Go on Spring Break Early With This Maker’s Goodies

Feb 02, 2015

You may be up to your eyeballs in snow at the moment, but the sun and beach are in sight. Spring break is on the horizon. No matter what tropical destination you’re headed to, there’s no reason to ever walk on a beach or lay poolside without feeling great about your styling fun-in-the-sun essentials. We’re talking sunnies, a good book, a swimsuit, some SPF and the oft-overlooked towel. Beach-lover, mom and maker Erin O’Neil filled us in on her beach towel business, Ruby Mint. Read on to see what inspires Erin, what goes into the towel-making process and how you can up your own beach towel game.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m originally from Laguna Beach and have lived in the seaside destination most of my life. I am a beach girl through and through: I thrive on Vitamin C, my feet are always sandy and I swim in the sea as often as I can. My world revolves around the beach and beach lifestyle. Most importantly, the inspiration behind Ruby Mint is my two-year-old daughter Ryan Ruby (hence the brand name). I started developing the brand when my babe was three months old (albeit it had been an idea for many years prior). I knew I didn’t want to go back to working 50+ hours a week at another corporate fashion/marketing job and miss out on raising my daughter on my own. For the short time my little gal has been in my life, she has taught me invaluable life, work and ownership lessons that I couldn’t learn at any other company than my own.

Why did you decide to start Ruby Mint?

I felt like there was a lack in the market for quality, stylish beach towels. I’d seen both women and men, mostly women, paying attention and spending money on all their other beach accessories including swimwear, beach bags, high-end sunglasses and sunscreens, then pulling a ratty old beach towel from the ’90s out of their chic beach bag. It was the missing piece in beach accessories that no one was really paying attention to or designing and selling.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Collections take their cue from my upbringing on the beach. My girlfriends are a major inspiration: Their beach style is organic as most have grown up on the beach and don’t just adhere to trends; they’re the women that design and create the sought-after beach style seen out there.

What does the making process look like for you?

It’s creative but also quite technical. When I sought out to create beach towels, I didn’t really understand the jacquard weaving process and its design restrictions. I spent months corresponding with designers and mills in an effort to better understand the technique and its technology.

Firstly, I sketch the pattern desired and work with a graphic designer to develop the patterns. I call out Pantone colors to get the exact hue desired. Once designs are complete, I send them in full-scale files to my manufacturer. They then dye thread samples to match the Pantone numbers and send me a few of each hue to pick the exact color I desire. Upon approval of colors, actual towel samples are woven and sent for inspection. Minor changes may be made, but my manufacturer creates superior quality products. Then towels go to production and the rest is history.

What are your perfect-beach-day essentials?

Vanity Fair magazine, zinc sunscreen, a bottle of chilled rose and smash ball. Diapers, sand toys and snacks are essential for my daughter, Ryan Ruby.

What other creative hobbies do you have?

Building sandcastles (always modern architecture) on the beach with my daughter and crafting refreshing cocktails and meals with family and friends.

Tell us how technology has changed and supported what you do.

Technology is a huge factor in my business as I correspond with overseas manufacturers, designers, press and retailers on a daily basis. Everything I do to promote and support Ruby Mint is completed via technology, whether it be email, design programs or social media.

Ready for you very own Ruby Mint towel? Visit the Brit + Co Shop!

17 Spring Break Swimsuits For Any Vacation Destination

If you’re already daydreaming about your spring break and summer travels, you’ve probably already planned out the best destinations to visit, beach reads to devour, and breezy outfits to wear. But the missing piece in it all is, of course, a swimsuit!

When it comes to swimsuits, there are a few non-negotiables: they have to be cute and colorful, plus it never hurts if the swimsuit you choose doubles as a tank top or bodysuit on dry land!

We scoured our favorite brands for some swimsuits that are exactly what you need to make a statement on vacation. Whether you’re jet-setting to a new place, or you’re spending your staycation tanning on your porch, grab one, or grab them all — we know we want to!

Bikinis

Malai Tori Underwire Bikini Top + Malai Hella Cool High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms

This moody suit is fit with different shades of pink to amp up the feminine vibes this spring and summer. While the top is a bit more revealing, the bottoms are def more modest, with a high waist and generous bottom coverage.

Aerie Beach Babe Gingham Voop Bikini Top + Full Coverage Bikini Bottom

The multicolor gingham pattern on this swimsuit is unique and will make your look fully your own this summer! The top of this bikini features some light ruching to flatter and shape your figure. The overall silhouette is pretty basic, so you can be sure the fit feels great.

Out From Under All The Roses Bandeau Bikini Top + Bikini Bottom

Rosettes are still all the rage, so embrace their trendiness with this bandeau swimmie! The aqua blue and hot pink combo feels wonderfully Barbie-esque. Let's go swim!

PacSun Eco Fruit Bre Triangle Bikini Top + High Cut Bikini Bottom

Little fruit illustrations dot this bikini, and it's too cute to ignore! Summer already makes us crave a massive fruit bowl, but with this swimsuit, you can amp up the fruity vibes even more! The straps on both the bottom and top contrast with the overall print, drawing some nice visual interest to your look.

Wild Fable Textured Striped Triangle Bikini Top + High Waist Cheeky Boyshorts

This set is just what we need for summertime. The bottoms come in boyshort form, which is honestly so nice for the days we want more coverage down there. The electric green color really speaks for itself, making you stand out amongst the crowd!

L Space Hazel Ribbed Bikini Top + Nora Bitsy Bikini Bottoms

This trendy piece by L Space is bound to be the swimsuit of the season! The limited color palette means there's endless matching potential, plus the suit itself is fairly modest so you can feel confident and comfy all (beach) day long.

Aerie Shine Rib String Triangle Bikini Top + Cheekiest Tie Bikini Bottom

Anything colorful, rainbow, or multicolor is gonna catch our eye, which is why we had to include this Aerie swimsuit! In addition to a tie-back design on both the bottoms and top, this suit features some sleek gold rings as hardware to keep the look chic as ever.

Shade & Shore Triangle Ribbed Bikini Top + High Leg Side-Tie Bikini Bottom

This slightly-ribbed bikini comes in a handful of different colors, but we adore this blue. It just feels so serene, setting the relaxing tone for your spring and summer getaways. The stringy fit sees that you get a ton of sun!

Beach Riot Eva Colorblock Rib Bikini Top + High Waist Bikini Bottoms

The neon color-way on this swimsuit reminds us of the 80s (in the best way). Throw it back this summer by donning this colorful two-piece! The high-waisted bottoms ensure maximum comfort, no matter what activity you're doing. This is an excellent choice is you're searching for swimsuits that are more modest.

One Piece Swimsuits

Belle The Label Ruched Maillot One-Piece Swimsuit

The ruching on the sides of this suit will flatter your figure with ease! This one piece also comes in a wide range of other colors to match your summer vibe perfectly.

Sea Level Interlace Seamless Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit

Chartreuse is one of our fave colors, and sporting it this spring and summer just makes sense. Especially if it's this lightly-textured one piece with removable, adjustable straps!

Old Navy One-Piece Swimsuit

The nautical, tropical print on this Old Navy one piece will instantly send you into vacation mode, no matter where you wear it!

free-est Amber One-Piece Swimsuit

The open back design on this one piece swimsuit lets your beach or pool look breathe, allowing the opportunity for some more sun, too!

Anisa Makhoul Patchwork One-Piece Swimsuit

The graphics on this swimsuit are so adorable, and so picturesque. Show it off, gal!

Shade & Shore Square Neck Wide Binding One Piece Swimsuit

This chic square-neck swimsuit has the cutest amount of color blocking. The white pops against the green to make sure all heads turn toward you this season!

Billabong X It's Now Cool Gradient One-Piece Swimsuit

We're suckers for colorful gradients. Now, you can wear it on your swimsuits!

Old Navy Shine Wrap-Front Swimsuit

Keep shining all spring and summer long with this wrap-front swimmie from Old Navy! It definitely supplies enough coverage on the top and bottom, so you can feel comfy!

Tag us with your favorite swimsuits on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more swimsuit inspo!

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

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

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We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

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Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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10 Sunny Spring Break Destinations That Guarantee Paradise This Year

Winter has officially overstayed its welcome IMO, but we have an early spring to look forward to according to Punxsatawney Phil! I know I can't be the only person dreaming of breezy spring dresses, sandy white beaches, and a reason to dive into steamy rom-com vacation reads. Sure — you can always experience this at home to some degree, but we all know how traveling has a way of boosting our moods.

To give you a bit of travel inspo, here are 10 spring break destinations for your vision board. A while you're at it, check out our list of spring break essentials so you have everything you need when you're on vacation! 😘

Spring Break Destinations That Don't Require A Passport

Image via Springhill Suites by Marriott

Springhill Suites by Marriott in Panama City Beach, Florida

When you think about spring break destinations that don't require a passport, Florida usually comes to mind. If we're being more specific, Panama City Beach is one of the inexpensive locations that sees a ton of travelers taking advantage of the sunny weather and sandy beaches.

If you're looking for something that's low key and offers a ton of fun that's wallet-friendly, the Springhill Suites by Marriott is the place to visit. You can spend a couple of days enjoying everything the hotel has to offer — fitness center and pool area — or you can check out surrounding activities! There's places to go golfing, bowling, and there's the electrifying Shipwreck Island Waterpark to splash around at.

Image via Mission Pacific Beach Resort

Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside, California

Round up your besties for a girls trip to remember at the Mission Pacific Beach Resort in sunny Oceanside, CA! Aside from having an award-winning view of the ocean, you'll be surrounded by a vibe that's all about relaxation. Enjoy a day at the

But, there's always plenty to do if you and girls are all about creating new memories together. You can take surf lessons, play golf & pickleball, go shopping, and dine at the MICHELIN-starred restaurant Valleor the Top Gun House — yes, the same one featured in Top Gun!

To make it even better, the Mission Pacific Beach Resort is offering a spring break package called Dine and Unwind which includes a food and beverage credit when you book a two-night stay! Uh, yes please!

Image via Salishan Coastal Lodge

Salishan Coastal Lodge in Gleneden Beach, OR

California may be known for being an idyllic place for spring break destinations, but Oregon also has something to offer those who're looking for a change of scenery. There's different hiking trails to walk along and an aerial adventure park that'll inspire you to let your inner child run free.

With it's Adventure Your Way package, the Salishan Coastal Lodge offers guests a nightly credit where you can do everything from join yoga classes or let your burnout fall away at the spa.

Image via Catalina Island Company

Catalina Island Company in Catalina, California

Catalina, CA is an island that boasts luscious green grass , stunning seaside views, and the Catalina Island Company! There's something to do for everyone here and we've got a first-hand look at why you'll always consider this in your list of spring break destinations. Not only will you have optimal lodging options at Hotel Atwater or Pavilion Hotel, but you can go on the Explore El Rancho Escondido tour to learn more about the beautiful island.

Got a taste for something adventurous? Well, book a Zip Line Eco Tour or the Catalina Aerial Adventure! They're family-friendly experiences that are sure to be the highlights of your trip if you're traveling with loved ones.

Image via The Hollywood Roosevelt

The Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles, California

This one's for our glamour girls who need a visually-pleasing space to vacation at. The Hollywood Roosevelt is a famous boutique hotel known for being the spot for all of Hollywood's movers and shakers in the entertainment industry so you'll be in good hands while staying here!

Stop by the Rosy Café for al fresco dining any time of the day and enjoy a Classic Cinema Night on March 20th at The Hollywood Roosevelt Cinegrill Theater. Also, lounge by the breathtaking Tropicana Pool that features artwork painted by David Hockney.

Like we said, it's the place to be if you crave a glamorous version of an Eat, Pray, Love trip.

Spring Break Destinations That'll Fill Your Passport Book

Image via Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Punta Mita, Mexico

Make sure your passport is up-to-date because it's almost time to travel abroad. Your first stop is at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Punta Mita, Mexico where you'll be surrounded by lush greenery on private island. If you don't want to make it a family trip, invite your S.O. for some fun in the sun. Enjoy a private tequila tasting by an expert mixologist after you've allowed yourself to unwind at the Apuane Spa.

Image via Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

What's better than an all-inclusive resort? I'm sure you can find plenty of things that are, but not having to worry about extra expenses to enjoy spring break sounds perfect. At the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos hotel, you'll enjoy a family-friendly environment that has rooms and dining that'll satisfy everyone's preferences. There's even a supervised Kidz Club filled with games, arts and crafts, and an outdoor playground for the little people you love to enjoy.

Image via Grace Bay Club

Grace Bay Club in Turks & Caicos

If you've been dreaming about visiting Turks & Caicos, now's the time to start planning to visit Grace Bay Club, a luxurious all-suite resort. It's in the process of being renovated, so you'll get to enjoy the freshness of its interior by the time spring break rolls around. Hop on a private yacht charter or in-villa rum blending experience before dining at the Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar.

If you think the fun has to stop in the daytime, think again. There's nighttime activities that involve telescopes, kayaks, and more!

Image via Palm Heights

Palm Heights in Grand Cayman B.W.I.

The Grand Cayman Islands is home to Palm Heights, a minimally glamorous hotel situated in the Caribbeans. Even though you'll be enjoying a break from scheduled Zoom meetings, you'll still enjoy complimentary wifi if you need to briefly hop on the internet. Also, you'll get to go paddle-boarding, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and more! If you prefer to have a more intimate view of the ocean, enjoy free diving or snorkeling tours.

Stop by the Coconut Club to enjoy food and drinks that promote wellness.

Image via Majestic Elegance Resort

Majestic Elegance Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Majestic Elegance Resort in Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort that's perfect for someone looking for a real experience during spring break. There's five additional 18+ bars located on the property, nine pools, four tennis courts, and free entrances to an array of other places. It'll be impossible to visit every restaurant, bar, or pool, but that doesn't meant you can't fill your itinerary with fun things to do!

Which spring break destinations are at the top of your travel vision board?

Lead image via Michael Block/Pexels

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Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.