11 DIY Projects That Will Majorly Improve Your Daily Commute

Leah Elsmore
Jun 09, 2015

For many adults, commuting is a big part of the daily routine that can start to feel stale or boring. This summer, it’s time to switch up your daily commute with a practical and fun DIY. Whether you walk, bike, ride or drive, these DIY projects will make your commute more fashionableand enjoyable.

1. DIY Bike Basket: Add a basket to the front of your bike that is both pretty and practical. We love the festive pom poms on this version. (via Apartment Therapy)

2. No-Sew Tablet Case: If you typically commute by bus or train, this project is definitely for you. This case keeps your tablet scratch-free so you can spend your morning or evening enjoying your favorite eBook. (via Brit + Co)

3. DIY Basket Backpack: Picnic baskets aren’t easy to carry on a bike, moped, train or bus. This hack is ideal for wearing on your back so you can take advantage of after-work evenings in the park with your friends or that next outdoor date night with your sweetheart. (via Brit + Co)

4. Fuuvi Inspired Bike Bell: Be a considerate bike commuter by adding this colorful DIY bell to your set of wheels. It helps let pedestrians know that you’re coming up behind them to prevent collisions and adds personality to your bike. (via Idlewife)

5. DIY Tangle Free Headphones: Spend less time detangling your headphones and more time enjoying your favorite podcast. Your groggy morning self with thank you for being so organized. (via Kiss Me Awake)

6. Steering Wheel Cover: Brighten your daily drive with a colorful steering wheel cover. Not only is it cute, but it will also help keep your steering wheel cool on a hot summer day. (via Corner Window Crafts)

7. Polka Dot Helmet: Look chic and stay safe with this helmet as you ride around town on your bike or moped. This helmet design is anything but boring. (via Oh Joy!)

8. DIY Backpack: Whether you bike, walk, moped or drive to work, a cute DIY backpack is a great way to stash all your essentials for the day. (via Trash to Couture)

9. DIY Sneakers: Don’t scuff that adorable new pair of heels on your walk to work. Throw your work shoes in a tote and wear a cute pair of DIY sneakers to walk to the office. The colorful design on the pair above is guaranteed to put a little pep in your step. (via A Beautiful Mess)

10. Credit Card Wallet: Stash your metro, subway or bus ticket in this clever wallet DIY and you’ll never fumble to find your pass again. #Winning! (via So Sew Easy)

11. DIY Polka Dot Bike Basket: Did we mention that we love polka dots? The mint green polka dots on this DIY bike basket are sure to bring a smile to your face even on a hectic morning. (via Sugar and Cloth)

What are your favorite commuter essentials? Hit us up in the comments section.

The 5 Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos For Treating A Flaky, Dry, Itchy Scalp, According To Experts

About 50% of us are born with a genetic predisposition to dandruff, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. There is a pretty easy fix, though. The best way to combat the flakiness, dryness, and itchiness that comes along with dandruff is – unsurprisingly – to use an effective anti-dandruff shampoo.

Let's dive into the best anti-dandruff shampoos loved by experts to treat flaky, dry, itchy scalps.

A peek at the top 5 anti-dandruff shampoos:

Jill Burrow / PEXELS

Why anti-dandruff shampoo?

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

“Consistent use of anti-dandruff shampoos is critical to treating dandruff,” saysDr. Chris Tomassian, Board Certified Dermatologist and Head & Shoulders Partner. “Not only do you have to consistently use them to be effective, you also have to leave them on the scalp for several minutes for the best result.”

What causes dandruff?

Oleskandra Biliak / PEXELS

To get real nerdy about it, dandruff is caused by a few factors: naturally-produced sebum, a microbe called Malassezia globosa (a type of yeast that thrives on the scalp), and genetics. It’s a common misconception that dandruff is caused by poor hygiene, which is “very far from true,” according to Dr. Tomassian. Dandruff can happen to anyone – it doesn’t discriminate!

What are the symptoms of dandruff?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Symptoms of dandruff aren't limited to just flaking. Dandruff is also inclusive of other symptoms like dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation. You may also notice especially dry hair strands or, in severe cases, shedding. So, even if you aren’t seeing flakes, treating your irritated scalp with a reliable anti-dandruff shampoo can be extremely beneficial.

What should I look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The top active ingredients to look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo, recommended by Dr. Tomassain, are zinc pyrithione (ZPT), selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole. ZPT is anti-inflammatory and essential for controlling the growth of Malassezia globosa, while Selenium Sulfide and Ketoconazole carry antifungal properties to target dandruff.

The Top 5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoos Of 2024

Amazon

Best zinc pyrithione formula: Jupiter Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Clean ingredients, hydrating

Cons: On the expensive side at $30

Promising review: "After just one use, I noticed a remarkable difference. Not only did it balance and calm my oily and itchy scalp, but it also eliminated any trace of dandruff. Furthermore, it effectively controlled oil production, moisturized dry and irritated areas of my scalp, and alleviated itching and flaking. This shampoo made my scalp feel incredibly clean, healthy and rejuvenated."

Amazon

Best selenium sulfide formula: Vichy Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Good for sensitive scalps, friendly on color-treated hair

Cons: On the expensive side at $29

Promising review: "Finally a shampoo I can use and feel like I didn't just dump a table spoon of goop on my head. First off, I was impressed with the smell which is so nice like the ones they use in a salon, but not overwhelming. Normally the anti dandruff shampoos I've used is thick and smells like laundry softener. I was able to use half the amount too. It lathered up nicely and I didn't have any issues with rinsing it out of my hair. Afterwards, after drying my hair, my hair felt smooth. After using it for a week, I noticed that my scalp stopped itching."

Amazon

Best ketoconazole formula: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Gets to the root of dandruff, clinically proven

Cons: Can be drying with very consistent (every day) use

Promising review: "The shampoo has a fresh, pleasant scent that makes my hair smell clean without being overpowering. I also appreciate that it lathers well and rinses out easily, leaving my hair feeling soft and manageable. It’s a bit pricier than regular shampoos, but it's worth it for the results. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with dandruff!"

Amazon

Best gentle formula: Head & Shoulders BARE Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Minimal additives, hydrating, eco-friendly packaging

Cons: Longer rinse time

Promising review: “If you are looking for an anti dandruff shampoo that is not harsh on the scalp, I constantly recommend Head & Shoulders BARE," says Dr. Tomassian. "It's an effective yet simple formula with nine working ingredients, including the dandruff-fighting active zinc pyrithione (ZPT), so your dandruff will be controlled and you’ll still have a moisturized scalp.”

Amazon

Best clinical strength formula: Selsun Blue Moisturizing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Pros: Clean formula (no SLS, parabens, phosphates, and phthalates), hydrating

Cons: Strong scent

Promising review: "What I love most about Selsun Blue is its reliability. Over the years, I’ve tried various other brands and products, but I always return to this one. The shampoo has a pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering, and it lathers well, ensuring that my hair and scalp are thoroughly cleaned. Even during harsh winter months, when my dandruff tends to worsen, Selsun Blue keeps it under control. I’ve recommended this shampoo to friends and family, and they’ve all experienced similar positive results."

Subscribe to our newsletter to read up on more of the best beauty products across hair care, skincare, and makeup!

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

hair careskincaredry skinshampooscalp treatmentsbeauty

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

  • Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
  • He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
  • The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

twitter.com

We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

twitter.com

Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

twitter.com

Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

twitter.com

Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

pop cultureentertainmentmovie

The Vanilla Girl Gift Guide: Cozy Finds for a Calm and Minimalist Holiday

If you're unsure what the Vanilla Girl Aesthetic is, it's all about clean lines, neutral colors, cozy vibes, and minimalist style. If you aren't a Vanilla Girl yourself, you've likely got a few of them on your holiday gift list, and this is the ultimate gift guide for them. Calming candles, cozy sweaters, and the cutest, trendiest socks are all on TikToker's top Vanilla Girl lists, so we've made sure to find the best versions of each to curate a well-rounded guide to gifting for your fave Vanilla Girl.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

These Socks Are a Luxury for Your Feet

Amazon

These fuzzy socks are just the right amount of soft and comfy without being too thick and sweaty. These are great for a day lying around the house but also look great poking out of a pair of boots.

See it on Amazon

Give Them a Smooth Start With This Primer

Amazon

This No 7 primer is a brilliant option for your Vanilla Girl. The primer helps to even out skin texture and tone and gives a solid grip for your favorite foundation. It's made to give you that gorgeous, dewy look every time.

See it on Amazon

This Blanket Ladder Is a Vanilla Girl Must-Have

Amazon

This elegant blanket ladder is a great, Pinterest-beloved way to style and store all your favorite throw blankets. This ladder shows up all over the internet thanks to the effortless style it adds.

See it on Amazon

Put Them In the Holiday Mood With This Candle

Amazon

Sure, Santa's Workshop might not be real, but this Homesick candle can help you feel like it is. The natural, woodsy smell and the minimalist design make it a great buy for your Vanilla Girl.

See it on Amazon

Vanilla Girls Love This Lighter

Amazon

If there's one thing a Vanilla Girl loves, it's a candle. This flameless lighter is a dream buy for the candle lover in your life, instantly lighting all their favorite candles with no flame required.

See it on Amazon

Embrace Exfoliation With This Sea Salt Scrub

Amazon

This amazing coffee salt scrub lets you get deep exfoliation and lasting hydration. The vanilla-scented scrub is a must for really embracing those weekly "everything" showers.

See it on Amazon

These Long Socks Are an Essential

Amazon

Any Vanilla Girl would love to have these extra-long socks. These cozy socks look fantastic with loafers and a skirt, but they can be styled in all sorts of ways with all sorts of outfits.

See it on Amazon

This No 7 Foundation Was Made for the Dewy Look

Amazon

This liquid foundation gives incredible coverage that looks and feels natural. You can wear this without worrying about the product settling into fine lines or feeling heavy and chalky.

See it on Amazon

This Woven Basket Softens Any Room

Amazon

You can use this woven basket as the base of a Vanilla Girl gift basket. Or, you can gift this basket as great storage for their favorite throw blankets; it helps soften up a room and makes it feel cozier.

See it on Amazon

These Flannel Sheets Are a Neutral Dream

Amazon

Keep the Vanilla Girl on your list warm and toasty with this set of flannel sheets. These are a great way to create the best possible cozy environment for spending time curled up with a good book.

See it on Amazon

Relax and Unwind With This Weighted Blanket

Amazon

This knit weighted blanket is chunky, elegant, and a great way to relax and unwind when you've had a long day. The neutral color scheme makes it a great buy for the Vanilla Girl aesthetic.

See it on Amazon

This Bodywash Is Great for Sensitive Skin

Amazon

Smell like vanilla and roses with this gorgeous bodywash made for sensitive skin. The formula is lightly scented, so it won't irritate, and it leaves your skin smelling and feeling amazing.

See it on Amazon

Add Natural Radiance With This Illuminator

Amazon

Gift your Vanilla Girl this incredible Saie Illuminator and gift them the beautiful, radiant skin they're looking for. Minimal makeup required, minimal effort needed, but gorgeous, dewy results every time.

See it on Amazon

This Puffer Bag Was Meant for Chilly Days

Amazon

There's something about the puffer style that really works for the winter months. This puffer bag is one of our favorites, giving you all the storage space you need and more than enough style.

See it on Amazon

Create a Cozy Atmosphere With This Melter

Amazon

This warmer makes a fantastic gift for any friend, but especially for Vanilla Girls. Help them to create the coziest environment with this beautiful, elegant piece that looks good in any room.

See it on Amazon

You Can't Go Wrong With an Oversized Sweater

Amazon

This cozy sweater is the sort of piece you want to get lost in. Not only is it super comfortable and perfectly oversized, but it also comes in a range of beautifully minimalist and neutral colors.

See it on Amazon

These UGG Slippers Have Gone Viral

Amazon

TikTok can't get enough of these gorgeous UGG slippers. These are super stylish, look great with anything, and they've got thick soles, so you can wear them around the house or around town.

See it on Amazon

Get the Stanley In the Best Neutral Shade

Amazon

Did you know the famous Stanley Quencher comes in gorgeous, neutral tones? This white mug has been at the top of the Vanilla Girl gift list for a while now, and it's always sold out, so be sure to snag it while you can.

See it on Amazon

These New Balance Shoes Are a Neutral Dream

Amazon

Not only are the cream New Balance 237 V1's a perfectly shaded dream, but they're also incredibly comfortable. Customers love how durable and supportive they are, whether they're running errands or running a track.

See it on Amazon

These Thick Socks Were Made for Cozy Days

Amazon

Add these thick socks to your Vanilla Girl gift basket. You might not think socks make a great gift, but these are so thoughtful, so comfortable, and so trendy that they're going to impress the recipient.

See it on Amazon

This Gold Chain Is Beautifully Dainty

Amazon

This gorgeous herringbone chain can be styled with absolutely anything in their wardrobe, any day. It makes a great starter for a necklace stack or looks elegant and bold all on its own.

See it on Amazon

This Oversized Hoodie Is So Trendy

Amazon

The internet can't stop talking about this oversized hoodie. TikTok is full of girlies styling this hoodie with everything from skirts and cute heels or yoga pants and a great pair of fuzzy boots.

See it on Amazon

These Silken Pajamas Keep You Elegant While You Snooze

Amazon

These gorgeous silky pajamas are stylish, elegant, and they're great for lounging all day. If your Vanilla Girl is all about spending lazy days in bed, they're going to love these thoughtful jammies.

See it on Amazon

This Quilted Bag Set Is Stunning and Useful

Amazon

Gifting things that can be useful and stylish is the way to go. We love this gorgeous set of quilted makeup bags, and they're even better if you stash a few great Vanilla Girl makeup essentials inside before you wrap them.

See it on Amazon

This Candle Helps Them Keep Their Holiday Home Cozy

Amazon

We love this stunning soy candle. The cinnamon and vanilla blend turns their space into a warm haven they'll want to spend hours snuggled up in, reading books on a dreary, rainy day.

See it on Amazon

This Understated Necklace Is a Must

Amazon

You can't go wrong with minimal jewelry, and this understated necklace is one of our favorites. This gold heart adds a touch of sparkle and elegance to any outfit in your Vanilla Girl's wardrobe.

See it on Amazon

This Candle Looks and Smells Luxurious

Amazon

If you're creating a Vanilla Girl gift basket, this gorgeous matte candle is a great place to start. Both the scent and the look are luxurious and elegant and elevate any room you add it to.

See it on Amazon

This Oversized Sweater Looks Great With Jeans

Amazon

Honestly, this beautiful knit sweater looks great with anything, but we think it'll go best with jeans or leggings. This makes a really thoughtful gift for the girls in your life who like to keep it cozy wherever they go.

See it on Amazon

This Open Front Cardigan Is a Classic

Amazon

This cozy cardigan is a great addition to any wardrobe. The jacket looks great pulled over a loungewear set, styled with your work 'fit, or worn with your favorite go-to casual looks.

See it on Amazon

This Palette Gives a Soft, Glamorous Look

Amazon

This palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills has all the colors needed to create a dreamy, neutral, soft look. The glamorous colors are rich, pigmented, and blend beautifully for smokey looks.

See it on Amazon

Your Bed Should Be Dreamy

Amazon

This duvet set adds a lovely neutral color, plenty of warmth, and tons of style to your bedroom, making your setup as dreamy and cozy as possible. This is essential for the Vanilla Girl in your life.

See it on Amazon

Go for Baroque With This Necklace

Amazon

This necklace won't break the bank; it's a beautifully affordable way to add a dash of elevated glamor. This makes a great gift for the holidays and looks good with elegant necklace stacks.

See it on Amazon

These Cream Converse Look Just Casual Enough

Amazon

The best thing about these cream Converse is that they can be styled with anything in your wardrobe. The shoes are a classic that looks and feels comfortable and casual with your favorite dresses, jeans, and more.

See it on Amazon

This Cable Knit Sweater Is So Glamorous

Amazon

An oversized sweater is always a good idea, and we're pretty obsessed with this particular sweater. The cable knit makes it look dreamy and vintage, and the oversized fit gives it the boyfriend look.

See it on Amazon

This Highlighter Is Light and Bright

Amazon

Add a bit of dewy brightness to your makeup look with this Catrice liquid highlighter. This buy is great for adding to your Vanilla Girl gift basket, helping them get a beautiful, natural look in no time.

See it on Amazon

We Love This Puffer Jacket

Amazon

This gorgeous puffer jacket pairs well with practically anything. Your Vanilla Girl is going to want to live in this jacket; it feels as cozy as the bed they were forced to get out of this morning.

See it on Amazon

These Bedside Lamps Look Great in Any Room

Amazon

Overhead lighting is the bane of any Vanilla Girls' existence, which is what makes these beautiful little lamps such a great buy. They're elegant and easy to use, and your Vanilla Girl will love them.

See it on Amazon