Turn Heads With a DIY Leather Visor This Festival Season

What I love about leather is how it elevates any project into something so much more luxurious. The smell and feel of it just makes any bag, sunglass case, or — in this situation — visor more fancy. And with the right tools, leatherworking is actually very easy! Follow along below to learn how to make a leather visor to upgrade your festival style this year.

Materials and Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Print and cut out the leather visor guide and trace onto a piece of leather. Cut out a long rectangle of leather that is 14 inches by 1 inch thick. Make marks every half inch on the back side of these pieces.
  2. Use your leather hole punch on the smallest setting to punch holes at every half-inch mark along the visor. For the leather rectangle, you’ll want to leave four half-inch marks on each end of the leather unpunched.
  3. Change your leather punch to the largest setting and punch two holes on the end of the leather rectangle on both sides of the strap.
  4. Match the first small hole on the leather rectangle with the first small hole on the visor cutout, and weave the leather cord from the back side to the front. Cross the cords and then feed them through the next hole to the back side of the leather.
  5. Slide the shoe lace through the cross, to hide the connection of the two leathers. Continue the cross pattern with the leather cord until you reach the end of the visor.
  6. Trim the leather cord and glue to the strap of the visor with rubber cement.
  7. Cut a small 1 inch by 1 inch square of leather and punch four holes on the largest hole setting.
  8. Thread another shoe lace through the holes at the end of the visor, and then through the 1-inch leather square.

Download, print, and cut out the leather visor template above to create the perfect arched shape for your visor. Measure out a 1 x 14-inch rectangle to create the band of your visor. On the back side of the leather, make marks every half inch.

Use your leather hole punch on the smallest setting to create holes at each half-inch mark. Make sure you punch them about 1/8 of an inch from the edge of the leather.

Leave four half-inch marks on each side of the leather rectangle unpunched.

Change your hole punch to the largest setting and create two punches at both ends of the leather rectangle.

Match up the first hole on the leather rectangle with the first hole of the leather visor. Thread the leather cord from the back to the front of the visor. Cross the cords and thread through the front toward the back.

Slide the leather shoelace through the crosses of the cord to hide the seam of the leather. Continue threading the pieces together until you reach the end.

Trim the cord and glue down using rubber cement.

Cut out a small 1 x 1-inch square of leather and punch four large holes. Weave another strand of leather shoe lace through the visor holes and then connect the ends by weaving them through the small leather square.

Dress up your leather look with gold freckles and shimmery gold lips to take this festival look to the next level.

And remember, body chains are a must.

Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Photography: Chris Andre

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

Candles add an extra layer of coziness to the season. Whether you're curling up with a good book, hosting a fall gathering, or just looking to create a cozy vibe, the right fall candle can transform your space into a fall-scented haven. From the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove to the sweet scents of pumpkin, apple, and vanilla, these are our favorite candles for the season.

Fall Scented Candles

Nest

Nest Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle

Your favorite tea and this blend of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will warm you right up this season.

Nordstrom

Apotheke Pumpkin Ginger 3-Wick Candle

Brighten your fall days with fresh roasted pumpkin topped with a spicy blend of ginger, clove, and cinnamon.

Anthropologie

Voluspa Japonica Spiced Pumpkin Latte Glass Jar Candle

Pumpkin spice girls will love this Spiced Pumpkin Latte candle with a hint of vanilla.

Amazon

Calyan Wax Apples & Maple Bourbon

Your sweet tooth might be tempted by this brown sugar, maple syrup, baked apple and a drop or two of Kentucky's finest infused with cinnamon leaf, tangerine, mandarin, and orange essential oils.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Handpainted Pumpkin Glass Pumpkin Candle

For a more decorative vessel, check out this Anthro handpainted glass candle with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon bark, amber, and cedarwood.

Sweet Water Decor

Sweet Water Fall Leaves Candle

Light up your childhood memories with this fall leaves scented candle with notes of apple, orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation Harvest Pumpkin Linnea Candle

Handcrafted in small batches, this candle is autumn in a jar with pumpkin, thyme, and warm spices .

Nordstrom

Homesick Peak Foliage Candle

Imagine a cool fall day with hot apple cider and pumpkin spice and you have this candle. Top notes include nutmeg, lemon, and eucalyptus.

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Limited Edition Toasted Pumpkin

Toasted pumpkin seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon notes are the scent of chill in the air and soup on the stove. Made in Brooklyn, these soy wax candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Candle

This beeswax and vegetable wax blend features a classic scent for the coziest fall days.

Amazon

FF Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle

Relax with an aromatherapy of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Forvr Mood

Forvr Mood Spice of Life Candle

B+C editor Jasmine loves this fiery, bold fragrance that blends ginger, lemongrass, and clementine. Forvr Mood collabed with Claude Kameni, an African designer who uses traditional Nigerian patterns, to design each vessel with a custom Kameni print. It makes a great gift!

Woodsy Fall Scents

Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cedar Candle

Grab your cozy fall sweater and sit by a candle fire with romantic notes of rose, tobacco leaf, fir needle, and cedarwood.

HomeCourt

HomeCourt Cece Candle

This new brand from actress Courtney Cox uses eco-friendly and sustainably sourced ingredients. The Cece Candle has notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather.

(Malin + Goetz)

(Malin + Goetz) Leather Candle

The rustic smell of smooth leather combined with muted florals has a bit of a '70s vintage vibe.

Public Goods

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Soy Candle

This sandalwood, jasmine, Turkish rose, amber, and notes of leather bring you warm and woodsy spice at home.

Baobab Collection

Les Prestigieuses Encre De Chine Scented Candle

This is another one of Jasmine's favorites with hints of leather, sequoia, and amber.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason LP Candle

B+C editor Kayla loves this hand-poured ceramic candle inspired by Lone Pine, California with notes of atlas cedar, charred hickory, musk, and amber. "I use it every day, it's that good!," she says.

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle

B+C editor Haley loves this popular citrus scent for fall with sugared oranges, lemons, and limes. Plus, the pearl-esque jar goes with all of her home decor as she shifts from season to season!

Otherland Moonstruck Candle

B+C editor Meredith finds this one "not overtly fall-y, but I’ve been loving it for the woody/leathery smell! It honestly smells like incense." The Moonstruck variety has hints of sweet myrrh, white mahogany, and smoked birch.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved picks!

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

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Out of all the fall coats I own, It's dawned on me that I have zeroleather jackets at the moment. I used to wear them constantly — to the point where they were literally falling apart — and I just haven't picked up a new jacket since my mom uh, strongly encouraged I get rid of their ratty remains. If that sounds familiar, let's bow our heads for what we've lost so we can make room for the new styles we're about to embrace!

I'm teasing, but I really have found 17 leather jackets that are equally edgy and chic — a perfect combination for fall. I even spy a couple to match some of the H&M fall fashion I can't stop thinking about! So what are you waiting for? Scroll on to find your new sleek outerwear!

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Enola Leather Moto Jacket

One of the first leather jackets I owned was a moto, and I just love this style! Their classic design reminds me of scenes from movies like Grease and Cry-Baby — the ultimate bada-- rom-com movies IMO.

This version is more relaxed and cropped than usual, but that's only half the fun! It has a light inner lining that makes it easy for you to layer when it starts becoming clear summer is on it's way out.

Dynamite Clothing

Dynamite Clothing Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

This elevated jacket works great for those who aren't into the edgier 'biker' look. The relaxed fit is there, but it looks like a mature version of most leather jackets we've seen. With it's concealed zipper and elasticized cuffs, your 9-5 work outfits will get a much needed fall boost.

Pistola Denim

Pistola Denim Nicolette Mod Moto Jacket

There's no rule that says leather jackets have to be black, but they do need to have a few signature staples. The silver hardware and wide lapels on this design give an edge to what seems like more of a cutesy jacket. I like to think of it as "the one you never saw coming" in terms of how it'll gradually command attention.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

Some of us just want to drape our bodies in oversized jackets — like this piece by Wild Fable — as soon as a chill hits the air. It's on the heavier side and it has a soft lining that'll keep your bones warm on chilly days.

This option also has zippered pockets to keep your cold weather essentials in place when you're briskly walking from one place to another. Love it!

Amazon

The Drop Heather Faux Leather Moto Jacket

I've always wanted a cognac leather jacket that reminds me of a nice, smooth glass of whiskey. This one is designed to be a perfect fit that doesn't overpower or cling to your body, so you'll be super comfortable in it. And just like whiskey, it'll keep you nice and warm whenever you leave home.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Fallon Snake Embossed Faux Leather Jacket

Give me anything animal print, and I'll show you how it can become a neutral fall staple. Technically this embossed faux leather jacket is a statement piece, but you can easily build an outfit around it. Actually, it's a great option to wear with a monochromatic black or white outfit.

Levi's

Levi's Lelou Shrunken Moto Jacket

Or you can skip the embossed snake print pattern and go for this shrunken moto jacket instead! This asymmetrical zip design will still add a pop of color to your wardrobe, while giving you the option to play it safe if you're afraid of too much texture with your look.

Though Levi's is known for having the most amazing jeans, don't sleep on their outerwear or else you'll miss out on fun pieces like this leather jacket!

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Oversized Real Leather Boyfriend Jacket

This has 'popular girl who wears her boyfriend's jacket' written all over it — and that's intentional. Designed to be oversized, this leather jacket has dropped shoulders and a large notched collar to add to the overall 'boyfriend' look. If you want to go for a cinched waist look, you can utilize the belt on the hemline!

Revolve

Nakedvice The Vince Jacket

Give it up for all the cute cropped jackets in the world. I know some can come across as immature, but not this one! Between the cream color and the sleek frontline zipper, it brings the energy of brat summer into fall!

Land's End

Land's End Leather Jacket

This semi-fitted leather jacket is made of a lamb leather shell and features a snap collar along with shoulder snaps. You'll be snapping your way into fall in no time, but that's not all! It also comes with zippered chest, hand pockets, and cuffs!

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Petite Faux Leather Jacket

This faux leather jacket almost looks like a peacoat, and IMO that's a huge part of its appeal. Instead of zippers, you'll find three buttons on each side and wide lapels that make it look office wear-friendly.

Lucky Brand

Lucky Brand Leather Trucker Jacket

Doesn't this look like a leather denim jacket? It's literally one of the most unique designs — it's super sleek and works so well with everything from jeans to sweater dresses. You can even find a cute pair of tall boots to match the cognac color!

Amazon

Levi's Belted Faux Leather Moto Jacket

This belted faux leather moto jacket will become a new wardrobe staple, especially if you want to deviate from your tried and true basic colors. It has silver hardware, a belted hemline, and it's machine-washable!

Bershka

Bershka Leather Jacket

This sheep leather jacket is the true definition of cool with its relaxed fit and and 100% polyester lining. The lapels aren't as defined as other options, which may be a preference for anyone who prefers a sleeker look.

But unlike other leather jackets, you'll have to take special care of it because you can't wash, bleach, iron, dry clean, or tumble dry it! You'll have to take it to someone who specializes in caring for real leather in order to maintain it's appearance so keep that in mind if you decide to buy it!

Wilson's Leather

Wilson's Leather Quilted Moto Jacket

I usually don't like quilted jackets, but this design is an exception. It's 100% genuine leather that has ample pockets and a snap collar that'll give you the 'effortlessly cool' look.

It's an investment piece, but I think it's worth every penny!

Coach

Coach Outlet Leather Racer Jacket

This lamb leather piece is another smooth option for anyone who doesn't want a traditional looking jacket. The more I stare at it, the more I wonder how it's possible for even the zippers to look sexy.

It's currently 50% off, so don't miss out on this gorgeous jacket that's surprisingly not considered a cognac color.

MANGO

Mango 100% Leather Fur Jacket

I shouldn't be looking at this leather fur jacket, but it's truly a work of art. From the placement of the cow print pattern to the overall fit, it's the perfect option if you're still in your cowgirl era á la Bella Hadid.

It's still lined, even if the straight fit suggests otherwise, and that's my favorite part about it! Unassuming fashion is so much, especially during fall!

Follow us on Pinterest to see more fall fashion inspo!

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

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.