7 #OOTDs for the Week: How to Take French Girl Stripes to the Next Level

Feb 02, 2015

You can’t think about French girl style without thinking about a striped tee. So, the wardrobe basic, along with easy jeans and a bright red lip, has become something of a uniform for whenever you want to channel their signature chic, effortless vibe. This week’s outfit inspiration is about finding next-level ways to style those stripes with help from some of the most stylish ladies on Instagram. Scroll through these seven #OOTDs for tips on new ways to wear the banded number guaranteed to get that all-coveted je ne sais quoi.

1. @itsmacailahmaxwell: Style blogger Macailah nails French-level cool with just one accessory: a denim jacket. Slip it on over stripes or toss it over your shoulder, and you’ll instantly feel fresh and springy.

2. @sixfeetwithheels: Keep cozy while looking totally chic by mixing casual staples like your striped tee and harem pants with luxe accessories. Besides the lace-up sandals and leather bag, style blogger Ashley makes the outfit with not one, but two gold cuff bracelets, a warrior-woman look that’s a must-try this season.

3. @mixtfashion: We’re used to the flawless combination of a moto jacket and our trusty striped tee, but fashion blogger Laura just earned all the style points by pairing it with a suede fringe coat. The combo is totally unexpected, and somehow feels even more effortless than the tried-and-true leather styling.

4. @styleonfriday: Style blogger My turns the entire trend on its head with her striped trouser look, and it’s the definition of classy cool. Not only are the tailored pants elegant themselves, they also seem totally versatile: we can picture them, along with the rest of her dressy outfit, paired with either strappy pumps or slip-on sneakers.

5. @lucitisima: Style blogger Lucita elevates a simple striped sweatshirt by pairing it with a voluminous circle skirt, creating a glamorously oversized silhouette with two pieces you’d never think would play nice together. Take the same kind of style risk with your slouchy banded tee and full midi skirt.

6. @tuulavintage: Embrace the power clash like fashion blogger Jessica and go for a stripes on stripes when you’re feeling bold. While this eye-catching combo may look tricky, it’s not: simply choose two garments with stripes of various widths for epic outfit results.

7. @luxeandlinen: We appreciate someone who truly commits to a look, and here, style blogger Eda goes full-on French girl. No detail is overlooked, from the tomboy hat to the vintage-feeling sunnies to the bedhead curls to the posh backback — you can’t help but think “Who’s that girl?” Clearly, she’s earned her stripes.

What Insta style stars do you follow? Do you do an #ootd on the regular? Tell us in the comments below, and be sure to tag your pics with @britandco for a chance to be featured in next week’s post.

3 Stylish Ways to Nail The Perfect Shirt Tuck

With the ever-increasing popularity of the high-waisted jean, it’s no wonder fashion girls want to show off their flattering contours by testing out every creative way to tuck in their tops. But even those that have masted the trend need a little guidance every now and then. So, as per usual, we’re here to help. Scroll on to learn a few simple tricks for conquering the cute tuck and seriously upping your personal 2018 style game.

The Front Tuck: Perhaps the most difficult to tackle, the front tuck is best achieved by tucking in your top completely and then untucking everything *except* the front quarter — about midway between your first and second belt loop from the front. This is a great way of highlighting a special belt buckle or embroidery or denim embellishments. Try this method with anything from a simple tank to a bulky (and oh-so-cozy) cable-knit sweater. There’s really nothing you can’t front tuck.

The Half-Tuck: Probably the most lazy-girl-inspired of the tucks, the half-tuck looks relaxed yet intentional and is pretty much just an all-around dope decision. As with the first method, tuck in your shirt completely before pulling out just a front eighth. Clearly, this looks works best with button-up blouses and more structured tops, but we challenge you to try anything! Pair with a cardigan or blazer to pull off a perfect blend of professional with a dash of messy.

The Full Tuck: We know, we know, it seems simple but somehow it doesn’t always feel simple to integrate into your outfit. Tuck your top tightly into whatever you’re sporting — be it a pencil skirt, trousers, or skinny 501’s — and then lift your arms up and hop on one leg. JK! But seriously, imagine you’re seeing Queen Bey slay the stage and she’s just asked you to put your hands in the air and then voilà, perfect full tuck look achieved!

Follow us on Pinterest for more trend-inspired tutorials!

Illustrations: Marisa Kumtong

Hallmark’s First-Ever Dating Show Is Coming So Soon

"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!

pop culture entertainment hallmark tv

You Can Now Hire an Instagram Husband (Or Wife!) Just in Time for NYFW

Sometimes, you get dressed and you want the whole world to see your super on-point outfit — not just those you come across on your commute. However, a simple selfie might not capture your whole look, and a mirror pic might not do the trick, either. That’s where an Instagram Husband or Wife (or, y’know, partner, for those of us who are non-binary) comes in — they’ll take a full-length picture for you to post across all your social media platforms to rack up all the likes you truly deserve. And now, for a limited time (September 7-15, to be exact), you can hire your very own Instagram Husband or Wife from Task Rabbit!

Task Rabbit is a service that allows you to hire people to do all the chores you don’t want to do — pick up your laundry, move your office supplies from your old building to the new one, hang your shelves and more. But this Fashion Week, they’ve gotten super creative with their offerings and have decided that what we all really need is some help taking #OOTD photos — and how can we argue with that? Your Instagram Husband or Wife will take photos for you, carry around extra clothes (and who knows, maybe even a Tide pen, just in case), edit photos for your liking and even press “Share” if you’re too busy to do it yourself. What a dream.

If you want to take advantage of this special offer, you’ll have to do it soon — Instagram Spouses are only available from September 7 through 15, and you know you wanna give this no-commitment relationship a shot.

What do you think of this deal? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photos via Taskrabbit)

ootd new york fashion week

12 "Outdated" Travel Destinations To Avoid In 2025 (Thanks, Overtourism!)

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!

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13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

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

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

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