We all love a good plot, but the really great books cast a spell through the writing itself. They’re beautiful on a sentence-by-sentence level, full of striking images or perfectly crafted turns of phrase, balancing description and character work with pure, almost lyrical prose. Every word is a crucial part of the experience.

With that in mind, this list looks at some phenomenal books that are brilliantly written. They go beyond simply having solid worldbuilding or memorable characters; here, the flow of the words is what’s special. Whether lyrical, restrained, philosophical, or emotional, the titles below represent literature at its finest.

‘All the Light We Cannot See’ (2014)

Image via Scribner

“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.” This one was made into a TV series, but the book is a lot better. It introduces us to Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a gifted German orphan whose talent for engineering draws him into the Nazi war machine during World War II. Their seemingly separate journeys gradually converge amid the destruction of occupied France.

The writing style in All the Light We Cannot See is very lyrical, made up of short, striking sentences and chapters (often just a few pages long), and with a focus on sensory details. In particular, Anthony Doerr vividly brings to life Marie-Laure’s impressions of sound, taste, touch, and smell. Character-wise, the novel paints all of the main players in shades of gray; even the good ones are flawed, and even some on the bad side are tragic rather than outright evil.

‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ (2016)

Image via Viking

“We are the books we read and the things we love.” This one was also made into a series (featuring a fantastic Ewan McGregor), though, again, reading the novel is a more rewarding experience. The main character here is aristocrat Count Alexander Rostov, who, after the Russian Revolution, is sentenced to lifelong house arrest inside Moscow’s luxurious Metropol Hotel. Over decades, he watches Soviet history unfold beyond the hotel’s walls.

Although cut off from the outside world, Rostov has a surprisingly full life in his confined environment. He discovers purpose, friendship, and love in the hotel, forming a particularly close bond with the nine-year-old Nina and, years later, her daughter Sofia. Rather than plot machinations, the book keeps us engaged through tone, pacing, characterization, and warm prose, as ornate as the hotel itself. Rostov thinks and speaks in a refined, literate way, brought to vivid life by author Amor Towles‘ skilled pen.

‘The Book Thief’ (2005)

Image via Knopf Books for Young Readers

“I have hated the words, and I have loved them.” This one has some parallels to All the Light We Cannot See, though it’s a little more fantastical and colorful. Narrated by Death itself, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany whose love of books becomes both a source of comfort and an act of quiet resistance after her foster family begins sheltering a Jewish refugee in their basement.

The framing device is the most striking aspect of the book. Choosing Death as narrator could easily have become a gimmick, but author Markus Zusak makes it an intrinsic part of the story and themes. The Grim Reaper’s weary compassion and dark humor add another emotional layer to the novel. At the same time, Zusak’s descriptions and metaphors are vibrant and memorable, with a treasure to be found on almost every page.

‘Life of Pi’ (2001)

Image via Mariner Books Classics

“I must say a word about fear. It is life’s only true opponent.” Yann Martel recently published a great new novel called Son of Nobody, though Life of Pi remains his undisputed masterpiece. It centers on sixteen-year-old Pi Patel, who is stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean after a cargo ship sinks, his only companions a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger.

This premise sets the stage for an unusual survival story, as well as a meditation on faith, truth, and the stories people choose to believe. Martel’s storytelling here is philosophical but lively, full of rich descriptions and intense, naturalistic imagery, nimbly fusing adventure and religious allegory. The narrative structure is inventive, too, unfolding in three different sections and times, each casting the previous one in a new light, and shifting our understanding of the plot.

‘East of Eden’ (1952)

Image via Penguin Classics

“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” One of Steinbeck‘s essential novels, East of Eden chronicles multiple generations of the Trask and Hamilton families in California’s Salinas Valley. It’s one of the most ambitious family sagas in American fiction, drawing inspiration from the story of Cain and Abel (the title is a Bible quote) and delving deep into big themes like love, jealousy, inheritance, and good versus evil.

Here, Steinbeck’s prose feels deceptively simple, with seemingly offhand sentences carrying hidden meaning or very deliberate word choices. The writing is full of warmth and wisdom, particularly when it comes to the character studies. Figures like Samuel Hamilton, Lee, Adam Trask, and Cathy Ames have remarkable psychological depth, making their triumphs and failures feel relatable and almost timeless. Not for nothing, Steinbeck considered it his magnum opus.

‘The Secret History’ (1992)

Image via Alfred A. Knopf

“Beauty is terror. Whatever we call beautiful, we quiver before it.” The Secret History opens with a confession: a group of elite classics students has murdered one of their closest friends. From here, the book slowly reveals why it happened. We focus on Richard Papen, an isolated young man who becomes increasingly entangled in an insular, intellectually intoxicating circle of friends studying ancient Greek.

The writing is brilliant throughout, referencing and paying tribute to a lot of classic literature and Greek mythology. Aesthetically, the writing is elegant and immersive, conjuring up a world of fire-lit common rooms and grand libraries, desirable yet mysteriously off-putting, toxic even. Suitably, every conversation, lecture, and dinner party also carries an undercurrent of unease; the characters are smart but arrogant, and their search for beauty and knowledge leads instead to moral decay. The Secret History is intellectual and gripping at the same time.

‘Blood Meridian’ (1985)

Image via Random House

“Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent.” Blood Meridian is widely considered to be Cormac McCarthy‘s finest achievement. Inspired by historical events along the Texas-Mexico border, it revolves around the unnamed Kid as he joins the Glanton gang, a brutal group of scalp hunters led by the mysterious, terrifying Judge Holden. The tale is violent and almost mythic, boasting breathtaking descriptions of deserts and mountains along with random outbursts of bloodshed.

Here, McCarthy uses biblical cadences and a ridiculously expansive vocabulary (some ancient terms will have readers reaching for a dictionary), every word contributing to a feeling of cosmic dread. The sentences tend to be punchy and often lack apostrophes or commas, which some critics view as an homage to Faulkner. Taken together, the result is a kind of Gothic anti-Western, a relentlessly grim, bleak, macabre dissection of evil.

‘The Sun Also Rises’ (1926)

Image via Tech Tok Ltd

“You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.” The Sun Also Rises is one of Hemingway‘s most well-rounded books, boasting his signature precise, economical prose. It’s about American journalist Jake Barnes, who travels through Spain and France with a group of expat friends in the years after World War I, searching for meaning, love, and distraction. Along the way, Jake falls in love with Lady Brett Ashley.

As usual, the writing style is understated and stripped back, almost hard-boiled. The dialogue is usually simple, and the descriptions are sparse. Rather than explicitly explaining his characters’ inner lives, Hemingway depicts longing, disappointment, jealousy, and loneliness through what remains unsaid. He called this “iceberg theory,” where the limited information we have access to hints at greater, unseen complexity.

‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (1967)

Image via  Harper Perennial Modern Classics

“It was as if God had decided to put to the test every capacity for surprise.” A landmark of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude follows seven generations of the Buendía family in the mythical town of Macondo, where ghosts converse with the living, miracles occur without explanation, and history seems destined to repeat itself forever. Here, the extraordinary coexists with the ordinary.

The prose is confident and sincere, presenting the impossible with complete matter-of-factness. García Márquez‘s long, flowing sentences make everything feel simultaneously epic and personal, touching on themes of memory, solitude, and love. Each magical event serves a symbolic purpose, and certain images, color-coded in one of the book’s more accessible techniques, recur throughout. One Hundred Years of Solitude continues to be held in high regard and is considered one of the great classics of world literature.

‘The Great Gatsby’ (1925)

Image via Scribner

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” Narrated by Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby tells us about millionaire Jay Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, against the glittering backdrop of America’s Jazz Age. The Great Gatsby captured the Roaring Twenties like lightning in a bottle, a world of glamorous parties and lavish mansions, but also illusion and destructive ambition, where cracks show in the American dream.

​​​​​​​Nearly every page of the book contains sentences that have become part of literary history, from the brilliant opening line (“In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since”) to the gorgeous, haunting final paragraph. Likewise, several of F. Scott’s Fitzgerald‘s literary symbols continue to endure, the green light most of all.

General Hospital fans, we have got another rumor roundup for you from our very reliable sources who leak stuff from behind the scenes at GH. Lots of exciting things to discuss. We’re going to talk about a rumored exit, two possible deaths, and several big returns.

General Hospital: Ric Dies of a Brain Injury

All right, so first I want to talk about the two possible deaths we’re hearing rumors about. The first is Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). We have heard before that he was going to have some sort of fatal or near fatal medical crisis. And now we’re hearing rumblings again about his character. So, our source says now that Ric may die of a brain injury by the end of the summer.

And our source says this death drama is to make a really good story line for Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). But we’ve had another leak recently from another source that sometimes contradicts the first one, and this one said we may get an Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Ric reunion. So, those are conflicting leaks from two different backstage sources. One of whom is certain Ric is not leaving, and that’s the leaker that I hope is right because I don’t want Ric dead. But they’ve both given us really good accurate stuff. So, 50/50.

Jacinda Murdered on GH

The next possible death we’re hearing in backstage chatter is Jacinda Bracken (Paige Herschell), the very pretty ex prostitute that Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) is dating. Our inside source says Jacinda meets a bad end and it is likely a fatal one. That wouldn’t be terribly surprising if we lost Jacinda because most of Michael’s girlfriends end up six feet under. Our source didn’t know details just that Jacinda might be killed by a third party and it’s blamed on Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen). And the source says, of course, she swears she’s innocent, didn’t hurt Jacinda, and is telling the truth, but nobody believes Willow because of everything she’s done.

Our leaker heard it might be related to a break for actress Katelyn MacMullen, who plays Willow. And that brings us to our big exit leak. Although it’s not a permanent exit, but it would be another lengthy break. So, we’ve seen Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) get a long break and also Jason Morgan (Steve Burton). And now it looks like Katelyn MacMullen needs a break.

General Hospital: Willow in the Looney Bin

She’s been in an intense front burner storyline for many months. And we also heard from the leaker that the Willow and Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) awful story was supposed to actually run longer when I thought it was already too long. But then some stuff going on behind the scenes and some alleged interference changed things. And the leakers said Katelyn MacMullen asked for a work break. And our leakers said Willow will be back after this break and will be acting even worse.

We’ve heard Katelyn’s short-term exit could result in Willow going to Ferncliff or Shadybrook. I can see it because Drew is hellbent on revenge and can’t use legal channels to punish his homicidal wife. So Ferncliff isn’t as good as Pentonville. But at least it would be some consequences for Willow.

Revenge Plots and New Villains Emerge on GH

All right, next. The leaker said, “In case you think Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright) has chilled, she has not. She remains determined to get revenge on Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) for luring Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) into the WSB. And I wonder if Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) is going to share in the revenge because he and Brennan also have beef. Right now, the leaker says Valentin doesn’t know all the crimes that Jack’s been doing. But if Valentin gets info on these, he may use all that for revenge, especially to help Carly.

Also, Valentin is supposed to mix it up more with Sonny, according to the leak, and I’m sure it’s about him trying to get Valentin out of Carly’s life. Our leaker also says that Brennan needs to watch his back because of Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota). Now, apparently, this story was pushed forward by two months, and our source says Sidwell’s final arc wraps up in August. And tied to that is this new guy coming this week, Hudson (Troy Appel). Now, supposedly Hudson is the next villain after Sidwell’s out of power. But maybe not the next real big bad.

Brennan Works with Sidwell on General Hospital

Since General Hospital usually brings in more recognizable actors as the main villains, the source thinks Hudson may be connected to the next main villain rather than being the next main villain. And in fact, the source actually said there may be more than one villain. And given that we’re hot off double diabolical demons of Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) and Sidwell, I don’t think we need another two bad guys. But they didn’t ask my input.

One last note on Sidwell. The leakers said Brennan may offer to break Sidwell out of prison if he doesn’t implicate Willow in anything. And if this happens, it’s clearly about Jack Brennan’s interest in someone, which our leaker told us about, and we leaked that was coming a couple of months ago.

General Hospital: Romantic Struggles and Casting News

So, next we have a leak about Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) that says she may not last on General Hospital unless they find a workable love interest outside of Jason. They’re on good terms now. That’s supposed to be coming to an end, according to our leaker. And another leak mentioned that they had written a plot for Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) that wound up cut.

And the leaker said in the wake of Isaiah Gannon’s (Sawandi Wilson) debilitating hand injury, Isaiah was supposed to get addicted to pain pills and get a front burner storyline. But the source says now they’ve heard that Portia may exit. And I hope not if that means Portia is going to be stuck with Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner).

Also, aside from our usual sources, Steve Burton leaked a little snippet about what’s coming for Jason. He made a subscribers only video and in it Burton was talking about Jason having PTSD after his ordeal. Burton says there’s some dark things that happened in the WSB prison that haven’t been seen yet and that more on that is coming soon.

Major GH Return – Lucky Spencer Back to PC

Next, let’s talk about major returns that we may see. Our leakers said Greg Vaughan is returning as Lucky Spencer in November. Now, we saw recently Greg Vaughan posted on his Instagram thanking fans, thanking various people, and saying he’s moving on to his next chapter. Well, that could mean that he has wrapped his run on Beyond the Gates where he was appearing as Dr. Kial Rollins because there is a rumor that that role was recast with Colin Eglesfield who had been on All My Children.

So, he’s the same age as Greg Vaughan. He’s been seen in Atlanta at Assembly Studios where they shoot Beyond the Gates. So maybe he’s a new character. But that in combination with Greg’s weird Instagram post about moving to the next chapter, he may have wrapped his run at BTG and could be available to come back to General Hospital as Lucky. And we know the Powers that be wanted Lucky back. But Jonathan Jackson wasn’t interested in commuting from LA to Nashville where he lives.

Ethan Lovett Out on General Hospital

We’ve also heard from our leaker that despite the recast with Christian Howard that Ethan Lovett (Christian Howard) is still going to be leaving Port Charles. And adjacent to that, we heard new guy Hudson is going to be involved in storylines linked to Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard).

We heard another possible return as Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Jason’s son Jake Webber (Hudson West) hopefully with the same actor in the role. But just on recurring, not contract, so probably a shorter arc. And the leaker said he may be back this fall for a Drew and Jason storyline. But the source also said if you’re Liz and Jason shipper, don’t get excited. There is no reunion just because their son’s coming back.

Two more possible returns to mention. One is Cameron Webber (William Lipton) could be back to stay. But only if William Lipton is interested in returning. And there’s behind the scenes chatter that Dylan Quartermaine is coming back and maybe related to someone’s storyline. But we’ve also heard Michael and new villain Hudson may both be involved with Serena Baldwin (Kelly Krueger), who’s back on the scene this week, interestingly, the same day that Hudson debuts. So, we’ll see what moves from rumor to spoilers soon.

Anime has consistently delivered some of the most emotional, imaginative, and incredibly immersive works of fictional art over the last 25 years. TV has been much better for it as series after series have been remembered for their striking animation, great fight scenes, epic worlds, and beautifully developed characters, all of which stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

A few of the gems that have succeeded over the years are Mob Psycho 100, which stands out for its use of wild animation and psychic battles to tell a deeply personal tale about self-discovery and acceptance, and My Hero Academia, an epic action anime that turns superhero aspirations into an inspiring story about never giving up or backing down. Both, along with the rest on this list, are influential stories that remain consistent, powerful, and genuinely memorable throughout their run, standing as some of the most perfect anime works of the last 25 years.

9

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Image via Madhouse

This 2011 remake has lived on in the hearts of anime fans for years since its release. Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss (Megumi Han) as he sets out to become a Hunter and gain his Hunter’s license, in order to better understand the father who abandoned him.

Hunter x Hunter is one of those rare, perfect gems of long-form battle shōnen that becomes far more intelligent as it goes on. It’s a strong anime for first-timers into the genre, a true safe bet for a great time, and what the medium has to offer. Few anime of the last 25 years have balanced strategy, adventure, and character growth as well as Hunter x Hunter has. The series is genuinely masterful, as it delivers a rich adventure story without ever being shallow, an emotional wild-ride without ever being overly sentimental, and extremely clever without losing any of its excitement and fun.

8

‘Steins;Gate’ (2011–2015)

Image via White Fox

Steins;Gate is genuinely one of the most rewarding anime of the last 25 years, yet somehow its perfection is constantly overlooked. The series centers around Rintaro Okabe (Mamoru Miyano), a flamboyant mad scientist, whose accidental tampering with time begins to fracture the lives around him.

Steins;Gate carefully builds from a rather quirky science-fiction comedy into a devastating time-travel drama that quite literally stuns. It’s a structurally satisfying good time that rewards rewatches, patience, and close attention. Steins;Gate is fantastically good, standing strong as a smart sci-fi anime with a beautiful emotional payoff. It’s an underrated bout of perfection that hosts memorable characters, emotional stakes, and a clever structure. Not many are able to deny Stein;Gate‘s brilliance as it easily transitions from nerd comedy into a wrenching time-loop tragedy, marking it as one of the greatest sci-fi dramas ever made.

7

‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016–2022)

Image via Bones

This coming-of-age tale is one that is undeniably magnificent and woefully underrated. Mob Psycho 100 focuses on a young middle schooler, Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama (Setsuo Ito), as he struggles socially while wielding incredibly absurd amounts of psychic power that threaten to go out of control at the height of his emotions.

Anyone who has seen even just a bit of Mob Psycho 100 can point out why it’s so incredibly perfect. With each episode, the series gets better, and with each season, the character growth becomes even more astonishing. Mob Psycho 100 is not only emotionally satisfying, but it stands as one of the most entertaining sci-fi action shows ever made. It’s a top-of-the-shelf kind of anime that has ranked high among some of the most exciting in the genre of the last decade, despite its criminally underrated status.

6

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–2022)

Image via Kinema Citrus

This incredible work of fiction stands as one of the most haunting watches on this list of the most perfect anime of the last 25 years. Made in Abyss centers on little Riko’s (Miyu Tomita), who descends into the Abyss in search of her mother, accompanied by a mysterious robot boy named Reg (Mariya Ise).

Made in Abyss is the embodiment of deceptive beauty, with its host of colors and seemingly whimsical adventure story. In actuality, the breathtaking fantasy builds a world that features emotional devastation for audiences and characters alike. It’s an often overlooked anime that wields a perfection that is truly rare in the modern genre. Made in Absyss‘ story is no doubt far darker and more unsettling than its lighthearted appearance initially suggests, but its emotional power, atmosphere, and astonishingly immersive quality make it the ideal addition to this list.

5

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

Image via Madhouse

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Monster has to be one of the greatest anime ever created, as it delivers an equal sophistication as the best live-action psychological thrillers. The thriller follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma (Hidenobu Kiuchi), who saves a child’s life and slowly comes to the realization that that same child is Johan Liebert (Nozomu Sasaki), who may become one of the most terrifying human beings to ever exist.

Monster is a suspenseful thrill ride that stands out because of its discipline. It’s a true gem not only for its mature storytelling but also for its continuous high quality of gripping content. Monster is masterfully constructed from beginning to end, with its suspense that grows through choices, conversations, memories, and the psychological damage left behind by past influences. Few anime of the last 25 years have shown the spectacular maturity, tension, and continuous high quality that Monster has, making it one of the most perfect shows ever made.

4

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019–2024)

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This iconic action anime is a masterpiece that owns the stage in story and intensity. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado (Natsuki Hanae), a boy who becomes a Demon Slayer after his family is massacred, with only his sister Nezuko (Akari Kitō), remaining, but completely transformed.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a true action staple. It’s a visually overwhelming bout of intense action that has exceeded countless expectations. Demon Slayer is easily dubbed perfect by fans for all it brings: an epic story, brutal action, memorable characters, emotional weight, and some of the most stunning animation ever seen in the medium. The anime is a series that boasts immense popularity—which is very well-deserved—a defining anime that stands at the top with several other greats of the last 25 years.

3

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Wit Studio

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Attack on Titan is a true cultural phenomenon. The brilliant action anime focuses on friends Eren Yeager (Yûki Kaji), Mikasa Ackerman (Yui Ishikawa), and Armin Arlert (Marina Inoue), who begin as survivors trapped behind walls and grow into avenging soldiers as time goes on.

Attack on Titan is genuinely in a league of its own. It’s one of the few long-form anime that has maintained an extraordinary level of quality season after season. What begins as a brutal survival story develops into a spiraling tale of oppression, war, freedom, and the devastating consequences of the morally grey line between good and evil. Attack on Titan is literal perfection and stands today as one of the most defining TV events of the century, masterfully cementing its place on this list.

2

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–2026)

This visual feast of an anime is one that not only delivers quality animation but also a fantastic story. My Hero Academia centers around the initially powerless Izuku Midoriya (Daiki Yamashita), who is born into a world where superhuman abilities are common, only to be given the chance of power inheritance by the hero he admires most.

My Hero Academia is one of the top-defining shōnen of the last decade, as it turns simple heroic dreams into a story about responsibility, effort, and courage. Even with a large cast of characters, the series remains gripping, giving each character time to shine in the spotlight. A huge part of My Hero’s perfection is how earnestly it believes in heroism while still throwing out the question of what being a hero truly means. The series takes its audience on a journey rife with laughter, love, tears, and loss, offering viewers a modern shōnen with an emotional payoff that definitely places it high among the best and the brightest.

Image via Bones

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the ultimate anime fantasy watch that provides audiences with a well-balanced story. The impeccable anime follows brothers Edward Elric (Romi Park) and Alphonse Elric (Rie Kugimiya), who commit the central sin of human transmutation, lose their bodies in the attempt, and then join the military in order to embark on a mystical journey to reclaim what was taken from them with hopes of finding the philosopher’s stone.

Whether it be story, animation, action, or fantasy, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delivers on all fronts. The series is often treated as the gold standard for a complete anime adaptation, and it is as plain as day to see why. Very few anime have matched the level of gripping storytelling that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has. It hosts both blockbuster action and intricate plotting, with memorable antagonists, a coherent power system, and absolutely no lull in the middle of it all. It’s a truly epic tale, rife with content that never feels bloated or unnecessary. In fact, the action fantasy is the kind of perfect series that has had a hand in defining what true anime excellence means over the last 25 years.

Karlie Kloss‘ accessory game proves that sometimes one item can really make an entire outfit. The supermodel stepped out carrying a timeless quilted handbag style that instantly elevated an otherwise sweet summer look. It certainly makes a strong case: classic accessories never go out of style. The only catch? Her designer version costs $3,621, however, we found a bag that delivers the same luxe vibe for $23.

Kloss was spotted in New York City on July 28 wearing a fitted gingham dress with simple ballet flats and a quilted black Chanel bag that tied the entire outfit together. The structured accessory balanced the feminine dress perfectly, proving that a classic quilted handbag is one of the easiest ways to make any outfit look instantly more polished. Luckily, recreating the look doesn’t require a designer budget.

Get the Diuy Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag for $24 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, July 30, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Diuy Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag captures the same sophisticated feel with its padded exterior, polished chain strap and classic twist-lock closure. In addition to black, the bag also comes in beige, baby blue, coral red and several other shades, making it easy to find one that suits your personal style. At just $24, it’s proof you don’t need to splurge to get the same timeless, celeb-approved aesthetic.

Related: Tracee Ellis Ross Just Gave the Raffia Bag a City-Girl Twist

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Tracee Ellis Ross just gave the classic raffia bag a sophisticated, city-girl twist. Instead of saving the woven accessory for beach vacations, the actress styled it with polished separates, instantly elevating the piece for everyday wear. Luckily, you don’t need a designer budget to recreate her chic look. Ross was spotted in New York City […]

Beyond its expensive-looking design, this crossbody is surprisingly practical for everyday wear. The soft vegan leather makeup gives it that classic sleek finish, while two main compartments and a zippered pocket keep your phone, keys, cards and lipstick neatly organized. Whether you’re headed to brunch, date night or running errands around town, this purse is one you’ll find yourself wearing over and over.

Shoppers say it looks far more expensive than its affordable price tag. One reviewer called it the “ideal accessory to elevate any outfit with a touch of femininity and sophistication,” adding that the chain strap gives it an “air of timeless elegance.” Another buyer praised the “rich looking” design, saying it’s “great for going out in the evening when you only need a few small items to carry.”

Yes, Kloss’ $3,621 quilted bag is undeniably classy, but timeless style doesn’t have to cost thousands. A polished quilted crossbody, like this $23 Amazon version, instantly elevates everything from breezy summer dresses to jeans and a blazer, making it a wardrobe staple you’ll wear season after season.

Can’t get enough of Kloss’ polished quilted bag style? Shop more chic Amazon picks below.

Shop more black quilted crossbody bags that we love:

Not your style? Explore more quilted crossbody bags here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Related: Alessandra Ambrosio’s White Tank Is a Supermodel Style Secret

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The hack to looking effortlessly chic this summer might not be an expensive designer handbag or the latest trend — it could be as simple as a classic white tank. Alessandra Ambrosio reminded Us that the wardrobe staple has all the makings of a supermodel essential, and the best part is you don’t have to […]

Jim Jones is making it clear that he always thought Chrissy Lampkin was that girl! Chrissy recently dropped a fire throwback flick on social media, and fans wasted no time flooding her comment section with compliments and heart-eye emojis, and Jimmy jumped right in the mix to join them.

RELATED: Jimothy Bugging? Social Media Mentions Chrissy Lampkin After Jim Jones Shares His Stance On Having Women In His Club Section (VIDEO)

Jim Jones Gasses Chrissy Lampkin UP After She Drops Throwback Photo

Chrissy Lampkin came through with a fire Throwback Thursday post, dropping an Instagram flick of herself styling and profiling in a preppy-chic look. Chrissy served in a tied-up tee, pleated skirt, strappy platform sandals and a vintage Christian Dior bag. The comment section instantly lit up with fans letting her know she’s all been THAT Girl! Jim Jones also slid into the comments to let his lady know she was looking good.

Fans Send Heart Eyes After Chrissy Shares A Vintage Gem

Once The Shade Room reposted Chrissy’s photo, folks immediately flooded the comment section with reactions. Plenty of people hyped her up alongside Jim, saying she’s been fine forever, while others said she’s literally aging backwards! Peep some of the reactions below.

Instagram user @empresscocoa wrote, “She’s always been that girl.” 

Instagram user @un_leyshed wrote, “This lady been fine her whole life!!” 

While Instagram user @dominiquechinn wrote, “She always show up so beautifully ❤️” 

Then Instagram user @journeyonjett wrote, “She is one of the most naturally beautiful women out here! Wow.” 

Another Instagram user @miss.chinadoll wrote, “She looks good and very youthful. Go Chrissy! 😍” 

Instagram user @deemonrovia wrote, “Mind you, Chrissy is 55 yrs old. She is so gorgeous!” 

Then another Instagram user @talktometoya wrote, “I want whatever she’s having 😍😍” 

While another Instagram user @princess_kynn wrote, “She aging backwards 😍😍😍”

Finally, Instagram user @jetsetbrowngirl wrote, “She’s so beautiful 😍” 

Chrissy Lampkin Keeps The TL In A Chokehold With Her Looks

When Chrissy pops out you can bet she’s going to always serve and slay! Back in May, she had timelines going crazy while celebrating her 55th birthday with a tropical getaway. Fans loved the vibes as she showed off her curves in a black cutout swimsuit. Jimmy couldn’t help but notice too and hopped in her comments with some spicy words, writing, “What under tht hat sexy 👀😎” 

RELATED: Big Energy! Fans Are Flooding The Comment Section After Jim Jones Celebrates 50th Birthday With Chrissy Lampkin (VIDEO) 

University of Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter will miss the first two games of the 2026 college football season as he serves an NCAA suspension for accepting a $427 airline ticket from an agent after he declared for the NFL Draft.

The NCAA explained its decision with a statement on Wednesday, July 29.

“NCAA rules are clear: student-athletes may not sign with agents to pursue NFL draft opportunities, and this student-athlete knowingly violated those longstanding rules,” the statement read. “When student-athletes violate NCAA rules, the school declares them ineligible and works with the national office to determine requirements for reinstatement, which can include repayment and/or withholding from competition.”

Carter, 21, initially declared for the draft after the 2025 season, but re-aggravated a foot injury during the pre-draft process and needed surgery. He decided at that point to return to the Volunteers for his senior season.

A suspension such as this one was commonplace in the NCAA before the name, image and likeness era, when the college sports organization championed amateurism and railed against athletes receiving any compensation related to what they do on the court or field.

Over the past half-decade, however, the line between amateur and professional has blurred considerably, with schools spending millions of dollars to compile their football and basketball rosters. Some star athletes have even opted to stay in college, rather than turn pro, because they can make more as the big man on campus than riding the bench in the NFL or NBA.

Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel released a statement after the NCAA’s decision came down, praising Carter and voicing his displeasure with the suspension.

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“Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee,” Heupel said in a statement shared via the Vols’ social media accounts. “His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched.

The statement continued, “We disagree with the NCAA’s ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall. Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being. He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Dean’s List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week.”

The Volunteers open the 2026 season on Saturday, September 5 at home against Furman University. Their second game is on the road against Georgia Tech. Tennessee is a projected fringe-top 25 team and will be favored in both games, even without Carter.

Tori Spelling is closing the chapter on a project that allowed fans to relive one of television’s most beloved teen dramas.

The actress has officially stepped away from the “90210MG” rewatch podcast she co-hosted with former “Beverly Hills, 90210” castmate Jennie Garth, ending a partnership that revisited behind-the-scenes memories and iconic episodes from the hit series.

For Tori Spelling, the decision marks another turning point in a legacy closely tied to “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the cultural phenomenon that ran for 10 seasons and helped define teen television throughout the 1990s.

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After confirming on Instagram Live that she was leaving to pursue other projects, Tori Spelling has officially announced her exit from the “90210MG” rewatch podcast. The actress invited fans to keep supporting the podcast as Jennie Garth continues with the rest of the show.

The departure comes while the co-hosts were recapping season eight of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” leaving two seasons of the iconic series still to cover. Although Spelling did not elaborate on her decision, she thanked listeners for their support and hinted that more projects are on the horizon.

Her announcement also sparked speculation among fans, with some questioning why the news was shared during a livestream instead of on the podcast itself. However, neither Spelling nor Garth has suggested there was any conflict surrounding the decision.

The Podcast Helped Keep The ‘90210’ Legacy Alive

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Launched in 2020, “90210MG” reunited Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth decades after they starred together as Donna Martin and Kelly Taylor on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The podcast quickly became a destination for longtime fans, blending episode recaps with behind-the-scenes stories from one of television’s defining teen dramas.

Over the years, the pair revisited memorable moments from the series while sharing personal memories from the set, including stories that made headlines well beyond the show’s original run.

One of the podcast’s most talked-about episodes featured Spelling recalling how future Oscar winner Hilary Swank was left in tears after learning she had been written off the series during its eighth season, according to Entertainment Weekly.

With Jennie Garth now continuing the podcast alone, Spelling’s departure marks the end of an era for the rewatch series, even as the final two seasons of “Beverly Hills, 90210” remain to be explored.

Tori Spelling Once Revealed The Hidden Insecurities Behind Donna Martin

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Well before she retired from the “90210MG” podcast, Tori Spelling has been open about her insecurities as a “Beverly Hills, 90210” star. Viewers found Donna Martin confident, popular, and glamorous, but the actress admitted she was not as confident about how she saw herself.

Despite her starring role in one of the biggest shows on television, in a 2019 social media post, Spelling confessed to being “a young, really insecure teenager that never thought I was good enough. She said that she seemed like she was very confident in front of the camera, but not so sure off the camera, and that “perception is not always reality.

TODAY reported that Spelling later said she wished she had been kinder to her younger self and hoped her experience would encourage other young people, including her daughters, to embrace who they are rather than trying to meet others’ expectations. 

Donna Martin’s Biggest Storyline Was Years In The Making

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One of Donna Martin’s defining storylines was her decision to remain a virgin, a plot that lasted until season seven of “Beverly Hills, 90210.” While the storyline became one of the character’s trademarks, Tori Spelling admitted there came a point when she wanted Donna to move on.

Speaking on the “90210MG” podcast in 2025, Spelling said Donna’s virginity initially felt like “a badge of honor” because the character represented something meaningful to many viewers.

However, she eventually grew eager for the storyline to progress, explaining, “I kind of just want her to lose it. Like, what’s the next step?” She added that she was relieved when the long-running arc finally ended because it allowed the character to evolve beyond the same recurring plot.

PEOPLE also reported that Spelling later learned the decision to keep Donna a virgin for so many years largely came from her late father, legendary producer Aaron Spelling, who believed the character should remain that way. Looking back, the actress said she had long suspected the choice was influenced by her father, even if she had never known for certain.

Tori Spelling Continues Moving Forward Through Life’s Challenges

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Stepping away from the “90210MG” podcast is only the latest change in a period of transition for Spelling. In recent months, the actress has remained in the public eye through both personal milestones and emotional moments, including paying tribute to former boyfriend Patrick Muldoon following his death.

Spelling also drew attention after stepping out in a sheer sequined outfit, sparking mixed reactions online, with some social media users criticizing the revealing look. In contrast, others defended her right to express herself. The Blast reported that the appearance quickly became a talking point, adding to the renewed spotlight surrounding the actress.

AnnaLynne McCord and her fiancé, Danny Cipriani, launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of their upcoming wedding.

A HuneyFund fundraising site for the soon-to-be newlyweds confirms that they will tie the knot in Los Angeles on October 22 — and they’ve taken a unique approach with their wedding registry.

Instead of listing potential gifts, the Days of Our Lives actress, 39, and her international rugby star beau, 38, are crowdsourcing costs associated with the nuptials. For example, they are asking for $100 to go towards their marriage license or $125 to contribute to music for their reception.

Among the high-dollar items on McCord and Cipriani’s wedding registry include paying $600 each for their wedding cake or floral arrangements, as well as the same amount for wedding venue construction. They have asked for $250 to go towards the reception’s catering and $200 for beverages.

Anyone interested in contributing can also give $300 to help pay for the wedding photographer or put $500 towards their rehearsal dinner.

“Help us create our dream wedding and honeymoon experience with any amount of donation,” they wrote on their registry.

Us has reached out to McCord’s spokesperson for comment.

In April, McCord revealed to People that Cipriani had popped the question on Christmas Day 2025 in front of her whole family.

“I cried for 10 minutes straight,” McCord recalled. “At some point, I realized I had to answer. I said, ‘Yes, but I can’t even speak,’ and he replied, ‘That’s OK, it’s actually a good sign that you are quiet for once.’ Then, we’re all laughing.”

McCord shared that she was initially planning to propose to the athlete last year before her siblings “strongly discouraged” her from doing so.

“It occurred to me that I should just propose to him and I told my sisters. Both really questioned this choice, and they strongly discouraged it,” she said. “I decided to tell him that was my plan, but then the look on his face convinced me not to, and he fessed up and told me he had plans to propose to me on our upcoming trip to Cambodia.”

Cipriani’s plans ultimately changed as he opted for a festive proposal with a 15-carat, emerald-cut diamond with seven round accent diamonds set in the band.

McCord and Cipriani originally dated from 2016 to 2020. In May 2024, the 90210 alum exclusively confirmed to Us that she’d recently gotten back together with the rugby player.

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“I wasn’t looking for it at all. It kind of found me,” she told Us about her feelings for Cipriani. “It’s the most unlikely situation ever because I was with this person on and off for four years, and we were two shadows matching the shadow of the other person.”

She added, “Now we’re together and it’s new, but we are both showing up for ourselves in life. And because we can show up for ourselves, we’re matching each other on every level and we’re having painful conversations of where we were, because they’re honest and they’re real and I wouldn’t want anything else.”

Prior to her engagement to Cipriani, McCord dated Twilight’s Kellan Lutz from 2008 to 2010 and later was with Prison Break star Dominic Purcell from 2011 to 2014.