Cleanse The Timeline

The “Vanilla Girl Aesthetic” is TikTok’s Latest Popular — And Exclusionary — Fashion Trend
Dressed only in neutral tones like white, beige, or a very light brown, she might favor a loose comfy knit sweater over leggings with short Uggs.

Tom Brady Faces The Classic Dilemma Of The Overachieving Athlete
For a high-performing athlete, the decision of when to call it quits is fraught: Would you rather go out on top, or go out knowing you have nothing left to give?

"The Widow’s Children" Is A Masterclass In Compression
What’s most remarkable about this novel is how many perspectives Paula Fox inhabits seamlessly.

"Micro-Influencers" Are Embracing Their Smaller, Engaged Audiences
Anna Jane Wisniewski is one of the many longtime content creators embracing their smaller but engaged audience — despite an industry that, she says, can place pressure on them to grow, grow, grow.

Meet RAYE, The New Patron Saint Of Sad Girl Dance Songs
You’ve probably heard "Escapism" on one of the million TikToks that have used it as a sound.

I'm Wondering If I Should Withdraw From My Sad 401(k) And Pay Off My Debt
It can feel so silly to try to save for the distant future in times like this, but everyone tells you to never touch your retirement savings.

J.Lo's Song About Ben Affleck Is Cringe
“I love you, you're perfect / A manifestation of my dreams.”

Newsletters
The latest and greatest of BuzzFeed News delivered right to your inbox.

The Most Unexpected, Endearing Thing About LeBron James
A list of his suspected fibs has been making the rounds throughout the NBA fan community for more than a year.

Justice for Carly Rae Jepsen in a Taylor Swift Press Cycle
The pop girlies have given us a lot to think about this week.

I, A Golden State Warriors Fan, Am Concerned
Draymond Green and Jordan Poole have a whole season of plane flights, bus rides, locker rooms, and practices ahead of them — and feelings don’t just go away.

I'm Just Not Sure Why Tristan Thompson Would Do That
I don’t know why I’m so consistently surprised by the failures of men in their early-to-mid-30s, but here I am, gagged every time.

Ben Affleck Had A Lot To Say About J.Lo At Their Wedding
According to someone who attended the wedding, he had quite a lot to say.

Some Stuff You Could Do On Labor Day Weekend
In case you're craving cultural fare for the holiday.

I Hate Summer
You want me to sit on a patio and look attractive while sweat pools at the top of my buttcrack? Please be reasonable.

Are You Sick Of Beyoncé Content? Well I'm Sorry To Disappoint You...
Beyoncé manages to reference Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” in a way that’s actually sexy.

Barbiecore Is The Antidote To The “Not Like The Other Girls” Epidemic
Come on, Barbie, let's go party!

Doctors And Nurses Are Being Called Out For Being Cringe On TikTok, And TBH, They Deserve It
When it comes to clout chasing, it turns out that doctors and nurses are just like us.

Beyoncé Has Good Timing
Her new song, "Break My Soul," comes at just the right time.

Unfortunately, Piers Morgan Is Tweeting About Meghan Markle Again
Noted large adult son Morgan spent much of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee gnashing his teeth at the sight of Markle.

I Am Obsessed With The Reason David Fincher Cast Ben Affleck In “Gone Girl”
In this edition of Cleanse the Timeline, a powerful book about identity politics, the stan account at the center of a celebrity breakup, and Ben Affleck's smile.

“My Money Don’t Jiggle Jiggle” Is The New “Bed Intruder Song”
Plus, in this edition of Cleanse the Timeline, a coming-of-age novel set in living in 1960s Rhodesia and everything you missed from us this week.

Male Fashion Influencers Are Saving Basic Men Everywhere
In this edition of Cleanse the Timeline, we talk about basic bro fashion influencers, Chlöe Bailey, what we're reading, and more.

I Thought BTS Was Just Fine Until I Saw Them Live
There was my life before the show started, and then my life as soon as BTS took the stage at Allegiant Stadium.

Why Wasn’t Ben Affleck A Good Batman?
Plus, in this edition of our Cleanse the Timeline newsletter, a reflection on Ilya Kaminsky’s Deaf Republic and a deep dive into the #prhauls tag.

Welcome To "Cleanse The Timeline," Our New Culture Newsletter!
You’ll be able to read exclusive columns from our writers in each issue, and we’ll also share links to our recent work.