How to DIY a Tacky Holiday Sweater You’ll Actually Want to Wear

Roxy Taghavian
Dec 04, 2015

‘Tis the season to wear ugly sweaters — the fashion-must of the holidays. We know there are plenty of incredibly ugly holiday sweaters deep in the corners of thrift stores, but the truth is, these coveted knit frocks are often swooped up before December. That’s why we’re going to show you how to thrift any old sweater and turn it into the best ugly sweater at the party. Our friends at Savers are joining us today to wish you a holly jolly Thriftmas (it’s the best “find” of the year) and teach you the best way to DIY a tacky (yet somehow stylish) sweater. After all, thrift stores are the best places to look for holiday necessities like Secret Santa gifts, holiday decor, white elephant gifts and, of course, sweaters! The best part — you only need three materials to make your new favorite top.

And now for the slow-mo still shot version of the tutorial.

Can you believe THIS amazing sweater can be yours in just a few steps? Head to your local Savers store and grab a plain sweater. The Savers family of thrift includes Value Village, Village des Valeurs and Unique Thrift, with more than 330 awesome locations in the United States, Canada and Australia!

Materials and Tools:

— red knit sweater

— ribbon

— bells

— fabric glue

Instructions:

1. Weave the ribbon through the holes in the sweater right below the collar. We wove ours in a braided fashion. Trim and glue the end of the ribbon to the sweater.

2. Lay out a pattern of bells on your sweater and glue them in place. Make sure to let the glue dry for the recommended time listed on the manufacturer’s directions. Most likely, you’ll need to let it set overnight.

3. Wear your sweater and get to that party!

Weave your ribbon through the holes in the sweater. You might have to stretch them slightly, but that’s okay. Your sweater won’t be harmed in the process. As you can see, we wove ours in a braided pattern right below the collar. Trim and glue the ends to secure the ribbon to the sweater.

You’re already halfway done!

We recommend laying out your pattern before you start gluing bells to your sweater. That way you can play around with the design and chose the one you like best.

Be sure to let the sweater dry completely before you wear it. You don’t want any of those bells to fall off!

Add a few accessories, like a mistletoe headband, and head to the party!

You’re guaranteed to get a holiday smooch in this attire!

What other materials would you glue to this sweater? Show us your thrift store finds and embellishments using the hashtag #iamcreative and connect with Savers @SaversVVillage.

This post is a collaboration with Savers.

DIY Production and Styling: Alonna Morrison

Photography: Chris Andre

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

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Andrew Garfield’s Chicken Shop Date Is So Freakin’ Flirty We Can’t Look Away

Internet fans rejoice! The one date we've been waiting two years for has finally arrived: Andrew Garfield and Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date. The two stars first connected in 2022 on the GQ Men of the Year Awards red carpet, which Garfield attended and Dimoldenberg hosted. Fans honed into their chemistry immediately and, just like Dimoldenberg, started begging for the We Live in Time actor to make an appearance on her Chicken Shop Date web series.

And when they ran into each other again on the 2023 Golden Globes carpet? It was rom-com levels of adorable! "We must stop meeting like this," Andrew Garfield joked. And I think Amelia Dimoldenberg — who is the last word in confidence and boldness — clearly made him nervous because it didn't take long for him to start tripping over his words. "I only ever want to see you," he says, then grabs her hand and laughs as he clarifies he wants to see her "in these kinds of situations."

“'I only ever want to see you' would simply make me pass away, she’s so strong," one TikToker said in the comments, while another asks "why did this have ME blushing." Same y'all.

But the plot thickens because during the long-awaited Chicken Shop Date, Andrew Garfield actually tells Amelia Dimoldenberg they could have gone on a real date (you know, without all the lights, camera, action).

“Don't, like, bring out a ring or get down on one knee, I'm not in the mood today," Dimoldenberg jokes at the beginning of the video. "It's been vibey to the point where you've been avoiding me for two years because the vibes were too much for you to handle, so I'm actually surprised you're here."

After playing a game of "Snog, Marry, Avoid" with Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland, and herself (he picked her to avoid), Garfield says, "This is called flirting Amelia. This is actually a first date." Does this prove men never really stop teasing the girls they like?

"I actually believe, maybe, we could've [gone on a real date]," he adds, "without all of this." Um hello?! I need these two to go on a real date ASAP.

The Chicken Shop Date comes after Amelia Dimoldenberg told Drew Barrymore she'd recently kissed someone. "I'm feeling really good about being single at the moment, but that's because I kissed someone recently," she said. When Barrymore presses for more info ("With tongue?"), she adds, "Yeah, with tongue."

Get it girl!

Obsessed with the immaculate combo of chicken and interviews? Check out The Best 'Hot Ones' Episodes To Binge When You're Feeling Spicy!

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We Tested This Viral Lip Gloss On Four Different Skin Tones – Here Are The Results!

City Beauty
beauty products

We love a good beauty hack, from time-saving tips to discovering new beauty finds that make us feel confident and glowy for the season.

The B+C edit team recently swapped out our summer lip routine for City Beauty’s new plumping gloss, City Lips Sparkling Cider, and City Lips Night Oil, a smooth exfoliator that hydrates your lips while you sleep. I’m literally obsessed with it! They’re both Leaping Bunny-certified (AKA cruelty-free), and made without irritants or harsh chemicals. Plus, they plump more and more over time.

We all agreed the color looked great on our respective skin tones and the plumping factor didn’t sting like other plumping glosses. “I seriously can't believe it doesn't tingle when you apply it!,” said Jasmine, our staff editor. Read on for our full review of the City Lips Sparkling Cider plumping gloss and City Lips Night Oil, plus other City Beauty products!

Mallory Levy, Editorial Social Lead

The Cider lipgloss is great to have on hand in your car or on your desk for those last-minute touch-ups before your next Zoom call. “I love the soft sparkle. It’s not too flashy for work or casual outfits,” says Mallory. “It’s a great daytime shade to wear on no or light makeup days so I don’t look dead on Zoom calls.” LOL. It looks great layered on top of a base shade too. “I wore it on my anniversary and my husband loved it, “ says Mallory, who celebrated her first wedding anniversary. “He never notices my makeup!” She also found it less sticky than other lipglosses, which is a bonus when you have long hair on windy days.

Jasmine Williams, Staff Writer

Jasmine, who tends to avoid color on her lips, loves the color for fall. “I usually rely on clear lip oils whenever I wear makeup, but I can't get over how much Sparkling Cider reminds me of a golden sunset.” SAME. “Considering it's a plumping lip gloss, I'm shocked at how moisturizing it is. I only needed one coat to get the job done, but the smooth application made me add a few more.”

We all agreed there was no tingling effect, which was awesome. “It's not super sticky like some lip glosses tend to be,” adds Jasmine. “I can see myself reaching for Sparkling Cider no matter which fall outfit I choose to wear.”

Meredith Holser, Affiliate Writer

“I love the plumping component,” says Meredith. “I can definitely tell it’s working when I put it on, but it’s not overly distracting or painful. Plus, I notice a difference in the volume of my lips after applying!”

The color is also an ideal match for Meredith’s skin tone and lip color, though a bit more shimmery than the lip products she typically uses. I personally love the shimmer and it’s not too overwhelming. Meredith also really liked the City Lip Lip Oil. “The scent is very unique, almost floral,” she says. “The oil is definitely thicker than other lip oils I’ve tried, which is nice for the long-wear since you’re meant to apply it at night and let it soak in.”

Theresa Gonzalez, Branded Editor

As someone with naturally thin lips, I love the lip oil too and agree it feels weightier than other oils, which is part of its appeal. The gloss color is super pretty over my neutral base, especially for a fall look.

As the only (tired) mom on the edit team, I appreciated the Lid Lifting Treatment and was surprised how quickly I noticed a lift! I applied it at night and in the morning with a small dab on my lids, and I felt that I looked visibly more awake! It nourishes your skin too to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes a great primer for eye makeup too.

Want to try it yourself? Upgrade your lip routine this fall with City Beauty’s new City Lips Sparkling Cider plumping lipgloss, and City Lips Night Oil!

Photos by B+C Edit team

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


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Apparently Millie Bobby Brown And Jake Bongiovi Are "Totally Awesome" As A Married Couple

We were thrilled when Stranger Things breakout star Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi (yes, the son of singer and musician Jon Bon Jovi) announced their engagement last year. The couple announced their exciting news on Instagram, each posting photos of their smiles, and the stunning ring front and center. And now they've officially had a wedding ceremony! Keep reading to see everything we know about their gorgeous wedding day and lives newlyweds!

How do Millie Bobby Brown And Jake Bongiovi interact as a married couple?

www.instagram.com

It seems like Chris Pratt has exclusive intel because he got to see Millie Bobby Brown interact with Jake Bongiovi while they were filming The Electric State. It's apparent Chris and Millie have struck up a friendship full of praise for each other as the former raved about how amazing the Damsel actress is.

"She has such a huge heart, such a love for animals, such a love for her now-husband, Jake, who was on set every day," he said (via PEOPLE). He added that Millie and Jake are "totally awesome and normal people who live extraordinary lives."

In true Chris Pratt fashion, the actor concluded by telling Millie they're going to be friends forever. "...you can't get rid of me." I wonder if that means we'll see Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi go on doubles with Chris Pratt and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger in the future!

How is Millie Bobby Brown adjusting to married life?

Getty Images For Netflix

The actress has kept quiet about married life, but she recently shared a carousel on Instagram that hints she's doing amazing. She took fans BTS of life on the set of Stranger Things 5 and snapped a photo that appears to be on a blackboard. I don't know if she wrote "Millie Bobby Brown Bongiovi" in black marker or not, but it's clear she's proud to take on her husband's last name.

It seems like other fans couldn't get over seeing that pic because the comments about it are full of excitement. Fans think her name is "so powerful" and "sweet" which coincides with how everyone feels about her return as Eleven in Stranger Things.

Did Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have a second wedding?

www.instagram.com

While the couple was legally and officially married, they celebrated with their closest friends and family with an intimate (and gorgeous, I might add) ceremony in the Tuscan hills of Italy. Millie donned 3 different looks for the occasion, while looking absolutely remarkable! Her main dress, a corseted flowing dream was made by none other than Oscar de la Renta. Afterwards, she wore a tiered sheer dress, the quickly changed into a fun, mini dress for the after party!

The two looked as in love as ever at their lavish ceremony, while none other than "Papa" Matthew Modine, Millie's Stranger Things co-star, officiated the ceremony! The pictures, posted by the couple, showed the stunning countryside of Italy that looked straight out of a movie! Jake posted the photos with the caption, "forever and always, your husband." Could they BE any cuter?!

We're so happy for this gorgeous couple on their big day!

Did Millie Bobby Brown get married?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Yes, Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi are married! Jon Bon Jovi confirmed that the two had tied the knot on an episode of BBC's The One Show. "They're great," says Jon. "They're absolutely fantastic. It was a very small family wedding, and the bride looked gorgeous, and Jake is happy as can be. It's true."

And thanks to The Sun, we know that Jon's wife Dorothea Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown's parents were also reportedly in attendance. While Millie has joked that her Stranger Things costar Matthew Modine (who plays Papa on the show) would officiate the ceremony, there's no word on whether any of her friends were at the wedding.

But The Sun also reports that the couple is having a larger ceremony later this year — now THAT'S a party I want to see! "Millie and Jake quietly said their vows in America last weekend," a source says. “They are planning a bigger ceremony in the US later this year but now they have legally married and done all the paperwork. It was a very low-key, romantic affair with their closest family with them as they said their vows.”

How did Millie Bobby Brown get engaged?

Todd Owyoung/NBC

During an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Millie Bobby Brown finally spilled the details Jake Bongiovi's proposal, and TBH I totally did not see it coming. "Basically, Jake and I bonded over diving," she says. "He was like, 'Mill, you've got to be up at 8 AM, we're going on a dive'...So we go under and we're many meters down, and he gives me a shell and I turn it over and it's a ring."

"He puts the ring on my hand, and as I go to show him, the ring falls off my finger," she continues. "Jake threw himself into the [water] so deep...He does a cinematic grab, opens [his hand], and he saved the ring." This is one proposal story I could hear over and over again!

When did Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi start dating?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have dated since late 2021, but romance rumors swirled once the couple started posting pictures of each other in June 2021. The engagement sparked many reactions from fans, considering their shorter dating-to-engagement timeline and the couple’s ages at the time, Brown (19) and Bongiovi (20).

"Endlessly in love with the year I've had!" Millie says in a 2023 New Years Day Instagram post. "Grateful for my friends, family, donkey (bernard), my doggies, my puppies teeth, and my partner for life. here's to another year with you and the wonderful people and animals around us 🤍 let's do it again but better!"

What did Millie Bobby Brown wear to her engagement party?

Image via Buster Knight/Instagram

Brown wore a Giambattista Valli lace set that we're absolutely obsessed with, and used her own florence by mills line for her makeup!

One user commented on Popsugar's announcement, "Anyone else think he looks like Flynn Rider from Tangled?" and now we're totally getting Flynn and Rapunzel vibes.

What have Millie's friends said about the engagement?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

The actress’ friends were quick to congratulate the duo on Instagram. TV personality Jess Wright wrote in the comments section, “Ommmmggggg congratulations!!!!!!!!! @milliebobbybrown this is amazing. So so happy for you darling 🎊✨🤍.” Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, shared her well wishes and wrote, “!!!! Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” Sister Tilly Ramsay also chimed in, adding “Congratulations ❤️!! Xx.”

See Jake Bongiovi And Millie Bobby Brown's Engagement Photos

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Jake Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown are all smiles in their engagement photos, and I am love seeing how happy they are! "I've loved you three summers now, honey, I want 'em all," Millie says in her Instagram post. Considering this is a nod to Taylor Swift's Lover, it makes us love Millie even more!

Standing on a beach, Jake wears a white button down while Millie wears a classic slicked back bun, lacy top, and glazed donut nails. If you ask me, these are the PERFECT summer outfits and I want to replicate them ASAP!

What did Millie Bobby Brown do on her birthday?

Image via Millie Bobby Brown/Instagram

Millie Bobby Brown celebrated her 20th birthday on February 19, 2024 at Cathédrale Restaurant in New York, and was surrounded by her closest loved ones for the occasion. She was seen smiling happily next to Jake Bongiovi and we pinched ourselves because they're so adorable together!

Aside from that, Millie Bobby Brown wore the cutest satin mini dress that looks fit for a bride. Could this be a nod to her wedding dress?

Congrats to the happy couple! 💗

Stay updated on all things celebrity news with Brit + Co and subscribe to our newsletter.

This post has been updated.

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Okay, I Can’t Wait To See Why ‘Knives Out 3’ “Scared” This Major Star

Babe wake up, Knives Out 3 is officially on its way! It's been almost two years since we saw Benoit Blanc solve his second case in Netflix's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The film (which stars Janelle Monae, Madelyn Cline, and Kathryn Hahn) followed a case of secret identities, intrigue, and also received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, NBD. On May 24, 2024 Netflix confirmed that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is coming, and on June 10, they confirmed filming began outside London! Here's everything you need to know about the movie, including a first look at the characters.

What is the movie Wake Up Dead Man about?

Lionsgate

Daniel Craig narrates the official Instagram announcement, saying, "In the beginning, the knives came out. Then, behold, the glass was shattered. But my most dangerous case yet is about to be revealed." The title Wake Up Dead Man definitely sounds scary, so I wouldn't be surprised if the story took place around a graveyard.

I'm expecting it to be extra spooky after actor Josh Brolin (who you'll recognize from Dune and as the voice of Thanos) told New York City Comic Con that the story "scared" him.

"I read it and I was just like, 'God, this is so well written. We just don't read things like this anymore,'" he said during the panel (via People). "It turned out that it was a cast, a lot of people who I had worked with, a lot of people who I loved and hadn't met yet, like Andrew Scott and Josh O'Connor, and people like that...Then doing it turned out, I mean, still one of my favorite jobs that I've ever had."

"I can't say what I played," he continued. "It scared me, which I wanted to be scared."

See Josh O'Connor On The Set Of Knives Out 3!

www.tiktok.com

TikTok · joshurro🥨

We finally have our first look at Josh O'Connor on the set of Knives Out 3, and it's totally giving Fleabag's Hot Priest (IYKYK). This seems to confirm my personal hope and theory the movie would be set around a graveyard, and it's also the second time Josh has played a priest. He starred in 2020's Emma as Mr. Elton!

Your First Look At Knives Out 3

Netflix

Benoit Blanc is debuting a brand new look in the new Knives Out movie. The black and white filter goes perfectly with the Wake Up Dead Man title, and is also reminding me a bit of Frankenstein.

Is there going to be a Knives Out 3?

Image via Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Knives Out 3! Netflix bought the rights to at least two more Knives Out movies following the success of the first film in the fall of 2019. And on May 24, the official Instagram account confirmed the third movie, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, will be hitting our screens soon. The movie will feature Benoit Blanc's "most dangerous case yet."

When is Knives Out 3 coming out?

Netflix

Knives Out 3 is coming in 2025. While we don't have a specific release date yet, the title and graphics for Wake Up Dead Man is definitely giving spooky Halloween vibes. Hopefully we can add it to our list of our Favorite Halloween Movies!

Will Wake Up Dead Man be on Netflix?

Yes, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will be available to stream on Netflix.

Who's in the cast of Knives Out 3?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Our first Knives Out 3 cast members are here! In addition to Daniel Craig, we'll see Challengers' Josh O’Connor and Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny. Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church are also in the cast of Knives Out 3!

Considering the franchise has Madelyn Cline, Chris Evans, Janelle Monae, and Ana de Armas, I knew Netflix wouldn't disappoint!

Is Knives Out 1 connected to Knives Out 2?

Lionsgate

Knives Out 2 is a standalone sequel to the first Knives Out movie. So Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc helps with each case, even if the rest of the characters don't know each other. I'm expecting Knives Out 3 to follow that same format.

What do you want to see in Knives Out 3? Let us know in the comments!

Lead image via Netflix

This post has been updated.

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