25 Reasons We’re Obsessed With Embroidered Clothing

Nope, we’re not talking about your grandma’s embroidery (though we know you love her very much). We aretalking about the beautiful, unique and, most importantly, modern variety. You know, the kind that makes everyone automatically go, “GORGEOUS! Where’d you get it?!” Embroidered clothing is one of our favorite trends of the year, and here are 25 reasons why.

1. Curve Kimono with Embroidered Back ($86): Business in the front, party in the back. This is floral embroidery done seriously right.

2. Ikat Embroidered-Bib Tank Top ($54): We love the combination of the multicolored embroidery and the floral Ikat print. It’s super colorful, but in a subtle way.

3. Embroidered Shorts with Embellished Hem ($86): Embroidery and embellishment mirrors? Not only are these shorts totally fab, but they look amazing with that black off-the-shoulder top.

4. Embroidered Tulle Top ($20): We’ve always enjoyed jigsaw puzzles. Maybe that’s why we’re so fond of this delicate, mosaic-like top.

5. Allover Embroidered Bow Dress ($149): Okay, wait. This is the best floral dress EVER. Can you say bridal shower?

6. Flower Embroidered T-Shirt ($73): This sunny top fits right in with these current warm temps. Snag it before the summer’s over!

7. Vintage Fuchsia Embroidered Dress ($325): We know this is pretty pricey, but after taking a good look at the beautifully intricate embroidery, you’ll see why it’s worth every penny.

8. Curve Premium Embroidered Swing Dress ($124): Swing dresses are some of the most comfortable things in the entire world, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they aren’t stylish. This one, paired with some cute strappy sandals, would be an excellent choice for a casual outing.

9. Embroidered Open-Front Cardigan ($23): Pinch us; we must be dreaming. Have breathtaking, embroidered cardigans always been available at prices this affordable?

10. Premium Embroidered Shift Dress ($182): Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… we’d keep the jewelry light with this one. Though we’d never say no to bold red lips.

11. Placement Embroidered Shift Dress ($162): Neons and nudes are a popular mix. Probably because of how well they complement each other. Wear this wonderful shift dress to a daytime wedding.

12. Embroidered Woven Romper ($28): Cute and casual, just the way we like it. Embroidery doesn’t always have to be so fancy.

13. Sweatshirt with Geo-Tribal Embroidered Sleeves ($81): Never before has anyone looked this incredible in a sweatshirt. We’d recommend styling it exactly as pictured — with an edgy leather skirt!

14. Embroidered Organza Skirt ($25): Minis and midis are absolutely in this season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock lengths in between. This dainty skirt and that simple black crop top have a very modern Audrey Hepburn feel to them.

15. Embroidered Kimono ($124): That’s not a cape, silly. It’s a modern kimono, aka one of the cleverest ways to cover yourself up and stay cool at the same time.

16. Embroidered Skirt ($26): Zig zags on zig zags on zig zags. There’s so many things going on with this skirt, but they come together in such a delightful way. It just screams, “Party!”

17. Embroidered Pencil Skirt ($168): Pencil skirts have been a staple in women’s wardrobes for ages, probably because of the fact that they’re flattering for all shapes and sizes. And this one is no exception.

18. Sweater with Embroidered Sleeves ($27): These sleeves have a very art deco, Great Gatsby(the Baz Luhrmann version) look to them. We’re digging it!

19. Embroidered Peasant Top ($25): It’s colorful embroidery, executed in a completely not over-the-top manner. This simple peasant top has won our hearts over.

20. Embroidered Mesh Sleeve Pencil Dress ($111): Most of the embroidery has been floral or geometric so far, so it’s time to add some organic lines to the mix. Wear this stunning LBD to a cocktail party and you’ll be the center of attention.

21. Embroidered Mesh Peplum Top ($20): If you liked that sheer cardigan, you’ll definitely love this peplum top. Three cheers for mesh embroidery!

22. Cyndie Skirt ($58): Slips always seem to ride up, which completely defeats the purpose of even having one. Fortunately for us, this Cyndie skirt is cleverly lined with a pair of silky shorts. So sneaky!

23. Hey Love Embroidered Crop Top ($150): We really just can’t seem to get enough of this sheer embroidery! The transparent fabric is pretty modern, and the embroidery is slightly ornate, creating an attractively eclectic look.

24. Embroidered Cutwork T-Shirt Dress ($182): An embroidered cutwork dress? This is the stuff of our dreams.

25. Embroidered Woven Mini ($11): And finally, a woven mini that looks a bit like a quilt. Just because we kind of do miss our grandma’s embroidery and quilt-making.

What’s your take on this embroidery trend? Unfold your thoughts in the comments below!

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.