Rent the Runway Launches Maternity Subscription Service

Moms-to-be know that trying to find stylish maternity clothes can be a challenge on its own, with the added question about what to do with your threads after you’ve welcomed your little one. After all, racking up a wardrobe for your changing body that you might never wear again is hardly cost (or space!) effective… which is why Rent the Runway‘s new subscription maternity service is here to solve all of your pregnancy style woes.

In recent years, Rent the Runway has expanded beyond its initial mission to save you from spending hundreds on formalwear that probably won’t see the light of day again. Since then they’ve added five brick-and-mortar stores, an unlimited subscription service, and expanded offerings to include workwear, accessories, handbags, and more, making it easier than ever to get what you need for all the events in your life.

But for the first time ever, the company is now offering a maternity subscription program to help soon-to-be mamas dress for every stage of pregnancy and beyond as their bodies grow and change. In a press release announcing the news, Rent the Runway said that the decision is in response to overwhelming feedback from customers. “With a pregnant woman spending unnecessary money during pregnancy on maternity clothing that she only wears for a short period of time, creating a great maternity subscription service is a natural extension for RTR, whose mission is to make getting dressed easier, more affordable, and sustainable,” the press release stated.

And the experience will have a personal touch, with a spokesperson telling us they will use “due-date data to provide a hyper-personalized experience tailored to each mother-to-be and new mom. An algorithm will recommend items based on trimester and personal preferences, and will also offer suggestions for new moms and nursing mothers.”

Working closely with expectant mothers, RTR used surveys and focus groups to determine what new moms need most when trying to dress for work, special events, and day-to-day, offering maternity styles from beloved designers including Ingrid & Isabel, Rosie Pope, Vince, Isabella Oliver, Yumi Kim, Monrow, J Brand, Citizens of Humanity, and more.

Starting today, you can access maternity fashions using RTR Unlimited ($159/month for four items with unlimited swaps), or with RTR Update ($89/month for four items per month). RTR is also offering customers complimentary access to Maternity Stylists who can help you pick out new favorites and keep track of items you’ve loved. To celebrate the launch, they’re gifting new subscribers with a credit to Rosie Pope to help them find the perfect maternity basics as they get started.

Moms-to-be, would you use Rent the Runway’s maternity subscription service? Tell us @BritandCo!

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

(Photos via Rent the Runway)

The new year is coming, so it's time to start making your 2024 vision board! If you're like us, it's likely you're thinking about developing healthy habits and workout goals that you'll actually want to commit to — no judgement. Since we're all in the same boat, we've got just the thing to motivate you — new workout leggings!

From high-waisted to seamless designs, these leggings are going to help you achieve your health goals and then some. Read on to discover the most innovative, edgy, and eye-catching ones we’ve found!

High-Waist Workout Leggings

Fabletics Cold Weather High-Waisted Pocket Leggings

The most impressive detail of this simple, cold-weather design from Kate Hudson’s Fabletics line comes with a cute pocket detail on the side. This means you get to work out without losing sight of your phone.

Nike Zenvy (M) Gentle-Support High-Waisted Leggings

After getting the okay from your OBGYN to work out, head over to Nike to pick up these cute gentle-support workout leggings. The soft fabric will conform to your body and growing baby bump!

Nike Universa Medium-Support High-Waisted Leggings

These squat-proof workout leggings are guaranteed to provide the support you're looking for. Plus, you get to look cute.

Forever21 Active High-Rise Zippered Leggings

These $20 millennial pink workout pants are every bit as cute and trendy as any $100 counterpart. Plus, they have some serious performance elements — like moisture-wicking-fabric — to boot.

Reebok Classics High-Rise Leggings

These premium workout leggings are designed to offer you a flared leg and elastic waist to ensure you're comfortable while going on your morning run.

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight

These magenta body-hugging leggings should give you a boost of energy when you're working out.

Bootcut & Flared Leggings

Alo Yoga Super Shine Low-Rise Bootcut Legging

High-rise workout leggings aren't for everyone, so we suggest wearing this low-rise bootcut version.

Athleta Salutation Stash Flare Pant

Our Content Editor agrees that flare pants definitely count as workout leggings.

Free People Let's Bounce Pants in Jam Jewel

Free yourself from feeling restricted by a seamless design with these four-way stretch pants. You'll be able to enjoy medium-impact workouts without feeling icky.

Colorful & Patterned Leggings

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 25" Pockets Leggings

You can’t go wrong with a printed pair of leggings, and that’s just what this Lululemon style serves up. This option comes complete with all the amenities you want, including five hidden waistband pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric.

Sweaty Betty Power Workout Leggings

Beloved by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba, this brand boasts “ultra-lightweight Italian fabric” and plenty of style. Our pick? This black gradient dot print.

Halara Seamless Flow High Waisted Butt Lifting Leggings

Looking for a pair of seamless workout leggings that make your butt look good? We think you've met your match.

adidas by Stella McCartney True Pace Running Leggings

Stella McCartney and Adidas teamed up to bring you the best performance running leggings on the market. Okay, we're being biased. But, they're still a great option for our girls who love to run.

Seamless Leggings

Buff Bunny BBL Seamless Leggings

These workout leggings will give you an illusion of having a BBL — if that's your thing — thanks to the under glute contour.

Victoria's Secret Seamless Workout Tight

Amp yourself up with Victoria's Secret seamless workout tights, which are sure to set you apart from the rest of the gym crowd.

Gymshark Sweat Seamless Leggings

You don't just need another pair of cute workout leggings. You need something that's going to perform well while being sweat-resistant.

Outdoor Voices SoftRib Stirrup Leggings

These leggings are for the girlies who can't get enough of stirrup pants.

OQQ 2 Piece Yoga Leggings

Affordable? Check. Cute? Check. Performing? Check — these OQQ leggings are form fitting, breathable, and practical.

Which pair of workout leggings look the most appealing to you? Let us know and don't forget to add them to your cart!

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

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Free People

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

Choosing bleached vs. unbleached flour for the recipe at hand can mean the difference between an okay-tasting treat and a can't-wait-to-stuff-this-in-my-mouth experience. Once you have the proper staple, you can make fluffy cakes, chewy pizza crusts, unforgettable breads, and lighter-than-air biscuits. The biggest differences between each type of flour? Protein content, texture, and the type of wheat used. To find out which is best for which foods, scroll through our primer on all the different flours you need to know.

The Best Bleached Vs Unbleached Flour

King Arthur Flour All-Purpose Unbleached Flour

Chances are the flour most of us have in our cupboards right now is all-purpose. This type of flour has a fairly high protein content, meaning you can use it to make bread and pasta, but it's not so protein-rich that you can't also use it to bake cakes and cookies. A note about bleached vs. unbleached: Unbleached flour turns white naturally as it ages, while bleached flour is synthetically aged with chemicals. Unbleached flour can produce slightly coarser baked goods, but the difference between the two is very slight.

Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour

Pre-mixed flour blends are a godsend for those who are new to gluten-free baking. Look for a box or bag that says "1 to 1," which means that every cup of the gluten-free flour is equal to a cup of all-purpose wheat flour. BRM adds xanthan gum to its mix, which basically replaces the gluten in regular flour, so your GF baked goods stick together and don't crumble like sand.

King Arthur Flour Unbleached Bread Flour

Bread flour can make all the difference if your homemade loaves never seem to come out quite right. It's higher in gluten and protein, which gives more structure to the rise and bake of your bread. To use whole wheat flour when making bread, you should cut it with 25-50 percent bread flour so you still get the texture you're looking for.

Swans Down Enriched Bleached Cake Flour

Cake flour is milled extra-fine, so you get the softest, fluffiest cakes possible. It's made with soft winter wheat, which has less protein than other types of wheat and doesn't develop as much gluten. Cake flour is also a preferred choice if you want to make fluffy pancakes.

Bob's Red Mill 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour

Baking with whole wheat flour isn't difficult, but there are a few things that make it different from refined flour. It's coarser and denser, which can inhibit the production of gluten (resulting in gummy, flat bread loaves). Its heaviness means cakes and other baked goods may have trouble rising. To combat this when making bread, use a blend of whole wheat and bread flour, or add a tablespoon or two of vital wheat gluten and an extra tablespoon of water to your dough to increase the protein content of the mixture and get a more traditional rise. For cakes, use equal parts whole wheat and cake flour.

Gold Medal Wondra Quick Mixing Flour

Wondra is a blend of wheat flour and malted barley flour that mixes into gravies, sauces, and stews without leaving lumps like regular flour does. Beyond that, it also yields the flakiest pie crusts. It can make dredging fish and chicken easier than ever too.

White Lily Self Rising Flour

For the lightest, fluffiest biscuits of your life, pick up White Lily self-rising flour. It's made from soft wheat that's finely milled and pre-mixed with rising agents.

Antimo Caputo Chef's "00" Flour

"00" flour is an Italian bread flour that's milled to be extra-fine. It has about the same protein content as all-purpose flour, but because of its texture, it produces superior pizza crust and bread. If you're a die-hard Neapolitan pizza fan, it's worth keeping some on hand.

Caputo Semolina Flour

Semolina flour is what you want to use for making pasta. Created from the ground endosperm of durum wheat, it usually has a slightly sweet flavor, golden color, and coarser texture than regular wheat flour. Look for Italian semolina flour, which tends to be milled more finely than its American counterparts, making for smoother dough and pasta.

Now want to try out your new knowledge of bleached vs unbleached flour? Follow us on @BritAndCo on Pinterest for delicious recipes.

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

(Photos via retailers)

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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