There are lots of different ways to cook meat and hard or tough veggies until they’re meltingly tender, but none make you feel so much like Julia Child or Ina Garten as whipping out a Dutch oven or sturdy lidded skillet and getting your braise on. You’ve probably been braising for years without even realizing it — sautéing meat before adding it to a slow cooker stew, or browning a roast before putting it in your Instant Pot. But instead of pulling out those bulky appliances, you can just use your stove. From succulent winter roasts to root vegetable stews, just lightly caramelize your ingredients, add some liquid, and simmer, until everything is tender and delicious. These 14 recipes will make braising one of your go-to cooking techniques.
10 "Outdated" Fashion Trends That Are Totally Cringe (But You're Probably Still Wearing)
Dec 18, 2024
Fashion trends come and go, but not all of them are missed. Just like outdated shoes or makeup, there are some things we'd rather leave in our confused or wild party days. From thinking it was cute to wear teeny vests to not caring if our boobs spilled out of scarf tops, we cringe every time we think of these 10 nostalgic things we used to wear.
We're also sure you happily wore one or few of them at some point. Like us, it's possibly you have a relic from the past stuffed in the deepest part of your closet.
All we can say is that we sincerely hope you don't plan to wear any of these cringey fashion trends next year!
Here are the 10 outdated fashion trends you definitely need to retire for 2025!
1. Cropped Vests
You didn't have to look far if you wanted to spot a celeb wearing a variation of a vest. From under boob designs to cropped versions, they used to dominate fashion. We're willing to bet you even wore the latter in middle or high school. If think we've been sneaking to look at your closet, we haven't nor are we psychic.
We know you had at least one cropped vest because we did too. Some of us had a punk rock era while others thought we were adopted the business casual style that seemed appropriate for our younger selves. Needless to say, this trend won't cut it in 2025.
2. Ponchos
If you didn't own a poncho when you were younger, what were you doing? It was one of the 'it girl' trends that dominated whether you were deemed stylish or not, and guess who couldn't get enough of wearing it? Us...and maybe you too!
Thankfully, we've outgrown our desire to be seen in something that wouldn't get us in trouble at church because we realize it's actually not flattering. Besides, the goal is to let your outfit shine without hiding it under a shapeless garment.
3. Scarf Tops
Unless you're headed to a festival or vacationing somewhere where wearing minimal clothing isn't given a side eye, scarf tops are to be left in the past. We actually don't have the words to describe just how much we'd prefer for you to wear everything BUT this trend. Since we're currently glitching, we'll say that we'd prefer to see you wear a poncho in 2025 before you try to revive this.
4. Shorter Leather Jackets
This is more of our more controversial takes, but we'll say it anyway: shorter leather jackets don't belong in your closest in 2025. They were great when we were in college, but now? It just seems like they're reserved for 20-year-olds who are still trying to figure out who and what they want to be in life. An oversized, vintage-esque option always looks best!
5. Puffy Faux Fur Coats
Sigh, It seems like everyone wanted their hands on a faux fur coat, but we think this is one of the most outdated fashion trends. It looks like it belongs to the street style during 2016-2018's fashion weeks. While we're add it, please don't pair it with anything camo if you decide this is one thing you're not ready to give up yet.
6. Low Rise Jeans & Skirts
All we can think about when we see super low rise jeans or skirts are our middle school days. Unfortunately, we saw too many pairs of thongs being exposed because of this style and it scarred us! Unlike other styles we've mentioned, we're adamant that you shouldn't pass 'go' for the sake of reviving low rise anything. Gen Z may say otherwise, but let's just let these lie where they belong: the 2000s.
7. White Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a cute way to spice up your outfit when you're looking for an accessory that doesn't feel distracting. BUT, it's possible to still get that wrong if you're wearing sunglasses that have glaring frames. They're known for making a statement, but not in a good way. Let's leave the white sunnies behind, please!
8. Page Boy Hats
We're sure you can pull of a great page boy hat, but it's the quickest way for most stylish people to wonder if you're trying to hold on to a time where they made everyone look great.
Sigh...Okay, we're just not a fan of this trend, and find that it may unintentionally age you.
9. Overdone Ruffles
Unless you're trying to show Lord Farquaad you would make an excellent wife, leave the overdone ruffles alone! They're not going to make anyone look good even if you've pulled them off in the past. Honestly, the above outfit would be really cute if it weren't for the layered ruffles around the neck so let this be a lesson to keep them in the past.
10. Tiny Denim Shorts
"Who wears short shorts?" Well, we used to before we realized that they're not the most stylish option. They're great for summer vacation or days where you want to give your legs breathing room, but we don't think they should be a part of your everyday uniform anymore. There's other denim styles you can rely on like balloon jeans, dresses, or even longline shorts!
Which of these cringey fashion trends did you used to wear? Let us know on Facebook!
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement is the marquis diamond ring heard 'round the world — and Justin Bieber may have just reacted to it. Our collective jaws were already on the floor after Hailey Bieber liked the Instagram, but this has taken everything to a whole other level. The "Sorry" singer took to Instagram himself, making a post that fans couldn't help tying to the recent engagement news. Here's what he said (in not so many words).
Here's how Justin Bieber (maybe) reacted to Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's engagement!
We all know that Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco announced their adorable Taco Bell picnic engagement on December 12, 2024. The post is chalk-full of friend, fan, and celebrity support — including a 'like' from Hailey Bieber, herself. If you're wondering why that may be a big deal, let me break it down for you.
Hailey and Selena both dated Justin Bieber in the 2010's, and there was seemingly a bit of back-and-forth between the three for a few years there. This erupted a "feud" of sorts, leaving Hailey and Selena at odds in the public eye. However, they've continued to show us that any remaining "beef" is squashed.
But now? Now, Justin is sorta stirring the pot a little bit.
On December 16, 2024, Justin posted a selfie with Hailey kissing his cheek — innocuous enough, right? Well, fans noticed he attached "All My Ghosts" by Lizzy McAlpine to the post. The song has since been deleted, but Page Six still has the screenshot to prove it.
People attach songs to posts every day, but this tune in particular caught everyone's attention. In the very sentimental song, Lizzy McAlpine sings:
I can see it now, the wedding of the year
I can see it now, he stands up there and wipes his tears
I can see it now, when all my ghosts disappear
I can see it crystal clear.
Sensing any parallels to Justin's life? Yeah, us too. He could have truly just liked the song — it's great! — but it's pretty hard to ignore the underlying message there. All I know is, I hope these ghosts "disappearing" mean the drama between this trio is officially gone for good. We don't want the girls fighting anymore!
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Just like Gilmore Girls fans, The Holiday movie lovers get very passionate about which couple they love most: Iris and Miles (Kate Winslet and Jack Black) or Amanda and Graham (Cameron Diaz and Jude Law). But despite the fact Miles composing a song for Iris makes me swoon every single time, when I watch the movie, I can't help but think about how the true love story of the movie isn't between any of the romantic couples — it's between Iris and her new BFF Arthur.
Here's why the true love story in The Holiday is actually between Kate Winslet's Iris and Eli Wallach's Arthur.
Iris life changes forever when she meets Arthur in Los Angeles.
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures
The premise of The Holiday movie is pretty simple: Iris and Amanda swap homes for two weeks over Christmas to avoid their disastrous love lives, unknowingly agreeing to an adventure that ultimately changes them — and their love lives — forever. (Oh what I wouldn't give to hop on a plane to Europe to avoid boys. What a dream). When she lands in Los Angeles, Iris is totally overwhelmed by Amanda's gorgeous home, the DVD setup, and gigantic bed, but the aspect of her holiday that really shines is her ability to connect with people.
We see Iris learn all of the gardeners' names (as well as the mailman's) barely a week after arriving, and when she notices Amanda's elderly neighbor Arthur walking alone, she immediately pulls over to help him find his house. (Also, sidebar: this scene always terrifies me because why is Arthur in the middle of the street?! Why aren't you on a side walk, A?!).
Iris helps Arthur home and takes a look around his living room (which boasts at least one Emmy and Academy Award each) before inviting him to have dinner with her and boom! The greatest relationship in the movie is born.
Arthur empowers Iris to be "the leading lady in her own life."
These two become fast friends, as Iris confides in him about her disastrous love life that very same night, and he offers her a beautiful piece of advice about acting like "the leading lady in your own life" (remember folks, this was decades before main character energy). Iris also reminds him just how much of a role he played in Hollywood by helping him prep for his Writers Guild of America gala with strength training so he can climb the stairs without his walker.
So though it's not romantic, Iris and Arthur's relationship is the true love story of The Holiday because of how much love and confidence they offer each other. Neither of them expect anything in return — they just enjoy being together.
And Iris gives Arthur his confidence back too!
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures
Soon, it's time to head off to the WGA gala, and Arthur gives Iris a corsage, apologizing if it's corny or doesn't match her outfit. Iris declares she's "looking for corny," and it's such a small moment that really illustrates that the way they've empowered each other has changed their lives forever.
Iris helps Arthur feel sure of himself again, while Arthur's encouragement helps Iris find her power...and kick her ex Jasper out of her life forever! (Plus Arthur definitely picks up on the vibes between Iris and Miles during their Hanukkah dinner party. The ultimate wingman!).
When Iris and Arthur arrive at the WGA gala, and a sold-out crowd gives Arthur a standing ovation, it's clear he wasn't expecting so many people to care about his work. And in his overwhelming shock, he has Iris to lean on. Iris and Arthur don't only care about each other, they depend on each other, and their trust, love, and understanding is just the cherry on top. And sorry Jude Law, but I'll take that over romance any day.
Do you love relationship hot takes? Check out why The Best Bridgerton Relationship Has Nothing To Do With Romance either.