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Rachel Kurzius

@curiouskurz.bsky.social
719 followers 74 following 143 posts

“The Woodward and Bernstein of hockey romance,” per NPR. Senior designer writer at Fast Company, reporting on the way we live now

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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Fast Company @fastcompany.com · 21h
The National Hockey League is rolling out a “Hot for Hockey” campaign intended to build upon the success and popularity of the hockey romance genre. @curiouskurz.bsky.social breaks down why this probably isn't the best idea: bit.ly/4zaFPDv
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
NHL is trying to build on hockey romance's moment by courting BookTok. This feels like kids stumbling upon a book of magic & reciting spells, ignorant about the dark power they unleashed. I wrote ALL about "Hot for Hockey" for @fastcompany.com www.fastcompany.com/91616277/the...
fastcompany.com
The NHL is skating on thin ice by cozying up to BookTok
The NHL is launching a 'Hot for Hockey' campaign. There are so many ways this can go wrong.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A fascinating lil tidbit I learned while reporting this whimsymaxxxing story for @fastcompany.com : craft retailer Michael's chief merchandising officer said they could basically track where the Eras Tour was by looking at the pattern of DIY jewelry sales www.fastcompany.com/91613368/eve...
fastcompany.com
Everyone loves 'whimsymaxxing,' including your local craft store
Craft stores like Michaels are well prepared for the internet's microtrend du jour.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
When the people yearn for whimsy, these retailers are ready to profit ...   In my latest story for @fastcompany.com I looked at how stores prepare for the many microtrends that pop up, using whimsymaxxxing as a case study: www.fastcompany.com/91613368/eve...
fastcompany.com
Everyone loves 'whimsymaxxing,' including your local craft store
Craft stores like Michaels are well prepared for the internet's microtrend du jour.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
When people post infographics, they're sharing about the world and also about themselves — what they care about, etc.   So when @moma.bsky.social debuts its 1st-ever information design exhibit, what is it telling us about itself?   My latest for @fastcompany.com: www.fastcompany.com/91612965/mom...
fastcompany.com
MoMA explores the useful beauty of information design
The museum’s first-ever exhibition dedicated to the field includes works by a climatologist, The New York Times, and more.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
With concerns that AI could bring about End Times, seeing disgusting AI-generated food slop feels almost ... comforting?   I explored why we should cherish these harrowing images of this moment in my first story (!!) for @fastcompany www.fastcompany.com/91608415/the...
fastcompany.com
The strange comfort of AI food slop
Maggot burgers, ringed shrimp, and plasticky cheese make AI-generated food easy to spot. Don’t expect that to last.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Talking Biz News @talkingbiznews.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
@curiouskurz.bsky.social hired by @fastcompany.com to cover design: talkingbiznews.com/media-news/f...
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
THRILLED to share that I started a new job this week—senior design writer at @fastcompany.com I’ll explore design in tech, business, culture, politics and more. (!!) Always curious about what it tells us about the way we live now. Get in touch: rkurzius(at)fastcompany(dot)com
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
My story about @janeese4dc.bsky.social and how she is planning for her likely mayoral administration made the @washingtonpost.com front page today. Pretty cool to see my final piece for the Post on A1! You can read it here: www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The democratic socialist in line to lead D.C. knows people are pinning their hopes on her. I talked to @janeese4dc.bsky.social about how she's laying the groundwork to fulfill her campaign pledges in a tricky time for the city. Gift link: wapo.st/4y574yH
wapo.st
Months after primary, Lewis George is returning to public stage with D.C. forums
The democratic socialist in line to lead D.C. knows people are pinning their hopes on her. Here’s what she says she’ll do about it.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
DC Dem primary winners' tough race is behind them. So what are they up to? These not-quite-candidates-elect are traveling to Central America, starting a PAC & more. And, for contrast, the travails of Independent @elissasilverman.bsky.social My latest for @washingtonpost.com: wapo.st/4xjYV9L
wapo.st
They’re not in office yet. But these D.C. hopefuls are already getting to work.
Democratic primary winners in the District are prepping for their likely future roles with Spanish lessons and meetings with their soon-to-be colleagues.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
After Gordon Ramsay Street Burger opened in Penn Quarter, upstairs residents began smelling greasy odors An air monitor found dangerous air quality—some wear N95 masks at home The restaurant says it’s not to blame Gift link for my latest @washingtonpost.com wapo.st/4gI4R6y
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
An absolute delight to join Scott Tong on @wbur.org Here & Now to discuss our deep-seated urge to collect jars and the satisfaction it can bring. Ty to producer extraordinaire @kalyanisaxena.bsky.social for making it happen! www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...
wbur.org
A love letter to the glass jar collector in all of us
Many of us live our lives in pursuit of conventional goals like success and happiness. But some of us live for a more niche purpose: to find the perfect use for a little glass jar you have saved, the ...
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Part of the World War II Memorial was covered in soapy bubbles&graffiti today. Park Police is investigating. This, after allegations of vandalism at nearby Reflecting Pool led to charges that were then dropped In @washingtonpost.com w @liamjscott.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
World War II Memorial on National Mall vandalized with graffiti and bubbles
The U.S. Park Police were investigating the incident, in which “Clean hands dirty $” was written on the memorial. Federal officials called it “an utter disgrace.”
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
DC Council called on state govs to withdraw Natl Guard troops by 9/1, citing waste of taxpayer $ and "militarization of civilian spaces" DOJ just attacked them. "Your politically-motivated letter is impotent theatrics not worth the paper it’s written on" www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
DOJ slams D.C. Council for calling for National Guard withdrawal
A Justice Department official accused council members of “ignorance” and “impotent theatrics” over their request for governors to remove their troops from D.C.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Washington D.C. is America’s Next Billionaire Boomtown In my first story for @wsj.com, I explore how cabinet officials and tech moguls are snapping up trophy properties, pushing the area’s luxury housing market to new highs Read here: www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
wsj.com
Washington, D.C., Is America’s Newest Billionaire Boomtown
Cabinet officials and tech moguls are snapping up trophy properties, pushing the area’s luxury housing market to new highs.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
While Janeese Lewis George’s victory in the mayoral Dem primary dominated headlines, another huge win got way less attention. In my latest for @washingtonpost.com I explore the bottom-of-the-ballot battle with citywide consequences: the major changes at DC Dems wapo.st/3U9y8Ox
wapo.st
After big win, left-leaning slate seeks to flex power in D.C.’s Democratic Party
A group of left-leaning candidates, Free DC Slate, won 36 of 48 seats up for grabs on the D.C. Democratic State Committee.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
What an honor to join @ayesharascoe.bsky.social and the incredible @npr.org Weekend Edition team to discuss (and taste!!!!!) the third wave of froyo. Sometimes life is very cool — you might even say … frozen www.npr.org/2026/08/02/n...
npr.org
Everything old is new again: Fro-yo is back for its 'third wave'
Frozen yogurt, or froyo, has had waves of popularity, starting in the 1980s. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to journalist Rachel Kurzius, who says we're in the midst of a "third wave froyo renaissance."
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Have you ever held onto a fun-shaped jar because maybe you will become a person who meal preps or does art projects? The container may be empty, but it’s full of possibility. For @vox.com I wrote about the glorious burden of stockpiling jars. Gift link: rb.gy/sev7fh
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
In something out of Cruis’n USA, an IndyCar race is coming to the National Mall on Aug 22&23. In my latest for @washingtonpost.com I explain the deal w tix, what to expect from prep, who’s paying for this & why Mayor Bowser wants this to be the 1st of many www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
IndyCar race to bring fast cars and big crowds to D.C. streets
What to know about the Freedom 250 Grand Prix street race that will wind around the National Mall in August.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Thought that D.C. budget season was over? WRONG! Mayor Bowser won’t sign the council’s budget. That’s just a way for her to voice her disapproval, but there are worries it could send the wrong message to Capitol Hill. More in my latest for @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
Bowser, warning of $837M ‘fiscal cliff,’ declines to sign D.C. budget
It’s not a veto, but it’s the mayor’s way of voicing her disapproval with the D.C. Council.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Republicans in Congress are already working to hamstring D.C.’s likely next mayor. “It’s straight up, let’s punish this Democratic enclave. Let’s starve them of money so they can’t do anything.” - G Derek Musgrove My latest for @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
House GOP is seeking to restrict D.C. from raising taxes
The House Oversight Committee passed a measure to restrict the District’s ability to change its tax code.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
“It’s been really yucky&hard to breathe" DC is filled w acrid air, leading to cancelations of outdoor activities & officials urging people to stay inside This pulse check from the haze is my 1st co-byline w THE @joeheim.bsky.social & @liamjscott.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/202...
washingtonpost.com
Smoke from Canadian forest fires shrouds Washington, raising concerns
D.C. health officials urged children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions to stay indoors Friday.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Frozen yogurt is back, baby, and I wrote all about it for my very first byline for @vox.com (!!!) Each time froyo returns, it’s treated like a “permissible indulgence” and each time, it reveals something about the diet/wellness culture of the moment
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Ever tried to buy a ticket on the secondary market (think: Stub Hub, Seat Geek etc) and the price was WAY higher than face value? Well, the D.C. Council just passed a bill to rein in the secondary ticket market
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
In the immortal words of ABBA, “Mamma Mia, here we go again…” I’ll be covering city hall and all the ways D.C. politics does (and doesn’t) work for The Washington Post for the next few months. Let’s chat! Email me: Rachel.Kurzius(at)washpost(dot)com
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Who doesn’t love a shopping experience that allows you to be a little nosy? Got to dust off my audio kit and shadow THE Maddy Brannon, local estate influencer extraordinaire, for an @npr.org story all about how young people are flocking to estate sales.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
The 51st @51st.news · 05/07/2026
Ten years ago, you might've gotten some funny looks if you stepped out in Metro merch. Now? People line up around the block for it. @curiouskurz.bsky.social on the transit system's renaissance: 51st.news/wmata-metro-...
51st.news
How Metro got its groove back
Ten years ago, WMATA was in dismal shape. Now, people are lining up to rep the transit system with pride.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
The 51st @51st.news · 02/07/2026
NEW: Metro is ... cool now? After years of tragedy and chaos, D.C.'s long-suffering subway system now sells out its merch. @curiouskurz.bsky.social tracks Metro's recent vibe shift. 51st.news/wmata-metro-...
51st.news
How Metro got its groove back
Ten years ago, WMATA was in dismal shape. Now, people are lining up to rep the transit system with pride.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Myles McNutt @memles.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Not for nothing, but it was a Washington Post article about romance fiction that pushed Jacob Tierney to contact Rachel Reid about making #HeatedRivalry.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Which is to say HIRE @curiouskurz.bsky.social and all the staff from @washingtonpost.com. This is bullshit. bsky.app/profile/curi...
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The show Heated Rivalry only exists because of an article by Rachel Kurzius inspired Jacob Tierney to reach out to Rachel Reid. Today @washingtonpost.com laid Rachel off. www.washingtonpost.com/books/2023/0...
washingtonpost.com
Hockey romance novels are in the news. Here’s why they’re so popular.
The subgenre captured mainstream attention after a brouhaha involving NHL player Alex Wennberg.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Alas, I got that “Eliminated” email from the @washingtonpost. I LOVED that job. I firmly believe that telling delicious, curious, surprising stories is key to the success of journalism. I plan to keep doing so! (You can now hire me, if you agree) #SaveThePost
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Alas, I got that “Eliminated” email from the @washingtonpost. I LOVED that job. I firmly believe that telling delicious, curious, surprising stories is key to the success of journalism. I plan to keep doing so! (You can now hire me, if you agree) #SaveThePost
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Michelle Ye Hee Lee @myhlee.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
For nearly a century, the @washingtonpost’s foreign correspondents have been on the ground for the world’s most pressing stories. Now, our desk is facing potential steep cuts. Washington needs us. The world needs us. If you read us and need us, please watch this video and share.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Sarah O @erniebufflo.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Literally bought my house so we could keep all the cool weird shit. Oh, you don't think a kitchen with an orange backsplash, a blue terrazo floor, and pink wallpaper is good for resale value? Who cares, I live here!
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
There's an unexpected word catching on in the world of home design: WEIRD. Weird pushes back against fast furniture and decorating for the algorithm or for resale value. I explored the movement to make homes weirder in my latest for the @washingtonpost.com Here's a gift link: wapo.st/4sXIRc9
wapo.st
Your home is too boring. Let’s get a little weird.
A bathtub on the porch, a snail on a door hinge — the move toward weird is about making a space uniquely yours.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
I asked stylists to break down all those viral fashion formulas like the 3-3-3 Rule and the Third Piece — what works, what to tweak and one to avoid. Here's a gift link: wapo.st/4a8yny3
wapo.st
How to dress better with the 3-3-3 rule and 6 other numerical guides
Experts break down all those viral fashion formulas — what works, what to tweak and one to avoid.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Billionaires swallowed by whales! Ill-fated trips to space! Truly, no one does it like 9-1-1, ABC's campy first responder procedural. The show returns Thurs, so I chatted w showrunner Tim Minear about keeping it fresh 9 seasons in, Buddie & killing off Bobby. Here's a gift link: wapo.st/4soCrlP
wapo.st
‘9-1-1’ is TV’s most unhinged procedural — and that’s why it works
Why ABC’s outlandish drama about first responders is still a fun watch nine seasons in.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Caitlin Gibson @caitjgibson.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
It took Pete Marocco only weeks to help dismantle USAID. But for the better part of two decades, he's been embroiled in a lawsuit against his interior designers that experts said has reached "Dickensian levels of challenges" to the legal system. Don't miss this one from @curiouskurz.bsky.social:
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Aaron is a one-of-a-kind investigative talent. I'm so grateful he shared this lawsuit with me (easy to say I'm grateful now that the story is up lol)
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Aaron Schaffer @aaronschaffer.com · 20/12/2025
Months ago, when I was looking into Pete Marocco, the Trump official who helped dismantle USAID, I noticed that he was involved in a long-running lawsuit with his interior designers. I told @curiouskurz.bsky.social about it and she dug in. Here's the crazy tale (gift link). wapo.st/4pNVV1L
wapo.st
Inside the 17-year lawsuit between a Trump official and his interior designers
A lawsuit between former Trump official Pete Marocco and a Florida design firm has gone on for over a decade, involving complex legal maneuvers and accusations.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
It took only a few weeks for Pete Marocco to oversee the gutting of USAID. But for 17 years, Marocco has been battling a FL interior design firm in a lawsuit that the judge described as “reaching Dickensian levels of challenges to the effectiveness of the civil justice system.”
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Word to the wise: you may regret buying that viral couch! Buying a couch has always been a high-stakes endeavor. The internet has made it even trickier with the rise of the Viral Couch: a piece of furniture that becomes inescapable online and may or may not be a piece of junk.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Karen K. Ho @karenho.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
This feature is perfectly written, comprehensively reported, and that first quote is an absolute writer's dream.
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
When Rachel Reid sat at her dining room table in Nova Scotia writing the book that would become “Heated Rivalry,” it never crossed her mind that the smutty romance between adversarial pro hockey players would one day become Canada’s primary cultural export. And yet ....
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
I'm gonna be honest with you, I was VERY surprised when I learned Pantone's selection for 2026 color of the year, in part bc it's technically not a color at all ... Meet Cloud Dancer, the first-ever white shade to receive the designation from the world’s color authority.
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Reposted by Rachel Kurzius
Sarah O @erniebufflo.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Ribbon is such an easy way to make things feel "Christmas." I wrap all my gifts in brown kraft paper with brown paper tape, but use (and re-use!) a collection of satin/velvet/organza ribbons to make them look fancy. This year I ordered some velvet ribbon to make over my front door wreath!
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
The First Lady has selected this year's Christmas theme: "Home is Where the Heart Is" This year, the White House is also where the construction is. The decoration tour is halved for 2025. It's mostly traditional/ pared back, but there are some Pres Trump portraits worth noting:
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Rachel Kurzius @curiouskurz.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
This year's holiday microtrend? Ralph Lauren Christmas For many people, all that plaid, velvet and burgundy is simply Christmas as usual. But these annual declarations of the must-have aesthetic also reflect back our cultural fascinations and trends .....
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