DIY This Easy Crop Top and Get Ready for Coachella

Coachella and all the other summer festivals are right around the corner. That means it’s time to dust off your DIY paper cherry blossom flower crown, practice your easy festival braid and wear a boho macramé crop top. Instead of taking the easy route and buying one, why not DIY your very own? It’s cheaper and way more fun!

If you’re ready to DIY your original piece, follow the tutorial below to take your music festival style to the next level.

Materials and Tools:
– 30 feet of stretchy fabric

– matching thread

– ruler

– one 40-inch piece of cord

– one 40-inch piece of lace trim

– tailor’s chalk

– measuring tape

– pins

– fabric scissors

– sewing machine

Instructions:

1. Grab the required measurements as shown in the picture below. You will need to measure and write down the following: your bust, waist, underarm, desired crop top length and upper-part width.

2. Fold the fabric in half and use the tailor’s chalk to mark down all the measurements. Divide your bust and waist measurement by two. Then join the lines to create your crop top pattern.

3. Pin the fabric and cut. Leave an extra half inch to account for the seam.

4. Fold an inch of the left, right and bottom edge and pin it. Then sew in place.

5. Fold over the top edge and sew again to create a loop for your cord. Repeat with the second piece of the top.

6. Sew the two pieces together following the lines shown in the picture below.

7. Pin the lace trim all around the bottom edge and sew in place.

8. Thread the cord through the loop starting on the right until it comes out on the left side. Then turn it around and file it through the other side.

9. Wear the crop top, decide how long the cord needs to be and tie a knot. Then cut the excess and hide the knot in the loop.

First, grab the measurements of your desired upper edge width (A), bust (B), waist (C), length from your shoulder to underarm (D) and desired crop top length (E). Jot these down on a piece of paper for reference. Next, fold the fabric in half and use the tailor’s chalk to mark down all the measurements. Be sure to divide your bust and waist measurement by two. Then, join the lines to create your crop top pattern. Pin the fabric and cut leaving an extra half inch to account for the seam. At this point, fold an inch of the left, right and bottom edge as shown above, pin and sew. Next fold over the top edge as well and sew again to create a loop for your cord. Once you’re done repeat with the second piece of the crop top.

Now pin the two pieces with the wrong sides facing each other and sew along the the lines shown above. Then pin the lace, trim all around the bottom edge and sew in place. Lastly, thread the cord through the loop starting on the right until it comes out on the left side. Then turn it around and file it through the other side. Wear the crop top, decide how long the cord is going to be and tie a knot. Cut out the excess, hide the knot in the loop and you’re good to go!

Making your own crop top is so fun and satisfying, don’t you think?

What festivals are you hitting up this year? Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspiration!

Transitioning your home from winter to spring doesn't have to take a huge effort or budget. A few throw pillows here, a flower vase there can make your home look fresher, more inviting while reviving how you feel about your space. Whether you want to hop on the vintage decor trend or bring in fresh Danish pastels, we have some spring decor swaps that will help sprinkle a dose of happy into your home. First, plan your budget and look around your space. What pieces don’t give your home that spring joy you crave? Stow them away for the season and they’ll be like new again in the fall! Now enjoy the things that truly refresh your space.

Shop Spring Home Decor Here!

ban.do Stacked Citrus Vase

These sweet citrus designs are the perfect pop of color for your spring table or home office!

Folkulture Throw Pillow Covers

The scalloped design on these 18x18 cotton covers are a playful way to dress up your sofa or bed.

Studio McGee x Threshold Natural Wicker Table Lamp

Give your indoors an outdoor vibe with these charming woven table lamps.

Etsy Wavy Wall Shelf

Brighten your walls with brightly colored pastels. These shelves are great for holding books, picture frames, plants and more.

H&M Floral Throw

Spring is still a transitional season with chilly mornings and nights. Swap your winter throws for this fun floral pattern.

Scalloped Multi Border Decor Braided Jute Collection

Pop this jute rug in your bathroom, on your porch, in your kitchen -- anywhere you need a little statement piece.

Poster Store Botanical Gallery Wall

Customize a gallery wall that suits your style -- this site creates one for you or pick and choose your faves.

Lyla Monogram Trinket Dish

Even a new trinket dish on your dresser can bring a little joy to your morning. This monogrammed one makes a great gift for spring birthdays!

H&M Pleated Paper Table Lamp

This pretty-in-pink table lamp is a great way to bring in soft, spring color into your home -- get two for symmetrical bedside tables or go solo on a desk or console table.

Wicker Planter Storage Baskets

These cute and affordable planters are a fun way to freshen up your entry or kitchen -- add plants, cloth napkins, magazines, even mail.

Jungalow x Opal Cotton Sheet Set

We love designer Justina Blakeney's style and here she gives us a colorful canvas on which to layer all our bedding.

Elin Ceramic Knobs

Add new knobs to end tables for an easy spring refresh.

Anthropologie Fruit Candle Holder

These whimsical candle holders cheer up your decor and are perfect for all your spring entertaining.

Chasing Paper x Jenni Yolo Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easier to upgrade your walls with stunning prints. Try it in a bathroom or kitchen or create an accent wall in your bedroom for this vintage-inspired look by DIYer Jenni Yolo.

Anthropologie Gingham Curtains

We never met a check we didn't like. Gingham is a classic spring look that always feels happy and carefree!

Check out our online newsletter for more spring decor inspo!

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

Header image via Etsy

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!

As much as we love sweaters, coats, and scarves, there is just something so special about finally breaking out your spring dresses. They're breezy! They're romantic! They're fun! A delicate, vivid dress is the perfect reflection of the way that spring makes us feel after a very long winter, and we are ready to break out all the 2024 trends, from maxi dresses to mini dresses and everything in between.

Take a gander at our favorite spring dresses for the season!

By Anthropologie Sleeveless Draped-Back Asymmetrical Slip Midi Dress

This asymmetrical spring dress is the ultimate piece for donning to dinner parties, dates, girls nights, and even the farmer's market! The bright floral motifs just make sense for the season, and the silky construction of this design lets your look breathe all day long. This midi is a slip-on dress only, meaning no extra buttons or clasps for you!

MINKPINK Florence Linen Ricrac Midi Dress

This solid blue dress gets some quirky, playful charm from the contrasting zig-zagging trim on top, which is just the thing your wardrobe needs for springtime. You can have all the fun with this midi dress, since it fits like a glove with a back zipper and a flexible, stretchy bodice!

Free People Ultraviolet Dress

This spring dress is business in the front, but a total party in the back. The back half secures in place with a gorgeous bowtie and elastic crossing straps for an even strappier effect. The cap sleeves are stretchy and super cozy, hugging your figure with a gentle elastic that moves every which way. And let's hear it for those spring sunflowers!

Gap Fit & Flare Cami Mini Dress

Give us florals upon florals – they're just so fun for this season. This Gap dress is dotted in blooms and bouquets of all colors, so it can easily be worn with the other garments in your closet. The cami neckline is delicate, but secure, adjusting to your perfect fit with two very sturdy adjustable straps.

Tach Georgette Linen Dress in Pink

This gorgeous midi-length dress is saturated in a perfect springtime pink color. The bowties that surround the front graciously recall the coquette aesthetic, which amps up all things girly just in time for spring!

A New Day Maxi Sundress

This tiered maxi dress is the most 'spring' of them all. The fresh light green color is reminiscent of the season's blooms, and it's bright enough to stand out from the crowd. It features an open back design that lets air flow freely, keeping your spring look cool as ever.

Moon River Smocked Bodice Cotton Midi Dress

This adorable midi dress is smocked to the gods! The smocked bodice flows all the way down to your natural waistline, giving it a romantic drop-waist effect. This spring dress would be an amazing wear for date nights!

Lush Flirty Pairing Green and Blue Color Block Ribbed Cutout Dress

The fitted high waist on this dress style accentuates your body's natural shape in the best way. What's more is this pick is doused in saturated blue and green colors to match the sunny days of spring! Pair it with your nearest "It" girl sneakers or multicolor pumps – it can easily be dressed up or down!

Reformation Delanie Dress

This mini dress from Reformation features a halter neck design, which is so easy and breezy for taking on the spring heat. The top is definitely more fitted than it is at the bottom, so you can move about with tip-top comfort. This red and white print highlights tiny little tulips, but you can also shop it in 3 other colorways.

NA-KD Chiffon Drawstring Mini Dress

Why buy spring flowers when you could simply wear them? This mini dress is very much a frolicking in the field style, and we're 100% here for it. The abundance of ruching lets you play freely with your new floral 'fit.

Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress

This bright yellow style makes for a quintessential chill-girl outfit for the spring. Pair it with some ballet flats, put some cute clips in your hair, and celebrate the season of spring dresses!

Los Angeles Apparel Heavy Rib Spaghetti Mini Dress

You cannot go wrong with wardrobe basics. This pick comes in 12 colors, so the right match for you is out there. Throw on a t-shirt over this fitted spring dress, or slip into a sheer cardigan for a more flirtatious 'fit.

& Other Stories Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Please give us all the florals this season. This pick is a solid choice for all-around springtime activities because it fits comfortably. Wear it to Sunday brunches, farmer's market visits, and lazy afternoons of laying out in the park.

Subscribe to our email newsletter for more fashion inspiration!

Lead image via NA-KD.

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.

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

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.