These Bloggers Will Make You Want to Switch Your Tampons With Sea Sponges

Rachel Charlene
Sep 06, 2015

We’re all about shocking new health trends that make our bodies happier, so when we found out that bloggers were ditching traditional pads and tampons for — wait for it — sea sponges, we were dying to find out why. As huge fans of ways to have more eco-friendly periods, we were thrilled to chat with these green bloggers and find out the main benefits to making the switch.

When you’re on your period — otherwise known as crying into a puddle of melted chocolate ice cream — the last thing you want to do is deal with any extra discomfort thanks to hard-to-use period supplies. Tamsin of Eco Fluffy Mama loves sea sponges as a cozy, green option for her period. “I really love my sponge,” Tamsin says. “I never have a problem getting it in, and find it a great alternative to cups, especially when I’m really crampy, and sensitive.” Many who are new to sea sponge tampons worry about discomfort. Tamsin says, “Once it was in, I couldn’t feel it at all. No pressure on my bladder either, which I worried about due to size.” Even with a larger sponge, you shouldn’t feel a thing.

Sea Sponges Will Save You Money

For sure one of the most annoying things we spend money on is pads and tampons. There are so much more fun things that we could spend that ten bucks on. Lucky for us, sea sponges are reusable. Trisha of Momma T and Family did the math, and it’s a pretty huge difference. “When you break it down, [sea sponge tampons] are really cheap! I spend about $8 on a box of tampons and that lasts for one month, so $8 times 12 months is a whopping $96! Now, take that $96 and compare it to the $15 for your sea sponges that can be used for up to 6 months.”

You Can Use (and Reuse!) Sea Sponges With Ease

While we all want to save the planet, some of us are intimidated by the ever-popular menstrual cup. Thankfully, sea sponges are easy to work with and have less of a learning curve than cups. Heather of The Hippie Gardener says, “They are easier to get used to than the cups since you don’t have to get them positioned just right. They are perfect for someone who wants to ease into using reusable menstrual products but is a little intimidated by the cups.”

Sea Sponges Are Perfect for Travel

If you’re planning a hike or a camping trip, you’ll be glad to hear that sea sponges can make dealing with your period on the road much easier. Brooke of Her Packing List highly recommends them. Why? They’re easy to clean, even if you don’t have access to running water. “You can clean them with water mixed with sea salt, water and apple cider vinegar, water and tea tree, baking soda or even heavily diluted peroxide,” Brooke says. “I personally clean mine with heavily diluted peroxide, as I usually have a small bottle of peroxide in the travel first aid kit.” The added bonus of using sea sponges while traveling on your period? No trash. You don’t have to come up with a way to store traditional pads or tampons, which can get pretty gross pretty quickly. Long story short, there are tons of products you’ll already have on hand that you can use to disinfect.

Um, You’ll Have a Happier Period

Many users of sea sponge tampons and other natural alternatives say that they can actually lead to much happier periods. Marjorie Rhea of Adventures in Nutritional Therapy tried out sea sponges for six months and ended up being a pretty huge fan. “I was intrigued by accounts of women whose heavy periods became much lighter and shorter after several months on the sponge,” Majorie says. “Some believe that the chemicals used in commercial tampons and pads, [while] designed to make them more absorbent, actually go overboard and start drawing too much fluid from your body.” Sayonara, bleach. (Photo via The Period Store)

Here’s Where to Buy:

Black Sheep Soap Company Large Sea Sponges ($16): The great thing about sea sponges is that you can cut them down to the right shape for your body. Be sure to disinfect before use!

Holy Sponge Moon Kit ($20): This starter kit includes exactly what you need to make the jump from traditional tampons to sea sponges. It even includes hand-picked California white sage or lavender for a nice, relaxing bath.

Have you given sea sponges a try? Share your advice in the comments!

5 Simple Cooking Swaps To Make Your Meals Instantly Healthier

Getting stuck in a cooking rut often means reaching for the same ingredients without realizing healthier — and just as tasty —alternatives are within easy reach. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your routine to make a difference. With just a few simple cooking swaps, you can give your favorite meals a healthy twist, cut back on refined ingredients, and enjoy more nourishing ingredients every day.

Here are five easy cooking swaps to try this week!

Shameel Mukkath

1. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

Get that creamy tang without the extra fat. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, lower in calories, and often contains probiotics, which are great for your gut health. Greek yogurt is delicious in dips, dressings, or even dolloped on tacos or (my favorite) grilled salmon.

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2. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

For sautéing or drizzling, EVOO adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s a flavorful upgrade that also supports better cholesterol levels than butter. Just make sure to cook it at a lower heat, under 430 degrees is recommended.

Ella Olsson

3. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined

Trade white rice or pasta for brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are higher in fiber — and the secret to a healthy Mediterraneandiet — keeping you fuller longer and supporting digestive health. Cauliflower rice and spaghetti squash are also healthy alternatives to white rice and pasta and you get the added bonus of an extra veggie in your meal.

Foodie Factor

4. Swap Mayo for Avocado

Avocados, an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, make a great swap for traditional mayo in baking and preparing your favorite sandwich. Avocado oil mayo is also a healthy alternative and you'll taste nearly no difference.

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5. Add Veggies to Everything

I shred cauliflower or carrots into my daughter's pancakes to give an extra nutrient boost. Sneak in shredded zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into sauces, casseroles, or even baked goods. Swap hearty mushrooms, beets or eggplant for burgers too. It’s a simple way to eat more fiber and vitamins without changing the dish, or taste, too much.

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6 Discontinued Starbucks Items Customers Loved, But Baristas Actually Despised

For every beloved Starbucks item, there’s one that’s equally disliked. Whether they’re menu mainstays or have disappeared forever, Starbucks baristas and customers have some very strong opinions about the many menu items the chain's released over the years. This Reddit thread in particular details the discontinued Starbucks items that fans of The ‘Bux miss “the least” – AKA ones they were more than happy to say goodbye to.

Whether baristas were irked by the process of making them, their general flavor, or customers’ reception of ‘em, these discontinued Starbucks items departed from menus with a sincere “good riddance.”

Scroll on to discover 6 of the “least missed” discontinued Starbucks menu items, according to seasoned baristas.

@Starbucks on Instagram

1. Cloud Macchiato

Launched in collaboration with Ariana Grande back in 2019, the Starbucks Cloud Macchiato featured a fluffy, meringue-like foam topping made by blending nonfat milk, vanilla syrup, and a “cloud powder.” It was available to order in two familiar flavors: caramel and cinnamon.

Several Starbucks baristas noted that they simply did not care for making it, especially because the included cloud powder contained egg. This frustrated many plant-based customers, as the drink couldn’t possibly be made fully vegan.

“Was more annoying to make than anything,” one barista commented on Reddit. “Also they didn’t [really] advertise that it contained egg.”

“Tasted foul, irritating to make, having to explain that it cannot be made vegan (thanks Ariana…), and if it was mobile ordered you were almost guaranteed to receive a deflated cup of disappointment and regret,” another user said.

Starbucks

2. Spicy Refreshers

I got to get a first taste of Starbucks’ Spicy Refreshers when they dropped during the summer of 2024. Admittedly, I didn't think they’d be that good, especially because at the time, it seemed like the chain was grasping at straws to retain their fan base. At the same time the spice-infused Refreshers launched, Starbucks also debuted their (short-lived) boba, and it was just wild. There was also a Spicy Cream Cold Foam included in the launch.

Out of the three Refresher flavors available (dragonfruit, strawberry, and pineapple), the pineapple one tasted the best. The trio turned out to be pretty hit or miss, and lots of fans and baristas agreed.

“Those spicy drinks feel like a fever dream,” one person wrote on Reddit. “Genuinely forgot we had those and forgot how horrible they were.”

Funnily enough, many more people weighed in and said the now-discontinued drinks were only tasty with a shot of tequila included. Fair enough!

Starbucks

3. Oleato (Olive Oil) Drinks

Introduced in January of 2024, Starbucks’ first-of-its-kind Oleato beverages were crafted using extra virgin olive oil. The chain promised a “luxurious and next-level” flavor, but these drinks ended up totally bombing. Many customers and baristas reportednot being able to drink them whatsoever, or simply feeling sick if they did sip ‘em down.

"The barista refunded me after she saw me spit it back into the cup," this Redditor said.

"At my location, NOBODY likes the olive oil," another person noted. "Not even us baristas, it’s disgusting honestly."

Reddit

4. Unicorn Frappuccino

Oh, lord. This discontinued Starbucks drink from 2017 truly needs to be studied. Available for a limited time, the Unicorn Frappuccino went viral for its “flavor-shifting, color-changing" qualities. It was crafted with an insane lineup of ice, milk, pink powder, sour blue powder, crème syrup, mango syrup, and sour blue drizzle – this massive load of sugar concerned plenty of people, too.

A former partner on Reddit verified that the reception of the so-called "famed" Unicorn Frappuccino wasn't all that it was cracked up to be:

"I think the worst part for me was, although it looked cool/pretty, it tasted absolutely horrible," they wrote. "If I recall correctly, it was the thick mango syrup, white chocolate, and some sour blue drizzle. I would say at least half of the customers who actually managed to get one from my store would return them half-full saying it was ‘disgusting’. And honestly, I agreed."

“If you were working in 2014-15, you get 'Nam flashbacks when anyone mentions unicorns or mermaids," another barista commented.

Starbucks

5. Toasted Vanilla Syrup

Discontinued at the end of 2023 for being generally unpopular, Starbucks' Toasted Vanilla syrup wasn’t quite well-received by baristas.

“That toasted vanilla smelled like every middle school mean girl ever, and it tastes like butt,” one person commented.

“Can’t believe I completely blocked the toasted vanilla out of my memory,” another said. “Sh-t was so nasty.”

Ashley Burk

6. Kiwi Starfruit Refresher

Crafted with green coffee extract, ice, and kiwi pieces, the long-gone Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher hit menus in 2020, but sadly fell off in favor of other Refresher flavors like pineapple and blackberry. Several Starbucks baristas were happy to see it go since it tasted so bad.

“I remember making it when I was training and thinking, ‘this shit smells like battery acid.,’” someone commented.

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Achieve Boho Bliss With These 42 Festival-Ready Fashion Finds

Embrace the carefree, wild-hearted vibe of a boho aesthetic for your festival fun this summer. Let folk music and the beauty of nature inspire your festival looks, from billowy palazzo pants to fringed jackets. And get in touch with your cosmic spirit with accessories like chakra necklaces and moonstone rings. These 42 summer-y fashion finds are the perfect way to embody boho, blissful vibes for every festival.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Stay Cozy and Cool in the Crochet Hoodie Dress

Amazon

This crochet hoodie dress is a laidback indie look that fits the eccentric aesthetic perfectly while having a modern flair. The crocheted design is hippy-dippy, and you can wear it with pants or with a bodysuit.

See it on Amazon

Twirl and Frolic in This Paisley Maxi Skirt

Amazon

Feel like a free spirit in this flowy, twirly paisley maxi skirt. The layered, patchwork style is beautifully eclectic and offers a nomadic aesthetic. It's an effortless way to create a lovely boho look with one item.

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Slide Into These Cork Sandals

Amazon

These cork sandals will keep you comfortable as you walk from stage to stage. The cork insole is firm but spongey, absorbing shock impact with each step. And the earth-toned, strappy upper has a casual hippy vibe that works with pants or dresses.

See it on Amazon

Peace, Love, and Heart Sunglasses

Amazon

Radiate love and good vibes throughout your festival with these heart-shaped sunglasses. They give you complete UV protection and have an exquisite design that feels high-end. Wear them with your New Age looks, or create retro outfits with them at your next concert.

See it on Amazon

Twirl to the Music in This Babydoll Dress

Amazon

This dainty babydoll dress has a deep V-neck and backless silhouette with a short, flowy bottom that creates a wild-hearted vibe. The layered skirt offers a voluminous look, and the simple texture is ripe for accessorizing.

See it on Amazon

Glow in These Beaded Sunset Earrings

Amazon

You'll look as radiant and warm as the sunset with these beaded earrings, made with hypoallergenic brass and glass seed beads. They're lightweight but make a stylish impact that enhances your outfit with a sun-drenched vibe.

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Glimmer With This Sun Pendant Waist Belt

Amazon

Elevate your outfit with this golden pendant belt and bring some sunshine wherever you go. The layered style gives any look a lavish feel while maintaining that sunny wanderlust vibe. Wear it with a wispy dress, a fitted bodysuit, or bell-bottom jeans.

See it on Amazon

Embrace Flower Power in This Floral Skort

Amazon

This ruffled skort is fabulous for festivals, giving you the comfort and coverage of shorts with the elegance and playfulness of a flowy skirt. Select one of the many dainty floral patterns to create a unique look that radiates flower power.

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Move and Groove in Stretchy Jean Shorts

Amazon

These stretchy denim shorts offer a classic festival look along with supreme comfort. The cutoff style gives them a relaxed vibe, while the cotton, polyester, and spandex blend makes them flexible, so you can dance and squat and do it all.

See it on Amazon

Step to the Beat in These Suede Wide-Calf Boots

Amazon

These wide-calf suede boots are the definition of chic boho, with a sandy brown material but a runway-ready silhouette. The low kitten heels keep them comfy enough for a three-day festival, and the knee-high style is sassy and luxurious.

See it on Amazon

Strut Your Stuff in Embroidered Bell-Bottom Jeans

Amazon

You won't just wear these floral embroidered bell bottoms to your next festival; you'll wear them to your next concert, Sunday brunch, trivia night, and beyond. The 100% cotton denim is comfortable and durable, ensuring these beautiful hippy pants withstand all the festival fun.

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Carry All Your Essentials in This Daisy Crossbody Bag

Amazon

Keep your phone, wallet, and keys safe with this dainty daisy crossbody bag. It's embroidered with yellow and white daisies for an endearing look, but the zippered pockets, removable strap, and canvas material make it a versatile festival must-have.

See it on Amazon

This Jewelry Set Is All the Turquoise You Need

Amazon

This turquoise jewelry set comes with all the boho bling you could need for a whole summer of festivals. It includes 24 pieces, including pendant necklaces, bracelets, stone rings, and dramatic dangly or hoop earrings.

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Look Like a Goddess in a Lacy Sun Dress

Amazon

This beachy maxi dress has a folky aesthetic, with tassel and pom-pom accents. The eggshell-colored floral lace is ethereal and drapey, ideal for hot days in the sun. The dress has a high-low cut that keeps it informal while looking graceful.

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Stay Cute and Cozy in This Tie Dye T-Shirt

Amazon

Create a laidback outfit with this cool tie-dye T-shirt with a sun and moon mandala design. This top brings all the good vibes, with a soft cotton and stretchy elastane fabric blend. And the whimsical graphic print radiates cosmic energy.

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Mushroom Stud Earrings for a Woodland Aesthetic

Amazon

These mushroom studs are perfect for boho or cottagecore aesthetics, and the hypoallergenic design won't irritate your skin. You can feel like one with the earth when you put these on and curate a foresty, woodland aura.

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Block the Sun the Boho Way With Oversized Round Sunglasses

Amazon

Nothing is quite as boho as an oversized pair of sunglasses. These round-frame glasses have an ombre lens that will block out the bright festival sun while enhancing your flower child look. And they're cut enough to wear after festival season, too.

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Get Wild in Cow Print Bell Bottoms

Amazon

Yeehaw! These cow print bell bottoms are boho meets cowgirl, giving you that country, hipster vibe that is perfect for a festival with all music genres. The tight fit gives you a saucy, tailored look that works with tiny crop tops or billowy peasant shirts.

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Jump Into This Floral Jumpsuit

Amazon

This floral jumpsuit is as relaxed and comfy as pajamas but as trendy as your favorite summer dress. With pockets to hold your essentials and a smocked top, it offers an easygoing fit that's functional enough for a long day of dancing.

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Soft Headbands for a Laidback Look

Amazon

Wear these folky headbands to bring that New Age feel to any outfit and create a refined hairstyle. The pack of six includes various floral and geometric designs to accommodate your daily mood, and the stretchy, supple material stays in place all day.

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Feel Free in This Lightweight Cardigan

Amazon

Be free and eclectic in this airy cardigan that helps you cover up without overheating. It's made from 100% viscose for a silky, feather-light feel. The mandala-inspired patterns are tasteful, and the tiny tassels at the bottom are an essential boho detail.

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Be a True Flower Child in This Daisy Hair Wreath

Amazon

Embrace the Vanessa Hudgens festival aesthetic with this adorable daisy hair wreath that immediately makes you look like a Woodstock icon. The bright daisies are an enchanting addition to your outfit, and the easy-tie design makes it easy to adjust.

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Feel Like a Rebel in This Fringe Jacket

Amazon

Fringes are a classic boho element, and this fringed jacket is a must-have for chilly festival nights. The faux suede creates a vintage vibe and smooth texture, perfect for swaying to the music or sitting in the grass.

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A Down-to-Earth Floppy Straw Hat

Amazon

Keep the sun out of your eyes and accessorize with this straw hat that can be folded up and tucked into your bag. The handcrafted hat feels earthy and authentic, taking you from beach days to festival weekends.

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Giddy Up in These Cowgirl Boots

Amazon

What looks cuter with a flowy floral dress than some dusty cowgirl boots? These cream-colored suede boots are embroidered with a nature-inspired design for an elevated country look. The block heel is easy to walk in all day, and the rubber sole offers festival-level support.

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Palazzo Pants to Dance In

Amazon

These palazzo pants are made of 100% cotton, making them supremely comfy — you'll never want to take them off. The flowy silhouette is perfect for a summer festival, keeping you cool and covered in the heat. And they come in fabulous floral and patchwork patterns.

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Top Off Your Outfit With a Crochet Bucket Hat

Amazon

This crocheted bucket hat brings a woven flair to the skater silhouette, combining aesthetics for a unique and fashionable style. The handmade hat uses milk cotton yarn for a plush but durable feel, and the wide knit allows your head to breathe on hot days.

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Stay Lowkey in This Sunflower Shirt

Amazon

Exude organic vibes without a flashy look in this cute daisy T-shirt, made with 100% Rayon for a breathable, lightweight feel. Order it oversized and wear it as a T-shirt dress, or go down a size for a fitted, baby-tee style. Either way, the large daisy graphic will bring those bohemian vibes.

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Bring the Sparkle to Boho With Glittery Tights

Amazon

Add some glitter to your look with these rhinestone tights. The nude color keeps your outfit warm-toned, but the tiny rhinestones make your legs shimmer in the summer sun. Channel your inner boho fairy and bring a little sparkle to your vibe.

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Serve Rustic Realness in Slouchy Booties

Amazon

Lean into the rustic style with these slouchy booties that embody that '70s Woodstock aesthetic. The synthetic rubber and light design keep your feet cool in the heat, and the low heel ensures you can comfortably walk for hours.

See it on Amazon

Strap on Your Stuff With a Boho Backpack

Amazon

Whether you're camping out or just being prepared, you can pack everything you need for your festival in this backpack. The understated geometric design is eclectic and artisanal. It's made with high-quality canvas and copper, ensuring a durable design and smooth enclosure.

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Be Sassy in This Distressed Patchwork Skirt

Amazon

Bring a modern flair to the aesthetic with this patchwork skirt, constructed with denim, spandex, and other materials that create a sturdy but stretchy texture. The skirt is comfortable enough for dancing but fashionable enough for Insta posts.

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Find Hair Harmony With Braided Hair Ties

Amazon

With these nylon hair ties, you can epitomize boho in every detail and create endearing hairstyles. The pack comes with 20 braided, knotted, or twisted hair ties you can use to throw your hair up when dancing gets sweaty or tie stylish braids, ponytails, and buns.

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Adorn Your Fingers With Gemstone Rings

Amazon

Harness the power of crystals and stones with these gemstone rings on your fingers. The pack comes with 10 distinct gem styles, from amethyst to opal, and the chunky designs ensure they make a soulful statement that elevates your look.

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Be Desert Chic in a Southwestern Jean Shacket

Amazon

Stay warm and Western in this jean shacket that offers a distressed style and folky geometric weave. The spacious front pockets are ideal for holding your phone and wallet, and the oversized, relaxed look gives you that carefree vibe.

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Center Yourself With a Chakra Necklace

Amazon

Align your chakras with this gold pendant necklace that features seven chakras in a stainless steel design. It can fall as low as your sternum for an exaggerated look, and the chakras will keep you feeling balanced during the festival chaos.

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Wander Around in These Braided Sandals

Amazon

These braided sandals offer an earthy appearance that will make you feel like Mother Nature. The vegan rubber is flexible and sturdy, supporting your feet with effortless comfort and traction. You can adjust the braids for a looser fit or a more secure feel.

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The Indie Chic Strapless Sundress

Amazon

Cultivate an indie aesthetic in this artsy strapless sundress with a smocked top that stays in place. The variety of floral and psychedelic patterns are ideal for a free-spirited aesthetic with a flirty aura.

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Stay Golden With This Sunrise Tote

Amazon

This tote bag is roomy enough to hold all your festival gear, from water bottles to fringe jackets. The 100% cotton, hand-embroidered construction is strong enough for heavier items, and the orange and yellow patchwork brings a sun-drenched vibe to your look.

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Tie-Dye Tank Top to Die For

Amazon

This simple tie-dye tank top features a sun and moon chakra design that captures the dreamy, cosmic spirit. With a cotton and elastane fabric blend, it offers a flexible, tailored fit that moves with you. Embrace the sun's energy with these warm tie-dye colors.

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Bohemian Earrings Set to Accessorize Every Outfit

Amazon

No boho outfit is complete without some untamed earrings, and this set of 45 earrings offers stunning options. From orange tassels to crescent moon styles, there's a pair for every bohemian look, plus a few refined options for everyday wear.

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Chill Out in These Hippy Pants

Amazon

These loose-fitting pants are made with 100% Rayon for a lightweight feel. They come in feather-themed designs that give them an exceptionally breezy appearance, and the smocked waist and tapered ankle make them work with a range of top and shoe styles.

See it on Amazon