Nostalgia Alert: The American Girl Action Movie You Never Knew You Needed

We miss the ’90s a lot. Food. Fashion. Toys. A major toy trend from our playground days is American Girl Dolls, a big deal in a lot of our childhoods. We’d spend months pining over them, mournfully flipping through that big catalog dreaming of the kind of fun we would have if our moms would fork over the 200 or so bucks needed to get a doll and some sweet outfits (side note: remember when $200 felt like an unfathomable fortune?!). And when we got our dolls (mine with a stern “keep her OUT of the damn pool!” warning from my Nana) we spent hours and hours playing with them and reading their stories.

American Girl Dolls: The Action Movie with Anna Chlumsky from Funny Or Die

Funny or Die usually cracks us up (we still get work time giggles wondering how Pearl the Landlord grew up) but this video takes it to the next level. It shows our favorite girls sparring together getting ready to defeat their ultimate nemesis Barbie. In one memorable scene, Kirsten (played by Veep/My Girl’s Anna Chlumsky) goads Kit by yelling: “You hit like a girl, I need you to hit like an AMERICAN GIRL!” There are explosions, guns and a great awkward moment when Addy reminds everyone that she has the worst back story ever.

Can’t wait for the inevitable action mash up of Skydancers or similar.

Which American Girl doll did you have and how do you think she’d stack up in a fight? Tell us in the comments and DO NOT put them in the pool!

(Photo via Tim Boyle/Getty)

It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).

Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.

Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.

She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.

Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guyPenn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.

Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.

Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!

Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel

Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.

With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.

Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.

Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.

In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!

Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.

Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!

She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.

She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.

"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."

When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.

Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.

In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).

Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?

Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

The beginning of spring is the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe with breezy, flattering dresses that make you feel ahh-mazing. Amazon is packed with adorable plus-size styles for the season, from flowy maxis to perfectly-cinched wrap dresses that highlight your curves in only the best ways. If you’re looking for effortless spring dresses that also abide by this year's hottest fashion trends, these Amazon picks are calling your name!

Scroll on for 11 flattering plus-size spring dresses – all shoppable on Amazon!

Amazon

Pinup Milkmaid Sundress

A milkmaid neckline will never not flatter your figure. Plus, with plenty of florals, this dress is totally spring-ready!

Amazon

Holipick Strapless Tube Top Sundress

Your next vacation 'fit is calling! This easy, breezy sundress lets you get some good sun while still shaping your waistline, thanks to the stretchy smocked top.

Amazon

Talisea Off-The-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

We love a white maxi dress for springtime! This one is sooo dreamy with its puff sleeve design and tied front. Pair it with your fave sandals or flats, and you're ready to step out in style.

Amazon

Amegoya Boho Square Neck Floral Midi Dress

Just look at those colors! This tiered maxi moment is exceptionally flattering since it features a tie-back waist that'll cinch you in nicely.

Amazon

Dokotoo Tie-Back Lantern Sleeve Dress

Spring dresses with square necklines are some of our favorite styles out there. This adorable dress comes in so many different colors to match your personal style, plus sizes up to XXL!

Amazon

Talisea Sweetheart Neckline Dress

The light chiffon material this mini's made of practically screams springtime.

Amazon

Pinup Chiffon Smocked Midi Dress

This charming dress couldn't be more comfortable! This stunning pattern features some shiny, tiny gold dots to enhance your look without being entirely overwhelming, pattern-wise.

Amazon

Scomchic Wrap Skater Mini Dress

This dress combines both a v-neckline and a wrap silhouette to hug your body in all the right places.

Amazon

Hanna Nikole Casual Bohemian Maxi Dress

This classy style features a pleated front, which adds a head-turning factor to your spring looks. This number would look stunning with some tall boots (especially a little cowboy boot moment) and a denim jacket!

Amazon

Pinup Strapless Ruffle Beach Dress

If you've got a beachy vacay planned, you need to add this strapless dress to your packing list. It's easy to put on and even easier to wear, thanks to the loose-fitting skirt.

Amazon

Soly Hux Short Sleeve Mini Dress

Hello, pink! This mini is undeniably flattering with a milkmaid neckline and fitted waist to pull you in comfortably.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more plus-size fashion picks!

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

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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.

Getty Images

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!

Bridgerton is known for its romantic storylines, the insane chemistry between its couples, and its beautiful costumes. But it's also known for its needle drops, AKA orchestral covers of iconic rap and pop songs. They bring a contemporary flair to the show but also fit right into a regency ball. After season 3 FINALLY included "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift (not to mention the fact "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull was also there), I have quite a few songs I need to hear in season 4. Let's break 'em down (with spoilers!! You've been warned).

Here are the 10 songs we need to hear in Bridgerton season 4, Netflix!

1. "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams

StillMoving.Net for Netflix

The internet went absolutely crazy over "That's So True" — and posted endless edits of TV characters running during the bridge. So I'm gonna need to see Benedict and Sophie run to one another while this plays in the background, K?

2. "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan

Netflix

Nobody throws a party like the Bridgertons, and nobody creates party music like Chappell Roan. I could totally see this song being added to Bridgerton season 4's music during a big, empowering scene...or during a more upbeat moment in the masquerade ball.

3. "Taste" by Sabrina Carpenter

Gavin Brown/Netflix

"Taste" is all about Sabrina's love — and the other woman in his life. Since Benedict is torn between Sophie and the Woman in Silver, this could be a clever way to play up Sophie's double identity! (I know what you're thinking: What about "Espresso"? Feel free to add multiple Sabrina songs, Netflix).

4. "Love Story" by Taylor Swift

Liam Daniel/Netflix

With the star-crossed-lovers of it all, what could be more fitting than Taylor Swift's "Love Story," which is all about a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance?

5. "Messy" by Lola Young

Gavin Bond/Netflix

Sophie is constantly overworked and used by her step-mother, and "Messy," which essentially talks about the idea of never being good enough, is a perfect fit the moment Sophie doesn't know what to do.

6. "Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson)" by Clean Bandit

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I know, I know. This became one giant meme and can't be taken seriously anymore. But you can't deny this is the PERFECT party song for Bridgerton season 4.

7. "Sailor Song" by Gigi Perez

Liam Daniel/Netflix

This haunting and ethereal song has been on repeat — and I can just hear it playing while Benedict daydreams about Sophie. (Or when they finally have their first kiss 👀).

8. "Champagne Coast" by Blood Orange

Netflix

This is another emotional song that I've been obsessed with. Netflix, it's perfect for any and all montages and flashbacks, just in case you were wondering.

9. "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I love the women of Bridgerton — and when Penelope, Eloise, and Kate inevitably welcome Sophie into the family, this would make the perfect background song.

10. "Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Bridgerton loves a steamy scene...and the people love Addison Rae's "Diet Pepsi." I'll leave it at that.

What's your dream Bridgerton season 4 playlist? Tell us the songs on Instagram!

The wait is officially over – Dunkin’s spring menu just dropped! Starting March 5, you’ll be able to bask in the glory of 2 “highly requested” drinks returning to the lineup (looking at you, Dunkalatte!). There’s also a handful of savory snacks joining the spring roster, and I couldn’t be more excited to try ‘em. Plus, non-dairy milk will no longer cost extra at Dunkin’ starting March 5. Truly a cause for celebration!

Scroll on to see the full Dunkin’ spring menu lineup, which also includes a can’t-miss deal on their breakfast offerings!

2 Fan-Fave Drinks Return To The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Dunkalatte

You read that right – after selling out last fall, the "highly-requested" Dunkalatte has returned to the Dunkin' spring menu! Crafted with rich coffee milk, the latte (that truly tastes like a milkshake) also boasts shots of espresso that make it totally charged with caffeine. Dunkin' called it an "instant sellout," which is all the more reason to give it a try. You'll be able to order this baby iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Pistachio Coffee

Another Dunkin' fan-favorite, the Pistachio Coffee, has also made its return to the spring menu! This nutty coffee flavor first debuted in 2018, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. It's made with a "subtly sweet" pistachio syrup and Dunkin's Original Blend coffee for a satisfying sip. It's also orderable iced or hot.

More Drinks On The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso

This Sabrina Carpenter-approved sip will thankfully stay on the Dunkin' menu. It boasts an icy, shaken mix of "bold" espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk.

Dunkin'

Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher

With notes of raspberry and watermelon, this Refresher is the perfect springtime sipper! You'll have a choice of mixing it with either green tea or lemonade this season.

New Dunkin' Snack Alert!

Dunkin'

Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders

Sound the alarms! There's an all-new breakfast snack on the Dunkin' spring menu this go-around. Featuring King's Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns, these sliders are stacked up with Black Forest ham, honey mustard, and Swiss cheese. There are two sliders per box, so you can easily snack away.

Dunkin' Snacks Returning (For A Limited Time!)

Dunkin'

Sweet Black Pepper Bacon

The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon will also be available at Dunkin' (for a limited time!) this season, available as a Breakfast Sandwich, Wake Up Wrap, or just the plain Snackin’ Bacon.

Dunkin'

Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer

Just when I was missing chicken-filled breakfast options at Dunkin', the Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer returns to the spring menu! Available for a limited time, this flaky pastry is stuffed with chicken, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese.

Don't Miss Out On The $6 Meal Deal

Dunkin'

The greatness of the famed Dunkin' $6 Meal Deal continues! For just $6, this bundle includes a medium (14-ounces) hot or iced coffee, a Sausage, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich, and hash browns. Deal? More like a steal!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more of the greatest food news this year!