Meet the Accessory Aiming to Be the Anti-Smart Watch

Oh, the smart watch. It’s a convenient, integrative piece of mobile tech innovation that amazes us at every turn. But sometimes, with a device as classic as a watch, less is more. Or at least that’s what this Portland brand is trying to prove with their anti-smart watch. It’s simple, it’s old-fashioned and it’s made of wood.

Grovemade is known for its wooden Apple accessories, from sleek laptop sleeves and phone cases to minimalist docks and monitor stands, but its latest offering is in fact the antithesis of an Apple product — in function, anyway. From an aesthetic perspective, it’s every bit as simple as you’d expect from an accessories brand associated with the global tech giant. Just don’t expect it to make a call, send a text or tell you the weather.

Grovemade partnered with watchmaker Stephan Andren to produce the watches, which sell for a cool $239. They come attached to a vegetable-tanned leather strap and are available in maple or walnut with a square or round face. In other words, it may not come with any bells, whistles or apps, but for those of us trying to bring our tech addictions back down to a manageable level, that might actually be a good thing.

What do you think of this old-school (but still modern) timepiece? Tell us in the comments below.

The easiest way to update your style this summer? Add a few extra-trendy accessories to your wardrobe staples and last-season essentials. While we're all for investing in the aforementioned timeless pieces, high price points don't always make sense for bold trends that are meant to be fun, not permanent. That's where Amazon comes in. If you know where to look (and we do), practically all the biggest trends can be found on the mega-retailer, making summer style accessible at every price point. Even a t-shirt and jeans can be transformed by slipping on acrylic rings (a major must-have right now), grabbing a bag in a summery new hue, and adding a cool pair of sunglasses. To upgrade your closet for the season, simply add a few of these playful picks to your cart.


Vintage Acrylic Rings ($14): Funky acrylic rings are everywhere right now, and there's no harm trying out the bold trend when they're so affordable.

Colorful Resin Rings ($10): For a slightly more subtle approach to the acrylic ring trend, these pretty colors are easier to style for everyday wear.

JW Pei Pouch Bag ($68): Combine a pastel palette with ruched shoulder style and you've found yourself the perfect summer bag.

Cloud Chain Bag ($30): Chunky chains are another big trend for summer, and the bold strap makes the popular cloud clutch so much easier to carry around.

Acrylic Beaded Bag ($27): Vintage beaded bags can be hard to find, but this adorable style still looks one-of-a-kind. Add to any outfit for a whimsical, summer look.

Vintage Aviator Sunglasses ($14): Vintage-style aviator sunglasses are everywhere right now, and this affordable version makes it easy to join in on the trend.

Driving Rectangle Sunglasses ($12): Tinted lenses are a lot easier to pair with face masks than all-black shades, so it's no surprise fun colors are the must-have style this summer.

Chain Belt ($16): Chain belts are a surprisingly cool way to dress up your athleisure pieces, like biker shorts and unitards.

Shower Slides ($17): Forget dad shoes — puffy slides are the new ugly-cute footwear trend to slip on for errands and workout classes.

Ruched Slides ($25): If you're looking for a less casual, yet still comfortable sandal for summer, ruched slides will check both boxes off for you.

WAYF Terry Bucket Hat ($45): Terry cloth is another emerging trend for spring and summer. Scoop up this cute terry hat version now so you wear it all season long.

Dad Baseball Cap ($10): You can never go wrong with a classic baseball cap. Add a new color to your rotation that goes with the rest of your seasonal hues.

Flower Pearl Necklace ($11): You'll be surprised how quickly you can transform an outfit for the warmer months by simply adding on this playful, throwback necklace.

Bohemian Bead Pearl Necklace ($15): You may have seen mixed metal necklaces everywhere for fall and winter, but this half-pearl, half-beaded necklace has reimagined the trend for summer.

Smiley Toggle Necklace ($24): After a long year, the cheer-y, smiley jewelry trend is a more than welcome addition to our wardrobes. When paired with a pearl chain and toggle clasp, you have the ultimate statement necklace for summer.

Cotton Crew Socks ($17): If you're embracing the socks with sandals trend, these colorful crew socks are the perfect choice. Of course, you can always wear them with your favorite sneakers, but it never hurts to have a fresh batch.

Crystal Bracelet Watch ($45): This retro-style watch will immediately elevate your outfit (without the investment required by most watches). Pair it with chunky gold bracelets for an even bolder look.

Tortoise Claw Clip ($12): Of all the Y2K trends returning for this season, claw clips may be the most sophisticated and functional of them all. Keep one handy to clip back your hair whenever you need.

Mini Acetate Clips ($10): Alternatively, use these colorful mini clips for a fun way to pull back shorter hair (or your outgrown curtain bangs) or experiment with more Y2K hair styles.

Tag us with all your summer fashion on Instagram!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

You'd think someone with acne-prone skin wouldn't buy viral beauty finds without doing thorough research, but I'm not above trying to recreate all the latest makeup trends at home. All this did was remind me that everything isn't for everyone — and that's okay! Well...it's not okay I fee like I wasted money, but at least I know what to stay away from. And now I'm here to help you figure out what to avoid as well!

Even though this products didn't work for me, that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't use them. These are just my least faves of the year — take 'em or leave 'em!

Here are all the overrated beauty finds I wish I wouldn't have bought

Amazon

1. MILK Hydro Grip Primer

I should've known better than to buy this again, but I wanted to see if my skin would react better to it. The first time I tried to use this, I broke out along my jaws in tiny, red bumps. They were itchy and eventually turned into dark spots that took me over a year to get rid of.

Instead of letting that be the red flag that kept me away from this beauty find, I decided to use it in place of my trusted e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer I've been relying on. Two things happened:

  1. It created a beautiful base for my makeup.
  2. I didn't break out, but my faced still felt itchy.

I even switched my makeup brushes and checked to make sure other makeup products weren't expired. The culprit continued to be this primer so it's made it to my overrated list.

Amazon

2. KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum

I was initially sent this to test, but I decided to buy it myself to see if I truly like it. While it was easy to add to my skincare routine lineup, I realized I actually didn't need to spend $70+ for an effective Vitamin C serum. The only difference between this serum and the one I truly love are their colors and textures.

This one has a slightly yellowish-orange tint to it while being a little thicker compared to the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C serum I use. The latter is thinner and 100% transparent, plus the odor is slightly stronger. However, both of them aid in smoother skin, smaller pores, and a healthy glow.

I honestly wouldn't buy this one again just because I can get the same benefits for a lesser price.

Amazon

3.NYX Cosmetics Fat Oil Lip Drip

This is a controversial take, but I honestly didn't love the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. Although I love the color payoff, it was too sticky for my liking. I saw reviews that mentioned this, but I've purchased lip glosses other people didn't love that worked for me in the past. However, the reviews are telling the truth: the stickiness takes away from what could've been a great formula.

I'll just stick to my Tower 28 Lip Softie Hydrating Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla!

Amazon

4. L'Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

I know people love this beauty find because it is great. I just didn't think the hype was enough to convince me to buy it again because my essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara gets the job done for $5. I will say I love the washable feature of L'Oréal's version, but it's still not enough to make me willingly spend over $10 for it.

As great of a product as this is, it's overrated to me because of the price tag.

Sephora

5. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Sigh...it's so hard for me to admit this, but this Haus Labs foundation has become my most overrated beauty find of 2024. It's not that it doesn't work for a few hours, but my skin prefers tinted moisturizers more than anything. I talked about it briefly on TikTok, but skin tints feel like you're not wearing anything on your face.

I'm always really oily after wearing this foundation for a few hours, but I can get extended wear out of the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint I've been wearing. I like to think it's because it has vegan collagen, ceramides, and cactus extract in it whereas this foundation has ingredients like fermented arnica in it.

Both do a great job of calming inflammation, but something about this foundation makes my skin think it's incredibly dry.

Visit our Amazon Storefront for a list of beauty products we do love!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Watch Shea's take on designing your home for 2025!

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

Check out our online newsletter for more 2025 home decor inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If there’s any holiday where you’re encouraged to take shots, it’s New Year’s Eve. But, that doesn’t mean you should limit your NYE party beverages to champagne. These sparkly, glittery and all-around enticing shots are sure to please and won’t induce any bad-idea hangovers from too manytequila drinks. You can let your resolution ideas start when the calendar reads 2025. Meanwhile, cheers to enjoying these shots you’ll actually want to make (and take) this New Year’s Eve.

The 14 Best New Year's Eve Shots To Throw Back For 2025!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Sprinkle Bakes

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Feast + West

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Dine and Dish

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

A Year of Cocktails

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Holly's Cheat Day

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Bubbly Nation Creations

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Broma Bakery

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

The First Year

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cookin' Canuck

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Tablespoon

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Something Swanky

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

Looking for more NYE recipe or drink ideas? Check out Brit + Co on Pinterest and check out our New Year's Eve dinner ideas for more inspiration.This post has been updated.