How to Make a No-Sew Cross-Stitched Monogram Tote Bag

When it comes to personalized DIYs, monograms take the cake… and jackets… and jewelry. You get the picture :) Monograms are simple but excellent for repping your name, loud and proud. Today we’re going to show you a way to stitch your initials sans needle and thread. With some basic supplies and beginner painting techniques, you can faux cross-stitch a tote bag. Talk about DIY hack to the max.

Materials:

— tote bag

— acrylic paint

Tools:

— scrap cardboard

— scissors

— ruler

— masking tape

— pencil

— pen

paintbrush

— graph paper

Instructions:

1. Cut out a 1/2-inch square from the corner of the scrap cardboard. This will serve as a guide to create straight “x”s on your tote.

2. Plan out your monogram on the graph paper. Add lines along the side of your letter. This will serve as a guide when you paint it on the tote.

3. Use painter’s tape to create lines along the sides of your tote that mimic the lines alongside your image on the graph paper. Then, mark your starting point with the pencil.

4. Paint the first x. Continue to follow the pattern on your graph paper, making x’s on your tote bag using the cardboard as a guide.

The 1/2-inch square cutout will serve as a painting guide. It is equivalent to one square on the graph paper, making it super easy to copy your design onto the bag. Simply slide the cardboard along the tote as you paint each x.

Plan out your monogram on your graph paper. You can use half-x shapes to create slanted edges. Draw straight lines along the sides of the letter. These will serve as a guide when you’re painting. To mimic these lines, tape off 1/2 inch on each side of the bag. This edge will make it super easy to follow your pattern. Remember, each square on the graph paper is equivalent to 1/2 inch. Start painting in the left-hand corner. Then move the cardboard along the bag following the pattern (and number of “x”s) on the graph paper.

Add some gems for a little extra bling!

Don’t worry if a few of the x shapes are a bit wonky. It will be hard to notice, we promise! Just have fun with it and get lost in the “stitching.”

What projects are you going to faux-stitch this summer? Share them with us using the hashtags #britstagram and #iamcreative.

(Styled photos by Haruka Sakaguchi of The Denizen Co.)

The tote bag has been a style staple for generations, and it's not going anywhere. You can use tote bags to pack a big picnic, hit the beach, go to work, or prep for a yogaclass... the list is endless. I personally have too many tote bags to count, but I am always looking to add to my collection. There's no better place to shop for totes than Amazon, and I found 6 handy bags that'll be able to handle your everyday essentials while still looking super cute!

Amazon

Lhmtqvk Corduroy Tote Bag

This classic tote bag design comes in so many different patterns. It's perfect as a reusable grocery bag, but still has inner pockets for your phone, keys and wallet. I would easily get five of these bad boys, because they are only $10!

Amazon

WantGor Corduroy Tote Bag

This corduroy tote bag is durable and spacious to fit anything you may need. I love the front pocket design that allows you to quickly throw your phone or a small book in. Bonus – the zipper ensures nothing gets misplaced or slips out, and you can keep everything snug inside the bag. You can buy this tote bag in 11 colors for $16.

Amazon

Valleycomfy Vintage Casual Corduroy Tote Bag

In comparison to other tote bags, I love this one with structure. This square-shaped vintage tote is very versatile. You can bring it to the beach, to work, or to run errands. The added messenger bag strap also allows for the convenience of slinging it over your shoulder! Make this your go-to summer bag for $17.

Amazon

Homespon Large Canvas Tote Bag

Pockets for days! I love when everything has a specific spot in my tote bag. This tote would be perfect as a carry-on or even a school bag. The external pockets give you easy access to the items you need more frequently, and its only $20!

Amazon

Barsine Large Tote Bag

This is the best everyday bag I have seen in a while! The inside of this tote bag is an organized dream, with plenty of room for all your essentials like pens, makeup tubes, and more! You can find this bag in 8 two-toned colorways for $28.

Amazon

Bag Wizard Laptop Tote Bag

I am obsessed with the leather-canvas material on this tote. It can be dressed up or down depending on what you're up to. This tote bag design gives you a lot of space on both the inside and the outside, thanks to the additional pockets. You can shop this bag in 7 different color options for $31.


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

Lead image via Amazon.

No matter what kind of day you're having, Marissa Cooper's having a worse one. Mischa Barton's The O.C. character went through the ringer during the first three seasons of the teen drama (remember how she overdosed in Tijuana...and also saw her parents post-hookup after their divorce?).

And during her time on The O.C., Mischa Barton struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. She was arrested for a DUI in 2007 and eventually received involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in 2009 after allegedly threatening to end her own life. And in a new interview, Peter Gallagher (who played Sandy Cohen on the show) says he's "just so grateful" for "the fact that she’s still alive."

  • Mischa Barton starred alongside Peter Gallagher in The O.C. from 2003-2006.
  • The actress has revealed the "trauma" of being a star at that point in her life.
  • Peter recently opened up about how he's thankful "she’s still alive."


Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC/John Lamparski/Getty Images

The O.C. follows Ryan Atwood, who moves in with the Cohens after getting kicked out of his mom's house, and starts a relationship with Marissa shortly after. While Peter Gallagher played Adam Brody's TV dad instead of Mischa's, Sandy was a definitely father figure for Marissa, and it seems like Peter felt that same responsibility off camera.

"I’ve always felt very protective of her," Peter told The Independent. "First fame is toxic. First fame can kill you. She was 16 years old when she started working with us, so just the fact that she’s still alive, I’m just so grateful."

“You can go to therapy every day for the rest of your life,” Mischa said in a 2023 interview with The Sunday Times. “There’s just a certain amount of trauma [from] all that I went through, particularly in my early twenties, that just doesn’t go away overnight.”

Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage revealed that season 1 overdose not only served as a cliffhanger, but gave “network executives an escape hatch on a performer they had been wary about” (via People). But Mischa Barton got her big break, becoming "how people knew the show," and (thankfully) Marissa recovered — only to die after a car crash in season 3.

As hard as that season 3 ending is to watch, Mischa did have the opportunity to watch it with Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke for the first time on their rewatch podcast. "It needed to be a thing, after everything she's been through, but if it's here I'll watch it with you," Mischa says.

"I couldn't do it, Mischa, I couldn't do it," Rachel adds. "But I'm going to do it if you're going to do it."

Mischa says even though being written off the show "was a little bit of a bummer," it wasn't necessarily a surprise. "The character was just doing too much," she told Vanity Fairin 2023. "And I think they ran out of places for her to go. It was not the best thing in the world, [but] there wasn’t much you could do at that point. It was whether she could sail off into the sunset, or die. At that point, I guess it’s better to have the more dramatic ending.”
What did you think of The O.C. season 3 finale? Let us know on Facebook!

I live for a purse that has a pop of color or pattern that complements what I’m wearing, but mom life has taught me there’s beauty in a simple black tote bag. They’re a chic way to elevate your t-shirt and sneakers, making them the most multifaceted accessories you can own.

Here’s a little secret though: black tote bags may look similar at first glance, but they aren’t all created equal. Little details like the texture, stitching, and lining of one can give it a different vibe from another. It’s likely that you love paying attention to detail which is why I have 8 amazing options to share with you!

And P.S. You don’t have to be a mom to rock one (or two) of these black tote bags!

Shop Our Favorite Black Tote Bags

Coach Willow Pebble Leather Tote

I'm biased, but Coach has the best black tote bags IMO. This design features subtle gold details that give it personality without overwhelming the bag. Also, the pebble leather and internal fabric lining means you don't have to fret about carrying something you won't be able to wear longterm. It even has a special place your cell phone so you'll know where it is when you need it.

Anthropologie Faux Leather Commuter Tote

Everything about this sleek black tote bag is calling our names! Okay, I'm exaggerating here. What I will say is you'll be surprised at how easy it is to clean it. All you need is a damp cloth and you'll be good to go! Plus, you'll get a more expansive outer pocket that'll allow you to slip your favorite book club read in it or your kindle!

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote

This team loves Madewell's bags, and the Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote is no exception! The leather is great quality, the shape allows for plenty of storage, and the double straps offer carrying versatility. Classically cute and subtly sophisticated to say the least!

CALPAK Haven Laptop Tote Bag

This laptop tote bag is HIGH on my spring wish list because it's like it was designed for specifically for those of us who carry our laptops around. If you work from home and need to get out of the house, you can place your laptop in it and head to your local book store. What I especially love is that the laptop sleeve is removable and the shoulder strap is adjustable. It doesn't get any better than this!

Everlane The Recycled Nylon Tote

If you decide to get some done in your apartment complex's resident lounge, all you need is this medium-sized tote by Everlane. It's designed to fit a 13" laptop along with a couple of notebooks if you need them. The extra padding inside helps keep your technology safe from bumps and bruises while the pockets help you store your writing utensils.

If that didn't catch your attention, the fact that this tote bag is certified by the Global Recycled Standard will! It's made of recycled nylon and polyester so you'll have something sustainable on your arm.

Rebecca Minkoff Megan Large Leather Tote Bag

Want to have something that's subtly chic? Reach for Rebecca Minkoff's larger leather tote bag. It comes with shoulder straps that'll fit comfortable on your shoulder and it has an open top with a magnetic strap. Inside you'll find an internal divider that helps you organize your items a little better. There's a chance you may still throw things in your bag, but at least you'll know to look on a specific side!

Reformation Medium Vittoria Leather Tote

This slouchy black tote bag from Reformation is absolutely everything! It gives effortless, it gives put together, it gives...plenty of room for whatever you need to pack for the day! Plus, the bow on top is the perfect finishing touch that's both timeless and on trend!

Tory Burch Ella Tote

Tory Burch is another classic brand that knows how to creative simple yet effective designs that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Instead of a zipper, this tote bag features a magnetic closure that makes opening and closing it easy! There's also two different pockets to store or separate your items!

I'd personally wear this if I'm running errands and want to look put together while wearing one of my casual spring outfits.

Dreubea Soft Faux Leather Tote

This faux leather tote may look pricey but it's actually less than $20! The price alone makes it a viable option for anyone who's a part of the chic on the budget club. The other thing I love about it is that it includes a bigger pocket inside and a smaller external one. For easy access, slip your lip oils in the outer pocket when you need to moisturize your lips throughout the day!

MANGO Faux Leather Shopper Tote

Have a little more to spend? This $50 tote from MANGO is so chic with its adjustable straps and longer body. I love how you can get that pebbled leather look for so much less!

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

Header image via CALPAK

Former Disney Channel star Dylan Sprouse and model Barbara Palvin are certainly living the sweet life after tying the knot in Palvin's native Hungary. The couple, who have been together for nearly five years, have always been pretty low-key — except for the occasional and undeniably adorable Instagram post (and a stunning wedding!). We are simply ~obsessed~ with this celebrity couple, especially after they pulled out all the stops for their couple's Halloween costume. Keep scrolling to see some of their best moments :').

See Dylan Sprouse & Barbara Palvin's Halloween Couple's Costume!

For Halloween Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin stunned as the Phantom and Christine from Phantom of the Opera. Dylan wore a mask and a black cape, while Barbara wore a beautiful white dress. While the costume is obviously a nod to the musical, it also totally reminds us of their day as bride and groom.

"In Sleep He Sang to Me," Barbara said in a post, quoting the musical's titular number. "@dylansprouse my forever Phantom."

Who did Dylan Sprouse marry?

www.instagram.com

On the couple's wedding day (July 15, 2023), Barbara wore a Vivienne Westwood wedding gown to celebrate her Hungarian nuptials, bringing together their nearest and dearest for an intimate(-ish) celebration. Barbara and Dylan tied the knot on her parent's property, which conveniently doubles as an event venue, with plans to host an larger wedding in California in the fall.

"This past weekend was supposed to be an intimate event, but we ended up having 115 guests in the end because there are a lot of people we care about, and we wanted them all to be there," Barbara told Vogue.

When did Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin get engaged?

www.instagram.com

Barbara Palvin on Instagram: "♥️"

After months of speculation surrounding the couple's engagement, Dylan and Barbara confirmed their engagement in conversation with Sprouse's twin brother, actor Cole Sprouse, for V Magazine in June, sharing that they got engaged last September.

"We didn't necessarily feel the need to be fully transparent with the public about that aspect of our engagement," Dylan said. "What we wanted to do with Stephen [Gan, V editor-in-chief] and the V team is make something that was kind of tongue-in-cheek about the nature of private versus public. We're playing with the idea of perception."

Barbara noted that the lovebirds wanted to announce the news "on our time," adding, "When some people leaked the information that we got engaged, our PR team was like, 'Hey, so you guys should do maybe a post about it or talk to this magazine or talk to that magazine…' That really annoyed me because I knew we were building this story up. So, I'm very happy that we ended up doing it our way."

When did Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse start dating?

Sean Zanni / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment

See Dylan Sprouse & Barbara Palvin's Dreamy Halloween Costume: "My Forever"

According to People, the couple met back in 2017 after a party when the Suite Life On Deck star slid into the model’s DMs (and as they say, the rest is history). The duo made their relationship Instagram official back in 2018 with Barbara’s sweet birthday tribute for Dylan’s 26th birthday.

Let’s be real here for a second though, we all knew they were endgame the minute Dylan went above and beyond to support Barbara at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show that same year (remember this viral video?). Three days after the fashion show, the Hungarian model told Vogue Australia that she hadn’t had a boyfriend in six years, but had now found “the perfect guy” in Dylan (we aren’t crying, you are).

How old are Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse?

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Barbara Palvin was born on October 8, 1993, making her 31 years old. Dylan Sprouse was born on August 4, 1992, meaning he's 32 years old. So there's only a one-year age gap between them!

Stay up to date with all of Brit + Co's favorite celebrity relationships. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter!

This post has been updated.

2017's The Beguiled gave us one of the best groups of people of all time: Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Sofia Coppola, and Kirsten Dunst just to name a few. And we're finally getting an Elle and Nicole reunion thanks to Apple TV+! "THRILLED to bring @rufithorpe genius hysterical heart-wrenching heartwarming book to your TV screens alongside a dream group of people!" Elle says on Instagram. Rather than having to test the success of its pilot, the series has already been ordered — even though the book it's based on isn't even out yet! Here's everything you need to know about the series.

  • Dakota and Elle Fanning will produce the upcoming Apple TV+ show Margo's Got Money Troubles.
  • The series follows Margo, who signs up for OnlyFans after learning she's pregnant.
  • The cast includes Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman.

Who's in the Margo's Got Money Troubles cast?

Amy Sussman/Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Margo's Got Money Troubles Cast

We couldn't contain our excitement when we learned Margo's Got Money Troubles will star Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, but knowing Michelle Pfeiffer is also joining the cast is too much to bear! This is the first time the actress will collaborate with her husband, TV creator David E. Kelley, so we can't wait to see the magic they'll create (via Deadline).

Nick Offerman from The Last of Us and Parks and Rec will also star.

When is Margo's Got Money Troubles coming out?

Ron Lach/Pexels

Margo's Got Money Troubles Release Date

We don't have an official release date for Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman's TV show yet. I'm thinking if the TV show is in the early stages of planning, we could see it in 2025! Check out all of this year's best New TV Shows to hold you over until then.

What is Margo's Got Money Troubles about?

Amazon

Margo's Got Money Troubles Plot

Margo Millet is the daughter of a Hooter's waitress named Shyanne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and an ex-wrestler (via Deadline). She's always had to make it on her own, even though she's not sure how. When she enrolls in her local junior college, she's totally unprepared to get swept up into a torrid love affair with her English professor — or to get pregnant.

Now at 20 years old, Margo needs an income and fast. She decides to experiment with OnlyFans and ends up taking some of her estranged father's advice from the world of wrestling to create a character users will fall in love with. You can order the book now!

What is Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman's new TV show?

Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Margo's Got Money Troubles is coming soon to Apple TV+ thanks to a bunch of different producers. A24 is backing the film, as well as Elle and Dakota Fanning’s production company Lewellen Pictures and Nicole Kidman’s Blossom Films, to name a few.

What else has Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman starred in?

Focus Features

Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman starred in 2017's The Beguiled. The movie follows John McBurney, an injured Union soldier, who winds up at a female Southern boarding school after deserting the Civil War. But soon, as the women help him, tensions turn to rivalries and friends turn to enemies.

Are you excited for Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman's TV reunion? Let us know what other New TV Shows you're watching in the comments.

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

This post has been updated.