“Sorry, my mom said I can’t go,” I used to say to avoid hanging out with someone I didn’t want to.
Think back to the trials and tribulations of being sixteen years old—navigating yourself, friendships, and relationships. Now add a reproductive disorder that will jeopardize all three; that’s the reality for Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) in Blue Fox Entertainment’s coming-of-age traumedy Fitting In.
Blue Fox Entertainment
Lindy is your oh-so-typical new girl—a track star, best friends with Viv (Djouliet Amara), crushing on Adam (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), and keeping her relationship with her mom, Rita (Emily Hampshire), afloat. After seeing the doctor for birth control, though she has never gotten a period before, Lindy realizes something is wrong.
After a series of tests, including an MRI featuring the sounds of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl,” which, given what we know and love about the Barbie movie, is the perfect touch to this story. Lindy then learns she has MRKH, a rare reproductive disorder causing the vagina and uterus to be underdeveloped or even absent.
Since learning this diagnosis from a less-than-stellar male gynecologist, Lindy’s life is turned upside down, as she was just planning to have sex with her now-golden retriever boyfriend Adam and realizes she will never be able to have children.
Blue Fox Entertainment
When he delivers the news, director and writer Molly McGlynn does an impeccable job of utilizing camera movements to capture the “world crumbling around you.” A feeling that most of us have experienced at least once.
Lindy’s life continues to change as this diagnosis becomes too much to bare. She pushes away those closest to her, including her best friend and boyfriend. Between painful dilations that had viewers next to me wincing, tears, and modern loneliness, Lindy finds herself in a much different spot than the prior months.
Along the way, she gets to know Jax (Ki Griffin), an intersex individual, sharing their story with others. Despite only passing by each other in the pharmacy at the top of the film, Lindy confides in Jax about her condition, and soon after, one too many shots at a party, a few of the guests.
Blue Fox Entertainment
Soon enough, the entire grade finds out about the condition Lindy has and, like most high schoolers, acts like menaces over it. With courage, clarification, and a little help from her friends, Lindy owns up to her condition (in a stereotypical high school one-against-many standoff).
The film concludes with a content Lindy looking at us from the inside and Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” playing us out.
Over the 105-minute film, McGlynn makes the audience feel something and even jerks some tears, but the tears don’t last long because there is a punchline just around the corner, ensuring that viewers get the message but don’t dwell on a sad moment.
The writing is authentic to the current Gen-Z culture, which Ziegler commended McGlynn on in the post-screening Q&A with Ziegler and Amara.
“It was just about being a human, rather than ‘I’m a teen.’ It was a human experience, and I thought, ‘That’s why she’s so brilliant,’” said Ziegler. “Being 16 is so high cringe… A lot of people are trying to write these really cool teenagers, but teenagers are not cool,” Amara chimed in.
Speaking of Ziegler, her acting has soared to new heights. While she became a household name in 2014 after starring in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video, many OGs met her as a nine-year-old dressed in powder blue and white, a la Dorthy and The Wizard of Oz, on Lifetime’s Dance Moms. From there, we knew there was a star in the making. Her comedic timing, coupled with her dramatic monologues, is a display of her growth.
Blue Fox Entertainment
Ziegler’s star shines alongside the rest of the cast, including Hampshire, whose character starts as a fit yet unsteady mother who is met with mediocrity in her work as a therapist and her love life when she fails to find a partner. However, toward the middle of the film, we start to see more layers of Rita when we dive into her previous journey with breast cancer and the lengths she will go to to help her daughter.
Rita is the only parent we’re introduced to, as Viv’s homelife was cut from the final script (it would’ve been great to see more background, but the film was already jampacked.) What we do know, from what Amara discussed in the panel, is that Viv had more absentee parents. We learn that her mother is away on business while her daughter competes in one of her biggest track events.
Nonetheless, the dynamic between Lindy and Viv is the epitome of a genuine high school friendship; even when things hit the fan, they have one another’s backs– even if the other one doesn’t know it at the time. The chemistry between the two is evident both on and off-screen, with Amara calling Ziegler “a f*cking lovely gem” and describing the overall filming process as “summer camp.”
Fitting In is Molly McGlynn’s semi-autobiography, and she turns her pain into passion and passion into an exceptional film. For Ziegler, bringing this story to life and raising awareness of this condition was a transformative experience.
“I was so specific about getting it right for Molly, and I wanted to do her story justice as best as I could. Something I’m so thankful that she did [for all of us] was, ‘As much as this is my story, it’s yours now too,’ and she gave us the freedom to explore the characters in a way she might not have even thought of,” she explained.
Regardless of opinions on the plot, audience members can agree that they walked away educated about this condition that society has buried for too long. Ziegler herself discussed the importance of women being able to talk about their bodies without the fear of “being taboo.”
Fitting In is a hilariously sad, honest rollercoaster that impeccably shows, rather than tells, the story of overcoming adversity in the face of one of the worst times in people’s lives: being a teenager. In a time when movie-goers long for the return of the next Y2K-esque coming-of-age film, Fitting In is an exceptional addition to that modern-day lineup.
Fitting In is in theatres now. Find a screening near you here.
Grammy-nominated artist Latto came to New York City to celebrate the premiere of Netflix’s new limited series, Griselda. Held at Capitale in Bowery, we went back to the 1970s, when music, dance, and fashion created an elite club culture that required a guest-list-only atmosphere.
Courtesy of Netflix
Guests were welcomed into the grand ballroom with an Instagram-worthy photo wall that had already garnered a line; mind you, this was just in the doorway. So, you know, it was going to be a jam-packed night.
After we took all the pictures, we made our way to the bar for an early cheers to the weekend with some series-themed cocktails: “The Godmother Mojito” and “La Madrina Margarita,” amongst your typical party drinks.
The real star of the night was the “motel,” a.k.a., the best interactive photo exhibit that took you straight into the world of the new series. Motel staffers directed us through the silent disco room, which, once you put those headphones on, transported us to the disco. Then, the staffers escorted us through the powder room to touch up on our hair, nails, and makeup before going to the most fabulous accessory room to choose our looks for the end of our journey, the 360 photo booth.
Courtesy of Netflix
We left the motel with a Polaroid from the silent disco room, the series soundtrack vinyl, and a pair of sunglasses from the limited-edition Griselda X Foster Grant collection.
For the rest of the night, we enjoyed some more drinks and the ambiance and fueled up with empanadas from Toma before the night’s performance. Rapper Latto closed out the night with an extravagant performance. While the crowd cheered through her whole set, Latto shouted out Karol G, took shots with the crowd, and ended the night on a high note that had guests running home to binge-watch the new series.
Courtesy of Netflix
Starring Sofia Vergara, Griselda is a dramatized depiction of Griselda Blanco, the creator of one of the most powerful cartels ever. Her savviness and ambition earned her the title of “The Godmother.”
Griselda, starring Sofia Vergara, is available now, only on Netflix.
We’re batting our pretty eyelashes down to Union Square’s relaunched Wink Bar.
Wink Bar / Instagram
What has been deemed as the “best lash extensions in New York City” celebrated the relaunch of their Union Square location, just in time for those holiday appointments. Their exclusive holiday beauty and wellness event garnered a packed house; seriously, it was packed to the door, with guests wanting to experience a luxurious night. With Hemp cocktails from Oneness, light bites by Butter Dose, a sound bath and traditional tea service, and specialty cocktails made by Tea Drunk, guests agreed it was the perfect night out to get us in that holiday break relaxation mode.
While enjoying the ambiance, we got to look at the lash stations, which are the definition of comfort. Every suite had an esthetician-style lash bed with a section to store your belongings easily. Not to mention, every station has a privacy curtain to keep your tea-spilling sessions between you and your tech; we know you have them.
The grand reopening of Wink Bar is only a preview of the warm and welcoming environment the staff has to offer. Aside from the ambiance, these lash technicians’ skills contribute to its rave reviews. Wink Bar specializes not only in subtle styles but also in their unique specialty, anime-style lashes. These full sets are spiky, wispy lashes of varying lengths, with the longest lash sitting in the center of the eye and shorter sizes framing the rest of the eye.
When speaking with Wink Bar creator Joslin Wang, she mentioned the importance of doing lashes in a natural, safe way that preserves your own lashes while providing a loving, meditative environment to round out the entire experience. By the looks of it, Wang stays true to her mission.
Wink Bar / Instagram
Whether you are a lash veteran and want to try out a new spot or are new to the lash extension game (don’t worry, you’ll love it), stop by Wink Bar for the ultimate experience. Book your appointment here.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
“Nothing brings the family together like a road trip,” says Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) in Apple TV+’s new film The Family Plan; little does his family know, this isn’t your average matching t-shirt family trip.
At the top of the film, Dan and his wife Jessica (Michelle Monaghan) celebrate their anniversary in the same way since they started dating over a decade ago, going to the amusement park and riding a specific rollercoaster. Jessica foreshadows the rest of the movie when she hints about wanting to switch it up and have some excitement in her life; again, little does she know what’s about to come to her.
Apple TV+
While leaving the park, Dan catches someone recording him, and when he tries to intervene, the antagonizer graces him with a slushie shower. On the way home, Jessica teases him for diverting the situation because she believes he isn’t a “fighter.”
A few days later, while Dan is shopping for groceries with his newborn, he is again matched with a former enemy who will stop at nothing to harm Dan, leading to an all-out brawl ending with smashed glass and, in good film fashion, no consequences. On the other hand, Jessica meets a new friend, Gwen, (Maggie Q) who doubles as a travel agent at her boxing class.
It’s important to note that if you’re watching this with friends/family, you should watch the trailer beforehand because up until this point, there is no mention of Dan’s former life, making it a bit confusing to anyone who may not have context.
It isn’t until after this altercation that we learn Dan was a former assassin and a good one at that.
Dan soon realizes he’s not safe in Buffalo, so he embarks on a family vacation, a.k .a. a mission to get his family out of Buffalo for good. After tossing everyone’s cell phones off the highway in the name of safety, we learn about Dan’s older children.
Nina (Zoe Margaret Colletti) is a high school senior, soon heading into college on what should be a journalism major. She is in a situationship with someone who persuades her to be the opposite. Kyle (Van Crosby) is the idea of a “nobody” in the real world, but when he logs onto his gaming system, he is the ultimate celebrity. The overall family dynamic is exceptionally developed, allowing viewers to see themselves in one of the members.
During their road trip, the family stops along shady motels and visits Nina’s desired university choice, only to discover her “boyfriend” has found someone else to toy with. A few keg stands and yet another battle later, the Morgans are back on the road to Las Vegas, where the family will get the tickets to their new lives.
In Vegas, the parents go to dinner, and the kids go against their parent’s wishes as they head to the hotel ballroom for one of the year’s biggest gaming conventions. Throughout the dinner, Dan tries breaking the news to Jessica, even telling her in French; the problem is that she doesn’t speak French.
Nonetheless, the couple heads back to the room where one of his enemies hides. After threatening Jessica’s life, Dan has to put his hitman skills to use and take him out, much to the dismay and confusion of his wife. The following 10 minutes are the epitome of action-packed and comedy-driven as Dan has to take out more rivals in front of his family.
Once things slightly settle, Dan finally comes clean to his family, who are less than thrilled with their father’s former job. Jessica is so distraught she calls up her travel agent friend, Gwen, to help get her back home. Of course, her friend comes to the rescue, only to reveal that she is working on the side of the assassins and captures the Morgans.
As it turns out, they’ve been trying to get Dan and his family to get him back because an email wouldn’t have worked, right? Therefore, they give him the ultimatum to walk away from his family and back to the assassins, or his family goes. Another Hunger Games-esque violent battle ensues, and the whole family is in on it this time.
Jessica gets beaten time and time again before putting her track and field skills to use and taking down her friend with the help of her daughter. On the other side, Dan and Kyle team up to take down the rest of the squad until it’s only Dan and the head of assassins, also Dan’s father.
In one last fight, Dan takes down his father, and his family is freed for good. They go on to live subtle suburban lives where Dan is now a squad trainer; Jessica coaches the local high school’s track and field team; Nina is studying journalism at Standford, and Kyle is making a killing as the virtual celebrity, Killboy.
Apple TV+
Overall, The Family Plan utilizes comedy to balance out the hard-hitting fight scenes, contributing to portraying the story in an effective way and leaving no holes in the plot at the end.
So, when you need a break from the holiday rom-com, be sure to check out The Family Plan on December 15, only on Apple TV+.
The holidays are the most wonderful time of year but also the most crowded, and if you’re a native New Yorker, it’s also probably the most redundant.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
If you’re looking to do something other than taking pictures 20 feet away from a crowded tree, Brooklyn has got you covered with their first-holiday pop-up. WINTER by Empire Stores is a holiday-themed pop-up shopping and dining experience in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
In partnership with Empire Store and CraveCart, the newly opened shop features New York City-based vendors offering unique items, making for the perfect one-stop shop if you’re still searching for that perfect gift. Vendors include Adina Eden, with high-end jewelry, men’s clothing brand Jack of Spades, CraveCart, and the most delectable treats from Buttercup Bakeshop and La Newyorkina.
“With meticulous curation around our partnership, we aspire to deliver an unparalleled experience making this holiday season truly unforgettable for all who visit Empire Stores Dumbo,” mentioned the founder of CraveCart, Christina Nicholas.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
After you shop until you drop, take a breather in the heated lounge throughout the market. There, you can treat yourself to some sweets and bask in the glory of knowing you finally checked everything off your shopping list.
While you’re there, capturing the day you’ve had upstairs on the Time Out Market rooftop with the “Chill Moments” exhibit is only fitting. You’ll find yourself immersed in a massive snow globe, perfect for those Christmas cards you plan to send out (are those still a thing?)
If you’re courageous enough to brave through the cold, you’ll step outside and take note that you’re surrounded by the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline, which are breathtaking, especially in the evening.
Courtesy of Empire Stores Dumbo
Aside from the market are the new Glide ice skating rink and additional holiday offerings from The Dumbo Improvement District; taking the F train to Brooklyn is on our list of plans this holiday season.
Grab your tickets and experience all of the fun here; happy shopping.
Soho’s Animal Haven housed the cutest paw-ty you’ve ever seen for the most anticipated children’s book, Charlie at the POM Springs Hotel; at least that’s what Amazon says.
Brittany Aubain
The #1 book on Amazon’s New Releases, written by Lara Eurdolian King and illustrated by Chamberlin Newsome, tells the story of the real-life Pomeranian, Charlie, whom King adopted on a trip to Palm Springs with her husband. Charlie went from living in the lobby to starring in his own story (and wine bottles from ONEHOPE.) *ONEHOPE offers a platform to donate 10% of the proceeds to benefit nonprofits chosen by customers.*
Brittany Aubain
Last time, we checked out the Poms and PJs party on Fifth Avenue, and this adorable “Launch Pawty” was just as fabulous as the last. Dog owners toured around the different vendors presented by the FIT Foundation, like BondVet. Charlie spent most of his time hanging out on the shelves of Royce and Rocket. We also spotted the coziest dog beds from LeSure Pets, and all of your dog grooming needs by PetLife Unlimited.
Brittany Aubain
When not looking at all the sweet doggie gifts, guests occupied themselves for the two-hour event with TapSnap 1165’s photobooth, Reiki with Kesaine, food by Williamsburg Pizza, Baked by Melissa, Soiree, and Blobs.
Wait. Did we even mention that star-studded lineup of hosts? We met up with Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live), Patricia Field (Oscar-nominated Emmy Award-winning costume designer), Orfeh (Tony and Grammy-Award nominee), Andy Karl (Olivier Award-winning, Tony Award Nominee Broadway legend/TV Star), Natalie Negrotti (Big Brother/The Challenge Finalist), KhrystyAna (America’s Next Top Model), and Alicia Quarles (GMA3).
On the way out, guests were treated to the most adorable custom Charlie gift bags by Print All Over Me. Inside were go-to goodies from Thrive Cosmetics, RPZL blowouts, and Powderful.
As fun, as it is to mingle at a party as fun as this, it is all the sweeter when a great cause is involved, as the night raised awareness and funds for animal adoption. Additionally, 100% of the proceeds from book purchases throughout the night went to Animal Haven. It doesn’t stop there; at least $1 from the book’s proceeds will go toward animal welfare groups.
When discussing Charlie at the POM Springs Hotel ahead of its November 7 release, author King stated, “We’re thrilled and humbled to see the warm reception of Charlie’s story. This book is all about embracing different families and the love that unites them. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re honored to share it with the world.”
As we approach the holiday season, Charlie at the POM Springs Hotel is the perfect gift for the little dog lovers. You can get your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Pretty Connected.
Loud music, laughs, and congratulations echoed through The House of Cannabis in SoHo for the launch of the new Starter X Cookies capsule collection. “ALL CITY.”
Courtesy of Press
The recently released collaboration is a match made in heaven, as the two businesses are titans in their respective fields. Starter was launched in 1971 and has since changed the sports apparel game forever with licensing deals with every prominent American sports league and more professional sports teams than other brands donned Starter. Not to mention, megastars, including Justin Bieber, LL COOL J, Missy Elliot, Jay-Z, Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, Run DMC, and many more have sported the brand.
Courtesy of Press
On the other hand, rapper and entrepreneur Berner founded Cookies, whose street credit has made them highly sought-after in the global market.
“ALL CITY” features the Cookies X Starter II jackets. They currently come in black and gray, blue and orange, red and gold, and purple and gold, definitely a design for everyone. The designs and silhouettes are derived from the early ’90s style, combining streetwear, sportswear, and nostalgia, sure to turn heads on the subway.
Courtesy of Press
After striking up a few conversations with influencers and business owners, we concluded that they projected the collection to see success. The preparation of the carefully thought-out design, with the right timing, as the 90s/Y2K isn’t going anywhere, soon, makes the “ALL CITY” jackets a closet staple.
Courtesy of Press
The “ALL CITY” collection was enough to keep people talking all night, but the music by Scream Jones and the food by PLNT Burger were the perfect complement to keep the vibes going all night and then some.
Courtesy of Press
The Cookies X Starter “ALL CITY” capsule collection is selling out fast, so be sure to grab yours for the fall here.
New York City’s Capitale exuded Saturday Night Fever on a Wednesday for the annual ACE Gala.
Following the success of their 2021 14-course after-school design course, Timberland and CNSTNT:DVLPMNT returned to New York City for a series of spin-off events.
Timberland
Other than NYC, the workshops are making stops in Philidelphia, Charlotte, and Baltimore to introduce BIPOC students to various careers in the design industry since 7% of all professional fashion designers identify as people of color.
“The importance of this is for them to understand that they have somebody that looks like them, that does this job, and also they can do it too. But, learning early gives them opportunities to grow within this industry, learn the different parts that they can be a part of,” stated Christopher Dixon, the founder of CNSTNT:DVLPMNT and Timberland footwear designer.
Timberland
Here in the Bronx, the footwear brand hosted 25 students in grades 6-9 from the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology at the City Jeans store on Fordham Road. Throughout the five hours, the students learned the fundamentals of footwear, sketching, creative concepts, and color theory.
Between extensive work sessions with the students, Dixon, Timberland footwear designers, and Bronx Native Jae Tips spoke with the kids about creativity, passion, and hustle. Specifically, Tips emphasized to the students that although they are young, they should begin taking the steps now to lead them to their desired goals in life.
Timberland
At the end of the day, the students went home with gift bags, personal designs, and newfound knowledge and interest in the design world that can lead them to their college careers and beyond.
Timberland
Dixon’s favorite part of the workshops? “Seeing these kids not know anything about design and catching on quickly. And then breaking out of their shell by speaking in front of people. We get to see caterpillars turn into butterflies.”
As Timberland celebrates its 50-year anniversary, they’re looking forward to continuing initiatives like these to fulfill its mission of inspiring a new generation to move the world forward.