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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A portrait of Elena Portnoy.

Elena Portnoy, Beauty & Style Editor

Elena Portnoy is a junior studying Dramatic Writing and Art History. As a Beauty and Style editor, she’s combining her passion for fashion and her love of the written word. When she’s not sifting through racks of vintage clothing or burying herself in a good book, she’s telling people about her fabulous vintage finds and good books.

All content by Elena Portnoy
A brown bag lays flat on a white surface. Around it are a small blue hairbrush, a blush stick, a perfume rollerball, a perfume bottle, a wallet and a small jar of lip mask.

What’s in our bags?

WSN's culture editors go through the abyss that is each of their bags.

Every day, we walk on campus lugging around the usuals — our wallet, NYU ID, laptop — but they’re rarely the reason our bags are so heavy. From perfume bottles to journals,...

Patterned and solid-colored nylon bags, laptop cases and lunchboxes on a pink background.

Baggu is the bag-u need

Sturdy, stylish and suitable for every occasion, Baggu has ended the seemingly impossible search for the it-bag brand.
Elena Portnoy, Beauty & Style Editor March 15, 2024

After many a semester spent lugging around bags unworthy of my limited closet space, I have finally had enough. Living in a place as unpredictable and lively as New York City requires...

Collage of four books: on the top left is “HEREAFTER: THE TELLING LIFE OF ELLEN O’HARA” in red and brown font on a burgundy background, with "VONA GROARKE" written in the bottom corner in red font. On the top right there’s a pink book on a light blue background, titled “THE EDIBLE WOMAN BY MARGARET ATWOOD” in white font. Bottom left there is a book cover titled “THEY’RE GOING TO LOVE YOU” in green font, with "BY MEG HOWERY" in pink font below. Bottom right is a white book cover on a red background titled “THE COURSE OF LOVE BY ALAIN DE BOTTON” in black and blue cursive.

Books beyond Bobst: Heartbreaking tales of family, an untraditional romance and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“They’re Going to Love You” by Meg Howrey — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor The night I began reading “They’re going to Love You” by Meg Howrey, I knew...

An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.

Staff Rants: Springing in and out of spring

It’s the beginning of March, which means spring is just around the corner! WSN staff shares their thoughts about the changing season.

On climate change: Abi Rivera — Opinion Editor  Spring? I think you mean false spring. Climate change is real.   On heroes: Sebastian Cardena — Deputy Opinion...

A pink background split into two sides by a violet zig-zag. On the left side there is a red shirt with white text that reads "49ers" and blue-denim shorts. On the right side there is a red hoodie with yellow text that reads "CHIEFS," a gold chain and a football.

Blitz and ‘fits: A Super Bowl style guide

Don’t fumble with your Super Bowl outfit this Sunday — here's your chance to score!
Elena Portnoy, Juliana Guarracino and Shiphrah Moses February 9, 2024

Set, hike, fashion! The Super Bowl is fast approaching, and time is running out to find your outfit for the big game. If you feel like you’re doing overtime trying to find the...

An illustration on a green and red split background that reads "in" on the green side and "out" on the red side. Various small drawings, like a backpack, a coffee cup and a bag of chips, are on either side of the image.

Everything in and everything out this semester

The fall semester is out and reading WSN is definitely in.

Every new year brings unpromising New Year’s resolutions that only get us so far. We’re tired of gym memberships going to waste and litanies of books gathering a plethora of...

A person in a black coat holds out a pulled pork sandwich on a white paper plate.

A jolly journey eating through the wondrous Bryant Park Winter Village

The Culture Desk brings you their recommendations on the best eats that you can’t miss on your next trip to Bryant Park.

When it comes to holiday markets, Bryant Park Winter Village is a must. There’s ice skating, a decorative tree, stands selling knickknacks you’ve never even heard of, and perhaps...