric like polyester. They are often worn for exercise or as loungewear.

So, can you wear a polo shirt with sweatpants despite these contrasts? Sure – but it may not be the best idea.

Polo shirts are usually tailored to fit well around the shoulders and chest, so they may be too tight to wear comfortably with sweatpants. Additionally, while Ralph Lauren polo shirts are designed to manage small amounts of sweat, they may not wick away as much sweat as other types of exercise shirts.

So, if you're planning on doing any strenuous activity in your sweatpants, it's probably best to leave the polo shirt at home and instead opt for an exercise t-shirt designed for the gym.

Looking for other men's style icons to pair with your Ralph Lauren Polo? Look no further than my guide to men's Levi jeans.

The post The Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt: An American Style Icon appeared first on Real Men Real Style.

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Antonio, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Super Sale Alert: You have until June 30 to get an extra 15% off already-discounted toys from Ella Paradis with exclusive promo code ELLAR29.

If you want to stock up on your favorite sex toys or want to start your vibe-related journey, we got you covered. From now through the end of June, save an extra 15% off select R29-reader-favorite) toys at Ella Paradis with our exclusive promo code ELLAR29. Take your pick from Better Love’s iconic Blowfish, Dame’s classic Aer, and more. If you’d rather have it all bundled up with a pretty ribbon, Refinery29’s limited-time Pride bundle is for you (it’s excluded from the promo code, but it’s still 80% off). To see what other top-rated vibes are included — and to take advantage of this super-exclusive deal we scored for you — keep on scrolling.

Better Love Blowfish Clitoral Stimulator $224.99 $24.64

This little guy is an R29-reader favorite — and one of our team’s MVP sex toys. Better Love’s Blowfish features dual suction and magic tongue functions. Plus, it’s waterproof and USB rechargeable and includes seven different vibrating modes.

Dame Aer $111.99 $80.75

This superstar pressure-wave-suction toy from Dame is everything you’ve been dreaming of. It creates a soft seal around your clitoris with pulses of air in five different vibrating patterns and intensities. There’s a reason our writer described it as “getting oral from a cloud.”

Better Love Tap Dancer $175.99 $59.49

The Tap Dancer is unique because it uses tapping technology to stimulate nerves and mimic the human touch you would feel during foreplay. It’s waterproof, USB rechargeable, and has six vibrating modes.

Better Love Rabbit Lily Vibrator $224.99 $24.64

The Rabbit Lily vibe has everything you’d ever need in a vibrating sex toy. It features dual motors to double the pleasure, 10 vibrating modes, waterproof and it’s super quiet. Reviewers say it’s “the finest vibrator” they’ve had and it’s “very quiet and the different speeds are great.”

Better Love Better Touch Vibe $197.99 $29.74

This super-soft and easy-to-clean toy is exactly what you need if you’re just starting to experiment in the vibe world. Of course, it’s completely waterproof and flexible with a single-button operation. Reviewers say they “love how it works” and that there was “NO single moment [they were] disappointed.”

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Mercedes Viera, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

“Is this purgatory?” someone asks in the Samsung Superstar Galaxy chat as a colossal, digital manifestation of English hyperpop queen Charli XCX cycles through five of her most popular songs. No, fellow Roblox user, this isn’t purgatory. This is a metaverse concert.

As someone born firmly in the 20th century, I am far from the target demographic for Roblox, an online platform used by over half of kids in the US and saw nearly 50 million daily users across 180 countries in 2021, according to the company’s self-reported numbers. But I jumped at the opportunity to cover a Charli XCX metaverse concert in Roblox last Friday, hoping the experience would give me greater insight both into my niece and nephew’s leisure activities and into what the metaverse, you know, is. Worst case scenario, I get to listen to some Charli XCX bops and support the artist in her latest musical experiment.

What is a metaverse? 

Broadly, the term “metaverse” describes 3D virtual worlds where users can interact using avatars. But the definition — like the technology itself — is very much a work in progress. Metaverse immersion is heightened by the use of virtual reality technology like Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 or augmented reality technology like Google Glass, but these virtual worlds can also be experienced through any game you play on a PC, phone, or gaming console. If you’ve played Animal Crossing, then you’ve already experienced a rudimentary closed version of the technology. If you’ve watched the anime Belle, then you’ve seen a balanced vision of our potential metaversal future. 

Tech corporations like Microsoft and Meta (aka Facebook) would have us believe a network of metaverses is the inevitable future of how we work, play, socialize, and shop. Maybe it is. Right now, however, many have only just begun trying metaverse avatars on for size. It’s a process still very much in its infancy — and one with some highly visible seams and a wide spectrum of execution as more music artists experiment with metaverse performances. In Fortnite, Travis Scott has teleported and Ariana Grande has commanded the clouds. In Scavengers’ ScavLab, K-pop singer AleXa has danced with 1,400 fans live in one virtual arena. Charli XCX’s foray into a digital universe comes with a few surprises — and a few kinks.

The metaverse concert experience

The concert is held in space, and I’ve always wanted to visit, in a Star Trek kind of way, and definitely not like Sandra Bullock’s fight with Gravity. I spend the hours leading up to the big event exploring the digital environs of the Samsung Superstar Galaxy space station, where fans are encouraged to build their own performance stages. Accompanied by a steady soundtrack of Charli XCX hits, I dance at Tron-lined Cyber City, inspect the extraterrestrial flora and fauna of the Cosmic Wilds terrarium, and wander the desert festival hub of Sunfest Valley. And yes, you can also die in the Samsung Superstar Galaxy. At one point, I get stuck in the liminal space between two shopping plazas, eventually and inadvertently walking off the space station edge to my virtual death. Once respawned, I windowshop the merch, trying on different outfits and testing out dance moves before moving on without buying. My wallet is light since I haven’t collected enough of the glowing, regenerating stars liberally scattered throughout.

In the minutes before the show, I abandon my attempts to conquer the Falling Lava obstacle course to gather at the doors of the concert arena. I watch the countdown clock tick down with other Charli XCX fans, whose avatars are far cooler than my factory skin. “if i dont hear claws i riot,” one user chats. “we need anthems too,” writes another. As the clock drops below the minute-mark, the patter of little avatar feet increases, as does my level of anticipation. Then the clock finally hits 00:00:00, and we fall into the metaverse concert… and keep falling, again and again, through the same virtual space. “GLITCH ERA,” someone write in the chat. “WHY WE ALL JUMPIGGG,” another asks. I’m not qualified to answer.

After 20 seconds of “jumpiggg,” our avatars settle on the virtual arena’s floor. There is Roblox Charli XCX, unintentionally haunted by a T-posing specter of herself. Throughout the show, her main avatar (because there comes a point when one has to specify) occasionally regresses into its mo-cap suited form. “tag yourself,” one of my fellow concert-goers chats. “i’m the floating charli.” We are on the stage, in the performance, dancing at the feet of digital Charli’s Brobdingnagian yellow boots. She leads us through a 20-minute set featuring ”Good Ones,” “New Shapes,” “Gone,” a “Claws”/”Used to Know Me” mashup, and “Boom Clap.” Each song includes a different immersive setting, with Roblox Charli’s fits and hairstyles changing to match the virtual environment. While the stages are inspired by some of her real-life performances, the team behind the concert was able to “amplify and exaggerate and make my wildest dreams come true,” Charli tells Refinery29 a week earlier. In a real-world performance, there are obvious limitations governed by the laws of physics. “There are no limitations here, which is super amazing.”

Concert stages that would take hours or even days to set up in the real world are implemented instantly in the metaverse. For “New Shapes,” concert-goers climb stacks of larger-than-life video cassettes scattered around the stage, reminiscent of the music video featuring Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek. For “New Shapes,” we get hoverboards. For “Claws”/”Used to Know Me,” we bounce on the domes of rainbow bubbles, giving a better vantage point from which to keep an eye on Charli’s T-posing clone. Even with, and perhaps in part due to the glitches, I find myself looking forward to what the next song will bring, whether I’d be flying or falling, dancing amidst a shower of rose petals, or galloping through an asteroid field. Whether there would be one giant Charli, or three.

The future isn’t here yet

Glitches aside, I get glimpses of the potential behind a metaverse concert as a site of vivid imagination and fan-artist connection. “i feel like she’s right here,” one fan writes in chat during the concert. It’s a response Charli was going for. “I’m hoping that some fans who might not have been able to come to one of my live shows on this recent tour might be able to have their own unique experience of my music and also be able to connect with other members of the fan community,” she says. “Whether it’s my fans or Roblox fans or whatever within the concert, [I hope they] just have a really good time.” All you need to attend is a free Roblox account and stable internet connection, making the experience much more accessible compared to IRL concerts, which are not viable options for many due to factors like geography and class.

I entered Roblox eager to find out what a metaverse concert is meant to be. Now on the other side, I still don’t have an answer, mostly because I don’t think the companies and users building these virtual experiences know yet either. They’re still figuring it out, and there’s potential for both astonishingly imaginative success and hilariously messy failure in that process. In the meantime, don’t feel bad if you’re not sure what the metaverse is yet. As far as I can tell, the definition is still up for grabs.

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Kayti Burt, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

I recorded my track for TONE Vol. 2 — a collection of affirmations, meditations, and words of self-care wisdom by Latine and Black people for Latine and Black people — all the way back in January. I wanted it to be validating and gender-affirming for those suffering through gender dysphoria or living in a household where they’re constantly misgendered. I thought about what I would want to hear if I was in that situation. I hadn’t experienced it at that point, not fully — until just a few weeks ago. 

I had my rite-of-passage gender crisis last year when I first moved to Brooklyn from New Jersey. It was my first experience living alone; for the first time in my adult life, I had my own bedroom. It was a place where I could finally process all of my messy emotions and think about my identity, without having to focus on anything else or worrying about someone potentially catching me. Then, last summer, I came out publicly as non-binary — I’ve even written about it plenty of times since then. But despite everything I’ve shared, my parents still don’t use my correct pronouns.

They read all of my articles (hi, Mom), most of which discuss non-binary and gender-queer people, and yet, to them… I am still a girl. And I felt it stronger than ever when I visited them a few weeks back. 

Every “mija,” “hija,” and “ella” they said cut deeper than any knife. Nunca pensé que I would hold so much anger towards a vowel. I hate that infamous A so much that I would even prefer to be addressed with an O instead. If mije, hije, and elle simply aren’t meant to pass through their lips, why not try the ones that come so easily when they speak about my brother? Ah, because when it comes to him, they almost exclusively say his name; a minimally gendered experience. But for some reason, I am reminded of how I’m viewed in every conversation — even the briefest ones. 

Last summer, I came out publicly as non-binary — I’ve even written about it plenty of times since then. But despite everything I’ve shared, my parents still don’t use my correct pronouns.

This time around, the dysphoria was suffocating. I hadn’t experienced it before, not like this. I’ve felt frustrated when my clothes didn’t feel just right, or when random strangers misgendered me, but that’s nothing compared to how I felt in that home. I felt ignored, unheard, and boxed into a gendered corner. I was angrier than I’ve ever been. I felt guilty and shameful for that anger. 

But maybe it’s on me — I didn’t correct them. When they said “ella,” I didn’t say “elle” with full confidence and a brave stare. Instead, I whispered “elle” under my breath with just my audience of one listening. It was for my peace of mind. I could have chosen the first option, but I didn’t want to start a fight. I stayed in that house, being constantly misgendered, for a week and a half — it was far too long. 

But I’m lucky. I have a strong support system. I have my best friends who celebrate, validate, and see me for who I truly am — no boxes and no gendered expectations, solo yo. I have a home that’s mine, miles away from my parents, where I live out my everyday life. I have a job and coworkers that respect my identity and rarely mess up my pronouns. 

I am very, very lucky. 

Latine parents not understanding queer stuff is nothing new. It took them seven years to understand my sexuality. I had no expectations that they’d understand my gender  — I barely understand it. I knew they weren’t going to use elle. I knew that. But somehow, I’m still disappointed. 

I’ve built myself, my identity, from the ground up — they’re fun, spiritual, and so completely themself — with the help and support of my best friends.

Back in January, in my tiny Brooklyn room, under a blanket, I said into the mic: “We are all so much more than what our family sees.” And those words turned into the strongest mantra when I needed it the most. Because it’s true, I’ve always been so much more than what my family defined me as. I’ve built myself, my identity, from the ground up — they’re fun, spiritual, and so completely themself — with the help and support of my best friends.

It’s just that sometimes, very rarely, I am reminded that not everyone looks at me and sees the yo I want them to see. The yo who is authentic. I am proud and confident in the yo I’ve become — I really like them! It’s just sad that sometimes people would rather have the outdated version, instead of the improved one. They’d rather assume they know me now when they’ve never even tried to. They might know the 15-year-old version of me, but it’s been ten years since then — I’ve changed. I’ve grown. How boring would it be if we all just remained the same? 

I’ve changed so much that when I went back to my home of Puerto Rico, my friend’s dad — who I’ve known since fifth grade – didn’t recognize me. And I was elated. Because isn’t it lovely that we’re able to restart on ourselves whenever we want?

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Mercedes Viera, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,