This Gym Bag Is Almost Too Cute for the Gym

Jan 23, 2015

Say so long to that hideous gym bag you’re always trying to sneak into the office without anyone noticing. Usually covered an assortment of mesh and crazy polyester, it can be hard to find a bag you actually want to carry that’s also totally functional. However, in the recent past we do have to say we’ve been seeing some improvements in the much-needed stylish gym bag department. First came Gym Tote, the fitness minded handbag that looks just like a Birkin and now comes Persu, the next fitness accessory to make lugging those sneakers and yoga mats around town a little more fun.

Persu is a super stylish gym bag designed specifically for the ladies of today, who often head straight from the office to a workout to drinks. Nobody wants to carry an old, hideous bag around town, so Stephanie Su decided to change that. Su says, “After spending over a year designing and testing multiple iterations and soliciting feedback from my friends, trainers and co-workers on what they would want in their ideal athletic bag, I finally created the golden sample for two chic and high quality bags with all the functions hidden discreetly so that it doesn’t look like you’re carrying around the cargo pants of gym bags.”

This definitely doesn’t look like the cargo pants of gym bags, but rather something more along the lines of the ultra-trendy joggers. Made out of high quality, durable nylon that’s water resistant and lightweight, the Persu bag comes in two different designs, the TOM and JESSICA. The JESSICA offers two blue sections in the front, gold metal detailing and bungee cords on top to help secure something like a yoga mat. The other option is the TOM bag, which comes in all black with gunmetal accents and bungee cords on bottom. This version also has side buttons that allow you to change the shape from dome to rectangle as you wish. Both styles have a lining that’s fully removable and washable, a padded pocket for tablets, a drawstring shoe holder and a nylon bag for dirty clothes.

The Persu bag is currently in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign, but considering it has 29 days to go and is already almost $2,000 over its goal, we’re guessing these bags will be a huge hit. A donation of $100 will score you the TOM bag, while it’ll cost you $120 for the JESSICA – both of these are set to retail for $140 after the campaign is over. With an estimated shipping date of April 2015, we say get your order in now and start saying your goodbyes to the gym bag you know and hate.

Do you have a stylish gym tote you love? Who makes it? Share a link in the comments below.

This New Gadget Ensures You Never, Ever Run Out of Coffee Pods

Listen up, coffee lovers! If running out of K-cups is enough to derail your morning routine, allow us to introduce you to a solution that’ll ensure you’re stocked with with the stuff 24/7. It’s called the WePlenish Java Smart Container, it’s launching today on Kickstarter, and we’re pretty sure it’s the coolest thing to happen to coffee since the Keurig.

WePlenish may look like any other coffee pod container, but it’s actually a smart vessel that orders K-cups/Nespresso pods and has them mailed to your door before you ever run out. Essentially, it’s like asking your roomie to grab some coffee at the store — without the whole asking part.

Instead, the system relies on sensors, an app, and Amazon: The container senses when supplies are running low, the sensors communicate with the app, and the app re-orders your fave coffee capsules from Amazon Dash Replenishment (a service similar to Amazon Prime). What’s more, the app saves your coffee preferences and uses the info to recommend personalized picks.

The gadget comes in either black or white and can be stored literally anywhere, thanks to it being battery-operated. We love how it looks sitting next to a coffee maker, but it’s ideal for tucking away neatly in the pantry, too.

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You can snag the WePlenish Java Smart Container starting today for $40 at weplenish.com — or get the early-bird pricing at Kickstarter. Cheers to a lifetime of unbridled coffee consumption!

What do you think of the new WePlenish system? Let us know @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Images via WePlenish)

How To Have The Best Weekend In NYC, According To A Local

We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeysseries, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

You’ve got 48 hours in New York — you don’t wanna do the typical tourist trap amusements, but you also don’t wanna skip out on some absolute Big Apple classics. With some much to consider, it can feel hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, I’ve got your back. As someone who’s lived here for years — and is very picky about how she spends her precious time, might I add — I’ve got the best tips for how to stay, eat, and experience NYC like a local.

Where To Stay

Photo: William Vale

My number one recommendation when staying in New York? The William Vale in Williamsburg. Not only are the views captivating, but this luxury experience is right in the heart of one of the coolest neighborhoods in all five boroughs.

Photo: Westlight,

You may wonder, “If you live in the city, why should we listen to you about what hotel to stay in?” As a frequent patron of the exquisite rooftop bar — Westlight, if you’re already wondering — I got to know the hotel well over the years. My husband and I fell in love with the vibe so much that we decided to stay their for our wedding weekend with all our family and friends.

Photo: Haley Sprankle

You’ve got plenty of room options, depending on your needs. You can choose from regular rooms, suites, and a garden suite — all with the option to upgrade to a room with a view of the city, AKA a “Gotham” room. Having stayed in both a suite and a regular room (had to make a return visit for my one year anniversary 😘), I can safely say that they’re both amazing options…just definitely opt for the city views, if possible. It really is breathtaking to wake up to the Empire State Building, whether you’re a local or just visiting.

What To Eat And Do: Day 1

Photo: Talea

You’ve just checked into your hotel at around 3:00pm, and you’re looking for a little snack and a quick drink. If you’re not already itching to check out Westlight at the hotel, make your way over to Brooklyn Brewery for a classic beer and (potentially) a tour of the facilities! The atmosphere is really chill, and it’s neat to see where (and how) the magic happens. If you’re looking to go even more local — and walk a little further — I would recommend checking out Talea as well! It’s owned and operated by women (yay!), and the Al Denté Pilsner is a perfectly crisp afternoon drink!

Photo: Misi

Once you’ve had your fill of laid-back libations and freshened up for the latter half of your first evening, I’d go ahead and get to the main attraction: dinner. One thing about me? I’m always craving Italian, and Williamsburg is one of the best places to get it. If you’re able to snag a reservation (they release on Resy seven days in advance), I would swing over to Misi. You may have heard of Lilia, their sister restaurant, on TV before, but Misi is often much-preferred among locals. While you can’t go wrong ordering, I’d definitely grab some whipped ricotta crostini, spinach and mascarpone filled tortelli, and the sheep’s milk ricotta-filled gnocchi.

I know it’s only day one, and there are plenty of decadent dessert options at Misi…but I would opt for a gelato elsewhere. Gelateria Gentile is some of the best gelato you can find in the city, and it’s perfect for a little sweet treat to sum up your first day in New York. I love the mandorla and my husband loves the crema antica, but you can’t go wrong with any flavor.

What To Eat And Do: Day 2

Photo: Black Seed

You can’t come to New York without grabbing a bagel, and Black Seed has some of the best. I’d grab a toasted sesame bagel with the lox and dill cream cheese, an iced coffee, and be on my way! While you can always take a car, hopping on the subway is honestly a breeze from Williamsburg. Make your way over to the Bedford Ave L train station, hop on a Manhattan-bound train, and you’ll be there in no time! Take this train all the way to 8th Ave (just five stops).

Photo: Artists & Fleas

Once you’re off the train, make your way to Chelsea Market. If you’re wondering why a local would go to a touristy place like Chelsea Market, hear me out: Los Tacos Numero Uno. The line is long, but when I say these tacos are worth the wait…I really mean it. Plus, there’s plenty of shopping at awesome spots like Artists & Fleas to occupy your time until you’re ready to actually eat those tacos for lunch.

Photo: Timothy Schenck for High Line

After snacking and snaking your way through the market, I like to take a stroll through the High Line park. The gardens are lovely in the warmer months, and it’s a nice way to get some fresh(ish) air above all the city traffic as you make your way uptown. The park ends right at Hudson Yards, so if you didn’t get your shopping fill before — or you’re craving a little tapas from Mercado Little Spain food hall — you can check that out, too!

Photo: Haley Sprankle

This evening, I’d make time to see a Broadway show, so timing is gonna be important. You could honestly see anything and have a good time — the beauty of live theatre! — but I would recommend checking out Hadestown if you can. The storytelling and music is incredibly inventive, and it’s moved me every single time I’ve seen it. On a Saturday night, that show will start at 8:00pm, so you’ll wanna grab an earlier dinner at around 5:30pm beforehand.

Photo: Carmine’s

There are plenty of restaurants in the Theatre District, but not all are created equal. Don’t get me wrong, Carmine’s and Tony’s Di Napoli are yummy and reliable, but you just had Italian last night! Let’s get a little classic New York Chinese food. Head over to Dim Sum Palace and order dumplings and shumai to your heart’s content! I’d certainly pair this with a lychee martini, but to each their own!

Photo: Glass House Tavern

Dinner and the show are done, but I just know you’ll have plenty to talk about. Grab a post-show drink over at Glass House Tavern — you might even see a Broadway star or two there! I may or may not have seen Glee’s very own Alex Newell singing at the bar with their friends a couple years ago…

What To Eat And Do: Day 3

Photo: Haley Sprankle

I totally love a savory breakfast moment, but pastries are an absolute must on vacation. Get up early and take a car (or the L to the G train) to Radio Bakery. The pastries here are everything you’ve ever wanted — maple and sausage croissants wrapped up so you get the perfect bit every time, earl grey morning buns that are just the right amount of sweet, and the ever-elusive vanilla custard croissant that’s not always there, but is always delicious. Need I say more? Once you’ve enjoyed your pastries and a little coffee, make your way back to the G train and ride it all the way to the Bergen St stop.

Photo: Arthur Brognoli

Yesterday was wonderfully Manhattan-filled, but I’d opt for another Brooklyn moment in Carroll Gardens. If I could own an apartment anywhere in the city, it would be in Carroll Gardens. It’s a quaint area with great food, great bars, and great people. I’d grab an iced coffee at D’Amico (it’s seriously some of the best coffee in NY) and walk around the neighborhood to make stops in local antique shops like Yesterday’s News. Then, because I’m always thinking about what I’m gonna eat next, I’d go on over to Frankie’s 457. The sweet potato ravioli in parmesan broth and cavetelli with hot sausage in browned sage butter are must-haves in my house. Wrap up your meal with their delicious tiramisu, and you won’t be sorry!

Photo: Megan (Markham) Bucknall

Given that this is likely Sunday, and you’re headed out this evening, I’d grab a car and make my way back to the hotel. If you feel like you need one last little snack for the road, snag a slice from Fini Pizza (definitely the white slice) or Joe’s Pizza (classic cheese). And voila! You’ve had a pretty perfect 48 hours in the greatest city in the world! Cheers!

Main image: Shutterstock

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There’s Now a Self-Cleaning Towel for the Lazy Girl in All of Us

Raise your hand if you love doing laundry. Anyone? If you’re like most of us, then anything that cuts down on your loads of wash is huge. That’s where our new favorite towels come in. Brooklyn-based Silvon is crowdfunding a new collection of towels that help eliminate bacteria so they stay fresh — and stink-free — for way longer.

The organic cotton towels (up on Kickstarter now) use silver to work their magic. Thanks to the precious metal’s antibacterial properties, bacteria cells are destroyed, keeping them off your body — and keeping that unmistakable musty smell away from your soft, clean towels.

Silvon’s towels aren’t totally magic. The company recommends washing them once every one to two weeks. That may or may not be more often than you wash them now, but Silvon says their product is proven to stay cleaner and better-smelling in the meantime.

You can choose from hand towels, face towels, bath towels, bath sheets, or a bath mat. Prices range from $29 for two face towels to $229 for a Super Set (two each of the bath towels, bath sheets, and hand and face towels, plus one bath mat). Silvon also has a line of silver-infused bed sheets ($130+) it successfully Kickstarted in June of 2016, if you want to lighten your laundry load even more.

While you can order the towels now, you won’t be able to get your hands (or other body parts) on them until February. Since people are clearly fascinated with the promise of these towels, Silvon has already blown past its $20,000 Kickstarter goal.

Want more scoop on home linens? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Photos via Silvon)

Laundry Kickstarter

Love Complex Female Characters? So Does Elena Ferrante

Though Elena Ferrante is a pen name, and while the author prides herself on anonymity, her books shouldn't be a mystery to you. The Italian author's beautiful work transcends the need for a face attached, as raw emotions, complex characters, and unforgettable narratives define Ferrante's unique voice. From the intense friendship at the heart of the Neapolitan Novels to the unsettling psychological depths plumbed in The Days of Abandonment, prepare to be surprised, challenged, and utterly engrossed by the brilliance of Elena Ferrante.

Neopolitan Novels

Though Ferrante's entire body of work is worth a read, the first thing that should be on your list is the Neopolitan Novels. This is a four-book series that explores the complex female friendship between Lila and Elena. The two start off as young girls who are being raised in a poor and tough neighborhood of Naples in the aftermath of World War II. The novels chart their complex bond as the two girls grow up, start families, begin careers, and deal with societal pressures and personal struggles.

The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter is a brilliant standalone novel of Ferrante's that is centered around a middle-aged woman named Leda. While on a solitary vacation on the coast, Leda observes a young mother named Nina who is struggling with her relationship with her daughter. This awakens memories of Leda's own struggles with motherhood, making for a raw and honest depiction of the complexities of parent-child relationships.

The Days of Abandonment

In The Days of Abandonment, Ferrante delves into the raw emotions of a woman named Olga after her husband abruptly leaves her and their two young children. The story follows Olga's descent into despair and rage as she grapples with his sudden absence and tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids. Faced with a challenge she never expected, Olga goes on a quest to learn about her own identity and find strength within herself.

The Lying Lives of Adults

As the title indicates, this novel deals with the concepts of honesty, disillusionment, and family secrets. It follows the story of a young woman named Giovanna who becomes obsessed with her estranged father after learning a shocking secret about her parents' past. As she continues to delve deeper into their hidden world, she uncovers a web of secrets that shatter her perception of her family and her ideas of adulthood.

Incidental Inventions

Incidental Inventions isn't a novel, but a collection of essays that were originally published in The Guardian. Here, Ferrante offers a glimpse into her thoughts and observations on a variety of topics. Expect insightful and thought-provoking reflections on everyday experiences, personal fears, and the creative process itself!

Troubling Love

Troubling Love centers around Delia, who returns to her childhood home after her mother, Amalia, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As Delia grapples with grief, she confronts repressed memories of her childhood that were made difficult by her mother's volatile relationships with abusive men. The narrative unfolds as Delia pieces together the events leading up to her mother's death and confronts the lingering effects of her complicated upbringing.

Frantumaglia: A Writer's Journey

"Frantumaglia" is a word borrowed from Ferrante's mother and means "a jumble of fragments". This collection of Ferrante's writings does not feel like a jumble, but rather a rich body of work that provides insight into the challenges and joys of her writing process and the inspirations behind her novels.

In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing

Another collection of essays, In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing is Ferrante's exploration of the joys of being both a writer and a reader. She dives deep into her formative experiences with literature, her masterful approach to writing, and the challenges that can come with crafting meaningful stories.

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

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Header image via Amazon

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From Joe Alwyn To Matty Healy, Everything To Know About Taylor Swift's Boyfriends

Taylor Swift is known for many things: her incredible songwriting, record-breaking albums like 1989, Folklore, and Midnights, and the Easter eggs she's always leaving fans for her new albums. But the popstar is also known for her relationships (friendly reminder, women are more than their partners!). Considering there's a Taylor Swift song for every kind of love, heartbreak, and relationship, here's everything you need to know about Taylor Swift's former boyfriends (and her current romance with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce), from a Swiftie who's done the research. Catch up before she drops The Tortured Poets Department and Reputation (Taylor's Version)!

What We Know About Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship

Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images

“Taylor and Travis have been quietly hanging out,” a source told The Messenger in September, while a source told ET that "Travis has been into Taylor for a while and definitely has a crush on her." However, another insider confirms that the pair aren't officially dating, and on September 20, Travis' brother Jason Kelce told the WIP Morning Show (via DailyMail), "I think things are going great and I think it's 100 percent true."

On September 24, Taylor was seen in a box with Travis Kelce's mom during the Chiefs game, and then left with Travis Kelce after the game (in which Travis scored an impressive touchdown *and* the Chiefs won 41-10). Travis wore a blue and white matching set (that also has 1989 in the name 👀), while Taylor wore a white tank and an unreleased Chiefs jacket (via taylorswiftstyled). Speaking of clothes, it's also notable to mention that after Taylor was spotted at the game, sales for Travis' jersey have jumped 400%!

In a September 27 interview with the New Heights podcast, Travis talks about the game, and said he "sure as hell enjoyed this weekend."

"I just thought it was awesome how everybody in the suite had nothing but great things to say about her," he says. "She looked amazing and everybody was talking about her in great light."

After spending some time with his mom in the Kelce box, Taylor joined Travis and they "just slid off in the getaway car at the end." Is that a Reputation (Taylor's Version) Easter egg we hear? Swifties have been predicting the rerecording would come after 1989 (Taylor's Version) since the Midnights era (as for us, we're hoping to get an announcement this fall). Check back here to see how this potential relationship unfolds, and check out the full Brit + Co Taylor Swift x Travis Kelce timeline.

The Taylor Swift Boyfriends You Love, And The Ones You Didn't Know She Dated

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Joe Jonas

Taylor Swift and Joe Jonas began dating in 2008. Taylor joined the Jonas Brothers during their Burnin' Up Tour and performed hits like "Should've Said No" from her debut album Taylor Swift. The relationship is most remembered for the fact that Joe reportedly broke up with Taylor during a 25-second phone call. After the break up (and a few albums), the couple was able to become friends.

Taylor Swift's "Invisible String" (which was released after Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner had their first baby) includes the line, "Cold was the steel of my axe to grind // For the boys who broke my heart // Now I send their babies presents," solidifying that the duo had truly buried the hatchet when she wrote the song.

Relive the romance: "Forever & Always," "Mr. Perfectly Fine," "Last Kiss"

Photo by JB Lacroix/Getty Images

Lucas Till

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Hannah Montana: The Movie is one of the greatest films of the 2000's, and this is just another reason why. The feature film stars Lucas as Hannah Montana/Miley's love interest Travis (who we never saw again after the movie??), while Taylor performs "Crazier" during the characters' barn party.

Taylor Swift ended up featuring Lucas Till as the male lead in her "You Belong With Me" music video, which won her the VMA for Best Video by a Female Artist in 2009.

"We dated for a little bit. But, there was no friction because we were too nice," Taylor Swift's boyfriend told MTV in 2009. "Most relationships work out cause you get along and then you don't, and then you make up and it's passionate, and with us I really just liked her as a friend. That’s the only reason that didn't work out."

Relive the romance: Taylor Swift hasn't released any songs about Lucas Till, but feel free to watch the "You Belong With Me" music video as many times as you'd like. I know I do.

Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Taylor Lautner

Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner dated for a few months in 2009 after they met on the set of the rom-com Valentine's Day. Taylor Lautner presented Swift with the VMA for Best Video by a Female Artist in 2009, which went down in pop culture history when Kanye jumped onstage to interrupt Swift's acceptance speech.

“I’m just assuming that this whole thing was a practiced and rehearsed skit because why else would Kanye West be jumping up on the stage interrupting Taylor Swift?" the Twilight star said on a recent episode of his The Squeeze podcast. "It just didn’t make sense. And if you look back at it, I’m actually caught, like, laughing and giggling at him like, ‘I can’t hear them but this is probably really funny right now.’”

The two have become friends since the end of their relationship, and most recently, Taylor Lautner starred with Joey King in the music video for Taylor Swift's "I Can See You" from Speak Now (Taylor's Version). "He was a very positive force in my life when I was making the Speak Now album," Taylor Swift said at the July 7 Eras Tour show.

Relive the romance: "Back To December"

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for VEVO

John Mayer

Even though Taylor Swift and John Mayer never publicly confirmed that they were dating, this has become one of Taylor's best-known relationships. The two collaborated on John's "Half of My Heart" single in 2009 before performing together a number of times before their relationship ended in 2010.

Taylor later released Speak Now, whose track "Dear John" is believed to be about the relationship. John also released a song that's widely thought to be about Taylor titled "Paper Doll," and spoke very candidly about the release + reception of "Dear John" in a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone.

“It made me feel terrible,” he says. “Because I didn’t deserve it. I’m pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do.”

Relive the romance: "Dear John," "Would've, Should've, Could've"

Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

Cory Monteith

While the late Glee star never publicly became one of Taylor Swift's boyfriends, the pair was photographed together on a few different occasions and fans have speculated since the release of Speak Now that the album's lead single "Mine" is about the actor.

"This is a situation where a guy that I just barely knew put his arm around me by the water, and I saw the entire relationship flash before my eyes, almost like a weird science-fiction movie," she told Yahoo Music, via MTV.

After the actor passed away, Taylor Swift tweeted (via Taste of Country, the tweet has since been deleted), "Speechless. And for the worst reason."

Relive the romance: "Mine"

Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Adam Young

Okay, so Adam Young and Taylor Swift never *officially* dated, but they did send each other emails and eventually meet face-to-face — a meeting that Taylor was so excited about, she ended up writing "Enchanted," which Adam later covered.

Relive the romance: "Enchanted"

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Jake Gyllenhaal

One of Taylor Swift's most public relationships came in 2010 when she started dating movie star Jake Gyllenhaal. Throughout that fall, Taylor and Jake were seen grabbing brunch in New York City, spending Thanksgiving together, and visiting Nashville.

When December rolled around, Taylor celebrated her 21st birthday without Jake present, and a few days later, Jake celebrated his 30th birthday without Taylor. Their relationship ended shortly after, and Taylor released her album Red in 2012. The album is believed to be mostly about her relationship with Jake, and is filled to the *brim* with insight into her relationship (it also happens to be the perfect early fall album!)

Red also features her most beloved song "All Too Well," and in 2021, Taylor Swift released Red (Taylor's Version), which includes a 10-minute version of the song fans have been requesting for a decade, as well as a short film.

Relive the romance: "Red," "All Too Well," "The Moment I Knew," "I Bet You Think About Me"

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Harry Styles

Rumors about Taylor Swift and Harry Styles being a couple when Harry showed up to support Taylor during her X Factor performance rehearsal. They began having dates in Central Park, attending parties together, and wore matching paper airplane necklaces. They even went on a skiing trip (a trip that many fans believe included a snowmobile accident, which Taylor mentions in 1989's "Out Of The Woods").

"In writing songs about stuff like [relationships], I like tipping a hat to the time together," Harry Styles said during a year-long Rolling Stone interview. "You're celebrating the fact it was powerful and made you feel something, rather than 'this didn't work out, and that's bad.' And if you run into that person, maybe it's awkward, maybe you have to get drunk … but you shared something. Meeting someone new, sharing those experiences, it's the best s— ever."

The exes almost broke Twitter when they reunited at the 2021 Grammys (among other awards, Taylor won Best Album for Folklore and Harry won Best Pop Solo Performance for "Watermelon Sugar"), and again at the 2023 Grammys. Here's hoping Harry is featured on a future album!!

Relive the romance: "Style," "Out Of The Woods," "Clean," "Question...?"

Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images

Calvin Harris

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris were introduced by their mutual friend Ellie Goulding, and appeared on lots of different red carpets together, as well as in a variety of Instagram posts. They also collaborated on "This Is What You Came For," which was recorded by Rihanna.

When the pair broke up, Calvin ended up posting some tweets (which have since been deleted), saying "I figure if you're happy in your new relationship you should focus on that instead of trying to tear your ex bf down for something to do." Afterwards, he told British GQ, via People that "it was completely the wrong instinct...It's very difficult when something I consider so personal plays out very publicly. The aftermath of the relationship was way more heavily publicized than the relationship itself."

Calvin Harris married Vick Hope in 2023, and during an April 2024 episode of her BBC show Going Home with Vick, Katie and Jamie, Vick reveals she loves listening to Taylor Swift!

“As soon as my husband goes away, I listen to Taylor Swift,” she says. “That’s just when I get my little fill...Just a couple of songs, get it out of my system, and then it’s done.”

Relive the romance: "I Forgot That You Existed," "Bejeweled," "High Infidelity"

Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

Tom Hiddleston

Right after Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris broke up, the popstar was linked to the English actor at the 2016 Met Gala. The couple then proceeded to send the internet into a tizzy when they were photographed holding hands and cuddling in Rhode Island. They introduced one another to their parents, attended concerts together, and traveled to places like Rome and Australia. They ended up breaking things off in September of 2017.

Relive the romance: "Getaway Car"

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

Joe Alwyn

The longest relationship between Taylor Swift and a boyfriend is rumored to have begun at the 2016 Met Gala (the song "Dress" mentions she met the song's subject when she had bleached hair and they had a buzzcut. Taylor had bleached hair and Joe had a buzzcut at the Gala that year), but were officially connected in 2017. They traveled around the world together, and Joe showed up to support Taylor Swift's Reputation tour.

The couple's early relationship began during a period where a lot of the public and the industry expressed that they were anti-Taylor Swift, and the singer basically disappeared. Taylor told The Guardian in 2019 that they preferred to keep things private, otherwise "people think it's up for discussion, and our relationship isn't up for discussion...If you and I were having a glass of wine right now, we'd be talking about it — but it's just that it goes out into the world."

While many fans speculated that Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn had gotten engaged, after six years of dating, the couple's split became publicized in the spring of 2023. But on November 29, Taylor's friend and collaborator Jack Antonoff posted an Instagram story confirming Taylor's hit song "You're Losing Me" was written in 2021. "A very special track from the Midnights vault that's finally streaming," the story says. "Written and recorded at home on 12/5/21."

That makes us look at a lot of the heart-wrenching songs on Evermore and Midnights in a whole new way because it suggests their relationships problems ran deeper and lasted longer than anyone realized. And on November 30, Taylor Swift's publicist Tree Paine made an ultra-rare statement on Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn's relationship after the infamous gossip blog Deuxmoi published an Instagram story claiming Taylor and Joe got married.

"Enough is enough with these fabricated lies about Taylor from Deuxmoi," Tree says on X. "There was NEVER a marriage or ceremony of ANY kind. This is an insane thing to post. It’s time for you to be held accountable for the pain and trauma you cause with posts like these."

Taylor announced her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, at the 2024 Grammys...and then internet was QUICK to make potential connections to Joe. In 2022, Joe told GQ that he was in a group chat with Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott called "The Tortured Man Club," based on their roles in their respective film and TV projects. Taylor also has tracks like "So Long, London" which in direct juxtaposition to "London Boy" off her Lover album — a song heavily tied to Joe. The through line is more than clear, TBH, but Taylor could be misleading us.

Regardless, a "source close to Joe" spoke up about the album to The Daily Mail. The source said that Joe has been quiet and respectful about the breakup, so it would be "shady" to "diss" him in the album. What does Taylor think about that? Well, during a performance "Dear Reader" in Tokyo — notably after Joe's alleged comments — she sang, "The restless tears of a cursed man." The original lyrics? "The desperate prayers of a cursed man." Now, I'm not saying she was calling Joe a crybaby...but I'm not NOT saying it. 😗

Joe Alwyn also just posted on Instagram for the first time since September 2023, and it looks like he might be referencing The Tortured Poets Department again. After Swifties have been joking that each of Taylor Swift's boyfriends need to get ready for the album that references them (meaning Joe would be getting ready for TTPD), he uploaded a carousel of images that includes mirror selfies, a childhood photo, and a meme from the UK The Office that says "Different drinks for different needs." If *I'm* expecting to need a drink after listening to TTPD, then you'll probably need one too Joe...Heck, let's go ahead and make these Taylor Swift cocktails.

Relive the romance: "Delicate," "Lover," "Paper Rings," "Invisible String," "Snow on the Beach," "So Long, London," "Down Bad" (basically all of Reputation, Lover, Folklore, Evermore, and a good deal of Midnights).

Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images

Matty Healy

During the summer leg of the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift and Matty Healy both mouthed the words “This is about you. You know who you are. I love you,” into the camera during their respective shows. They were later spotted together in New York City, and Matty joined boygenius onstage to open for one of Taylor Swift's concerts in Nashville. However, the pair ended things at the beginning of June.

"They were never boyfriend-girlfriend or exclusive and were always just having fun," a source tells People. "There is no drama, and who knows what could happen again. It was a good time and ran its course."

Relive the romance: "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived," "I Can Fix Him (No Really, I Can)," "loml," "Guilty As Sin?"

Were any of Taylor Swift's boyfriends your celebrity crushes? Let us know in the comments!

Lead photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

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