11 Times We Wanted to Dress like the Cast of Pitch Perfect 2

May marks the month that the Bellas are back. So to celebrate the dance-offs, the sing alongs and the LOLs that are sure to fill Pitch Perfect 2 when it hits screens May 15, we’re rounding up the badass a cappella group’s best looks — off-stage, that is. From Rebel and Anna to Brittnay + Eliz, scroll through to check out our favorite red carpet moments from the talented babes who are about to give us even more reasons to sing in the shower, plus shop similar styles for all the times you need to look aca-awesome this spring.

1. Rebel Wilson’s Cape Dress: One glance at Rebel’s next-level LBD at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards will leave you thinking that no dress is complete without a cape. Add a pop of color to this Adrianna Papell Cape Sheath Dress ($180) with a pair of bold-hued heels. (Photo via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)

2. Anna Kendrick’s Quirky Print: When we close our eyes and think of Anna Kendrick, we envision her in full-on princess attire (whether that’s because of her role in Into the Woods or her ethereal peach dress at this year’s Oscars, we don’t know). So it was awesome to see her rocking a cool-girl skirt and quirky printed top at her NYLON Cover Party this past January. Balance these Kaiaka Pineapple Printed Shorts ($34) with a black top for that same sophisticated spin. (Photo via Rachel Murray/Getty)

3. Elizabeth Banks’ Girly Embellishments: Elizabeth is one of our favorite red carpet risk-takers, and at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, she didn’t disappoint. Her monochrome outfit dazzled with girly embellishments, from gems to sequins to feathers, that felt so glamorously girly it hurt. This Chi Chi London Bandeau Full Midi Prom Dress ($127) delivers the same flirty punch with multi-hued embroidered blooms. (Photo via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)

4. Brittany Snow’s Bold Florals: Stand out this spring in a floral print that’s bright and bold, like Brittany’s glam twosie from the 2014 TrevorLIVE LA Event. This Nasty Gal Bloom and Board Pleated Skirt ($98) has that same not-so-girly vibe the mondo print affords. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

5. Hailee Steinfeld’s Next-Level Stripes: Hailee was a vision in head to toe Dior Couture at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards. While her acrylic-heeled boots gave us major shoe envy and that clear overlay made us consider a new way to layer tanks, her striped pleated skirt flat-out stunned. Forget all about French girl stripes with lines that pop with color (and sparkle, too!) like this Nasty Gal Fair Game Sequin Dress ($88). (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

6. Ester Dean’s Chic Suiting: At the 2013 MTV Movie Awards, Ester showed how to add a cool girl touch to menswear-inspired pieces. Take her cue and look for a next-level blazer with a satin sheen finish like her own, or chic, unexpected details like the cropped zipper hem on this Topshop Zip Off Blazer ($115). (Photo via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)

7. Kelley Jakle’s Pretty Yellow: Kelley proves that when you’re wearing a color as gorg as this — her buttery yellow 2013 MTV Movie Awards dress — you don’t need too much else to turn heads. Keep it similarly simple in this Forever 21 Crisscross Back Mini Dress ($23) and round out the look with light pastel accessories like a clutch or statement necklace. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

8. Hanna Mae Lee’s Statement Skirt: White tees are totally gala-worthy when they’re paired with a statement skirt like Hanna Mae’s from the 2012 Pitch Perfect Hollywood Premiere. This Ksenia Schanaider Pixel 11 Print Midi Skirt ($338) offers the same double punch of volume, print and color. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

9. Chrissie Fit’s Effortless Jumpsuit: Chrissie nailed the trick to making a jumpsuit look completely effortless at the 2014 Latina Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Party. Basically, it all comes down to her silhouette — a halter top, wide-legged onesie that drapes in all the right places. Channel her easygoing grace in this similar Mango Halter Neck Jumpsuit ($120). (Photo via Jonathan Leibson/Getty)

10. Anna Camp’s Sophisticated Geometry: Sometimes a print with too many angles can turn an entire look muddy. Not so for Anna’s gorgeously geometric 2015 MTV Movie Awards dress. Pass up the tribal-feeling patterns for more abstract shapes, like the angular (and totally figure flattering) color block on this Vesper Square Origami Pencil Dress ($101). (Photo via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)

11. Alexis Knapp’s Not-So-Basic Black Dress: Alexis proved that all-black dresses are anything but boring at Audi’s 2014 Golden Globes Weekend Celebration. Look for unexpected details that add drama when you’re picking a dark colored dress, like the slash cutouts and thigh-high slit on this Frame and Partners Stars Dance Maxi Dress ($217).

Which Bella’s — err, cast member’s — look do you want to copy? Tell us in the comments below.

(Photo courtesy Universal Studios, Featured Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

The magic of Selena Gomez's red carpet look for the 81st Golden Globes is in the details. From the slivers of skin seen through the bodice of her red satin Armani dress to the dramatic downturn of its long, asymmetrical skirt, the Only Murders in the Buildingnominee for Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series clearly came to stun.

Selena's glamorous red and black ensemble surely stood out with pops of stunning silver jewelry, but the one thing I couldn't keep my eyes off of were her shiny black nails! Her right-hand manicurist, Tom Bachik, dished on how exactly he crafted the painfully sultry paint job.

IG @tombachik

“Selena’s custom dress is such an amazing red with black accents, and we felt the nails should play off that," Bachik said. "The black high-gloss shine found in the flowers on the front was the perfect inspiration.”

These edgy black nails are not only the perfect homage to the rest of Selena's look (a bold smokey eye, jet-black floral accents), but a fitting reminder of my awkward middle school days when all I wanted was to fit into the flourishing emo scene. Though Selena's Golden Globes looks is worlds from the ever-so sleazy 2010's, I love that her glossy black nails can be worn a variety of ways for the everyday!

The secret behind Selena's rebellious mani is iconic nail brand, essie. Here's how to get the exact look in just four steps.

Get The Look: Selena Gomez's Golden Globes Black Nails

1. Prep the nails.

For Selena's black nails, Bachik began with a "meticulous manicure" using the Tweezerman & Tom Bachik Nail Care Travel Set ($29). Think your standard trimming, filing, clipping, and cuticle care – this step will set your nail beds up for some generously glossy coats!

2. Paint on the black.

Bachik painted two solid coats of Essie 'Licorice' ($8) for the base of Selena's black nails. This shade has the most perfect payoff to ensure your dark-as-night mani looks sleek AF.

3. Top it all off.

Bachik swears by Essie Gel Setter Top Coat ($11) for a seamless finish to any mani.

4. Don't skip post-mani nail care.

The Essie On A Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil does a great job at rehydrating the nails and surrounding skin. Bachik finished off Selena's 'patent leather' manicure with the roll-on applicator.

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Lead photo by Amy Sussman / Getty.

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.

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We’ve all had a renovation that doesn’t go as planned. And so has former Glee actress and gal behind the mic of The LadyGang podcast, Becca Tobin. After a plumbing incident in her LA pad, the star embraced the misfortune as a chance to give it a fresh, Cali-inspired facelift. “We took the opportunity to not only redecorate but also replace the floors with dreamy Clé tile and new hardwoods with the help of our amazing designer Cory McCrummen,” Tobin says. To see the bright and beautiful result, scroll below to see how you can get the look under your own roof.

Top to bottom: WAC Lighting White/Gold Pendant ($377), Society6 Vadim Vase Print ($62), Zazzle Hexagon Pattern Tile ($15), Union Rustic Serita Dining Table ($1,125), Society6 Odin Vase Print ($64), Printer and Tailor Green Vase ($35)

Top to bottom: Pottery Barn Oden Rug ($59+), Carson Carrington Birch Nightstand ($138), PatternBehavior Mud Cloth Pillow ($24+), Serena & Lily Santa Barbara Pendant ($298), France & Son Rotating Sconce ($799), INK+IVY Stockholm Color Block Throw ($35+), Society6 Back Line Print ($170)

Looking for home decor ideas? Follow us on Pinterest for additional inspo!

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(Photos via Dustin Walker; Creative via San Trieu / Brit + Co)

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!

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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.