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Grumpy, claire rousay, and Pink Must Collaborate on New Song ‘Harmony’

Grumpy, claire rousay, and more eaze – three artists who have been featured in our Artist Spotlight series – have joined forces for a new song, ‘Harmony’. more eaze, aka Mari Maurice, appears with Pink Must, her recent collaborative project with Lynn Avery. True to its name, the song is meticulously harmonious, but also plays with distortion in hypnotic ways. Listen to it below.

“This song was scientifically engineered so that every individual element will be stuck in your head at all times,” Pink Must said in a press release.

“I have no doubt in my mind that people will listen to this song and say ‘ya imma listen to that again’,” claire rousay added.

“I played bass and stuff,” Lynn Avery Murphy quipped.

And Heaven Schmitt, the leader of Grumpy, commented: “Women are notoriously difficult to work with but these three were actually really chill.”

Grumpy’s latest EP, Wolfed, came out in October. Schmitt then collaborated with country superstar Zach Bryan, so talk about a wide network. Read our interview with Grumpy.

MIKE and Tony Seltzer Announce New Album ‘Pinball II’, Share New Single ‘Prezzy”

MIKE and Tony Seltzer have shared the details of their new album Pinball II, which will follow March 2024’s Pinball. Out May 7 via 10k, the record is led by the dizzying ‘Prezzy’, which comes paired with a Nicholas Stafford Briggs-directed video. Check it out below.

Earl Sweatshirt and Niontay, who both guested on Pinball, appear on its sequel. The record also features Lunchbox, Sideshow, and production from Akachi, ivvys1, Laron, Dylvinci, Clams Casino, and MIKE himself. Earlier this year, MIKE dropped his latest solo LP, Showbiz!.

Pinball II Cover Artwork:

Pinball II Tracklist:

1. Sin City
2. Dolemite [feat. Lunchbox]
3. #71
4. WYC4
5. Golden Dragon
6. Money & Power
7. Belt
8. Sucka-Free
9. Angsty
10. DON’T FORCE IT
11. Hell Date [feat. Sideshow]
12. Splat!
13. Shaq & Kobe [feat. Niontay]
14. Amiri
15. Jumanji [feat. Earl Sweatshirt]
16. Chest Painz

Album Review: Julien Baker and TORRES, ‘Send a Prayer My Way’

On the surface, Send a Prayer My Way is the result of a decade-long friendship between two indie singer-songwriters with Southern roots and a longstanding love of country music. More deeply, it’s an opportunity for two remarkable voices – TORRES’ lower in register and full-bodied, Julien Baker’s higher and gentler – and approaches to songwriting – both bracingly vulnerable, with varying degrees of comedic levity – to entwine and make space for each other. “In my book there’s no such thing as guilty pleasure/ As long as your pleasure’s not unkind,” Mackenzie Scott sings on ‘The Only Marble I Have Left’, the closest the album comes to straight-up honky-tonk music. You could call it an act of subversion, but this is a record less concerned with reclaiming the genre’s traditions than reframing enduring themes of shame, betrayal, and heartache through a new, resilient lens and – more importantly – in good company. It’s an embrace, not some kind of reappraisal, which can make the ice thaw faster and devastating times, God willing, less so.


1. Dirt

Stark honesty is the first thing you’d expect from a Julien Baker and TORRES collaboration, but opener ‘Dirt’ goes a step further by dramatizing it. There’s no separation between the listener and the person Julien Baker dials up after last call: “If you ask how I’ve been doing, I won’t lie/ More than half the time, I’m only skating by/ Waiting for the ice to melt beneath me/ Why do I keep at it?” It sounds like a rhetorical question, but Baker is genuinely looking for answers before landing on the song’s devastating titular line: “Spend your whole life getting clean/ Just to wind up in the dirt.” She stretches the word clean with such pure, almost dreamy precision that the rawness of the truth strikes even harder. But the real magic, the moment where you realize the album’s potential, comes when Mackenzie Scott’s voice swings in to offer some form of understanding. It’s Aisha Burns’ strings, though, that ultimately prove the biggest balm.

2. The Only Marble I’ve Got Left

With Scott taking on lead vocals, Send a Prayer My Way introduces its playful, downright funny side on ‘The Only Marble I’ve Got Left’. Scott, especially, seems to delight in this slightly more ragged mode, delivering lyrics like, “If you get a taste with trouble/ Any given afternoon/ It won’t be me reining you in/ Oh, ‘cause I like trouble too.” Sounds like a healthy match!

3. Sugar in the Tank

Here’s a single so infectiously romantic and tuneful you could dress it up in any genre, but the duo’s countrified version is a true joy. I love how Baker’s declarations gradually and poetically become more concrete, especially as soon as Scott’s voice joins in: “I love you swimming upstream in a flash flood/ Wondering when I’m gonna drown.” There’s desperation in the yearning, and the song’s conversational nature suggests there’s a long distance still to be travelled. But the engine’s already running, no doubt.

4. Bottom of a Bottle

Scott’s singing aches louder than in any of the previous tracks on ‘Bottom of a Barrel’, a song of searching vulnerability by way of an explanation. The narrator is out looking for her woman; “Next thing I knew, I was horizontal and my friends were fishing me out of the bottom of a bottle.” Could be the same one from ‘Dirt’, all wound up. Baker, tellingly, doesn’t get her own verse, but she’s got her back.

5. Downhill Both Ways

Dreamy and, for most of its runtime, drumless, ‘Downhill Both Ways’ feels like it’s over before it’s begun. It’s a portrait of addition accentuated by wistful pedal steel, evoking point where there’s less wondering, just drowning. 

6. No Desert Flower

Scott’s melodic sensibility is instantly recognizable in the chorus, and though the folky arrangement is a bit of an odd fit for this one, the band subtly diverges from it. The two artists seem to have snuck a couple of more solo-sounding songs in the middle of the tracklist.

7. Tape Runs Out

Darker yet (convincingly) groovy, the song finds Baker returning to the subject of honesty: “How come you can always tell when I am lying/ And I hardly ever ask you for the truth?” The lack of control manifests in one of the most satisfying buildups either artist has laid to tape, culminating in an electrifying wash of instruments that all flirt with being in the red. Again, you wish it’d last a little longer.

8. Off the Waggon

There’s nothing rare about a country ballad about being down-and-out, barely hanging on; this album has given us a few already. But how many artists would care to find the perfect electric guitar tone to reinforce the matter-of-factness and weathered melancholy of a line like “It makes sense to want not to feel”? To make this sort of numbness seem not just inevitable, but tangible, reasonable? Baker finally belts it out, for maybe the only time on the record, as if to show it’s not for a lack of trying.

9. Tuesday

Many singles have preceded the release of Send a Prayer My Way, but ‘Tuesday’ and ‘Sugar in the Tank’, two of the earliest ones, represent the best aspects of Baker and TORRES’ collaborative songwriting – really two sides of the same coin. ‘Tuesday’, with its piercing specificity and narrative focus – not to mention TORRES’ mix of vulnerability and cheekiness – feels like the record’s crowning achievement. It turns the page back to a relationship that’s caused lasting shame but which was also, in many ways, eye-opening. The delivery is as engaging as the storytelling: at one point, Scott recalls the titular character asking her to write to her mother and apologize for the confusion – “That of course there had been no sin/ To emphasize how much I love Jesus and men.” Baker’s voice comes in as she adds and men, making it one hell of a punchline.

10. Showdown

The same way ‘No Desert Flower’ is a dead ringer of a TORRES song, the sparseness of ‘Showdown’ chillingly calls back to Julien Baker’s Sprained Ankle. It gets a little overshadowed here, but Baker’s voice is hard to ignore, like sadness in the loudest of settings. “Fireworks are going off all night around my house,” she sings, “And I can’t find a single thing to be happy about.” Reminds me of jasmine.4.t’s ‘Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation’, which Baker had a hand in producing. 

11. Sylvia

The conflict here is simple and universal, the twist being that Sylvia is actually Scott’s dog. “So alone when I’m not with you/ But I ache to see the world/ What’s it even mean to have everything/ If I can’t share it with my girl?” she sings. The hook is as memorable as the song is relatable, though it leaves something to be desired.

12. Goodbye Baby

Ending the record with ‘Goodbye Baby’, which opens with humorous in-studio banter between the two singers, suggests they were having too much fun making the record not to include a few lighter, more upbeat songs. Send a Prayer My Way may gnaw at the pain of saying goodbye, but it concludes with the often more powerful sentiment of returning home to your loved one. A thing to be happy about, that gives meaning to everything.

Hacks Season 5: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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The best series not enough people are talking about, Hacks, is back with season 4. It’s still firing on all cylinders.

With an appealing cast, hilarious jokes, and captivating storylines, the Emmy-winning comedy has the potential to run for years to come. Whether that will actually be the case, we can’t tell for sure. However, we very much hope so.

Hacks Season 5 Release Date

Hacks premiered in 2021 and was renewed a few short months later. Subsequent seasons dropped in 2022 and 2024.

Season 4, currently airing on Max, debuted in April 2025. Episodes are released weekly until the finale, scheduled for May 29.

At the time of writing, the comedy hasn’t been picked up for more episodes yet. If that happens, we’re confident we’ll get to see Hacks season 5 sometime in spring 2026.

Hacks Cast

  • Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
  • Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
  • Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus
  • Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer
  • Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.

What Will Happen in Hacks Season 5?

Hacks centres on the relationship between legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian Deborah and 20-something writer Ava. When the show kicks off, Ava is down on her luck following a controversial tweet. To help them both out, their manager sends Ava to work with Deborah, hoping they’ll come out with fresh material.

While the two don’t see eye-to-eye at first, their partnership proves fruitful. Deborah decides to take more risks and maybe finally get what she always wanted. At the same time, Ava hones her skills and sees her career take a turn for the better.

The third season ended with Deborah landing her dream job as a late-night TV host and Ava basically blackmailing her into becoming head writer. The stakes are high in season 4, with the women reluctantly working together and being at odds. That never bodes well for either.

If they don’t fix their relationship, we don’t see Deborah’s show becoming a success – and whether or not it makes a splash will influence what happens moving forward. For now, all we can do is wait and see.

Thankfully, the showrunners are optimistic about the comedy’s future. While the initial plan was to make five seasons, that can easily chance.

“I think keeping the relationship fresh and making sure there are new places for Deborah and Ava to go, that is the beating heart of the show. If we found a way [to do more] that made sense, then maybe, yeah,” one of the show’s creators said when asked whether Hacks could continue beyond season 5.

We’ll take it.

Are There Any Other Shows Like Hacks?

No show is exactly like Hacks, which makes the comedy so special. That said, there are similar titles you can sample to see if they match your taste.

If you love Hacks for the stand-up comedy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and I’m Dying Up Here might be up your alley. Great shows about the entertainment industry include The Studio, Episodes, The Other Two, and The Comeback.

For age-gap humour, Only Murders in the Buildings is a delight. Finally, if the Deborah-Ava relationship is what pulls you in, check out UnREAL or Grace and Frankie.

The Last of Us Season 3: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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What can be more relaxing than watching a desolate, post-apocalyptic series in which most of humanity has been wiped off? Based on the enthusiasm surrounding the second season of The Last of Us, not much.

The sci-fi drama returned after a long break with an atmospheric premiere that set the tone for what’s to come. Even better, the quality remains consistent, with acting that gives you goosebumps and visuals that linger.

You can breathe easy: for now, the show’s ending is nowhere in sight.

The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date

The Last of Us premiered in January 2023 to critical acclaim. It broke viewership records and won eight Emmy awards, with fans praising the performances, story, and production.

As expected, the series was renewed for a second season which arrived in April 2025, following a two-year hiatus. At the time of writing, episodes roll out weekly, with the finale scheduled for May 25.

Thankfully, the show has already been renewed for more. Depending on how long fresh episodes take to film, we could get The Last of Us Season 3 in early 2027. While we would be thrilled for the series to return sooner, the long break between the first two installments doesn’t make that possibility very likely.

The Last of Us Cast

  • Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
  • Bella Ramsey as Ellie
  • Gabriel Luna as Tommy
  • Isabela Merced as Dina
  • Young Mazino as Jesse
  • Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

What Will Happen in The Last of Us Season 3?

The Last of Us is set 20 years after the breakout of a mass fungal infection that makes people turn into zombie-like creatures. Society as we know it is no more, and what’s left of humanity has a hard time keeping danger at bay.

In season 1, the action revolves around a smuggler, Joel, who travels across the US with a teenager, Ellie, attempting to safely escort her to a lab. She has immunity from the infection, and a group of scientists hope to use it to find a cure. Problem is, the two grow closer as they make their journey – and once they get there, Joel makes a decision that changes their lives for good.

The season 2 premiere catches up with Joel and Ellie five years later. Their relationship is strained, and they’ve settled into a community along with Joel’s brother Tommy. Soon, threats emerge and their personal issues unravel. There’s also a new player on the horizon, Abby, who seems set on wreaking all kinds of havoc.

With only the premiere out so far, it’s difficult to speculate what The Last of Us season 3 may bring. Abby’s path will eventually cross with that of our protagonists, a confrontation that will likely shape the narrative from there on.

For now, all we can do is hope that the action sequences will be explosive and the emotional beats will land. If the first season is any indication, there’s no doubt about it.

Is The Last of Us Based on a Book?

It’s actually based on a video game.

The series was inspired by the franchise created by Naughty Dog. Season 1 adapted the first game, The Last of Us, which came out in 2013. It’s widely praised as one of the greatest games of all time.

Sequel The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020. Its story is expected to act as a blueprint for the show moving forward. If you’re hungry for spoilers, start there.

Tips for Decorating with Hues of Green

There’s a reason why green is such a favourite among interior designers. Beautiful, soft, and extremely versatile, green has the rare ability to transform a space, turning it into a haven of serenity and freshness. And no matter the aesthetic you are leaning towards, minimalistic, vintage, luxury, or anything in between, green will be able to fit in.

As a colour, it is known for bringing balance and harmony to any room. It evokes the essence of nature, inspiring us to connect with the outdoors while also soothing the atmosphere inside.

After all, in the busy world we live in, nothing is more welcome than a colour and its hues that can create a peaceful sanctuary. And if you’re wondering how to do it in your home? Read on. We’ll tell you all about it.

Green as a Neutral Canvas  

Some shades of green, like olive and sage, in particular, act as a neutral base in interior design. The reason is that they offer the perfect, subtle backdrop for other colours you might want to highlight. These muted, calming greens let your other decor pieces shine without feeling cluttered.

If this inspires you to use green as a neutral, we advise you to choose lighter tones to keep the room airy. If you want to enhance this openness, you can do so by combining the colour with textures like linen or velvet. Or you can pair it with contrasting accents like beige, warm whites, and earthy tones (think terracotta and tan) to keep your home cohesive, warm, and inviting.

Green as a Bold Statement 

This is the true beauty of green and its hues: it can play as a neutral but also effortlessly take the central stage. This year, green is the go-to for accent walls. But keep it balanced: opt for softer hues like sage or moss, which will give your space depth without any intensity.

However, if you love darker greens, like emerald or forest, go for it! Just make sure you limit the colour to one wall to prevent the room from feeling closed off.

Your walls are not the only place suited for a statement. Furniture pieces like velvet-green sofas or chairs can make the room sing. Choose rich, deep shades for a more luxurious feel or softer ones for a more elegant aesthetic.

Moreover, decor is yet another angle you can take. Green wall art, rugs, or throw pillows are a great way to introduce more of your unique personality and more of this gorgeous colour into your home. 

The Solution to Small Spaces 

If you have smaller rooms you’d like to refresh, use pastel mint to open up the space and make it more expansive. The trick here is that such hues can reflect light, making cramped places feel more airy.

However, painting all the walls in mint might become a bit overwhelming. If you don’t want to risk going overboard, we suggest you introduce the shade through details rather than as a primary colour. Think light fixtures, throw pillows and curtains. The accents may be small, but the impact will be enormous.

A Spot of Green in Every Room

Obsessed with green? No worries. You’re not alone. It’s one of those colours you can introduce to every room without feeling over the top. Here’s how to do it:

  • For the living room, incorporate the shades you love through sofas, cushions, and plants. We suggest you focus on more vibrant, lush hues in order to bring in energy and spark more lively conversations.
  • In the bedroom, green is perfect to promote restfulness and tranquillity. After all, this is your sanctuary. Introduce shades through bedding, headboards, and wall decor. You will build a calming atmosphere that will also help you sleep better.
  • Green will add freshness to the kitchen and dining areas. Think cabinetry or backsplashes and dining accessories such as plates, vases, and linens to add a pop of colour and brighten the atmosphere over lunch and dinner.
  • In the bathroom, you can introduce green through tiles or shower curtains. It won’t take you long to discover you’ve created a spa-like ambience. Deep emerald or moss green can provide a rich, luxurious feel, while lighter greens will rejuvenate the place.

Green & Natural Materials

This is probably one of the most winning combinations in interior design: pairing green with the most natural decor elements. Wood, stone, and linen will create an earthy haven, bringing harmony and a grounded atmosphere. The colour is perfect for pairing with raw textures and earthy tones. It’s almost like bringing the outdoors in.

For spaces with natural stone features, like marble or granite, green tones with cooler undertones, such as teal or sage, can complement the cool, polished textures of the stone, channelling its refreshing touch. On the other hand, if your space features warm-toned stone, like terracotta or sandstone, green with warmer, yellowish undertones, such as olive or chartreuse, can bring out the earthy, rustic feel, creating a balanced and inviting environment.

Green’s Timeless Appeal 

It’s the colour made for any home regardless of aesthetic. Tranquil retreats or striking focal points? You got it. The many beautiful hues, including olive, sage, mint, emerald, and more, hold the power to transform a home with natural beauty and a calming presence.

Of course, when selecting your shade, you should also consider the mood you want to create. Experiment with tones and hues, decor, and statement pieces until you find the perfect harmony.

With green, it won’t take you long.

Strap Happy: Embracing the Return of Visible Bra Fashion

The foundation of any great look often goes unnoticed. Yet, lingerie has transformed from a mere undergarment to a powerful style statement. Whether you’re heading to a summer festival, attending an elegant soiree, or simply want to refresh your everyday wardrobe, the right bra can dramatically elevate the entire outfit. For curvy women and fashion enthusiasts of all sizes, understanding how to strategically incorporate this essential piece can revolutionize your style approach.

The Power of Proper Fit

The cornerstone of any fashion-forward look begins with the fundamentals. Properly fitted lingerie doesn’t just provide comfort and support—it creates the perfect silhouette for whatever clothes you choose to layer on top. When your foundation garment fits impeccably, everything else falls into place. For plus-size individuals especially, finding larger sized bras that combine support with style can transform not just how clothes look, but how you feel wearing them.

Fashion experts says that up to 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, which can significantly impact how outfits drape and fit. Taking the time to get professionally measured can be the single most effective step in elevating your entire wardrobe.

Making a Statement with Intentional Visibility

Gone are the days when bras were meant to remain completely hidden. Today’s fashion celebrates the strategic visibility of these undergarments as part of a cohesive look. Fashion stylist Ariel Tunnell explains that this trend became widespread following the popularity of “Sex and the City” in the late 1990s, with Carrie Bradshaw pioneering the visible bra look. With the Y2K fashion revival, it’s no surprise that visible lingerie and the artful reveal of bras through sheer fabrics have reclaimed their place in contemporary style.

This summer, consider these bold approaches to incorporating your bra into your outfit:

  1. Pair a lace-trimmed bralette with an open-back dress for an unexpected touch of elegance
  2. Layer a colorful bra under a sheer blouse for a festival-ready ensemble
  3. Allow decorative straps to peek out from off-shoulder tops for added visual interest
  4. Embrace the athleisure trend with a sports bra under an oversized blazer
  5. Style a longline bra as a crop top with high-waisted bottoms for effortless chic
  6. Pair a sophisticated bodysuit lingerie with high-waisted blue jeans for the perfect balance of allure and casual elegance
  7. Choose a contrasting color bra to create dimension under lightweight white shirts
  8. Experiment with bras featuring embellishments that deserve to be showcased

This intentional approach transforms what was once considered a fashion faux pas into a deliberate style choice that adds depth and personality to your look.

Silhouette Transformation for Every Occasion

The right bra can completely transform your silhouette, creating entirely different looks with the same pieces in your wardrobe. For evening events, a well-structured push-up can create dramatic curves under a simple dress. Conversely, a minimizer bra can create a more streamlined look for button-down professional attire. Convertible and multiway styles offer versatility for those tricky necklines and back designs that make party outfits special.

For curvy women navigating summer fashion trends, finding bras that provide both comfort and style is essential. Quality undergarments that support without compromising on design details allow for confident styling of everything from casual daywear to sophisticated evening looks. Discover the essential bra types every woman should have in her collection to create the perfect foundation for any outfit. The foundation you choose directly impacts how fabrics drape, how confident you feel, and ultimately, how successful your outfit becomes.

Beyond Basic: Embracing Functional Fashion

Today’s innovative bra designs go far beyond basic function, incorporating elements that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Cooling fabrics make summer dressing more comfortable, while moisture-wicking materials are perfect for festival season. Seamless construction ensures smooth lines under fitted clothes, and convertible options adapt to the season’s most challenging necklines.

Fashion-forward individuals recognize that investing in quality foundation garments is as important as any other wardrobe essential. The intersection of comfort, support, and style creates the perfect foundation for expressing personal style through clothes. When shopping for these essential pieces, look for options that combine thoughtful design with quality construction—pieces that feel as good as they look.

Cultural Crossroads: The Influence of Casino Aesthetics on Contemporary Art and Fashion

Casinos’ opulent and vibrant aesthetics have long captivated artists and designers, inspiring various facets of contemporary art and fashion. The allure of live casinos, with their dynamic environments and rich visual elements, has permeated creative expressions, leading to collections and artworks that echo the glamour and excitement associated with these venues.

For example, the bright lights, velvet ropes, and striking colours of casinos have become symbols of luxury, risk, and high-stakes fun. These elements have gone beyond the casino floor and made their mark in other areas of creativity. From runways to art galleries, we see more casino-inspired vibes in fashion and art. 

The Visual Language of Casinos

Casinos’ visual language is loud, bold, and impossible to ignore, and that’s exactly why it appears so often in art and fashion. Think glittering lights, rich fabrics, gold accents, and dramatic spaces that scream excitement and luxury. These aren’t just gaming spots and mood setters that create a vibe that sparks creativity.

In the U.S., Las Vegas stands out as the ultimate example. Its casinos’ neon lights and themed interiors have inspired countless fashion lines and art installations. Over in the UK, places like London’s upscale casinos blend old-world charm with a modern edge, influencing editorial fashion shoots and boutique designs. 

The Canadian scene is growing fast, especially with the rise of live casinos in Ontario, Montreal, and Quebec, to name a few. These venues combine traditional elegance with interactive technology, giving artists and designers a fresh fusion of classic and contemporary to draw from.

The mix of old-school luxury—think velvet ropes, chandeliers, and grand designs—with high-tech innovations sparks creativity. The lighting, architecture, and vibe all work together to inspire new ideas. It’s like a mashup of vintage glamour and contemporary style that artists can’t help but draw from.

As these live casinos evolve, their influence is spreading beyond gaming. You’ll see it in fashion collections, art installations, and even design trends. Fashion and art appreciation are about flair, and the spirit of the casino continues to find its way into contemporary creative expression, whether on a canvas or a catwalk.

Casino Aesthetics in Contemporary Art

Casino settings have inspired many modern artists, thanks to their bold visuals and themes of chance, risk, and luxury. The bright lights, striking designs, and lively energy offer plenty of material for creative expression. 

For instance, artist Eri King’s 2024 exhibition, “Scripted Spaces,” delved into the labyrinthine design of Las Vegas casinos, using paintings that echoed the chaotic patterns of casino carpets and Greco-Roman motifs to comment on the sensory overload within these spaces.

Similarly, James Stanford’s “Shimmering Zen” series reimagines vintage Las Vegas neon signs into intricate digital mandalas, blending historical casino imagery with modern technology and Zen Buddhist principles. These works highlight how casino visuals continue to shape contemporary art, bridging the gap between entertainment and artistic expression.​

Fashion on the Casino Floor: Style Meets Spectacle

Designers often draw inspiration from the vibrant energy of casino culture, incorporating elements like playing card motifs, dice patterns, and rich, luxurious fabrics into their collections. 

For instance, Moschino’s 2017 Las Vegas-themed show featured sequined suits and neon getups reminiscent of classic casino slot machines, capturing the essence of Vegas glam.

Similarly, Chanel’s 2015 casino-themed event at Paris Fashion Week transformed the runway into a lavish gaming floor, blending Monte Carlo elegance with high fashion. These casino-inspired aesthetics have transcended the runway, influencing red-carpet looks and editorial spreads, where celebrities don ensembles that echo the glitz and excitement of the casino world. 

Live Casinos as Creative Spaces

Live casinos have been a creative spark for visual and fashion artists. With their flashing lights, lavish décor, and buzzing gameplay, these spaces offer plenty of inspiration for bold artistic ideas. 

In music videos, artists frequently utilise casino settings to evoke themes of risk and glamour. For instance, the Rivoli Ballroom in London, known for its vintage casino aesthetic, has been featured in numerous productions, including Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” and Tina Turner’s “Private Dancer.” ​

Fashion photography also draws upon the allure of casinos, with designers integrating elements like roulette wheels and card tables to craft narratives of sophistication and chance. This fusion of luxury and performance enhances the visual appeal and sets a mood that resonates with audiences. 

With its inherent drama and elegance, the casino environment continues to shape artistic expressions across various mediums, underscoring its enduring influence in contemporary culture.​

Cultural Significance and Artistic Commentary

Casinos have long been symbols of luxury, power, and indulgence, reflecting societal attitudes toward wealth and status. Their opulent designs, marked by lavish décor, bright lights, and grand architecture, mirror a culture that often equates material abundance with success. 

This association has permeated contemporary art and fashion, where creators explore the fine line between allure and excess.​ In fashion, designers frequently draw inspiration from casino aesthetics to make bold statements about consumerism. 

For instance, Virginie Viard’s 2023 collection for Chanel featured pieces reminiscent of slot machines, blending high fashion with gambling motifs to comment on society’s fixation with risk and reward. This fusion of glamour and chance is a metaphor for the unpredictability of fashion trends and financial fortunes.

Artists, too, incorporate casino imagery to critique societal values. The flashy atmosphere of venues like Las Vegas casinos has influenced various art forms, symbolising themes of spectacle and excess. Such works often highlight the tension between the seductive appeal of wealth and the potential pitfalls of overindulgence.

Artists and designers use casino-inspired elements in their work to spark reflection on the flashy side of consumer culture. They explore how the chase for luxury and status can be tempting and misleading, pushing viewers to reflect on their values in a world driven by material things.​

Where Glamour Meets Meaning

Ultimately, casinos have evolved from places of chance and entertainment to powerful symbols of culture and creativity. Their bold, larger-than-life aesthetics offer a canvas for exploring deeper societal themes like risk, power, and luxury and transform these concepts into a form of artistic expression. 

As designers, artists, and creatives continue to draw inspiration from these dynamic spaces, it’s evident that the influence of casinos won’t be fading anytime soon.

Step into the Season: Lulus’ New Spring Fashion Collection Has Arrived

As the chill of winter fades away and longer, sunnier days take its place, there’s no better time to revitalise your wardrobe. Spring is the season of fresh starts, soft hues, and light layers — and Lulus is leading the way with their latest launch: the New In: Spring Fashion collection. This curated drop is everything you’d want from a seasonal update. Think breezy dresses, pastel tones, feminine cuts, and effortlessly stylish separates.

Whether you’re planning a spring picnic, heading to brunch with friends, or looking forward to wedding season, Lulus has delivered a fresh, flattering, and undeniably wearable range of styles to help you look and feel your best.

What Makes This Collection a Must-Shop

Lulus is known for blending runway trends with everyday elegance, and this spring collection is no exception. With a clear nod to classic spring motifs — florals, flowy fabrics, soft colours — the collection reimagines seasonal staples with a modern edge. From on-trend two-piece sets to lightweight outerwear and stunning accessories, the range is built around versatility, femininity, and effortless charm.

Here’s what’s standing out this season:

Floral Dresses: A Springtime Classic Reimagined

Florals in spring might be expected, but Lulus brings new life to the look with stunning prints, elegant silhouettes, and attention to detail. Whether you’re drawn to small, delicate patterns or larger statement florals, there’s a dress that suits your style. The collection includes everything from ruffled mini dresses for casual outings to flowing maxi dresses that are perfect for garden weddings or evening events.

Each design feels fresh yet timeless, making them ideal investment pieces you can return to year after year.

Effortless Layers for Unpredictable Days

Spring weather often comes with its own set of surprises, making lightweight layers an essential part of any seasonal wardrobe. Lulus offers an impressive range of options that don’t compromise on style. Cropped cardigans, soft knit pullovers, and breathable jackets provide just enough warmth for cooler mornings and breezy evenings. Pair them over a dress or with a midi skirt and you’ve got a complete look with minimal effort.

What’s more, the layering pieces in this collection come in soft pastels and spring neutrals — perfect for mixing and matching without overwhelming your outfit.

Matching Sets: Style Made Simple

For those who want to stay on trend without spending hours planning outfits, Lulus’ matching sets are the ultimate solution. These co-ordinated ensembles offer that “put together” look with hardly any effort required. From relaxed lounge-inspired fits to structured top-and-skirt sets suitable for dinners and date nights, these pieces offer fashion that functions for both day and night.

And the best part? You can wear them together or style them separately with other items in your wardrobe for endless combinations.

Colour Palettes That Channel Spring Vibes

Spring is all about soft, soothing colours that reflect nature’s awakening — and Lulus captures that essence beautifully. Expect to see shades like dusty rose, sage green, baby blue, buttercream yellow, and classic ivory throughout the collection. These tones not only flatter all skin tones but also make styling a breeze.

Whether you love dressing in monochrome or enjoy mixing tones for a layered effect, the colour palette in this collection is versatile and wearable, helping you build a cohesive spring wardrobe without starting from scratch.

Accessories That Pull It All Together

No outfit is complete without the right accessories, and Lulus doesn’t disappoint. The spring drop includes a wide selection of shoes, handbags, and jewellery designed to elevate any look. From neutral-toned strappy sandals to delicate gold jewellery and structured mini bags, the accessories line is just as thoughtfully curated as the apparel.

These pieces work seamlessly with the collection’s main items, helping you create outfits that feel complete, polished, and seasonally on point.

Why Lulus is a Spring Favourite

Lulus has earned a reputation for offering fashion-forward designs with a refined, feminine twist. The spring collection continues that legacy by focusing on quality fabrics, flattering fits, and thoughtful designs that suit a wide range of body types and personal styles.

What truly sets this collection apart is its balance — it’s trendy but not fleeting, pretty without being impractical, and stylish while remaining comfortable. That’s the Lulus difference.

Perfect for Every Spring Occasion

One of the best things about this collection is how easily it adapts to different occasions. Planning a weekend getaway? Pack one of the breezy maxi dresses and a pair of sandals. Got a spring wedding or formal dinner? Opt for an elegant floral midi dress paired with dainty heels. Just looking to elevate your everyday style? Grab a cute matching set and layer it with a cropped knit — effortless, stylish, and ready for anything.

A Season to Celebrate, A Wardrobe to Match

As we move into longer days and warmer nights, fashion should feel fun again — lighter, brighter, and full of possibility. Lulus’ New Spring Fashion collection captures that feeling perfectly. It’s not just about following trends — it’s about feeling good in what you wear, embracing your style, and stepping confidently into a new season.

From romantic dresses to polished sets, from soft knits to beautiful accessories, this collection is your invitation to bloom into your best-dressed self.

So if you’re looking to welcome spring with a wardrobe refresh, now’s the perfect time to explore Lulus’ latest arrivals. Because when it comes to spring style, no one does it quite like Lulus.

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The Quiet Strategy Helping Seniors Unlock Extra Cash

As the cost of living rises, many seniors find it harder to stretch their retirement income. Medical bills, home maintenance, groceries—everything adds up. And for older adults living on a fixed income, even small expense increases can create financial stress.

But there’s a lesser-known approach that’s gaining traction. It doesn’t involve going back to work or making drastic lifestyle changes. Instead, it taps into a resource many seniors already have: their home. This quiet strategy is helping thousands of retirees access extra funds without taking on new debt or selling their homes outright.

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Power of Home Equity

For many retirees, their home is their biggest asset. After decades of paying off a mortgage, they’ve built substantial equity. That equity often sits unused while the homeowner navigates financial concerns.

Many don’t realize that this equity can be converted into usable cash through several financial tools. Some of these tools allow seniors to access funds without giving up ownership or needing to make monthly payments. The key is understanding which options are available and which one best fits.

How This Strategy Works

The basic idea is to turn illiquid equity into liquid funds. Instead of selling the home, seniors can use financial products to “borrow” against their home’s value or sell part of it under specific terms. This allows them to receive money either in a lump sum, through monthly payments, or as a line of credit they can tap into as needed.

This strategy is especially useful for people who want to:

  • Stay in their home
  • Supplement their retirement income
  • Handle unexpected expenses like healthcare
  • Avoid tapping into savings or investments too early

Different approaches exist, and each comes with its risks, benefits, and eligibility criteria.

Accessing Home Equity: Not Just One Way

There’s no one-size-fits-all method. Some of the common ways seniors access home equity include:

  • Home equity loans: Fixed lump-sum loans with set repayment schedules.
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): Revolving credit lines that allow borrowing as needed.
  • Shared equity agreements: A third party invests in the home in exchange for a share of its future value.
  • Sale-leaseback programs: Seniors sell their homes to a company but continue living there as renters.
  • Reverse mortgages: A government-insured option that lets seniors convert home equity into income while still living in the home.

Each method is different; what works for one person may not be ideal for another. For instance, a senior who plans to move in a few years might prefer a HELOC over a reverse mortgage designed for long-term residence.

The Impact of Reverse Mortgages 

Reverse mortgages are one of the most recognized options among these tools. They allow homeowners aged 62 and older to borrow against the equity in their homes. Instead of making monthly payments to a lender, the lender pays the homeowner.

These payments can be structured differently—monthly payments, a lump sum, or a line of credit. The loan is repaid when the homeowner moves out of the house, sells it, or passes away.

It’s important to be cautious, as this tool isn’t for everyone. There are fees and conditions to consider, and the equity in the home will decrease over time. But it can be a powerful solution for those who qualify and understand the terms.

Many people begin exploring their options by first learning about reverse mortgages and explaining reverse mortgages to themselves in simple terms. This initial research helps them understand how the tool works and whether it aligns with their goals.

Who Is This Strategy Best For?

This quiet equity strategy is best suited for seniors who:

  • Have paid off most or all of their mortgage
  • Want to stay in their current home
  • Need extra income to support daily living
  • Prefer not to sell assets or withdraw from retirement accounts early

It benefits those with no heirs or who want to leave fewer obligations behind. But even those who plan to pass their home to family can help—some financial tools can be structured to ensure the home is preserved, or heirs are given options.

It’s not just about money. Having financial breathing room can ease anxiety and give seniors more control over their lifestyle. Whether hiring a caregiver, covering rising medication costs, or just enjoying retirement, unlocking cash can offer peace of mind.

The Risks to Consider

No financial product is risk-free. With equity-based strategies, some of the key risks include:

  • Reduced inheritance for heirs
  • Accrued interest on borrowed funds
  • The possibility of needing to sell the home in certain situations
  • Scams and predatory offers targeting seniors

Working with licensed professionals and understanding all the terms is crucial before moving forward. Before committing to any decision, seniors should consult trusted financial advisors, family members, or HUD-approved housing counselors.

Planning Ahead Makes the Difference

Many seniors only start looking at these options when in financial trouble. But planning opens more possibilities. If you wait until you’re already overwhelmed, your choices become limited.

By investigating this quiet strategy early—before it’s urgently needed—seniors can compare options calmly, ask the right questions, and choose what’s best for their goals.

Small Steps Can Lead to Big Relief

Taking control of home equity doesn’t have to be dramatic. It starts with learning what’s available and having honest conversations about needs and priorities. Seniors who feel financially stuck may be sitting on a powerful tool they didn’t know they had.

It’s not about chasing wealth. It’s about using existing assets in smart, sustainable ways.

Conclusion

For many older adults, financial stress doesn’t come from lavish spending—it comes from needing to cover the basics. Tapping into home equity through well-structured strategies gives them more flexibility and less worry. This quiet approach won’t be right for everyone. But for the right person, it can be the key to a more comfortable, independent retirement. It’s not flashy, but it works—and for thousands of seniors, that’s exactly what matters.