15 Crazy-Colorful Pants Means No More Boring Basics

Spring cleaning calls for a massive closet overhaul. And we’ll bet that when you’re cataloguing your pants collection, the list looks something like this: jeans, jeans, and more jeans. You guys—while having a pair or two of perfect-fitting denim is a must, we’re firm believers in spicing up your wardrobe with basics that are both versatile and bold, like these crazy-colorful pants. We’ve found 15 bold beauties that should be worn in heavy rotation come spring, so add your faves to your cart now!

1. Harper Joggers ($98): Yeah, we know: joggers. They’re kind of a weird concept, but we’re willing to give these structured, bright yellow ones a try, especially when they’re so expertly styled with a striped top and woven sandals. This is the right kind of casual.

2. Jackie Capri ($248): Flash some ankle at the office with these form-fitting capris in an eye-catching cherry red. Dress ‘em up with color block pumps or take it easy with a pair of smoking slippers.

3. Petite Kick Stripe Ankle Pants ($70): What’s not to love about these ankle pants? Their slim fit makes them super flattering, plus those bold bands of color totally hit the mark.

4. Ankle Zip Charlie Trousers ($98): These melon-colored trousers are right up our alley. They’re embellished with a an edgy zipper detail and made of a stretchy cotton-spandex blend, ensuring that you’re comfortable while you’re lookin’ cool.

5. River Island Highwaisted Peg Pant ($65): We’re big fans of the high-waisted fit. It not only elongates your legs like a dream, but also cinches you at your smallest part: your true waist. Look like the bombshell you are in this pair of royal blue peg pants.

6. Piped Andie Chino ($74): Even the smallest pop of color can amp up an entire outfit. Though you could always rock these red pinstripe chinos with patterned shoes for extra oomph.

7. Easy Cropped Leggings Pants ($20): Just how easy? How does a drawstring waist sound? We’re dying to rock these cropped teal pants with a pair of clogs this spring.

8. American Apparel Riding Pant ($74): The equestrian details, like thigh pads and a double button closure, totally make this pair of ultra high-waisted, heavy duty spandex. These ribbed pants come in a handful of gem and earth tones, like this “corn” yellow that would look so cool with a black chiffon blouse and grey ankle boots.

9. Camilla & Marc Casual Pants ($180): We usually cringe at the thought of horizontal stripes getting anywhere near our trousers, but these bold bands of color actually work, breaking up the lower body in the most flattering of ways. If you ask us, that peaking khaki stripe makes this pair.

10. Ali Flared Trouser ($278): Fuschia flared trousers? Why not! We do NOT question the color choices of Kate Spade around these parts.

11. Like Candy Crop Jean ($68): We’ve seen the term “power pastels” around a lot lately, and these cotton candy colored jeans fit the bill. Dress ’em down with an oversized tee or rock the pair with a floral blazer to channel all that’s great about spring style.

12. Nasty Gal Peplum Skinny Pant ($58): Whoa! Is there time to trade in our LRD for this hot peplum pant? If you’re in need of a super tight turnaround, why not DIY the look?

13. BDG Contrast Rib Sweatpant ($39): If we were to wear sweatpants out of the house, then this would be the pair you’d catch us in. The blue cuffs and waistline might make this the coziest pop of color ever.

14. Ella Moss Contrast Side Pant ($148): Tuxedo-style pants get a modern makeover in both color and fit. An electric purple and tapered cut makes this black tie trouser look effortlessly elegant.

15. Hampton-Fit Emerald Medallion Print Crop ($90): A shiny medallion pattern takes these grass green pants to a level that’s super chic. Pair with a chambray shirt for a polished everyday look.

Do you go bold with your basics? Where do you shop for the most colorful high-quality wardrobe staples around? Tell us in the comments below.

Traveling can be so rewarding; new experiences lend to a broader and more understanding mindset and taking time away from your everyday routine can feel like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Whether you’re headed away on a quick weekend accompanied only by a carry-on, or jet setting on a bachelorette trip to celebrate a lifelong girlfriend, trips are good for the mind, body, and soul.

While the positive aspects that accompany traveling are plenty, it’s completely normal to experience anxiety around this process as well. It’s inevitable that each time you take a trip you’re usually forced to encounter one uncomfortable situation or another; planned or not. Maybe your flight gets delayed, your friend can no longer watch your pet while you’re away, or you get sick just days before heading overseas; the unpredictability of travel can be extremely anxiety-inducing, and we get that.

Instead of leaving you to fly solo to stress about the potential anxieties of any upcoming trips you may have on your calendar, we spoke with California-based mental health professor, Dr. Ishan Shivanandwho has experience in groundbreaking protocols for reversing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

What is anxiety?

Photo by Liza Summer/PEXELS

Dr. Shivanand describesanxiety as "a complex state that can manifest in various forms and intensities, affecting both the mind and the body." He continued, saying, “At its core, anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and difficulty concentrating. One way to understand anxiety is to think of it as the mind being overwhelmed by the multitude of thoughts, concerns, and stimuli bombarding it at any given moment. Just like a computer with too many open applications, the mind struggles to process everything efficiently, leading to a sense of being scattered and unable to focus.”

Why do I get anxious when I travel?

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When it comes to anxiety specific to travel, the reason for why you may experience these uncomfortable feelings could be due to a multitude of reasons and can vary in intensity from person to person. Dr. Shivanand shared that travel anxiety could be in part due to “fear of the unknown, fear of safety, fear of flying, control issues, and past traumatic experiences,” as well other areas of anxiety including “separation anxiety, social anxiety, and health anxiety.” Dr. Shivanand went on to explain that, although fun, “traveling often involves stepping outside of one's comfort zone and encountering unfamiliar situations, environments, and people. For some individuals, the uncertainty of what to expect can trigger feelings of anxiety.”

No matter why you experience anxiety related to travel, “It's important to recognize that travel anxiety is a common and valid experience, and there are various strategies and coping mechanisms available to help manage it,” offered Dr. Shivanand. “These may include relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, seeking support from mental health professionals, and planning ahead to minimize stressors during travel.”

​How can I control my travel anxiety ahead of my upcoming trip?

Photo by Vlada Karpovich/PEXELS


  • Plan and Prepare in Advance: “Plan your trip ahead of time to reduce uncertainty,” says Dr. Shivanand. “This includes booking accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance, as well as familiarizing yourself with the destination, and local regulations.” Having a loose agenda of things to look forward to when your trip starts is a great way to get excited when thinking about traveling, instead of stressed.
  • Practice Relaxation Techniques: “Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm and center yourself. [Yoga of Immortals] Breathwork and Advance Cognitive sessions can really help,” says Dr. Shivanand. As the founder of the Yoga of Immortals practice, he uses its principles in his everyday life and has seen how it can positively impact the lives of others from a mental health standpoint. However, any type of yoga, meditation, and other similar practices you're familiar with should help.

Image via Andrew Worung/Dupe

  • Create a Checklist: “Create a checklist of essential items to pack and tasks to complete before your trip to stay organized and minimize last-minute stressors,” shared Dr. Shivanand. “Organizing your belongings and documents can also help you feel more in control during your travels.” The simple task of crossing off packing items from a list can feel cathartic and ensure you don’t forget anything essential during your travels.
  • Stay Connected: “Maintain communication with friends or family members before, during, and after your trip,” Dr. Shivanand recommends. “Knowing that you have someone to reach out to for support or guidance can provide reassurance and alleviate feelings of isolation.” News flash, the people you care about care about you too! They’ll be happy to hear from you and walk you through any tough feelings, if need be.
  • Stay Grounded: “Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay present and centered during your travels,” shared Dr. Shivanand. Embrace the ‘pinch me’ moments of your trip as they happen, this is why you’re traveling in the first place after all!

Photo by Cliff Booth/PEXELS

  • Seek Professional Support: “If travel-related anxiety significantly impacts your ability to engage in travel experiences, consider seeking support from a mental health professional,” says Dr. Shivanand. Listen; asking for help is okay, and something that you should do if it will have a positive impact on your life.
  • Incorporate Meditative & Wellness Daily: In doing so, Dr Shivanand says, "One can effectively manage travel-related anxiety and enjoy your travel experiences with greater ease and confidence.” Dr. Shivanand reiterates that “it's okay to seek support and take proactive steps to prioritize your mental well-being during your travels.”

Looking for more travel tips? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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If you're a Taylor Swift fan, then you probably know about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian's history. What started as Kanye West interrupting Taylor's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs — a moment that altered the course of pop culture history — spiraled into a very public feud that gave us Reputation and always seems to reappear in a new form. And after the release of The Tortured Poets Department, Swifties think we've got another piece of the puzzle with Taylor's new song "thanK you aIMee." Here's everything you need to know. Don't forget to check out Every Pop Culture Reference In Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department.

Is "thanK you aIMee" actually about Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian?

Image via Big Machine Records/YouTube

There is plenty of evidence suggesting "thanK you aIMee" is about Kim Kardashian & Taylor Swift. The first and most obvious is that the title of the song only has three letters capitalized: "KIM." The song talks about "Aimee" (who Taylor admits actually has a different name in real life), a bully figure who beats Taylor's spirit "black and blue."

In the summer of 2016, Kanye West (Kim's husband at the time) released his song "Famous," in which he takes total credit for Taylor's fame following the 2009 VMAs incident. Taylor claimed she never gave him permission to call her a bitch in the song, a video leak from Kim seemed to show the opposite (the video turned out to be edited). At the time, Kim even told GQ that “[Taylor] totally knew that that was coming out. She wanted to all of a sudden act like she didn’t.”

#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty started trending on Twitter, Taylor Swift deleted all social media and stopped doing interviews for three years, then returned with a vengeance on the "Look What You Made Me Do" music video in 2017. The video starts off with a zombie Taylor burying the "nicer" version of herself.

Taylor Swift's "thanK you aIMee" mentions "It wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take." If you ask me, it definitely sounds like a reference to the music video and maybe even Kim's interviews.

Why does "thanK you aIMee" have random capital letters?

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Taylor Swift loves hiding clues in her titles, lyrics, and messages. And historically, she's hidden words by using random capital letters. That means "thanK you aIMee" is supposed to draw our eyes to "KIM."

The Lyrics To "thanK you aIMee"

Image via Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Verse 1: When I picture my hometown // There's a bronze spray-tanned statue of you // And a plaque underneath it // That threatens to push me down the stairs at our school

Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I dreamed that, one day, I could say

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I can't forgive the way you made me feel // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal

Verse 2: And it wasn't a fair fight or a clean kill // Each time that Aimee stomped across my gravе // And then she wrote hеadlines // In the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take

Pre-Chorus: And it was always the same searing pain // But I prayed that, one day, I could say

Image via Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin' // And I couldn't wait to show you it was real // Screamed, "F*ck you, Aimee" to the night sky as the blood was gushin' // But I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // I pushed each boulder up the hill // Your words are still just ringing in my head, ringing in my head

Verse 3: I wrote a thousand songs that you find uncool // I built a legacy, which you can't undo // But when I count the scars, there's a moment of truth // That there wouldn't be this if there hadn't been you

Bridge: And maybe you've reframed it // And in your mind, you never beat my spirit black and blue // I don't think you've changed much // And so I changed your name and any real defining clues // And one day, your kid comes home singin' // A song that only us two is gonna know is about you, 'cause

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Chorus: All that time you were throwin' punches, it was all for nothin' // And our town, it looks so small from way up here // Screamed, "Thank you, Aimee" to the night sky and the stars are stunnin' // 'Cause I can't forget the way you made me heal // Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman // But she used to say she wished that you were dead // So I pushed each boulder up that hill // Your words were still just ringin' in my head, ringin' in my head

Outro: Thank you, Aimee // Thank you, Aimee

Do you think "thanK you aIMee" is referencing the feud between Taylor Swift & Kim Kardashian? After you listen again, check out All Of Taylor Swift's Albums, Ranked!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Monica Schipper/Getty Images

You've probably sobbed your way through a Nicholas Sparks movie at some point, but his books are even better. The prolific author is best known for his beautiful novels that deal with heavy subjects while still giving us stories filled with swoon-worthy romance. If you've wanted to dive into his collection, here are the eight Nicholas Sparks books you should tackle first! So grab a cozy blanket, settle in with a cup of tea, and prepare to be whisked away by Nicholas Sparks' enchanting tales.

The Best Nicholas Sparks Books

The Notebook

Even if you've already seen the movie with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, you're going to want to pick up a copy of The Notebook. Arguably Sparks' most well-known novel, The Notebook tells the beautiful story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers who are separated by class and circumstance. Their story is told through a series of notebooks that Noah reads to Allie when she suffers from dementia., making for a sentimental and sad story.

A Walk To Remember

A Walk to Remember is a coming-of-age story that tells the tale of Landon Carter, a bad boy who is forced to participate in a school play in order to improve his grades. He falls in love with Jamie Sullivan (played by the ever-iconic Mandy Moore in the movie), the daughter of the town pastor, but their relationship is complicated by her secret illness. The story is marked by tender moments that will have readers falling in love with the characters and their journeys.

The Last Song

If you thought the Miley Cyrus movie was good, trust me, the book is even better! The Last Song tells the story of Ronnie Miller, a rebellious teenager who is forced to spend the summer with her estranged father in North Carolina. There, she reconnects with an old friend and begins to learn more about her parents' past. Fair warning - in typical Sparks fashion, this book requires a box of tissues by your side.

Dear John

Dear John tells the story of John Tyree, a soldier who falls in love with Savannah Curtis while on leave. Their relationship is tested by John's deployments to Iraq, and they are eventually forced to make a difficult decision about their future. The book will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end and is well worth the emotional rollercoaster it will take you on. The movie stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfriend, and it's an absolute must-watch if you haven't already!

The Lucky One

The Lucky One is another Sparks book that is guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings. This novel tells the story of Logan Thibault (played by Zac Efron in the movie), a US Marine who carries a photograph of a mysterious woman he believes saved his life during the Iraq War. He sets out to find the woman in the photo, and in doing so, he discovers a new love.

The Choice

The Choice isn't quite as well-known as some of Sparks' other novels, but it's definitely worth the read. It follows Travis Parker, a small-town veterinarian, and Gabby Holland, a free-spirited artist. Their paths cross when Gabby's dog needs medical attention, and they soon find themselves drawn to each other. However, their different lifestyles and priorities threaten to keep them apart.

The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride tells the heartbreaking story of two couples whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Ira Levinson is an elderly man who is reminiscing about his life with his wife, Ruth when he is involved in a car accident. Luke Collins is a young bull rider who is seriously injured during a competition. Sophia Danko is a college student who volunteers at the hospital where Luke is being treated. Despite how different these people's lives are, they are connected in a classic "invisible string" kind of way.

The Return

The Return follows Trevor Benson, an army doctor who is injured in Afghanistan and returns to his hometown in North Carolina. There, he reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, Natalie McGee, and he also meets a mysterious woman named Erin Calhoun. The novel beautifully weaves together themes of love, healing, and forgiveness.

Looking for even more book recs? Be sure to check out our storefront for more reading recs!

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