SEP 4, 2026

INSIDE: National Parks, Labor Day, and TBR Upgrades.

TODAY I WILL:

Choose peace over proving a point.

Never underestimate a good comeback—or a really good tote.

• DollyFest is officially on the way.

• Retinol, but make it lunch.

• Gap is coming for your handbag rotation.

• Alex Eala is serving up tennis history.

• The secret world of celebrity ghostwriters is facing an AI shake-up.

On the Road Again

If you’ve been bitten by the nature bug (no, we don’t mean ticks), you’re in good company. In celebration of the National Park Service’s 110th birthday, Google and the NPS launched United Parks of America, a digital hub with virtual tours and panoramic images of the parks. And the timing couldn’t be better. “Hiking safety tips” is up 185% over the past month, “hiking for beginners” is up 165%, and interest in road trip planning has climbed 190%, with Zion leading hiking-related searches nationwide and Yellowstone topping the list as the most-searched park. 

Luckily for those of us hearing the call of the wild, being in nature has serious health benefits. A study out of Stanford found that people who walked 90 minutes in a natural setting showed reduced activity in the part of the brain tied to rumination (compared to those who walked in a high-traffic urban area). The NPS itself notes that time outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lower depression risk—and that’s not even getting into the physical benefits. 

Try this today: So if your Google searches are full of queries like “beginner hiking shoes,” or “best hiking trails near me,” consider this your nudge to start planning that road trip. Just remember to break your shoes in first, pack sunscreen and bug spray, and soak in all the benefits.

Long Weekend, Long Receipt

Labor Day sales are officially in full swing, and this is one of those weekends where waiting for the markdown actually pays off. Whether you’re thinking about fall denim, new workwear, a beauty restock, or something fun for the new season, here are the sales worth opening a tab for:

• REVOLVE: Fall pieces are already making their way into the sale section, from suede jackets and transitional layers to elevated basics. If your fall mood board is already fully formed, start here. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• MADEWELL: Consider this your excuse to deal with the denim situation before fall actually arrives. Madewell’s Labor Day event includes up to 50% off, with jeans, layering pieces, and easy accessories all in the mix. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• BANANA REPUBLIC: Your work wardrobe called. Shop up to 40% off polished staples like knitwear, trousers, and transitional shoes that’ll make getting dressed this fall a little easier. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• AMAZON: Come for the random household restock, stay for the fall fashion finds. The Shop by Shopbop has select styles up to 40% off, including easy tees, denim, and other wear-on-repeat basics. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• NORDSTROM: With its end-of-season sale offering up to 60% off across categories, Nordstrom is worth a scroll for everything from designer finds to shoes and denim. Don’t skip the beauty section either, where products are up to 55% off. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• ULTA BEAUTY: Your sign to restock the products you’re currently squeezing the last drop out of. Shop up to 50% off select beauty, including makeup, skincare, hair care, and more. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• REFORMATION: If you’ve had a Reformation piece sitting in your cart, now might be the time. The sale section has markdowns up to 70% off on slip dresses, layering basics, accessories, and plenty of pieces that work well into fall. (Shop our editors' pick.)

• GAP: Stock-up territory. With up to 50% off knitwear, denim, outerwear, and other seasonal basics, this is an especially good stop if your fall wardrobe could use a few fresh building blocks. (Shop our editors' pick.)

Our advice? Before paying full price for anything on your fal