Use These 3 Hacks to Update the Old Navy Dress of the Summer

Earlier last month we learned about the $12 dress that was breaking the Internet. To fill you in, it’s an Old Navy original that pretty much flatters any body type. This dress comes in different colors, but, most importantly, different colors of stripes — French-girl style FTW :) We decided to give these dresses a B+C DIY upgrade three different ways. Follow along to see how to turn this dress into a matching two-piece, a vest and/or a dress with cut-outs.

Materials + Tools:

Old Navy dress

— sewing machine

— sewing pins

— marker

— fabric scissors

— elastic

— measuring tape

Instructions:

1. Measure from the top of your shoulder to your belly button, add one inch and then mark this measurement onto your dress. Cut a straight line across to turn the dress into two pieces.

2. Turn the bottom piece into a skirt by folding over the cut edge an inch and pinning in place. Sew around almost all of the skirt’s perimeter to create a waistband for the skirt.

3. Measure your waist, subtract four inches and cut this length of elastic. Snake through the waistband of the skirt and then sew the elastic together. Close the opening edge of the waistband to finish off the skirt.

My favorite rule of sewing is measure twice and cut once. You will want to measure from your shoulder to belly button to turn this dress into a two piece. Mark this measurement on the dress and cut a straight line.

Fold the top edge of the skirt over about one inch and pin in place. Sew almost all the way around to create a section to hold the elastic.

Measure your waist and then subtract four inches — cut this measurement out of elastic and then weave through the waistband. Sew the two ends of elastic together and then close up the open edge of the waistband.

So easy! A matching two-piece set in about 10 minutes.

Wear them together or separate ;) Follow along to see how to turn this dress into a vest or give it cute summer cut-outs.

This has got to be the most simple DIY to date. Fold the dress in half so the side seams match up. Cut a slight curve from front to back and then cut up the front center of the dress. This is a great hack for a dress that might have gotten a little too short.

The table doesn’t do this cute vest justice. Lemme put it on and show you :)

A perfect way to bring this summer dress into fall. If you don’t live in San Francisco and are still feeling the summer heat, follow along to add cut-outs into your swing dress.

Once again, fold your dress so your side seams match up with each other and draw half an oval on the back panel of the dress, then cut out.

Use the piece you cut away to create a bow. Sew onto the top and bottom edges of the oval.

Add a little more of a breeze to a summer cover-up with a back cut-out.

Ladies — time to get over to Old Navy!

After Outer Banks season 3, fans were eager to see what being in a real relationship meant for JJ (Rudy Pankow) and Kiara (Madison Bailey), and thankfully, this season delivers. The latest 10 episodes include some fantastic moments for the new couple, ranging from earlier season callbacks to their first official date and some heartbreaking moments we'll be thinking about for a long time. So, in honor of season 4, here are our top 9 Jiara moments from Outer banks season 4!

Keep reading for the best JJ and Kiara moments from Outer Banks season 4, now streaming on Netflix.

9. In Sync

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ and Kiara are so in tune with each other that they're immediately able to clock when something is off. Case in point, Kiara knows Chandler is lying when he says JJ sent him to get the scroll, and JJ knows Chandler's lying when he claims Kiara gave him the scroll. And the fact they echo each other almost exactly by saying they just know the other "wouldn't do that" proves how in sync they are.

8. Kiara Calls Out Luke (Again)

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

We know the Pogues know each other better than anyone, and when they learn the town is going to proceed with rezoning The Cut — and bulldozing Pougelandia — she immediately jumps to her feet to try and defend their home. Kiara doesn't mess around when it comes to justice, especially when JJ is directly affected. And when she calls out Luke for betraying JJ's trust (again), it's the perfect follow-up to their car conversation from season 2 (you know, when she asked "Don't you know how special your son is?"). We know how special he is Kie!!!

7. The Porch Talk

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Okay this is such a small moment but I had to include it because Jiara is severely lacking PDA in OBX season 4 part 2. One of the most beautiful parts of this story is how these two communicate. Kiara isn't afraid to ask the serious questions and JJ is finally at a place where he can be vulnerable with her. After JJ admits that he does think Chandler's really his father, Kiara puts her head on his shoulder to comfort him and they sit in silence. These two don't need to talk because IMO, their connection is beyond words.

6. Diver Down

Netflix

Let’s be honest, one of the things fans were most excited to see now that JJ and Kiara are together is JJ’s protectiveness over Kiara. We’ve seen it plenty of times in the past, but things are a little different now that he’s her boyfriend, and it’s in full force when they’re attacked underwater and Kiara loses the scuba diving gear providing her oxygen.

From JJ stabbing the guy with a spear gun to him banging on the door of the ship, desperate to get back to Kiara and screaming her name, this sequence delivers. Then, of course, there’s the fact that he immediately gives her his air so she can breathe.

5. An Undercover Date

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

When trying to track down the man who attacked them, JJ says their plan is to “detain, extract, investigate,” and sneak up on him as spies would. Kiara likes it, declaring they’re undercover before suggesting they act like they’re on a date – if he knows what that looks like. JJ questions her and she mentions they’ve never been on a date before, challenging him to name just one. He then tells her that they're on a date right now, grabbing her hand so they can do date things together on the pier. What does that include? Snow cones and a dare to jump into the water.

4. “Us Against The Universe.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Since they didn’t make their diving safety stop as Pope instructed them to, Kiara and JJ get the bends (bubbles in their blood and tissues), and the Pogues rush them to the hospital, where they have to spend 12 hours in a hyperbaric chamber. With 12 whole hours together, you can imagine where this going. But before that, since this is their first moment to reflect on what happened, JJ comments how she almost died, and says that he never should’ve let her go down there. Naturally, Kiara has a different way of looking at it, saying if she wasn’t there, the attacker would’ve gotten JJ instead.

Moral of the story? They save each other and it’s them against the universe. JJ also makes a cute call back to when he called her a Kook, and we love some good banter.

3. The Turtle Hatch

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Kiara’s pure joy at the sight of a turtle hatch on the beach is a beautiful moment for the character, who's talked about saving the turtles since season 1. However, Ruthie and Topper have other plans for this precious moment and decide to drive their truck directly at the Pogues, who are trying to safely get the turtles to the ocean. Kiara notices and goes in front of the truck, trying to tell them that there’s a hatch and to go around, but they ignore her, running over the area not once but twice.

Why this is so high on my list is because of the way JJ stands by her side as she confronts the Kooks for killing a baby turtle. He lets her take charge and say what she needs to, only getting involved when Topper puts his hand on her. JJ's taken the lead in these conversations in the past, and to see the roles reverse like this just proves why they work so well together. Plus, there’s the whole “You come near her, or any of us ever again, and I’ll come back and kill every single one of you.”

2. “He’s Happy.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

In episode 4x01, one of the scenes that stands out is JJ’s dance celebration when their bait, tackle, and charter shop is finally in business. When Sarah jokingly asks if he’s okay, Kiara answers, “Yeah, he just never really had a home. He’s happy,” and that’s why this moment is number 2 on the list.
With JJ being such a complex character, he needs someone who fully understands him and what he’s been through, and that person is Kiara. She knows he has to learn how to be in a relationship, how to handle money, and how to allow happiness and love into his life. That’s perfectly shown in the way she makes her way over to him, telling JJ that she loves him before the two share their first kiss of the season. JJ's added “We did it" is a sweet sentiment to how he now views the two of them as a team, as well as how far they’ve come. Cheers to Captain Maybank!

1. "I Already Got My Wish"

Netflix

There was no way this conversation wasn't coming at number 1. Because while it's one of the saddest TV scenes I've ever seen, it's also such a standout. We all know JJ has been into Kiara since the very beginning (and fans picked up Kiara's supposedly unscripted interest in season 1 when she asked John B. if he told JJ about their kiss). And during the Outer Banks season 4 ending, JJ tells Kiara with his literal dying breath that he doesn't need to wish on the Blue Crown because he already had everything he ever wanted.

There are so many layers to this scene, like the music echoing when Kiara and the Pogues find JJ in the water a couple episodes before (which is its own callback to Kiara rescuing JJ from drowning in season 2), and I couldn't think of any better way to say goodbye to this character than to see him in Kiara's arms. P4L, JJ. P4L.

Outer Banks Season 4 is now streaming on Netflix. Read up on why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

This post has been updated.

Budgeting for the year is the last thing most of us *want* to do, but it's probably the most important in order to achieve your life goals. "Whether you want to pay off debt or build wealth, the budget’s entire job is to increase your net worth," says Erin Skye Kelly, author of Get the Hell Out of Debt: The Proven 3-Phase Method That Will Radically Shift Your Relationship to Money. "A budget says that you matter, and your dreams matter — and when we take care of ourselves first financially, we are in a better position to help others." Here are some of the most-Googled questions about debt answered, plus realistic ways to get out of debt in 2025 and starting living your best life.


How Do I Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

If you're serious about reducing your debt, you'll have to cut back on your nonessential spending by setting a realistic monthly budget for expenses like dining out or entertainment. Come up with a payment strategy that works best for you and your current financial situation. For example, focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on others. Once the highest-interest debt is cleared, roll that payment into the card with the next highest interest rate. This approach reduces the overall interest you pay and can help you become debt-free faster.

What Is A Debt Snowball?

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A debt snowball is a debt repayment method where you focus on paying off your smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate, while making minimum payments on larger debts. The debt snowball method is popular because it builds momentum and motivation, giving you a psychological boost as you see debts disappearing one by one. Once the smallest debt is paid off, you take the amount you were paying on it and apply it to the next smallest debt. This creates a "snowball effect," where your available payment amount grows as each debt is eliminated, helping you pay off larger debts faster over time.

How Do I Get Out Of Debt?

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When it comes to getting out of debt, the method that works best for you might be different than what works best for someone else. To get started, list all your debts, including balances, interest rates, and minimum payments. This gives you a clear picture of what you owe. Analyze your income and expenses to see where you can cut back and direct any extra funds toward your debt. Avoid new debt: Shift to a cash or debit-only system to prevent accumulating more debt while paying off what you already owe.

There are a variety of factors, from financial situation to income to dependents, but no matter what your life look like right now, here are some realistic ways to help you conquer your debt.

Create An LBD (Little Budget Library)

B+C

A little budget diary is a way to take stock of all your monthly and annual expenses, such as subscriptions, streaming services, and groceries — and write them all down in your LBD, says Brit + Co's Money School instructor Nicole Lapin. "You'll reference this all year — weekly is best — so you'll want to start off on the right foot with an easy-to-reference LBD. Don't make it hard. It's an easy task that will help you get organized quickly," she says.

Be Realistic About Your Finances

B+C

"Do not be aspirational with your numbers," says Skye Kelly. "Pay attention to how you ACTUALLY live and how you ACTUALLY spend and work from there." Track your expenses for a month to create an accurate budget, review your paycheck and follow the 50-20-30 rule. These are the percentages you should spend on essentials, your future, and your lifestyle (non-essentials) with the goal to live within your means and eventually start saving and investing.

Check out Brit + Co's Teach Me Something Newpodcast with finance pro Tonya Rapley for breaking out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

Set Your Sights On Big Goals

B+C

Whether it's that dream bucket-list trip or a buying your first home, think about what your long-term goals are and think big when planning a budget. "When we are committed to a massive financial goal (retiring early and traveling the world with your life partner) suddenly the decision between roses or calla lilies as a wedding bouquet seem meaningless, and we are more inclined to find ways to spend less so we can meet our long-term financial goals," says Skye Kelly. She adds: "Create a budget for the milestone, stay resourceful and use points, seasonal sales, and help or hand-me-downs where you can."

Check out Brit + Co's Teach Me Something New podcast with The Points Guy for credit card tips and travel hacks.

"Spring Clean" Your Finances

B+C

Take a moment to organize your expenses. Dedicate a weekend afternoon and delete unused subscriptions, close and consolidate accounts, check in with your savings and retirement plans to make sure they're working for you, reduce auto-renewals, and unload credit card debt byconsolidating them into a single low-interest personal loan. It will feel as good, if not better, than spring cleaning your house, plus think about the money you'll have saved in that afternoon.

Find Your Side Hustle

B+C

Beyond just reducing your expenses, look at ways you can increase your income so you can start saving andinvesting to grow your wealth. "Increasing income might look like side jobs, part-time employment, creating an income stream, selling clutter around the home, or creating a product or service that meets the demands of the marketplace," says Skye Kelly. Look at selling clothes on resale sites, having a garage sale come spring, selling books online, starting an Etsy shop if you have a creative interest... anything that will add some extra cash in your pocket each month.

It's OK If It's Not Perfect

B+C

"Because budgets are rooted in math, we tend to see everything as right or wrong, which *shudder* brings up a lot of grade-school math class shame for many of us," says Skye Kelly. "If you plan your budget at the beginning of the month and at the end of the month it was only 80% accurate, you are likely killin’ it financially. I’ve asked hundreds of financial experts over the years ‘how many times did you get the budget exactly right?’ and every single answer has been ‘zero times.’"

Avoid Making Money Decisions During Hard Times

B+C

Mental wellness plays a big role in how we view our expenses and often we can make decisions in order to make us feel better (retail therapy, anyone?) instead of making healthy long-term financial decisions. "Having a line item in the budget for guilt-free spending is critical if you can afford it," says Skye Kelly. "This guilt-free spending money is there for times you want to splurge even though you might not be able to justify it."

Skye Kelly says it's best to avoid major financial decisions if you can for at least 6 months:

  • After a significant death or when you are grieving
  • While you or a loved one are experiencing a critical illness or at the onset of a new disability
  • After a major breakup or divorce
  • When you’ve entered into a new romantic relationship
  • If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you have a mental illness and are awaiting treatment

"During these times we are highly likely to make emotional or impulsive decisions. Give yourself time to regulate some of the higher intensity emotions that might be driving the urge to spend."

Curious about crypto? Check out Brit + Co's Teach Me Something Newpodcast with finance pro Nicole Lapin for a primer on how to make your first crypto investment.

How are you getting out of debt in 2025? Let us know on Twitter and check out our email newsletter for the latest tips on saving money.

This post has been updated.

The best things around the holidays are comforting and familiar. To be surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and delicious Thanksgiving appetizers is just amazing! So, in the spirit of all things warm and cozy, we rounded up 6 of the best Thanksgiving TV episodes from our favorite shows. Whether you’re into old-school Full House shenanigans or the mishaps of Modern Family, these are the six comfort shows that will make you laugh through all throughout Thanksgiving weekend.

Hulu

1. Full House Season 1, Episode 9 "The Miracle of Thanksgiving"

Watch on Hulu: We look back at season one of Full House with fond memories — mostly for this iconic episode wherein Joey constantly announces the arrival of the miracle *cue trumpet sound* of Thanksgiving. It’s not about how good the dinner turns out, it’s the fact that you even tried to roast a turkey.

IMDB

2. Boy Meets World Season 4, Episode 10 "Turkey Day"

Watch on Disney+: After learning about tribal prejudice in Africa, Cory and Shawn decide to combine family celebrations of Thanksgiving. The result is a touching but, of course, funny take on how different families celebrate in different ways. Reaching across the table is the new reaching across the aisle!

IMDB

3. Friends Season 5, Episode 8 "The One With All the Thanksgivings"

Watch on Max: You didn’t think we’d make it through this list without mentioning this iconic Thanksgiving TV episode, did you? It’s the one where the gang relives their terrible Thanksgivings of the past and Monica somehow winds up with a turkey on her head. Classic.

IMDB

4. How I Met Your Mother Season 3, Episode 9 "Slapsgiving"

Watch on Hulu: Every year, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to honor traditions. Our favorite tradition? Slapsgiving from HIMYM. The episode that started it all — and forever struck fear into Barney’s heart — is our favorite Thanksgiving episode from the nine-season run!

IMDB

5. Modern Family Season 6, Episode 8 "Three Turkeys"

Watch on Hulu: It’s always nice when people pitch in and offer to help, but it can be impossible to know whether or not they’ll follow through. This hysterical holiday episode of Modern Family sees the clan end up *somehow* with three turkeys at the Thanksgiving table. At least there’s plenty of leftovers…

IMDB

6. Gilmore Girls Season 3, Episode 9 "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"

Watch on Netflix: If you’re overbooked this Thanksgiving, just consider Lorelai and Rory, who celebrated four Thanksgivings in one day. Of course things go wrong, as they do with everybody’s Thanksgiving. It’s probably one of the most relatable episodes around holiday time.

Are there any shows we missed? Let us know your favorite Thanksgiving episodes @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.