Upgrade Your Summer Sandals With These Four Materials

Kelly Bryden
Jul 03, 2016

With the summer solstice just a few days behind us, we can officially say the summer season has begun! But enough about the long days filled with sunshine — let’s talk about summer fashion. For the past two summer seasons, I have been in awe of these amazing pom-pom sandals by Maria BK. But with the average sandal costing $200, I’ve never been able to add them to my shopping cart. So this year I said to myself, “Helloooo, Kelly! Take a closer look — these quirky sandals are totally DIYable!” Follow along because all you need to create these unique sandals are brightly colored trims + accessories and, of course, last year’s summer sandals.

Materials:

– sandals

– friendship bracelets (these or these)

– chain

– embroidery floss

– pom-poms

Tools:

– scissors

– hot glue

– needle + thread

Instructions:

1. Trim friendship bracelets to the length of the sandal straps. Attach with hot glue.

2. Use embroidery floss to wrap around and hide the ends of the friendship bracelets. Secure ends of the embroidery floss with hot glue.

3. Attach chain to the sandal straps with a needle and thread. Wrap embroidery floss around the edges to hide the stitches.

4. Finish off with pom-pom touches.

Trim the friendship bracelets to the size of the sandal straps and hot glue in place.

Some of our bracelets had funky knots at the ends. To hide unwanted glue or knotty ends, wrap embroidery floss around, creating bright chunks of color. Secure in place with hot glue.

Texture is key to creating funky sandals like these. Attach chain to the straps with a needle and thread. Hide the unwanted knots with embroidery-floss wrapping.

And of course, finish it off with strips of colorful pom-poms.

It’s a color and texture explosion. In a good way ;)

Paint those toes a shimmery metallic or a pop of neon and get ready to step into summer in style.

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

These 7 Amazon Fashion Picks Make The Easiest Summer Outfits

Are you packing last-minute for atrip? Have you been looking for the perfect cover-up but can't seem to find it anywhere? Well, don't worry, I've got you covered! You know how much I love Amazon over here. They not only have a million things to offer, but they have them at unbeatable prices.

Many pieces from mysummerwardrobe are from Amazon, because they always seem to have exactly what I'm looking for (and usually in 15 other colors too). There are so many good summer clothes to choose from, but I have sifted through some pieces that I think are perfect staples for your warm weather wardrobe.

Amazon

Anrabess Linen Palazzo Pants

These comfy pants are great for any summer activity. I love a good basic that you can style however you want! If you're going on vacation this summer, I highly recommend grabbing a pair of pants like these, because you will not regret having a good pair of breathable linen pants. You can find these in literally any color for $36!

Amazon

Cozyease Floral Embroidery Knot Front Cami Top

This $27 top looks like it comes straight from Urban Outfitters or Abercrombie & Fitch. Flowy tops are super trendy again, and they are flattering on everyone. I love the detailing on this white and blue top, but there are four other patterns to choose from. I can imagine walking around in Greece wearing this top, especially with these colors!

Amazon

Zqffb Swim Cover-Up

Don't miss out on a good swimsuit cover-up this summer. I used to just wear a big t-shirt to the beach, but I recently graduated to wanting to look a bit more put together with cover-ups like this one. This top is great to just throw over your suit and pair with some shorts or linen pants for a full 'fit! You can shop this cover-up in white or black for only $20.

Amazon

Light Dot Halter Neck Dress

I love, love, love this pattern! I recently ordered a dress from this brand, and the material is incredible. It's durable, yet very breathable. This halter dress is perfect for a party or date night. And can we talk about the neckline? So fun! If you want to incorporate more patterns and colors into your wardrobe this summer, I highly recommend checking out this $33 flowy dress.

Amazon

Ferbia Crochet Drawstring Shirt

I want this $25 top in every color. You can never go wrong with a knit top in the summer because they are so nice and airy. The drawstring is unique and allows you to adjust the top to your liking. You can wear it as a top or as a cover-up for the beach. Personally, I would love to style this with a long white maxi skirt.

Amazon

Mebius Womens Floral Mini Dress

Everyone needs at least one good floral dress in their wardrobe. They are so fitting for the spring and summer seasons, and you'll be wearing it all the time when it gets warm. I was immediately drawn to the shape of this dress. I love the criss-cross neckline and the stretchy waist. Dare I say, this is the perfect picnic dress! You can get this one for $32.

Amazon

SeekMe Linen Short Set

You can look so effortlessly put together with any matching set. But as we know, linen and summer go together like wine and cheese. You can style this set in so many different ways that one outfit can end up becoming six! If you need to pack light on vacation, get this $30 set – you will not regret it.

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

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20 Trader Joe's Finds That Will Make You Want To Eat Healthy This Year

Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

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7 Flattering Summer Dress Trends We Can't Stop Shopping Right Now

Summer 2024 is the summer of many things. It's Brat summer, the Paris Olympics (yay Team USA!), and the second round of the Eras Tour. There is so much to do and so much going on — we're booked and busy. Naturally, we need outfits for all the events we are attending, whether that be going to brunch with friends, a family barbecue, a blind date, or even just a solo day around town. I don't know about you guys, but I pretty much spend the majority of my summer in sundresses. They beat the heat, and are super adorable doing it. There are hundreds of dress options out there, but here are some of the dress trends we're absolutely obsessed with this year.

Backless Dresses

ASOS

ASOS halter neck low back maxi sundress

Let those shoulders breath, girl! There is something so subtly sexy about a backless dress, and bonus points when it has a halter neckline. This dress gives you a great excuse to throw your hair in an updo, especially in the summer heat.

​Bubble Dresses

H&M

H&M Bubble-hem Dress

We are SO back with the bubble skirt hem. Now, they may not be as puffed out as they were in the '80s or the early 2000s, but may this trend never die. You can never go wrong with a little movement and a little flare to your summer look. Today, you can find all styles of bubble dresses and skirts...and I am loving it.

Euro-Summer Linen Dresses 

J.Crew

J.Crew Squareneck midi dress in linen

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the linen trend is here to stay. It is so timeless that it's totally worth investing in a nice linen dress that will last forever. You can wear it out to dinner on vacay, or just throw it on to run errands around town. If I were to create a capsule closet (which TBH I could never — I'm way too much of a maximalist), I would a million percent include a white linen dress.

​Sleek Slip Dresses 

Aritzia

Wilfred New Only Slip Satin Midi Dress

Hello, sexy! This is the perfect nighttime dress for going on a date or drinks with the girls. The simplicity of a slip dress acts as a perfect canvas for all kinds of accessories. I would love to wear this dress with some kitten heels, a statement necklace, and a clutch.

​Puff Sleeve Dresses

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Emerson Linen-Blend Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

I have sang my praises about this specific Abercrombie dress many times before, but in general, puffed sleeves are such a funky addition to a basic dress. They add nice dimension and are flattering on any body type!

​Ruffle Dresses

Free People

Free People More Is More Mini

Like this More is More Mini dress by Free People, more IS in fact more! Sometimes, additional fabric creates flowy movement that aligns with the free spiritedness of summer. This dress makes me wanna spend the day running around on the beach or in a field barefoot somewhere.

Cottagecore Dresses

Aritzia

Sunday Best Strudel Poplin Maxi Dress

I hope cottagecore never dies. This poplin Artizia dress is everything and more. It's cutesy, and perfect for any day event. You can make this look super casual, or elevate the dress with some heels.

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

Lead image via H&M.

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25 "Deep" Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2025 Begins

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

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10 Epic Stores From The '90s We Can't Believe Are Gone

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

Getty Images

1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

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