This Simple Tip Guarantees Online Shopping Satisfaction

With designers and stylists on speed dial, it often feels like celebrities have the cheat codes for looking good. But that isn’t exactly the case for Isabelle McNally, the up-and-coming actress who plays Madeleine Loomis on Bates Motel. She prefers to do her clothes scouting and shopping on her own, and she does it all online.

“I’ve always had an aversion to dressing rooms — they’re often so poorly lit,” McNally told Vogue. “My dedication to online shopping began five years ago.” But knowing how things bought online will actually fit is often the most daunting task. Therefore, McNally has a hell of a trick to make sure what you see is what you get.

“Know your measurements,” she said. “Get familiar with the silhouettes that flatter you and how they look when they’re flat on the ground or on a hanger.” Most online retailers include measurements for clothing, so knowing exactly what size you are will definitely help you know how a piece will hang on your body.

If you don’t know your measurements, you can either pop in at your tailor’s and ask for ’em, or there are several tutorials online, including this one from Lauren Conrad’s lifestyle site, that teach you how to do it yourself.

As for where McNally is spending all of her time online shopping, she likes The Line (a good place to start as a beginner who doesn’t want to dig), Yoox (for intermediate shoppers), and Japanese marketplace Rakuten (for super duper experts).

Happy shopping!

Now, who has a measuring tape? Let’s put her advice to the test. Tweet us @BritandCo.

(h/t Vogue; photo via Isabelle McNally, Neilson Barnard, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)

Fashion trends come and go, but there are some that live in our hearts forever. Whether it’s pure nostalgia or reminiscing on just how bad they were, there are plenty of embarrassing and outdated fashion trends I can list off the top of my head: micro vests, chevron dresses, and *shudders* skinny jeans. (How did we let that happen?!)

Since it’s the season of cold, cold, cold, I figured I’d share several outdated winter coat trends that you simply shouldn’t shop anymore since they’re no longer en vogue, not practical at all, or all of the above. Plus, I’m offering some fresher winter coat alternatives to keep you lookin’ oh-so stylish this time of year!

From ultra-cropped coats to army jackets, here are the top 5 “outdated” winter coat trends to avoid at all costs, and what you should shop instead.

Nordstrom

Cotton On The Mother Puffer Cropped Soft Fleece Jacket

1. Swap cropped coats for long coats.

Because what good does a cropped coat do? They aren't very practical for keeping you comfy and warm, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing on the regular.

Plus, cropped coats often come in overly puffy, chunky styles, so they mess with your proportions, which is not flattering at all.

Quince

Quince Stretch Crepe Trench Coat

Instead, opt for an ever-stylish trench coat. They’re all the rage right now, plus they’ll give you that nice ‘quiet luxury’ look. Trench coats are shoppable in all sorts of fabrications, but if warmth and practicality is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend snagging a wool one.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

2. Trade faux leather for real leather.

When it comes to fashion trends, investment pieces stand the test of time – which is why you shouldn’t be shopping any faux leather winter coats. Not only do they have the possibility of looking cheap-y, they might not last you as long as a real leather coat would.

Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond Leather Jacket

Look for a real leather coat in a timeless color you know you’re going to wear again and again, like a deep brown or plain black. These neutral colors make ‘em easy to style with everything else you've got going on in your closet, plus a 100% real leather will easily stand up to any weathering as you don it throughout the years.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Jacket

3. Toss any army jackets (especially camo) for leopard print coats.

Army jackets feel so 2014 – and remember when camo was all the rage? Well, it’s not so much anymore. Army jackets and camo feel so 2014 for a reason, and that’s because much trendier (and much more flattering) coats have taken center stage.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Faux Fur Coat

This season, try switching out your outdated army jacket for a different pattern, like leopard. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leopard and not look too over-the-top. A basic leopard print coat (I love the fuzzy-looking ones) is an easy statement piece to throw over all-black outfits. We’ve matured past camo – try something new this time around!

H&M

H&M Bomber Jacket

4. Trade bomber jackets for barn jackets.

Bomber jackets are another ‘so 2014’ pick in my opinion. While they can work well in some instances, I don’t think they are very flattering. They typically come with elastic waistbands and wristbands, which can constrict your figure and movements in a way that just doesn’t feel good.

Free People

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

Loosen up a bit instead with barn jackets, AKA chore coats. They boast a roomier silhouette, plus everyone seems to be donning them right now. They add a subtle utilitarian look to any outfit, all while letting you layer up underneath with your favorite sweaters and long sleeve tees.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Yavonne Faux Fur Coat

5. Ditch dramatic furs for more stylish shearling coats.

While I do love a bit of drama, dramatic furs are just way too extra. They can distract from your look easily and drown out your figure instead of flattering it.

Nordstrom

Topshop Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket

I suggest toning down this “outdated” winter coat style by wearing some stylish shearling instead. Shearling will keep you just as warm, but it looks a pinch more polished. You can shop shearling coats in many colors or snag one that has mixed materials for added visual interest.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

2025 already has a nice ring to it – the new year always offers a fresh start, a nice chance to make improvements in all areas of your life. Technology is undoubtedly one of those things that’ll always make our lives better (well, depending on how you look at it), so the new year is the perfect time to revisit what your devices are doing for you. If you can think of more ‘cons’ than ‘pros,’ it might be time to upgrade your outdated tech gadgets.

Tip: do not throw your devices away – instead, turn them into an authorized recycling facility or sell them to a repair shop, because your old stuff may just be someone else’s treasure.

These 5 outdated tech gadgets are totally worth replacing in 2025.

Axa Crown / PEXELS

1. Wired headphones

It feels weird to say, but wired headphones are so outdated, especially considering the vast variety of hands-free, wire-free bluetooth headphone options on the market now.

Not only are wired headphones outdated, they’re also not very practical. They aren’t very workout- or travel-friendly, since they can fall out (or rather, get ripped out) of your ears easily.

A lot of today’s bluetooth headphone options – from AirPods to over-the-head designs – also have way better audio quality than wired ones.

Jéshoots / PEXELS

2. Anything older than an iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 launched in 2020, making it a whopping 5 years old in 2025. It doesn't sound that long, but Apple's made a ton of upgrades and improvements to their iPhone models since.

Due to the mass amounts of upgrades and improvements, snagging the newest iPhone may just surprise you in what it can do – and make your life easier all the while.

Anna Tarazevich / PEXELS

3. Chunky old speakers

My family’s owned the same stereo speakers for, like, 20 years. I mean, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, but music, TV shows, and movies could sound so much better on a modern speaker.

If you or your family tend to hold on to older technology like chunky old speakers, it’s time to convince them that a hi-fi sound bar is the right upgrade. Sound bars often display much richer bass sounds, clearer dialogue, and provide a more immersive audio experience overall!

George Milton / PEXELS

4. Clunky printers

If you’ve entirely worn out your 2000s-era printer, shopping for a sleeker model could save you so much money, time, and result in higher-quality prints, no matter what you’re printing out.

Newer models often use less ink than older ones and can handle larger print jobs with ease. Plus, they don't take up nearly as much space in your home office.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

5. Y2K-era PCs

If you’re still using a big ol’ PC, you’re way past due to treat yourself to a new iMac or Macbook. Get with the times, y'all! Apple models are the only computers I can recommend, based on my experience. They’re sleek, clean, fast, easy to use, and have great security measures.

It feels like everyone has at least one Apple device these days, so if you’re looking for a splurge moment, this is your sign.

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The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

Getty Images

1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

When I moved into my '70s-era fixer, the first thing I changed were the walls. Tacky wallpaper, outdated slate around the fireplace, textured walls and popcorn ceilings all had to go. I had it painted all white to transform the place from a cigarette-scented eyesore to a clean, modern canvas. Five years later, going into 2025, I'm craving COLOR and pattern and more texture. Enter this swoon-worthy LA home designed by husband and wife duo Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of L.A. design firm Bungalowe.

"We wanted the wall treatments to add both texture and personality to each room," says Karan.

Wallpaper

Shade Degges

The Eagle Rock home in Los Angeles was beautifully remodeled with European design in mind, taking cues from their travels to France and England. Think romantic wallpapers from House of Hackney, warm paint hues in browns and blush but also a rich earthy greens, classic bead board and moulding, each offering so much inspiration for 2025 walls.

Shade Degges

Every passageway offers a unique pairing of color and pattern and texture. In this foyer, the moody color palette complements the softer shades found in the kitchen and baths. The Harlequin black and white checkered marble floors are classic and a bit of a showstopper throughout the home.

Shade Degges

This House of Hackney London Rose wallpaper is so gorgeous and romantic! Classic bead board and unlacquered brass fixtures accentuate the cozy, classic Euro aesthetic.

Shade Degges

Here, we transition from dark and moody tones to light and airy hues. The London Rose wallpaper continues into the kitchen with taupe cabinets, marble countertops, raw copper metals, and handmade Moroccan plumbing fixtures.

"The goal was to create spaces that felt both luxurious and lived-in, from the raw copper range hood and thin brick floors to the custom trim and dramatic lighting choices," says Karan.

Paint

Shade Degges

The warm clay-colored paint in the butler's pantry provides a little breathing room from the abundance of pattern. "These treatments, along with limestone accents and custom trim work, were intended to add depth and warmth to the home, creating a visual experience that feels cohesive yet unique in every room," says Sapna.

Shade Degges

The clé thin brick tile on the flooring is an unexpected choice, but I'm in love. The rustic minimalism with the earthy green cabinetry inspires Old-World elegance while still feeling fresh and modern.

Stone

Shade Degges

The rustic stone wall, used in this smaller kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room, is giving Nancy Meyers vibes a la The Holiday English cottage. "We also drew inspiration from the majestic oak trees on the property, incorporating natural, earthy tones that reflect the outdoors throughout the house," says Karan.

Shade Degges

The bedroom instantly feels cozy with this natural stone wall texture.

Shade Degges

I love a laundry room that gets a little design love. Incorporating the same stone throughout the space creates a sense of cohesion and harmony within the home.

Shade Degges

What a lovely spot for a cozy warm bath. The stone wall adds to the charm of the rustic retreat, while the sleek modern tub and luxe marble floors add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space.

Shade Degges

Here's more stone in the master bedroom paired with neutral linens, furniture and rug. Built-in bookshelves are functional and aesthetic, a perfect spot for more stoneware.

Molding

Shade Degges

The molding in the lounge, painted in the same earthy green as the dining room, subtly ties the spaces together while adding a touch of timeless elegance.

Shade Degges

The blush-painted molding in the kids' room is a sophisticated detail. While painting the walls alone can make an impact, the addition of molding brings extra dimension, elevating the entire space.

Shade Degges

Adore this sweet moment in the kid's room.

Shade Degges

Natural materials like leather and sheepskin strike the perfect balance, creating a cozy yet elegant space even in a kid's room!

Tile

Shade Degges

The perfectly imperfect look of this Zia Zellige Racing Green tile complements the natural, rustic yet refined elegance of the home.

Shade Degges

Here is the tile again in Pure White. Love the unlaquered brass fixtures paired with the natural imperfections of this handmade tile.

Shade Degges

This Desert colored tile is the perfect pairing for the marble bath. "Our wish list focused on creating a home that seamlessly blends modern functionality with timeless European-Craftsman charm," says Karan. "We wanted to design spaces that not only provided a sense of comfort and coziness but also incorporated luxurious, high-quality materials and thoughtful, design-forward details." Mission accomplished.


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