Uggs

How are the shoes I circled in winter magazines at five years old back in style? Whether you love or hate them, these familiar shoes have made a comeback from the 1990s and are now being worn everywhere by both public figures like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, and even Ballard’s own students.

Of course, Tiktok, one of the most popular forms of social media right now, had something to do with this. These shoes started trending on Tiktok around September 2022 and became one of the most popular Christmas presents of the year. 

The main issue with these shoes is that they’re not practical. I know I know, it hurts me to admit it too but these adorable, fluffy shoes become unrecognizable as soon as you step foot in the elements. Which, for Seattle, happens to be torrential downpour, and nobody enjoys walking in shoes that turn into $100 puddles.

Oh yeah, the price. Even if you manage to order these shoes in either slipper or boot form – which is a nearly impossible task as they’ve been on backorder for months now – they cost a whopping $100- $150. And since they’ve been so difficult to find online, people on Poshmark and Depop are reselling them for $200 and up. It should be a crime.

If you’re really interested in getting a pair of new slippers or shoes strikingly similar to the ugg boots, I recommend investing in a pair of  “dupes.” There are plenty on Amazon that are much cheaper than real uggs and aren’t on backorder until March.

Black Honey Lipstick by Clinique 

 A trend of the ’90s: burgundy is back. For both Generation Z and millennials, Black Honey lipstick from Clinique was most likely owned by your mother in the 90s. This sheer, berry tint is a universally flattering tone, and a perfect hybrid of lipstick and lip balm. Black Honey became popular in the ’90s and early 2000s, worn by many famous celebrities and actresses of the time. 

Fifty years after its release, Black honey received a second wave of popularity, resulting in it selling out multiple times online and in store over the last two years, largely due to the traction it picked up from –you guessed it – Tiktok. This lip look took over the app, with everyone from influencers to casual shoppers rushing to buy the shade and try it for themselves.

Now you might be asking – is it worth it? As an owner of the Black Honey lipstick, if you like a subtle, berry shade and you’re willing to spend $22 on it, then yes, it is a good purchase. 

Trend cycles are bound to continue circulating, some good some bad. Who’s to say what the next few years will have in store for us (literally)? But to whoever is behind the recycling of these major fashion trends, this is my formal request: please don’t let skinny jeans come back.