The return of the wedge.

JUNE 8, 2026

INSIDE: Gummy Benefits, Friendship Recessions, and Wedged Comebacks.

TODAY I WILL:

Not rush what deserves patience.

From family myths to frosting discourse, we’re looking beyond the surface.

• The “traditional family” is more complicated than the myth.

• The happiest trend on TikTok might be a cake. 

• The Kelce brothers are adding “authors” to their résumés.

• A breakthrough in skin cancer treatment could be on the horizon.

• These beauty looks are giving character development.

A Little Chew, A Little Boost

It turns out that stick of sugar-free mint might be doing more than freshening your breath. Researchers reviewing 32 neuroimaging studies found that chewing gum is associated with increased activity in brain regions linked to attention, movement, and sensory processing. Another review of workplace and cognitive performance studies found that gum chewing may support focus, alertness, mood, and overall well-being.

Not exactly a substitute for sleep, hydration, or your morning coffee—but if you need a quick reset between meetings, a piece of gum might be a surprisingly useful tool. Plus, your dentist will be happy when you choose sugar-free gum because it can help support oral health by stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. 

Try this today: Before your next focused work session, pop in a piece of sugar-free gum and notice how you feel. Are you more alert? Less distracted? Consider it a tiny experiment in boosting your brainpower.

Friendship Is in Recession

Making friends as an adult was never supposed to feel this complicated, yet here we are. Between demanding jobs, family responsibilities, endless group chats, and calendars booked weeks in advance, maintaining friendships can start to feel like another item on the to-do list. What once happened naturally through school, college, or shared routines now requires planning, coordination, and sometimes a surprising amount of effort.

Part of the challenge is that adulthood scatters people in different directions. Friends move, change careers, start families, or settle into routines that don't always overlap. Even when the desire to connect is there, finding the time can feel impossible. It's no surprise that many people report feeling lonelier than they expected, despite being more digitally connected than ever.

The good news? Most friendships don't need grand gestures to survive. A quick voice note, a standing monthly coffee date, or sending someone a meme that made you think of them can go a long way. In an era of packed schedules and constant distractions, friendship isn't necessarily about the quantity of time; it's about consistency. Sometimes the strongest relationships are built through small moments that happen again and again.

Try this: Reach out to one friend you've been meaning to text and skip the "we should catch up sometime" message. Suggest a specific day, time, or plan instead.

The Wedge Is Back… and We Love It

We know wedges can be controversial, but there’s no debate: They’re back. You can thank Chloé for the resurgence, which can be traced back to when several front-row attendees wore the same wedge sandals to the AW24 show. And the wedge craze has spread; Celine, Maison Margiela, and BOSS have since all put wedges on the catwalk. The comeback sits comfortably among other rehabilitated trends like cargo pants, baggy denim, and tiny sunglasses. And much like the others, the silhouette has been modernized—so we’re trading cork soles for supple suedes, colorful leathers, and shiny PVC. 

Our take? If you want to try wedges out (again), go for thong wedges in minimal finishes or mule silhouettes that give ‘90s, but elevated. Rather than the chunkier iterations of the aughts, more angular and skinnier designs are reigning supreme.

EYEING:  This fish bag, this statement beach top, and these linen pants.