4 Ways to Embellish Your Jeans With Studs + Leather

As you may know, Forever 21 is a close friend of our closets. We love how their pieces are always on trend and at a great value. Well guess what? They just let us know that their 17.90 denim collection has just added five new washes, including light denim, light gray, light gray acid, medium denim, and light denim acid. We’ll be the first to say that these high-waisted denim jeans are incredibly comfortable and stretchy. A true denim dream.

We teamed up with the folks at Forever 21 to create four fun embellishments to make your denim your own. We even hosted a couple par-DIYs in San Francisco and New York to show makers, bloggers and other creative folks how to DIY it up. Scroll on to the bottom of this post to see a few snapshots from both events.

Now let’s get to the DIY.

Materials:

– Forever 21 17.90 denim

– studs

– leather

– fabric

Tools:

– hot glue + hot glue gun

– pliers

– scissors

We stocked up on studs, faux leather and a gorgeous patterned print.

Cuff the bottom on the jeans and cut out a piece of leather the size of your cuff. Ours was about 2 x 4 inches. Place hot glue on the seams and attach the leather. Notice that you won’t want to cover the seams. These jeans are super stretchy so you’ll need to leave room to let the jeans stretch!

Leather + Stud Cuffs

Then take your studs and create a pattern to embellish the outside seam. Poke the studs all the way through and use the pliers to bend down the arms of the stud.

Leather + studs always make for a stellar combo. We are loving the juxtaposition of mixed metals and dark jeans.

Cut a piece of fabric that is about 2 x 4 inches. Cuff the bottom of your jeans and place hot glue on the seams. Attach fabric to the front and back of the cuff. Remember to leave a gap at the seams for stretching room.

Patterned Fabric Cuffs

Why not stud all the way down the side?! Use your studs to create a pattern. Stab them through the jeans and then bend the arms using the pliers. Make sure you bend the arms of the stud really well because you wouldn’t want them to poke and scratch your skin while you’re wearing them. Eek!

Stud Machine

Uh, yeah. We are all about the studs.

Were those studs not enough for you? Well, we have a great solution. These studs come attached to one another, which makes them EXTREMELY easy to apply. Cut the thickness you want for your cuff and attach to the seams using hot glue. Do not wrap all the way around the cuff. Leave some room for stretch at the seams.

Studs to the MAX

Stud central, baby.

We can’t even begin to pick a favorite.

Studs, fabric, leather, or all together — you decide!

These jeans will cover all of your favorite looks, from boho chic to glam gal!

The patterned fabric jeans paired perfectly with belted booties. Remember those?! Oldie but EXTREME goodie!

Styling secret: studs don’t have to be edgy. We paired the studded seam pants with a cute crocheted top and patterned sneakers for a more laid back feel.

t-shirt fringe necklace

snap-top-shoulders t-shirt.

Remember those events we mentioned? Here are a few snaps from the San Francisco event, right here at Brit + Co.

Jeans for days — loving all those washes!

Loving those pocket accents on the pair of jeans on the bottom left.

Have you ever DIYed your jeans? Share photos with us using the hashtag #iamcreative.

There are so many ways you can reach customers today, from online marketplaces to social media platforms, websites and beyond. But which is right for you? To keep up with the fast-paced world of online selling, you want to explore ways to stand out in your market and create new revenue streams. A unique way that’s proven to be fun and actually effective for many small businesses? Live selling.

What exactly is live selling? Think of it as your own online show, where you invite new and loyal customers to chat and join in a livestreamed auction of whatever you’re selling. Entrepreneurs sell everything from trading cards, comic books, and memorabilia to fashion, beauty, electronics, and even live plants on Whatnot’s livestream platform. They share product details in real-time, chatting directly with potential buyers, and selling to the highest bidder.

Here are five reasons why small business owners are loving Whatnot to build their business, grow their online community, and connect with their customers.

1. Create new revenue streams

As a small business owner, you want to look for additional ways to boost your income or diversify your revenue streams. With Whatnot, you can tap into the rapidly growing livestream shopping market and boost your bottom line. In fact, according to Whatnot’s State of Livestream Selling Report, 66 percent of Whatnot sellers earn more than $10,000 per month through livestream selling, and one in four sellers report making over $300,000 each year! That’s a pretty sweet side hustle, andyou may even find it’s your favorite way to sell.

2. Build your community

Whatnot isn’t just a sales platform; it’s a space where you can build a strong community. Through livestream selling, you can connect with customers in real-time, build meaningful relationships, and host dynamic auctions or flash sales – turning sales into engaging experiences that drive loyalty and repeat business.

3. Reach a wider audience

Finding the right customers is critical, and your odds are better when you can reach a broader audience instantly. Whatnot’s interactive format lets you share your product or service with millions of users. Livestreaming offers a way to reach potential customers who may not have discovered your business through traditional channels.

4. Make selling and buying more fun!

Whatnot takes e-commerce to the next level by making sales more interactive and fun. Livestream selling turns ordinary sales into exciting events, with real-time auctions, flash sales, and engaging chats. This approach not only boosts sales but also creates memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

5. Stay competitive

By offering a platform that blends community and commerce, Whatnot empowers small business owners to scale faster, adapt to market changes, and stay competitive. The sense of community is an element that makes the sale less transactional and more relational. And that’s good for business!

Learn how to become a seller on Whatnot today – it’s a total game changer!

It Ends With Us fans probably all remember where they were when news broke that Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively's rumored feud from the movie set had evolved into a full-on legal battle. While the movie released in August 2024, news continues to release in 2025 about their ongoing lawsuits.

Here's the full timeline of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal battle surrounding It Ends With Us.

A Definitive Timeline of The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Feud

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

August 6, 2024 — The It Ends With Us New York premiere

Fans first noticed something was off between the It Ends With Us cast (specifically Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni) when they realized Blake Lively, Brandon Skelnar, Jenny Slate, and Colleen Hoover don't follow Justin on Instagram. And when Justin didn't take any photos with the cast and his onscreen sister Jenny dodged a question about him? It only added fuel to the fire.

In a 2025 lawsuit (more on that later), Justin claimed that Blake “initially refused to permit his attendance.”

“The Wayfarer team and their families, including Baldoni and [producer Jamey] Heath, were segregated from the main cast, barred from the exclusive after-party, and forced to organize their own event at additional cost,” the lawsuit says. “Baldoni’s participation on the red carpet was cut short, and his family and friends were confined to a makeshift holding area in the basement before being escorted into a separate theater after Lively’s departure.”

Sony Pictures

August 8, 2024 — Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's film publicity starts to clash

The divide between Blake and Justin only appeared deeper when Blake started promoting the movie like a lighthearted rom-com, telling viewers to "grab your friends and wear your florals," while fans thought Justin took the movie's message of domestic violence awareness more seriously.

"This is a night for all the women who we made this movie for," he told ET during the premiere. "If a Lily Bloom in real life can sit in this theater and maybe make a different choice for herself than was made for her, maybe she sees herself on that screen and chooses something different for herself, that's why I made the movie."

The Hollywood Reporteralso revealed there might have been two different cuts of the movie, citing creative differences between Justin and Blake, while sources told Page Six Sony Pictures went with the "more feminine cut."

Sony Pictures Releasing

August 9, 2024 — Sources say Justin Baldoni was "borderline abusive" during filming

After THR suggested there were creative differences, source straight-up told The Daily Mail that Justin was "chauvinistic" and "borderline abusive" while the cast was filming.

Meanwhile, an It Ends With Us on-set source told Page Six that "the tension was so obvious.”

“Once [Blake] was done with the scene she was really impatient, said, ‘Am I done? Can I go?,’ and as soon as they said ‘yes,’ there was like a Blake-size hole in the wall...She was so outta there."

Blake Lively/Instagram

August 13, 2024 — Blake Lively shares domestic violence resources to Instagram

Blake Lively ended up sharing resources on August 13, offering ways her followers could get "immediate help."

"1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime," she says in the Instagram story. "Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.

Sony Pictures Releasing

August 14, 2024 — TMZ reports that Blake Lively felt "fat-shamed"

By the middle of August, rumors were circulating that Justin Baldoni made Blake Lively feel uncomfortable in her postpartum body (she gave birth to baby Olin in February 2023; the movie started filming in May 2023), and that he asked an on-set trainer for her weight before he had to pick her up for a scene (although, Justin reportedly has back problems and didn't want to injure himself). Blake also reportedly felt like the actor & director lingered too long during a kissing scene.

Justin Baldoni later claimed Ryan Reynolds responded so "aggressively" that Justin "felt compelled to offer repeated apologies.”

Sony Pictures Releasing

August 20, 2024 — Brandon Sklenar breaks his silence on the It Ends With Us drama

Brandon Sklenar posted a statement to Instagram at the end of August, saying "Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves."

"What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film," he continues. "There isn't a single person involved in the making of this film that was not aware of the responsibility we had in making this...All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it is helping."

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

September 10, 2024 — Blake Lively was "Surprised" at the It Ends With Us drama

After the internet seemingly turned on her overnight ahead of the movie's release, a source told Peoplethat Blake Lively was "pretty surprised at the backlash and drama," which "felt out of control to her."

"She initially felt very vulnerable and upset," the source continued. "During the promotion of the movie, not one day went by when she was not in the news in an unfavorable light. She's just not used to this kind of drama."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 4, 2024 — Justin Baldoni reveals he had a "near breakdown" after filming with Blake Lively

In an interview with the How to Fail podcast, Justin revealed just how difficult it was to decompress after playing a character like Ryle. "That was very hard and honestly, that took a few months," he says. "I had dreams as him for a while, and it lived in my body, but I think for the most part, he's out."

"I've done a lot of somatic therapy so there were times when I was actually just shaking," he continues. "There's a moment in the movie where Ryle finds Lily's phone and he finds a phone number and he's very jealous and he's heartbroken and he's angry and he doesn't harm her but you can see in his eyes how dangerous he is. After that scene, I had a near breakdown."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 21, 2024 — Blake Lively alleges Justin Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign in the New York Times

Blake Lively sent the internet into a tailspin when she published messages between Justin Baldoni, publicists, and legal team members in the New York Times, reporting they were behind a smear campaign against her.

Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman told People the claims are "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt," to which Blake's legal team held firm that "this is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation."

“Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set," the statement continues. “Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry. A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct."

An insider told People that Blake "still believes she's doing the right thing. She's ready to tackle whatever comes her way."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 21, 2024 — Justin Baldoni is dropped by his agency

After Blake's accusations were published, Justin was then dropped by his agency, WME.

Shortly after, Liz Plank, a cohost on Justin's podcast Man Enough, left the show.

Cindy Ord & Lia Toby/Getty Images

December 23, 2024 — Brandon Sklenar shows support for Blake Lively

After Blake Lively's NYT piece went live, Brandon shared a screenshot to his Instagram story, writing "For the love of god read this" as the article link text.

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

December 23, 2024 — Blake Lively's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars speak out

Blake's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars, Alexis Bledel, America Ferrera, and Amber Tamblyn, also showed support for the actress and posted a joint statement.

"As Blake's friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation," the statement reads. "Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice."

"Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding," they continue. "We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."

Sony Pictures Releasing

December 24, 2024 — Justin Baldoni's former publicist sues him

Ahead of the Christmas holiday, Stephanie Jones, Justin's former publicist, sued him, claiming that Justin, Jennifer Abel, and Melissa Nathan really did orchestrate a smear campaign without her knowing about it.

"Defendants Abel and Nathan secretly conspired for months to publicly and privately attack Jones and Jonesworks, to breach multiple contracts and induce contractual breaches, and to steal clients and business prospects," Stephanie's complaint read. "Behind Jones' back, they secretly coordinated with Baldoni and Wayfarer to implement an aggressive media smear campaign against Baldoni's film costar, and then used the crisis as an opportunity to drive a wedge between Jones and Baldoni, and to publicly pin blame for this smear campaign on Jones — when Jones had no knowledge or involvement in it."

Sony Pictures Releasing

January 7, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's lawyer responds to the NYT piece

After the new year, Bryan Freedman, Justin Baldoni's lawyer, told People, "It is painfully ironic that Blake Lively is accusing Justin Baldoni of weaponizing the media when her own team orchestrated this vicious attack by sending The New York Times grossly edited documents prior to even filing the complaint."

"We are releasing all of the evidence which will show a pattern of bullying and threats to take over the movie," he continues. "None of this will come as a surprise because consistent with her past behavior Blake Lively used other people to communicate those threats and bully her way to get whatever she wanted. We have all the receipts and more."

Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV

January 16, 2025 — Justin Baldoni brings Taylor Swift into the conversation

Justin responded to the New York Times allegations with his own 179-page, $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. And the lawsuit mentions Blake's BFF, Taylor Swift.

Justin claims he was invited to a meeting in Ryan and Blake's apartment with the couple and Taylor after he didn't enthusiastically accept Blake's rewrite of a scene. He says Blake described Taylor and Ryan in a subsequent text as "embarrassingly effusive" and her "most trusted partners." She allegedly wrote, "I think they wanted you and me to see how they felt about [the rewrites] because they've been by my side for far too many experiences where I've been overlooked."

Then, according to Justin, Blake texted, "If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you'll appreciate that I'm Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. you will too, I can promise you."

Yeah...allegedly Taylor didn't like that.

Courtesy of Bryan Freedman

January 21, 2025 — Justin Baldoni releases a behind-the-scenes It Ends With Us video

Near the end of January, Justin's legal team released a behind-the-scenes video to "refute" Blake's claim. "The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another. Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism."

However, Blake's team disagrees, telling Page Six that "the video itself is damning” and that “the released footage corroborates” her original lawsuit.

“The video shows Mr. Baldoni repeatedly leaning in toward Ms. Lively, attempting to kiss her, kissing her forehead, rubbing his face and mouth against her neck, flicking her lip with his thumb, caressing her, telling her how good she smells, and talking with her out of character,” the statement continues. “Every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance, and no intimacy coordinator present. Mr. Baldoni was not only Ms. Lively’s co-star, but the director, the head of studio and Ms. Lively’s boss.”

Sony Pictures Releasing

January 21, 2025 — Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seek a gag order for Justin Baldoni's lawyer

After Justin's video was released, Blake Lively's legal team sought a gag order against Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman. Justin's legal team told People that “Justin Baldoni and team has nothing to hide" and that they "have the right to defend themselves with the truth."

“This is what we will be continuing to show with the upcoming website containing all correspondence as well as relevant videos that quash her claims.”

Cindy Ord/Getty Images/Sony Pictures Releasing

January 23, 2025 — Colleen Hoover deactivates her Instagram account

Amid the ongoing legal battle surrounding It Ends With Us, the book's author Colleen Hoover deactivated her Instagram account.

"Colleen Hoover deactivated her IG after [Justin's video] came out now idk what the hell that’s supposed to mean," one X user tweeted. And with those rumors she was considering retiring from writing, I also don't know what to think.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

January 24, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's mom praises his "integrity"

In an Instagram post celebrating his birthday, Justin's mom reminded him that "life has its moments and also its surprises - as you keep your integrity through it all Justice and truth will shine today and into eternity."

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

January 28, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's apologizes to Blake Lively in leaked voice memo

In a voice memo seemingly referencing Blake Lively's It Ends With Us script rewrite, and Justin's response, the director apologized for his "fail."

He continues that while he's "a very flawed man as my wife will attest," and he's "gonna put my foot in my mouth [and] piss you off probably," he'll "always apologize and find my way back to center."

Cindy Ord/Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

January 30, 2025 — Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds move to dismiss Justin Baldoni's claim

At the end of January, Blake and Ryan made a move to dismiss Justin's original lawsuit.

Sony Pictures Releasing

February 1, 2025 — Justin Baldoni publishes 2 years' worth of texts and voice memos from It Ends With Us

Justin published TheLawsuitInfo.com, which contains both an amended complaint and full timeline of events — including text messages and emails (the latter of which seem to confirm Blake's confusing It Ends With Us costumes cost over half a million dollars).

Sony Pictures Releasing

February 3, 2025 — Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's judge warns their teams to rein in the PR war

Judge Judge Liman told both actors' teams to "rein in the public relations war outside the courtroom," according to People. He also told both lawyers they needed to work according to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, and avoid saying anything with a "substantial likelihood" of leading the jury to have a bias one way or the other.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

February 5, 2025 — Blake Lively gets sued (again)

At the beginning of February, Blake was sued by Jed Wallace, who was a part of Blake's own original lawsuit. Jed is looking to receive "at least $7 million and a court order stating that he didn’t engage in harassment or retaliation against the actress."

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

February 6, 2025 — Taylor Swift reportedly "feels used" by Blake Lively amid It Ends With Us feud

After those Game of Thrones texts were revealed, a source told Page Six Tay “can’t help but feel used” by Blake Lively as her legal battle with Justin Baldoni rages on, and that she “doesn’t appreciate being referred to as one of Blake’s dragons.”

Only time will tell if the singer gets deposed.

Sony Pictures Releasing

February 10, 2025 — A lawyer reveals why Justin Baldoni's website could "backfire"

Kevin Goldberg, Freedom Forum's Vice President and First Amendment expert, told Forbes why he thinks Justin's website is unexpected. "From a First Amendment point of view, that is unusual," the lawyer says. "Public figures don't usually win these cases and are not supposed to use the courts to try the case in the court of public opinion."

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

February 12, 2025 — Blake Lively's team files a subpoena

Blake Lively's team is prepared to bring receipts to their 2026 court date. “Ms. Lively has initiated discovery that will expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to ‘destroy’ and ‘bury’ her reputation and family over the past year,” Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, her lawyers, say. “We will now receive all of the ‘receipts’ that, unsurprisingly, are nowhere to be found on Mr. [Bryan] Freedman’s website, and like Ms. Lively, those ‘receipts’ will have their day in court.”

Sony Pictures Releasing

February 12, 2025 — Colleen Hoover returns to Instagram

Colleen Hoover also reactivated her Instagram on February 12 — without a photo with Justin or Blake in sight.

NBCUniversal Media

February 16, 2025 — Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds show up to SNL50 celebration

Blake and Ryan surprised us all when they showed up to the SNL50 celebration, especially when Ryan seemingly made a joke about the whole situation.

A source told People that "Blake felt a bit anxious about attending the SNL anniversary" but "she still thought it was the perfect opportunity to ease back into the spotlight."

"They had many friends attending, and as soon as they arrived, they received a warm welcome," the source continues. "It was a great event."

Sony Pictures Releasing

February 17, 2025 — Brandon Sklenar speaks on the feud

While on CBS Mornings, Brandon (who plays Atlas in the movie) said he wants "people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for, and just keeping the focus on that." And he also revealed he's "Team It Ends With Us" when asked if he sided with Blake or Justin.

Sony Pictures Releasing/NBCUniversal

February 18, 2025 — Blake Lively files an amended complaint

Blake Lively filed an amended complaint against Justin Baldoni on February 18, alleging two other actresses were "uncomfortable" on set — and could testify. She also revealed her kids are "traumatized" by the whole experience.

Lia Toby/Getty Images

February 19, 2025 — Justin Baldoni's lawyer says Blake's claim is "underwhelming"

Bryan Freedman, Justin's lawyer, spoke on Blake's amended complaint, claiming it's full of "unsubstantial hearsay."

"Since documents do not lie and people do, the upcoming depositions of those who initially supported Ms. Lively’s false claims and those who are witnesses to her own behavior will be enlightening," he said in a statement to THR. "What is truly uncomfortable here is Ms. Lively’s lack of actual evidence."

NBCUniversal

February 19, 2025 — A resurfaced clip of Justin Baldoni reveals he was "exhausted" before Blake Lively's lawsuit

In November 2024, Justin told Gent's Talk Podcast that he "wasn't in the best place" after an "intense" year, and that he still needed to "heal."

Sony Pictures Releasing/Jamie Squire/Getty Images

February 20, 2025 — Resurfaced clips prove Taylor Swift did actually have creative involvement in It Ends With Us

Despite reports Taylor wasn't involved in the creative process for It Ends With Us, Justin revealed in a resurfaced clip from 2024 that he showed Isabela Ferrer's (young Lily) casting tape to both Blake and Taylor. “They were both, like, ‘Yes! her,'” he said. “And that’s a true story.”

"She was a helpful part of the process of the audition, which I found out later after I got it and that rocked my world," Isabela told Extra at the movie's premiere.

Check Brit + Co for the latest update on Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's feud.

Whether she’s choosing the perfect ‘fit for a movie premiere, choreographing a music video, running a marathon, or sparking viral TikTok trends like “I don’t want it,” Anna Sitar brings authenticity, humor, and a genuine positivity to everything she does. It’s no wonder she has built a community of nearly 12 million followers on TikTok, or as she calls them, “friends,” and more than a million on Instagram.

Anna has always been passionate about staying true to herself and maintaining authenticity in her content creation. By doing so, she’s fostered a community that connects with her genuine self. Over time, she’s discovered various tools and techniques that help her share her best creative ideas with her audience. Anna attributes her ability to bring her creative visions to life in a way that represents her, to having full creative control when working with tools like Photoshop.

www.tiktok.com

Replying to @laurenashleygibbs ask and you shall receive 👀 spooky season is upon us so unleash that creativity with @Photoshop !! Update or download Photoshop using the link in my bio. #AdobePhotoshopPartner

10 million new friends

Anna first learned about Photoshop in high school. It fueled her passion for bringing her creative visions to life. Then, at the beginning of her grad school career, an exciting new opportunity to express herself came along when a friend told her about this new app called TikTok that was blowing up.

Anna was getting a masters in film and television production in Los Angeles, which, she says, “was a full 180 switch” after graduating in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“My mom and dad always instilled in me that you should take chances while you're young,” says Anna, who has always had a passion for multimedia.

She started playing around and making content on TikTok that felt natural to her creativity and sense of humor. Six months later, COVID hit, and she was sent back home to Michigan to study online.

“I was like, ‘you know what? I should really try this TikTok thing,” Anna recalls. It marked the beginning of her journey to establish herself as a content creator and commit to producing content consistently on the platform. She started doing fashion and makeup GRWM videos, and. music became a big inspiration for her during this. “I would create morning musicals where I make a music video out of my morning routine. Then, I started making these “I don't want it” videos,” she recalls, which ultimately took off as a major social trend.

While she says she was “mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to be some director's assistant for the next 10 years,” before she knew it, she had over 10 million friends on the app.

“It was such an incredible way to not only connect with people, but to share creativity and feel so freely self-expressive too. I'm so happy to be here,” she says. “TikTok reignited that creativity that I had as a kid,” she told us.

www.tiktok.com

out with brat summer, in with feral girl fall 🍂 whats your aesthetic this fall? @Photoshop #adobephotoshoppartner

It’s all about the (creative) process

Anna admits that she’s not really a planner. “My mom always jokes, ‘I get my best ideas when I'm sleeping,’ and I feel the same way,” she says. Her creative process always starts with whatever inspires her when she wakes up in the morning. Then she’s able to turn a creative idea into something that’s fun and silly and resonates with her audiences. And that’s why she works with tools like Photoshop, the ultimate image editing and design app, that lets her bring her creativity to life at the speed of her imagination whenever and whenever her inspiration strikes.

“Photoshop allows me to just have such creative freedom. It's such a powerful app and allows me to not only have precision and creative control, but it lets me bring ideas in my head to life. I love that it's something that connects all of us,” she says.

She’s able to take a photo or video and elevate it in a way that makes it even more beautiful and powerful than it was before. Photoshop can be used in so many ways during the creative process beyond photo editing – creating mood boards to kick off the creative process, graphic design for marketing and even for storyboards for videos. Photoshop has a diverse set of features that help with inspiration too. So what is her latest obsession with Photoshop?

“I'm obsessed with making collages – that's my new little love right now in life,” she says. When we spoke, she was getting ready for a spec shoot, and using Photoshop to put all of her ideas in one place, making sure colors worked well together and idealizing and expanding images. She was focused on building the flow of her video through inspirational imagery, so she could execute the perfect setups, fashion, theme and a plan to film her video. As a creator, she doesn’t just shoot and post, but loves to get creative with tools like Photoshop to bring a larger concept to life. “I love that I have an app that just allows me to expand further from just taking a photo and posting it on Instagram versus really bringing different ideas to life,” she adds.

Anna Sitar

Social media Dos and Don’ts

Anna is known for herrefreshing down-to-earth personality – you can feel it throughout her content. She’s really just herself and living her best life.

“Authenticity is an absolute DO,” she says. But that doesn’t mean you have to focus on just one aspect of yourself. “People often say to try to fit into a niche and I disagree. I don't think you should make content that's catered toward one idea. I think that YOU are the exciting idea, and everything that you have – all of these passions and things that you love – are a mosaic of what makes you creative,” she adds.

Another major DO? Finding the creative tools that most authentically support your content creation process. As an avid Photoshop user from a young age, Anna has continued to utilize the app for creative design across her channels to create content that is undeniably HER, without limits.

For all the chatter about posting multiple times a day to gain an audience, you might be surprised by Anna’s Don’ts. “You make your best content when you feel creative and when you feel like posting and making things that you're enjoying. If you're in a creative block, one, two, three days of rest are actually only going to benefit you in the long run,” she says. And along the lines of authenticity, “don't feel the need to make what everybody else is making to make something good,” she adds.

Adobe Photoshop tips and tricks

Anna has had a passion for photography since childhood. “I loved making little home movies out of our family vacations, and I grew up really loving photography,” she says. Photoshop is a tool that seamlessly fits into her life as a professional and in her day-to-day.

“I think when people think Photoshop, they think, ‘oh my gosh, I have to be doing these major changes to whatever I'm creating.’ But the truth is, I really do use it for everything from my Instagram post for my podcast page to giving a photo a different color scheme, or resizing or creating a little collage to inspire whatever I want to do next,” she says.

While talking about her community, Anna mentioned how much her Instagram community loves the black and white posters she creates withPhotoshop. “Even for the simplest tasks, the first app that I reach for is Photoshop. I really enjoy having an app that makes me feel like I can have my creativity at my fingertips. It has so many uses beyond just being a tool for elite creatives. It really is a great app for day-to-day life as well,” she adds.

Anna Sitar

Finding inspiration as a creator

As a creator, it can be easy to live your life online. Anna avoids that way of life and it makes her content even stronger for it. “When you're on a phone all the time and creating content, it's so easy to get lost in filming 90 percent of your life, and filming every time you go to a coffee shop, every time you have a hang out with a friend, every time you wear a good outfit that you're proud of. But my greatest inspiration comes from actually what I'm truly firsthand living and not documenting my life. And then the lessons that I learned and the things that I see and the value that brings to my life is only further elevating the content that I make,” she says.

Anna’s advice

If you’re someone who aspires to have a creative outlet, Anna has some advice for you.“Even if it's little baby steps that you take a photo every single day, or you make a video every single day, or you brainstorm every single day, I think action is the best way that you're going to learn,” she says.

Anna also recommends doing what she does, tinker with different tools and apps, this helps make her content shine. “You can learn so much by just testing out different features to edit photos, different ways to expand and add text and ways to make your creativity really come to life,” she says

“I think the best advice is to play and do what makes you happy."

Thanks Anna! Learn more about how Adobe Photoshop empowers big and small businesses to create without limits.

The only thing keeping me from being upset about A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show being canceled is how well Hulu is handling it's newest thriller, Paradise. Created by screenwriter Dan Fogelman (This Is Us) and starring Sterling K. Brown, it's a murder mystery with dystopian undertones that explores what could happen if states become uninhabitable.

Besides feeling relevant to our current timeline, Paradise has a soundtrack that rivals Strangers Things and leaves viewers wanting more. Fortunately, Hulu got the memo and renewed it for Season 2 — thank goodness!

Here's everything to know about Paradise season 2!

What is 'Paradise' about?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise begins in an idyllic community where homes are picturesque, streets are clean, and everyone lives in perfect harmony. However, it doesn't take long for the peace to be disturbed when the President is discovered murdered by his trusted Secret Service agent Xavier Collins.

Before long, he begins questioning the world he and his children live in while also searching for clues about his missing wife.

Who's in the 'Paradise' cast?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise Season 1 has a stacked cast! Besides Sterling K. Brown, there's other familiar faces who help with the show's equilibrium.

  • Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins
  • James Marsden as President Cal Bradford
  • Julianne Nicholson as "Sinatra"
  • Krys Marshall as Robinson
  • Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
  • Jon Beavers as Billy Pace
  • Nicole Brydon Bloom as Jane Driscoll
  • Aliyah Mastin as Presley Collins
  • Percy Daggs IV as James Collins
  • Charlie Evans as Jeremy Bradford
  • Richard Robichaux as Carl

What's happened in 'Paradise' so far?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Wow, where do I begin?!

After it was revealed that the community he and everyone else lives in has been artificially created due to a disaster, the brief moments of unease Collins shows begins making sense. It's clear he and President Cal ended on bad terms before his death, but it doesn't seem like he was responsible for murdering the man he was sworn to protect.

What's odd is that Sinatra, the mastermind behind the beautiful community they live in, has been playing puppet master. She ordered the deaths of scientists sent to the surface to test the air quality AND she made sure Agent Billy was blindsided by his love interest's manipulation. Upsettingly, his murderer is none other than seemingly docile and clueless Agent Jane.

Viewers were also introduced to President Cal's father and were able to see how much he never wanted to be the face of the country. Though his father appears to have dementia, it's clear he feels guilty about something and may have seen who killed his son.

When is the 'Paradise' season finale?

Disney/Brian Roedel

There's only two episodes of Paradise left with the finale premiering on Hulu March 4!

When does 'Paradise' season 2 premiere?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Now comes the fun part! After getting the green light from Hulu to continue giving us heart palpitations, Paradise is officially coming back for season 2. Not only that, but the entire season will appear on ABC April 7 at 10:00 p.m. (via The Hollywood Reporter).

How many seasons of 'Paradise' will there be?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Dan Fogelman already knows what he wants to do with Paradise! He said, "I have a plan for three seasons of the show. Without giving away too much, each season of the show is a slightly different show, within the same show with the same characters," (via The Hollywood Reporter).

You can watch the 6 episodes you've miss on Hulu right now!

For more exciting entertainment news, be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

While shopping at Costco can feel like a total treasure hunt, you might just be making some major shopping mistakes along the way that put your membership at risk. If you’re looking to keep your grocery budget in order and discover only the best that Costco has to offer, you’ll want to keep reading for the most common mistakes to avoid when shopping there.

Before you embark on your next trip, here are 7 mistakes you don’t want to make at Costco.

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1. Going in without a plan

Costco is huge, so going in without a plan or a grocery list can turn overwhelming pretty quickly. If you’re not the type to get overwhelmed, then you probably get super excited about all Costco has to offer instead – and while it's so easy to go shopping-crazy and buy large quantities of items there, you should be strategic about what Costco items you’ll actually use, when you’ll use them, and more importantly, how to store them all when you get home!

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2. Assuming all prices are good

This one is a big no-no, especially if you’re watching your budget. Just because something is at Costco doesn't always mean it's the best deal! Smaller quantities or sales at other major grocery stores can be cheaper per unit, so make sure to check the posted unit price at Costco to ensure you're getting the best value.

Engin Akyurt / PEXELS

3. Skipping the gas station

If you’re paying for a Costco membership, you don’t want to skip the gas pump! Costco’s gas prices are often significantly lower – so it’s worth filling up before (or after) each shopping trip. The same principle goes for more of Costco’s additional services like travel discounts, optical care, hearing aids, and the auto shop.

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4. Avoiding free samples

Sorry, but you’re simply crazy if you don’t indulge in free samples! Costco;’s free sample booths can be a great way to try new products before fully committing to bulk purchases. Plus, they can be a nice power-up during your shopping trip!

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5. Shopping in peak hours

If you also despise people-y grocery shopping trips, you’re going to want to avoid visiting Costco during peak hours. Costco can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and weekday evenings. If you can pull it off, shop during off-peak hours (early mornings on weekdays) to avoid long lines and congested aisles.

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6. Forgetting bags or storage bins

Longtime Costco members may already know this, but if you’re new to the Costco life, it’s important to remember that Costco doesn’t provide traditional shopping bags. It’s a good idea to bring your own reusable bags or have storage bins (like boxes) prepped and ready in your car for easy loading and unloading. Oftentimes, though, Costco will supply the boxes from emptied products.

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7. Skipping the food court

The Costco food court offers some of the cheapest and most filling meals around. We could eat there every day of the week, TBH. When you take the $1.50 hot dogs and $3.99 chicken bakes into consideration, that’s pretty good. Don’t miss out!

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