From the Group Chat: Royal Family Christmas Drama, Cookie the Viral Gingerbread Man, and "Babygirl"

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Sunday. The year may be winding down, but celebrity fashion continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. On this week’s docket of truly perplexing looks: Travis Kelce’s $4,500 outfit resembling a doily explosion and Katy Perry cosplaying as a reindeer while wearing layered underwear. That said, I’m also here to give credit where credit’s due — specifically, to Jennifer Lawrence, who recently stepped out in the latest “ugly shoe” iteration (for the record, I’m a fan), Sydney Sweeney for her “surprisingly luxe” bucket hat, and Elle Fanning for her extremely chic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days-coded dress (honestly, she never misses). Elle, you’ve done Andie Anderson proud.

— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY 

⚖️ In a legal complaint, Blake Lively accused It Ends With Us director and costar Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and an alleged smear campaign. And the texts between Baldoni and his PR firm are eyebrow-raising.

❄️ Because we couldn’t close out the year without one more exceptionally chaotic shoe trend: High-heel puffer boots are having a moment.  

👜 The one thing with the power to unite millennials and Gen Z? This bag, apparently.  

✂️ The era of bang mania is upon us. From curly bangs to shaggy bangs, expect to see these looks everywhere in 2025.

🦓 Break out your shoulder pads, because the ’80s pinstripe suit is back and better than ever. Just ask Nicole Kidman and Rihanna.

🎄 Even the Christmas trees are now on Ozempic. Goodbye 2024, you were a weird one.

Think your family holiday gathering is going to be…uncomfortable? We have a feeling it won’t be nearly as awkward as the royals’. Already, Christmas for the Mountbatten-Windsors — essentially, their version of the Super Bowl — isn’t looking so merry and bright. Stick with us while we explain: On Thursday, King Charles hosted the family’s traditional pre-Christmas luncheon — but not everyone attended. Among those missing were Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their kids (though, they had a good reason), and perhaps more notable, the late queen’s supposed Number One Boy Prince Andrew, who evidently cancelled his plans to attend. No, not because of his well-documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein — but because of his alleged connection to a suspected Chinese spy. For those who don’t tune in to Keeping Up With the Royals, according to court documents, the Chinese businessman earned an “unusual degree of trust” with the Duke of York and was “prepared to enter into business activities” with Andrew, who in a statement insisted that “nothing of a sensitive nature [was] ever discussed.” (The businessman denies any wrongdoing, as well.) The latest scandal is also why Andrew — who the Daily Mail claims wasn’t invited to Kate’s annual Christmas carol concert — apparently decided to “honorably withdraw” from the family’s other holiday celebrations.

What will he be missing, you ask? After yet another annus horribilis for Charles and Co, the royals are planning “one of the biggest family Christmases ever,” with more than 40 guests expected to attend, including Will and Kate (who are reportedly “preparing” to become king and queen sooner than anticipated) and Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, who for the first time will likely take part in the long-standing royal traditions, from the black-tie dinner (naturally) to the gag-gift exchange. (See: the “very cheeky” present Kate Middleton is rumored to have previously given her brother-in-law.) Still, don’t get your hopes up for a full-fledged family reunion — because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seemingly celebrating in the land called Montecito, after once again being left out of the festivities. Something tells us the Mountbatten-Windsors won’t be receiving any limited-edition strawberry jam this year.

Nope, it’s not 1998 — but people are still clamoring to buy Beanie Babies. Specifically, Cookie, who just might be the most in-demand plushie since the iconic Princess Diana bear. Thanks to his blue sparkly eyes, red button nose, and “weirdly shaped” body, the painfully adorable gingerbread toy has the internet in an absolute chokehold. It all started last week, when 18-year-old Devin Silva posted a picture of Cookie on X, writing “saw this guy and said Ew ew ew ew ew ew ugly and then felt so bad i cried and bought him” (please don’t ask questions, we don’t have answers). Naturally, that’s all it takes in the year of 2024 for something to become so viral that the little guy, who “loves holiday carols and cozy evenings by the fire,” has sold out online and been restocked in the nine days since Silva posted. Plus, the discounted toy — who has since been photographed being tucked in at bedtime, enjoying Taco Bell, and chilling on a pile of marshmallows — has inspired many memes (we’re partial to Cookie at the Eras Tour), fan art, and even a sweater embroidered with his likeness. Cookie, we salute you for your service.

The devil works hard but no one works harder than Kim Kardashian and her commitment to fashion — as evidenced by her papier-mâché-like, wedge heel-shaped foot cast. Something tells us this wasn’t doctor approved.

This week, pour out two tall glasses of milk — one for Santa and one for Babygirl. After a very NSFW trailer that lit up every group chat, a deeply entertaining press tour (why yes, Nicole Kidman is indeed letting her “Christmas freak flag fly”), and some of Kidman’s best looks ever (see: this instantly iconic “nice from the front and naughty from the back” body-hugging gown), one of the year’s most anticipated films finally hits theaters on Wednesday. In the erotic thriller — or, as we’re calling it, HR’s Worst Nightmare Come True — Kidman stars as Romy, a high-powered CEO who puts her picture-perfect job and family in jeopardy when she begins a dangerous affair with Samuel, a much younger intern (played by sauna enthusiast Harris Dickinson). In case the trailer wasn’t clear, expect lots of sex scenes (so many, in fact, that Kidman said filming “left her ragged”), plus what some are calling her “riskiest role ever.” And while the movie is coming out on Christmas, it should go without saying: You probably want to leave mom and dad at home for this one.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves

Gloves are a deceptively complex accessory: You want them to look and feel nice, but you also don’t want to have an emotional breakdown if (OK, when) you lose them. These Quince gloves solve that problem. They’re made of 100% cashmere, but they miraculously cost less than $30. And in case that sounds too good to be true, our shopping team swears by the quality of Quince’s shockingly affordable cashmere — apparently, a frequent topic of conversation. We rec picking up a couple pairs in different colors, plus a beanie to match.

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

The best gift for a hostess? Taking home leftovers. This glass tupperware set will take some food off their plate (pun intended) and keep your future meals fresh and organized.*

Yes, you're reading this correctly: LaserAway is offering 70% off hair removal treatments on small areas. They have more deals on offer too, like 25% off Clear + Brilliant and Thermage. Treat yourself.

Another way to treat yourself? Getting a five star-rated bullet vibrator for under $20.

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.