Style Spotlight: Looks, Trends & Fashion Inspiration

1. FASHION

The John Galliano for Zara collection is officially out, and it’s exactly as polarizing as you’d expect! The capsule concept is actually pretty interesting — it takes existing Zara stock as a starting point and reimagines it through a very Galliano lens. Think sheer polka-dot lace maxi gowns, bra tops, regal tailcoats, over the top hats. The clothes are striking, but the context makes things complicated! The collection is dropping just a month after the Met canceled its spring 2027 exhibition honoring Galliano. The collection isn’t necessarily my style, but I will note that Zara has been killing it lately and I’ve actually picked up quite a few of their pieces lately (scroll down for new arrivals!)

2. BEAUTY

K-beauty, J-beauty, I-beauty — Asian beauty is continuing to make a big impact on the beauty world, and this breakdown is a really useful explainer! K-beauty (Korean beauty) is innovation-driven and fast-moving, and constantly introducing new ingredients like snail mucin and PDRN at accessible price points. J-beauty (Japanese beauty) is the opposite — it’s minimalist, science-backed, and built on decades of research with an emphasis on prevention, gentle formulas, and consistency over intensity. And finally, I-beauty (Indian beauty) is still growing globally, but it’s rooted in nearly 5,000 years of Ayurvedic tradition and focuses on fewer ingredients, more botanical, and long-term skin resilience as part of a larger lifestyle rather than chasing a specific look. So interesting!

3. HEALTH

Have we reached peak protein? This NYT piece on the protein obsession is a reality check. There are now 37,232 products in US stores carrying front-of-package protein claims, including protein ranch dressing, protein baby food, protein pudding, protein Pop-Tarts, and yes, Protein Doritos! One professor quoted in the piece calls protein added to processed snack foods “fairy dust”… a doughnut with 10 grams of protein is still a doughnut. The kicker: nearly 90% of Americans already get enough protein! The trend has been great for dairy farmers (whey prices have doubled in five years) and food companies, but nutritionists are largely baffled! Apparently, fiber is already poised to be the next macro obsession; a reminder that there’s always another trend around the corner!

4. FITNESS

Peloton just refreshed their entire treadmill line, and the most exciting launch is the Tread Flex, their first-ever folding model! It folds vertically to cut its footprint by nearly 50% when not in use. The company also launched a mid-tier treadmill with a camera that tracks your stride and corrects your form in real time, plus a high end model with a Sled Mode that transforms the machine into a heavy duty resistance trainer. The folding treadmill feels like a real game changer for city apartments; I had to put my original Peloton Tread in storage when I moved from Austin to NYC because there simply wasn’t room for it. If I didn’t have a gym in my building I would be seriously considering the new folding version!

5. CULTURE

I’m sure you’ve seen them all over social media, but professionally designed dorm rooms are taking over. What used to mean putting up some framed posters and calling it a day has evolved into full blown interior design commissions, with some parents spending up to $20,000 on their kid’s dorm! Designers are creating shoppable kits, custom furniture pieces, and 3D renderings for college freshmen. What?! At schools like Ole Miss and Auburn, a well-decorated room has apparently become part of sorority recruitment convo; rushees are asked to describe their color schemes and design choices. The TikTok and Instagram element is of course a big driver as well: every college moment is content now and everyone wants to have a pretty backdrop. Yet another reason I’m grateful to have experienced college with almost zero social media and no pressure to have a designer dorm room!

6. TV

The NYT released its ranking of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century, which basically answers the age old question “what show should I start?” The list was compiled with input from over 500 actors, showrunners, and critics including Elisabeth Moss, Bryan Cranston, Lena Dunham, and Jason Bateman. Breaking Bad took the top spot, followed by The Wire, Mad Men, Succession, and Fleabag rounding out the top five. FYI shows like The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and Friends were ineligible since they premiered in the 90s! There’s even a printable version of the list if you want to keep track of what you’ve seen.

+ WHAT I’M EYEING

NEW AT ZARA: DOUBLE BREASTED COAT // MINI SKIRT // BLACK TRENCH // ANIMAL PRINT COAT // CHECKED BLOUSE // PUFF SLEEVE DRESS // BALLET FLATS // BOOTS // WHITE JACKET // WHITE MOCK NECK // ROUND NECK SWEATER // BROWN DOUBLE BREASTED COAT // WHITE SLEEVELESS TOP // BLACK SLEEVELESS TOP // TALL BOOTS

+ END OF WEEK EXTRAS

• No one needs to tell me twice that cobalt blue is THE color of fall/winter!
• Speaking of cobalt…
• This trench coat is absolutely stunning!
• The best restaurants in Soho.
• I really like the detailing on this suede tote.
• File this, this, and this under grown up “going out tops.”
• Cheetah print flats under $200!
• I wish I had a reason to wear this tailored mini dress.
• Top destinations for solo travel.
• Kind of into these ballet sneakers!
• This pretty skirt comes in a few fall ready colors.
• An office approved top for my 9-5 girls.
• Loving this dress under $150.
• Cozy 90s movies to watch this fall.
• Perfectly slouchy jeans.
• Loving the colors in this necklace!

The post WEEKEND READING: 10.2.26 appeared first on Merritt Beck.

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