Image Source: HBO
TV Moment of the Year: Game of Thrones Pandemonium
Pour up some White Walker whisky and prepare for Game of Thrones to dominate your Twitter feed. After a one-year hiatus that felt like centuries, the HBO series will make a chilling return in April 2019 for its eighth and final season. They say all good things must come to an end, but the show’s conclusion will come quicker than we hoped, as we’ll only have six episodes to see if our wildest predictions will unfold. Luckily, HBO isn’t saying farewell to Westeros forever, as the network is cooking up plans for a prequel series that’s sure to be more fiery than “dracarys.”
Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson
Celebrity Buzz of the Year: The Royal Baby
Another year, another royal bundle of joy! In 2018, Kate Middleton welcomed her third child, Prince Louis, and now, it’s Meghan Markle’s turn. The actress turned Duchess of Sussex will give birth to her first child in Spring 2019, about one year after she and Prince Harry tied the knot. Though their future baby’s royal title hasn’t been confirmed yet, one thing’s for sure: Meghan has been absolutely glowing throughout her pregnancy, and she’s going to make the cutest mom.
Image Source: Unsplash / Alberto Bogo
Healthy Ingredient of the Year: Oat Milk
Almond milk should probably sleep with one eye open, because oat milk is shaping up to be the next big thing in the nondairy milk movement. Made by blending presoaked oats and water and then straining the mixture, this milk alternative is packed with nutrients, protein, and fiber, making it a viable coffee or cereal component for those with nut allergies or lactose intolerance. Considering the fact that Pinterest searches for oat milk are up a whopping 186 percent, we have a sneaking suspicion that 2019 just might be the year mainstream coffee chains introduce the vegan-approved milk to their menus.
Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig
Color Trend of the Year: Sorbets
Lavender may have been 2018’s go-to hue, but the new year will be all about sorbet-inspired shades like icy blue, buttermilk yellow, and pistachio green, all of which took center stage on the Spring 2019 runways. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for toned-down tints of 2019’s Pantone Color of the Year, Living Coral. You can bet on these dreamy colors making waves in the bridal world, too, as wedding dresses with sweet pastel touches were prominent during Bridal Fashion Week. Mandy Moore was onto something with her blush-pink wedding ceremony look.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sheila Gim
Fitness Trend of the Year: Home Gyms, Reimagined
No gym membership? No problem! Working out from the comfort of your own home will be easier — and more innovative — than ever in 2019. Moving beyond classic treadmills and Peloton bikes, up-and-coming products like Mirror and Tonal mount to your wall and provide endless at-home workouts (and weight resistance mechanisms, in the case of Tonal). For those with limited space, there’s WalkingPad, a compact, foldable exercise device that garnered buzz on Kickstarter in 2018. On the more affordable end of the spectrum, budget-conscious workout-lovers can look to Obé, which live streams upbeat, equipment-free classes, or Class FitSugar, POPSUGAR’s very own (free!) online workout show.
Image Source: David Perlman Photography
Wedding Motif of the Year: In the Stars
Love is in the stars, you guys. Not only is the star motif gaining popularity in weddings — um, just look at this bride’s sparkly, celestial dress! — but zodiac-inspired wedding details are also becoming a *thing.* Think: zodiac wedding stationery and twinkling decor that gives a nod to the signs. Take a page from fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni, whose wedding reception took place under a glimmering light display that looked like every constellation in the night sky came together for the occasion.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Diggy Lloyd
Beauty Ingredient of the Year: CBD
Hailed for its antianxiety and inflammation-fighting qualities, cannabidiol (or CBD, for short) has quickly gone from being merely known as THC’s nonpsychoactive counterpart to being praised as a research-backed staple in the wellness sphere. Though many fans of CBD ingest the buzzy plant extract through tinctures and edibles, it’s now sprouting up in beauty products. CBD-infused lotions and lip balms offer moisturizing benefits, serums that star the ingredient help to mitigate breakouts, and CBD bath bombs guarantee a tranquil bathing experience. What’s next in the cannabeauty movement? A highlighter made with CBD, perhaps?
Image Source: Everett Collection
Blockbusters of the Year: Disney Sequels and Reboots
Aladdin! The Lion King! Toy Story 4! Disney is releasing a boatload of animated sequels and live-action revivals in 2019, so consider all your family friendly entertainment needs covered. This wave of movies will undoubtedly impact the box office — and our tear ducts, especially when it comes to the Dumbo remake. Grab some popcorn and get ready for a trip down memory lane.
Image Source: Getty / Jesse Grant
Women of the Year: Trailblazing Politicians
In 2019, more women will have seats at the table. ICYMI, a record-breaking number of women (more than 100!) were elected to Congress during the 2018 midterm elections. Following those inspiring victories, expect to see continued momentum of females taking charge in the political sphere as we approach the 2020 election. The question of who is running for president will dominate headlines in the coming year, and politicians like Kamala Harris are rumored to be laying the groundwork for their campaigns while Elizabeth Warren has already taken the initial steps. More women on the ballot? Yes, please!
Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig
Accessory of the Year: Beachy Jewelry
Your Spring break puka shell necklace has risen from its sandy grave to get a modern makeover for 2019. Sally isn’t the only one selling seashells by the seashore, as jewelry designers like Tohum and Aurélie Bidermann are giving sleek upgrades to beachy rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Plus, who could possibly miss the oversize shell accents Michael Kors sent down the runway during Fashion Week? It’s only a matter of time before these Summer-approved pieces flood the racks of every major retailer in all their nostalgic glory.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Julia Sperling
Decor Trend of the Year: Next-Level Accent Walls
It’s out with the paint buckets and in with the rolls of wallpaper. One of the many 2019 home trends we’re itching to try is statement wallpaper, which is gaining popularity as people welcome floral patterns and decorative prints into their homes. Have a nitpicky landlord or simply don’t want to commit forever? Never fear, because removable wallpaper is on the rise. Retailers like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, as well as brands like WallsNeedLove and Tempaper, are getting in on the fun by offering a slew of temporary, self-adhesive wallpapers that are definitely not your grandmother’s.
Image Source: Kencko
Sip of the Year: All-in-One Wellness Drinks
Regular ol’ juice is great and all, but in 2019, we’ll be seeing more innovative wellness drinks that put convenience at the forefront. Keurig owners can turn to VitaCup’s vitamin-infused coffee and tea pods, which stream right through your countertop brewing machine. Meanwhile, anyone with a penchant for hot cocoa can stir Four Sigmatic’s powders into hot water a la Swiss Miss for a dose of superfood mushrooms. Oh, and let’s not forget about Kencko, which offers packets of powdered fruits and vegetables that mix with water or milk in a nifty reusable bottle.
Image Source: Getty / Chris McGrath
Travel Destination of the Year: Singapore
Still daydreaming about a trip to Singapore after seeing Crazy Rich Asians? Same here, and not-so-coincidentally, the island country has been touted as one of the top travel destinations of 2019. The tropical locale has it all: scenic beaches, futuristic buildings, an illuminated botanical garden, and even a rooftop infinity pool with sweeping views. Other honorable mentions worth adding to your 2019 bucket list? Copenhagen, Denmark; Meknès, Morocco; and Shenzhèn, China. Passport stamps, we’re coming for ya!
Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig
Look of the Year: 2000s Pop Icon
A wise man named Justin Timberlake once said, “What goes around . . . comes all the way back around,” and this rings particularly true in the world of fashion. After a 2018 filled with ’90s-inspired choker necklaces, mom jeans, and denim skirts, 2019 will shine a spotlight on pieces that pay homage to the 2000s. Think fresh, modern takes on the cargo pants Christina Aguilera wore on the red carpet and updated versions of the low-slung trousers Britney Spears paired with midriff-baring crop tops circa her “Toxic” days. These trends from the early aughts popped up on the Spring 2019 runways, with designers like Alexander Wang and Zimmermann showing us how they can be surprisingly sexy.
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