READ: Betsey. A Memoir by Betsey Johnson
“Mention the name “Betsey Johnson” and almost every woman from the age of 15 to 75 can rapturously recall a favorite dress or outfit; whether worn for a prom, a wedding, or just to stand out from the crowd in a colorful way.”
What do you think of when you hear the name Betsey Johnson? For me it is the hot pink cheetah print dress that I found in a thrift shop freshman year, which has become one of my most prized possessions.
Throughout her decades-long career, Betsey Johnson has taken pride in producing fun but rule-breaking clothing that is accessible. Her memoir takes you back to her white picket fence childhood in Connecticut and delves into what it took to become an internationally known force and style icon in such a competitive business.
The book features Betsey’s candid memories of the fashion and downtown scene in the 60s and how she started her own business from the ground up after designing successfully for multiple other companies. She talks about business ups and downs and reinventions (including bankruptcy), and her thoughts on body image, love, divorce, men, her bout with breast cancer, and motherhood.
Betsey Johnson has had an interesting life and this memoir is a fun read, especially if you love her creativity and style.
Get it here or at your local library!
WATCH: Brand New Cherry Flavor
This isn’t your average revenge flick. Think more horror on acid. Based on Todd Grimson’s 1996 cult horror novel, Brand New Cherry Flavor, this miniseries is about a filmmaker that heads to Hollywood in the early ‘90s to make her movie but tumbles down a hallucinatory rabbit hole of sex, magic, revenge – and kittens. The new limited series stars Rosa Salazar, Catherine Keener, Eric Lange, Jeff Ward and Manny Jacinto. All 8 episodes are out, so you can binge it right now.
Watch on Netflix
LISTEN: How to Save a Planet Podcast
Climate anxiety is real. Does it freak you out as much as it freaks us out? Well, here is a podcast to calm your nerves and that will dive into what we, collectively, can do for our future.
How to Save a Planet is a podcast that asks the big questions: what do we need to do to solve the climate crisis, and how do we get it done? Hosted by journalist Alex Blumberg and scientist and policy nerd Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, together they scour the Earth for solutions, talk to people who are making a difference, ask hard questions, crack dumb jokes and — episode by episode — figure out how to build the future we want.
Check out their Calls to Action archive for all of the actions they have recommended on the show and find them on Twitter and Instagram.
Listen on Spotify