Rockstar Games isn’t done with GTAV just yet. Even though GTA VI pre-orders are now live and the November 19 release date for the upcoming entry is essentially set in stone, Rockstar has announced a (presumably) final addition for the GTA Online community this month—the Kortz Center Heist.
(Rockstar Games)
Heists are end-game content in GTA Online. Requiring the outlay of significant resources and a team of operators, heists are multi-stage endeavors that require several set-up missions and end with huge, cinematic climaxes and big money payouts. In short, they’re awesome and theKortz Center Heist, the likely swan song for GTAV’s online, is unlikely to disappoint.
(Rockstar Games)
Having stolen everything from a casino’s vault, a nuclear submarine and all the loot from an island that would make Pablo Escobar jealous, The Kortz Center Heist entices players with a shot at nabbing a prestigious (and high value) art collection, right out from under the city’s nose.
(Rockstar Games)
Players will need one of GTAO’s new mansions to start, adding an art studio wing to the property which will open up the Kortz Center missions. From there, casing the museum, planning the approach and ultimately pulling off a spectacular robbery are the key components of this latest larceny.
(Rockstar Games)
The Kortz Center Heist doesn’t have a precise date other than some time in July but it has been confirmed that the update will also bring some additional changes to GTA Online. Top among them is the chance for returning players to upgrade their PS4 and Xbox One copies of the game to the current generation of PS5 and XSX for free. Similarly, owners of the legacy edition can also move to the enhanced one for free, giving them improved graphics and load times for the online component of the game.
(Rockstar Games)
The Kortz Center Heist is likely to be the final hurrah for GTA Online as we know it and it’s giving gamers a good reason to gather up their crew and return for GTAV’s chapter, just in time for a new adventure to begin in GTA VI. It’s a smart play from Rockstar, making one more big score before getting out of the game.
In 2026, when capri pants and balloon trousers are reigning supreme, it’s easy to forget the trusty staples that have seen you through years of chic outfits. I get it: you want to look on-trend, but that doesn’t mean you have to cast aside your wardrobe mainstays as soon as something new and shiny comes along. I’ll never forget the moment Alessandro Michele made the midi skirt a “thing” again. The then-creative director of Gucci sent a gold sunray-pleated design down the autumn/winter 2015 runway, and my world spun. We’d all been wearing spray-on jeans for the past decade, and suddenly, this unabashed femininity felt bold. It paved the way for the return of skirts, and I, for one, haven’t stopped revelling in the revival.
When noughties trends started creeping back in, I found myself worrying about the connotations of my old midi skirts if I dug them out again. Was it—whisper it—”frumpy” to wear such a thing? Did I need to invest in a low-rise, maybe drop-waisted version, or just forget it altogether? Then I checked myself. Obviously, no one who has witnessed the merry-go-round of trends (after a decade working as a fashion editor) and cares about the planet should ever throw away a decent item of clothing that they enjoy wearing.
The key to bringing your staples up to date? It is all in the styling, and right now, we’re focusing on shoes. From sneakerinas and wedge flip-flops to split-toe flats and high-vamp pumps, here are nine trending shoe styles to wear with your trusty midi skirt this season.
9 Midi-Skirt-and-Shoe Combos You Should Copy Immediately
1. Toe-Post Kitten Heels
(Image credit: @aimeesong)
Style Notes: We have the ’90s to thank for the embellished midi skirt. A microtrend that’s recently resurfaced, it’s typically a pencil cut (anything full would look too much like occasionwear), and sheer to showcase the detailing. To keep things casual, style yours with an easy tank top and this season’s favourite kitten-heel thong sandal à la Aimee Song.
ASOS Design
Havana Toe Thong Kitten Heel Sandals
Branch out from black with this chocolate-hued thong sandal, grounded with a sculpted kitten heel.
ASOS Design
Scattered Embellished Mesh Maxi Skirt in Cream
The embellished skirt is more versatile than you might first think. You can definitely dress this one down with a tank top and the right shoes.
Gucci
Mercato Medium Tote Bag
Monogrammed, leather-trimmed and finished with a polished horsebit fastening, this is our kind of practical tote.
Boden
Ribbed Cotton Vest in White
A tank top has the ability to make just about anything (yes, even a sparkly midi skirt) look low-key.
2. Sneakerinas
(Image credit: tia_dewitt)
Style Notes: Whilst I admit to Googling Lily Allen’s OG Nikes-and-dress combos since West End Girl dropped last year, I’m still not ready to revisit trainers with midi hemlines. If you want a comfy option though, try a sporty sneakerina to ground your daytime skirt.
Mint Velvet
White Cotton Full Midi Skirt
We love a midi skirt in crisp poplin. This one is lined in cotton, too, for breathability.
Vivaia
Square-Toe Hybrid Mesh Mary Janes
Loved by Bella Hadid and Charli XCX, Vivaia is a go-to for comfy but cool sneakerinas to wear on repeat.
LE SPECS
Pilferer Rectangular Ecozen Sunglasses
Le Specs is up there with the best affordable sunglasses brands.
Style Notes: We’re knee-deep in a noughties renaissance, so, naturally, the Y2K mule is back (I’ve been deep-searching Ravel and Faith styles on Vinted recently). If you’re a minimalist at heart, just pick one feature – a cork sole or buckled strap – to tap into the trend, while enthusiasts might even plump for diamanté embellishments or logo hardware. Pernille Teisbaek snapped up the coveted Balenciaga x Scholl design and styled it with a low-rise cargo skirt at Milan Design Week.
Balenciaga X Scholl
Heeled Sandals
Trust Balenciaga to put a futuristic riff on Scholl’s iconic clogs.
This cargo skirt is one of my favourite pieces from Victoria Beckham’s collaboration with GAP.
DeMellier
The Small Hudson | Black Small Grain
Everyone one needs a LBB (a little black bag) in their repertoire.
4. Wedge Flip Flops
(Image credit: @poppyalmond)
Style Notes: Another Y2K favourite that’s crept back in this season is the wedge flip flop, in all of its ugly glory. You can go full Spice Girls with a statement foam platform or lean into the minimalist side of this era with barely-there straps and a low sliver of wedge. Once you invest, you’ll see how transformative the ‘wrong’ shoe can be to an outfit you thought you were long tired of.
Damson Madder
Caspia Midi Skirt – Choc
The cargo skirt is back. Tap into the trend with workwear-inspired fabrics and utilitarian details like drawstrings, bunjee cords and pockets.
Reformation
Amelia Thong Wedge Sandal
Reformation’s shoes are impeccable quality. And by investing in a wedge, you’ll get all the height without the discomfort.
ERDEM
Embroidered Wool-Blend Cardigan
Erdem has the unique knack of making traditionally twee items feel off-kilter, like with the frayed appliqué detailing on this cardigan.
Sister Jane
Tinos Stripe Beaded Bag
Offset a utilitarian look with something unabashedly playful like this rainbow beaded bag.
5. Ballerinas
(Image credit: @evie_mills)
Style Notes: I know what you’re thinking, ‘aren’t ballerinas and midi skirts too girlish to be cool?’. The key to pulling off this combo: go for a flat with edge. A high vamp, a sporty sole, mesh or laser-cut uppers – or, for top marks, the cult split-toe Tabi made famous by Margiela in the ‘90s.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Split-Toe Ballerina Shoes |
There’s a few canonical designer pieces that will never date and Margiela’s iconic Tabis are obviously well worth the investment.
Nobodys Child
Ivory Polka Dot Midi Skirt
Classic but bang on-trend, a bold monochrome polka dot is a failsafe choice this summer.
M&S
Cotton Rich Tricot Zip Up Track Jacket
M&S’ jersey track jacket has been a serious hit this summer (the red is long sold out), so add it to basket while you still can.
Jimmy Fairly X Missoma
Melissa Cat-Eye Sunglasses | Gold Plated/black
Jimmy Fairly just collaborated with cult British jewellery brand Missoma on a glam range of sunnies complete with gold-vermeil accents.
6. Slingbacks and Socks
(Image credit: @hoskelsa)
Style Notes: For those who love the ladylike charm of a full-skirted silhouette and heels, there’s a fresh way to style this duo for spring/summer 2026. Simply add a sheer sock to your slingback shoes and you’re tapping into that magical Miuccia Prada paradigm; a look the first lady of fashion invented back in the ‘90s, where conservative silhouettes are somehow styled into something sporty and futuristic. Don’t ask me why, it just works.
H&M X Stella McCartney
Pointed Slingbacks
These white patent slingbacks are one of the few things left from H&M’s collab with Stella McCartney, so snap them up while you still can.
Glassworks London
Black Sheer Referee Stripe Socks
The easiest way to upgrade your existing footwear collection is with a sporty-but-sultry sheer sock.
MANGO
Flared Cotton Skirt
Mango gives the circle skirt a contemporary feel with pockets, pleating and a low-rise waist.
SKIMS
Sheer Rib Long Sleeve Top | Soot | Xxs
If you love to wear long sleeves even come summer, invest in a few sheer-knit basics and underpin with a tonal bra.
7. Block Heel Pumps
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Staple wardrobe queens will be looking for something a little less directional to wear with their midi skirt, and we can confirm a block heeled pump is a worthy investment. A canonical designer take from Bottega, Gucci and Roger Vivier is always smart, but for a spring/summer 2026 twist look to something with a high vamp like Ami Paris’s take, or Marks & Spencer’s affordable pair below.
M&S
Leather Block Heel Pumps
M&S I applaud you for the impeccable glove shape of this shoe.
STRATHBERRY
Mosaic Leather Top-Handle Bag
There’s a timelessness to a top-handle bag, a ladylike style that can be worn day or night.
Gina Tricot
Structured Fringe Mini Skirt in White Stripe
Fringing is the fun micro-trend taking over this summer.
Jenni Kayne
Float Top
With the rise of ’80s-inspired silhouettes, it was only a matter of time before the batwing sleeve made its comeback.
8. Wedges
(Image credit: @mv.tiangue)
Style Notes: Another ugly shoe coming in strong for spring/summer 2026 is a surprise even to us at WWW: the pump wedge. If you’re really not down with an ‘08 classic you saw women wearing to the office, dip your toe in with a cool mule (look to Le Monde Béryl and Topshop) or opt for a sculptural heel à la Toteme. Extra points for wearing this shoe with the style set’s favourite awkward-length skirt.
TOTEME
55 Crocodile-Effect Leather Wedge Pumps
Trust Toteme to make this divisive shoe trend look so elegant. These croc-effect leather pumps are set on a 2-inch wedge heel and finished with a pointed toe.
Faithfull
Marisol Lace-Trimmed Satin Midi Skirt
A lace-trimmed slip has become a bit of a wardrobe staple recently.
Chanel
Timeless/classique Leather Handbag
Those in-the-know are swapping neutral accessories for brightly coloured handbags like this hot-pink vintage Chanel.
The White Company
Organic Cotton Layering Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
You can always rely on The White Company to nail wardrobe basics.
9. High-vamp Pumps
(Image credit: @annelauremarais)
Style Notes: No fashion bunny could ever forget the moment when then-creative director Phoebe Philo sent a procession of glove shoes down the spring/summer 2015 Céline catwalk. And whether thanks to the 2026 obsession with 2016, or the ballet flat’s stronghold on footwear trends for the past few years, we’re witnessing a renaissance right now. This sportier take on a ladylike silhouette will freshen up even the simplest of outfits, as Anne-Laure Marais proves with this hank top and slip skirt combo.
Souer
Bala Leather Ballet Flats
French brand Souer knows how to put a directional spin on wardrobe staples — check out the high vamp on these simple black ballerinas.
With Nothing Underneath
Clara Skirt: Linen, White
With Nothing Underneath has expanded beyond its USP of shirts and shorts recently and we’re not mad about it. This linen slip skirt is impeccably cut.
Reformation
Jillian Silk Top
Much like most of Ref’s catnip collection, this handkerchief top is brimming with ’90s nostalgia – but the lustrous silk-satin adds a grown-up edge.
Veronica Beard
Marbled Resin Bangleivory
Simple summer outfits look so much better with the addition of statement jewellery. Forget minimalist gold chains and opt for a standout resin cuff instead.
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to have some fun in the sun. In the dating world, that might mean keeping it casual, but you can still find love when the weather is warm.
If you’re a guy looking for a long-term relationship this summer, licensed therapist and relationship expert Jordanne Sculler has five “unconventional and intentional” tips to follow, which she shared with Men’s Journal this week.
For this tip, Sculler recommends thinking outside of the box about the type of people you pursue and “giving people a chance before disqualifying them based on a list of qualities you think you should want.”
“We often rely on mental shortcuts when dating, filtering people based on superficial traits, assumptions, or a rigid idea of our “type.” But research suggests that we’re not always great predictors of who we’ll actually connect with,” she says. “When we loosen those preconceived criteria, we create space for genuine chemistry, shared values, and emotional compatibility to emerge. Connection often grows through interaction, not on paper.”
Step Outside of Your Typical Dating Routines
Sculler calls this “one of my favorite pieces of dating advice.” In addition to rethinking your dating pool, she advocates deviating from your usual routine–changing how long your typical dates are, how many drinks you have etc.
“We tend to operate on autopilot. We bring the same habits, expectations, and behaviors into dating and then wonder why we keep getting the same results,” she explains. “When we intentionally change the pattern, we create opportunities for new experiences, new connections, and new insights about ourselves.”
Examine the Stories You Tell Yourself
According to Sculler, people enter the dating world “carrying stories about who we are, what we deserve, and how relationships work.” Challenging these narratives, particularly if they are negative ones, is critical.
“Our beliefs shape what we notice, expect, and even how we behave in relationships. When we assume a certain outcome, we often unknowingly reinforce the very patterns we’re trying to avoid,” she says.
Choose Curiosity Over Chemistry
Sculler asks men to think not just in terms of are they attracted to the person they’re on a date with, but also if they can learn from them.
“Many people make snap judgments within minutes. Curiosity slows down our tendency to judge and allows attraction to develop over time,” she adds. “Some of the strongest relationships begin with moderate, not instant, chemistry.”
Don’t Wait for a ‘Spark’ – Look for Regulation
Everyone is looking for “butterflies,” but that’s no the be-all, end-all.
“Many people mistake anxiety, unpredictability, or emotional intensity and insecurity for chemistry,” Sculler says. “Healthy relationships often feel calm, safe, and consistent rather than emotionally chaotic.”
I visited a $26,000-per-night villa in Costa Rica with an on-call yacht, guides for fishing, surfing, and fitness, a full-service spa, and a team of twenty staff members (including a private chef and a mixologist) and it was one of the most personalized and thoughtful luxury travel experiences of my life. No matter what your idea of the perfect tropical vacation is, Villa Avellana will curate it for you. To put it simply, it felt like the private jet version of a five-star resort.
The Art of Seamless Luxury
(Villa Avellana)
I kneeled on the nose of a paddle board as a laid-back long-haired waterman named Rolo paddled me from a 42-foot yacht across the clear waters of Prieta Bay to the beach. I’d spent the past few hours surfing for the first time in years at one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, Witch’s Rock, and my arms were like noodles. Rolo pointed out a ray gliding through the water beneath us as the nose of the board nudged onto the sand and I stepped onto the beach.
I walked the short path to the modern villa; an architectural showplace nestled in the shade of indigenous Guanacaste trees for which this region of Costa Rica is named. After rinsing off the salt water in the outdoor shower, I walked up the steps into the giant indoor/outdoor living space facing the pool with lounge chairs, couches, and fans spinning overhead.
Tatiana, the villa’s mixologist, looked up from the bar and asked if I was ready for a cocktail. I had a rare craving for a Piña Colada, but it takes serious skill to nail that drink with the right balance. As she began cutting a fresh, ripe Costa Rican pineapple, I knew I was in good hands. Moments later, as I settled into the hot tub and looked out over the edge of the infinity pool at the ocean, Tati handed me the best Piña Colada I’ve ever had in my life. Not too sweet, the perfect texture from the first sip to the last, and just strong enough to where I only needed one.
(Stinson Carter)
I had the pool and hot tub all to myself. I watched an iguana lounge on a tree branch as I sipped my drink. The seamless transition from surfing at a world-class break to sitting in the hot tub with a perfect cocktail was something I had never experienced. Even at luxury resorts, there’s usually a staff handoff after an excursion, a check to sign at the bar, then a lounge chair to claim by the pool. But at Villa Avellana, all those moments vanish.
The service at the Villa Avellana is always a step ahead of you. At dinner, the wine you enjoyed the night before is remembered, and something else suggested if the menu calls for it. If you ordered a cortado after lunch, another one will appear the next day at the same moment without you even having to ask. And if you ordered a Piña Colada after your surfing trip, there will be one waiting for you when you get off the boat the next afternoon.
Getting There
(Villa Avellana)
If you pack light and plan it right, from the moment you step off the plane at Liberia airport, you could be stepping out onto the Villa’s private beach in a little over an hour. The airport has a VIP service called V-Pass that makes customs a breeze. V-Pass handlers met me on the tarmac, and I was through customs and headed out to a Villa Avellana Suburban ten minutes later. After a forty-five minute drive, we entered Papagayo: a private, gated peninsula whose cliffs are clustered with modern mansions and several luxury hotels including The Four Seasons, Andaz, The Ritz-Carlton. (St. Regis will soon join the group.) Villa Avellana is a different kind of resort experience, but the presence of these nearby ultra-luxury properties means that gourmet ingredients and the finest wines and spirits are easy to procure around here. The nearby hotels are also nice if you’ re out on one of the villa’s two boats and want to drop in for a meal or a cocktail.
Arrival At The Villa
(Villa Avellana)
When you arrive, you’re offered a chilled coconut with a straw as a welcome drink. There is no formal check-in process. I was met by the charming general manager, a Canadian expat named Thomas, and by the vigilant lead concierge, Sergio. He led me upstairs to a large king suite with a massive balcony looking out over the ocean, a walk-in closet, and a palatial bathroom with an outdoor shower. As I rolled my suitcase into the room I asked about a room key. “We don’t do locks here” said Sergio, with a smile that made me realize I didn’t quite yet understand how different this would be from a typical luxury resort. I would soon find out.
A Typical Day At The Villa
(Villa Avellana)
You wake up to the sounds of nature, and with a push of a button a shade lifts to reveal the bright blue water of Prieta Bay in a floor-to-ceiling window. Downstairs in the kitchen, your breakfast is waiting for you whenever you want it. There’s a buffet with fresh pastries, bacon, and eggs, and there’s also a made-to-order breakfast dish that changes daily. If you’re heading to a yoga class or on a hike and want to keep it light, there’s a smoothie station with every possible kind of milk, protein powder, or specialty add-on you could imagine. I ordered a cappuccino on my first morning there, and one was brought every morning after without me even needing to ask. If you need a couple Tylenol for last night’s wine, you can text Sergio and he’ll bring it to you in minutes.
(Villa Avellana)
After breakfast, Sergio will have already planned your customized morning activity. That might be a fitness class, a private fishing trip, a massage in the spa, or snorkeling with sea turtles. Lunch can be a group experience at the table, or you can dine in any configuration of company you want, nearly anywhere on property. The cuisine of Executive Chef David Moya is insanely good. Every day there is a different menu, and it can range from local fish and Costa Rican classics like avocado rice and plantains, to wood-fired pizza and parrilla barbecue.
In the afternoons, perhaps after a siesta, the adventures continue. Thomas, the GM, took me and my wife and our two kids on a private sunset cruise to “Cathedral,” a hidden place in the trees that only their smaller boat can access. Once inside, he cut the engine so we could listen to the birds echoing on the water. On the boat, there’s always snacks like fresh guacamole and homemade chips, fresh-baked cookies, and a cooler full of local beer and bottled water.
At cocktail hour, Tati usually has some drink du jour made with local ingredients, but she’s happy to improvise with whatever base spirit you prefer, alongside excellent Palomas and spicy margaritas. Tati may be working her magic for a small group, but she could shine behind any cocktail bar in the world. Dinners were served at a long table by the bar or on our final night, on the beach. José, the warm and friendly F&B manager got a sense of what kinds of wine I liked and always had the perfect bottle ready.
Around 9pm, José and Tati would give last call. Whatever you have been enjoying so far, they make sure you’ll have more of it, as late as you want. If you’ve been drinking wine or Champagne, they’ll leave a bottle or two on ice. If you’ve been sipping Glenfiddich 18, Tati will leave out the bottle for you. If the group you’re with wants to party later into the night with the full bar and sommelier on hand, Tati and José can also make that happen.
Nights are magical at Villa Avellana. It feels like your private home. Passing around a chilled bottle of Sancerre, lounging in the couches by the pool, breeze blowing through from the ocean on one side to the woods on the other. You can hear the water lapping against the sand and see the lights on the peninsula reflected in the bay.
Rates & Details
The 33,000-square-foot property has 10 en-suite bedrooms. Rates starting at $26,000 nightly for up to 18 adults and 5 children, with a 5-night minimum stay, plus gratuity and tax.
Final Thoughts
(Villa Avellana)
When it was time for me to leave, I wheeled my suitcase out of the villa’s front door to find the entire staff lining the stairway to say goodbye to me. In a sudden wave of gratitude, I found myself welling up. I spent over a decade working in a luxury hotel, LA’s Chateau Marmont, and I still experience resorts and hotels not just through my eyes but also through the eyes of the staff. But at the Villa Avellana, I couldn’t do that. Because it felt like we experienced something together. And that’s a level of luxury that can’t be measured in stars.
Few guitar riffs are as instantly recognizable (and deliciously catchy) as the opening of Dire Straits’ 1985 smash hit “Money for Nothing.”
Driven by Mark Knopfler’s crunchy, unmistakable guitar tone, the song became one of the defining sounds of the 1980s — and decades later, critics still rank its opening among the greatest guitar riffs ever recorded.
Classical-Music.com recently included “Money for Nothing” on its list of the greatest guitar riffs of all time, praising the song for perfectly capturing the spirit of the decade.
The Guitar Riff That Defined the ’80s
According to Classical-Music.com, “Money for Nothing” distilled the energy and contradictions of mid-1980s Britain into one unforgettable riff.
“Dire Straits captured the zeitgeist perfectly with a guitar riff emerging as though robotically beamed in from a future that didn’t seem so far away,” the publication wrote.
It added that “few things sound as ’80s as that guitar riff.”
Written by Mark Knopfler and featuring backing vocals from Sting, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and became one of Dire Straits’ biggest hits.
The Song That Helped Define MTV
“Money for Nothing” wasn’t just a hit on the radio, it became one of MTV’s signature songs.
Its groundbreaking computer-animated music video won Video of the Year at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards and helped establish the network’s visual identity during the channel’s golden era. The song also made television history overseas.
When MTV Europe launched on Aug. 1, 1987, “Money for Nothing” was chosen as the very first music video the network aired, making it part of one of the biggest moments in music television history.
The choice was fitting. The song’s lyrics famously poked fun at rock stardom through the eyes of appliance store workers watching MTV, while its now-iconic refrain, “I want my MTV,” became forever linked with the channel itself.
More Than Four Decades Later, It Still Rocks
Released on Dire Straits’ blockbuster album Brothers in Arms, “Money for Nothing” remains one of the band’s defining achievements. From its instantly recognizable opening riff to its groundbreaking music video, the song helped shape both rock music and the MTV generation.
Forty years later, it’s easy to hear why critics continue to rank it among the greatest guitar riffs ever recorded, and why its influence on music and pop culture remains impossible to ignore.
