Spring is upon us, and that means summer is just around the corner! Time to slip into your fave cutoffs, dust off your green thumb, and finish up the last bit of your spring cleaning. If you're having trouble figuring out how to finish your remaining to-dos — or just want an excuse to show off your skills — these DIY gems will help you complete your decluttering mission. So bust out your craft cart and make a few, or all 15!
There are few things in our daily lives as horrifying as a first date with a stranger. Usually, the best case scenario is you show up to an agreed meeting place, hit it off, want to go out again, and maybe even fall in love. That is, assuming you're not getting catfished and they're not a crazy person. Well, in Meghann Fahy's new thriller, she finds herself on the perfect first date that takes a turn for the terrifying when an anonymous stranger starts tormenting her...and then instructs her to kill her date. Now the question remains: will she follow through, or will this would-be couple make it to dessert?
The first thing I have to call out about The Drop trailer is that Brandon Sklenar just keeps getting cuter. How is this possible?! He and Meghann Fahy have chemistry the moment he steps onscreen which makes this whole movie concept — you know, that Meghann's character is told she has to kill him — even more intriguing. And Sabrina Carpenter playing in the background? An inspired choice.
I want to believe that both Violet and Henry make it out of the story alive...but things aren't looking too hopeful for either of them.
HBO
In Drop, widowed mother Violet (Meghann Fahy) is literally so relieved when her date with Henry goes well. He's handsome and charismatic, and she's enjoying their time together — until an unknown number starts dropping anonymous instructions to her phone. Now, Violet has to play it cool while following her new contact's instructions or her kids will pay the price. There's just one problem: the final instruction is to kill Henry.
Drop hits theaters April 11, 2025. The Blumhouse film is from Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky), is written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, and is produced by Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Cameron Fuller. The movie's also executive produced by Sam Lerner.
HBO
The cast of Drop includes Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Jeffery Self, Ed Weeks, and Travis Nelson.
Blumhouse/Universal Pictures
The poster for Drop definitely gets my adrenaline pumping — and I love Meghann Fahy's glam eyeshadow & manicure paired with the terror in her eyes. Because, duh, of course this Emmy-nominted actress can act with her eyes like nobody's business. And the bold red of the graphic design? Chef's kiss.
Check out 10 New Terrifying Fall Thrillers to watch this season!
This post has been updated.
How many times have you heard someone is a toxic person and — aside from therapy speak — what does it mean? According to Michelle English, LCSW, Co-Founder and Executive Clinical Manager at Healthy Life Recovery, "In a therapeutic setting, toxic behavior usually refers to patterns of behavior that regularly cause emotional, mental, or even physical harm to others."
Wondering why people resort to being toxic behavior? English says, "They are frequently the result of unresolved personal issues such as trauma, insecurity, or a lack of self-awareness." Jamie Bennett, LMFT of Mountainside Treatment Center, adds, "Many toxic people do things with the intent of getting a certain reaction – like a bully. If they want to rile you up and you don’t get riled up this changes the dynamic."
Wanna know what signs to look out for when it comes to toxic people? We've got you covered — and we have the tea on when you should finally cut them out!
P.S. Bennett says assertiveness isn't toxic, even if someone's behavior sometimes comes off as pushy or controlling. This just means they're sure of themselves!
Have you ever been really excited or upset about something only to be met with a dismissive tone from someone you confided in? This person is displaying toxicity which "gradually undermines trust in relationships," according to English. Would you want to keep sharing things with a person if they're always downplaying your emotions? Probably not.
English says another way to determine someone is toxic is pay attention to their controlling behavior. It can be something as simple as telling you what to wear or something greater such as forcibly limiting your contact with anyone they think isn't good for you.
Have you ever let a close friend know certain behavior bothers you only for them to make an excuse for why they keep doing them? Bennett says this counts as "avoiding responsibility for actions." Furthermore, "constantly" doing so or looking to "push the blame onto someone else veers into toxic territory," she adds.
Another way to look at this is if someone is always falling into a pattern of "victimizing themselves," according to Bennett.
Manipulation is tricky because it's not always obvious until it's too late. It's kind of like not realizing you were bit by a mosquito until your skin becomes itchy and red. Bennett says this is toxic because there's a knowing that someone can "appeal to a certain person's characteristics or personality traits." This looks like saying or doing something "with the intention of getting a certain reaction," according to her.
Bennett says, "An example may be one partner in sobriety who consistently uses their poor mental health as a reason to not be proactive about finding a job. They do this because they know that the other partner is worried about their loved one relapsing so they use that fear against her."
Calling this a "well-known example," English says gaslighting often occurs when someone denies the reality of another person." What would cause someone to do this? Well, a toxic behavior often doesn't want to take accountability for their actions so they'd rather "cause people to doubt their own perceptions," according to English.
The catty behavior on The Real Housewives of New York may be entertaining for TV, but that kind of behavior gets old quickly in everyday life. No one wants to hear why "so and so thinks they're all that" even if it's disguised as humor. English says, "Regardless of their motivation," behaviors like this "can lead to stressful and emotionally distressing situations."
We live in a society that started prioritizing ending relationships with people as soon as we spot red flags, but English and Bennett don't think this should be our immediate reaction. English says, "The decision to disengage with a toxic person in the relationship will depend on how harsh and serious the relationship is" because "it is often personal."
According to her, if you notice a consistent pattern where the behavior is "damaging your emotional health," it's okay to walk away from that person. Still, she believes "completely cutting [someone] off is often a last option when other approaches to changing the behavior have not worked." Bennett says something similar and notes how to approach different scenarios.
"If it someone you need to communicate with because of a job or family, there are things you can do to protect yourself," she says. She suggests reminding "yourself who you are dealing with" if the person is adept at gaslighting others because "it may be easy to become convinced that you are wrong or something did not happen the way you recall." A phrase she encourages you to tell yourself is, "I know that my experiences are my experiences no matter what."
If you're dealing with an aggressively toxic person, you'll have to "set and reinforce boundaries," Bennett says while English adds that "engaging in therapy to faciliate healthier relationships" may be a next step.
Here's how Bennett suggests navigating communication with someone like this:
If you're dealing with a friend or spouse, Bennett wants you to remember "you cannot change them" but you're in control of how you respond. English says, "It is important to analyze the whole situation and know when the cost of the relationship is greater than the benefits."
Bennett's last piece of advice is to know when to walk away" by having a "deep awareness for how you are feeling." You can do this by "checking in with your body and thoughts" so you can understand how you "respond to stress," according to her. She says this will give you more "clues on what when it's time to step away!"
Read more of our relationships articles to learn how to navigate tough situations in 2025!
Design lovers rejoice! There's a new design book out and we're swooning. Defining Style: The Book of Interior Designby Joan Barzilay Freund (Phaidon) offers up a gorgeous tour through 25 of the most notable design styles around the world. Catch a glimpse inside 150 home interiors from leading designers and the key design styles they favor. Designers featured include Los Angeles-based Studio Shamshiri, French architect and designer Laura Gonzalez, and Brooklyn-based Leyden Lewis, who designed the pattern-filled home of textile designer Malene Barnett, among many others. Peek inside the homes of icons like musicians Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats, artist Mariko Mori, and writer Umberto Pasti too.
Phaidon
Not sure how to describe your home aesthetic? Take cues from these stunning spaces in Defining Style, which comes out on March 18, 2025. Plus add the book to your coffee book collection for more design style inspiration.
Audra Kiewiet de Jonge Art & Interiors
If your home feels like a tranquil, nature-infused retreat like this Richmond, VA home of artist and designer Audra Kiewiet de Jonge, you're leaning into biophilic design. This design style is filled with organic shapes, lush greenery, and natural materials to create a serene sanctuary. A natural indoor-outdoor flow is also something you'll covet in this design style.
Simon Brown / Natalia Miyar
Like a tailored suit, these rooms pay attention to the finer details. Freund says its unfussy and clutter-free and incorporates luxury elements like stone and leather. Designer Natalia Miyar designed this tailored London penthouse that's featured in Defining Style.
Ben Richards / Naoki Terada
If you favor simplicity, functionality, and clean lines, this design style rooted in the early 20th century is your core aesthetic. Modernism emphasizes open spaces, minimal ornamentation, and the use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete. Form follows function, with a focus on practicality but also really great design. Here is an example in Defining Style from designer Naoki Terada's Tokyo, Japan home.
Anson Smart / Greg Natale
Organic materials inspired by seaside living delivers an elevated coastal decor. This Sydney, Australia home designed by Greg Natale embraces the views of the sea with rich textures and neutral decor with splashes of organic elements.
Jason Schmidt / GRT Architects
I'm in love with this former Harlem rectory designed by GRT Architects. The layers of textures from leather to wool to wood and glossy surfaces defines this design style and delivers a truly sensory experience.
Courtesy of Atelier ND
If there is a single hue you fully embrace in a room or your entire home, monochrome is the definition of your design style. It's bold and unapologetic. This family villa in Amsterdam was designed by Atelier ND Interior in the perfect pink hue.
Gonzalo Machado / Casa Muñoz
Freund describes this aesthetic as a "melting pot" that blends elements from the past with trendy pieces, colors, and materials. Casa Muñoz, the Madrid-based apartment of Spanish supermodel Eugenia Silva, was designed by wife-and-husband team Mafalda Muñoz and Gonzalo Machado with this aesthetic in mind.
Paul Massey / House & Garden © Conde Nast
Climate plays a crucial role in design, especially in tropical regions, where homes must be thoughtfully designed to adapt to and limit its effects. Covered porches, concrete and tile flooring, and an invisible line between indoors and out define this decor style. Anita Calero makes it look effortlessly elegant in this Colombia home.
Mike Karlsson Lundgren / Cappelen Dimyr
Rustic is about being ok with the imperfections and embracing natural beauty with raw, organic elements like weathered wood, stone, and earthy tones. It celebrates a cozy, lived-in feel, a place you can kick up your heels and just chill. It also has a Scandi vibe as in this Maja Dixdotter-designed Swedish country home.
Eric Piasecki
You may have elements of the Art Deco aesthetic in your space as it has a timeless elegance to it with sleek lines, luxe materials, and geometric patterns. Freund describes it as the most glamorous design style of the 20th century that's also rooted in modern design principles. This quintessential Art Deco apartment in Chicago was designed by Steven Gambrel.
Martin Morrell / Aldridge & Supple
This design style is all about woodsy charm with exposed wood beams, stone fireplaces, and cozy textures like sheepskin and wool. Surrounded by breathtaking views, mountain homes like this farmhouse in the U.K. designed by Aldridge & Supple feel like a total escape.
Joachim Wichmann
If you prefer aQuiet Luxury aesthetic, this design style is your preferred taste. With neutral tones, everything from furniture form to luxe and textured materials become the stars of the show. This Milan palazzo designed by Vincenzo De Cotiis is neutral but not at all understated.
Romulo Fialdini / Sig Bergamin
Maximalist design celebrates creativity and individuality with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and layered textures. If you can't commit to a style this is a design style for you. It mixes eras with eclectic decor to create a visually dynamic space. This is the maximal São Paulo, Brazil home of designer Sig Bergamin.
Paul Massey / VSP Interiors
Stemming from a neoclassical style, timeless design styles look to "balance, symmetry, and proportion," says Freund. It's a refined look with decorative details, as illustrated in this family home in the U.K designed by VSP Interiors.
Find more design styles, from Collected to Floral, in Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design by Joan Barzilay Freund (Phaidon).
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Spring will be here before you know it, and if you're anything like me, you don’t think it’s entirely too crazy to be dreaming of warmer weather right now – especially as we face some insanely cold temperatures. In the vein of embracing big spring energy, I’m already thinking about my warm-weather wardrobe, and the first item on my wishlist is none other than a drop waist dress!
Fitting for everything from beachside strolls to breezy farmer’s market visits, drop waist dresses are such a cute (and easy!) way to look stylish while the sun’s beaming.
Anthropologie
Covered in colorful blooms, this drop waist dress supplies plenty of fun hues you can use to pair your accessories and shoes with to tie things all together.
Free People
I love all the drama this dress brings. From the oversized, scalloped collar to the whimsical puff sleeves, it's all brought together with a flattering drop waist silhouette. The mini length makes this style undeniably spring- and summer-ready, though you could easily style it for colder weather with tights, tall boots, and a denim jacket!
Anthropologie
The exaggerated drop waist on this maxi moment elongates your figure, flattering it to a tee. Plus, the trendy leopard print will earn you major style points! Whether you wear it with sandals or sneakers, you really can't go wrong with this design.
Target
The pleating on this pick brings a unique flair to your typical drop waist dress. In my opinion, the details really complete the look, so all you've gotta do is pick out a good shoe, grab your favorite bag, and hit the streets.
Anthropologie
This gingham is beyond dreamy. This drop waist dress has such a playful retro feel to it, thanks to the bustier-style bodice, open back, and midi length. I'd style it with some kitten heels and bold sunglasses to lean into the throwback of it all!
Free People
A denim dress will get me every freakin' time. This detailed long sleeve style is truly anything but boring!
Abercrombie & Fitch
The duo-tone design of this midi-length drop waist dress breaks up your look perfectly, plus, it provides a bold foundation for having tons of fun with accessories and outerwear layers!
Banana Republic
Okay, this chartreuse color is to die for. If you're looking for a drop waist dress that makes a statement, this is it.
Free People
For the warmer months where you also want to get a lil' bit of sun on your shoulders, the strapless style of this midi drop waist dress comes in real handy.
Zara
I love that the boat neckline on this dress leans more modest while the mini length lets you show a good amount of leg. Plus, the deep brown color is easy to match with practically any piece you've got in your closet. The bows along the hips are the best part, of course!
Anthropologie
This mini strapless number is the perfect fit for any upcoming tropic getaway you've got planned. Even if a fancy beach vacation is not on your docket, you can still channel the laidback energy with this pick!
Target
This sophisticated drop waist dress instantly makes any occasion fashion-forward. I'd wear it with some sleek (and tall!) black boots to seal the deal.
Anthropologie
This polka-dotted moment is sure to turn heads towards you, no matter where you take it.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
