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Product Details:
Cuyana Weekender Bag, Cuyana Travel Case

We won’t be heading out of town until after Christmas, but I know that many readers are eagerly preparing for upcoming travel, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner! Whether you opt to pack a duffle bag, an oversized tote, a backpack, a rolling suitcase, or my favorite, a weekender, a highly functional bag makes any travel a little easier. Lost luggage and delays are even more of a headache when your time at your destination is brief, so I’ll do whatever I can to avoid checking a bag on short trips. A little bit of advance preparation—like picking up mini versions of your favorite beauty products and planning your outfits ahead of time—helps maximize every inch of your favorite travel bag.

Especially with limited packing space, a highly functional bag is key. This leather Cuyana weekender and this canvas option come with plenty of pockets and compartments for easy organization. When I carry a more traditional bag, like this one from Neely & Chloe (one of my favorites) or this chic Paravel style, I include smaller pouches and cases to keep everything in its place. I never go anywhere without this Cuyana travel set, which also happens to be one of my favorite items to give as a gift year after year.

Before zipping up your bag, don’t forget to add a few items to make even the briefest trip more glamorous and relaxing. I like packing a silk sleep mask, especially if I’ll be staying in a hotel, a favorite travel-sized face mask for refreshing my skin after a flight, and a favorite pair of pajamas to make me feel at home wherever I am. Read on for a few more of my weekend travel essentials and favorites!

The post The Best Weekender Bags (Plus What to Pack in Them) appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

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Are you ready?!  It’s officially holiday season!  Deep into November, two weeks before the holidays, and with December around the corner… it’s holiday dressing time.

With the most festive time of the year knocking at our door, I think the best way to kick off this season is with rich textures.  And when I say textures, I mean beautiful velvet, metallic, and sequin.  Pieces that are for the now, and also can be restyled for special occasions later on.  And more importantly, pieces that won’t break the bank.

Velvet is truly a classic item.  While velvet coats can look a little heavy, velvet blazers are great for fall and winter.  They complement high shine textures and are so chic when layered with dense finishes like wool coats.  This velvet blazer (under $60) has a slight vintage touch with the matte shawl collar and tailored frame.  It pairs well with a timeless white button-up blouse, or for the holidays, with a metallic bodysuit (great piece, under $35!).  The holiday styling continues below.  Full of great high shine and holiday ready pieces, all for under $60:

Just like the fall collection (see related post for styling), this Scoop holiday collection is full of buildable pieces.  From bold prints to sequins to metallics… this collection is mixable, matchable and oh-so-afforable, starting at $25 (it’s only available exclusively online at Walmart.com).

I hope you enjoy the holiday styling and shopping guide.  Thank you Walmart for partnering on this post.  As always, thank you so much for reading!

The post Holiday Ready – Holiday Dressing Guide Under $60 appeared first on Wendy's Lookbook.

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Comedian Michael Yo Is Calling Out Ghosters on Hinges New Podcast

No behavior better captures the current dating climate than ghosting. Of all the ridiculous dating terms crowding up our feeds – breadcrumbing, benching, orbiting and so on –  ghosting remains at the forefront.

First established in 2004 as a slang term by Urban Dictionary, ghosting has grown to become such a phenomenon that it was recognized by Merriam-Webster in 2017. This is to say we’re familiar with ghosting, we know it’s unethical and yet it’s more popular than ever before. 

So popular, in fact, that it’s gone on to become the main topic of conversation for Ghost Stories, the first podcast by dating app Hinge.

RELATED: 10 Brand New Terms to Add to Your Growing Dating Dictionary

In each episode, comedians Michael Yo and Syndee Washington examine certain ghosting stories, serving as narrators, coaches and referees as those who’ve been ghosted confront their ghost (or vice versa) live in studio. In hearing these testimonies, Yo and Washington act as unofficial experts on the subject, bringing a certain sense of light and understanding to this often polarizing circumstance. 

We spoke with Yo to discuss what he’s learned about dating’s most infamously reprehensible behavior since he started hosting the podcast.

AskMen: In hearing so many ghost stories, have you found ghosting behavior defensible in any way? In the first episode, it was easy to side with both Ben and Lindsay for separate reasons. 

Michael Yo: That’s what I love about this podcast. Though every story starts from the same place, they end up totally different. I thought anyone that ghosts another person, that person would be mad, but you see growth in different people and how different people approach getting ghosted.

One thing I’ve noticed is you need to set your intentions from the beginning. Lindsay was in it for fun, but Ben was like, “Oh my God. She’s the one!” And they never talked about it. If you’re on a first date and they say, “I’m looking for a person I can settle down with,” and you’re not in that mode, you would be like, “Oh my God, they’re a stalker.” But if you’re in that mode, you’re like, “This is the best thing ever!” Set the intentions upfront, even on the first date.

The podcast does a really great job of humanizing the ghost. Do you agree that the ghost isn’t always the bad one in these situations?

Everybody has been in the ghost role. It’s funny, when you’re the ghost you’re like, “I’m not a bad person.” But if you get ghosted, “Oh my God, that person is horrible.” Ghost Stories shows this balance. Once you hear both sides of the story, you begin to realize they’re humans. 

Hinge

What’s your opinion on those who ghost?

Ghosts are cowards. I know that’s a harsh word, but they’re being cowardly. What’s funny is ghosts will say, “I don’t want to hurt their feelings.” Where the truth is, you don’t want to be put in that awkward situation. You may not want to hurt their feelings, but that’s not the main reason you’re not telling them. You don’t want to look like a bad person. It’s more about you than them. 

And why do you think ghosting has become so popular? Has the digital era influenced us to cut people off without explanation? 

I think it’s easier to do now because it’s so easy to find dates. When I was growing up, you had to go to the mall food court and actually talk to girls, write their numbers down on paper, call them on their home phone, and then their dad would answer and you would hang up. I think this ease and the plethora of people you can date has made people impatient, and they decide they don’t like someone before they get to know them. 

Texting somebody is different than talking to somebody. I think calling people is more effective. When you’re texting somebody, you take your time to send the perfect text, but is that really you? They’re getting the heightened version of you, not the real you. At least when you’re talking on the phone, you get a vibe of their style, sense of humor, etc. But these days, calling someone is so strange to people.

Is there a common thread weaved throughout these ghosting narratives? 

Everybody has their shields up and nobody wants to put them down. Getting ghosted or ghosting someone puts our defenses up and suddenly nobody wants to show their human side, so everybody projects this bigger version of themselves. Ghost Stories takes these shields down and features a person telling another how they really felt and you get a real human emotion. In doing this podcast, I’ve found it’s easy to meet people, but hard to connect. 

Care to hint what’s been the most intense ghost story to date? 

There was one episode where two people really fell out and one of them was really, really hurt. But at the end, they talked it out and went on a date after the podcast! I paid. They’d gone from hating each other to talking it out because everybody’s got their shields up.

Do you think one gender is more likely to ghost than the other, or does their approach to ghosting differ?

When it was a guy and a girl, one side couldn’t understand the other. But when it is same-sex, that wasn’t the case at all. We had two ladies on and I’ve never heard a more uplifting podcast in my life. The way they handled it and talked it out was so mature. It was very enjoyable to hear two adults putting their hearts on the line and really saying what they meant. We were cheering at the end for them to get together. 

Have you come across any instances where the ghoster comes off more like a  victim than the ghostee? 

I’m surprised at how many versions there are of what dating means to different people. You’ll see throughout these podcasts (because we interview them separately) that they have totally different definitions of dating. They’re starting off in the wrong place, and it’s part of the reason they didn’t see eye to eye. You could ghost somebody because you found out they’re dating a bunch of people and you were only dating them, so you’re not going to waste your time.

Have you found that there is a certain type that ghosts?

No! That’s what’s great. They can be the sweetest person in the world. I feel like every ghost has their own personality. Lindsay was the one who turned in the story and she was the ghoster, but she was super nice, pleasant and I can see any person wanting to hang out with her. 

What is your advice to people who ghost? Is there any case where telling the truth is worse than ghosting?

There shouldn’t ever be a ghost story. We do this podcast to show people that you don’t need to ghost, you just have to be honest. Say, “Hey, I don’t think we really match, but I loved meeting you – maybe we can be friends, or hopefully I’ll see you sometime.” You can even do it in a text. 

In every case, the truth is worse than ghosting because you’re hearing about why they don’t like you or why it didn’t work. That’s why it’s easier to ghost because the truth hurts.  If you’re the deliverer of that, it’s even worse sometimes. Unless you’re just an a-hole or don’t care, which we’ve had on the podcast too. 

Do ghosts actually feel better when they come clean, or is ignorance bliss in this case?

As soon as the ghoster said everything they had to say, you could physically see them sit up straighter. It was like a weight was taken off. As soon as they say things aren’t going to work out, they’re back to their normal selves. They feel better knowing they can continue with their lives.

I think that’s one thing this podcast does so well is it gets people to the point where they can move on from that relationship because we all need closure in one way or another. Even the ghoster, because they think they were shitty to that person and need to wrap things up. And if you’re the one who got ghosted, you’re wondering what happened. That’s what I love, both sides get closure. That’s what this show is all about. 

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Best NBA Stadiums to Catch a Game

An NBA game is one of the most thrilling sporting events out there. From the moment the ref throws the tip off to the final buzzer, it's a frenetic, all-out sprint by both teams. If it’s action you seek, basketball has it in spades.

But watching a game on TV can only take the excitement so far. Yes, the comfort of a couch and easy access to your own snacks makes it an attractive option but nothing compares to the energy and intensity of seeing a game live in person. Whether it’s the pregame introductions, capable of giving anyone goosebumps, or the buzz of sitting around thousands of fellow fans, it’s an unrivaled experience.

RELATED: The Best MLB Stadiums to Catch a Game

Seeing a game at any NBA stadium is something everyone should do at least once a season but there’s certainly a cream of the arena crop. Across the 30 NBA teams are 29 arenas, 10 of which particularly stand out from the rest – and deserve to be on every basketball fan’s bucket list. Here are the best NBA stadiums to catch a game.

Many people consider New York City to be the mecca of professional basketball and Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, is the iconic arena at the center of it. Despite a less than favorable product on the court – the Knicks have underwhelmed for years – MSG is still an experience unlike any other. From filmmaker Spike Lee sitting courtside at every home game to the kind of gameday buzz you just don’t find anywhere else, it’s an experience that every fan of the NBA should enjoy at least once. You can’t beat the location either, as MSG sits smack dab in the middle of Manhattan.

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It’s easy to compare Los Angeles’ Staples Center to New York City’s Madison Square Garden; both host multiple pro sports teams while also doubling as a massive concert and event venue. To Staples Center’s credit, it’s much more modern than its NYC counterpart, and has consistently undergone renovations to keep it in tip-top shape. The stadium is home to not one but two NBA teams, the Lakers and Clippers, and it has its own revolving cast of famous people who frequently visit – i.e. Denzel Washington, Billy Crystal, Jack Nicholson, etc. Both the Lakers and Clippers offer a much better show for the price of admission, too.

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American Airlines Arena plays host to the hometown Miami Heat, and it just might be one of the most unique stadiums in the country. There are the red and orange seats to match the Heat’s colorways, its unique, art installation-type jumbotron and the fact its located right on the water in Miami. But what makes it truly stand apart from its peers is its nightclub. Yes, you read that correctly, American Airlines Arena houses a nightclub inside the stadium that’s open after games. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a big win or drown the sorrows of a loss. It’s Miami, after all, so maybe this isn’t even that surprising.

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Bankers Life Fieldhouse is a hidden gem. Located in downtown Indianapolis, not far from Lucas Oil Stadium (the home of the Indianapolis Colts), the arena hosts the hometown Indiana Pacers. Since it opened in 1999, it’s routinely been on several “best NBA stadiums” shortlists, most notably for its inexpensive ticket prices and great views of the court no matter where you sit. And for those who would rather skip the standard fare of a hot dog and nachos for dinner, its Varsity Club restaurant on the club level serves upscale buffet food at a reasonable price. It’s no wonder it’ll play host to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

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Home to the Detroit Pistons, Little Caesars Arena opened in 2017 and is one of the newest stadiums in the league. Though it features plenty of modern amenities, its biggest claim to fame is its clear rooftop concourse which connects the stadium to nearby restaurants, shops and offices. Inside the stadium, fans have access to a wide range of food and drink choices outside of the traditional sporting event food like burgers or pretzels. The stadium even boasts some of the most comfortable (and spacious) seats in the league, which anyone who goes to games often knows is a huge deal. It may not have as good of a name as the Pistons’ previous stadium – The Palace of Auburn Hills – but it’s a state-of-the-art arena every NBA fan should visit.

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Though the Boston Celtics’ original home, the Boston Garden, was where much of the franchise’s storied history took place, its new digs, TD Garden, are an impressive upgrade. The stadium still feels like classic Boston Celtic basketball, especially with the rows of championship banners and retired jerseys lining its roof. It is known for expensive concession prices (which is standard for franchises as successful as the Celtics), but it’s more about actually being in attendance that’s fulfilling – as opposed to how much a Pepsi costs. It helps that the Celtics are consistently one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, too.

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Tucked away in Portland, Oregon, Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, is a mini extension of the city it resides in. It features a number of iconic Portland food and drink choices like beer from Widmer Brothers Brewing and pizza from Sizzle Pie – all of which are located throughout the arena and not just on the first or second level. The stadium often hosts events that take place outside the stadium before big games and if you go, don’t forget to take your picture with the Rip City sign (you get to stand and act as a human “i” in “city”).

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Barclays Center is the billion-dollar answer to Madison Square Garden – kind of. When the Nets decided to move to Brooklyn from New Jersey, it needed a stadium that would entice its fans to move as well. Opened in 2012, the Barclays Center lived up to the hype, even if the team that played there didn’t. Still, the arena is an incredibly modern facility that doesn’t just play host to the Nets but also the New York Islanders hockey team, as well as a host of concerts and events. It also offers local New York City food and is but a short walk from several subway stops.

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Home to the Chicago Bulls, the United Center is one of the most iconic stadiums on this list, if for no other reason than Michael Jordan. Considered by almost everyone to be the best NBA player ever, Michael Jordan is immortalized outside the stadium with a bronze statue of his iconic dunking pose. After snapping a few hundred selfies with that, walking into the stadium is just as impressive. Each Bulls championship banner lines the ceiling, along with a player hall-of-fame including Scottie Pippen, coach Phil Jackson and, of course, Michael Jordan.

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Fiserv Forum is just over a year old but the home of the Milwaukee Bucks offers one of the finest game day experiences in the NBA. With a beautiful, modern design, large concourses and a wide variety of food and drink options, it’s a stadium that clearly caters to its visitors. There’s even an entertainment plaza outside that hosts its own events and activities such as concerts and food festivals. It’s a massive upgrade over the Bucks’ previous stadium, Bradley Center, and one that, like Bankers Life Fieldhouse, is one of the NBA’s best-kept secrets. Opt for a special guided tour of the stadium, too, it’s the best way to take it all in.

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It’s easy to think every NBA stadium is created equal. There’s a basketball court flanked by a bowl-like stadium with expensive hot dogs, nachos and cheap beer (that’s still expensive). But that’s hardly the case. The stadiums above all offer their own unique gameday experience and cater to NBA fans as genuinely as they can. Some lean on their team’s rich history while others turn to celebrating the town they’re in. Most importantly, they show that NBA stadiums are far from just a carbon copy of each other.

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