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11 Phrases That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable’ With Strangers, According to an Etiquette Expert

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 6:21pm

While it’s important not to care too much about what others think, it’s understandable that you may want to come across as likable (or at least not instantly unlikable, right?). You might feel that way for various reasons: Perhaps you’re a people-pleaser, want to make friends as an adult or need to win over a client at work. Other than the more obvious steps—like simply smiling at people—you might read about habits that make people likable or behaviors to ditch if you want to be more amiable

While helpful, those tips are unfortunately not foolproof or fail-safe. After all, we can’t control what others think, and we can easily turn people off even when we don’t say the “wrong” thing. At the same time, having that kind of information in your back pocket is a smart first step. While nobody is perfect or liked by everyone, certain phrases are usually no-gos in social situations—and some are more surprising than others.

To help readers, Parade spoke to an etiquette expert. Ahead, she reveals 11 phrases that make you “instantly unlikable” with strangers, explaining why for each. Then, she shares how to avoid those phrases (while still getting your point across) and how to be more appealing to people you haven't met before.

Related: These 11 Habits Will Make People Dislike You Fast, Etiquette Experts Warn

Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images

11 Phrases That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable’ With Strangers, According to an Etiquette Expert

When you meet someone for the first time, you may want to avoid using these specific comments, an expert warns.

1. “You look tired”

While this comment may be true (and even a sign of concern or care), it’s not one to say.

“Even if they are tired, what does pointing that out help?” says Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen, the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert and the author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People: What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say.

She encourages genuinely asking how the person is instead.

Related: 11 Phrases That Make You ‘Instantly Unlikable’ in Group Settings, According to an Etiquette Expert

2. “I’m not trying to be rude, but…”

Usually, if you have to say this, you’re about to say something rude.

“This is a disclaimer that does the opposite of what it promises: It signals that something rude is coming, and the person braces for it,” Dreizen says. “If you have to preface something this way, it’s worth considering whether it needs to be said at all.”

3. “Must be nice”

Did this phrase just drain excitement and happiness out of your body? It can do that. It “dismisses someone’s joy, accomplishment or good news by reframing it as unearned luck,” Dreizen explains. “It makes the other person feel guilty for sharing something positive.”

To both celebrate with the person and honor your curiosity, she encourages a phrase like, “That sounds amazing. How did that come together?”

Related: 7 Phrases That Subtly Suggest Someone Feels Resentful, Psychologists Warn

4. “I could never do that” 

These backwards compliments are like negging: They sound self-deprecating or complimentary at first, but often contain hidden judgment.

“It draws a line between your choices and theirs, and the other person feels it,” Dreizen shares.

5. “Well, that’s just common sense”

This dismissive and unkind phrase “shrinks people,” according to Dreizen.

“This tells someone that what they just shared—maybe something they learned the hard way—should have been obvious,” she says.

6. “You always…” or “You never…”

Absolutes are absolute no-nos.

“Even when the pattern is real, framing it as ‘always’ or ‘never’ puts people on the defensive immediately,” Dreizen explains. 

She adds that absolutes can shut down conversation. They can cause people to stop listening and start cataloguing exceptions.

7. “I’m just being honest”

While honesty is important, it needs to be paired with kindness. If someone says a phrase like this, it’s probably to cover for a rude comment.

“This phrase is almost never used to deliver a kind truth,” Dreizen states. “It’s most often used to sneak criticism in under the guise of, ‘What, you want me to lie?’”

Related: Psychologists Say People Who Have ‘Absolutely No Filter’ Likely Have These 7 Traits

8. “It’s not that hard”

Just because something was easy for you doesn’t mean it’s easy for everyone.

“Saying this out loud makes someone feel small for struggling,” Dreizen explains.

9. “Whatever”

This one word can cause a lot of hurt. Dreizen says it communicates: “‘I don’t care about what you just said; I don’t respect this conversation enough to give you a real response.’” 

Even if you truly don’t care or are trying to be agreeable, she adds, it can shut down conversation and make future comments sound petty.

10. “You’re too sensitive” 

You might not understand someone’s hurt, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real for them.

“This tells someone that their emotional response is wrong, which is a hard thing to come back from in a conversation,” Dreizen warns. 

She adds that feelings don’t need other people’s approval or agreement to be valid.

Related: 12 Signs You Might Be a ‘Highly Sensitive Person,’ According to a Therapist

11. “Let me play devil’s advocate.”

This is just a nope.

“I am not sure who suggested the devil needs an advocate, but I suggest they do not,” Dreizen says. 

If you have a good-natured counterpoint, she encourages saying something like, “If I could provide a counter-argument,” to be more conversationally inclusive.

How To Avoid These Phrases Altogether—With Strangers or in General

Thinking before you speak and being mindful of how certain phrases come across are important steps to foster healthy communication. Dreizen finds that the phrases above “are not curious, warm or welcoming.” 

Other than being aware of that, she encourages taking a breath and thinking about the person before you.

“See their joy, tiredness, excitement as an invitation to connection instead of something to be proven, questioned or picked apart,” she suggests. “A breath and a reminder of where you want this relationship to go is a good step in the right direction.”

Related: Why You Shouldn't Ignore These 6 Common 'Brightsiding' Phrases, Psychologists Warn

How To Be More Likable With Strangers

So we know what’s unlikable. What about the opposite? Get this: Being “likable” with strangers doesn’t mean what you may think it does. 

Dreizen says it “isn’t about being charming or performing warmth,” but about “making the other person feel like they matter in the brief window of time you share.” 

To do this, she suggests asking questions, actually listening to their answers and allowing their stories to be their stories without trying to match or “one-up” them.

Related: 10 Easy Ways To Become More Charismatic, According to Psychologists

Remembering that connection matters more than precision is also key, the etiquette expert says.

“Details get confused, sometimes we all get flummoxed by a date or a location—assume the other person is not trying to mislead you, especially when there is no reason for it, and focus on the connection,” she explains.

Last but not least, and when in doubt, she emphasizes helping people feel good about what they say.

“That’s it,” she concludes. “That’s the whole thing.”

Up Next:

Related: Etiquette Experts Say These 8 Nonverbal Habits Make You Seem Rude Without Realizing It

Source:
  • Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen is the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert and the author of Simple Scripts to Support Your People: What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say.

Walmart's 'Pretty' $11 Solar Sunflower String Lights Add a 'Beautiful, Cozy Glow' to Decks and Patios 

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 6:15pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

String lights are one of the easiest ways to make an outdoor space feel warmer and more inviting. Whether you're hosting friends, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or simply spending more time outside during the summer, they instantly create a cozy atmosphere. If you want something a little more playful than standard string lights, choosing a design with decorative details can add personality as well as illumination.

One charming option is the Rirool Solar Sunflower String Lights. Right now, they're on sale for 48% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $21 to just $11. For an outdoor decor upgrade that feels unique and seasonal, it's an impressive value.

Rirool Solar Sunflower String Lights, $11 (was $21) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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These lights feature 50 warm-white LED bulbs woven through realistic yellow silk-like sunflowers and green leaves. The cheerful floral design adds a bright, garden-inspired touch during the day and a soft glow after sunset. With 20 sunflower accents spread across a 16-foot strand, they offer plenty of visual impact without overwhelming a space.

The warm 3000K lighting creates a cozy ambiance that's perfect for outdoor gatherings or relaxing evenings. Plus, the lights include eight different modes, which makes them easy to customize to your space’s vibe.

One of the biggest advantages is the hassle-free setup. Because they're solar-powered, there's no need for outlets, extension cords, or complicated wiring. Simply place the solar panel in a sunny location and drape the lights wherever you'd like. After approximately six to eight hours of charging in direct sunlight, they can provide eight to 10 hours of illumination at night.

They're also designed to withstand outdoor conditions. An IP65 waterproof rating helps protect the lights against rain, snow, and changing weather. The combination of silk-like flowers, plastic stems, and durable copper wiring creates a decorative display that's built for long-term outdoor use.

One shopper shared that the sunflower lights “add such a beautiful, cozy glow” to their outdoor space, writing, “They truly brighten my evenings and make my home feel extra special.” Another described them as “very bright” and “pretty,” adding, “You could attach them to anything and hang them very easily.”

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Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful' $25 Solar Firefly Lights 'Add Joy and Sparkle' to Yards and Gardens

For an affordable way to add both light and personality to your outdoor space, the Rirool Solar Sunflower String Lights are an easy pick. At just $11 with Walmart's current 48% discount, they're a fun and budget-friendly upgrade.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Cape Verde Goalkeeper Gains Over 2 Million Instagram Followers After Heroic World Cup  Performance in Draw Against Spain

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:56pm

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha put on a show-stopping performance on Monday, June 15, during the national team's World Cup debut against Spain, which came into the tournament ranked No. 3 in FIFA’s world rankings.

Spain went into the game as the heavy favorites, but the 40-year-old goalkeeper's performance was a large part of the reason for the final score being 0-0, earning Cape Verde its first World Cup point.

And with that, he has earned worldwide attention.

Vozinha began the day with 45,000 followers on Instagram, but after the game that resulted in a draw, his account had over 3.3 million followers as of 6:45 p.m. on Monday.

Brilliant save by Vozinha! 🧤

The Cape Verde stopper is doing everything he can to keep Spain out pic.twitter.com/R9I7LcXNiz

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 15, 2026

And with that, Vozinha earned FIFA Man of the Match recognition and cemented himself in the history books, becoming the oldest goalkeeper in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet in a tournament match, having made seven saves.

Vozinha was clearly emotional, with tears in his eyes after the game. And with that, he held up his nation's flag with pride

Vozinha was in tears after his heroic performance earned a clean sheet and Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup point 🥺 pic.twitter.com/1W7urCuAKQ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 15, 2026

So, what does he think of all his new followers?

"Crazy," he said during an interview after the match.

Vozinha, who has been a member of the Cape Verde national team since 2012, will have two more group-stage games against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. And with that, a win in either could earn them a spot in the Round of 32.

Fans React To Vozinha's Performance

"This is the greatest performance ever by a goal keeper in the World Cup history," one person commented.

"40 years old. Playing in Portugal's 2nd division. Facing Spain with 74% possession and 27 shots... and this man delivers a masterclass clean sheet on his World Cup debut for a tiny island nation. Tears of pure glory. This is why we love football. Vozinha is a legend," another person wrote.

"Most 40-year-olds cry because their knees hurt. Vozinha cries because he just bodied Spain. Different breed," a fan posted.

"Spain completely dominated possession with 74% of the ball and 23 total shots (8 on goal), yet Vozinha stood like a wall to secure a historic clean sheet," another fan said.

"I think I just found that one team to root for in this world cup. What a performance?!!!," one fan shared.

'Gilmore Girls' Star Just Shared Her Summer Reading Picks—And Book Lovers Will Want to Take Notes

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:38pm

Lauren Grahamis channeling her inner Rory Gilmore and sharing some of the books that are currently on her bookshelf.

The Gilmore Girls star is known for playing Lorelai Gilmore, the fast-talking, coffee-loving mother of book-obsessed daughter Rory — but in real life, Graham is quite the bookworm, too.

In her latest Instagram post, Graham let her fans in on what she's been reading lately and which books are currently on her TBR ("To Be Read") list. She unveiled a list of 8 book titles, featuring both "oldies and newies," while providing some honest reviews and teasing which books she plans on diving into this summer.

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8 Books Currently on Lauren Graham's Bookshelf:
  • Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf
  • The Remains of the Day,Kazuo Ishiguro
  • Transcription, Ben Lerner
  • Off Season, Avigayl Sharp
  • The Keeper, Tana French
  • One & Only, Maurene Goo
  • A History of England in 25 Poems, Catherine Clark
View this post on Instagram Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Graham said: "Was supposed to read it in college. MAY have used Cliff Notes instead."

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Graham said: "Reread this recently. It's just so beautiful."

Transcription by Ben Lerner

Graham said: "Man loses phone and so much more."

Off Season by Avigayl Sharp

Graham said: "TBR, heard great things about this debut novel."

The Keeper by Tana French

Graham said: "Third in a series. Start with The Seeker if you haven't read the first two."

One & Only by Maurene Goo

Graham said: "Delightful romance!"

Still Life by Louise Penny

Graham said: "TBR, needed an LP thriller!"

A History of England in 25 Poems by Catherine Clarke

Graham said: "TBR, judged this one by its (beautiful) cover"

Related: 'Gilmore Girls' Star Makes Rare Red Carpet Return for First New Film Since 2019

Crumbl Unveils a Nostalgic Flavor Lineup for Father’s Day

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:37pm

With Father’s Day around the corner, Crumbl has unveiled its weekly rotating menu. Featuring new desserts like Root Beer Float and Everything But The Dad Jokes cookies, fans are calling this week’s menu the “best lineup yet.”

Available from June 15-20, the new desserts can be purchased as a Father’s Day Bundl, with festive packaging and “everything you need to make dad feel celebrated,” according to Crumbl.

In addition to their new flavors, Crumbl has reintroduced its Dubai-Style Chocolate Cheesecake, as they continue to evolve their menu beyond just cookies.

After announcing this week’s lineup on Instagram, fans took to Crumbl’s comment section to express their excitement for the new desserts.

View this post on Instagram

“Thank you for bringing the Dubai chocolate cheesecake … back,” one user commented. “Perfect for Father’s Day! My dad and husband love them!”

“You had me at root beer float, chocolate toffee tres leches cake, and the Dubai style cheesecake,” another said.

“every dad in the group chat is getting this sent to them with 'hint hint' from their kids,” another joked.

Crumbl/JBC PR

Find the full menu below:

🤎 ROOT BEER FLOAT COOKIE (NEW)

A marbled vanilla bean and root beer cookie topped with a swirl of creamy vanilla bean and root beer mousse.

🟧 CHOCOLATE TOFFEE TRES LECHES CAKE FT. HEATH

A chocolate cake soaked in melty caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream and chopped HEATH pieces.

🔥 COOKIES & CREAM GRILL-IT COOKIE (NEW)

A cookies & cream skillet cookie topped with a swirl of chocolate cookies & cream mousse, finished with a semi-sweet chocolate grill design and gummy bears on a skewer.

😂 EVERYTHING BUT THE DAD JOKES COOKIE (NEW)

An original cookie packed with candy pieces and peanut butter chips, topped with a melted peanut butter pool and crunchy peanut butter-coated potato chips, and finished with pops of more candy pieces.

🥜 PEANUT BUTTER CUP COOKIE FT. REESE'S

A classic peanut butter cookie topped with a pool of melted peanut butter chips, drizzled with gooey milk chocolate, and sprinkled with REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups.

💚 DUBAI-STYLE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE (ENCORE)

A decadent chocolate cheesecake nestled on a chocolate graham crust, topped with crispy Kataifi and pistachio filling, a drizzle of pistachio cream, and a dollop of whipped cream.

1968 Era-Defining Anthem Called a ‘Fluke’ Became the Most Played Rock Song in Movies

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:37pm

Music and movies go together like Queen and Bowie. Apart they’re great, but together they’re sensational.

From the iconic dance sequence soundtracked by "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs to the hilarious car-radio faux paus tuned to  “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin in Amy Heckerling’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High, much of cinema is defined by magical needle drops.

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Which raises the question: Which song from rock’s golden age has been used the most in cinema? According to Far Out magazine and film historians, the answer is Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” — an era-defining counterculture anthem that has been used in more than 35 major movies, along with countless video games, TV shows, and documentaries. 

Related: 1973 ‘Best American Rock Song’ Ranked Best Classic Rock Needle Drop in Film

“Most famously, the song can be heard in the [1969] cult classic Easy Rider, which is as iconic to film as ‘Born to Be Wild’ is to music,” the outlet writes.

The song is used in the opening sequence of the classic film, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper as a pair of bikers headed cross-country in the pursuit of spiritual freedom. Fresh off a successful and lucrative drug deal, the guys stash their earnings in their American flag-painted gas tank and hit the open sunbaked desert road on their Harley-Davidson choppers as John Kay revs 'em up with, "Get your motor runnin' / Head out on the highway." Classic.

Other films that have become synonymous with the track and its pulsating rhythm, include Problem Child, Dudley Do-Right, Herbie: Fully Loaded, Borat, Paddington, Nymphomaniac: Vol I, and Drive. More recently, the song soundtracked the band's own 2024 documentary, Born to Be Wild: The Story of Steppenwolf.

Originally released in 1968, the song — about two riders hitting the open road from Los Angeles to New Orleans — has become shorthand for rebellion, freedom, and highway drama onscreen. It's become as ingrained in pop culture as the tire tracks etched into the roads where we spent our teenage years peeling out. So, it's wild to think now about the song's writer once dismissing it as a “fluke.”

Related: 1968 Classic Rock Hit That Invented Heavy Metal Became a Generation-Defining Anthem

MarsBonfire, whose real name is Dennis Edmonton, said per Songfacts, the inspiration for the song came from a Hollywood Boulevard poster that read, "Born to Ride," with a picture of a motorcycle on fire. Paired with the experience of owning his first car, a “little secondhand Ford Falcon,” the song was born.  

“All this came together lyrically: the idea of the motorcycle coming out along with the freedom and joy I felt in having my first car and being able to drive myself around whenever I wanted,” he said.

The composition of the song may have come together without a hitch, but its path to success had a few more twists and turns.

“‘Born to Be Wild’ didn’t stand out initially,” he continued. “Even the publishers at Leeds Music didn’t take it as the first or second song I gave them. They got it only because I signed as a staff writer. Luckily, it stood out for Steppenwolf. It’s like a fluke rather than an achievement, though.”

Somehow that “fluke” became one of the most cinematic rock songs ever.

Related: 1965 No. 1 Hit, With the Oldest Lyrics Ever, Became a Timeless Anthem

1977 Rock Song With Zero Chart History Remains a Classic 49 Years Later

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:35pm

Forty-nine years ago, the iconic '70s rock band Fleetwood Mac released "Gold Dust Woman," a song that, despite not having a history on the charts, has persevered as an undeniable classic.

"Gold Dust Woman" was released on February 4, 1977 as the B-side single to "You Make Loving Fun" on Fleetwood Mac's widely acclaimed eleventh studio album, Rumours. Even though it never entered the charts as an A-side single, it still experienced major popularity due to the unparalleled success of its parent album.

Rumours quickly became one of the biggest albums of the '70s, dominating the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 LP chart for 31 non-consecutive weeks. It was also certified Diamond (20× Platinum) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide, winning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978.

Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie of Fleetwood Mac backstage at the Los Angeles Rock Awards on September 1, 1977 in Los Angeles, California.

Richard Creamer/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Resurgence of "Gold Dust Woman"

While "Gold Dust Woman" earned wide recognition at the time of its release, it wasn't until the late '90s that the song experienced significant exponential growth in popularity. Following the recording of the band's 1997 live concert album The Dance, the B-side track was reintroduced to new audiences, causing a sudden resurgence. Many radio DJs on Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) stations gravitated toward the track—something that helped to solidify its legacy for years to come.

Since its resurgence, "Gold Dust Woman" has been featured in several Hollywood projects, including Griffin Dunne's 1998 movie Practical Magic, Ryan Murphy's 2013 series American Horror Story: Coven and Prime Video's 2023 original series Daisy Jones & The Six. Aside from on-screen appearances, the song has garnered over 180.5 million Spotify streams—a major feat for a non-charting single.

Nearly 50 years after its release, "Gold Dust Woman" continues to prove its relevance in popular culture. From feature-length projects to the digital era's streaming platforms, Fleetwood Mac shows that a song doesn't always need global chart success to be a lasting hit.

Related: 1973 Rock Classic, Originally Turned No. 1 Hit by Rival Band, Became a Breakup Anthem

'Love Island USA' Executive Producer's Partner Speaks Out After Tragic Death

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:34pm

The partner of James Barker, the executive producer of Love Island USA who died at 40 years old in Fiji, while filming the show's eighth season, has spoken out.

"James was the absolute light and love of my life. He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched," Adam Roth told PEOPLE. "His loss is unimaginable. While it was not enough, I am so thankful for the time we had and the memories we made together."

The two met while at a Billie Eilish concert and have been together for more than four years.

"James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island," Roth added. "We met at a Billie Eilish concert, and live music was a constant in our relationship."

He also reflected on the time they shared, in which he said it was "cut way too short, of course, but we took such advantage of the time we had together."

"I am so proud of the work he did and that he was surrounded by such an amazing team," Roth concluded. "His loss is unimaginable."

The news of Barker's death was reported by TMZ, with the network sharing a statement that said, "ITV America and Peacock will honor in Tuesday’s episode of Love Island USA series Executive Producer James Barker, who passed away last week in Fiji after suffering an unexpected medical emergency.”

“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” the statement continued. “He was a beloved and greatly valued member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.”

Peacock also told TMZ that they will be honoring the executive producer in Tuesday’s episode of Love Island USA.

Amazon’s ‘Airy’ $13 Wide-Leg Pants Are ‘Fun, Flowy, and Flattering’ for Summer

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:30pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’d prefer not to wear shorts or skirts this summer but also don’t want to melt in the heat, Amazon has a pair of flowy, wide-leg pants on a lightning deal ahead of Prime Day that can help keep things breezy. Right now, you can snag the Feiersi Baggy Wide-Leg Pants for just $13, down from $26. They come in 39 colors, including solids, florals, and corduroy options, with sizes ranging from small to 3XL.

The pants are made from a rayon-polyester blend and have a high-rise fit, elastic waistband, wide legs, and a harem-style curved hem. They also have deep pockets, so you can keep your phone, keys, wallet, or lip balm close without needing a purse. They’re machine-washable, too, though the care instructions recommend using cold water and hanging them to dry.

Feiersi Baggy Wide Leg Pants, $13 (was $26) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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These are the pants you’ll be reaching for on days that feel too sticky to even think about jeans. They’re flowy enough to feel comfortable and breathable, but the high-waisted style and curved hem shape keep them from looking overly casual, so you could wear them for a long travel day, a beach weekend, a grocery run, or a casual dinner without them looking out of place.

Shoppers have called these pants “lightweight, “super comfy,” and “breezy.” One reviewer said they’re the “perfect summer pants,” noting they’re also “perfect for travel." “The fabric feels airy and great for warm weather,” a third reviewer wrote, adding that the pants are “fun, flowy, and flattering.” 

With 39 colors to choose from, there are so many ways to style these flowy pants. You could pair one of the solid colors with a fitted tank, slides, and a tote for daytime plans. The printed pairs would look great with a plain white tee or even a swimsuit underneath on vacation. You could also wear one of the darker colors with sneakers for errands or dress them up with heeled sandals and jewelry for brunch.

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Related: Amazon's 'Buttery Soft' Joggers Are 'Breathable,' Perfect for Summer Walks, and Just $10 Ahead of Prime Week

Since Amazon already has plenty of deals popping up ahead of Prime Day, now is the perfect time to snag these. At just $13, they’re easy to justify if you want something cooler than jeans without having to reach for shorts or a skirt every time it gets hot out. But act quickly, the Feiersi Baggy Wide-Leg Pants are a lightning deal. Be sure to get them before they sell out on Amazon.

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Lead Singer of '70s Rock Band, With No. 1 Hit Song, Turns 77

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:27pm

For nearly five decades, Russell Hitchcock has been one of the most recognizable voices in soft rock.

The longtime lead singer of Air Supply is celebrating his 77th birthday, marking another personal milestone amidst a career that has produced some of the genre's most beloved love songs.

Born on June 15, 1949, in Melbourne, Australia, Hitchcock met songwriter and guitarist Graham Russell while both were performing in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1975. The pair quickly discovered a shared musical chemistry and formed Air Supply that same year.

"The first time I met [Graham Russell] was for rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar and we were amongst a few outcasts because most of the people had been in the production business and they were from a theatre background," Hitchcock told Unlocking Connecticut. "We have the same kind of sense of humor, same interest in movies, everything is pretty much like my twin brother."

Their breakthrough came at the end of the decade, but it was the early 1980s that transformed the duo into international superstars. Between 1980 and 1983, Air Supply scored an extraordinary run of Top 10 hits in the United States, including "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," "The One That You Love," "Every Woman in the World," "Here I Am" and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All."

Among those hits, "The One That You Love" stands above the rest commercially. Released in 1981, it became Air Supply's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing the duo's place among the biggest acts of the soft rock era.

Throughout it all, Hitchcock's soaring tenor became the band's signature. His ability to effortlessly move between delicate ballads and powerful choruses helped define Air Supply's sound and made songs like "All Out of Love" and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" enduring radio staples.

Despite changing musical trends, Air Supply never disappeared.

The duo has continued touring almost nonstop for decades, performing hundreds of shows around the world while maintaining one of the most loyal fan bases in classic pop and rock. In 2013, they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting impact on Australian music.

More recently, Air Supply announced its first new studio album in 14 years, A Matter of Time, proving the duo is still creating new music nearly 50 years after first joining forces.

"This album has been years in the making, and we can't wait for you to hear the songs we’ve created and share this journey with us," the duo told fans via Instagram.

Known affectionately by fans as "Hitch," Russell Hitchcock has remained remarkably consistent throughout his career, continuing to deliver the soaring vocals that first made Air Supply famous.

As he celebrates his 77th birthday, Hitchcock's legacy is secure, not only as the voice behind one of soft rock's biggest No. 1 hits, but as one half of a duo whose timeless love songs continue to resonate with generations of listeners.

Related: '70s Soft Rock Duo Announces Album for the First Time in 14 Years

1976 Thriller Turns 50 — And Still Has One of the Most Terrifying Scenes in Movie History

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:21pm

Fifty years later, one movie can still make an audience flinch at the whir of a dentist's drill.

The 1976 thriller Marathon Man, turning 50 this year, has lost none of its power to terrify. Directed by John Schlesinger and adapted by William Goldman from his own novel, the film stars Dustin Hoffman as Thomas "Babe" Levy, a New York City graduate student and long-distance runner who gets yanked into a deadly web of Nazi war criminals, spies and smuggled diamonds after his secret-agent brother (Roy Scheider) is killed.

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The Scene No One Forgets

At the center of it is Laurence Olivier as Christian Szell, a former Nazi dentist who robbed his Jewish patients, converted the loot into diamonds and resurfaces to collect. Certain that Babe knows where the gems are, Szell interrogates him the only way a dentist can, with a drill and no anesthetic, calmly repeating one question: "Is it safe?" The moment is so seared into pop culture that the line ranks No. 70 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest movie quotes.

The On-Set Legend

The shoot also produced one of Hollywood's most repeated stories. As the legend goes, Hoffman stayed awake for days to look as wrecked as his character, and when Olivier asked why he looked so rough, the Shakespearean great reportedly replied, "Why don't you just try acting?" Hoffman has since said the line was a friendly joke rather than a jab, but it became shorthand for the clash between Method acting and old-school craft.

Half a century on, Marathon Man still turns up on best thriller lists and still sends viewers straight for the floss. Not bad for a film that made a routine trip to the dentist into one of cinema's great nightmares.

Robin Roberts, Serena Williams Launch Docuseries on This All-New Women's Franchise

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:08pm

A brand-new series heading to the "worldwide leader in sports" is all about setting the tempo.

Backed by A-list executive producers Ryan Reynolds, Serena Williams and Robin Roberts, an upcoming ESPN Original Series has been greenlit by the iconic network that centers on the WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo.

The four-episode series, cleverly dubbed Setting the Tempo, takes audiences inside the "exhilarating, high-stakes process of building a WNBA franchise from the ground up," according to an ESPN news release on Monday, June 15. It promises to capture the relentless race against the clock as the top-tier leadership evaluates talent, establishes a culture and lays the foundation for sustained success.

“As someone who has loved women’s basketball and had the privilege of being part of the WNBA’s story since the very beginning, this project feels incredibly special,” said Roberts, 65, in a statement. “The launch of the Toronto Tempo represents a defining moment for the league and for women’s sports in Canada. This series captures the passion, pressure and purpose behind building a franchise from the ground up, while shining a light on the women leading the way and shaping the future of the game.”

“With the incredible growth of the WNBA and women’s basketball, this is the perfect time to showcase the launch of Canada’s first WNBA franchise,” added Lindsay Rovegno, ESPN Originals vice president & executive producer, in a statement. "Setting the Tempo presents a rare opportunity for fans to see what it truly takes to build a successful organization, shining a spotlight on the female executives whose decisions and vision are laying the foundation for the future."

Williams, 44, is a principal owner of the Tempo, Canada’s first-ever WNBA team that is preparing for its inaugural season. With expectations soaring, national pride on the line, and the countdown to tip-off accelerating, Setting the Tempo promises to chronicle "the ambition, pressure, and purpose behind launching a franchise determined to make an immediate impact," according to ESPN.

'First Lady of Jazz' and 13-Grammy Award Winner Died 30 Years Ago Today

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:07pm

Singer Ella Fitzgerald was known as "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella" over the course of her career. The improvisational genius and iconic singer was known for her tone, clarity, and athletic vocal ability as a singer. With a career spanning almost 60 years, Fitzgerald gave her last public performance in 1993, and she passed away three years later in 1996. She was 79 years old.

Fitzgerald was born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia, Her parents were unmarried, and she and her sister moved with their mother to Yonkers with her mother's new boyfriend in the early 1920s.

She started school at the age of six and was an excellent student until the death of her mother in 1932. At that point Fitzgerald started struggling, skipping school, and even worked for a time for a Mafia-affiliated numbers runner. Her troubles led her to a period of homelessness and she was even placed in an asylum and reform school. She never spoke publicly about this time in her life.

In 1934 at the age of 17, Fitzgerald entered an amateur night at Harlem's Apollo Theater. Initially she had intended to dance, but she was intimidated by the competition around her and opted to sing instead performing "Judy" and "The Object of My Affection." This proved to be the right choice, as she won the competition giving her $25.

Photo by David Redfern on Getty Images

Following her win at the Apollo amateur night, Fitzgerald was introduced to the famous drummer and bandleader Chick Webb. After some convincing, he agreed to make her a featured vocalist for his ensemble, despite being "reluctant to sign her...because she was gawky and unkempt, a 'diamond in the rough.'" With Webb and his band, Fitzgerald rose to fame following her 1938 recording of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Webb passed in 1939, and Fitzgerald went on to lead the band for two more years under the name "Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra."

In the mid-1940s, Fitzgerald began working with manager Norman Granz who would go on to form Verve Records specifically for her. Prior to Verve, Fitzgerald had hits with Bill Kenny and the Ink Spots, Louis Jordan, and the Delta Rhythm Boys. Her partnership with Granz led to her iconic Songbookseries, where she recorded staple songs by the likes of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Gershwin.

The Songbook series would go on to be considered Fitzgerald's most notable work. Following her death in 1996 the New York Times wrote: "These albums were among the first pop records to devote such serious attention to individual songwriters, and they were instrumental in establishing the pop album as a vehicle for serious musical exploration."

Over the course of her career, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy Awards and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1967. In 1959 at the first awards ever, Fitzgerald became the first African-American woman to win. Fitzgerald also was the recipient of a Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Medal of Honor Award, a National Medal of Art, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an honorary doctorate from Yale.

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Related: 1964 Beatles Cover Became a Hit That Paul McCartney Was ‘Honored By’ 62 Years Ago

Kohl's 3-Piece Reversible Quilt Set Combines Boho and Vintage Styles Beautifully

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:05pm

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Every year when summer rolls around, I like to pretend as if my home is actually a seaside cottage. (It isn't.) I draw inspiration from just about every feel-good Hallmark movie you can think of that takes place in some small and quaint coastal town. Now because I live smack dab in the middle of a major city, I can't exactly rely on an ocean breeze to cool off my space, but if I crank up the air conditioning and close my eyes, I can almost feel it.

What I can replicate, however, is the perfect cottage-style bed. I'm talking a medium-weight comforter or quilt that looks like something passed down through generations, featuring light, airy colors. And then, of course, a ton of throw pillows for added charm. It's the kind of bedding setup that looks so inviting after a long summer day.

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Lush Decor Sofia 3-Piece Flower Block Bouquet Reversible Cotton Quilt Set, $200.99 (originally $334.99) at Kohl's

Kohl's

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The Lush Decor Sofia 3-Piece Flower Block Bouquet Reversible Cotton Quilt Set at Kohl's is pretty much the perfect embodiment of what I look for in a summertime bedding situation. It's got that free-spirited boho vibe, paired with a vintage aesthetic. Basically, it's lovely and not at all fussy. And I love that it's a reversible design because it feels like getting two looks for the price of one.

Related: Sam's Club Is Selling a New 30-Piece Pyrex Food Storage Set in the Prettiest Summery Colors

The pieces are crafted from soft cotton with a lightweight cotton-and-polyester fill, striking that sweet spot between cozy and breathable. This alone actually makes it a great option for year-round use.

Available in both full/queen and king/California king sizes, each set includes a generously sized quilt and two coordinating shams for a polished, pulled-together bed. Best of all, it's machine washable, because beautiful bedding is a lot more appealing when it doesn't come with complicated care instructions.

If you're looking for different bedding options, there are actually some really great temperature-regulating sheet sets available at Aldi right now for only $19.99. Or you can head to IKEA for a floral-inspired duvet set that brings the prettiest pops of color to your room. With that in mind, I still tend to do a lot of my linen shopping at Kohl's because of that sweet, sweet Kohl's Cash you get on your purchases that you can use on other goodies later. But that's just me.

Related: This $1.25 Dollar Tree Find Is the Super Sneaky Organizing Wunderkind That Will Declutter Your Space

Which Roman Goddess Are You? Your Birth Month Reveals Your Divine Match

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 4:55pm

Whether you fell head over heels for mythology when you were in school or, as a fan of astrology, you enjoy learning about the connections between our celestial bodies and ancient deities, it’s easy to be fascinated by Roman goddesses. From Vesta, the goddess of home and hearth, to Venus, the goddess of love, and Minerva, who oversees wisdom, the arts, and battle, and even Luna, the goddess of the moon for whom so many kiddos (and fur children!) have been named, each character’s vivid story makes it easy to see yourself in potentially more than one archetype. But there’s one Roman goddess you can’t help but relate to more than the others, based on your birth month.

The Roman Goddess Whose Energy Echoes Your Own, Based on Your Birth Month

Read on to learn which Roman goddess is your match, based on the month you were born.

January: Minerva

Born at the start of a new year, you claim either hardworking, disciplined Capricorn or futuristic, contrarian Aquarius as your sun sign. What the earth sign and air sign have in common is that they’re both ruled by Saturn, the taskmaster planet, which oversees commitment, reality checks, and boundaries. Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and strategic intelligence, as well as the patron of medicine, science, and skilled trades, all themes that echo your maturity, forward-thinking energy, and ability to be the grown-up in just about any room.

February: Urania 

You came into the world when the sun was moving through either inventive, quirky air sign Aquarius or poetic, mystical water sign Pisces, which means you’re potentially both a dreamer and a doer, a spiritualist and a scientist. This reflects the energy of a Muse in Roman mythology, Urania, who oversees astronomy and science. Celebrating your birthday in one of the deepest winter months, you know that there’s much more than what meets the eye—under ground and in the sky above—and that knowledge and ability to trust your intuition and imagination reflects Urania’s terrain. 

EXPLORE: Which Classic Soft Rock Song Captures You, Based on Birth Month

March: Aurora


Born when the sun was moving through either dreamy, spiritual-minded Pisces or action-oriented, first sign of the zodiacAries, the goddess of the dawn best matches your imaginative, go-getter, initiative-taking energy. In Roman mythology, Aurora would fly across the sky every morning in a chariot to announce the arrival of the Sun and the beginning of a new day. Your birth month also plays host to the Spring Equinox, a time when we welcome a season that brings more light, which echoes the themes that surround Aurora. 

April: Juno

You made your entrance into the world when the sun was taking a trip through either fiery, passionate Aries or grounded, tactile, sensual Taurus, which means you’re highly focused on your goals and pursuing them. As the queen of the gods, Juno, who would stop at nothing to achieve her aspirations, matches your energy. Aries is ruled by Mars, the God of War (who also happened to be one of Juno’s sons), and Juno often waged war strategically and politically, which you can certainly relate to if you have Aries influence. And she also happened to be the goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth, which you may also find you’re a champion of if you’re more of a Venus-ruled Taurus. 

RELATE?: These 4 Birth Months Are Destined for Abundance

May: Suadela

Whether you were born when the sun was moving through practical, grounded, steadfast earth sign Taurus or bubbly, curious, supercommunicator air sign Gemini, you’re capable of engaging others with your commitment to building relationships, especially through compelling conversation—or potentially also truly talented flirtation. Suadela, the goddess of persuasion, mirrors that strength. Known to be close friends with Venus, she was especially charming when it came to romance, seduction, and love, and she was occasionally referred to as one of the Graces. 

June: Luna

The sun was in either super-social air sign Gemini or emotionally astute, caregiving water sign Cancer when you were born, which means your heartfelt bonds are a top priority, and you’re also highly intuitive. Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon, is associated with nocturnal magic, mysteries, and secrets, as well as the power to grant fertility and help with childbirth. All of these themes reflect your own powers as someone who is in tune with their inner voice, cares deeply for others, and, let’s be honest, also can’t help but be a bit ethereal.  

July: Diana

Born when the sun was in either beautifully family-oriented, nurturing water sign Cancer or charismatic, theatrical fire sign Leo, you’ll go to great lengths to defend your loved ones, fight for what you believe in, and care for others. Diana, the Roman goddess of fertility, wild animals, the countryside, and hunters, who also looked after women in childbirth, mirrors your protective, heartfelt, bold spirit. Diana’s job was to bring the moon out every night, and that lunar influence echoes your rulership, if you’re more of a Cancer, and let’s not forget that the moon is illuminated by the sun, which rules Leo.

BEAUTY: Every Birth Date Matches a Classic Supermodel—Find Your Match

August: Ceres

Whether you were born under deeply loyal, passionate fire sign Leo or cerebral, thoughtful, earth goddess-y Virgo, you believe in caring for others with all of your heart. This echoes the story of Ceres, who was the Roman equivalent of Greek goddess Demeter, and who ruled agriculture, fertility, and motherhood and was also considered the protector of the plebeian class. Her happiness was tied to a healthy harvest. Similarly, when you’re feeling seen, connected, and able to show up for the ones you love, you’re at your most vital and content.

September: Venus 

You were born under either service-oriented, intuitive, romantic earth sign Virgo or beauty-loving, balance-seeking air sign Libra, which means you embody the energy of one of the most well-known Roman goddesses: Venus, who oversees beauty, values, femininity, and love. Whether you’re more practical and Virgoan or airy and Libran, you care deeply about bringing harmony into your relationships and forging a pleasurable, fulfilling connection with someone special—ideally, on a level that feels like a fairy tale—which calls to mind Venus’s whole vibe. 

October: Salacia

The sun moved through partnership-oriented, balance-loving air sign Libra and intimacy-seeking, magnetic water sign Scorpio during the month you came into the world. You might be secretive, if you’re especially influenced by Scorpio, and interested in going to great lengths to maintain peace and beauty, if you’re more shaped by Libra, and both of these traits are mirrored by Salacia. A sea nymph who initially hid from Neptune, the God of the Sea, because she was awestruck by him, ended up marrying the King of the Deep. Salacia presided over the ocean, becoming the personification of tranquil, sunny seas. 

November: Abeona

Whether you were born under the powerful, fearless water sign Scorpio or jovial, wanderlust-fueled fire sign Sagittarius, you’re invested in broadening your horizons either literally or through emotionally transformative experiences. If you’re more influenced by Scorpio, you might be especially family-oriented, and if you’re more of a Sagittarius, a burning desire to globetrot runs through your veins. In turn, Abeona, the Roman goddess of outward journeys, speaks to your soul. As the deity who watched over a child’s first steps away from home and protects travelers, her protective and pioneering energy matches your own. 

FUN!: Your Signature Cocktail, Based on Your Birth Month

December: Epona

Born with your sun in either adventurous Sagittarius, symbolized by a centaur, or hardworking, serious Capricorn, symbolized by the Sea Goat, you don’t mind venturing out into the world to make your boldest vision a reality. In turn, your personality matches the Roman goddess of horses, ponies, and fertility. Often depicted with ears of grain and a cornucopia, her earthiness and power is Capricornian, and her association with sovereignty as well as freedom and travel feels quite Sagittarian. 

UP NEXT:

1981 Southern Rock Hit, Inspired by a Turbulent Marriage, Became a Lasting Anthem

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 4:51pm

American rock band .38 Specialreleased "Hold on Loosely" in the early '80s, which became one of the biggest and most enduring hits of their careers. Inspired by trouble in Don Barnes's marriage, the track became a hard rock hit about relationships.

Created alongside Survivor's Jim Peterik, "Hold On Loosely" soon defined a new era of music for the band. The track was released as the lead single of their studio album Wild-Eyed Souther Boys in 1981. It peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became an even bigger success on the radio. It landed at No. 3 on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart. Receiving heavy MTV rotation, it became a crossover hit for .38 Special.

The inspiration behind the track has often been talked about by Barnes, with him detailing that it was based on his marriage at the time. Some reports claim that he lamented his wife not being more supportive of his career. In an interview with Decades TV Network, he recalls his wife wanting to "criticize" him and "keep me under her thumb and I was trying to be somebody. Trying to rise up."

His real-life problems soon inspired the seed for "Hold on Loosely" and spoke about it to Peterik, saying, "What is it about people that can't seem to celebrate their differences and support each other? Give each other space to breathe and, you know, be themselves."

The singer adds that he had a notebook open and asked Peterik what he thought of the title "Hold on Loosely," with Peterik immediately chiming in, "but don't let go." Barnes called it the "perfect couplet," and they were "off to the races" to develop the track.

According to SongFacts, Peterik also felt a connection to Don's idea based on his own experience with his wife.

"My wife of 32 years now, this is what broke us apart when we were teenagers - I was getting too close. I was getting too serious for her. She didn't say, 'Hold on Loosely,' but that's what was in her heart. So when Don said 'Hold on Loosely,' I immediately knew what he was talking about. He wasn't even talking about that exactly, he told me later, he just thought it was a cool title," he said.

Decades after "Hold on Loosely" was released, Barnes still calls in an anthemic song that has remained a staple for fans and the band. He calls it the "cherry on top" of all the hits .38 Special has released over the years.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Ballad, Written by a 16-Year-Old, Became a Lasting Anthem About Love

Walmart's ‘Absolutely Gorgeous’ $29 Coastal Quilt Set Is ‘Soft as a Cloud’ and ‘Super Lightweight’ for Summer

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 4:45pm

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Comforters are undeniably cozy to snuggle up with, but you may want a lighter option as summer rolls around. If you’re looking to beat the summer heat, a quilt is a fantastic choice. They can be incredibly lightweight, keeping you from tossing and turning at night and waking up in a puddle of sweat. Racking up over 500 five-star ratings, Walmart’s bestselling Jessy Home 3-Piece Ocean Quilt Set is a great choice, and it’s currently on sale for under $30 for a limited time with a flash deal! 

Normally retailing for $51, the full/queen quilt set is now marked down to just $29 in eight coastal styles. For a few dollars more, you can score it in three other styles, which are on sale for $31. This quilt set is also available in twin sizes, with most options on sale for $27, and in king sizes, which are all on sale for either $31 or $32. 

Jessy Home 3-Piece Ocean Queen Quilt Set, From $29 (was $51) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Beachy and summer-ready, this quilt set comes in a variety of ocean-inspired designs. Featuring motifs like seashells, starfish, seahorses, sea turtles, and more, it absolutely oozes with coastal charm and will transform your bedroom into a beachside resort. This quilt set is also reversible, adorned with the same design on either side.

If you always need a comforting layer draped over you to fall asleep, even on those warm summer nights, this quilt set is definitely worth checking out. The quilt is crafted with three layers, boasting a shell made of 100% polyester microfiber and a thin cotton-polyester filling. Cotton gives the quilt some breathability, allowing air to flow through to help keep your body temperature regulated. The quilt is also thin and lightweight, preventing you from overheating. 

Both sides of the quilt and pillow shams are double brushed, giving the fabric a soft and smooth texture that’ll feel velvety soft against your skin. The quilt and shams are stitched throughout the fabric, creating some texture while giving them some depth and dimension. This design also works to keep the filling evenly spread out rather than clumping up. 

One reviewer described this quilt set as “super lightweight and pretty” and said it has a “coastal vibe.” They also noted that it’s great for “hot climates.” A second reviewer mentioned that it’s “absolutely gorgeous” and “soft as a cloud.”

Jessy Home 3-Piece Ocean Queen Quilt Set, From $29 (was $51) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Polyester is a hypoallergenic material, making this quilt set ideal for those with allergies and sensitive skin. Ensuring that the materials and fabric are safe and skin-friendly, this quilt set is Oeko-tex Standard 100 certified. It has been tested and is safe from over 1,000 harmful chemicals and toxic substances. 

Thanks to the materials, this quilt set is easy to care for. Whenever it needs a refresh, you can toss everything into the washing machine with cold water and dry it on a low heat setting afterwards. Shoppers noted that it washes well and dries quickly without fading or shrinking. 

For size reference, the twin quilt measures 68 inches by 86 inches, the full/queen measures 90 inches by 90 inches, and the king measures 96 inches by 108 inches. The twin and full/queen pillow shams are 20 inches by 26 inches, and the king shams are 20 inches by 36 inches. 

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Related: Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $30 12-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set Is Summer-Ready With Major Coastal Charm

If you want to sleep comfortably on those sweltering summer nights while adding some coastal flair to your bed, don’t hesitate to snag the Jessy Home 3-Piece Ocean Quilt Set at Walmart while it’s still on sale for just $29 in the full/queen size! 

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Lauren Sánchez Bezos, 56, Turns Heads in Crochet Dress in Paris

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 4:39pm

Lauren Sánchez Bezos does not do low-key, and her latest Paris outing proved it once more.

Stepping out this weekend, she turned heads in an airy sky-blue dress made for the city's warm weather, but the real flex was hidden on the label. The airy design came straight from Christian Dior's Spring/Summer 2001 collection by John Galliano, a rare archival find. It featured a crochet-style construction in soft sky-blue, delicate spaghetti straps, a plunging neckline and metallic chainmail accents shimmering across the bodice and skirt.

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A Vintage Dior Moment

Sánchez Bezos, 56, was photographed leaving her hotel before an evening out with husband Jeff Bezos at the Grand Palais. A micro minidress underneath contrasted with a flowing layer that fell below the knees, an avant-garde Galliano silhouette that still reads modern more than two decades later. Archival Dior like this has become a coveted get among collectors and celebrity stylists, and she has built a reputation for tracking it down.

(Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

All in the Details

She kept the theme going with her accessories, swapping a typical evening bag for Chanel's Ice Cube Minaudière, a novelty clutch first shown in Karl Lagerfeld's Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Its silver hardware echoed the chainmail on the dress. Oversized diamond studs, her engagement ring, black sunglasses and pale-pink pumps finished the look, along with a glossy pink manicure and a high, loosely waved ponytail.

The outing landed just ahead of Men's Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027. It is the latest in a fashion run that has only intensified since her star-studded Venice wedding to Bezos last summer. She co-chaired the 2026 Met Gala alongside Nicole Kidman this spring, and she has spent the months since pulling rare archival pieces, from Galliano-era Dior to vintage Chanel, that keep her firmly in the style conversation. If the weekend was any hint, she is not planning to blend in.

‘Thirtysomething’ Icon Turns 70-Something—and Still Looks Timeless

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 4:34pm

Polly Draper may be turning 71 today, but for her biggest fans she will always be Thirtysomething

Born June 15, 1955, in Gary, Indiana, the future star was raised in Chicago, as well as Arlington and Palo Alto, California, as the daughter of high-achieving parents (seriously, her mom was a Peace Corps administrator and her father CEO of the United Nations, per IMDb). She’s a middle child with two siblings, and as a highly sociable Gemini, she forged her own path, ultimately earning an MFA from the Yale School of Drama

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Following graduation, she started her acting career on the stage, performing in New York’s off-Broadway and regional theater productions, where she was awarded New York Magazine’s Best Broadway Actress Award for Four Dogs and a Bone

Transitioning to television in 1981, Draper appeared on the daytime soap opera Another World, with the guest spot leading to more opportunities before she landed her big break on the groundbreaking ABC drama created by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, Thirtyomething

The defining portrait of Gen X followed a group of Philadelphia friends navigating adulthood, parenthood, and youthful idealism. It ran for four seasons, from 1987 to 1991, and won 13 Primetime Emmy Awards during its time, with one of those trophies going to Draper. 

As Ellyn Warren, the raspy-voiced childhood best friend of lead character Hope Steadman (Mel Harris), Draper tackled heavy, complex storylines for TV at the time, bringing levity and humanity to taboos subjects such as infidelity, sex, and the pressures of being a single career-driven woman without kids. Her efforts earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1988.

Since that defining role, Draper has continued to build upon her entertainment career as a screenwriter (The Tic Code, 1998), showrunner (The Naked Brothers Band, 2007-09), director (The Naked Brothers Band: the Movie, 2005), and producer (Stella's Last Weekend, 2018). She even won a Writers Guild of America Award for the hit Nickelodeon series The Naked Brothers Band.

More than three decades after Thirtysomething, Draper is still going strong -- and still looking amazing while she’s at it. After appearing on some of the small screen’s biggest recent hits, including HBO Max’s Hacks, Netflix’s Forever, and Showtime’s Billions, Draper shows no signs of hitting the breaks.

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Deadline recently announced she’s starring alongside Richard Kind (A Serious Man), Paul Raci (Sound of Metal), and Tovah Feldshuh (Nobody Wants This) in the indie comedy film Not Dead Yet, slated to premiere in 2027.

Time flies when you’re adulting. Here’s wishing Draper the best birthday ever!

Related: Genius Behind Some of Rock’s Most Beloved Anthems Turns 81

Amp Up Your Jewelry Collection With a Dazzling Glass Heart Ring That Looks Like a Piece of Art, Now 50% Off

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 4:30pm

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.

Everyone needs a staple gold or silver ring in their collection that they can wear every day, but unique rings deserve a place in your jewelry box, too. Murano glass accessories will do the trick every time. They’re handmade in Italy, packed with color, and look like pieces of art. While they don’t always come cheap, we found a gorgeous option that looks expensive but won’t blow your budget. The Il Murano 32mm Heart Shape Murano Glass Ring is just $40 at ShopHQ. It’s marked down nearly 50% off its original price. 

Il Murano 32mm Heart Shape Murano Glass Ring, $40 (was $77) at ShopHQ The Il Murano 32mm Heart Shape Murano Glass Ring.

Courtesy of ShopHQ

Plus, if you buy two, you can get 30% off the second. The retailer has attached that promotion to all Italian-made jewelry by Toscana Italiana, Cameo Italiano, and Il Murano through June 18.The discount will automatically apply when you add two of those jewelry pieces to your cart, so you won’t have to use a code.

Buy one, get one 30% off all Italian-made jewelry by Toscana Italiana, Cameo Italiano, and Il Murano until June 18.

 Think of this accessory as your new statement ring. It’s shaped like a heart with swirls of amber, copper, bronze, orange, and gold throughout the glass that resemble lava. When the flecks of metallic gold catch the light, it shimmers. It comes in sizes small, 5 and 6, and medium, 7 and 8. IAt about 1.2 inches long, 1.3 inches wide, and .4 inches tall, it’s fairly large, but because it’s made of Murano glass, it won’t be too heavy on your finger. One shopper who bought the ring raved about it with a five-star review, writing, “I love my ring.” 

RELATED: Add a Sparkle to Your Jewelry Stack With a Dazzling Diamond Ring, on Sale for Just $70

Since the ring is oversized, we would skip stacking it with other rings.  This is a ring that is perfect for summer vacations and summer vibes in general.Instead of wearing it with busy patterns, opt for white and neutral linen sets and outfits, and cream, denim, and black sundresses to make it stand out more. 

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Everyone needs a staple ring, but why not grab one that has some pizazz. This gorgeous Murano glass heart ring is the perfect addition to your wardrobe.. Grab one while it’s just $40.

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