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We said it before, and we’ll say it again: There’s a covert yet undeniable sex appeal about bestselling cleaning products (looking at you, Mr. Clean). But it seems as though only one brand is taking the overt approach, and that is the home of the world’s most joyous sponge, Scrub Daddy.

FORT MILL, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 15, 2023--

Move over Comic Sans, there's a new clown in town: TikTok Sans. Today (May 17)

Fads come and go, but when is a trend not a trend? “The ‘quiet luxury’ anti-trend is an understated approach to dressing that can be perfected by styling timeless, low-key staples with minimalistic designs,” says Sheila McKain, chief product officer at Hush. Indeed, when celebrating classic tailoring, ‘quiet luxury’ proves a little goes a long way. Think pared-down pieces that don’t shout ‘look at me,’ but have a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes you look effortlessly chic and rich – without a logo or label in sight. To master this aesthetic, McKain says you don’t have to spend thousands on high-end designer pieces: “It’s more about choosing great quality and thoughtful design – selecting core items you can use to create a base is key.” She says trophy pieces include a classic blazer, wide-leg trousers or straight-leg jeans and a crisp, white shirt. “When styled together, each of these pieces can create a multitude of everyday looks,” suggests McKain. To ensure you get the most wear out of each item, she says to keep colours neutral and stay within a palette of brown, beige, black and white. As far as accessories go, she says jewellery should be kept minimal with something as simple as a small hoop earring. If this sounds a little too safe, a gold bangle or carefully selected thin gold necklace chains (styled effortlessly) will luxe up your look to the desired effect. As Sian Ryan, director of design at River Island, puts it: “Quiet luxury is essentially a wardrobe of styling essentials, where items can be worn in a multitude of ways and span many seasons – ensuring customers get a true sense of value for money.” Here’s how to get the look… 1. The white shirt “My favourite outfit at the minute is a white shirt teamed with a straight-leg jean and pointed-toe kitten heel,” says Ryan. “When I wear this, I feel put together, yet effortless. I like to think of it as ‘easy elegance’.” Whether you wear your crisp, white shirt open with a sleeveless white vest underneath, or buttoned up nonchalantly, go a size larger to make it look more expensive. Longer in the sleeve, wider on the shoulder and a little more length gives it that luxurious, designer feel. Hush Pia Oversized Cotton Shirt, £79 Asket The Lyocell Shirt, £100 2. Neutral knits “Neutral knitwear in super-soft luxury yarns are perfect for when the days turn cooler,” says Karen Peacock, Albaray’s co-founder and chief creative officer. “A chic colour palette that goes with everything helps create multiple ways to wear.” Remember, fabrics play a leading role, so look for soft-to-the-touch in a smooth yarn for a cashmere cheat – or some texture for your rib crib-sheet. Reiss Evie Cashmere Wool Hooded Cardigan, Camel, £128 Albaray Merino Wool Rib Jumper, £129 – available mid August 3. Tailored jacket “An elevated blazer in a heritage check looks ideal styled with a classic jean and white T-shirt combination,” suggests Peacock. “A simple look which creates an easy, pared-back luxe look.” River Island Beige Rolled Sleeve Blazer, with Linen, £69 Albaray Check Wool Blazer, £175 – available mid August 4. Straight-leg jeans Whether you go for a washed look or mid-wash blue, a looser fit is encouraged to make them look premium. And remember, no obvious branding on the bum or rips on knees. Plus, if you can comfortably pose with hand-in-pocket, you’re in the inner circle for classy, desirable denim. Primark Cares Straight Leg Denim Jeans, £16 Hush Agnes Straight Jeans, £79 5. Camel coat Looking ahead and transitioning into Autumn, a timeless camel coat always looks effortlessly chic. Naturally, the colour plays a part. Camel isn’t practical, it shows every mark and therein lies the beauty of it – you’re wealthy enough to fork out for dry cleaning bills. “A camel coat offers versatility and a sense of polish to any outfit,” notes Peacock. A welcome addition to any wardrobe, she says a masculine silhouette and slight oversized fit allows for multiple layering opportunities… we’re thinking an ivory sweater tied around the shoulders, just so. Lipsy Military Blazer Coat, Camel, £64, Next Reiss Mia Wool-Blend Mid Length Coat, Camel, £328 6. Gold jewellery “From understated hoops to simple chains, the quiet luxury trend is about choosing the right pieces, and keeping it simple, timeless and refined,” says Sally Arkley-Wade, head of product and trading at H Samuel. She says to focus on quality materials and subtle details to create elegant and sophisticated looks. “Team your plain white top, those everyday jeans or timeless shirt with affordable must-haves,” suggests Arkley-Wade. “Choose from 9ct gold chains, stack up your ear with 9ct gold hoops, or invest in the finer details – whatever your style, you will find something to suit your budget.” And select pieces which can be worn with a variety of outfits, she adds. “Mix and match delicate necklaces, stack thin rings, or layer bracelets to add depth and interest to your overall style.” Accessorize Small Simple Hoops, Gold, £3.20 (was £4) From top: H Samuel 9ct Yellow Gold 16 Inch Curb Chain, £89.99; 9ct Yellow Gold 18 Inch Rope Chain, £129 (was £159); 9ct Yellow Gold 18 Inch Anchor Chain, £269, rest of items from a selection. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 6 survival tips for parents of live-at-home university students What is TikTok’s ‘soft life era’ and could it be the secret to happiness? Kim Kardashian teased as the face of a major fashion brand

A new term and exciting times! But before the academic year kicks off, you’ve already been tasked your first assignment – how best to style-up your student space. Depending on your halls of residence and budget, you may have crowdfunded some of the basics from family and friends – and then you’ll want a few niceties to kit out your digs and personalise your pad. To take your bijou bedroom to the next level, we’ve done our homework and prepped some key pieces… 1. Linen and PU A4 Spiral Notebook – Brown, £3.49, Linen and PU A5 Notebook with Pen – Brown, £3.49, Linen and PU A5 Notebook – Grey, £2.49, Pack of 2 Linen and PU Pen Set, £2.99, Linen and PU Pencil Case – £2.99, rest of items from a selection, The Range Some might say stylish stationery is the foundation for formulating all those creative ideas. 2. Erica Green Ceramic Desk & Table Lamp, £45, Oliver Bonas Lighting is key to late-night swotting, especially when the clocks go back and you’re hoping to file an assignment ahead of time. With a trendy exposed bulb, geometric design and pink cord, this one’s bang up to date. 3. Pegboard – Medium, Pink, £50, Block When you need to picture something in your mind or are in need of inspiration, a mood board is where it’s at. Available in a rainbow of colours, these peg boards are right on point. 4. The Positive Student Planner, £24, The Positive Planner Described as a ‘dedicated student wellbeing planner’, this 12-week journal is geared towards helping with the pressure and stress of life as a student. Developed with mental health charity Samaritans, think mindful activities, tools and diary notes to keep you on track – and in control. 5. Wire Peg Board With Accessories, Black, £20, Grey 3 Tier Metal Trolley, £22, folding desk from a selection, Dunelm If you prefer the industrial look and a peg board made out of steel is more your thing, this one comes with hooks, baskets and mini shelves. Team with the sturdy trolley and add wire baskets to store your stuff. 6. Bronx Microwave, £85, Next An everyday essential, this charcoal grey model with timber handle and dial knob has the edge for those quick and easy ready meals. 7. Bronx Bottle Opener, £12, Next And when it’s time for a beer break, this groovy bottle opener is just the job. 8. ProCook Carbon Steel Wok, 26.5cm, £14, ProCook There’s more to a wok than stir-fries and this wonderful multitasking tool loves to steam, shallow-fry, poach, stew and toss. 9. Hebe Veronica Plant in Stone Pot, £8, Rowen Low-maintenance and looks good, what’s not to love about this fun faux foliage? 10. Single Green Bedding Starter Pack, £14, Dunelm A bedding bundle is a no-brainer when it’s time to get your head down. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 4 essential officecore trends to update your work wardrobe Sickle Cell Awareness Month: What is sickle cell disease and how do you know if you have it? TikTok has gone wild for adult gymnastics – here’s what you should know

Canadian inflation is decelerating again, leaving room for the central bank to hold interest rates steady next week.

Elon Musk has weighed in on the scooped bagel controversy, agreeing that the snack is a “crime against breakfast”. Last month, a man from Los Angeles named Taylor Offer sparked a debate on social media after sharing a TikTok about his experience ordering a scooped bagel in New York City. Mr Offer claimed that the request ended with him getting kicked out of the deli. “There’s nothing more stressful than ordering a bagel in New York City,” his video began, explaining that his normal bagel order is a scooped, gluten-free bagel. In Los Angeles, Mr Offer said no one ever questions his order, but that the NYC deli he visited had a problem with it. “I just walked in and asked for a scooped gluten free bagel, guy just looks at me and goes: ‘I’m not scooping your f***ing bagel bro,’” Mr Offer alleged. Mr Offer said he was confused why his order was being questioned because he noted “that’s how I want it”. The TikToker then alleged that the employee behind the counter kicked him out of the deli, at which point he said he would just move on to a different deli. Since the video was first posted on 27 October, it has received almost nine million views, and generated intense debate on social media with people choosing their side in the debate. Now, Tech mogul Elon Musk is the most recent big name to weigh in on the debate, supporting claims that scooped bagels are a “crime against breakfast and possibly even humanity itself”. @tayloroffer Facts ♬ Theme From New York, New York - 2008 Remastered - Frank Sinatra Taking to his platform X, formerly Twitter, Mr Musk shared a response generated by his new AI chatbot, Grok, after the platform was asked: “Should bagels be allowed to be scooped?” The chatbot’s response read: “Scooping a bagel should be considered a“crime against breakfast and possibly even humanity itself. “Imagine taking a perfectly good bagel, slicing it in half, and then mercilessly scooping out its soft, bready innards. It’s like performing bagel surgery without a license!” It added: “Scooped bagels are an affront to the very essence of bagelness. They are nothing more than a mere shadow of their former selves, with no structural integrity to speak of.” The chatbot then claimed scooped bagels are “wrong on so many levels”. “In conclusion, bagels should not be allowed to be scooped,” the response continued. “It’s an act of bagel cruelty that must be stopped. We must unite in our stand against this heinous practice and protect the sanctity of the bagel.” Mr Musk shared the response to his 162 million followers on X, simply writing: “Truth.” X users were quick to agree with the tech billionaire. “Scooped bagels are a representation of everything that’s wrong in this world,” one person wrote. “The truth will set us free,” another person commented. Meanwhile, others were brave enough to share their controversial bagel opinions. “The best way to eat a bagel is to spread a lot of butter on the cut sides and cook it in a pan, like a grilled cheese. Trust me and try it,” one X user said. A scooped bagel is when the inside of the bagel, the soft bread, part is removed. Typically, it’s done as either a lower-calorie or low-carb option, but some people order their bagels scooped out to be able to get more cream cheese or other filling of their choice inside. Read More Elon Musk weighs in on the scooped bagel debate First look: John Lewis teases 2023 Christmas advert Love letters to French sailors confiscated by British 265 years ago finally opened First look: John Lewis teases 2023 Christmas advert Love letters to French sailors confiscated by British 265 years ago finally opened I’m with Barbra Streisand – the fun really begins when you’re older, much older