The Jessica Simpson-Natalie Portman Beef Is a Cultural Reckoning for 30-Something Women

It’s not often that the stars align to bring us a totally left-field celebrity beef, but like an internet-enabled supernova, Wednesday afternoon delivered. Even more unexpectedly, this particular dispute — between Natalie Portman and Jessica Simpson — dispensed a dose of cultural reckoning for those of us with the mixed fortune of having grown up alongside them.

In an earlier interview with USA Today, Portman made a remark about a 1999 magazine cover that featured Simpson in a bikini, while also quoting Simpson’s assertion that she was a virgin. Portman was referencing the late-‘90s image to highlight the mixed messages about female sexuality she received as a young woman in the public eye.

“I was confused,” said Portman. “Like, I don’t know what this is trying to tell me as a woman, as a girl.”

Some, including Simpson, interpreted Portman’s remark as implying that, somehow, virginity and bikini-wearing are incompatible. Simpson responded on Twitter that she was “disappointed” to read Portman’s statement. “As public figures, we both know our image is not totally in our control at all times, and that the industry we work in often tries to define us and box us in,” she wrote. She added that she believes “being sexy in a bikini and being proud of my body are not synonymous with having sex.”

You can’t really fault Simpson for taking offense at being held up as the literal embodiment of American cultural hypocrisy around women’s sexuality. But, as the 37-year-old Portman later clarified, her intent wasn’t to undermine the self-image of 38-year-old Simpson but to call out the industry that both women grew up in, which hypersexualized its young starlets while simultaneously fixating on their claims of sexual purity.

For those of us who grew up in that heady, paparazzi-peppered era that saw the cultural coexistence of purity rings and visible thongs, it isn’t tough to recognize that Portman has a point. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, entertainment media was just as attuned to, and exploitative of, the blossoming sexuality of its emerging stars as it’s always been since pretty much the dawn of the industry.What set that period apart was its weird and relentless fixation on these young celebrities’ virginities.

It took a full five years after Spears’ Catholic schoolgirl-kilted “Baby One More Time” video carved her place in the annals of pop culture Lolitadom before she would say, in an instantly notorious 2003 interview for Wmagazine, that she was no longer a virgin. Five years later, singer Jordin Sparks enthusiastically defended the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings at the MTV VMAs, declaring: “Not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut!” That same year, a 15-year-old Miley Cyrus would ruefully lament that “even at my age, a lot of girls are starting to fall” — a strikingly biblical euphemism for teens having sex.

That Old Testament-ness was not a coincidence. Sara Moslener, a religion professor and author of the book Virgin Nation, told Jezebel earlier this year that “the purity movement was about conservative evangelicals keeping access to political power.” And in the years that stars like Simpson and Portman were coming of age, conservative evangelicals had a direct influence on the messages that kids were getting about sex and sexuality — not just in the media, but at school. Jezebel cited a 1999 study from the Guttmacher Institute which found that 86 percent of school districts with sex ed curricula required abstinence promotion, while more than half made it mandatory to teach abstinence as the preferred birth control method.

The evangelical inflections of early-2000s stars’ performed sexual identities seem a far cry from today’s reality. Rather than extoll virginity as a virtue, a growing number of young stars are loudly owning gender and sexual identities that fly in the face of the virtue-policing that was so recently the norm. Even Miley Cyrus, who 10 years ago lamented the “fall” of her peers, now identifies as genderfluid and pansexual.

For those of us in our late 20s and 30s who glance wistfully on the wokeness of today’s teens and wonder why our young selves weren’t so forward-thinking, the Simpson-Portman beef invites us to re-examine the context of our coming-of-age years with a grain of contextual salt. More than just a throwback, their little misunderstanding was a revelation — even, you might say, a gift. Maybe, in hindsight, the judgments we made and hang-ups we cultivated weren’t our fault, after all. At last, let’s call a spade a spade and blame the late-‘90s and 2000s for being kinda lame.

(Photos by Alberto E. Rodriguez + Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images)

Like many autumn-loving millennials, I grew up watching Gilmore Girls religiously, and I'm not embarrassed to say Lorelai and Rory had a major influence on my formative years. While my GG viewing journey began in my beachy Florida hometown, dreaming of small-town Connecticut vibes where it’s inexplicably always fall, I continued watching via reruns — and eventually Netflix — for the next two decades.

However, this year something shifted. Suddenly, I didn’t relate to Lorelai and Rory in the way I used to. Situations where I was previously 100% on their side (ahem, Mitchum), I see things more clearly (except the yacht situation — that was never cool, Rory!). Which makes sense, as my first viewing was around Rory’s age...and I’m now 32, Lorelai’s age at the start of the series. I’ve always heard that wisdom comes with age, so here are 25 thoughts I have rewatching Gilmore Girls as an adult.

Having A Baby At 16 (& Raising Her On Your Own) Is Huge

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It’s actually a pretty big deal — not just a funny one-liner. During my first viewing, it felt like teen pregnancy was everywhere in pop culture, and I didn’t fully comprehend why some characters made a big deal over Lorelai’s age while others just laughed along. But as a newly minted 32-year-old, I couldn’t imagine having a 16-year-old child right now! Let alone raising one very well from the time I was just 16 myself! Definitely impressive of young (and adult) Lorelai!

Lorelai Was Right To Turn Chris Down

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As a hopelessly romantic teen who desperately wanted a cute boyfriend, I thought love was all you needed. And I was extremely confused by Lorelai’s rejection of Chris’s proposal in the first season. He said he loved her and wanted to be a family — shouldn’t that be enough? But alas, he wasn’t ready for a commitment, and Lorelai knew it. Trusting your gut is a big part of growing up.

Max Medina Wasn’t *That* Great

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I always thought Max’s proposal was incredibly romantic. He did exactly what Lorelai wanted — 1,000 yellow daisies (definitely more than 1,000 TBH) and had a beautiful speech prepared, which he delivered….over the phone? It’s honestly pretty strange that he wasn’t there in person. Proposals are so personal, and his just felt disconnected. It’s no wonder Lorelai had trouble making up her mind!

Emily And Richard Aren’t As Mean As Lorelai Makes Them Out To Be

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Sure, they can be harsh and difficult, and they're clearly still hurt over the past. But so are Lorelai and Rory, whether or not the show wants to admit it. But this is life and all humans are flawed, and Lorelai isn’t the victim that I always believed she was.

Lorelai And Rory Are SO Codependent

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I always thought their relationship was perfect, but it’s honestly not too healthy for either of them. We know Lorelai’s emotional growth is stunted due to having to be an adult from a young age, but maybe their relationship explains why Rory isn’t as well-adjusted as she should be either.

Richard’s Attack On Dean Wasn't Malicious

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For years, I thought Richard was such a jerk for this, but as an adult...I can see his intentions are in the right place. We're all the sum of who we spend the most time with, so the company we keep is important. However, his delivery probably could’ve waited until after dinner.

Naming A Baby After Yourself Is Pretty Bad*ss

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Though it’s mentioned in the show a few times — often played as a joke or a quirky character trait — I kind of love that Lorelai went for it and named her baby Lorelai, too. Men have been doing this for years, and I wish more women would as well. It’s such a cool, forward-thinking choice, especially for a young girl in the 80's!

Pride Is Great...Unless You Let It Hinder Your Life

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Another example of Lorelai playing the victim: When she wanted a bank loan, Emily knew that Lorelei would need a co-signer and showed up for her despite their differences, without intentionally making her feel bad. Instead of accepting the help, Lorelai assumed her mom was out to get her (?) and almost cost herself the opportunity to get some much-needed funding, all because of her relentless insistence of doing it all on her own. The lesson? Don’t be so shortsighted and quick to assume.

Christopher Somehow *Always* Makes The Worst Decisions

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In season 2, he wasn’t being romantic by giving Lorelai the pearl necklace for her graduation, and I refuse to see this gesture as such. He was still dating Sherry, and that totally sent mixed signals.

A little later, when Christopher and Lorelai finally give it a go for real, he finds out Sherry is pregnant and decides to marry her instead. Let me just say...there's no universe where this was the right thing to do! Besides breaking Lorelai’s (and Rory’s!) hearts, he entered into a loveless marriage, doing a disservice to both Sherry and Gigi.

Paris Was On To Something With Her Quest To Uncover The Dark Side Of Small Towns

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This was played for laughs, and as a tween in 2001, I thought it was ridiculous. However, in today’s climate...it’s not too difficult to imagine the dark side of a small town — despite how charming and idyllic it may look on the surface.

Emily’s Desire To Find A Maid She Likes Is *Sorta* Fair

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Yes, she’s not warm and fuzzy, but Emily Gilmore knows what she wants. I once thought she was a mean dictator, but her monologue in relation to the lawsuit clears it up: If you’re paying for a service, you demand that service (i.e. coach vs first class on a plane). If someone is working in your home, it’s all the more important to get the chemistry and personality fit right, as opposed to a traditional office environment.

Logan’s Family’s Opinion Of Rory Wasn't Too Far Off

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Although Logan’s family’s disapproval of Rory when they meet her at dinner is unexpected, it’s definitely not as out of the blue as I originally thought. Logan’s family knows Richard and Emily well, and they’re likely well aware of Rory’s career aspirations, which is the main point of contention. Although Logan’s mother and grandfather are extremely clear about this, Rory can’t get past thinking it’s a class issue. I will never not cringe at hearing her exclaim “but I’m a Gilmore?!?!” Whether we like it or not, compatibility of lifestyles and goals play a huge role in whether a couple has a successful future together — Logan’s parents were just looking out for him, misguided as they may have been.

Michum’s Offer For An Internship Was Thoughtful

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Rory initially rejects this very generous offer for a fantastic opportunity that will help further her career ambitions, all because she believes it wasn’t extended for the right reasons (out of guilt over the dinner). Mitchum’s response “So what? Life is full of opportunities….” is so spot on. It doesn’t matter why — just take advantage of what’s in front of you! Maybe if Rory wasn’t so uncomfortable using her connections, she would have been a more successful journalist.

So Maybe Mitchum Was A Little Right About Rory

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I so clearly remember being confused by how the Mitchum internship went down. But she’s Rory, how could she *not* have what it takes?! But now, as a college grad who successfully completed 14 internships during undergrad and has worked in communications for almost a decade, I completely understand where he’s coming from.

If you rewatch these episodes, you’ll see the light as well. In the scene right before Mitchum has the talk with Rory, he’s running an editorial meeting and she’s sitting in. He mentions the paper can find students (like Rory, who writes for the Yale Daily News) at local colleges (like Yale) to freelance for the paper, and Rory stayed silent. That was her moment to impress him by raising her hand and volunteering, and it was also the moment when he decided she didn’t have what it takes to be a journalist. Looking at it now, she was very clearly missing the drive; the “not knowing if she could speak up because she’s just an intern” schtick? Any budding journalist would have raised their hands so quickly for a shot at a byline on a real paper.

While all of Rory’s growth at the paper was great — learning names, getting coffee orders correct — she was essentially growing into a secretary, not a journalist. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s a very different skillset.

TL;DR she didn't have what it takes, he knew it, and he did her a favor (as she tried to do with the ballerina, however harsh it was.)

Rory’s Harsh Ballet Review Was Actually Symbolic

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Shortly after Rory returns to Yale, she’s tasked with reviewing a ballet performance. She hates the performance and decides to eviscerate the ballerina in her review, only feeling guilty *after* the she’s confronted. By the episode’s end, Rory realizes that truthful reviews are important and it’s better that the ballerina finds out now so she can pursue something else instead. This make sense, but for some reason Rory can’t seem to connect her harsh review with Mitchum’s, despite very recently being on the receiving end of a well-meaning (but harshly received) review. Effectively, Rory became the Mitchum, illustrating that she’s grown thicker skin and isn't afraid to hurt feelings when she needs to.

Luke Telling Rory That He And Lorelai Are Engaged Was...Off

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I wanted our girls to make up as much as the next serial rewatcher, but this was not it. Luke inserting himself in the middle of Rory and Lorelai during their fight and telling Rory that they’re engaged is so misguided and inappropriate. And then proceeding to flip out at Lorelai, because their fight is inconveniencing him? Let’s add Luke to the list of emotionally immature characters on this show.

Lorelai Planning The Entire Wedding In One Day Is SO Unrealistic

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As a tween this seemed normal, but as an adult who just spent two years (!) planning their own wedding, I can confirm it’s totally unrealistic.

Also, getting married in a church is an absolutely bizarre choice for someone who isn’t at all religious (as we learned in Sookie’s baptism episode). And why would she pick out Luke’s tuxedo, without him even trying it on?

I get that weddings are inherently “girly” and not Luke’s thing, but your partner should have some involvement in the planing process (at the very least, maybe get their opinion on the venue and tux?!). These are big financial decisions that should not be made alone (she put down non refundable deposits and booked dates before checking with him). I love Luke & Lorelai but upon rewatching, they were never on the same page — which is so evident here.

Dave Rygalski Was A Pathological Liar

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I used to think he was the perfect guy, and it took me a long time to see the light. Never forget how he jumped through all those hoops for Lane! But as an adult who has dealt with *many* too-good-to-be-true suitors, it’s shocking how easy it was for him to lie to Mrs Kim. I genuinely think Dave is a pathological liar, and definitely not someone you want to be with forever, which brings us to…

Zack Was Actually A Great Guy

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Truthfully, I always thought he was a loser who was obsessed with everything being “so rock and roll.” But he was actually always totally real and upfront about who he was, which is something that Mrs. Kim was able to respect despite their differences.

Richard Was The Real Villain Of Emily’s LASIK Surgery

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I fully expected to feel like Lorelai was in the wrong during my most recent rewatch (although she’s no angel here — you're mom can’t see, stop complaining and help her out!), but the real villain here is Richard. Who leaves their wife for a business trip after a botched eye surgery? He’s back at the firm by this point (a global company) and could have easily had someone else step in to take the meeting instead.

Rory Dropping Out Of Yale Wasn't The Worst Thing Ever

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As a teen, this seemed crazy. Why would Rory give up on her dream and throw her life away?! But as an adult who, like Rory, went through personal trauma during her college years, took time off, and eventually went back and finished school, I see things differently now. Success is not linear, and everyone’s path is different. When you’re that focused, it’s even more important to take a breather and recalibrate.

Mrs Kim’s Parenting Skills Shine When Lane And Rory Both Face Setbacks

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I love Rory and Lorelai’s relationship (it’s so similar to mine and my own mother’s!), but they didn't respect each other’s opinions when they disagreed. From Lorelai freezing Rory out after she wanted to give up and take time off of Yale (again, just a semester — and so not a big deal!) to Rory refusing to hear out Lorelai’s side and listen to her advice, this feels off for two people who love each other so much. Especially when juxtaposed with Lane’s and Mrs. Kim’s drama on-going in the same episode.

At the end of season 5, Lane also wanted to give up on her dream (being a drummer in Hep Alien) and move back home, but Mrs. Kim surprised us all by stepping up and proclaiming, “So you’re giving up? Then you are not the daughter I raised!” And she proceeds to help Lane and the band go on tour across the East Coast. Even if it’s not the vision Mrs. Kim had for her only daughter, she’d rather have a happy daughter than a miserable one who accepts defeat.

Lane and her mother always had a different dynamic than the other mother/daughter duos on the show. While they’re not as close as Rory and Lorelai, Mrs. Kim always had her daughter’s respect. It’s interesting how Lane and Rory both experienced setbacks and wanted to give up their dreams, but Mrs. Kim ultimately stepped up while Lorelai lost touch with her daughter for months.

Season 7 Christopher Was A CATCH

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Younger me hated Christopher for coming between Luke and Lorelai (really though, that was all Lorelai), but Christopher achieved excellent character development over the course of seven seasons. He truly gets Lorelai, from planning the perfect date to involving her in his life in a real way, which Luke was never able to do. They may not have been endgame but he was great for that moment in time.

The Abortion Convo...Er, Lack Thereof

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Lane gets pregnant at 22, and she explicitly says she isn’t ready for the baby and that there’s so much more she wants to do first before kids. Lane is a small town girl, so she may not have known her options, but she has a worldly best friend who’s sexually experienced, well-traveled, and Ivy League educated.

So what wonderful advice does Rory give her friend in distress? She assures her that she will be a GREAT mom and to stop worrying. This is uncomfortably tone deaf, and a real way that Rory failed Lane as a friend and fellow woman.

In a later conversation, Zach and Lane both agree that they’re broke, totally unprepared, and that “this baby sucks.” But they just decide to suffer through it and don’t discuss any other options.

As a teen with limited life experience, this made sense during my first viewing. But as an adult woman in a post-Roe v Wade world, I’m floored this storyline was ever approved without even the slightest mention of the A-word.

Judging Sherry Was Way Harsh

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Personally, I cringe every time Lorelai and Rory bring up the point that “mani-pedi-twice-a-week Sherry” can’t possibly be a good mom. I know she’s supposed to be the villain who “stole” Christopher from Lorelai —only for us to later see things through Christopher’s POV only — but these characterizations did not age well. Realistically, Sherry is a career-driven woman who screwed up and married a guy who’s an absent father to both of his children — and she finally decided to put herself first.

Looking for more Gilmore Girls hot takes? We've got you covered on everyone and everything to loving Paris and Logan...to not loving Rory. 😉

This post has been updated.

We all know the Yellowstone season 5 cast is stacked: Kelly O'Reilly, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille — and now Bella Hadid?! Yep, that's right, the model showed up on the latest episode of the TV show and the internet is going crazy. Not only because Bella is in the show (and she's an incredible equestrian) but also the fact that creator Taylor Sheridan cast her as his onscreen girlfriend.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Bella Hadid's Yellowstone cameo — and the internet's reaction.

Was that Bella Hadid on Yellowstone?

Paramount

Well yes, that was Bella Hadid on Yellowstone. Good eye! The actress appeared in season 5, episode 13, "Give The World Away." When Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) shows up at Travis Wheatley's ranch, she's greeted by Travis' girlfriend Sadie (Bella Hadid) instead of the horse trainer himself (who's played by creator Taylor Sheridan).

As the episode progresses, we see Beth and Sadie start to bond (or at least, we see Beth try to figure out why Sadie's with Travis) and Sadie hops on a horse herself. If there's one thing that will solidify the return of the Western aesthetic, it's Bella Hadid wearing a cowboy hat.

And this isn't the first time Bella has showed off her horseback riding skills! Her boyfriend Adan Banuelos posted a video on November 3 of Bella competing, saying "Bella rode 3 horses and qualified to 7 different finals, bringing home her first CHAMPIONSHIP buckle! We continue to be proud of her in (and out) of the arena."

The model and actress' 'Ôrəbella Alchemy Foundation also works with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) to provide therapeutic and adaptive horseback riding for individuals for special needs.

After the new Yellowstone episode aired, the internet simply couldn't help but roast Taylor Sheridan (who's 54) for casting the 28-year-old Bella Hadid as his own girlfriend.

"Taylor Sheridan making Bella Hadid his girlfriend in 'Yellowstone' is objectively hilarious," @spaseycasey tweeted, while @rigginsslim says making Taylor's character "the Dutton savior + coolest guy in the universe" while "1/3 of it is him shirtless [and] he’s f—king Literally Bella Hadid" isn't even "the top 5 dumbest parts of the episode."

However, it looks like this was the push some of Bella's fans needed to start the show! "starting yellowstone because bella hadid made a cameo in it," @cardiganfml tweeted. (I literally cannot judge considering I started 1923 after seeing Brandon Sklenar in It Ends With Us).

Bella Hadid wasn't the only guest star on this week's episode of 'Yellowstone'

In addition to Bella, we also saw Blake Lively's brother-in-law Bart Johnson make a guest appearance. The High School Musical star's character has the audacity to try and hit on Beth during a girls' night out. Read the room!

What did you think of this week's Yellowstone episode? I can't believe next week is the finale! Check out why Paramount+'s New Drama Landman Will Fill The Yellowstone Void In Your Life.

Few books have made an impact on BookTok like Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us. The story follows a woman named Lily who is intrigued by a new relationship with Ryle (Justin Baldoni), but an encounter with her first love Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) — and the reminders of her past that Atlas carries — complicates everything. This movie based on a bookis one to remember.

We had high hopes for this summer movie, and when it was announced that Justin Baldoni would develop the film in 2019, we knew the story was in good hands. Baldoni won us over with his role as Rafael in Jane The Virgin, and his feature directorial debut Five Feet Apart made us cry our eyes out.

If you're a Colleen Hoover fan, keep reading for everything you need to know about It Ends With Us. Check out the rest of this year's 2024 movies too!

Is It Ends With Us streaming?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Yes, you can now watch It Ends With Us at home! The movie is finally on Netflix, but it's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime. That means you can watch the movie while reading up on all the cast drama without shame.

Is Ryan Reynolds involved in It Ends With Us?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Yes, Blake Lively revealed Ryan Reynolds helped write one of It Ends With Us' most memorable scenes. "The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it," she tells E! News."He works on everything I do, I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his."

Lively also says that Reynolds showed up in the movie in another unexpected way: through his clothes! "I have a few of my husband's shirts and socks randomly in the movie," she tells People. She also wears her own boots in the birthday party scene, and her own Louboutins in the bar.

"I have some of Gigi Hadid's sweaters in the movie," she continues. "She has this line, Guest In Residence, but also she would run out and I would be like, 'I want this one' because of all the really cool patterns and whatnot, and she’d be like, 'I have that. You can wear mine.'"

Watch the It Ends With Us trailer now!

Sony Pictures Releasing

The way I IMMEDIATELY slapped my hand over my mouth at the first notes of "My Tears Ricochet" from Taylor Swift's Folklore. What a song choice for the first trailer! And then to have Ethel Cain's "Strangers" lead the second trailer makes me want to cry! This is the one trailer we have been waiting for all year, and it totally captures the emotion, heart, and drama of the book.

When is the It Ends With Us movie coming out?

Sony Pictures Releasing

It Ends With Us premiered in theaters August 9, 2024. With so much color, plus the fact Blake Lively's Lily runs a flower shop, a summer release is perfect! Because of the writers' strike and actors' strike, production on the film paused over the summer of 2023, meaning the movie got delayed from its original February 9 (then June 21) release date.

Who plays Lily in the It Ends With Us cast?

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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (who also directed) star in the film as Lily and Ryle, respectively. On April 20, 2023, it was announced that 1923 star Brandon Sklenar would join the duo as Atlas, and on May 1, Jenny Slate joined the cast as Ryle's sister Allysa. Hasan Minhaj joined the film on May 25 as Alyssa's husband Marshall.

Baldoni also posted a TikTok confirming that after an open casting call, they found Isabela Ferrer for young Lily!

Fans were initially unhappy with Blake's casting, because in the book, Lily is supposed to be in her early 20s. But author Colleen Hoover explained a bit of the intention behind the casting with TODAY, explaining that the "new adult" genre at the time favored characters in their early 20s — and that the point of the book is its message, not its cast or costumes.

“As an author, we make mistakes,” she says. “There’s no 28-year-old neurosurgeons, you know? You go to school for 15 years. And so to make corrections to what I messed up in the book, we aged the characters up somewhat...I love that there’s discourse surrounding it, I do. I think that people are going to be very pleased. I’m very pleased.”

What is It Ends With Us about?

Amazon

It Ends With Us follows Lily Bloom after she moves out of her small town to start a flower shop in Boston. When she meets Ryle on a rooftop and quickly falls head over heels, it seems like fate. That is, until she comes face-to-face with her first love Atlas. It's a story of strength, deep-rooted relationships, and identity that made waves on social media.

Where was It Ends With Us filmed?

Sony Pictures Releasing

It Ends With Us filmed primarily in New Jersey. The first set images from It Ends With Us are from a scene that takes place between Lily and Ryle. While Baldoni is wearing a simple black sweater, Lively is wearing two different shades of pink over a brown dress. I love the way costumes highlight all the ways characters are different, and this is the perfect example!

On January 6, 2024, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were finally spotted in Jersey City again. While the costumes have gotten some backlash, I really love the texture and visual interest in this patchwork jacket + jeans combo! It feels creative and bright — just like Lily :).

And on April 30 we FINALLY got the first official images from the movie. The colors are just as bright and yet still have some emotional weight behind them to match the story. I'm particularly obsessed with this Blake Lively look — I'm a sucker for a jeans + tank + cardigan combo.

Is Colleen Hoover making a movie out of It Starts With Us?

Sony Pictures Releasing

We might have just gotten a movie adaptation of It Ends With Us, but fans are already hoping for a sequel movie based on It Starts With Us! There's no word on the potential sequel, but star Brandon Sklenar is totally down to return.

"I would love to do it, I really would, I would love to do it," Brandon Sklenar told Access during New York Fashion Week. "I hope we can get it together because I think the fans deserve it, and I'd just love to tell more of Atlas' story and get into his past a little more. Yeah, it would be beautiful if we can do it. I would love to."

Who else is working on the film?

Sony Pictures Releasing

Lively, Baldoni, Hoover, Steve Sarowitz, and Andrew Calof all served as executive producers, while Alex Saks, Christy Hall, and Jamey Heath produced. Hall also wrote the script for the film.

Follow us on TikTok and Twitter for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on It Ends With Us! Feel free to rewatch all of Blake Lively's movies too ;).

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.

If you're anything like me, you treat Christmas like a whole fashion show. Whether it’s a wholesome family dinner or a (not so wholesome) party with hometown friends, I always plan to pull a look or two.

As opposed to years past, I’m looking to shake up my Christmas outfits a bit, playing with multiple patterns, cozy (yet stylish) layers, and, of course, a good pair of boots. Looking for inspo along those lines? We’ve got all the Christmas outfit ideas you need to stun at this year’s festivities.

Check out these 12 Christmas outfit ideas you have our full permission to copy this season!

Kayla Walden

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

Haley Sprankle

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Jasmine Williams

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Ali Ives

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Haley Sprankle

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

Haley Sprankle

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

Kayla Walden

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

Meredith Holser

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Kayla Walden

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Rachael Sprankle

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Ali Ives

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Kayla Walden

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

Haley Sprankle

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Haley Sprankle

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

Kayla Walden

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.

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As I type this, I'm sipping on chai tea, wrapped in a blanket covered in hedgehogs holding candy canes, while twinkly lights hang on the wall behind my head. That's right baby, it's Christmastime!! (Well, almost). It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but we're getting in the holiday spirit early, because...well, why not? A few Christmas music, a taste test of Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are all surefire ways to make any cloudy, dark-before-5 pm day merry and bright. After you've watched Snoopy prepare dinner for all his friends in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, press play on the oh so sweet A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Here's everything you need to know about how to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for the 2024 holiday season.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

You can stream A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+ this year, which is also where you'll find It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. So if you're wondering, 'Is A Charlie Brown Christmas on Netflix?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But while the $9.99 cost for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to literally so many other titles, it's understandable if that's a deal breaker. Good thing there's a 7-day free trial! Apple TV+ is also airing the special for free on two days during the holiday season: December 14 and December 15. Mark your calendar!

Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in A Charlie Brown Christmas?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Plot

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, our titular main character is not feeling merry and bright. Even though the world is cheery (and snowy) around him, he simply can't break out of his funk — especially when he tries to direct his friends in the local Christmas play and they all make fun of him. But thankfully, Linus, and one special little Christmas tree, help save Charlie Brown's Christmas spirit.

The special definitely struck a chord in audiences. According to TODAY, almost half of the entire country tuned into the premiere, and A Charlie Brown Christmas ended up winning an Emmy in 1966 for Outstanding Children's Program.

When did A Charlie Brown Christmas come out?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Release Date

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS December 9, 1965. Even though Charles M. Schulz's comic strip introduced characters like Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, and Snoopy in 1950, this was the first time the characters appeared in a TV special.

Can I stream the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Concord Music Group

Yes you can listen to the A Charlie Brown Christmas album (which has sold more than 5 million copies) on streaming platforms!

Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas not airing?

CBS/Apple

After Apple bought the rights to the Charlie Brown specials in 2018, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown haven't regularly premiered on TV. 2022 marked the last time Apple allowed PBS stations to air A Charlie Brown Christmas once during the holiday season.

Will ABC show A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Check out 60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions for more inspiration!

This post has been updated.