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Stock photo via Deposit Photos / littleny.

I just saw a story on MSN summarizing a woman’s TikTok about how her “hobbies” are essentially lying in bed watching TikTok videos. But it got me thinking — I’ve seen so many things over the years about how you should “choose” your hobbies. One to keep you active! One to keep you social! One to blah blah blah! So here’s today’s question — do you “choose” your hobbies according to some guideline? Do you feel more encouraged to pursue specific hobbies over others? Would you consider “lying in bed” a hobby?

We’ve talked about hobbies before, from the difference between relaxation vs procrastination, to how to find fulfilling hobbies, to how to use hobbies to build your network. We’ve also had discussions on more specific hobbies like hiking, gardening (with plants!!), writing a novel, and more.

For my own $.02, I feel like there’s been a change recently, but maybe it’s just what the algorithm feeds me. It feels like maybe 5-10 years ago meditation and mindfulness were getting a lot of emphasis — and I’m not seeing a lot of it now. I recently saw a coloring book I’d bought for myself a few years ago and couldn’t imagine sitting down to take the time to do it. If I were waiting for something without WiFi then, hey, sure, but actually carving time out of my day to do it seems like a lot.

I’ve seen funny social media posts about how millenials/GenXers are all randomly picking up the same few hobbies, from bird watching to gardening to barre. So maybe that’s why the algorithm has stopped showing me mindfulness posts – I’ve been assigned gardening. (With flowers.) (ONLY on this blog do I have to clarify that, haha.) Much to my surprise, I can spend hours outside without so much as an audiobook to keep me company — I’m not sure it fits as a “mindfulness” exercise but it’s interesting that it’s definitely a time when only one mental tab is open for me. I didn’t choose this hobby with any intentionality — I started seeing Facebook posts about winter sowing, then seed starting, then natives, and I enjoy the consumerist aspects of it (a seed packet is usually under $5 so clearly I need 15 different types!). I also enjoy trying new things, as I’ve been wildly unfamiliar with flowers for most of my life — until recently I could not have told you what flowers were in my wedding bouquet — so seeing flowers I’ve never seen before has a fun discovery aspect for me. Oh, and the spreadsheets — you’d be surprised how many flower friends I have who are as obsessed with spreadsheets as I am, all for our flowers. (When did they germinate? When did they grow their first set of leaves? When did they bloom? How did different varieties of the same flower differ in all of those metrics?) As my husband always jokes, he did not have “Kat turns into a gardener” on his bingo card.

(Again: for plants!!)

Readers, how about you — how do you choose your hobbies? Do you feel pressure to choose hobbies? Are you leaning into ones that feel “healthier” than others, or seeking out hobbies that check certain boxes?

Few artists can redefine the pulse of pop music like Madonna, and her latest release signals exactly that kind of shift. With  Confessions II, she leans into rhythm-heavy production while revealing a more introspective side rarely seen at this scale. Created alongside Stuart Price, the album bridges nostalgia with forward-thinking soundscapes. Beneath its club-ready beats lies a deeper emotional core that adds new dimension to her artistry. It’s a project that doesn’t just revisit the past – it reshapes it for a new era of listeners.

After a seven-year hiatus from releasing an album, Madonna is finally making her grand return. The Queen of Pop unveils the very house-influenced Confessions II this Friday, July 3, 2026 , a follow-up to the phenomenal Confessions on a Dance Floor , released in 2005. We listened to it in Paris with her producer, Stuart Price. Here’s our verdict.

On June 24, 2026, in the middle of a heatwave (it was nearly 40 degrees in the French capital), we were invited to a highly confidential and very private event: the listening of Madonna ‘s new album , Confessions II , which is released this Friday, July 3, 2026. And not only were we able to listen to the long-awaited opus – seven years after Madame X – in advance, but in addition, we were (along with about thirty journalists), in the presence of Stuart Price , the British producer behind the cult classic Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005).

Confessions II , the highly anticipated new album from superstar Madonna

This album by Madonna of pop won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album, sold 10 million copies, and includes the hits “Jump” and “Hung Up .” And this brand new album, once again conceived with Stuart Price, is a continuation of that success.

While we were settled in – without phones or computers, but with speakers blasting the sound – at the Artistic Palace , a studio located on Boulevard Ney in Paris ‘s 18th arrondissement , the artist told us about the making of this unreleased album, teased by several singles in recent months and a stunning music video of over thirteen minutes. “  Madonna wanted a continuum between the songs, the videos, the images, and the performances,” explains the artist, also known as Jacques Lu Cont. “ Then we had to adapt this concept for streaming .”

Madonna for the album Confessions II (2026) . © Alex Antonioni.

A new album produced by Stuart Price, the architect of Confessions on a Dance Floor

Stuart Price, known for projects like  Les Rythmes Digitales and Zoot Woman, recounts that initially, he didn’t know this album, recorded in London between 2024 and 2025, would be a direct follow-up to Confessions on a Dance Floor , until  Madonna  posted the title on Instagram. This album was born from their collaboration on the superstar’s last tour (the producer even says he doesn’t think this album would have existed without the Celebration Tour (2023-2024) because it had been a long time since they had worked together).

As for their sound (deep house/ house /disco/ pop / dance /techno/electro/trip-hop), it stems from their shared love of house music and club culture. “ Detroit and Chicago house music is one of our biggest commonalities. Except Madonna, she was really into the clubs back then (laughs). Not me. She was turned away by a bouncer at the entrance of the New York nightclub Dancetaria (which gave its name to a track on the album where she lists all the people she met there) before becoming one of its icons .”

Madonna wearing Messika jewelry at the Saint Laurent men’s spring-summer 2027 show. © Getty Images / Messika.

An album tailor-made for the dancefloor

Initially, the singer wanted to record an album entirely dedicated to the dance floor . But as the recording progressed, little changed. Stuart Price explains: “ Madonna  wanted to make a dance album. But in the meantime, life happened. She lost her brother, Christopher Ciccone, and her stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone. It’s an album about the power of vulnerability. For someone known for her strength and hard work, it’s all the more powerful. ”

While Madonna and Stuart Price weren’t aiming to recreate Hung Up II, the album features numerous hits, including the irresistible “Good for the Soul” and “One Step Away .” It also contains many sonic allusions to different periods in the diva’s career, notably the Erotica era and the Bedtime Stories era . Confession II is packed with dancefloor anthems, but the lyrics are intimate and profound. Some tracks are quite melancholic, such as ” Fragile” and “Bizarre .” There’s also a song written with her daughter, Lourdes Leon ( “The Test “), and what sounds like an evocation of her tumultuous relationship with Sean Penn.

Madonna – Confessions II – The Film (2026).

The power of vulnerability

“ Madonna ’s music has always been a mirror of society,” notes Stuart Price . “She expresses her ideas and deep feelings through music, often blending joy and sadness. And I find it very powerful that someone so well known for her strength and work ethic (she worked even harder than I did on this album. She listened to it even more often to refine every detail) shows her vulnerabilities so openly. This album speaks to the power of vulnerability. ”

On this album, the star addresses her relationship with her younger brother, who passed away in 2024, and her vision of love. She also discusses her image and the prejudices surrounding her. “When I asked Madonna what the biggest misconception about her was, she told me about her controversial and scandalous side. She never sought to shock and never used controversy as a marketing strategy. She simply wanted to push boundaries to move things forward and change mindsets. That’s what the song ‘ My Sins Are My Savior’ is about. ”

The star seems to be addressing the blasphemy accusations leveled by the Vatican after the release of her music video ” Like a Prayer . ” “I wasn’t lost, just broken,” the star sings on this track, which could be translated as: ” My sins are my saviors . “

Madonna for Confessions II (2026). © Rafael Pavarotti.

Sabrina Carpenter and Stromae, special guests on the album

On this track, you can hear the voice of Stromae , a singer Madonna is a fan of, according to the producer. “ He’s supposed to be a reclusive genius, but he showed great generosity by coming to London to record this track,” recalls Stuart Price . “And he didn’t just translate his part and sing it, he embellished and transcended it. ”

Another prestigious guest? Sabrina Carpenter : “ Sabrina and Madonna have been exchanging messages on Instagram for a long time. There’s a mutual respect between them. ‘Bring Your Love’ is a somewhat hard-hitting track for which Sabrina was perfect. Their meeting at Coachella was magical, as was the chemistry between them when Sabrina entered the studio. And besides, it’s a way for Madonna to reach a new audience. ”

With Confessions II , which, despite its unevenness, remains Madonna’s best album in twenty years, the star, who already counts FKA twigs and Addison Rae among her successors, is sure to inspire a new generation. And she proves that at 67, there’s no shame in shaking your booty in a corset on the dance floor…

Madonna’s Confessions II (2026) is available.

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The wait is over for the wedding of the century. On July 3, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce officially tied the knot in a dazzling ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Putting an end to months of speculation, the bride stunned in a bespoke gown, marking her first-ever custom Dior creation. With Kelce perfectly coordinated in a custom Dior suit, the pair looked every bit the iconic Mr. and Mrs. Americana.

It’s a love story, baby, and Taylor Swift said yes…to the dress.

On July 3, Swift wed Travis Kelce in a sprawling ceremony on the Madison Square Garden arena floor. Since the pair announced their engagement in August 2025, the question of what Swift would wear for her nuptials has inspired much debate. There were many viable contenders; as a longtime lover of a corset, would she become a classic Vivienne Westwood bride? Or, would she opt for designers she often turns to, like Stella McCartney or Oscar de la Renta? Of course, her choice would have to match the glittering spectacle that is her brilliant-cut old mine diamond engagement ring.

While Anderson’s work is a hot commodity among the celebrity set, this is Swift’s first foray into custom Dior. That said, the singer may have offered fans an Easter egg back in April, when she carried Anderson’s yellow limited-edition mini Lady Dior bag on a night out. While Swift has many a Dior bag in her repertoire, the sunny structured purse, embellished with flowers and a bee, was one of Anderson’s first personality-packed offerings at the house.

Kelce – a card-carrying lover of streetwear, Fear of God, and the “new in” section of sense—coordinated with his bride in a custom Dior suit and custom Louboutins.

It’s safe to say Mr. and Mrs. Americana got off on the right foot.

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

I know, I know, this dress from Banana Republic is a lot of look, but I saw it in person recently and I can’t stop thinking about it, so here we are. Is a barrel shirtdress going to be appropriate for every office? Probably not. But if this is your vibe, it’s so, so good. The green color is so vibrant and the cut is so perfect. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’re going to love it.

The dress is $180 at Banana Republic and comes in sizes XS-XL. It also comes in navy. 

Sales of note for 7/11:

• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Extra 30% off semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• Brooks Brothers – Up to 40% off sitewide + 40% off 3+ items
• Cuyana – Archive sale, up to 60% off
• Evereve – Extra 30% off sale!
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 30% off sale
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 50% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Strathberry – Up to 30% off select styles
• Talbots – 40% off your entire purchase + extra 15% off markdowns

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Ooh, I love the vintage vibe to this block heeled sandal from Vionic. Readers turned me on to this brand as a comfort powerhouse — they really are excellent for fussy feet. Sandals aren’t appropriate at every office, but if they are for yours I can see this being a nice version to wear with a dress, cropped pants, or more.

(There’s actually an old rule that a sandal is more appropriate for work if there is more sandal than foot — thoughts? I think this one fits the bill, but I suppose it depends what you’re comparing it to!)

The shoe is part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which means that the current price is $69, but after the sale the price will go back up to $165. It’s available in four colors, sizes 5-13. (You can also find the sandal full price at Vionic.com.)

Sales of note for 7/11:

• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Extra 30% off semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• Brooks Brothers – Up to 40% off sitewide + 40% off 3+ items
• Cuyana – Archive sale, up to 60% off
• Evereve – Extra 30% off sale!
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 30% off sale
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 50% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Strathberry – Up to 30% off select styles
• Talbots – 40% off your entire purchase + extra 15% off markdowns

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I thought I’d take a swing through the just-opened Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to see some reader favorite brands and what’s in there… what are you most excited about for the sale? Did I miss any of your favorite brands?

(Do note that I’ll be going back through the sale for all of those great budget finds from brands like Nordstrom, Halogen, Vince Camuto, CeCe, Maggy London, Eliza J, Sam Edelman, Blondo, and Marc Fisher LTD – they tend to have a lot more stock than the more expensive brands, so there usually isn’t any rush on them.)

If you’re not familiar with the NAS, the idea is that new fall merchandise is marked down for a limited time to celebrate Nordstrom’s anniversary. The sale just opened to select cardholders, but the preview is available to all, and you can add items to your wishlist. Everyone can shop the sale July 18, but if you’re a Nordstrom card holder you can shop the sale earlier; if you sign in to Nordstrom it’ll say at the top of the screen when you can start).

1. Use your wishlist. The easiest thing to do when the sale opens for you is to go to your wishlist and add your favorites to your cart. It allows you to check out very quickly, which can be an advantage if you’re worried something is going to sell out.
2. Set it as your Personal Points day, so you’re getting extra points on everything you purchase.
3. YMMV, but once I’ve done those two things I tend to go back through the sale more leisurely; I might make several purchases on my Personal Points day to take advantage of that, but considering NAS has free shipping in general there’s no need to build a minimum order. (And maybe it’s just my experience but things seem to come in boxes as they choose to send them, so it isn’t like you’re saving shipping/packaging costs/efforts/materials.)

The Basics to Stock Up On

Of course some of the biggest things people do in the NAS each year is stock up on basics or refresh the things they buy every year… take a look through these reader favorites for stocking up. (All links go to JUST what’s available from each brand in the NAS).

• Lingerie from Natori, Hanky Panky, Commando, Wacoal, Simone Perele, True & Co, Elomi, Evelyn & Bobbi (personally I love this brand!)
• Athletic/loungewear from Zella, Beyond Yoga, Vuori, Spanx, Adidas, Marine Layer, Varley, Barefoot Dreams, UGG, Veja, Free People, as well as skiwear from Kari Traa
• Denim from brands like MOTHER, AG, Paige, Frame as well as reader favorites like Kut from the Kloth, Wit & Wisdom, and Madewell
• Great beauty deals from NARS, Dyson, Clinique, Lancome, Chantecaille, La Mer, Jo Malone, Alterna — also several electronic face masks!
• Classic, comfortable shoes from Stuart Weitzman, Aquatalia, Paul Green, and Tory Burch
• Quality winter coats from Fleurette and luggage from TUMI and TravelPro
• Socks from Bombas and jewelry boxes from WOLF

Reader Favorite Brands in the Sale (My Notes & Faves)

Veronica Beard

The NAS is a great time to treat yourself to another dickey coat from Veronica Beard, and I like this classic tweed number — it’s timeless but also on trend. I’m in love with a lot of their pine green collection, including this delicate cardigan. And these heels look fab if you like a 2.5″ heel (my favorite height, tbh). See more Veronica Beard choices in the NAS here…

Vince

I’m not a big fan of brown in general, but this chocolate brown looks so rich. The coat will be $698 after the sale, but is marked to $460 currently. It also comes in a pretty beige and basic black in sizes XXS-XXL. I really like Vince knits also and there are a lot of great basic options in the sale; this sweater jacket is also unusual and stylish. See more choices from Vince in the NAS here…

Boss

This “rhododendron” tweed jacket looks great for pairing with browns, camels, and burgundies this fall — I can see this being a fun oversized look with a column of color beneath it. The jacket is $433 now, but will be $649 after the sale ends. See the other options from Boss in the NAS here…

Theory

This sweet pink jacket is my favorite of Theory’s offerings, I think, but I like a lot of their dress and top in the floral print too, and it’s nice to see one of their main basic pair of pants in the sale. See all the other options from Theory in the NAS sale, here…

Reiss

Yes, another checkered blazer! ‘Tis the season, clearly. Their selection of winter coats and date night dresses and tops is lovely, and they have some nice basic pants and pumps in the sale. Personally I love everything in this dark teal color. See all the other options from Reiss in the NAS sale, here…

L’Agence

Ooh, there are a lot of nice options from L’Agence in the sale; I think this pinky burgundy blazer is one of my top favorites. (This cardigan definitely is not for everyone, but I love it — olive is so versatile!) They also have some great silk blouses, as usual, as well as this chic peplum leather jacket. See all the other options from L’Agence in the NAS sale, here…

SANTORELLI

Santorelli is a relatively new name to me, but I adore this green suit! It’s a small collection but actually some of the best workwear in the sale — there’s another basic black suit, some pretty silk dresses and blouses, and some flippy skirts and dresses. See all the other options from Santorelli in the NAS sale, here…

St. John

I can’t remember being this excited about St. John’s offerings in a while. They definitely have some of the best classic workwear in the sale, with nice suits, skirts, and sweater jackets that look great. This unusual wool cardigan caught my eye. (Not my colors, but I love this sweater jacket too!) See all the other options from St. John in the NAS sale, here…

Margaux

Classic shoes are a little bit like classic pants: they don’t really look exciting on a screen. So I’m going to bypass most of them for this roundup (but I will say that if you’re looking for classic, basic shoes then definitely check out the offerings from Stuart Weitzman, Aquatalia, Paul Green, and Tory Burch.) Margaux’s offerings are a bit different — I’m excited about several of them, from these low heeled boots to the pictured loafers to these cute slingbacks. Lots of great options, including tights. See all the other options from Margaux in the NAS sale, here…

AllSaints

This AllSaints dress is my favorite, but they have a lot of good things to choose from, including their best-selling leather jacket (down to $350!), some great knits, and a lot of other fun outfits with a bit of a tough girl edge. As for this dress, it does have a dressy feel to it, so I think it’s a bit more than a regular workday dress — but I’d absolutely wear this for a presentation (if you know it works with whatever your microphone situation) or for other big days where you’re the main character. See all the other options from AllSaints in the NAS sale, here…

Staud

This navy and orange dress is so unusual, I love it! Know your office — I think it’s better for the weekend or date night instead of work, but I might try it with a black turtleneck on top for work so just the skirt peeks out, or with a buttoned-up cardigan on top. Their best-selling, walkable Wally heel is represented well in the sale also. See all the other options from Staud in the NAS sale, here…

FARM Rio

Most of the FARM Rio offerings are better for the weekend than work, as you would expect from such a boho brand (LOVE this sexy peasant top!) but this stained glass cardigan is stunning — I love how unusual it is. You can wear it to work buttoned up like a sweater tee, or worn open over a column of color – I could see it being great with white, cream or black. If you have anything orange in your closet, try it with the sweater to pick up the tiny hints of orange. It’s $138 during the sale, but will be $199 after. See all the other options from FARM Rio in the NAS sale, here…

Lafayette 148 New York

I normally check Lafayette 148 New York for the pants, and they have those also — but they’ve got a lot of great jackets and knits this season, including this sleek leather jacket. (These pants have also been reader favorites for years!) See all the other options from Lafayette 148 New York in the NAS sale, here…

Rag & Bone

There is a lot of weekend stuff from Rag & Bone this year, alas, but I do like this shrunken blazer (very similar to their Slade blazers, but named differently). See all the other options from Rag & Bone in the NAS sale, here…

Seasalt Cornwall

I nearly put Seasalt Cornwall at the top lists because they’re a bit of a known quantity – they have like 4 different rain coats in the sale but they all look a bit similar. But they’re all in really fun colors, and I think they might be some of the first to start flying off the shelves — inventory is already a bit down and it’s only the first day of the sale. So if you’re in need of a new rain coat, give them a look. See all the other options from Seasalt Cornwall in the NAS sale, here…

Other Noteworthy Brands In the Sale

Readers, what are your favorite things to buy in the sale to stock up on? Which brands are you checking out first?