Make This Easy DIY Belt Bag For All Your Summer Adventures

belt bag DIY

If you're on the hunt for a compact vacation purse, then this is definitely the project for you. With just a few simple steps, you can re-create your very own belt bag — ideal for stylishly toting your essentials (wallet, phone, keys, SPF) on every summer adventure ahead. Scroll on to learn the basics of creating this sleek accessory.

Wear it three different ways too!

You'll need:

-belt

-clutch

-utility knife

-cutting mat

-ruler

1. Measure one-inch in from the left side of your clutch and mark with blade.

2. Repeat on the right side.

3. Measure your belt and then cut a slit on the left side that's slightly larger (so that belt will be able to slide through).

4. Repeat on the right side.

5. Slide your belt through the slits.

6. Try on for size and then style it three ways!

Fanny-pack style like a '90s babe...

Across your chest like a modern #fashiongirl...

Or on your back like a mini-sling.

Which way will you rock your belt bag? Tag us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)

As much as I love an ugly Christmas sweater party, a small part of me still cringes at just how wacky they can be. There's a very fine line between 'ugly Christmas sweater' and 'playful holiday get-up' – but I think these fun holiday sweaters strike the perfect balance of the two. They're all colorful, festive, and so much fun to wear to any and every holiday get-together you've got going this year.

Scroll on for our favorite fun holiday sweaters for every party!

Anthropologie

1. The Violette Short-Sleeve Tinsel Sweater by Maeve

With 'tinsel' literally in this sweater's name, you'll be making a shiny statement wherever you wear this piece. It also comes in silver, gold, navy blue, and brown to suit your personal holiday style.

Abercrombie & Fitch

2. The A&F Madeline Crew Sweater

This femme 'fit boasts a bow that's reminiscent of holiday gifts and all things merry. It only helps that this sweater is super soft to the touch!

Urban Outfitters

3. Out From Under Catching Feelings Fairisle Print Cropped Pullover

This sweet holiday sweater has an adorable reindeer design along the front, so it's instantly going to fit in for any holiday party. You can also snag the pair of matching shorts to complete the coziness if you'd rather stay in.

Urban Outfitters

4. BDG Stella Star Graphic Oversized Pullover Sweater

With this sweater, you'll literally be a star. The color palette challenges holiday tradition in the best way, though you could totally make it a better fit for a party with a black mini skirt, tights, and metallic boots.

Anthropologie

5. Maeve Faux-Fur Collar Cropped Cardigan Sweater

Oh, so fancy! This cardi's collar is lined with faux fur to make it feel ultra-luxe. Layer it over your best party dress, and voila!

Nordstrom

6. ASTR the Label Velvet Bow Cardigan

Bring on more bows, please! This tie-up cardigan secures with two oversized velvet bows that speak to the holiday season flawlessly.

Gap Factory

7. Gap Factory Peanuts Relaxed Gap Logo Sweatshirt

Snoopy is truly a holiday icon, especially in his dramatic puffer jacket. Don the famous dog on this cozy sweatshirt – it's so much cuter than an ugly Christmas sweater, plus you'll earn mega compliments (everyone loves Snoop!) wearing it.

Free People

8. Free People Festive Frost Sweater

This fuzzy sweater is downright festive, thanks to the traditional stripes across the top half. We love it because it still leans very 'holiday,' but isn't explicitly so, since the color palette isn't just reds and greens.

Nordstrom

9. Vinyl Icons Martini Embellished Off The Shoulder Graphic Fleece Sweatshirt

Espresso martinis are a hallmark of the holiday season, and you simply can't change our minds on that. Get playful with your holiday sweater selection with this design that evokes a happy hour at any time of day, especially on a holiday break away from school or work!

Free People

10. We The Free Flower Patch Sweater

You'll be able to get a lot of wear out of this sweet red sweater around the holidays! The slouchy fit is ideal for pairing with even more winter layers to stay warm.

American Eagle

11. American Eagle Whoa So Soft Oversized Grinch Holiday Sweater

With Christmas' favorite villain on it, this super-soft sweater will always be in style around the holidays.

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

The holidays are here, people – now is the perfect time to gear up your holiday decor game! Luckily, Fortunoff Backyard Store is here to help you get a jump with plenty of holiday decor options like Christmas trees, ornaments, outdoor lighting, wreaths, and charming indoor pieces. We scrolled their entire site and found these 17 total hidden gems that will undeniably fill your home (inside and out) with cheer.

Scroll on for our favorite holiday decor finds from Fortunoff Backyard Store!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

7.5-Foot Norway Spruce Classic Christmas Tree with 800 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

This affordable Christmas tree is at the very top of our holiday decor wishlist. Plus, you can't beat cozy lighting!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Terrafab Weathered Grey Barrel Gas Fire Pit

Though this gas-powered fire pit will sure come in handy during the cold holiday season, you can definitely still use it in the spring and summer for family bonfires and well into the following fall and winter for s'mores parties. Did we mention it's 64% off right now?!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

8.5-Inch Light Up Musical Water TV with Santa & Sleigh

This adorable battery-powered TV decor piece features a very charming Santa in his sleigh. We love the retro flair! When powered on, Santa's pictured in warm light and plenty of dazzling glitter to some of your favorite Christmas tunes.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Wooden Triangle Santa Head Advent Calendar

We're all about advent calendars this season. The best part about this Santa design is you can use it year after year. This is definitely a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

87-Inch Midnight Gas Pyramid Patio Heater

This 50%-off pick is perfect for keeping your holiday guests warm, especially if your patio or backyard tends to be your main hosting spot. It can cover about 210 square feet for a super cozy effect.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Indoor Infinity Light Deer

This tiny deer fitted with a fun infinity mirror is ideal for decorating small spaces. You could also display it in your entryway or a front window for a bright and energetic "welcome home!"

Fortunoff Backyard Store

7.5-Foot Fraser Fir Full Christmas Tree with 2800 Twinkling LED Lights

Nothing beats a Christmas tree with some warm lights. They help supply that classic Christmas look we know and love. With pre-strung LED lights, you can spend more time enjoying the season instead of decorating!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

3.4-Foot Natural Reindeer with 360 Warm White LED Lights

Don't worry: we've got some goodies for you, all you yard decorators! This plug-in reindeer is crafted from a rattan material, giving it an unmatched cozy feel. It also comes ready to go with warm white LED lights that'll shine once the sun goes down.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

30-Inch Flocked Noble Fir Wreath with 100 LED Lights

This faux snow-sprinkled wreath looks great on its own with its collection of cozy lights, but you could also fix it up with some ribbons and other playful holiday accoutrement to show off on your front door.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Flocked Noble Fir Garland with 100 LED Lights

The coordinating garland is so gorgeous, too. Hang it across your mantle or along your stairwell to really up the holiday vibes!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Douglas Fir Full Christmas Tree with 4500 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

If you prefer your Christmas and holiday decor to lean more traditional, this is the tree for you. It gives a soft, warm glow that's sure to complement any interior!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

Red Shiny Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornament

Of course, a Christmas tree wouldn't be a Christmas tree without some ornaments! We love Fortunoff Backyard Store's selection, plus you really can't go wrong with a classic ball shape.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

9-Foot Red and Green Poinsettia Garland

Poinsettias always provide a warm welcome to the holiday season. Embrace Christmastime with a pop of poinsettia blooms placed tastefully throughout this decked-out garland!

Fortunoff Backyard Store

11-Inch Framed Star with 400 Warm White LED Lights

The lights wound around this cheerful star-shaped decor piece have a magical twinkling effect that'll cover your front or back yard with tons of holiday cheer. The 11-inch frame is fitted with 26.2 feet of clear cable, so you can hang it how you really want it.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

4.9 x 6.6-Foot Christmas LED Warm White Net Light

Net lights like these are the premier choice for decorating your yard's shrubs and bushes. They're extremely easy to install, plus the net construction ensures your lights are always evenly distributed.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

23.5-Inch Infinity Light Snowman

If jolly's what you're looking for, this handsome little snowman will be the piece to complete this year's holiday decor setup! He can happily sit in a window or on top of your mantle, emitting an eye-catching design all the while.

Fortunoff Backyard Store

4-Inch Glass Mercury Plaid Ball Ornament

Plaid will never go out of style when it comes to holiday decor, as far as we're concerned. Snag a few of these glass ornaments to truly deck out your tree in timeless Christmas spirit!

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

I've officially entered my flannel pajamas era because these 30+ year-old bones get cold. If it's below 63 degrees at home, my teeth start chattering...much to minor annoyance of my very warm-blooded fiancé. Usually I snuggle next to him like he's a bear when I'm that cold, but I can't have my way all the time. So, cute and cozy pajamas it is!

As luck would have it, I have the deets on the best winter options that may find their way to your front door. Let's go down the list, shall we?

The Best Winter Flannel Pajamas To Buy ASAP

  1. The Best Plaid Flannel Pajamas: Wondershop Plaid PJs
  2. The Best Christmas Flannel Pajamas: Koality Holiday PJs
  3. The Best Flannel Shirtdress: Flannel Nightgown
  4. The Best Kids Flannel Pajamas: Pretty Pink PJs

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas

Plaid and the holidays are the first thing that comes to mind when I think about flannel pajamas. This top and pants set set is super soft because of its Portuguese cotton fabric. It''ll almost feel like you're enveloping yourself in a cozy blanket sans any potential mishaps when you need to use the restroom.

Hanna Andersson

Hanna Andersson Holiday Flannel Nightshirt

I love ditching pants when it gets too warm under my weighted blanket, but I think it'll be 10x easier to button up a flannel nightshirt. This lightweight beauty is still going to give you the cozy feel without restricting your legs AND you'll be able to iron it on cool (opposite side only).

Old Navy

Old Navy Flannel Pajama Shirt Dress

Again with the flannel shirt dress option? Um, yes. This option is for anyone who loves an orange and purple moment instead of green. Also, the hemline is just a tad longer than the prior one so you won't be as likely to flash anyone when you're putting the finishing touches on your Christmas tree's skirt.

Target

Wondershop Plaid Flannel Pajamas

I just had to include a pair of red and white flannel pajamas because they scream "Christmas" without any of the obvious decor designs. I love that they're a part of a matching family set so you can schedule a pajama-themed sleepover on Christmas Eve.

The best flannel pajamas for the person who's already started decorating for Christmas

P.J. Salvage

P.J. Salvage Koality Holiday Flannel PJ Set

Have you ever seen a bunch of koalas get ready for Christmas? Not to worry because this flannel pajamas set is ready to change that for you. They're literally all over the top and tie-waist bottoms in all their festive glory. There's a koala climbing a decorated Christmas tree and a mom plus her baby hanging out in a cute wreath! What's not to love?

Bed Head

BedHead PJs Hit The Slopes Portuguese Flannel Pajamas

Keep it traditional and celebrate the evergreen vibes of the holidays. These pajamas are especially for those who usually hit the slopes but can't this year. You'll feel like you're close to the holiday activity you love the most without completely having any FOMO feelings.

Pajamagram

Pajamagram Apres Ski Flannel Pajamas

If you do plan to go skiing this year outside of The Sims 4 Seasons Expansion Pack — yes, I know you're still binging that game — here's a cute pair of flannel pajamas you have to wear at least once. Just look at the cute gondola lifts!

The best flannel pajamas if you're a cat mom who loves Christmas

PrintFresh

PrintFresh Flannel Nightgown

I have a special appreciation for the cat distribution system and the lucky moms who find their feline matches because I know how personalized it is. If you and your fur baby are locked in, you absolutely deserve to walk around your space in this jolly big cat nightgown.

The best flannel pajamas for the "I'm just a girl" crowd

P.J. Salvage

P.J. Salvage Ribbons & Bows Flannel PJ Set

If you've memorized No Doubt's "Just a Girl," and love belting it during karaoke night, you'll appreciate this cute ribbons & bows PJ set. The labels are and bows are outlined in red to offset the Pepto-Bismol pink base.

The best flannel pajamas for leopard print lovers

Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret Flannel Long Pajama Set

You don't have to wear leopard print in public if you won't want to, but don't be shy about wearing this set at home. You'll feel sultry with your glass of wine, charcuterie board, and remote in your hand.

Aerie

Aerie Off-Duty Flannel Trouser PJ Pants

You could also skip the matching moment and wear your favorite oversized t-shirt with these flannel pants. They're equally cozy and won't feel overpowering if you don't like that much pattern.

The best flannel pajamas to wear if pants make you feel itchy at night

Macy's

Adore Me Plus Size PJ Set

If you're not a fan of pants or nightgowns, these plus size pajamas will get you right! The shorts have an elastic waist so you'll have plenty of breathing room. Also, the entire set is made of cotton and satin which sounds like a great time if you ask me.

The best flannel pajamas if you crave the simple things in life

J.Crew

J.Crew Flannel Pajamas

It's not fair for my minimalist girls to not have a pair of flannel pajamas to choose from so this is for you. They're 100% cotton, have an elastic waist, and are machine-washable! Did I mention they're also loose-fitting if you're uninterested in your pajamas hugging your body? Oh yeah, these are for you.

The best flannel pajamas for kids

GAP Factory

babyGAP 100% Recycled Flannel Pajamas

Call it my mom instincts, but I can't forget kids! These cute plaid flannel pajamas are a great option for them to wear on Christmas Eve and the morning they get to open their presents. They're made of a soft jersey knit that'll keep up with a kid's moves, including bounding down the stairs or doing somersaults off the couch because they're excited for the holidays.

Petite Plume

Petite Plume Kid's Flannel Pajama Set

There's at least one princess in the family and it may be your little sister, niece, or daughter. No matter who she is, she'll appreciate these pretty pink flannel pajamas. They're free of harsh chemicals and are flame-resistant in case little one likes to sit close to the fireplace.

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

Chad Michael Murray has many names: Lucas Scott, Cal Jones, Jake — and Dad! The actor (whose new movie The Merry Gentlemen is on Netflix now) just revealed that he always brings his kids to work while filming, and my daddy's girl heart is simply melting.

If you're an One Tree Hill fan, there's a good chance you're a die-hard Lucas and Peyton shipper, but IRL Chad currently has three children with wife, Sarah Roemer: a son who's nine, a daughter who's six, and another daughter who just turned one.

Here's why Chad Michael Murray always brings his family to set with him.

  • Chad Michael Murray has three kids: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a 1-year-old daughter.
  • The actor revealed why his family, whom he calls "The Pack," joins him on every film set.
  • He also spills on why he's "really proud" of new Christmas movie The Merry Gentlemen, on Netflix now!

The reason Chad Michael Murray always brings his fam to set is actually really simple. “I want to be there," he tells Variety of why his family is inseparable. "I got to be there for my daughter’s first steps. I got to take her trick or treating for the first time. And she crushed it!"

The actor really views his family as a unit, and proudly calls them "The Pack," which sounds exactly like something Austin Ames from A Cinderella Story would call his family. But don't worry — even though the family was with him on the set of The Merry Gentlemen, which follows a group of guys who stage a steamy revue to rescue a local venue, the kids don't have any innocence lost.

“It’s not gratuitous by any means," he continues. "We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie, you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot, and I’m really proud of that."

Chad and his wife recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on September 19, and he posted the sweetest tribute in honor of the special day. "We’ve jammed more into this 10 years than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s truly astounding," he says on Instagram. "It’s been the Best decade of my life by far- sharing each and every moment with you. We’ve grown this little pack together and seen so much of the world as a family. I’m so grateful for you Sarah. Every day is a better and much brighter day with you in it:)"

"I hope and pray for at least 50 more anniversaries with you," he continues. "Till we’re old and gray… new hips, new knees, our elbow skin will be touching the ground, all the kids will think we’re senile but really we’re just f-ing with them… coz that’s what you do when you’re old and together:) I love you Sarah- Happy 10th Anniversary❤️❤️❤️"

In addition to his new holiday flick, the One Tree Hill actor recently made headlines for commenting on his potential return to the One Tree Hill sequel series that's (hopefully) coming to Netflix soon. We know Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles are involved, but will we see Lucas join Brooke, Peyton, and Rachel? "No clue," he says, although he hopes it “comes together for the fans.”

“I mean, this fandom that has grown, I mean, literally, I was just in Halifax a week ago and, sure enough, I’m running into 11, 12, 13-year-old kids who are in love with Tree Hill,” he continues. “They’re seeing it on Hulu and they’re going, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ It’s stood the test of time and I think to have some new stories, whatever iteration of the show that’s created, I want it for the fans.”

C'mon everybody let's sing together — I DON'T WANNA BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYNA BE LATELY!

Does Chad Michael Murray seem like the ultimate girl dad? Let us know in the comments and tag us with your hottest The Merry Gentlemen takes!

Miley Cyrus and boyfriend Maxx Morando are extremely elusive, TBH. We've gotten snippets of their relationship status here and there, from them moving in together to their adorable appearance at the Grammys, but not much more than that. Thankfully, Miley opened up to Harper's Bazaarabout her budding relationship, making rare comments about her curly-haired beau.

Here's what Miley Cyrus had to say about Maxx Morando!

Francis Specker/CBS

Like most millennials, Miley needs help staying up-to-date on all things Gen Z, including (and maybe especially) when it comes to memes. Luckily, apparently Maxx keeps her in the loop by sending her what he sees online — a time when their eight-year age gap really seems to come in handy. She told Harper's Bazaar, “He looks at life really differently than I do. He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters."

The Grammy-winner went on to explain that Maxx even uses his Gen Z-ness when it comes to their dog (OMG they have a dog together?!). She said, "Honestly, he’s raised our dog off Reddit. I’m like, Are you sure we’re supposed to be doing this? And he’s like, On Reddit it says blah, blah, blah."

She went on to explain that Maxx is "very similar" to her. She said, "We just don’t take life too seriously." This all plays into their ability for the two musicians to collaborate on creating, meshing their personal and professional lives pretty seamlessly. According to the article, Maxx helped write the song "Something Beautiful" on her upcoming album, which is apparently the title track...I'm not crying, you are!

While so many couldn't intertwine their careers with matters so personal, Miley clearly feels differently. She said, “I worked with my dad forever. That’s how me and my ex-husband met each other. I’ve always worked with the people that I love. And Maxx just inspires me so much.”

BRB while I anxiously await this new album...and any other updates on these two love birds!

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