Refinery29 is proud to partner with Audible, Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, to celebrate AAPI voices, stories, and authors — including Lily Chu who pens romantic comedies with strong Asian characters (her latest, Drop Dead, is exclusively available to stream on Audible). Here, in this personal essay, as told to Andrea Cheng, R29 Entertainment Director Melissah Yang shares how she knew when to reject the Hollywood rom-com blueprint and end a five-year-long relationship — and what she learned along the way.

The End Of Fairy Tales: Why I Left My 5-Year Relationship

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. With new products dropping seemingly every week, it’s no secret that Zara can be tricky to navigate. But with the popular brand’s autumn arrivals now on site, we simply can’t have you missing out on any gems. To save you some time — and to point you in the right direction for all your cold-weather must-haves — we scoured Zara’s new arrivals ourselves.

Zara’s Autumn Collection Is Full Of Trends: 24 Sweet Finds

It’s impossible to know what you’re getting into when you start watching a Julio Torres production. The Salvadoran writer and director has made a name for himself because of his ingenious, fantastic, and unpredictable narratives that elicit deep reflections about the real world. We see this in Problemista, where Torres tells a unique immigration story, bringing autobiographical touches that question the very existence of migration, challenge the dreams sold to immigrants, and expose the ridiculousness of human documentation. Acting opposite Tilda Swinton — who clearly delighted in entering the comedian’s quirky world of unusual characters — Torres’ Problemista teeters between U.S. society’s disdain for immigrants and his characters' wacky and fantastical reinterpretations of these realities.

Julio Torres’ Fantasmas Is A Queer Immigration Comedy Questioning US Society

rolling out

There’s something uniquely magical about the early morning hours, a time when the world is quiet, and everything feels fresh and new. For many couples, these serene moments provide the perfect opportunity to connect intimately and enjoy each other’s presence. Morning romance, whether it’s a gentle cuddle, an exchange of loving words or something more, often sets the tone for the rest of the day. But why do so many couples find themselves drawn to these tender moments as soon as they wake up?

Why couples enjoy romance early in the morning

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K.D. Lewis

Navigating a relationship with a narcissist can feel like walking a tightrope. Their charm and charisma often mask deeper issues, making it challenging to discern when it's time to step off the wire.

When to Walk Away from a Narcissist You Are in Love With

Sag Harbor, NY

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NewsNinja

Justin Timberlake had a pricey wristwatch, a vape pen, and over $300 in cash on him when he was arrested on DWI charges on eastern Long Island in June. Law enforcement officers discovered the singer, 43, holding a vape device, a Rolex watch, a gold band, and a wallet containing $306 in bills when he was arrested in Sag Harbor on June 18, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Justin Timberlake had a vape pen, Rolex, and $306 cash at the time of his DWI arrest: police report

Milwaukee, WI

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar. Today: a data analyst who makes $85,000 per year and spends some...

A Week In Milwaukee On A $85,000 Salary

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last penny. This week: "I’m a 46-year-old living in London and working in publishing....

Money Diary: A Senior International Sales Manager On £51,750

Venus in Libra is here to get the end-of-season party started! The moment Venus enters Libra on August 29, there will be a vibe shift that feels like a breath of fresh air. Venus in Libra is giving TLC and good energy regarding heart matters. For the first time in a while, we’ll feel like we can be ourselves and embrace our partners for who they are without judgment. This is an ideal time to lean into love. It’s one of the best moments of the year because we'll be able to express how we feel to those we care about. We can move towards our passions in a chill way, enabling us to connect nicely with the people we adore.

Venus Is In Libra — Get Ready For A Vibe Shift

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. After months of flaunting skin in summer’s flowy, airy, and barely-there dress styles, fall is swiftly approaching, bringing with it the joy of slipping into something a little more substantial. The new season offers a playful mix of polish and edge that’ll have you trading in your sundresses faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.” Whether you’re ready to channel some nostalgic femininity or go bold with ultra-refined silhouettes, the best fall 2024 dress trends are here to banish wardrobe boredom.

13 Dress Trends That Will Turn Heads This Fall

Congratulations! We are almost done with an extremely intense astrological season. The last month of summer is entering its “demure phase” as Virgo season commences. From 22nd August to 22nd September, we’re here for positive vibes only (especially as Mercury retrograde comes to an end, too). As...

Very Demure, Very Mindful: Virgo Season Is Here

Los Angeles County, CA

Herbie J Pilato

Actor Van Johnson, who died in 2007, was one of Hollywood's ideal films idols. In the 1940s, the charming screen icon was box office gold, and remained a popular presence on TV in shows like Murder, She Wrote (which starred his good friend Angela Lansbury).

The Secret Gay Life & Horrific Car Accident of Actor Van Johnson: 16 Years After His Tragic Death

Las Vegas, NV

By now, you’ve probably read that Dearica Hamby, a three-time WNBA All-Star, has filed a lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces (formerly the San Antonio Stars) for discrimination and retaliation following the circumstances surrounding her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks. Hamby maintains that she was exiled after having experienced mistreatment at the hands of team leadership. On the surface, this may seem like a petty dispute between a player and her former employers, but this case goes beyond a simple disagreement. Dearica Hamby vs. the WNBA is unveiling the alleged underbelly of a league that seems to have little interest in protecting its pregnant players.

Dearica Hamby & The Price of Pregnancy In the WNBA

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Earlier this month, Meghan Markle showed off the power of a crisp, white shirt during a trip to Colombia. The top in question was from Mango, the Spanish retailer known for its ultra-trendy and versatile pieces. The high street mainstay has gotten loads of buzz lately thanks to designer collaborations with Victoria Beckham and Turkish brand Siedrés, and celebrity backers like Gigi Hadid and now Markle. Just in time for some fall outfit inspiration, Mango’s newest collection has just dropped.

Mango’s Fall Collection Just Dropped — These Are Our Top Picks

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Free People may be best known for conquering the easy, breezy boho glam corner of the market and upgrading our gym kits, but did you know that the brand also has a stellar denim line-up? Sitting underneath Free People’s own We The Free line, they’ve covered all bases — from tried-and-true straight-leg cuts and classic indigo blue washes, to statement silhouettes and unique colourways. Most notably, just this year alone they’ve popularized the ever-divisive ‘barrel’ or ‘horseshoe’ silhouette, the tapered, paper bag style Lotus jean, and airy, so-wide-leg-it's-almost-a-skirt Dawn On Me jeans. Even better, they’re offering designer denim quality but not at designer denim prices: Pretty much all their offerings are under £150.

Wide-Leg, Flare, Barrel & More — Free People’s Denim Collection Has It All

Plymouth, MA

Dianna Carney

The Plymouth Public Library Foundation has announced the return of its Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, a two-day celebration that promises to be a highlight of the summer season. Set to take place on the scenic Plymouth Public Library Lawn, the festival will run from 10 AM to 4 PM on both Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th. This family-friendly event is designed to offer something for everyone, making it a perfect outing for people of all ages.

50+ Artisans, Food Trucks & More: Get Ready For The 5th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

It’s absolutely tragic just how cruel some people can be to dogs and not feel any remorse for causing them pain. The worst kind of treatment is usually in some form of abuse or neglect, where the pup will suffer a lot at the hands of someone who was supposed to care for them.

After Spending Her Life Locked Up In A Cage, This Dog Finally Learns What Love Is

Smyrna, GA

A mother plays a crucial role in the life of every puppy. Her nurturing love helps the fragile little furballs grow into healthy and happy canines. A little furbaby named Moonshine longed to curl up in her mother’s embrace and soak up all her love, but sadly, she experienced the ultimate heartbreak.

Sweet Little Puppy Rejected By Her Mom Because She Was Born With Deformity Finds Unconditional Love

Los Angeles, CA

Adam Rich was born on October 12, 1968, lived a troubled life, and died on January 7, 2023, at only 54 years old. This is his story. He lived in the Granada Hills area of Los Angeles with his parents and younger brother. The Rich family resided for a time in Florida where Adam studied acting at the local gym.

A Look Back at the Tragic Life and Death of Former Child Star Adam Rich (TV's 'Eight is Enough')

J. Souza

Tipping on cruise ships is always a controversial topic. Some cruise passengers believe that tipping should be a personal choice, and others argue that automatic tipping policies are necessary to ensure fair compensation for crew members.

Carnival Responds to Cruise Passenger Wanting to Remove All Tips from Bill

NewsBreak

I Got Rid Of My “Perfect Boyfriend” Checklist — & Found The Perfect Love For Me

Refinery29 is proud to partner with Audible, Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, to celebrate AAPI voices, stories, and authors — including...

I Got Rid Of My “Perfect Boyfriend” Checklist — & Found The Perfect Love For Me

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