Entertainment
17 Cozy Knits That Look Elegant — But Feel Like Wearing a Blanket! on September 13, 2023 at 5:48 pm Us Weekly

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.
We love the styling opportunities that fall brings, but the colder and colder it gets, the harder and harder it becomes to put together a chic look. Why? Because we don’t want to get out from under our fuzzy blankets and put on something “real”!
We all know that fall means sweater weather, but some sweaters cling or are made with scratchy yarn. We want one that feels like wearing a blanket — but still looks cute. We’ve found 17 pullover sweaters, cardigans and shawls below so you can stay comfy too!
Pullover Sweaters
1. Our Absolute Favorite: The long, asymmetrical hem of this BTFBM turtleneck is so blanket-like, but luckily, it’s also undeniably stylish!
2. We Also Love: We want to make this Lillusory sweater our own personal cocoon! Extra points for the ribbed knit!
3. We Can’t Forget: The batwing sleeves of this other Lillusory sweater captured our attention, and the color selection kept it!
4. Doubles as a Dress: Skip the pants! This Prettygarden sweater dress doesn’t need them. Feel free to add fleece leggings though!
5. Bonus: We’re obsessed with the tall ribbing on the hems and cuffs of this Merokeety pullover!
Cardigan Sweaters
6. Our Absolute Favorite: Who even needs a blanket when you have this longline Merokeety waffle-knit sweater in your arsenal?
7. We Also Love: If you’re a big fan of the warmth and coziness of chunky knits, don’t skip over this Caracilia maxi cardigan!
8. We Can’t Forget: Simple, versatile, affordable and extremely wearable, this long Verdusa cardigan is a must-buy for pretty much anyone!
9. Worth the Splurge: When it comes to being a cozy queen, there’s no beating this Barefoot Dreams cardigan!
10. Pass the Popcorn: The fuzzy, popcorn knit on this Merokeety cardigan is visually cute and texturally dreamy. Love!
11. Bonus: Oh, how we love the velvety feeling and warmth of chenille. This 7 Jeans cardigan is a dream!
Shawls
12. Our Absolute Favorite: A shawl is essentially a blanket in the first place, but the best ones don’t look like one. With thousands of ratings, this reversible, windowpane-print Moss Rose shawl is a winner. We love the closure strap!
13. We Also Love: Doesn’t this Lacavocor shawl come in the best fall shades? The perfect layer to finish every outfit!
14. We Can’t Forget: Like a flannel throw, this Vimpunec shawl is pretty in plaid and so, so comfy!
15. Cashmere Queen: If you’re okay with spending a little more, there are few things we’d recommend more for your wardrobe than cashmere. This wildly soft Manio Cashmere shawl is so sophisticated!
16. Extra Fuzzy: If you want to feel like you’re wrapping yourself up in a cloud, this Demdaco shawl is the way to go. It comes packaged for gifting too!
17. Bonus: Last but not least is this fringe-detailed Sy Soul Young shawl. The dainty pattern is everything!
Looking for something else? Explore more from Amazon Fashion here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Not done shopping? See more of our favorite products below:
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women’s sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.
The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. We love the styling opportunities that fall brings, but the colder and colder it gets, the harder and harder it becomes to put together a chic look. Why? Because we don’t want to get out from under our
Us Weekly Read More
Entertainment
Beyoncé’s Unreleased Music Stolen in Atlanta Car Break-In

Atlanta, GA — Unreleased music by Beyoncé, along with critical tour plans and personal belongings, was stolen during a brazen car break-in last week. The theft occurred on July 8, just before the start of the megastar’s “Cowboy Carter” tour performances in Atlanta, sparking a swift police investigation.
According to authorities, thieves targeted a rented SUV parked at Krog Street Market, shattering the rear window and making off with two suitcases. Inside were five thumb drives containing unreleased, watermarked Beyoncé tracks, set lists for upcoming shows, and sensitive information tied to her tour. Laptops, headphones, and luxury clothing were also taken in the heist.
The property belonged to Beyoncé’s longtime choreographer, Christopher Grant, and dancer Diandre Blue, who discovered the break-in less than an hour after leaving the vehicle. “It’s really, really important information in there,” one of the victims told 911 operators, emphasizing the material’s significance for one of the world’s most prominent musicians.

Atlanta police rapidly secured an arrest warrant for a suspect, aided by surveillance footage and digital tracking of stolen electronics. As of Tuesday morning, the suspect remains at large25. Despite the disruption, Beyoncé continued her sold-out tour, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Entertainment
Adults, Fame, and a Four-Year-Old: Critics Question Ms. Shirley’s Exposure to Grown Men

Starkville, Mississippi — The viral rise of 4-year-old LaR’iyah Jesireé, better known as “Ms. Shirley,” has captivated millions on TikTok and Instagram. But as her fame grows, so too does a wave of public concern—particularly over her appearances at meet-and-greet events attended by adults, including grown men, raising urgent questions about child safety, parental responsibility, and the blurred boundaries of social media stardom.

A Viral Sensation in the Spotlight
Ms. Shirley’s infectious line dances, especially her signature “Boots on the Ground” routine, have made her a household name in the world of social media. With over a million followers and appearances on national television, she’s become a symbol of youthful talent and joy.
But behind the viral videos lies a controversy that has split public opinion. Critics argue that the very events fueling her fame—public meet-and-greets, often at venues not designed for children—expose her to adult environments and attention that are inappropriate for someone her age.
The Flashpoint: Meet-and-Greet Backlash
- Adult Attendance: Social media erupted after images and videos surfaced of Ms. Shirley participating in meet-and-greet events where the majority of attendees were adults, many of them men. Critics questioned the wisdom of placing a young child in such settings, with some calling it “gross and exploitative”.
- Parental Decisions Under Fire: The backlash intensified as Ms. Shirley’s mother, Latisha Tucker, defended her choices online, insisting she remains a protective parent first. “I’m a mother… before anything,” Tucker said in response to critics, but detractors remain unconvinced, pointing to the risks of adult attention and the potential for exploitation.
Safety, Exploitation, and the Role of Social Media
- Child Safety Concerns: The controversy has led some observers to report the family to Child Protective Services, citing fears over Ms. Shirley’s exposure to adult audiences and the pressures of internet fame at such a young age.
- Debate Over Exploitation: For every fan who sees a proud mother sharing her daughter’s talent, there are others who see a child being thrust into the limelight for adult entertainment. Critics warn that the combination of viral fame and adult-dominated events could have lasting consequences for Ms. Shirley’s well-being.
- Online Reactions: The internet is divided—while many celebrate Ms. Shirley’s talent, others voice discomfort at seeing a toddler perform in spaces where alcohol and adult behavior are present. Some question why a 4-year-old is being branded with a mature-sounding stage name and presented in such grown-up contexts.
The Mother’s Response
Latisha Tucker, Ms. Shirley’s mother, has not shied away from the criticism. She maintains that her daughter’s appearances are carefully managed and that the backlash is fueled by outsiders who misunderstand their intentions. Tucker has publicly stated that any earnings from Ms. Shirley’s fame will be set aside for her future, and insists that her daughter is simply “being a kid like any other kid.” Still, she acknowledges that the scrutiny comes with the territory of internet celebrity.

A Broader Conversation
The uproar over Ms. Shirley’s meet-and-greets is part of a larger debate about the responsibilities of parents who share their children’s lives online, the adequacy of social media safeguards, and the potential for exploitation in the pursuit of viral fame. As platforms like TikTok continue to blur the lines between childhood and celebrity, the story of Ms. Shirley stands as a flashpoint—one that forces parents, platforms, and audiences alike to confront uncomfortable questions about where to draw the line.
Table: Key Issues in the Ms. Shirley Controversy
Issue | Description |
---|---|
Adult Attendance at Events | Grown men and other adults present at meet-and-greets, sparking safety concerns |
Parental Oversight | Debate over whether Ms. Shirley’s mother is protecting or exploiting her child |
Child Safety | Reports to CPS and public calls for better safeguards for young social media stars |
Online Division | Fans celebrate her talent, critics warn of long-term risks and inappropriate exposure |
As Ms. Shirley’s star continues to rise, so does the scrutiny. For now, her story remains a cautionary tale at the intersection of childhood, celebrity, and the unpredictable power of the internet.
Business
Nicki Minaj Demands $200 Million from Jay-Z in Explosive Twitter Rant

Nicki Minaj has once again set social media ablaze, this time targeting Jay-Z with a series of pointed tweets that allege he owes her an eye-popping $200 million. The outburst has reignited debates about artist compensation, industry transparency, and the ongoing power struggles within hip-hop’s elite circles.

The $200 Million Claim
In a string of tweets, Minaj directly addressed Jay-Z, writing, “Jay-Z, call me to settle the karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest. You still in my top five though. Let’s get it.” She went further, warning, “Anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy.” According to Minaj, the alleged debt stems from Jay-Z’s sale of Tidal, the music streaming platform he launched in 2015 with a group of high-profile artists—including Minaj herself, J. Cole, and Rihanna.
When Jay-Z sold Tidal in 2021, Minaj claims she was only offered $1 million, a figure she says falls dramatically short of what she believes she is owed based on her ownership stake and contributions. She has long voiced dissatisfaction with the payout, but this is the most public—and dramatic—demand to date.
Beyond the Money: Broader Grievances
Minaj’s Twitter storm wasn’t limited to financial complaints. She also:
- Promised to start a college fund for her fans if she receives the money she claims is owed.
- Accused blogs and online creators of ignoring her side of the story, especially when it involves Jay-Z.
- Warned content creators about posting “hate or lies,” saying, “They won’t cover your legal fees… I hope it’s worth losing everything including your account.”
She expressed frustration that mainstream blogs and platforms don’t fully cover her statements, especially when they involve Jay-Z, and suggested that much of the coverage she receives is from less reputable sources.

Satirical Accusations and Industry Critique
Minaj’s tweets took a satirical turn as she jokingly blamed Jay-Z for a laundry list of cultural grievances, including:
- The state of hip-hop, football, basketball, and touring
- The decline of Instagram and Twitter
- Even processed foods and artificial dyes in candy
She repeatedly declared, “The jig is up,” but clarified that her statements were “alleged and for entertainment purposes only.”
Political and Cultural Criticism
Minaj also criticized Jay-Z’s political involvement, questioning why he didn’t campaign more actively for Kamala Harris or respond to President Obama’s comments about Black men. While Jay-Z has a history of supporting Democratic campaigns, Minaj’s critique centered on more recent events and what she perceives as a lack of advocacy for the Black community.
The Super Bowl and Lil Wayne
Adding another layer to her grievances, Minaj voiced disappointment that Lil Wayne was not chosen to perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, a decision she attributes to Jay-Z’s influence in the entertainment industry.
Public and Industry Reaction
Despite the seriousness of her financial claim, many observers note that if Minaj truly believed Jay-Z owed her $200 million, legal action—not social media—would likely follow. As of now, there is no public record of a lawsuit or formal complaint.
Some fans and commentators see Minaj’s outburst as part of a larger pattern of airing industry grievances online, while others interpret it as a mix of personal frustration and performance art. Minaj herself emphasized that her tweets were “for entertainment purposes only.”

Conclusion
Nicki Minaj’s explosive Twitter rant against Jay-Z has once again placed the spotlight on issues of artist compensation and industry dynamics. Whether her claims will lead to further action or remain another dramatic chapter in hip-hop’s ongoing soap opera remains to be seen, but for now, the world is watching—and tweeting.
- Business2 weeks ago
Pros and Cons of the Big Beautiful Bill
- Advice3 weeks ago
What SXSW 2025 Filmmakers Want Every New Director to Know
- Film Industry4 weeks ago
Filming Yourself and Look Cinematic
- News2 weeks ago
Father Leaps Overboard to Save Daughter on Disney Dream Cruise
- Health2 weeks ago
McCullough Alleges Government Hid COVID Vaccine Side Effects
- Advice3 weeks ago
Why 20% of Us Are Always Late
- Advice3 weeks ago
How to Find Your Voice as a Filmmaker
- Entertainment2 weeks ago
Juror 25’s Behavior Sparks Debate Over Fairness in High-Profile Diddy Trial