13 Pop Art Bags Perfect for Every Party on Your List

Roll call: Party-ready dress with plenty of panache (think: sequins for days): check. Sassy ankle-strap heels made for dominating the dance floor: check. A faux fur coat that solidifies your burgeoning It-girl status: triple check. The only thing missing from this #OOTD equation? An eye-catching bag with big-time personality. Because when it comes to #details, you don’t mess around. A classic black box clutch or glitzy perspex bag would no doubt get the job done, but if you’re after something with a little more oomph, a more is more approach to accessorizing is non-negotiable. With that in mind, we put our feelers out and found these outrageously ah-mazing clutches, crossbody and mini bags that will earn you all the style points this season.

1. Anthropologie Pop Art Clutch ($98): Hold everything. Instead of tailoring your accessories to complement your getup, why not do it the other way around. The artful print, bright colors and shimmery beads on this avant-garde clutch were meant to be shown off, so don’t make them play a supporting role. Put this pretty piece front row center by styling it with a metallic wrap dress or monochromatic separates.

2. Zara Mini Patch Crossbody Bag ($30): This playfully patched-up crossbody is exactly what the doctor ordered. Between the interchangeable straps (we’re totes digging that striped guitar strap), sassy patches and after hours-approved shade of silver, you’ll be reaching for this stunner on the regular, whether you’re rockin’ distressed denim or your fave pair of dancing shoes. We’re also digging the vibe it gives off when teamed with a camel menswear coat, basic beanie and fuzzy turtleneck sweater in a muted hue.

3. Marc Jacobs Star Patchwork Wallet Crossbody ($207): It’s time to break into that piggy bank: Bold graphics and streamlined styling make this number your ideal dance floor partner. Go hands-free by slinging it across your shoulder with a satin slip dress, then watch as the compliments come rolling in on your next GNO.

4. Zara Text Crossbody Bag ($40): You gotta love a chic bag that does all the talking for you. Besides adding edge to any after-dark outfit, it just might keep potential creepers at bay. Pop it on with a bomber jacket, cropped mom jeans and a statement ear cuff for a laid-back look that reads cool girl in training.

5. Loewe Multi Stripe Elephant Coin Purse ($380): This is one elephant in the room you’ll be more than happy to talk about. Proceed to turn up the art school charm with this statement-making coin purse that will give everyone who lays eyes on it something to talk about (hello, new first date companion). Tap into your inner fashion girl by rocking it with a faux fur coat and a dress-over-pants combo that’s sure to inspire a few extra double taps.

6. Forever21 Sushi Print Clutch ($6): We’re all over anything-but-basics bags that deserve a highly coveted spot in your off-duty lineup. Introducing the sushi-tastic pouch that will inject that little bit of extra swagger into every #OOTD. For max perfection, style it with a twirl-worthy metallic pleat skirt, striped sweater and ankle boots.

7. Zara Printed Backpack ($30): Take note: This excitable sac isn’t just reserved for school days. Be it a Sunday morning farmers’ market excursion or an early morning spin class, this OTT backpack is edgy enough to earn you some serious style cred, and versatile enough to score a spot in your weekly lineup.

8. LYDC Exclusive You Use to Call Clutch Bag ($38): Run, don’t walk, to snatch up this OMG-worthy bag that gives new meaning to the term hotline bling. The old-school styling makes us want to bust out our throwback best — distressed mom jeans and chokers, anyone? Elevate it with a pinstripe blazer, sultry slip and ankle-strap heels for a modern take on ‘80s power dressing.

9. Kate Spade New York Hartley Lane Initial Lacey Leather Wallet ($198): Blasé isn’t in your vocabulary, and this exclamatory wallet is proof. Consider it your secret weapon for gloomy gray days. Every time you pull it out of your trusty working-girl bag, it’ll chase the winter blahs away.

10. Zara Looney Tunes Minaudière ($50): With ugly sweater party season officially here, you need an arsenal of accessories to take your celebratory ensemble to the next level. AKA, you need to add this tacky AF Tweety minaudière to your lineup stat. Between the loud color and contrasting strap, this cartoonish crossbody just may win you the highly coveted title of best “worst” dressed.

11. Skinnydip Lobster Caviar Clutch ($45): Talk about a serious catch! Even if caviar isn’t your cup of tea, this cute can clutch is a must-have essential for any street style star in training. The nautical necessity is sure to turn heads, especially when teamed with a Breton stripe top, patent pants and a longline coat.

12. Go Jane Pop Art Parade Faux Leather Clutch ($33): Blending in isn’t even an option with this perfect pop art pouch on hand. Add instant swagger to a classic party dress by rockin’ it with this eye-catching bag, a leather jacket and combat boots for a healthy dose of don’t-mess-around ‘tude.

13. Express Geometric Coconuts Clutch Set ($35): Planning to head south of the border for some much-needed sunshine? Don’t even think about flying the coop without this pom-pom studded stunner on hand. Load it up with your beach beauty essentials and proceed to hit the boardwalk in style.

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Purses are elemental to putting together a good outfit, though there are some designs that you don’t want to be caught carrying in 2025. As far as purse trends go, you may not realize your everyday crossbody or tote is downright outdated.

Luckily, I’m here to note 4 out-of-style purse trends to help guide your accessorygame this year! Of course, please take these outdated purse trends with a grain of salt – personal style is personal for a reason, and you can always rock items that others might think are distasteful.

Scroll on for 4 “outdated” purse trends you shouldn't be buying in 2025.

1. Super Tiny Purses

Jacquemus

Jacquemus The Chiquito

Micro purses definitely had their moment once Jacquemus' The Chiquito came on the scene. Even though super tiny purses are super cute, I have two bones to pick with them.

First, I think their small silhouettes are not flattering at all – they can throw off the proportions of your ‘fit so easily.

Kurt Geiger

Kurt Geiger Micro Kensington Drench Bag

Secondly, these bags are not even practical! A single credit card and a lip balm is truly all these little guys can manage.

Perhaps that’s all one needs at times, but as someone who likes to tote around many, many trinkets, big bags are where it’s at from a practical standpoint. You’re likely going to get some funny looks if you step out with a micro purse in 2025.

2. Old School Vera Bradley

Etsy

Vera Bradley Versailles Saddle Up Quilted Crossbody Bag

These paisley-patterned bags were everything to me – in 2013, that is. If you’re still rockin’ a Very Bradley purse (bonus points if it’s in one of their retired colorways), I’m here to remind you that they were in their heyday over a decade ago. Sorry!

Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley Original Zip Hipster

Although cozy, easy to wear (not so much to pair), and easier to wash, these cotton purses look undoubtedly tacky if you’re wearing them in 2025.

3. Overly-Monogrammed Purses

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Neverfull

It seems that quiet luxury is still the name of the game when it comes to current purse trends, which means bags plastered with brand logos have gotta go in 2025. You’ll surely recognize the Louis Vuitton Neverfull and its endless logos. I say ditch it!

Michael Kors Outlet

Michael Kors Jet Set Large Printed Logo Crossbody Bag

Michael Kors and Coach are a couple more brands that don’t shy away from large and – might I say – tacky logo prints. Instead, reach for a sleek, no-fuss purse that’ll be way easier to pair with your wardrobe.

4. Woven Purses

Anthropologie

The Mini Brigitte Satchel by Melie Bianco

Woven bags have so much going on visually that they can distract from your overall look. Though styles like this Anthropologie bag popped off several years ago, the past is the past for a reason.

Quince

Quince Italian Leather Small Handwoven Tote

You can find woven bags in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but I have to rule all of them out as total ‘skips’.

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Summer is just around the corner, and that means laying by the beach or the pool and getting lost in a good book. To kick off beach read season, we’ve rounded up some of the most-anticipated books coming to shelves this summer. From enchanted star-crossed lovers, romantic summer flings, and thrilling forbidden loves, these books should definitely be packed in your suitcase for any and all of your summer vacation plans!

Here are all the new books we can't wait to read this summer!

Amazon

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria (May 27, 2025)

Ava Rodriguez is a divorced school teacher who meets the handsome Roman Vásquez, for a steamy one night stand – or at least what was intended to be a one night stand. But when Roman shows up as Ava’s cousin’s best man, things get complicated. Ava tries to hide her dirty little secret from her family, but Roman wants to be all-in. What started out as no strings attached has become much more complex.

Amazon

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler (May 27, 2025)

Anna is beginning art school in New York and befriends Willow, a mysterious and moody art student who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Five years later, Anna’s former muse Willow has turned into a shell of herself. When Anna tries to intervene in Willow’s life by staging a planned mugging, Willow goes missing on September 11th. Did Anna go too far, or did Willow play into Anna’s game all along? This thriller challenges the morality of revealing the truth when it may be better left unsaid.

Amazon

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20, 2025)

Katie Vaughn’s career is sinking fast—so she takes a daring gig profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. The problem? She can’t swim but pretends she can. Worse, Hutch is her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. In Key West, Katie gets caught in a whirlwind of secrets, swim lessons, and sizzling chemistry. With hurricanes, stolen kisses, and a chance to be truly brave, she must decide if facing her fears—including love—is worth the plunge.

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Optimistic Alice Scott and Pulitzer-winning Hayden Anderson both land on Little Crescent Island to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. When Margaret offers a one-month trial, Alice is determined to win. She’s great with people, eager to impress her family, and, strangely, rattling Hayden. But Margaret shares only fragments of her story, and an NDA keeps Alice and Hayden from comparing notes. As tension rises and sparks fly, their own story—like Margaret’s—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad, depending on who tells it.

Amazon

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams (May 6, 2025)

Audre, the junior class president and debate team captain, is spending the summer before her senior year writing her self help book, AKA her one-way ticket to Stanford. Bash, a mysterious new senior who everybody is crushing on, is spending his summer helping Audre complete her five wild dares to write about in her book. The scorching hot-summer leads to crazy chemistry the two friends can’t deny. Will Audre be able to maintain the friendship, or will she begin to fall for Bash?

Amazon

Love On Tour by Lee Adams (June 17, 2025)

Music executive Christine Matthews lives a quiet life until a broken heel sends her tumbling in front of country star Austin Garrett’s tour bus. When Austin realizes she pitched him his latest hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards, catapulting her into the spotlight. Suddenly, she’s facing cyberbullying, unwanted attention, and growing feelings for Austin’s tour manager, Matt. As past trauma resurfaces and threats turn dangerous, Christine must decide if chasing success and love is worth the risk—or if walking away is the only way to protect her heart.

Amazon

It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27, 2025)

Jane Jackson, a former child sitcom star, is determined to make it as a Hollywood executive. Her mantra: fake it till you make it. But when she takes it too far and claims she can get popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss—to write a song for her movie, she’s in trouble. Now, she must turn to her old crush and frustrating cinematographer Dan Finnegan for help. Can Jane juggle her past and career, or will her lie unravel? This novel is perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat with an enemies-to-lovers romcom.

Amazon

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3, 2025)

Joan Goodwin has been fascinated by space since childhood. When she gets the chance to join NASA’s first group of women scientists in the space shuttle program, she leaps at it. Training alongside a Top Gun pilot, a brilliant scientist, and a bold group of astronauts, Joan forms unexpected friendships and discovers a love she never imagined. As they prepare for their first mission, she begins to question her place in the universe—until one fateful moment changes everything.

Amazon

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 10, 2025)

Roman Carruthers returns home to find his father in a coma, his brother drowning in debt to criminals, and his sister struggling to hold their crematorium business together. When he tries to buy Dante’s way out, he learns the hard way that real gangsters don’t play fair. With no other options, Roman offers himself as collateral. As he’s pulled deeper into a dangerous game, Neveah searches for answers about their mother’s mysterious disappearance. But Roman isn’t as weak as they think—and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Amazon

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda (July 29, 2025)

Beckett Bowery thought she had her future planned out: stay in Wyatt Valley, Virginia and study at Wyatt College, the college her parents taught at. But when a tragedy leaves two men dead and her roommate goes on the run, she vows to stay as far away as possible from Wyatt Valley. Later when her daughter Delilah receives a full ride scholarship to Wyatt College, she is forced to confront her lingering fears and the fact that her past isn’t the only dangerous thing in Wyatt Valley.

Amazon

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett (May 6, 2025)

Thirty-seven years after the Republic fell, war rages between the five clans and the Kingsland. Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, saves lives—until she’s struck by a poisoned arrow from Kingsland assassin Tristan. Instead of letting her die, Tristan uses rare magic to save her, unknowingly binding them together. Their connection gives him access to her memories, the key to destroying her people. But Isadora can see into him too. To protect her clan, she must outmaneuver Tristan, and resist the dangerous pull between them, before he claims victory and her heart.

Amazon

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (June 17, 2025)

Joni Lark has a secret. She’s one of LA’s most coveted songwriters, but she can’t write anymore. Hoping to find inspiration, she returns home to Vienna Shores, North Carolina. But nothing is as she left it. Her best friend is distant, her mother’s memory is fading, and her family’s music venue is closing. Then Joni starts hearing a haunting melody and a stranger’s voice in her head. When the man behind the voice shows up in town, guarded and frustrating, they realize they must finish the song together or risk exposing their hearts and deepest secrets.

Amazon

No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell (May 6, 2025)

Charles Davids is a rookie firefighter starting his first week with the FDNY, struggling to prove himself to his new team. The job is grueling, the training intense, and the pranks relentless—but the dangers are real. Across town, Alan Johnson, bitter and unhinged after being kicked out by his wife, begins reporting fake fires at her apartment every night. At first, it’s just a cruel joke. But soon, Alan wants more than revenge. As the calls escalate, Charles faces a trial by fire that could make or break him—and put lives on the line.

Amazon

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani (May 20, 2025)

After being left at the altar, Stella Baldwin dreads attending her cousin’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Formula 1 driver Thomas Maxwell-Brown is desperate for a break from his crumbling career and bad press. When a wild night ends with a ring on Stella’s finger and Thomas as her husband, they realize staying married might actually benefit them both. It’s impulsive, reckless, and maybe exactly what they need. Because sometimes, what happens in Vegas doesn’t need to stay there.

Amazon

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld (July 8, 2025)

During her freshman year of college, April’s life changed overnight. After meeting up with her friend Rudy one evening, he was arrested, she was expelled, and her future fell apart. Months later, she met Peter, a young attorney who helped her rebuild everything. Fifteen years later, April has a happy life, three kids, and Peter is running for local office. But when Rudy is up for parole and April’s past makes headlines, it threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must decide whether to protect her family—or the man who once saved her.

Amazon

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6, 2025)

Alice never expected to see Charlie Florek again. Years ago, she spent a magical summer at her grandmother Nan’s lake cottage, capturing a photo of three teens in a yellow boat that changed her life. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay to care for Nan and find something she’s been missing. But when Charlie, now a charming and grown-up flirt, reappears, old feelings resurface. Long days on the water and stolen glances make Alice wonder if she’s finally ready to step into the frame or risk her heart again.

Amazon

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (June 3, 2025)

Blaze’s birth unleashed a deadly storm that killed thousands, branding her an outcast and stealing her magic. Hidden ever since, she’s shocked when she and her twin brother are invited to compete for the empire’s throne. Suddenly thrust into the Golden Palace’s dangerous court, Blaze faces deadly rivals, forbidden love, and the possibility of reclaiming her lost power. Torn between a captivating Crown Prince and a darkly alluring stranger, Blaze must decide if she’s ready to step out of the shadows and claim a destiny no one ever believed she could have.

Amazon

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (July 15, 2025)

Sera Swan lost her magic, her status, and her place in the magical Guild after a spell gone wrong. Now she runs an enchanted inn with her resurrected great-aunt, a mischievous talking fox, and a houseful of quirky guests. When she discovers a spell that could restore her powers, she enlists the help of Luke Larsen, a reserved magical historian with no interest in her chaos—or her charm. But as they work together, unexpected sparks fly. Sera soon realizes that the magic she craves may not be as powerful as the family she’s built.

Amazon

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer (June 10, 2025)

Charity Trickett arrives in Hollywood in 1997 determined to break into the movie industry. As an assistant to a blockbuster film director, she expects glitz and glamour but instead faces cutthroat coworkers, a failing love life, and a mistake that could cost the studio millions. Her bank account is running dry, and an FBI investigation threatens to derail her future entirely. With grit and heart, Charity must fight to keep her dream alive and avoid losing everything. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary will love this witty, behind-the-scenes Hollywood adventure.

Amazon

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (May 13, 2025)

Hendrix Barry has built a life most people dream of. With a successful business, amazing friends, and a loving family, she has everything except time for love. Caring for an aging parent and staying focused on her goals leave little room for romance, and she’s never met a man who could keep up. Until Maverick Bell. The charming tech mogul sees her in a way no one has before, but he’s off-limits if she plans to stay on course. When Maverick refuses to walk away, Hendrix must decide if love is worth changing her plans.

Amazon

What’s Yours is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley (August 5, 2025)

Valerie Yarnell is a devoted single mother who has always supported her daughter Kate’s dream of dancing. But it stings when Kate idolizes her best friend Colette’s mother, Elise, a former prima ballerina married to the man Valerie secretly loves. When Kate outshines Colette at a major competition, tensions soar. Elise’s pressure on Colette intensifies, and the rivalry between mothers and daughters reaches a breaking point. Then a shocking attack shatters everything, exposing dark ambitions and unraveling secrets. Soon, both families will learn just how fierce and dangerous competition can be.

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The hottest bag trends for 2025 are here, and they’re quick to make a bold statement in every shape, size, and color. This year’s bag styles are already super exciting, ranging from retro to modern – plus, they’re pretty much wearable for any occasion.

Find a bag that truly matches your vibe with these top 6 bag trends for 2025!

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Suede Fringe Hobo Sling Bag

1. Fringe-y Bags

Fringe is just plain fun. Echoing the popularity of the ever-Western cowboy boot trend from 2024 (and also carrying a bit of retro flair), this bag trend definitely has enough detail to get heads turning your way.

Time Resistance

Time Resistance Little Dorrit Leather Barrel Bag

2. Doctor Bags

Also known as medicine bags, doctor bags literally recall the bags doctors would take with them to make house calls. They're gonna be super popular in 2025, so get to shoppin' with this adorable green design. Similar bag styles to look out for include satchel and duffle bags.

Madewell

Madewell The Essential Medium Bucket Tote

3. Bucket Bags

Bucket bags will continue to be a huge hit in 2025. Not only are they cute, they're also practical, thanks to their larger size. This pick from Madewell could easily fit any and every essential you need for the workday – laptop included.

Free People

Free People Movement Quilted Carryall Bag

4. Puffy Bags

Things are about to get... puffy. Texture of any kind will instantly draw eyes to your outfit, but there's something so unique about the up-and-coming puffy bag! Typically, you'd find this pattern on a down coat or puffer jacket, so it's familiar enough that you won't feel overly wacky wearing this bag trend.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag

5. Slouchy Bags

Slouchy bags are also on the rise for 2025. Plus, the larger, the better! You can find slouchy bags in all kinds of fabrications, so you're sure to find one that speaks to your personal style and daily toting needs. This black leather one will wear well with any ensemble.

Quince

Quince Italian Suede Slouchy Shoulder Bag

6. Suede Bags

Suede is truly timeless. The material is about to be everywhere this year – garments, shoes, and even bags will be decked out in it. Try out the trend with a sophisticated style like this one from Quince!

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Julia Roberts has given us some of the most iconic rom-coms in pop culture history, from Valentine's Day and Pretty Woman to Runaway Bride.

If you're a Millennial or even a Gen Zer, you probably watched the movies as a tween or teen and gleaned (what you thought were helpful) insights about love, life, and relationships. After all, it's natural to look up to the woman on the big screen and want to follow in her footsteps.

Well, allow us to present a different take on the matter. In our humble opinion, movies can be just as wisdom-packed when they show you behavior you shouldn't strive to emulate. So, here's what I learned not to do by watching Julia Roberts rom-coms.

Scroll to see the lessons I took away from all my favorite Julia Roberts rom-coms!

1. Don't say "yes" if you're not truly ready.

In Runaway Bride, Julia Roberts plays Maggie Carpenter, a woman who leaves her fiancés at the altar multiple times, and her track record leads her to be called "the runaway bride" by a journalist.

Perhaps there are two lessons here. Of course, while fleeing your own wedding day is bound to leave your partner with a whole lot of (valid) upset feelings, it's okay to say "no" and get out of a situation that isn't serving you, even if it feels like it's not what you're supposed to do.

But at the same token, remember that you shouldn't feel pressured into saying "yes" in the first place when you aren't genuinely ready to tie the knot with someone.

Being ambushed by a romantic proposal or facing expectations of marriage following a long-term relationship can be frightening. Still, don't allow yourself to be backed into a corner. Learn from Maggie's mistakes and say "yes" on your terms.

2. Manipulation isn't the way to get what you want.

My Best Friend's Wedding follows childhood best friends Julianne, played by Julia Roberts, and Michael, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney. They made a pact to marry each other if they were still single at 28 years old, yet four days before Julianne's birthday, she learns Michael is marrying another woman.

So, she attempts to break up her best friend's wedding, but let's just say it doesn't end well. I'm sure that all viewers could sympathize with Julianne's feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. Even so, this movie shows that trying to force someone into a relationship they don't want is manipulative (and won't work).

The lesson here? Respect other people's choices and realize that not every single romantic feeling has to be reciprocated.

3. Fame won't solve your problems. 

In Notting Hill, Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, a famous actress who falls for the charming bookshop owner, William. Despite being a beloved film, it also serves as a master class in how fame can breed a whole host of relationship issues.

First off, Anna cheats on her boyfriend with William and cites the pressures of fame as an excuse. Instead of owning up to her actions, she seems to think that being a celebrity gives her a free pass to make poor decisions.

Then, Anna later takes it a step further by badmouthing William to strangers, again justifying her behavior as a consequence of her famous status. If that wasn't enough, when paparazzi harass her and follow her to William's house, she tries to pin the blame on him.

The takeaway here is that getting famous will not be a glamorous solution to all your problems. Rather, it often makes things worse. The spotlight can turn a person into a chaotic, out-of-touch mess who can't take responsibility for their actions.

Don't rely on grand gestures to fix your relationship. 

Finally, Valentine's Day is filled with romantic, grand gestures. From declarations of love to over-the-top surprises, the film portrays these moments as a way to fix whatever's wrong in a relationship. In reality, these gestures are surface-level and don't actually address deeper issues at play.

The real lesson is that true connection and lasting relationships are built on open communication, trust, and support. These things go much deeper than a bouquet of roses or an elaborate dinner.

Yes, grand gestures may be exciting, but they won't magically solve being on different pages with your partner.

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Today, many at-home libraries look a lot different than they did just a decade ago.

First, thanks to inspiration and ideas shared by avid readers on social media, classic shelving has gotten a major upgrade, with plenty of people using built-ins, DIY-ing shelving to look like built-ins, or displaying books in more unconventional stands.

Literature lovers are also upping their reading game by incorporating warm lighting, cozy chairs, and other viral bookworm accessories.

What's arguably the most new, though, is the introduction of colorful "sprayed edges" on the books themselves. Perhaps it goes against the classic mantra, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this trend has taken over the reading scene. This is why!

Here's everything you need to know about sprayed edges books!

What are books with sprayed edges?

Books with "sprayed edges" have their page edges painted, which adds a bold pop of color or reveals an illustration when the book is closed. They're typically designed to complement the cover and invite you into fictional worlds before you even crack a story open.

So, this extra detail has become extremely popular among readers everywhere. It turns any ordinary book into a visual statement and provides book lovers with tons of new opportunities to display their collections.

In fact, some people have opted to begin exhibiting their books with the edges facing out as opposed to the spine. With this technique, your shelving practically transforms into a mosaic of art instead of just a storage area.

When did books with sprayed edges start?

It's important to note that while viral fantasy and romance novels have popularized this trend recently, the concept of decorating book edges has been around for centuries.

In 17th-century England, for instance, a technique called fore-edging, or painting watercolor scenes along the edges of books, became popular. Some novels have even been adorned with gold or silver leaf.

More on books with sprayed edges:

Nowadays, the process of mass-producing books with sprayed edges has been streamlined, with publishers using high-powered machines to keep up with the demand. Plus, countless readers have been DIY-ing this effect for years, using tools ranging from spray paint to markers.

The result makes books feel more exclusive, and they're often even labeled as such, being called "deluxe" or "special editions."

If you want to get your hands on some, you're in luck, too. Various highly anticipated books are being released this year with sprayed edges, including The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Signed B&N Exclusive Edition).

Additionally, even some older bestsellers will get their turn to shine with the release of special editions featuring sprayed edges.

Kristin Hannah's historical fiction novel The Nightingale, for example, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a deluxe edition. Readers won't just get sprayed edges but also a new dust jacket, a gold-foil stamped cover, and a ribbon bookmark.

Still, while social media platforms have helped fuel the demand for colorful, eye-catching books, not every work will get such special treatment. Since sprayed edges add to production costs, publishers have to carefully choose which titles get them.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain: fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction books tend to feature them the most, as readers who enjoy these genres really seem to appreciate the decorative aesthetic.

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