25 Cute Pieces From Target Everyone Will Obsess Over
Promising review: "I shopped several brands like J.Crew, Gap, and Banana Republic and decided to buy from Target. I am so glad that I did because they are absolutely what I was looking for. The fit is perfect, and I love the wide legs. No wonder they have been sold out several times. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️" —TrishaSPrice: $28 (available in sizes 00–30 and in 13 colors)
A cute button-down tank for when you want to dress up during your workday, but still need something breathable and cozy to transition to post-work happy hour.
Promising review: "These tanks are the perfect everyday tank for summer! They fit true to size and are made of a soft, breathable material. The buttons are my favorite part; they aren't your classic button but an elevated, smooth button. These are so versatile, you can dress them up or down and still look chic. I got one in every color. 😁" —MimsLovesToShopPrice: $10 (available in sizes XXS–4X and five colors)
A sweater vest if you're planning on rocking one vibe and one vibe only: coastal-chic! This is perfect with a leather tote and slip-on sandals, or as a cute summery layer in your cold office.
Promising review: "Great color and material. Love that it's mostly cotton! Fits a little oversized, but still got my true size and love the fit. Perfect weight for summer." —aww_8776 Price: $25 (available in sizes XS–4X and four colors)
A linen sundress dress, because it serves serious "hanging in the Italian countryside" vibes. Sure, you might not be summering at a villa with Timothée Chalamet (le sigh), but at least you can look the part with this piece.
Promising review: "Love this dress! Perfect for summer, the fabric is breathable, and it's so comfy! So glad I bought it! Also, extra points because it has pockets!!" —GiomrivasPrice: $25 (available in sizes XS–4X and four colors)
A knotted halter top that'll feel so cozy on (hi, 100% cotton!) that you'll almost forget you're wearing one of the cutest tops in your closet. Almost.
Promising review: "This shirt looks STUNNING on, I got so many compliments on it!! The front is elegant, and the low back gives it the perfect amount of sexy. I was nervous about the low back, but it covers all the places I wanted it to, and I felt so confident in it!! Highly recommend!" —JuliaPrice: $20 (available in sizes XXS–4X and two colors)
A pair of mid-rise wide-leg pants, because they're flowy, comfy, and cute — perfect for wearing during a weekend morning outing with the fam.
Promising reviews: "Gingham is such a hot ticket this summer! These are the perfect addition to my work wardrobe for those warmer days. The fabric is just the right weight." —Targetsmyhappyplace"They are a tad bit big and long. However, instead of exchanging and waiting for the new pair, I will have them tailored. I like the fit overall, and they hang nicely on me. We have very warm summers where I am, so breathable clothing is a necessity." —SociallyMistyPrice: $25 (available in sizes XXS–4X and nine colors)
A crepe textured tie-top to bring baby doll vibes to your summer 'fits, while still being city-chic enough to wear on a downtown afternoon with friends.
Promising review: "This shirt fits nicely and is flowy, plus the material makes it breathable and ideal for a hot summer day." —Daze24Price: $20 (available in sizes XS–4X and two colors)
A white maxi skirt with a casual breezy fabric so you can one-up everyone at the farmers market. OK, maybe the farmers market isn't a fashion show — but with this, you'll make it look like it is!
Promising review: "Perfect for summer! Nice and flowy, very airy. It's definitely long, so I wore it higher-waisted. I sized down, too."—HPrice: $30 (available in sizes XXS–XXL, 4X)
A V-neck midi dress, because it's the perfect transitional piece between a casual beach day and a romantic summer night! Pair this with flip flops during the day, and at night, slip into some heels and statement earrings.
Promising review: "Everything about this dress is just amazing. The material is so nice. It's heavy-feeling, so it is not see-through, but still so comfortable in 90-degree weather. The pockets are huge. I get compliments every single time I wear it. It's a must buy." —bethanne405Price: $35 (available in sizes XS–XXL and three colors)
A high-waisted short with just a *touch* of see-through trim so you can add a stylish upgrade to your usual tank-top-and-shorts summer uniform.
Promising review: "These shorts are really cute with the little cutout above the hem. The fabric is lightweight, flowy, and cool for summer. The wide band elastic waist is very comfortable." —JanPrice: $22 (available in sizes XS–4X and two colors)
A simple tank top that's perfect to wear to your WFH station for when you need to look ~profesh~ but want to feel as comfy.
Promising review: "This tank top is everything I wanted — lightweight, soft, and super comfy. It fits true to size and is perfect for layering or just wearing on hot days. The material feels breathable, and it holds up well after washing (no weird shrinking or stretching). Honestly, it's one of those basics you end up living in. Definitely grabbing a few more!" —MjohnsonPrice: $8 (available in sizes XS–4X and eight colors)
A V-neck blouse with flutter sleeves that will keep you feeling breezy while looking like a million bucks.
Promising review: "Beautiful, cool, wrinkle-free fabric with pretty flutter sleeves. It's lined but very light and perfect for humid summer days. It's a dressy casual style. The V-neck is a little low if you are short. It does run about a size larger than normal, so size down." —Wordle2uPrice: $18.75 (originally $25; available in sizes XS–4X and two colors)
A pair of mid-rise linen shorts to tie together all your Hamptons-chic outfits... even if you're probably going to stay in Brooklyn for the rest of the summer.
Promising review: "The material is lightweight and very cooling. I haven't had any issues with color bleeding on any of the colors I bought, and I bought several. And most of all, I loved the price, which was lower than shorts like these from other stores." —rkkamk Price: $18 (available in sizes XXS–4X and four colors)
A slinky slip dress, because the Wedding Guest Aesthetic is still a thing this summer — this will immediately become your go-to, whether or not you have a long list of weddings to attend this year.
Promising review: "Fit me well, did not wrinkle. Great summer style and went well with a sheer cardigan, and even a white cropped jean jacket and white sneakers. Elegant enough to wear to an afternoon wedding." —MerrypPrice: $35 (available in sizes XS–4X and five colors)
An A-line picnic skirt so you can look cute while visiting family and enjoy the feeling of not having to wear pants.
Promising review: "The cotton should be cool for the summer, but the spandex does give it some stiffness, which will help it keep its shape in the humidity. It's also a nice thickness, so I don't think it will show through without a slip. Helpful pockets, too. Fits perfectly!" —ConMeyPrice: $30 (available in sizes L–4X and two colors)
A fluttery top that you can pair with a casual clog or spruce up with a strappy heel. Whether you wear this shirt casually or formally, you'll look absolutely fab.
Promising review: "Super cute for the summer, and it is a really nice light material. It ran a little big. "—My new favorite shortsPrice: $12 (available in sizes XXS–XXL, 4X, and three colors)
A tee with an extended short sleeve that's perfect for minimalists looking for something with a slight edge. This top adds just a touch of unique structure to the classic T-shirt while coming in colors that will slot easily into your current capsule collection.
Promising review: "Love it. I've never reviewed anything on Target before. These look much more expensive than they are. You need one, or even two. That is all." —CarlyPrice: $10 (available in sizes XS–4X and eight colors)
A linen mini dress practically made for a warm, breezy Sunday picnic, either alone in your backyard with a good book or at a park with friends.
Promising review: "Bought this in black and loved it so much. It's the best Target dress I've ever had." —AmandaPrice: $30 (available in sizes L–4X and three colors)
A midi tank dress to bring a cute and subtle design to your next Saturday date. This dress will go well with cozy sandals as you get ready for a romantic stroll through the city with your boo.
Promising review: "Fits true to size (maybe a little big on top). Love the white trim around the neckline, reminds me of '90s style. Can't wait to wear this when the weather warms up, will be easy to dress up or down." —KatPrice: $25 (available in sizes XS–4X and two colors)
A pair of high-rise denim shorts that you'll gravitate toward whenever you need something comfy and cute for a poolside BBQ or backyard party. Pair these with your favorite mules and you'll be golden.
Promising review: "Love these shorts! They are the best length. I bought both colors, in blue and white. Would love to see more colors." —Madia CastilloPrice: $14 (originally $20; available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors)
A midi wrap skirt, because everyone needs that one piece that they'll throw on to run all their errands — may as well make it a cute one, like this pretty, breezy number.
Promising review: "True to size, so comfortable with elastic waist band. It has pockets! And it's such a great light and breathable fabric. Loooove this skirt."—NikkiPrice: $25 (available in sizes XS–XXL, 4X, and three colors)
A soft crop top that you can wear anywhere from the gym to the pool! Hey, if your office is pretty casual regarding dress codes, you can even wear this with some high-rise jeans and an oversized blazer.
Promising review: "I love how this shirt fits! The white one is not see-through and the quality of the material is very nice, great for working out or for days when you just want to wear something comfortable!" —KatiePrice: $20 (available in sizes XS–XXL and five colors)
A pair of skater shorts with a design that ups the ante on your favorite shorts while being wearable for friend gatherings and family dinners. We love versatility!
Price: $22 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and two colors)
A strappless knit tube dress, because you'll need something to wear while holding court at your fave rooftop bar! And what's better than a dress with a strapless design when you're out in the sun?
Promising review: "Love this dress so much! Comfy and stylish! Felt great wearing it! Can be dressed up or casual. Either way, it's a winner!!" —AshReneePrice: $18 (available in sizes XS–4X and five colors)
And a button-front knit tank top, because '90s minimalism is back, and this is the perfect way to emulate a crisp vest while wearing something that's actually stretchy and cozy.
Promising review: "Love the fit, did my usual size medium. Bought in blue and black, and will be ordering brown! The perfect cutesy/casual summer top!" —LbrazierPrice: $15 (available in sizes XS–4X and three colors)
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Cosmopolitan
an hour ago
- Cosmopolitan
22 baby names rising in popularity inspired by old Hollywood celebrities in 2025
When it comes to naming a baby, it's a pretty big deal – and not a decision to be taken lightly. Some parents seek out a popular name (so the child has no issue with people pronouncing or spelling it), while others may want a moniker that evokes images of nature, or that has a literary feel to it. Or perhaps you're in the market for a name that conjures up the vibe of the Golden Age of Hollywood, which spanned from the 1910s to the 1960s: one full of glamour, art and that has a classic air to it. It looks like that could well be the case for more and more families who are welcoming a bundle of joy, as the below names – all of which are associated with a famous face from days gone by – have been steadily creeping up (or in some cases, shooting to the top of!) the rankings in England and Wales, according to the latest baby names data from the Office of National Statistics. Others, we've added for fun as they're rare but remain every inch the Golden Era. Here's a round-up of some old school Hollywood baby names, that would look just perfect in lights daaaaahhling! 1) Ava: Coming in ninth on the list of most popular girl names in England and Wales in 2024, with an adorable 1,774 of them making their way into the world, Ava is also a nod to the American starlet, Ava Gardner. As well as her famed career on the big screen, Gardner was known for her love life: she married Frank Sinatra, composer Artie Shaw and fellow thespian Mickey Rooney. 2) Sophia: Number 13 on the list (behind Sofia at number 12!), this name could pay homage to the Italian firecracker, Sophia Loren, who at 90 is one of the final survivors of Hollywood's Golden Age. 3) Evelyn: Known for playing Suellen O'Hara in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, actress Evelyn Keyes was a major Hollywood player – and a great source of baby name inspiration! The name 'Evelyn' was number 20 on the list in 2024. 4) Grace: Number 25 on the most popular names list, Grace has an elegant and regal feel – just like Grace Kelly, also known as the Princess of Monaco. 5) Elizabeth: Another regal name thanks to the late Queen Elizabeth II and an homage to Elizabeth Taylor, this moniker appears on the list at number 62. 6) Clara: Actress Clara Bow was one of the greats, and the name itself has plenty of fans too coming in at number 84 on the top 100. 7) Lillian: A great springboard name for nicknames like Lily or Lil, it also evokes Lillian Gish; one of the earliest silent movie stars, whose career stretched seven decades in total. Lillian was #309 last year and the chosen baby name for 140 little ones. 8) Audrey: At number 355 on the list and the chosen name for 124 babies, Audrey, meaning 'noble strength', is hanging in there (although it ranked higher in 2019 at number 294, after being used for 165 babies). 9) Mae: A popular choice for double-barrelled first names (e.g. Elsie-Mae and Ivy-Mae), Mae as a standalone is number 443 on the list. It reminds us of Mae West, so expect your little one to be handful! 10) Monroe: The surname of the world's most famous Marilyn, Monroe was chosen as a name for 72 baby girls last year. A unique and sparkly choice (expect this baby to have a penchant for diamonds!). 11) Rita: Although lower down the list at number 625, this name was given to 62 little girls last year. Rita Hayworth, who was actually born Margarita Carmen Cansino herself, would be proud. 12) Loren: Looking for a rare name with a Golden Age feel? Five families welcomed a baby Loren last year. 1) Freddie: A highly popular choice at number 13, Freddie can be shortened to Fred in honour of Fred Astaire, the all-singing, all-dancing, all-acting legend. As a standalone, the name 'Fred' placed #567 2) Henry: One of the biggest Golden Age stars was Henry Fonda – and his name lives on as the 14th most chosen on the list. Last year saw 2,360 Henrys welcomed in England and Wales. 3) Charlie: Like plenty of Charlie Chaplin's movies, this name is a big hit and the 17th most popular choice for baby boys today. 4) James: A good, classic all-rounder of a name (and one associated with many a big actor, such as James Cagney, James Stewart and, of course, James Dean). It's number 40 on the list today. 5) Frank: As in Sinatra, this name is number 194 and never really goes out of style in our humble opinion. 6) Spencer: A less popular choice but still a respectable number 210 on the list, Spencer Tracy (the first actor to win two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor) would be delighted, we're sure. 7) Orson: Orson Welles' Citizen Kane caused controversy when it was released in 1941 but went on to be thought of as a cinematic masterpiece. The name 'Orson' came in at 374 last year, and was chosen for 115 baby boys. 8) Gregory: Gregory Peck is synonymous with old Hollywood, and was the preferred name for 18 little ones last year. 9) Mickey: A unique choice, Mickey was number 1,595 on the list (with 16 babies receiving the name). Mickey Rooney, star of Babes in Arms (alongside Judy Garland) and Breakfast at Tiffany's (with Audrey Hepburn), could well have been the inspiration! 10) Brando: Chosen for just three baby boys last year, Brando (which is also the name of Barry Keoghan's son, in honour of his favourite actor Marlon Brando) is quintessential old Hollywood. 11) Burt: Chosen for just three baby boys last year, the name Burt was also the nickname of Burton 'Burt' Lancaster – famed for his star turns in From Here to Eternity, The Leopard and Sweet Smell of Success. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
30(ish) Wirecutter Clothing and Accessory Picks for Going Back to School
Made from smooth, medium-weight Supima cotton, this surprisingly well-priced T-shirt is polished and nicely constructed. It comes in a good range of sizes, from XXS to 3XL, though some testers found it a bit too long. This light- to medium-weight cotton tee — available in sizes XS to 5XL from some retailers — is soft, cozy, and priced for stocking up. But some testers found it too long to wear untucked, and it shrinks quite a bit in the wash. A plain white tee is a year-round essential — and these are two of our favorite men's white T-shirts, both of which are under $25. The Uniqlo tee is medium-weight and comes in sizes from XXS to 3XL, while the Bella + Canvas option is lighter weight but super soft. This classic, budget-friendly crew-neck shirt is surprisingly solid: It's soft enough, substantial, and available in a wide range of sizes. It's cut longer and more relaxed than our other picks — but it also shrinks more in the wash. This T-shirt from Uniqlo has a slim fit and is made from a soft cotton with just the right amount of stretch, so it works as a first layer or on its own. In our guide to the best women's white T-shirts, we recommend some looser-fit tees, including the budget-friendly Hanes Perfect-T. But if you prefer something a bit more fitted, editor Maxine Builder recommends the baby-cut Uniqlo Mini T-Shirt, which costs just $5 more than our Hanes pick. Perhaps you're prone to spills or white just isn't your favorite color. We understand. Writer Alexander Aciman loves these unisex, super-soft plain cotton T-shirts. The Comfort Colors tees come in more than 30 hues. This well-priced oxford shirt comes in five cuts and a wide array of colors and prints. It's made from soft cotton that feels comfy and lived-in, yet it still looks sharp. A basic buttoned shirt is a nice option for days when you have to present something to the class. The Broken-In Organic Cotton Oxford Shirt comes in five silhouettes and a variety of colors and prints, so you're sure to find one that works with your wardrobe. The fabric is soft from day one, too, so it feels about as comfortable as a tee. This slim-cut shirt is sturdy, attractive, and affordably priced. The material is on the heavier side and feels a bit stiff and rough until it gets broken in. If you're looking for a slim-cut shirt on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Uniqlo Oxford Slim Shirt. The fabric is sturdy (but a little tough), and the value is unbeatable. Drapey, flattering, and super soft, this sweater is half the price of our (already well-priced) value cashmere sweater pick. It pills fairly easily, and we have questions about its longevity, but it's still a terrific bargain. Simple yet stylish sweaters can be hard to find, but we've done the research for you. Affordable cashmere sweaters do exist. The $50 price tag of the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater makes it a sweater worth considering. It's ultra-soft, flattering, and surprisingly high-quality, though it's not heirloom material. This 100% cotton sweater is slightly oversize and heavy, yet it's especially breathable, so it's virtually seasonless. Style writer Hannah Frye spent years hunting for the perfect rollneck sweater before she found a winner in the 1988 Rollneck Cotton Sweater. It works for nearly any season or occasion, and its slightly oversize fit allows for layering, creating more styling opportunities. These well-made, versatile straight-leg jeans are comfy, booty-flattering, and nicely priced. They come in a wide range of sizes and three inseams, but in plus sizes the wash and length options are more limited. An American classic, these jeans have a long, slim-straight shape that never gets old. Plus, they're sturdy and comfy, and they come in lots of sizes — though finding the right fit can take some trial and error. Levi's straight-leg jeans got a lot of love from the panelists in our testing for our guide to women's jeans. The Levi's Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Women's Jeans earned the highest score in testing because we found them comfy and flattering across a wide range of body types. The 501 Original Fit jeans also tested exceptionally well with our panelists. Plus, for just under $100 a pair, these durable jeans are more than fairly priced. These jeans have a long, lean '90s cut, and they come in three inseams. They're not as high-quality as our other picks, but they're priced right, and they go on sale often. The slim, curve-hugging Gap High Rise '90s Straight Jeans look and feel great, even though their construction isn't as high-quality as what we've seen on some of our other recommendations. But they cost less than $100 and are often on sale, so they're one of our most budget-friendly picks. Thanks to their ultra-high rise and floor-grazing length (they come in three inseams), these wide-leg jeans are dramatic and visually elongating. They're an exceptional value, too. Just note that they run a bit large in the waist and are likely to stretch. If you like a wider-leg jean, we also have a Levi's recommendation for that. Enter the Levi's Premium Ribcage Wide Leg Women's Jeans. It comes in three inseams, so it should work for a variety of heights, and it's made of the same, durable material as our other Levi's Premium picks. Made from soft, midweight 100% cotton denim that feels broken in from day one, these high-rise jeans have a subtle, flattering horseshoe shape that's on trend without being over the top. Unlike most barrel-leg styles, this pair comes in three inseams, so you can nail the just-right length. $90 from Gap (price varies by color) If you're interested in the barrel jeans trend, editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson recommends the deliciously soft Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans. For Ingela, they have a forgiving fit and a not-too-exaggerated barrel shape, so they're her perfect pair. These barely tapered straight-leg jeans have a fit that's easy but not baggy, and they come in five inseams. Made from 100% cotton selvedge denim that's soft and easy to care for, this pair is a comfortable choice whether you're mowing the lawn or hitting the town. Not too slim and not too wide, these gently tapered jeans have a just-right straight leg that's flattering and versatile. They contain a bit of stretch, so they're super comfy, but they are also prone to stretching out. $138 from Madewell (price varies by color) For a roomy straight-leg look in a classic, beloved men's denim cut, we recommend opting for the relaxed Levi's Premium 505 Regular Fit Selvedge Jeans or the straight Madewell Slim Jeans. These two picks did well across the board with our testers, and they're two of our more affordable recommendations from our guide to the best men's jeans. For $50, these slim-fit straight leg jeans are absurdly great. They're lightweight and made with a bit of stretch, so they're not as tough to break in as traditional raw selvedge denims. But the material does feel a bit slick. These jeans have remained largely unchanged over the past 50 years, and they have several thoughtful, unique design details. $30 from Walmart May be out of stock If you really want a bargain pair of jeans, we have those, too. In our guide we recommend the Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Slim Jeans, which are unusually comfy for selvedge jeans and have an appealing straight-leg cut. We also recommend the Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans, which have a unique straight-leg cut that fits over boots but are not bootcut jeans. These roomy pants cut a different figure than most men's pants and can be easily dressed up or down across seasons. Jeans are tried-and-true. But maybe they seem a little tired to you, especially if you're going for a more preppy look. In that case, we recommend writer Evan Dent's favorite pants: the Giant-fit Chino Pant. These wider-cut pants look refreshingly clean and relaxed, rather than comically large. They're breathable, they break in over time, and they have big pockets. The least expensive of our picks, these iconic canvas low-tops go with everything, and they look cool whether they're worn in or squeaky-clean. But they may not offer enough support for everyone, and they tend to make feet look longer. $60 from Amazon (price varies by size) The least expensive of our picks, these iconic canvas high-tops go with everything, and they look cool whether they're worn in or squeaky-clean. But they may not offer enough support for everyone, and they tend to make feet look longer. $60 from Amazon (price varies by size) For a timelessly cool back-to-school look, it's hard to beat a classic pair of Chuck Taylors — especially when they're crisp and clean on your first day. Whether you get them in white or another color, low-top or high-top, these shoes work with just about any look. They may not offer ample support, and they tend to visually elongate feet, but we love these shoes anyway. These tried-and-true leather shoes have a storied history, both on the court and on the street. They're heavier than most sneakers, but they're also comfortable, and they make a statement. $115 from Urban Outfitters These tried-and-true leather shoes have a storied history, both on the court and on the street. They're heavier than most sneakers, but they're also comfortable, and they make a statement. The iconic Nike Air Force 1 sneakers are well-known for their chunky, confident profile and their ultra-bright white leather. The AF1s are big and bold, with extra-cushy padding inside, and they can last years with some extra care. These well-priced leather tennis shoes serve up loads of old-school style. Their lightweight foam padding and delightful terry lining make them comfy for casual wear, but they don't offer much arch support, and they might be too narrow for some feet. The Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes may not be as iconic or as bright-white as AF1s, but they're another favorite from our guide to the best white sneakers. They're sturdy, light, comfy, and low-profile enough to wear every day. With its padded mesh straps and back panels, this sporty-looking pack makes carrying heavy loads lighter and comfier. It also has the easiest-to-use water-bottle pockets of any bag we've tested, as well as a removable laptop sleeve, but it could use more interior organization. A sleek design and utilitarian features (such as a luggage pass-through and a magnetic top closure) make this sophisticated laptop carrier feel pricier than it is. But unlike our other picks, it isn't backed by a warranty. If you're looking for a backpack that will last well after graduation, we have a few recommendations. You can go sporty with the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L, or you can opt for something a bit more chic, like Everlane's The ReNew Transit Backpack. Simplicity is what makes this bag cool, and it comes in a plethora of colors and patterns, whether you're looking to stand out or blend in. It has a roomy laptop sleeve, but you won't find any fancy protection or organizational features inside this pack. This compact, durable laptop backpack is big on nostalgia and aesthetic appeal. But while its straps are lightly padded — a significant upgrade from the original Kånken — it still isn't ideal for carrying extra-heavy loads. All of our picks are great for carrying a laptop alongside your other belongings. Some of our options lack internal organization, which you may see as a positive or a negative, depending on your preferences. The Herschel Classic Backpack XL and the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop have laptop sleeves but otherwise have one big roomy pocket for storing your stuff, while our other picks have more pockets and features. This tough yet polished laptop tote bag is thoughtfully designed, with features such as internal pop-out bottle pockets and leakproof zippers. But its durable fabric shell is abrasive and may cause pilling on some sweaters and blouses. The good-looking, well-made Bellroy Tokyo Tote represents a happy medium for those who want a professional look, without going overboard. This laptop tote is durable and water-resistant, ideal if you need something that can survive scuffs, drops, stains, overpacking, and rainy commutes. This pack of eight matte plastic hair clips includes two styles — a standard curved claw clip and a straight clip with a rectangular cutout — and they are surprisingly durable for the price. The clips hold many hair types well, but some people might find them too large. $8 $7 from Amazon (deal on beige/color multipack) If you have long hair that you need to sweep up and out of your face, we suggest the Tocess 8 Pack Big Hair Claw Clips. Editor Catherine Kast loves them, as do many of our staff members (myself included). They are truly big, and they can hold lots of hair. They're also surprisingly durable and especially cheap, so you likely won't be too upset if you lose one along the way. This article has been edited by Maxine Builder and Hannah Rimm. What I Cover I cover lifestyle topics such as getting the stink out of workout clothes and packing for travel. I also assist with our deals coverage during special deals events.
Eater
2 hours ago
- Eater
Rice Cakes Can Do Anything
is a senior reporter at covering restaurant trends, home cooking advice, and all the food you can't escape on your TikTok FYP. Previously, she worked for Bon Appétit and VICE's Munchies. In 2023, the Los Angeles izakaya Budonoki, then just a few weeks old, decided to 'dress up' as a different kind of restaurant for Halloween. For one night, the Japanese restaurant transformed into an Italian trattoria with Negroni slushes, arancini, and checkered tablecloths. Someone on staff offered the pun 'Budo-gnocchi,' recalls co-owner Eric Bedroussian. 'We were like, wait, that's actually really good.' Nobody in the kitchen had expertise in making pasta and no one had much interest in making gnocchi from scratch, so the team reached for something more convenient: Korean rice cakes, also known as tteok. Like gnocchi, rice cakes offer a bouncy chew, especially the long cylindrical rice cakes that the restaurant uses. (Tteok can also be found in flatter rounds that are sliced on the diagonal.) The team steamed the rice cakes to soften them, then seared them to create a crisp outer layer. Sauteed mushrooms, a dashi-butter pan sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano rounded out the pasta-like vibe. The Budo-gnocchi was 'so incredibly well-received,' Bedroussian says, that it had to become a part of the permanent menu. It hit the notes the restaurant was going for with every other dish. 'It's comforting and it fills you up if you've been drinking a lot,' he says. Once a happy accident, Budo-gnocchi has since become a signature dish at the restaurant, which was named an Eater Best New Restaurant in 2024. The dish has since evolved into a loose template, changing with the whims of the kitchen. The restaurant might upgrade it by finishing with black truffle shavings, or bringing in corn and tomatoes in the summer. 'It can be whatever we want it to be,' Bedroussian says. As Korean cuisine gains popularity across the United States, rice cakes — a popular street food — have established themselves as a promising ingredient for chefs cooking both inside and outside Korean cuisine. While you'll find them cast as other types of noodles (Sunny Lee's baked ziti-like rice cakes at New York City's Sunn's, for example, or chef Beverly Kim's tteokbokki pad Thai at Chicago's Parachute HiFi), chefs especially like the way their playful, chewy texture makes them a natural substitute for gnocchi. This idea isn't entirely novel; in a 2006 New York Times review of New York's Momofuku Ssäm Bar, Pete Wells recommended the rice cakes topped with Sichuan pork ragu and whipped tofu as 'dead ringers for gnocchi.' Chefs in Korea have been working on a similar culinary track for a little while now too. Traditionally, restaurants and street stalls generally use tteok to make tteokbokki, in which the rice cakes are simmered in sauce that's slightly sweet, spicy, and fiery red from gochujang. In recent years, they've been riffing with rosé tteokbokki, which adds cream to the typical tteokbokki base, inspired by both the Italian rosé sauce and Korean-style carbonara. 'Italian food in general has become more popular in Korea,' says bar owner and forthcoming cookbook author Irene Yoo. Given that Korean-style carbonara is made with cream and served with ham or peas, breaking from Italian tradition, rosé tteokbokki is 'an interpretation of another interpretation,' she says. The rice cakes at Sunn's are topped with mozzarella cheese. Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet/Eater NY Across the U.S., rice cakes have recently transcended pasta dishes altogether. In New York City alone, there's the culinary boundary-blurring rice cake fundido at Haenyeo; the nacho-like chopped cheese rice cakes at Nowon; rice cakes bulking up galbi bourguignon alongside potatoes at Sinsa; and blanketed with mornay sauce until they resemble gratin at Gurume. At Yoo's Orion Bar in Brooklyn, rice cakes also turn sweet, morphing into churros: deep-fried until puffy and crispy on the outside, then tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with cream cheese-makgeolli dip. 'I grew up in LA, so I definitely had a lot of churros growing up,' Yoo says. While testing deep-fried rice cakes, 'I immediately thought of that as a taste memory.' For chef Nick Wong of Houston's new 'modern Asian American diner,' Agnes and Sherman, a dish of rice cakes with beef ragu filled the slot for a 'comforting, saucy starch' on the menu, since there's no pasta. It also represents a 'kind of 'if you know, you know' situation,' he says. Wong spent years cooking at Ssäm Bar, so the dish is in part a reference to the ragu rice cakes there, though with pork in place of beef because 'it's Texas,' Wong says, and to account for Houston's Muslim population. More specific to Houston, the dish has another reference: The Korean braised goat and dumplings, also made with rice cakes, was the signature dish at Chris Shepherd's now-closed Underbelly; the dish was beloved for the way it evoked the foods of many different cultures. With a sauce featuring Korean gochujang and doenjang, West African uda pepper, and Mexican chile de árbol, Wong's rendition is emblematic of Houston, where, he says, 'it's hard to tell where one thing ends and another thing begins.' When it comes to his rice cake dish, Houstonians 'just get it,' he says. With all its iterations, Budo-gnocchi is a 'chameleon' too, Bedroussian says. For a recent collab dinner with Indian sports bar Pijja Palace — an Eater Best New Restaurant that's known for its malai rigatoni (pasta with a creamy tomato masala) — the two restaurants served malai Budo-gnocchi. It's a little bit of everything: Italian, Indian, Korean, all through the lens of an LA riff on a Japanese izakaya. Between all those influences, rice cakes are in the middle, bridging the gap. Sign up for Eater's newsletter The freshest news from the food world every day Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
