Spring is in the air, and I’m buzzing with excitement for new beginnings, emerging trends, and a lineup of thrilling books, shows, and music on the horizon. As I wave a loveless goodbye to winter, let’s gear up for a season brimming with hot new finds.
Watch
Ahead of the May 16 release of first part of the show’s third season, I’ve been enjoying a rewatch of Netflix’s Bridgerton. The Shonda Rhimes adaptation of the beloved book series has all the markers of a fan-favourite period piece: intricately decorated costumes, bold sideburns, and a mix of intrigue and dramatics.
Each season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling. Season one follows Daphne, the poised debutante, and her captivating romance with the Duke of Hastings. Season two follows Anthony and his slow-burn romance with the fierce Kate Sharma, and season three will follow Colin and Penelope, the much-anticipated friends-to-lovers story.
Read
In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, I started reading Love by Toni Morrison. After residing on my “to-read” list for many years, I’m pleasantly surprised by the story, which recounts the life of charismatic hotel owner Bill Cosey and the many women who have loved and fought over him over the course of his life. It’s a story of envy, bitterness, lust, comion, Black history, and familial ties.
Though it’s not the Valentine’s easy-read I hoped for, it’s undoubtedly a page-turner, demonstrating a nuanced, complex, and supernatural portrayal of love and relationships.
Listen
Following a long career of ghostwriting, British-Ghanian artist Raye is taking centre stage. Nominated for a whopping seven Brit Awards—setting a record for an artist in a single year—Raye’s 2023 album My 21st Century Blues features vocals reminiscent of Amy Winehouse with lyrics that are touching, painfully personal, and at times, political.
My personal favourite songs off the album are “Ice Cream Man” and the TikTok-viral “Escapism,” featuring 070 Shake. Raye’s formidable voice and emotive lyrics position her as an emerging star, destined to revolutionize the music scene in the coming years.
Wear
After the downfall of skinny jeans, I thought I’d never encounter a pair of tight-fitting pants outside the gym again. Now, in partial thanks to Zillenial it-girl Devon Lee Carlson, slim pants are undergoing a rebrand. Paired with a statement top and a kitten heel or cool sneaker, these sleek bottoms are making their way off the runways and ’90s Pinterest boards and into the closets of trend enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.
As temperatures rise, I foresee growing popularity for these pants as we shed layers of thermals and ski pants. They’re the perfect transitional pant and are ideal for the current season.
Visit
Kingston’s newest cafe has made quite a splash. On the corner of Princess St. and Sydenham St., Lay Low Cafe is an exciting new brunch, lunch, coffee, and cocktail spot. I went last November during their first week open, but am due for another visit soon.
The menu lives up to the expectations, featuring visually pleasing and equally delicious food that caters to all palates. The interior, adorned with sleek and cozy furniture, is a haven for Instagram fanatics, complete with a sizeable disco ball greeting patrons at the entrance.
I’m eager to return—there’s nothing quite like enjoying brunch with a refreshing mimosa.
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