Author: awrensays
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So Jaden Smith designs shoes now?
News just broke: Jaden Smith will be the men’s director for Christian Louboutin. I don’t know what to do with that news. I could dive into where Smith’s credibility as a shoe designer comes from. I could dive deeper into Monsieur Louboutin’s decision, as he spoke so highly of the former Karate Kid. But I…
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My yearly holiday rant gets earlier and earlier
Before the autumnal equinox, it had already arrived. Notifications of holiday sets from beauty brands. Even though you’re still coping with late summer heat, it’s time to start thinking about winter holidays. Apparently. It seems that is in fact happening earlier and earlier every year. Brands are pushing up holiday sales to get you to…
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ABC’s rock and hard place
I remember, as I prepped for my own strategy meetings at work, learning that the market was shifting. People, especially Gen Z and Millennial consumers, want brands to have a point of view. They use their dollar as a point of protest. Their politics and values are not divorced from their shopping decisions. They won’t…
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More lavishly expensive beauty
While the internet was offended and shocked by the price of Louis Vuitton’s newest beauty products, Chanel has had a $360 lip oil all along. So of course I had to try it. I walked into Nordstrom, observing the packaging, hoping it would give me some clue to the price. “Do you want to try…
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This is (kind of) a review of Burberry Her Intense
Burberry Her Intense smells pleasant enough. But to cut to the chase, I can’t really smell it on myself. With the ever lengthening allergy season, it might just be my sinuses. Sure it leaves a beautiful scent behind on clothing when my sense of smell has returned, but I’m having a hard time detecting it…
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Seeking originality
The same story plays over and over and over. Worse than the sequel fever in the movie theaters is the borrowed plot in the real world. At times it feels like this is a simulation. There is no way it is happening again. But it is. It’s happening on repeat. There are days where I…
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Area has the right formula for fun, New York fashion
I don’t know why, but I only just heard of the brand Area. And after watching their Spring/Summer 2026 collection, I want to learn even more. I saw what felt like the epitome of a New York girl: bold, risk-taking style, with a dash of glamour. There were metallic rope dresses and skirts that seemed…
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Is this even about marketing?
There was a raid on a Hyundai plant in small town in the state of Georgia. It was another in a long list of headlines about how the Trump administration was acting on immigration in the U.S. For some time, news covered stories of raids happening across the United States. Fears mounted about who might…
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Bad packaging = bad product
A couple years ago, I was browsing Sephora, desperate for an option to soothe my perpetually dry lips. The Beauty Advisor suggested a product from Cay Skin. The lip balm was the same that she was wearing on her still glossy, fully moisturized lips. Sold. Bought. And I loved it, until I lost it. I…
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Mr. Armani’s final wish
Giorgio Armani passed away just over a week ago. His brand was one of the few independent luxury houses left. But in his last will and testament, he specifically asked for it to be sold. LVMH, L’Oréal Group or EssilorLuxottica will have the option to purchase stakes in the company. Or the heirs should seek…
A Wren Says 