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In late spring 2003, as the entertainment editor at CosmoGIRL!, I argued against putting Jessica Simpson on our September cover.

Jessica first graced the March 2001 issue of CosmoGIRL! with this cringy cover line: The Real Jessica Simpson: She’s No Prude. It was a not-so-subtle reference to how Jessica differentiated herself from the other blonde pop stars (Britney, Christina, Mandy and so on) of the day. Though Jessica was dating 98 Degrees’ heartthrob Nick Lachey, she was open about saving herself for marriage. 

It sounds wild in hindsight, but at the time, Jessica was not a sure bet. For context, this was spring 2003. While Jessica and Nick had recently tied the knot, her second album, Irresistible, had underperformed. Boy bands were cooling off, dimming the star power of her new husband. Of course, there was intrigue over Nick and Jessica as a “celebrity couple” and we were told they had filmed an MTV reality series. But the premise sounded like an uphill battle: a struggling pop singer cast as a clueless housewife, debuting decades before anyone coined the term “tradwife.”

All those doubts aside, we genuinely lucked out. Their now iconic reality show, Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, became an inescapable cultural juggernaut and we never could have predicted that Jessica Simpson would be the blonde pop star to make the world say, “Britney who?” 

For 23 years, the full transcript of our 40-minute phone interview has lived in my archive. Looking back at the raw, unedited tape today, what struck me most was how much pressure Jessica was already carrying. The most shocking revelation? Record executives originally planned to pit the newlyweds directly against each other by releasing their respective new albums on the exact same day. Jessica’s third album In This Skin was slated to drop on August 19th, 2003 (complete with songs she’d written herself, a first in her career) along with Nick’s solo debut, Soulo.

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Hearing a 23-year-old artist openly admit she’d happily sacrifice her own shot at the top of the charts just to protect her husband’s ego says everything about the impossible expectations placed on women in that era. Ultimately, cooler heads intervened. Nick’s album was quietly delayed to November, while Jessica’s In This Skin dropped in August, going multi-platinum and debuting at number 10 (Nick’s later debuted at number 51). The tension Jessica so cheerily brushed off was already forming cracks beneath the surface.

Here is the exact moment she defended that high-stakes setup, completely unaware of the emotional trap it laid.

CosmoGIRL!: Whose decision was it to put you guys up against each other with album releases?

Jessica Simpson: Um, well we both have this show, and it’s just more publicity, more press. I think that it also makes a good statement . . .that we’re not in competition. That if he’s number one, and I’m number two, it will be the best thing in the world. I mean, what husband and wife were ever number one and number two together? What’s mine is his, and what’s his is mine. I think it’s a really cool statement to make. So, it’s kind of our idea, I don’t know…. It’s a promotional thing.

CG: Is there any friendly competition over who’s going to come in at number one?

JS: Oh, we might joke around with each other, but I mean, this is Nick’s first time out, you know? We’re just…. he’s so nervous because it’s his first solo thing and none of his music is familiar, he’s not with the other guys [from 98 Degrees]. So, he’s really nervous. I would love for him to beat me out because I know how much it would mean for him to be number one.

Related: Jessica Simpson Gets Emotional Onstage Discussing Her Alcoholism: ‘Pray I Can Do This Without Crying’

‘There Are No Rumors Because Everything Is Reality’

Seven months into marriage, Jessica was entirely sincere about welcoming MTV cameras into her home, convinced total transparency would protect her relationship rather than destroy it. Here’s how she spun it.

CG: Is it hard, especially being newlyweds, and having the cameras around you all the time? Are you at all regretting not having a little bit of privacy so soon in your marriage?

JS: You see us as real people which I think is nice. There are no rumors because everything is reality. And you know what? Nick and l are just so easy going. We’re both really laid back people who don’t really care what people think of us. If anything, it’s an incredible opportunity. The power of MTV right now is unbelievable, especially with Punk’d and all these shows, all these reality shows. I mean there’s The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, people picking and choosing the person to marry. But there’s never been a reality show of the actual marriage and what all goes into it. And especially a celebrity marriage. I mean, people buy magazines every month, every week, to see what bag a celebrity is carrying or what they’re wearing. But, this is our life. You’re going to see everything. From fighting, to making up, to us in the studio, how we deal with being apart, how we make it work.

Early Echoes of Toxic Diet Culture

Long before the tabloid frenzy over her weight and years before her Daisy Duke era, Jessica was already navigating the suffocating demands of Hollywood’s physical standards. This excerpt shows how much she was already thinking about the public perception of her body.

CG: You don’t feel pressured to be thin, or always look great when you’re on camera?

JS: I mean you always have that pressure because you’re on film. You know, you’re being taped every day. But I love to work out, I love to do yoga, and you know, it’s just a part of my life. To say I don’t worry about it or think about it is a lie. Because I do. And to say that I try not to eat pizza and hamburgers, you know, or say that I EAT that and stay thin? That’s a lie too. Because I know a lot of people say that, especially models, are like “oh yeah, I eat everything.” Okay, right. Sure. Uh huh. It’s like no. I mean, you gotta watch what you eat, and you have to work out if you want to look great. And of course, I want to look great for myself. Not necessarily just for the press or whatever – not that I want to look better than anybody else. I just want to feel good in my clothes.

CG: Absolutely. What do you think gives you your confidence?

JS: For me, if I have a good day working out, eating healthy, and just spending time with my husband, I feel confident. You know, confidence comes from being on stage and getting applause. It comes from a compliment on my dress. Always accept compliments, and always listen to your compliments, because people aren’t just saying them to say them. It was in their mind to say it, and that’s why they said it, so believe it. Most people are just like “oh no….thanks anyways.” But I really believe in compliments. If somebody tells me, “Oh, you look so thin today— it makes my day!”

Life as Married Woman

Jessica knew Nick was “the one” the moment she met him but admitted he wouldn’t propose until she was more of a “woman” and had to “grow up.”  I did ask Jessica about waiting for marriage to have sex as a way to offer some “very “grown up” advice to our young readers (which she did). But it’s what she said about her relationship with her parents even after her wedding that makes me wonder if she was ready to be a wife, or at the least the wife that Nick wanted her to be.  

CG: Your decision to wait to be with Nick until you were married was very public. We have so many readers that write to us and say that they want to wait, they want to save themselves, but they’re boyfriends just don’t understand. Not everyone is as lucky to have somebody that is understanding as Nick so what is your advice to them?

JS: My advice is there ARE the guys out there that will understand. They’re very rare. But it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. And Nick wishes he would have done the same. Because when you find the love that we have, it’s like, you want to be able to share this one thing, with that one person. And I can’t imagine being that intimate with anybody else BUT him. I just find that gross just because he’s IT for me. And I knew that the moment I met him.

CG: What is your relationship with your parents now that you’re married? Do they treat you more like an adult? Do they expect more from you?

JS: It’s not really different. You know, my parents are my parents, I’ll always be their little girl. I still have my mom pick out my outfits, and my dad still handles all my business, and gives me advice, and nothing’s really changed other than the fact that they’ve accepted Nick as family. And we have a new family with his family. Nothing’s really changed, it’s just our family has expanded.

Why I’m Sharing This Now

None of this ran the way I wrote it in 2026. Back in 2003,  CosmoGIRL! was covering a pop star’s happy marriage and a hit reality show, not looking into a crystal ball, trying to guess what would happen and what she’d say about it two decades later. But that’s exactly what makes an unedited transcript like this worth revisiting. Jessica told the truth as she understood it in June 2003. She just didn’t know yet how much of it would change, or how candidly she’d eventually tell the rest of the story herself. Here’s the original cover story:

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

Want to hear about Lauren’s Y2K adventures in teen magazines? Head over to The Teen Mag Time Machine, for more never told stories straight out of the vault! And check back here weekly at Parade for more!

Next, Jessica Simpson Shines on Stage During Major Music Comeback

There’s nothing like riding a train through upstate New York in autumn.

Hop on Amtrak’s Adirondack at Penn Station in New York City, and a September or October journey carries you north through charming small towns, remote forests, glimmering lakes and the Adirondacks, the trees ablaze in vibrant shades of amber, crimson and gold.

Instead of gripping a steering wheel, you can enjoy immersive, panoramic views and a smooth ride toward Montréal’s Gare Centrale, arriving in time for an evening stroll, a Québécois meal and a stay at a glamorous hotel.

It’s a journey that travel advisors consistently rank among the best in North America, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s why the Adirondack is one of the best trains on the continent for autumn leaf-peeping.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Ride the Adirondack Amtrak’s Adirondack train travels daily between New York City and Montréal.

Photo courtesy of Amtrak

The Adirondack runs daily year-round, but autumn is when the 381-mile route between New York and Montréal truly shines. Trains depart Manhattan each morning and wind north along the Hudson River through cities and towns like Rhinecliff, Hudson, Saratoga Springs and Westport, arriving in Montréal by early evening; a trip of about 10 to 12 hours.

“This trip offers a front-row seat to everything the Northeast has to offer, from the Hudson River to the Adirondacks to Lake Champlain,” says travel advisor Christy Fischer, owner of WanderRail Travel and founder of the Amtrak Solo Travelers Facebook group. “Very few trains in North America can match the Adirondack’s range of scenery.”

From late September through mid-October, the route passes through luminous foliage in the Hudson Valley and Adirondack Park, with color shifting like a kaleidoscope as the train climbs north.

“Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the U.S. It’s larger than Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite combined—and as a result, the foliage changes at different times depending on where you are in the park and on the route,” says travel advisor Ryan Hanehan, founder of Travel Beginnings.

Related: Amtrak’s New Airo Trains Might Be the Most Scenic Way to See the Pacific Northwest

Onboard: Wide Seats, Valley Views and Peak Foliage Saratoga Spa State Park is located in Saratoga Springs, New York, a popular overnight stop on Amtrak’s Adirondack route.

Photo by Barry Winiker, courtesy of Getty Images

The Adirondack offers coach-class seating with wide reclining seats, tray tables and generous legroom. There’s no full-service dining car, but a café car serves snacks, sandwiches and drinks for the ride. Free WiFi is available, though service can be spotty in more remote stretches of the Adirondacks.

“Many travelers bring wine and cheese, which gives the trip the relaxed feel of a scenic ride through wine country,” Fischer said. “Sharing a picnic while passing landmarks like the Hudson River’s Bannerman Castle is unforgettable.”

The route also lends itself to multi-stop planning, with standout overnight stops that include Saratoga Springs, known for its Victorian architecture, mineral springs and lively dining scene; Hudson, prized for antique shopping, historic architecture and farm-to-table dining scene; and Westport, a scenic lakeside village on the Western shore of Lake Champlain. However, since the train runs just once daily, any stopover requires a new ticket and an overnight stay.

“Historic Saratoga Springs has the perfect combination of a charming downtown and easily accessible parks to take in the changing season,” says travel advisor Kim Foley MacKinnon, founder of Escape with Kim and an award-winning travel journalist, editor and guidebook author. “If you can, getting out on Saratoga Lake offers an ideal way to see the fall foliage with nothing in your way. Saratoga Springs is also famous for its mineral waters and horse racing—taste from the 21 public springs around town, then learn about the city’s racing history at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.”

Related: I’ve Traveled the World for My PBS Show, and This Is the One U.S. Train Trip I Tell Everyone to Take

Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains: The Trip’s Best Stretch New York’s Adirondack Mountains are a highlight of Amtrak’s Adirondack route.

Photo by Benedek, courtesy of Getty Images

The final leg of the journey before crossing into Canada—between Port Henry and Rouses Point—is the trip’s highlight. Here, the tracks trace the shore of Lake Champlain while the Adirondack High Peaks rise majestically across the water. This remote stretch can be difficult to navigate by car but wonderful to experience through a train window, framed by hillsides of sugar maple, birch and beech in blazing shades of red, orange and yellow.

“The final U.S. stretch is jaw-dropping,” Fischer says. “The train runs just feet from Lake Champlain, with Vermont’s Green Mountains in view and the Adirondacks rising nearby. It’s a simple trip with the most beautiful views.”

This is a section of the state with few roads and even fewer towns, which is part of what makes the train journey so memorable: mile after mile of untouched forest, lake and mountains, visible without ever having to navigate it yourself.

“The route is so much more aesthetically appealing via train than driving,” Hanehan says. “Instead of concentrating on traffic and roads, the train and its scenery is simply there to be enjoyed.”

Related: A New Orient Express Journey Will Take Travelers From Rome to Istanbul in Five Luxurious Days

The Ultimate Fall Destination: Montréal Canada’s second largest city, Montréal is famous for its distinct blend of European charm and North American energy.

Photo by Eva Blue, courtesy of Tourisme Montréal

One of the route’s top benefits is its arrival: the Adirondack arrives directly into Montréal’s Gare Centrale, with one of the city’s most spectacular hotels just an elevator ride away. One of Canada’s famous grand railway hotels, the 950-room Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth sits directly above the station and is connected by a dedicated elevator; travelers can easily stroll from train platform to hotel lobby without ever stepping outside.

“Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is an exquisite hotel with sweeping downtown views,” Fischer says. “Its design blends mid-century modern style with Gilded Age grandeur, and the cocktail lounge is very chic.”

Beyond the hotel, Montréal is one of the most walkable cities in North America, and fall may be its finest season for exploring on foot. Known as the City of Festivals for its packed cultural calendar, this world-class city is very international; French is the primary language spoken, giving even a short visit the feel of a trip to Europe without the long flight.

“Montréal’s churches and cathedrals are stunning, including the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, known for its Gothic Revival architecture, celestial ceiling and stained-glass windows depicting the city’s history,” Fischer says. “Another favorite is Mount Royal Park, which sits in the heart of the city and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind Central Park.”

Related: Vintage Train Ride Offers Scenic Coastal Views, Retro Interiors, and a Classic UK Dish Everyone Loves

More Fabulous Fall Train Rides Across North America The Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf cars feature panoramic glass-dome views, perfect for fall leaf-peeping.

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

The Adirondack isn’t the only scenic fall ride worth booking. In New England, Amtrak’s Vermonter connects Washington, D.C., to St. Albans, Vermont, climbing through the Green Mountains and past historic railroad towns. Amtrak’s Cardinal passes through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains (and through West Virginia’s dramatic New River Gorge National Park and Preserve) during its journey between New York City and Chicago, while the glass-domed Rocky Mountaineer offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.

“Fall is one of the best times of the year to ride the Rocky Mountaineer through Western Canada,” Fischer says. “September and October mean fewer crowds, crisp mornings and glass-domed coaches with windows that curve up and over your head, so the views are all around you, not just out one side. This provides incredible views of fall foliage and wildlife.”

Amtrak’s Empire Builder between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest skirts the southern edge of Montana’s Glacier National Park, while West Virginia’s Cass Scenic Railroad runs vintage steam locomotives up a historic logging grade through Appalachian hardwood forest. North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains Railroad winds through the Nantahala Gorge and lush mountain passes, and California’s Napa Valley Wine Train rolls past miles of golden, color-changing vineyards.

“If you go on a leaf-peeping adventure by car, it means the driver naturally misses out on all the beauty. If you go by train, everyone gets to enjoy the views,” MacKinnon says. “There are so many options for taking a fall foliage excursion by train, from a trip that’s just a couple of hours to all day to overnight. It’s a wonderful way to see more than you would otherwise.”

Tips for Planning the Ultimate Leaf-Peeping Train Journey A highly walkable city, Montréal is beautiful to visit by train in autumn.

Photo by @daph.nico, courtesy of Tourisme Montréal

Book early. “Because seasonal trains are popular and so specialized, try to book as early as possible,” Fischer says.

Time it right. “Each year is different, so check local foliage reports before locking in your dates,” Hanehan says.

Grab a window seat. “Book it in advance, so you don’t miss a thing,” MacKinnon says.

Stay flexible. “Traveling on a weekday instead of a weekend gives you a better chance of lower fares,” Fischer says.

Build in extra time. “Stopping along the route lets you enjoy the journey without rushing through it,” Hanehan says.

Pack layers. “Fall weather can be unpredictable, so dress for it so you’ll be comfortable,” MacKinnon says.

Bring binoculars and a camera. “The sights are memorable — you’ll want to see and document them,” Fischer says.

Ride during daylight. “Plan your trip so you’re on the train during peak daylight hours; the scenery is the main attraction,” Hanehan says.

Bring your passport. “Don’t forget your passport if you’re crossing a border,” MacKinnon says.

Related: A New Priceline Study Reveals Where Everyone’s Leaf-Peeping for Fall 2026—And It’s Not Vermont

There’s nothing quite like getting away with your closest friends, but everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect girls’ trip. Some groups want to fill every minute with sightseeing and adventure, while others would happily spend the entire weekend lounging by the pool, enjoying long, leisurely dinners, and just catching up with the people they love. 

According to astrology, your birth month can offer some insight into the kind of vacation that feels most enjoyable based on the qualities of the two zodiac signs that share it. Whether your ideal getaway involves exploring a familiar favorite destination or experiencing something completely outside of your comfort zone, there’s a destination that matches your travel style. Here’s where you should go on your next girls’ trip, based on your birth month.

January: Aspen, Colorado

Known for its world-class skiing, breathtaking mountain views, and cozy luxury, Aspen is a wonderful destination for a month shared by ambitious Capricorns and visionary Aquarians. Capricorns love structure, even when on holiday, so a place that has lots to do to keep them busy, especially outdoorsy, recreational activities, will keep them engaged. And a sign represented by a mountain goat feels right at home on the slopes! Aquarians appreciate experiences beyond the ordinary, making Aspen’s mix of adventurous activities, art, picture-perfect nature, and community rather appealing because even vacation is an excuse to get them out of their comfort zones!

February: Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a beautiful destination for those born in February as it offers a mix of adventure and relaxation that will leave visitors feeling nourished. Between the turquoise Caribbean Sea, bohemian beach clubs, ancient Mayan ruins, and world-famous wellness retreats, it’s a place that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment. Innovative Aquarians will love its creative, free-spirited vibe, while dreamy Pisces will happily spend days floating in the ocean, exploring cenotes, or watching the sunrise from the beach. 

March: New Orleans, Louisiana

For those born in March, a girls’ trip needs a destination that needs to feel celebratory with equal parts magic and adventure, making New Orleans the perfect choice for a getaway. Mystical Pisces will appreciate the city’s rich history, vibrant art scene, and spiritual roots. Adventurous Aries will fill the itinerary with late nights of live music and great food. Both signs will enjoy the thrill of a ghost tour that lets them learn about notable people’s lives as well as their spirits.

April: Nashville, Tennessee

From live music on Broadway to incredible restaurants and rooftop bars, Nashville has everything you could want in a memorable girls’ trip. Aries have a lot of energy, so they will love that the city offers ample opportunities for dancing and music as they explore and satisfy their need for adventure. Tauruses are more laidback and will appreciate the city’s vibrant food scene, boutique shopping, and all-around Southern hospitality. Whether it’s a lively concert or a leisurely brunch, Nashville has something for everyone born in April.

May: Charleston, South Carolina

With its charming cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, and welcoming food scene, Charleston’s laid-back vibe is perfect for people born in May. Indulgent Tauruses will love the sensory pleasures the city has to offer through  the local Lowcountry cuisine, window shopping, and abundant opportunities to wander through gardens while appreciating the beauty of different architectural styles. Curious Geminis will happily spend time exploring historic neighborhoods and chatting with the locals to find the best hidden gems. Relaxing yet far from dull, Charleston will provide a memorable girls’ getaway.

June: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A bustling beach town with proximity to water satisfies the desires of both social Geminis and comfort-seeking Cancers, and a destination like Cape Cod allows everyone on the trip to set their own pace. Geminis will love how easy it is to navigate and explore all of the little towns as they flit up and down the coast, whereas Cancers can slow down and take their time, perhaps not even leaving the cozy cottages this area is known for renting to visitors.

July: Lake Como, Italy

With alpine scenery and picturesque towns, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most gorgeous destinations. Water-ruled Cancers will appreciate the slower pace, with opportunities for lunches by the lake with their nearest and dearest capped off by leisurely boat rides. Glamorous Leos will love the stylish hotels, beautiful scenery, and chic experiences the villages have to offer. It’s a destination that makes even the simplest moments feel special, whether you’re sharing a long meal with friends or taking in the view with an Aperol spritz in hand.

August: Palm Springs, California

A girls’ trip to Palm Springs provides an abundance of opportunities for effortless glamour! Whether spending afternoons lounging by a pool, taking in the city’s gorgeous midcentury architecture, or browsing the endless array of vintage shops, this desert oasis is quite appealing for sun-loving Leos and detail-oriented Virgos. There’s enough excitement to keep a Leo entertained and plenty of space to slow down and recharge for the Virgo who desperately needs a vacation.

September: Napa Valley, California

The natural beauty of the Napa Valley makes it a beloved destination to visit with friends who have great taste, which those born in September have in abundance! Discerning Virgos will appreciate the attention to detail found everywhere from farm-to-table restaurants to relaxing spas, while Venus-ruled Libras will fall in love with the vineyards, beautiful hotels, and effortlessly romantic atmosphere. If your circle is in need of a getaway to slow down and indulge, this is an enjoyable option.

October: Savannah, Georgia

Savannah offers the perfect combination of beauty and mystery for those born in October. Aesthetically minded Libras will be enchanted by the city’s gorgeous architecture and stunning old houses, lush gardens, and historic squares. Supernatural-loving Scorpios will want to hear every ghost story and explore the city’s famously haunted history. Spend the afternoon wandering beneath Spanish moss-covered trees before taking a ghost tour after dark, followed by cocktails and dinner with your closest friends. Equal parts charming and spooky, Savannah feels almost tailor-made for an October-born girls’ trip.

November: Reykjavík, Iceland

For those born in November, a successful girls’ trip requires a bit of an adventure, making Reykjavík an excellent choice. Scorpios will feel right at home soaking in geothermal hot springs surrounded by otherworldly scenery. Free-spirited Sagittarians will love having the opportunity to  experience Iceland’s dramatic landscape of waterfalls and the elusive Northern Lights.  Both signs appreciate being out of their comfort zones and in a place that is wildly different from their everyday lives, and this Nordic city will satisfy that daring desire.

December: Paris, France

There’s never a shortage of things to do on a girls’ trip to Paris, making it perfect for December-born travelers who like to make the most of every vacation. Adventurous Sagittarians can spend all day exploring the city, visiting museums, and discovering new neighborhoods. Traditional Capricorns can indulge their love of history by seeing iconic places like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Versailles in person. And after a busy day of sightseeing, both signs will be more than happy to slow down over a bottle of wine and a long dinner with their closest friends.

With the last weeks of summer winding down, Costco is giving us one more dreamy taste of the season. And this time, the bakery is combining summer berries, crunchy pecans, and hearty grains in a sourdough loaf that sounds just as good toasted for breakfast as it does in a grilled cheese sandwich.

The new Kirkland Signature Cherry Berry Sourdough Bread with Pecans is made with dried tart cherries, blueberries and cranberries, along with pecans and a blend of seeds and grains. Even better, Costco uses a long fermentation process to develop the sourdough before baking.

Priced at $9.99, the new bakery loaf is Costco item #2033252. You can see it up close in this August 18 Instagram from Rachel (@discovering_costco):

View this post on Instagram Costco’s New Cherry Berry Sourdough Bread Uses Long Fermentation for Extra Flavor A classic sourdough loaf.

Photo by Ben Stein on Unsplash

There’s more happening here than simply folding fruit and nuts into a loaf of bread. Sourdough’s fermentation process gives naturally occurring yeasts and bacteria time to work on the flour, contributing to the bread’s characteristic flavor and texture. 

According to the Sourdough Institute, extended fermentation does more than build flavor. As the wild yeasts and bacteria in the starter work through the dough, they begin breaking down gluten and starches before the bread is even baked, a process the Institute describes as “pre-digestion.” Longer fermentation has also been linked to a lower glycemic index compared to bread made with commercial yeast, as well as better availability of certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Related: New Churro-Inspired Bakery Find at Costco Is a Must-Add to Cart

For Costco’s new loaf, that tangy sourdough base sounds especially good against the sweet-tart mix of cherries, blueberries and cranberries. Pecans bring some richness and crunch, while the seed-and-grain blend adds another layer of texture.

And there are plenty of ways to put those flavors to work. Toast a slice and add butter in the morning, pair it with a creamy Brie or sharp cheddar for a late-summer cheese board, or use it for a grilled cheese or turkey sandwich when you’re ready for something more savory. It could even make a delightful base for French toast when you want to lean into the sweeter side.

With fall flavors already creeping onto store shelves, this colorful new loaf feels like a delicious way to enjoy the last little bit of summer before pumpkin season officially takes over.

The 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High featured several suggestive scenes, but one of them almost cost the filmmakers an X rating.

In an August 2026 interview posted on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast, actor Robert Romanus, who played teen ticket scalper Mike Damone in the Amy Heckerling coming-of-age film, revealed that he filmed a full-frontal nude scene that was cut down.

The scene featured Romanus’ character’s sexual encounter with Stacy Hamilton, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, in a pool house. Romanus knew he would be required to film a full-frontal nude scene when he signed on for the role, but that didn’t make it any easier when it came time for the shoot.

“It made me very nervous,” Romanus, 70, admitted on Jericho’s podcast. “And I remember sitting in my trailer. It was in the morning and a closed set, you know. I mean, all the anybody who’s working on the film is off the set except for maybe the cameraman, the sound man, and the director. And I’m sitting in my trailer and Amy knocks on the door and she says, ‘How you feeling?’ I say, ‘I’m really nervous.’  She says, “You need anything?” I said, “I could use a shot of gin.’ So, I took I got a little gin and took one or two shots, and I took off my robe and I walked out of the trailer.”

“I’m nervous as Bob Romanus, but Mike Damone is very nervous in this pool house because he’s a virgin,” he added. “And he’s like as nervous as anybody about having sex. And so I can use that, you know what I mean? I can use all those feelings that Bob’s feeling and put them right into Mike Damone. And so that’s how I kind of got through that, you know? But then as far as naked goes, after 30 seconds or a minute of being naked on the stage, you don’t even really think about it. It’s just another day at work. But the buildup was quite nerve-wracking.”

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Part of the scene was ultimately cut, as the movie was already under the censor’s watch due to Phoebe Cates’ questionable scene with a carrot.

“So, I think the censor said, ‘You’re getting an X-rating. Either you get rid of this scene, or you get rid of this scene.’ And so they ended up cutting some of the some of the pool house scene down,” Romanus shared.

Heckerling once admitted that she fully intended to show nudity on both sides in the scene.

Speaking on the It Happened in Hollywood podcast in April, the director explained that she felt like there should “be some equality” in the sex scene.

“It’s a very, very uncomfortable scene,” she continued. “And for these two people, you feel naked, you feel awkward, you feel insecure, and on both sides. And I wanted to capture that.”

Heckerling ultimately heeded the warning of the Motion Picture Association, which dangled an X rating over her film.

“I said, ‘But if it was a woman, it wouldn’t be an X rating,’” the director recalled. “And they said, ‘Well, the male organ is aggressive.’ How do you fight that?”

After Romanus’ nude scene was cut, Fast Times at Ridgemont High premiered with an R rating in 1982.

In late 1977, Fleetwood Mac‘s Rumours seemed completely unshakeable at the top of the Billboard 200, until Linda Ronstadt pulled off one of the biggest chart upsets in rock history.

Having spent a staggering 29 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1, the pop-rock juggernaut had effectively locked down the charts for nearly seven months. That unbroken streak came to a dramatic halt when Ronstadt released Simple Dreams.

Powered by her iconic, Grammy-nominated cover of Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou,” which climbed all the way to No. 3 on the Hot 100, Ronstadt pulled off the ultimate chart topple. She dethroned Rumours the week of December 3, 1977, cementing her reign as the undisputed queen of the album charts.

Rhino Records reported the feat in a story discussing Ronstadt’s Living in the USA LP. They wrote, “By the year 1978, Linda Ronstadt was a bona fide music superstar. The singer’s 1977 release, Simple Dreams, was a massive success, big enough to knock Fleetwood Mac’s monster record Rumours from the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 in December of that year, holding the top position for the rest of ’77.”

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Simple Dreams would have an 11-week chart run, and hold the top spot for five. The triple-platinum blockbuster cemented Ronstadt’s status as the only solo artist in 1977 capable of breaking Fleetwood Mac’s stranglehold on the charts.

Additionally, the LP became Ronstadt’s fifth consecutive platinum album. It was a record-setting seller for a female recording artist at the time, according to Acoustic Sounds,  selling more than three and one-half million copies in less than a year.

The LP included a country song recorded with Dolly Parton (“I Never Will Marry”), covers of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison hits (“It’s So Easy” and “Blue Bayou”), and songs from Warren Zevon (“Poor Poor Pitiful Me”) and The Rolling Stones (“Tumbling Dice”).

Additionally, Simple Dreams knocked Elvis Presley‘s Elvis in Concert album out of the number-one spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart around the same time, in late 1977. Presley’s double LP was his first posthumous release, recorded during his final tour in June 1977 and tied to a CBS television special.

Ultimately, unseating Rumours wasn’t just a win for Ronstadt. It showed the sheer impact of her voice at a time when bands dominated rock and roll. Although Fleetwood Mac created a landmark record, Linda Ronstadt gave the world an album that was every bit as unforgettable and set the stage for female rockers to step into their own spotlight in the years to come.

Related: Linda Ronstadt Reimagined a 1963 Top 10 R&B Hit—Which Scored a Major Billboard Comeback 15 Years Later

Stand By Me premiered nationwide in the U.S. exactly 40 years ago today, on August 22, 1986, and the film’s three surviving stars are marking the milestone the same way they’ve spent much of this year: back together on stage.

Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell have been touring since December, revisiting the coming-of-age story in theaters across the country before sitting down for live, in-person conversations about making it. Feldman told the Associated Press he was “very grateful to be back with my bros.” 

The reunion carries extra weight this year. Director Rob Reiner died in December 2025, just before the tour’s first stops, and the trio has said they were already thinking about the film and gathering for screenings the weekend before his passing. On tour, they’ve also kept an empty seat reserved for River Phoenix, who played Chris Chambers and died in 1993. Wheaton called Phoenix “incredibly special.” 

The film almost had a very different name. It’s based on Stephen King‘s 1982 novella The Body, but Reiner and the studio dropped that title before release, instead naming the movie after the Ben E. King song that plays over the closing credits. That choice paid off: the song, already a hit in 1961, climbed back onto the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986 thanks to the movie’s exposure. It’s also been covered dozens of times over the decades, most famously by John Lennon in 1975, more than a decade before it became forever linked to the film.

Four decades later, Stand By Me keeps finding new audiences. It earned an Oscar nomination for its screenplay back in 1987, and this year’s reissue and reunion tour suggest the story of four boys walking a set of train tracks in 1959 still resonates the same way it did when the credits first rolled in theaters back in 1986.

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The Kelly Clarkson Home collection is a fantastic option for those looking to make their space a little more welcoming, blending Southern hospitality with French country elegance and offering a designer look at a more accessible price. 

One standout shoppers are loving right now is the Kelly Clarkson Home Oriental Area Rug. Right now, this rectangle 6-foot-7-inch by 9-foot rug is $108, down from $415 — that’s 74% off. This vintage-inspired rug brings character to any space with its softly faded pattern and classic design. Reviewers said it’s “gorgeous” and “very soft,” and praised how it added warmth and personality to their homes. 

Kelly Clarkson Home Oriental Area Rug, $108 (was $415) at Wayfair

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Inspired by traditional Turkish rug patterns, the design pairs an intricate geometric design with delicate botanical details, giving it the look of a one-of-a-kind vintage find. It’s made from durable polypropylene with a low 0.35-inch pile, which holds up well in high-traffic areas and slides easily under furniture. Since the pile runs on the thinner side, Wayfair suggests pairing it with a rug pad, which adds some cushioning and helps keep the rug from shifting. 

Caring for this rug is easy, thanks to stain-resistant fibers that let you tackle spills quickly before they set. For everyday upkeep, a regular vacuuming is all it really needs to stay looking fresh. 

The rug comes in a variety of rectangular sizes, from a compact 2-by-3-foot option up to a spacious 7-foot-10-inch-by-10-foot-3-inch, so there’s a fit for just about any room. Prices start at $32 for the smallest size and go up to $137 for the largest option in stock.

With so many size options, the rug can easily be incorporated into nearly any space. Style a smaller rug in an entryway or bedroom for a cozy feel, or buy a larger one to anchor a living room or dining area. “This rug is so well made and just beautiful. It is my inspiration piece for decorating the room,” one reviewer wrote. Another Wayfair shopper said, “The rug really livened up my space!” 

Related: Martha Stewart’s 100% Cotton Percale Scalloped Quilt Set Adds Vintage-Style Charm to Any Bedroom

With this 6-foot-7-inch by 9-foot Kelly Clarkson Home Oriental Area Rug on sale for just $108, now’s a great time to give your space a designer-inspired refresh for less. Whether you’re updating an entryway, bedroom, or living room, this vintage-style rug is worth adding to your cart before the sale ends or your favorite size sells out!

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In 1945, a future hitmaker was born in Staten Island, N.Y., decades before his voice would become famous as the sound of a band that didn’t actually exist.

Ron Dante, the real-life lead singer behind fictional cartoon group The Archies, turns 81 on Aug. 22.

Related: Last Surviving Member of Fictional ’60s Band That Became a Phenomenon Opens Up About His 3 Late Bandmates: ‘It’s Like They’re Still There’

Dante supplied the lead vocals for The Archies’ 1969 smash “Sugar, Sugar,” which became the No. 1-selling single of the year in the United States. But his unusual career didn’t end when the cartoon band’s heyday did. He went on to become a successful producer, working closely with both Barry Manilow and Cher.

Ron Dante Was the Real Voice Behind The Archies

Born Carmine John Granito on Aug. 22, 1945, Dante grew up in a large Italian-American family on Staten Island. Although no one in his family worked professionally in music, he recalled that “everybody sang” when he was growing up.

Elvis Presley became one of Dante’s earliest inspirations, prompting him to pick up the guitar. He was also influenced by The Platters, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino and especially The Everly Brothers, he told New Jersey Stage in 2020.

Related: ’60s Hit, Called a ‘Virtual Cathedral’ by Rock Critic Dave Marsh, Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts

Dante eventually became a staff singer and songwriter for music impresario Don Kirshner, who would give him the opportunity that changed his life.

After hearing Kirshner was developing an animated TV project based on the Archie Comics characters, Dante called and asked to audition as the group’s lead singer.

“I went and auditioned and got the part,” Dante told New Jersey Stage.

The result was an unusual kind of stardom. Audiences knew The Archies, but they didn’t necessarily know the man whose voice they were hearing.

Dante told Culture Sonar in 2021 that he initially worried too much attention from the project might limit his career, so when The Archies’ records began climbing the charts, “I just hid.”

Then came “Sugar, Sugar.”

Related: Soft Rock Icon, ‘Creamed By the Critics,’ Turns 83 Today

Written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim, the irresistible confection spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and finished 1969 as the year’s No. 1 single.

Dante told Goldmine Magazine that he deliberately approached the lead vocal with a softer style inspired by Donovan’s delivery on songs such as “Mellow Yellow.” He also shot down a long-running story that “Sugar, Sugar” had first been offered to The Monkees, saying he had confirmed with Barry that the rumor wasn’t true.

Ron Dante Had 2 Top 10 Hits at the Same Time

Even while “Sugar, Sugar” was dominating the airwaves, Dante was essentially competing against himself.

In 1969, he recorded “Tracy” under another fabricated group name, The Cuff Links. Dante created the sound of an entire vocal group by repeatedly overdubbing his own voice.

“I did, maybe, two dozen voices that night,” he recalled, explaining that his background in doo-wop helped him imagine the different vocal parts and harmonies.

Related: 1957 Ballad, the Only No. 1 by a Female Singer in More Than 2 Years, Dethroned Elvis 69 Years Ago Today

For three weeks that October, Dante had two songs simultaneously in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10: “Tracy” and “Sugar, Sugar.” Remarkably, neither record credited Dante by name as its singer.

His voice was also hiding in plain sight elsewhere. Dante became a prolific commercial singer, recording jingles for brands including Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, Coppertone and McDonald’s. One of his biggest was McDonald’s “You Deserve a Break Today.”

And one commercial session would help lead Dante into the next major phase of his career.

Ron Dante Helped Launch Barry Manilow’s Career

During a Coca-Cola jingle session, Dante found himself singing alongside Valerie Simpson, Melissa Manchester and a then-aspiring Barry Manilow. Dante and Manilow struck up a friendship that eventually became a hugely successful producing partnership.

Dante later recalled that he helped Manilow secure a record deal as a solo artist and co-produced his recordings during the singer’s breakthrough years. After an initial album failed to take off, they got another opportunity.

That second chance produced “Mandy.”

Related: 1965 Hit, Sung by a 19-Year-Old Cher in Response to Bob Dylan, Began Its 3-Week Run at No. 1 61 Years Ago Today

“Mandy” became Manilow’s first No. 1 hit, and Dante wasn’t only behind the control board. He also sang backup on the record.

“In my heart, it’s got to be ‘Mandy,'” Dante told New Jersey Stage when asked to choose his favorite Manilow hit, calling it the “breakthrough career-making record” for the singer.

Dante continued producing Manilow through a string of successful albums and sang backup on his records, even joking that when female voices can be heard on “Copacabana,” “I’m in the girl group singing with them!”

Ron Dante Went on to Produce Cher

Dante’s production career also brought him into the studio with another superstar: Cher.

He worked on Cher’s 1979 album Take Me Home, which returned the singer to the Top 10 with its disco title track.

Dante later described Cher as his favorite memory of working with the many major artists who crossed his path, remembering her as both extraordinarily famous and remarkably easy to work with.

“Working with Cher was like working with the most famous woman in the world,” he told New Jersey Stage. “She was just the nicest person.”

One particular phone call stuck with him.

Related: The Woman Bob Dylan Called ‘Deep & Mysterious’ and Asked Her to Marry Him Turns 87 Today

Dante recalled Cher calling him at 3 a.m. to play him “Too Far Gone,” a deeply personal song she had written about her ex-husband Gregg Allman. Cher asked whether they could record it, and Dante immediately agreed. The song ultimately appeared on Take Me Home.

Speaking with Goldmine, Dante also remembered Cher as a consummate professional who arrived on time and stayed in the studio for as long as the sessions required. Even visits from Sonny Bono or her then-boyfriend Gene Simmons didn’t distract her for long before she returned to work.

Ron Dante’s Career Came Full Circle

Dante’s résumé continued to grow well beyond The Archies, Manilow and Cher. His production work included other major artists, and in 1978 he produced the Tony Award-winning Broadway revue Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Decades later, he returned to performing the songs that had made his voice famous.

After appearing on the Happy Together Tour, Dante was asked in 2018 to step in for Howard Kaylan as lead singer of The Turtles.

“I almost dropped the phone when they asked me,” Dante recalled. The move allowed him to go from opening concerts with his Archies songs to closing them by singing The Turtles’ catalog.

It’s a fitting late-career chapter for a singer whose name was once deliberately kept out of sight.

More than five decades after millions of listeners heard Ron Dante’s voice without necessarily knowing who he was, the man behind one of the most famous fictional bands in pop history has built a very real legacy.

Related: 1971 Hit, Which Took Neil Diamond 4 Months to Write, Remains His Favorite Song 55 Years Later

If your idea of the ultimate vacation involves long, uninterrupted stretches of sea days, crossing major ocean channels, and visiting ports that standard week-long itineraries never touch, repositioning cruises remain the industry’s best-kept secret.

As cruise lines transition their fleets from European summer waters and Alaska routes into winter homeports across the Caribbean and Florida, these one-way seasonal journeys offer a completely different rhythm than traditional loop cruises. Recent survey data from Cruiseline.com and Shipmate shows that booking intent for transatlantic sailings is surging this year as travelers actively seek out longer, slower-paced voyages.

Beyond the romance of open-ocean crossings, repositioning cruises pack a major financial perk: travelers within driving distance of a U.S. homeport only need to purchase a single one-way international flight, disembarking right back on American soil without paying roundtrip transatlantic airfare.

For MSC Cruises, these sailings also come with a unique behind-the-scenes twist. As ships make their way toward the States, onboard hospitality and culinary teams use the crossing to transition operations—tailoring dining menus, training service staff on U.S. hospitality preferences, and fine-tuning programming so the ship seamlessly blends European flair with American comforts before arriving in its new homeport.

If you are looking to trade everyday rush for unhurried days on the water, here are three standout fall repositioning itineraries worth checking out:

Related: Why Repositioning Cruises Are the Low-Cost, Slow-Travel Trend to Watch Right Now

View this post on Instagram 1. The Transatlantic Grand Voyage: MSC Meraviglia (26 Nights) MSC Meraviglia, Horizon Bar

MSC Cruises

• Dates: October 16 – November 11
• Route: Palermo, Sicily to Miami, Florida
• The Route Highlights: This epic month-long journey starts in Southern Italy and winds through the Western Mediterranean—hitting Naples, Livorno (Florence), Marseille, and Barcelona—before making stunning island stops in Funchal (Madeira) and Ponta Delgada (Azores). From there, the ship makes a rare coastal sweep into Boston and New York City before dropping anchor in Miami to begin its winter Caribbean season.

Related: Why Everyone Is Swapping the Mediterranean for a ‘Coolcation’ Cruise This Summer

2. The Mediterranean-to-Florida Sunshine Run: MSC Grandiosa (20 Nights) Kolor stitching | 9 pictures | Size: 8256 x 5504 | Lens: Standard | RMS: -1.00 | FOV: 96.73 x 73.73 ~ 0.00 | Projection: Planar | Color: LDR |

MSC Cruises

• Dates: October 25 – November 14
• Route: Marseille, France to Port Canaveral, Florida
• The Route Highlights: Perfect for travelers who want a rich blend of iconic European cities and relaxed Atlantic sea days, this sailing departs Southern France to call on Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome), Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona. After a scenic stop in the botanical paradise of Madeira, the ship crosses the Atlantic, stops in Miami, and finishes at Port Canaveral just in time for the Florida winter season.

3. The Coast-to-Coast Panama Canal Transit: MSC Poesia (19 Nights) MSC Poesia

MSC Cruises

• Dates: September 28 – October 17
• Route: Seattle, Washington to Miami, Florida
• The Route Highlights: If an ocean crossing isn’t on your radar but a modern engineering marvel is, this West-to-East Coast repositioning is a bucket-list classic. Departing Seattle, the ship sails down the Pacific Coast with stops in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Cabo San Lucas, before heading south to Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Guests then experience a full daytime transit of the Panama Canal, followed by stops in Colón and the colorful walled city of Cartagena, Colombia, before concluding in Miami.

Related: MSC Cruises Is Opening a Brand-New Caribbean Beach Destination This Fall

Rico Rodriguez rose to stardom on Modern Family, but the beloved star is almost unrecognizable with long, curly hair.

Rodriguez, 28, was just a kid when he scored the role of Manny Delgado on Family alongside Ed O’Neill and Sofia Vergara. Playing the precocious Manny, who was the son of Vergara’s character, Gloria, Rodriguez grew up in the role. He starred on the series from 2009 to 2020, when his character started attending college. But in 2026, Rodriguez looks quite a bit different than he did in the role of Manny.

On his Instagram page, Rodriguez shares hilarious videos that show he’s gone for a different look these days. Instead of Manny’s clean-cut hairstyle, Rodriguez has longer, curly locks and glasses, with a beard. He might be unrecognizable to some people who are less familiar with his roles over the years.

Check out some of Rodriguez’s funny videos below:

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Looking Back on Modern Family

When Modern Family finally went off the air in 2020, Rodriguez had nothing but love for his colleagues on the hit series.

“Coming to work every day with my cast and crew never actually felt like work, it felt more like hanging out with my extended family,” Rodriguez wrote in an Instagram post. “Words cannot even begin to describe the life-changing experience I have had on this show. I have, quite literally, grown up right before everyone’s eyes.”

Rodriguez also thanks his family and friends for sticking by him through the years as he navigated acting as a young man. But he made it clear that out of everyone, he wanted to thank the show’s legions of fans the most.

“Thank you to my parents, my siblings, & all of my family & friends for always being by my side throughout my acting journey. But especially thank you to our fans, who have continued to watch our show for the past 11 seasons. I hope you all tune in tonight at 8/7c on ABC & celebrate with us one final time. ❤,” he wrote.

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Related: Beloved ‘Modern Family’ Episode, That Put Claire and Phil in a Compromising Position, Named the Series’ Best Ever

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One of the easiest ways to keep wearing your summer clothes into fall is to change what you wear with them instead of packing everything away. The Adidas Essentials Small Logo Cotton Lifestyle Tank Top is a perfect example, and the black and dark blue versions are currently marked down to $14 from $20. The white version is also on sale for $17.

The tank has a slim fit, a small Adidas logo on the chest, and is available in sizes 2XS through 2XL. Adidas says it runs true to size, which is great since it takes some of the guesswork out of ordering. The close fit also makes it easy to wear with high-rise jeans or joggers now, then layer under a hoodie, button-down, or jacket when temps cool down.

Essentials Small Logo Cotton Lifestyle Tank Top, From $14 (was $20) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

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If you’re already thinking of ways to wear this top while it’s still summer, you could pair it with loose jeans and sneakers, tuck it into wide-leg pants, or wear it with a skirt for a sporty look. And once mornings start getting cooler, you could throw on an open button-down, zip-up hoodie, or light jacket.

One reviewer called the tank “so soft and comfortable,” while another said it’s “very flattering.” Someone else described it as “breathable,” and others mentioned its seasonality, calling it a “great transitional piece from summer to fall.” Others mentioned wearing it with wide-leg Adidas pants, jeans, track pants, leggings, skirts, and skorts.

Related: Adidas’ ‘Perfect’ Quilted Tote Has ‘Ample Space to Hold Everything,’ and It’s 25% Off at Macy’s

At $14, the price is also on the lower end for similar cropped cotton tanks, which can easily land around the $20 to $30 range at other retailers. That makes the markdown even more worth jumping on if you want a basic you can wear now and keep styling into fall, especially since shoppers are using this one for everything from workouts to everyday outfits.

Shop More Deals

• Gazelle Bold Shoes, $60 (were $120) at Adidas
• Essentials 3-Stripes Cotton Leggings, $23 (were $35) at Adidas
• Extra Large Team Wheel Bag, $75 (was $150) at Adidas

The Adidas Essentials Small Logo Cotton Lifestyle Tank Top is a great pick for anyone trying to get a little more use out of the clothes they buy right now. The black and dark blue versions are currently $14, which knocks $6 off the original price, so be sure to grab your size while the markdown is still available.

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U2’s 1987 hit “With or Without You” has landed at No. 8 on 10 Best Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 Songs of All Time.

The song was the lead single from U2’s fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree, and became a major turning point for the Irish rock band in the U.S. “With or Without You” became U2’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent three weeks at the top and 18 weeks on the chart overall.

Collider placed the song at No. 8 and noted that U2 had two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, both from The Joshua Tree. The band’s other chart-topper, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” also came from the 1987 album.

Vocalist Bono of Irish rock band U2 performs on stage on their ‘Unforgettable Fire’ tour, at Brixton Academy on November 3, 1984 in London, U.K.

Photo by Pete Still/Redferns

The ranking also pointed to the strength of The Joshua Tree‘s opening songs. “With or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” are the album’s first three tracks, with the latter reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

For U2, “With or Without You” was more than another successful single. It marked the group’s breakthrough with American audiences after years of building success in Ireland and the U.K.

Before the song, U2’s biggest U.S. hit had been 1984’s “Pride (In the Name of Love),” which reached No. 33. But “With or Without You” changed that. After reaching No. 1, U2 followed it with another chart-topper when “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” also reached the summit.

“With or Without You” was written around feelings of conflict and a relationship that the singer could not easily escape. Bono wanted to write a love song that dealt with real issues, and the lyrics allowed listeners to find different meanings in the story.

Bono explained that the song was also connected to his own inner conflict. At the time, he was balancing his life as a husband with the demands of being an artist and a member of one of the world’s biggest rock bands.

In the book U2 by U2, per American Songwriter, Bono described that struggle in his own words: “I was at least two people: the person who is so responsible, protective and loyal and the vagrant and idler in me who just wants to run from responsibility.”

“I thought these tensions were going to destroy me but actually, in truth, it is me. That tension, it turns out, is what makes me as an artist,” he continued.”

Another important line in the song was “and you give yourself away.” In 1987, Bono said everybody in the group knew what it meant, adding, “It’s about how I feel in U2 at times, exposed.”

According to Songfacts, in 2005, Bono called it the song’s most important part because it represented a release of mental tension, “which is when the ‘Aah-aah’ comes out. That is what giving yourself away is, musically.”

The song’s popularity has continued well beyond its original release. On March 15, 2024, “With or Without You” became the first U2 song to reach one billion streams on Spotify.

Related: ’90s Rock Band From Seattle Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 32 Years After Beginning Career

In 1981, 38 Special had their first top 40 hit with “Hold on Loosely.”

The Southern rock band, formed in Jacksonville, Florida, by Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes, was often associated with Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the connection went beyond their shared Jacksonville roots. Founding member Donnie Van Zant was the brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd frontmen Ronnie Van Zant and Johnny Van Zant.

38 Special reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1981 with “Hold on Loosely” from their album Wild-Eyed Southern Boys. Forty-five years later, it’s known as one of the band’s signature songs.

Written by Barnes, Jeff Carlisi, and Jim Peterik, “Hold On Loosely” features electric guitar riffs and soaring vocals about love, trust, and loosening the reins on a relationship.

During an August 2026 appearance on the Professor of Rock podcast, Barnes, 73, shared the backstory on the hit song, revealing that he came up with the title after watching a popular TV talk show.

“So I had this title, and I’d written it down from Dinah Shore,” he shared. “She, somebody had come out and, it was a guy, said, ‘Yeah, my wife takes care of me. She lets me have a little bit of room and freedom.’ And she said, ‘Yeah, she kind of holds on loosely, right?’ You know, she said that and I thought, ‘Hey, write it  down.’ Among a hundred other titles, you know. So, I said to [Peterik]. ‘What do you think about this title? Hold On Loosely.’ And he said, ‘Oh, yeah, but don’t let go.’”

“And that was the first thing that came out of his mouth,” Barnes continued. “So, it was like this couplet that bookended perfectly. And it was a good piece of advice. And we were off to the races.”

The song, which was also inspired by Barnes’ failing marriage, has gotten plenty of feedback from fans.

“I’ve had a lot of people come up and say that meant so much to our relationship,” Barnes shared in the new interview. “You know, don’t want to be so bold as to say it saved anybody’s marriage, but these people were saying it really meant a lot to them.”

“Hold On Loosely” remains one of 38 Special’s most enduring hits more than four decades later, a crowd favorite at concerts.

“It’s an anthemic song,” Barnes told Decades TV. “It’s been, we save it to the very end, like the cherry on top and everybody goes wild.”

Related: 1974 Classic Rock Anthem Suddenly Climbed the Charts to No. 1 This Week

When it comes to movies about kids and the hours of time spent together during the carefree months of summer, many of us would name Stand by Me (1986) as an all-time favorite characterization of what a few friends with time on their hands can get up to with nothing but their imaginations to guide them.

This cherished film, based on a Stephen King novella and directed by the late Rob Reiner, is celebrating a 40-year anniversary of when it first appeared on the screen and it still resonates with generations of moviegoers because of the way it portrays young characters with creativity and smarts rather than cuteness and punchlines.

Interviews through the years by the actors appearing in Stand by Me include stories of how Reiner created a kid-friendly environment to help the young actors bond and find their most authentic performances by using the weeks before filming began to allow the actors to get to know one another. Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell played theater games and improvised together to build a genuine camaraderie that would round out their on-screen relationships.

Reiner made a real effort to treat his young actors with respect and interacted with them as artists. It was also a keen director choice to use the authentic late-1950s rock and roll, doo-wop, and pop oldies songs for the soundtrack and create an atmosphere on set to capture the mood for telling the story of a summer of adventure through the eyes of a group of 12-year-old boys.

Imagine the sound of the instantly recognizable series of bass notes that start the song, “Stand by Me” and picture an adult Gordie Lachance parked in a car on a country road reading a newspaper at the start of the film.

Four decades later, the movie still resonates with generations of viewers for its honest portrayal of childhood friendship, grief and the painful transition from adolescence to adulthood. Here’s where the cast of Stand by Me is now—and how the film’s surviving stars continue to honor Phoenix and Reiner.

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Wil Wheaton as Gordie Lachance LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 09: Wil Wheaton attends the “Picard” season 3 premiere on February 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Paramount+)

Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Paramount+

Wheaton launched a 10-episode board game television series in August titled Conludo with creative partner, Felicia Day. After making a retirement announcement from on-camera acting, the actor surprised fans with a return to television in the Max sci-fi comedy spinoff Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, in July with a fictionalized, wizard-like version of his “delightfully evil” The Big Bang Theory persona.

A weekly audio podcast called It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton, has him narrating sci-fi and fantasy short stories from celebrated publications like Lightspeed Magazine and Clarkesworld. He recently confirmed a 40-episode renewal kicking off in late October and continues to write regular personal updates and essays on his long-running blog, Wil Wheaton Dot Net.

“When I watch Stand by Me now, I cannot ignore the unbelievable sadness in my eyes. And I cannot ignore the reality that it was that sadness, that isolation, that I think gave me what Gordie needed to come to life and I think Rob Reiner saw that,” Wheaton has said.

He added, “I guess I want to be a writer so that makes me Gordie. I never realized until I was in my 40s that I was Gordie because I was Gordie.”

Related: 1986 Film Classic, Starring Future Hollywood Icons, Ranked Among ‘Best Summer Movies of All Time’

Jerry O’Connell as Vern Tessio Jerry O’Connell

Photo by Gilbert Flores on Getty Images

Jerry O’Connell is currently hosting the CBS companion series Big Brother: Unlocked with past winners Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur in addition to co-hosting Fox 5’s Good Day New York as a trial run for a possible daily talk show. He also appears in the Tubi movie Summer’s Last Resort and continues his regular media appearances on sports and pop-culture podcasts.

O’Connell was part of a CBS special about Rob Reiner that aired Dec. 21 and delivered his thoughts on what the late filmmaker meant to him. Stand by Me was O’Connell’s first movie and he spoke about Reiner’s kindness.

“Rob Reiner heard I was in LA, and he took me out to lunch, man,” he said. “He didn’t have to do that, you know what I’m saying? It was months after the movie came out, and he was a busy man. He took a 12-year-old me out to lunch, just to be like, ‘Thanks so much.'”

He added, “That lunch meant so much to me. It’s just stuff that kids need to hear.”

Corey Feldman as Teddy Duchamp Corey Feldman

Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images

Corey Feldman is currently touring with his live music and multi-media fan events, releasing new independent music, and making appearances at fan conventions. Live performances include his band performing original tracks with nods to nostalgic throwbacks. Recent releases include independent singles like “What Am I Here 4?” and “Jump Back Black Cat.” He also hosts interactive Q&As as part of retrospective events celebrating milestone anniversaries for classic films like Stand by Me and The Goonies.

“I think the fact that it resonates with today’s kids is kind of a mindblower,” Feldman says in an interview. “You’d think a movie set in the 1950s wouldn’t connect anymore. But somehow every generation sits through it, feels it, and sees themselves in it. That’s the hallmark of a truly great film.”

Kiefer Sutherland as Ace Merrill

Photo by Emma McIntyre on Getty Images

Kiefer Sutherland is focusing on his music career these days and touring as he promotes his studio album Grey featuring thoughtful, storytelling songs in the country and rock roots. He has been performing with his Love Will Bring You Home tour, playing intimate shows and venues across the UK, Europe, and North America. Recent acting credits include starring in the comedy film Tinsel Town and the legal thriller Juror #2.

Sutherland addressed the rumors about him being a bully while he was in character on the set of Stand by Me when he reunited with his castmate Jerry O’Connell as a host of The Talk.

“Absolutely not true,” Sutherland responded. “First of all, I’m not that kind of actor and I wouldn’t want to be that kind of person. I spent a lot of time with River Phoenix because we both played guitar, and so that was kind of an in to him. Even though I was seven years older, we were both beginning, right? And so there was a lot of discussion about ‘How do you develop a character?’, ‘What is your process?'”

“Actually, it’s very funny that at the age of 17, which I was in Stand By Me, I had probably a more in-depth process than I even do now. But we didn’t get to work together,” the 24 star said of O’Connell, who also co-hosts The Talk.

Remembering River Phoenix as Chris Chambers LOS ANGELES, CA – 1988: Actor River Phoenix, star of “Stand By Me,” poses during a 1988 Los Angeles, California, photo portrait session. Phoenix, a rising young film star, tragically died in 1993 outside a Sunset Strip nightclub of a drug overdose. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

George Rose/Getty Images

Movie fans got to know River Phoenix when he became a well-known star at age 16 playing the scrappy Chris Chambers in Rob Reiner’s classic youth film Stand by Me in 1986 with his raw and emotional performance. The role began a celebrated career defined by other critically acclaimed turns in Running on Empty (1988) and My Own Private Idaho (1991) before his tragic death at 23 in 1993.

The remaining cast has spoken about the film, their feelings 40 years later, and how Reiner came up with a way to honor Phoenix.

“When we all got together, gosh, I guess 10 years ago for the 30th anniversary, we all looked around, and Rob Reiner said, ‘I feel like there should be a chair here for him,’” explained Wheaton to People.

“So when we go on this tour, it’s one of the first things we talked about. There’s a chair for River on that stage. And I thought it was really great that the three of us brought that up independently of discussing it with each other, that we just wanted to remember him and put a place for him there while we’re all remembering all of this.”

Remembering Director Rob Reiner Rob Reiner attends the “This Is Spinal Tap” 35th Anniversary during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at the Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2019 in New York City.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

Director Rob Reiner spoke about parallels to real life and the characters in his beloved film, Stand by Me and why audiences connected with the story. Reiner connected the character of Gordie’s feelings about living in an older brother’s shadow to his own life as the son of the famous comic actor, Carl Reiner. In a November 2017 interview with The Rich Eisen Show, Reiner said while he had a difficult time naming which one of his many films was his favorite, Stand by Me had an impact on him emotionally.

“The one that means the most is Stand by Me,” he said. He explained that the film was “the first time [he] made a movie that [he] felt reflected [his] personality.” Reiner shared that he appreciated both the humor and “melancholy” in the film.

The movie about a group of boys growing up and sharing a summer together became an instant classic, praised for the sensitive blending of raw humor with deep feelings of grief and nostalgia.

Next, ‘Stand by Me’ Cast Recalls How Rob Reiner Planned Tribute to River Phoenix Before His Own Death

In 1994, Soundgarden climbed the Billboard charts with “Spoonman.”

Written by Chris Cornell, the song was the first single from the album Superunknown, and its title was inspired by Seattle street performer Artis the Spoonman. But Cornell didn’t come up with the name of the song—and he didn’t even know the street performer who played percussion with spoons when he penned it.

Instead, the song’s title came from Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, who was doing graphic design work for the Cameron Crowe film Singles. Ament created a mixtape for one of the movie’s characters, Cliff Poncier (Matt Dillon), and he included fake song titles on it—one of which was “Spoonman.”

Cornell’s song featured a hard-driving blend of Seattle grunge and heavy rock built around an urgent, thumping guitar riff and gritty vocals. The real-life Spoonman also contributed to the track and appeared in the music video.

“Spoonman” reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in May 1994, and won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1995.

Cornell, who died in 2017,  once spoke about the inspiration for the song in a video interview.

“Jeff had done some graphic design for the [Singles] film set,” he recalled. “The cassette packaging that Jeff did… said ‘Poncier’ on the front and then there were song titles, and Jeff just made up the titles. And one of those titles was ‘Spoonman.’ One of those titles was ‘Seasons,’ there was one called ‘Flutter Girl.’ They were all really inspiring to me, and I remember seeing it and thinking… wouldn’t it be great to take that home and actually write those songs based on those titles?”

“So I did that, and I spent a couple of hours on each song. It wasn’t long, I kind of rushed through it,” Cornell continued. “And it was really a fun experience because I learned that writing songs just for the fun of it, for no particular destination, can have songs that can have a life that lives on and on and on.”

Cornell also explained writing the song without even knowing who the real Spoonman was.

“The lyrics aren’t specifically about Artis the Spoonman,” he told Entertainment Weekly in 2014. “I didn’t know Artis yet… I had known there was this guy Spoonman… but it was an ode to an imaginary person in my head, because I didn’t know him yet. And the song was based entirely on the title, so what’s happening musically is the attitude of supporting this guy who stands on a street corner and plays the s— out of some spoons. Then the song became a reality, and we got Artis to actually play spoons on the song.”

RELATED: 1991 Rock Anthem Ranked Among Most Iconic Guitar Riffs Remains Band’s Definitive Hit 35 Years Later

Crowe later spoke out about how “Spoonman” evolved from a fake track list.

“Obviously the music really holds up,” the filmmaker told Rolling Stone. “He went and recorded ‘Spoonman’ with Soundgarden and it was a big hit. It’s a statement about how when you’re not worried about somebody judging you or looking over your shoulder sometimes you do great stuff.”

More than  30 years later, “Spoonman” remains one of the most well-known Soundgarden songs, an inspired classic that Cornell played up until his last show in May 2017.

Related: 1990 Grunge Track Featured in ‘Singles’ Had an Iconic Guitar Riff That Started Out as a Joke

If your ideal fall vacation involves butterbeer, crisp evening breezes, and a touch of sinister sorcery, it’s time to grab your robes.

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will officially return to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure for the first time since 2022.

The seasonal nighttime projection spectacle will run on select evenings from September 5 through November 1, 2026, cloaking Hogwarts Castle in sinister lights, dramatic special effects, and John Williams’ iconic film score as Dementors, Death Eaters, and creatures of the dark attempt to claim the wizarding school.

Related: Universal’s Wizarding World Kicks Off a Special ‘Back-to-School’ Event for Harry Potter Fans

View this post on Instagram Death Eaters Lurk in Diagon Alley

The shadowy magic is not confined to Islands of Adventure. Across the resort at Universal Studios Florida, the dark side of magic spills into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, where Death Eaters will roam the cobblestone passageways and the shadows of Knockturn Alley on select dates between August 27 and November 1, 2026.

To mark the occasion, Universal is dropping exclusive Dark Arts merchandise, including sinister apparel and gear at Borgin and Burkes, as well as a brand-new Second Generation Interactive Wand modeled directly after the bone-white wand wielded by Lord Voldemort himself.

Related: Regal Announces It’s Bringing Back the Popular Butterbeer-Inspired Icee

An Unprecedented Season for Wizarding World Fans

This year’s spooky rollout comes at an extraordinary time for Harry Potter fans visiting Central Florida.

Guests can easily hop between Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida aboard the Hogwarts Express—the classic inter-park train that requires a Park-to-Park ticket and offers unique, immersive storytelling journeys in both directions.

The seasonal return also complements the massive buzz surrounding the resort’s newest expansion, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, one of the headlining immersive portals at the brand-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. That world transports visitors to 1920s wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts and the 1990s British Ministry of Magic via the groundbreaking dark ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

Related: Universal Teases Major Theme Park Expansion in Years Ahead

What Else Is Happening at Universal This Fall and Winter

If you’re mapping out an autumn or holiday getaway, the return of Dark Arts kicks off a packed seasonal calendar across the resort:

• Halloween Horror Nights 35: Running select nights from late August through early November, bringing world-class haunted houses and scare zones to Universal Studios Florida (separate event ticket required).
• Universal’s Holiday Celebration: Kicking off in mid-November, the festive transformation brings The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, giant balloons and floats in the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and Grinchmas over in Seuss Landing.

Whether you’re looking to confront Voldemort’s forces under the glow of the castle or sip hot butterbeer through the holiday season, Universal Orlando is delivering peak autumn magic.

Related: The Ultimate ’90s Cult Classic Horror Franchise Is Getting Its Own Terrifying Haunted House at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights This Fall

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A rug this big usually isn’t the kind of home upgrade that lands under $200. The Safavieh Martha Stewart Stacy Tulip Medallion Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug is currently on sale for just $182 at Walmart in the 9-by-12-foot grey/navy option, down from $401. It’s also available in black/beige, which gives you a cooler or warmer palette to choose from.

The rug is power-loomed in Turkey from 100% polypropylene and has a low 0.30-inch pile. It’s also water-resistant, so it works in a living room or dining area just as easily as it does on a patio or covered porch. Walmart also recommends using a rug pad underneath since there’s no backing, along with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning to keep it looking its best.

Safavieh Martha Stewart Stacy Tulip Medallion Area Rug, $182 (was $401) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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At 9 by 12 feet, there’s enough rug to easily sit beneath a full seating setup or dining table without leaving furniture around the edges. The oversized medallion pattern also adds plenty of visual interest, which can effortlessly make a room look more decorated without crowding it with extra accents.

One shopper called it “beautiful,” while another said it’s “really pretty in person,” adding that it was “nicer quality for the money than I thought.” Another reviewer described it as a “super cute durable outdoor rug,” and shared that it “brightens any space,” noting that theirs still looked great after two months on the porch without any snags.

Related: Martha Stewart’s Hand-Loomed Jute Rug Delivers Vintage Style Without the Antique Store Price

Similar 9-by-12-foot area rugs can easily cost several hundred dollars, so getting one for $182 puts this well below what you can often expect to pay for the size. It’s also 54% off the original $401 price, which means you’re saving $219 without settling for a smaller rug. The indoor-outdoor design gives you more freedom to move it around if your setup changes too.

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• Safavieh Courtyard Eustacia Geometric Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug, $53 (was $133) at Walmart
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If your space feels like it’s been missing something, the answer might be right under your feet. And at under $200, scooping up this gem while it’s on sale is a no-brainer. With just one size left, be sure to add the Safavieh Martha Stewart Stacy Tulip Medallion Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug to your cart while it’s still on rollback at Walmart.

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Tuesday is almost here, and that means new books coming out. Whether you want a thriller or a witchy romance, there is something perfect for everyone. The downside is that your sleep is very much going to be ruined.

As we get closer to the end of the summer, the list of new releases is slowing down. We’re all getting ready for the uptick in fall, especially as it comes to cozy romances and spooky vibes. For now, it’s time to enjoy everything we can, and here are the six books you need to put on your list for Aug. 25, 2026.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark ‘Wicked Wanted Widows’ by Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie, and Cate Holahan

The Widows are back. If you haven’t read the first two books in the franchise, they’re more than worth it, but don’t worry too much. You can get into Wicked Wanted Widows by Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie,  and Cate Holahan on its own. This one is packed with an adventure that opens up as it means to go on.

We’re back in Provident, and this time, the Widows are completely on the wrong side of the law, trying to rescue one of their own. With plenty of twists and turns, this is a fun ride. Does it break the mold of thrillers? Not quite, but it offers the perfect way to end the summer months, as these Widows put their friendship to the test.

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘A Taste of Magic’ by Tricia O’Malley

The second book in The Scottish Charms series, A Taste of Magic by Tricia O’Malley, is the romance release you’ve been waiting for. Think of it as a bit like Practical Magic meets The Great British Baking Show. There’s a bit of Hallmark romance thrown in, and there are plenty of Scottish words and phrases to get used to. No, you definitely don’t need to read Love’s a Witch, but it’s a great introduction to O’Malley’s writing if you haven’t checked it out before.

In this story, another MacGregor witch takes the spotlight. It’s all about Lyra, who has been hexed, and now she has to face her ex in a baking competition that will go out to the nation. How can she possibly do that when her magic is going haywire? There’s plenty of humor mixed with the romance, and it’s a book you won’t be able to put down.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Devil Knows Her Name’ by C.N. Vair

How about a novel that is a mixture of horror, thriller, and fantasy? The Devil Knows Her Name by C.N. Vair is set in an isolated Appalachian town, where Tess Wynne lives quietly. She made a deal a century earlier, and now she ensures that the land and its people remain safe.

Of course, that’s not so easy, as humans have their own plans. When Zeke Abdee comes to the town as the new pastor, something sinister starts to happen. We’re taken on a twisty and thrilling ride as Tess tries to protect her world and keep her end of the deal. But is a deal always worth keeping? It’s the perfect read as fall starts up and we get into spooky season — or if you’re making the last week of August all about Summerween.

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘Last Day of a Prior Life’ by Andrés Barba

Another horror that is described as a “ghost story without a ghost” is Last Day of a Prior Life by Andrés Barba, translated by Lisa Dillman. It’s a contemplative story about how the past holds onto us and sometimes holds us in place.

It all starts with a woman getting a house ready for prospective buyers when a seven-year-old boy shows up with an otherworldly stare. As she realizes this boy wants something from her, she decides to leave her life behind and step through the looking glass. No, it’s not an Alice in Wonderland retelling, but it is a beautiful piece of literary fiction that will stick with you for some time.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Wolftamer’ by Maggie Rapier

We can’t not include a romantasy on the list, can we? Wolftamer by Maggie Rapier is the second in The Magpie and the Wolf duology, so make sure you catch up on the first one in the series before diving into this one. All Saoirse and Faolan want is freedom and to be together, but that battle puts the fate of their world at risk.

Faolan wants to leave the Isle of Lost Souls. The pirate in him begs him to pack up and go, but there are a few things keeping him stuck. One is the lack of ship. The other is that his wife is still tethered to the land, and he won’t leave her behind. Can he gain both while also protecting their world from the sinister King Maccus? It’s about time to find out in this epic conclusion.

Courtesy of AWA Studios ‘Ultimate OZ Universe: Into the Outerlands’ by Fred Van Lente and Larry King

Are you ready to head back to the world of Oz? Yes, the same one from L. Frank Baum’s stories. AWA delivered the spectacular graphic novel The Lost Lands, and now it’s time for the second volume in the story. 

It’s time to go past the yellow brick road and the Emerald City. With beautiful illustrations by Mike Deodato and colorist Ive Scorcina, Ultimate OZ Universe: Into the Outerlands by Fred Van Lente and Larry King takes us on an adventure that we never thought possible. Dorothy Gale is now on the wild coasts of Outer Oz, and along the way, she’s pulled into a high-stakes conflict at Castle Ev. Can she change the fate of the kingdom, or will the kingdom change her?

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Your fall wardrobe is calling, and it’s asking you to curate the perfect seasonal jacket collection. Thankfully, retailers like Walmart are offering a slew of clothing options that will easily spruce up your closet this autumn, including outwear that we’re running to add to our carts. The latest trendy piece that you should shop immediately is the No Boundaries Cotton Twill Barn Jacket for just $20. That’s a fantastic price for an ultra popular fall jacket style that’s popping up at a plethora of brands and retailers ahead of autumn.

The jacket is a new arrival at Walmart, so it’s bound to gain popularity as the chiller months get closer. Therefore, we advise shopping for it while most colors and sizes are in stock. The piece is being sold in three colors and patterns: tan, dark brown, and camouflage. Each hue is perfect for everyday wear because they’ll easily match with any seasonal outfit, spanning from dresses to jeans and a T-shirt. 

No Boundaries Cotton Twill Barn Jacket, $20 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The sizes range from XXS to XXL in the camouflage style, while the tan option is available in sizes XXS to 4X. Meanwhile, the dark brown hue is only available in plus sizes. The jacket runs true to size and offers a relaxed fit with drop shoulders. If you size up, the piece can provide that popular oversized look that’s often seen in cool street style outfits.  

No Boundaries Cotton Twill Barn Jacket, $20 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The jacket design further features a faux leather point collar, classic zipper front, one welt chest pocket, two front pockets, and an elastic hem that has an adjustable drawstring you can alter to your comfort. It’s made entirely from cotton twill, so the outerwear is machine washable in cold water with similar colors. You can also place it in the dryer on a low heat. 

The trucker-style jacket is a medium weight, which will keep you warm during chillier fall days. The beauty of this piece, especially if you order a size up, is that you can use it to layer (even throughout the winter if you wear a large puffy coat on top). 

The jacket falls right around the waist. That actually makes layering easier because you can wear tops and dresses underneath that are longer, shorter, or the same length, and the coat will still look chic. 

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This classic barn jacket is the style that you’ll be wearing all season long. It’s fashionable, comfortable, and easy to throw on when you’re running out the door. Add this new arrival to your Walmart cart for just $20, before other shoppers beat you to it! 

Related: Shoppers ‘Walked All Day’ in Clarks’ Fall-Ready Leather Loafers That Let You Skip the Break-In Period

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