How a 10-Day Surfing Trip Launched a Clothing Line

Ready to get vibey? Wondering what vibey even means? Us too. So we sat down with clothing designer Wojtek Peliks to ask him about what inspired him to start his extra-long hoodie line, aptly dubbed Vibey.

Vibey-Founder

In addition to a little Q&A, we took to the streets with a trio of fresh Vibey hoodies.

Whether you’re a dude or a dame, these sweatshirts rule. They are so comfy and warm, and come in a whole bunch of cool color combos. Read on to learn more about how Wojtek got started!

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I love nature, the grandiose mountains with fresh pow and blue skies, warm Malibu peeling waves and wavestorming it with the coolest friends. Skate jams and bowl sessions when it’s flat. Everything that channels those cultures and that fleeting feeling of pure joy when you land something on *lock* and you KNOW that it felt perfect and you’re stoked and everyone’s stoked for you. It’s awesome to make a product that kind of channels that and gets people excited and feeling good about whatever they’re doing, be it skiing, boarding, or just chilling out and getting cozy with some tea and a Netflix movie.

Tell us about Vibey.

It all started on a 10-day shlarptour of the California coast when 3 of us set out to rip lines, surf ALL of the waves, and skate in between. We sewed ourselves some extra tall hoodies in my mom’s kitchen on our way to Tahoe because we thought they looked rad and channeled our vibes of just having a good time, skiing, boarding, surfing, skating and just enjoying the outdoors with best friends! Just feeling the good vibes and spreading that stoke! And that’s what Vibey was born out of and strives to do.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Dream SUPER big, but be stoked on the small achievements, and with persistence and patience work away at whatever you want to accomplish.

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

Tech totally changed the communication and interaction we can have with our customers. It makes the brand real and allows us to convey that there are real people stoked on these things and making these things and really making an effort to bring the coolest product into the customers’ hands.

What’s on your studio playlist?

Wow. Well, everything! I used to say I listen to everything but country and now I JAM to some country tunes too! But lately Alexander has been just playing on #repeat.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

here

follow Vibey on Instagram to see all sorts of dawn patrol bros just crushing it.

If you’ve ever searched the internet for lettering inspo, you’ve probably seen Lauren Hom’s work. Her California-based design studio, Hom Sweet Hom, has done work for clients such as Starbucks and Google, and has a new exclusive collection with Studio Ink. She is also well known for her beautifully lettered “Daily Dishonesty” sayings and making money off her ex-boyfriend’s tears. Still not convinced of how cool Lauren is? Get this: Her life motto is “Work hard, snack often.” If those aren’t true pearls of wisdom, I don’t know what are.

Lauren recently teamed up with Studio INK to create a line of beautiful, colorful, quirky greeting cards. In true Lauren Hom fashion, her cards are super relatable and speak the truth (i.e. “Birthday Calories Don’t Count”).

And now, for our chat with Lauren.

Where are you based?

Traveling around the world for a year right now. Previous home base was Brooklyn, New York.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I’m inspired by life — from inside jokes with friends to exploring new cities and cultures, my work is mostly inspired by my experiences. Aesthetically, I’m inspired by the colors, patterns, textures and signage of all the places I travel to.

I’ve always loved to make things with my hands. Whether it’s baking a cake or painting a mural, I really enjoy making something out of nothing. Sometimes I’ll step back from something I’ve drawn or painted and think, “Whoa, did that really just come out of my hands?” It’s a great feeling, and I think this feeling is what keeps me moving forward.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Never stop making!

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

I love the speed, precision and efficiency that technology gives me. All of my work starts out on paper with pencil and ink, and then with the help of a scanner, Photoshop and a tablet, I can edit, color, rotate and paint my letters any way I want to. 50 years ago, I would’ve had to do all of it by hand. It’s really incredible.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

A good workflow is my happy place. Everything falls into place and I go into a sort of happy trance. I find that I get into the creative flow by writing down ideas as soon as they come to me. There’s something magical about the birth of an idea — the thought that I could’ve just come up with something that has never crossed anyone else’s mind is so exhilarating. Writing things down (on paper, in my phone notepad, etc.) as soon as they come to mind is definitely a catalyst to my creative flow.

Oh, and having a few really good go-to playlists is key when I’m in a drawing groove. Having to stop and change songs is super disruptive.

What is the story of how you got to where you are today?

When I was 18, I moved to New York City to attend the advertising program at School of Visual Arts. After graduation, I landed my dream job at a big advertising agency but burnt out within a year. Luckily, I had been working on illustration passion projects on the side, so I had enough confidence to leave my full-time job and begin freelancing. Leaving the comfort of my nine-to-five job was scary, but when I put myself in a sink or swim situation, I worked harder because there was more to lose.

What other makers inspire you?

These amazing ladies making unique things:

What is the weirdest, most unusual or worst job you’ve ever had?

In college, I designed characters for a Facebook game that was like Farmville for stoners.

What other things do you love to make?

I hand-sewed this sexy cheeseburger + fries Halloween costume that I am super proud of: I’ve worn it seven years in a row.

Which Lauren Hom for Studio INK card is your fave?Share with us on Instagram by using the hashtag #britstagram!

Styling: Irene Lee and Lindsay Saito

Photography: Chris Andre

Surprise proposals are always magical (hi, Benny Blanco & Selena Gomez!), but we've gotten picky about which engagement rings make us swoon these days. Some of our prior favorite trends have become outdated, and it would more sad if they weren't other gorgeous options on the market. Even so, it's not easy to narrow down which ones will overpower or age your hands. Thankfully we've solved the big mystery for you so you can flaunt your fiancée title with the best accessory!

Scroll for engagement rings that aren't worth adding to your "secret" Pinterest board!

Gabriel & Co.

1. Double Halo Engagement Rings: Gabriel & Co. 14K White Gold Double Halo Ring

Once upon a time, double halo engagement rings were widely popular and a good indicator that someone was willing to make your hand look extremely good. But that's not the case anymore! As coveted as this style used to be, it now comes across as gaudy and overpowering.

If you're dropping hints to your partner, perhaps leave this "outdated" style in your drafts!

Kay Jewelers

2. Princess Cut Engagement Rings: Kay Jewelers Lab Grown Princess-Cut Solitaire Ring

We were sure princess cut engagement rings meant we were going to embody the lives of our favorite Disney princesses — mainly Cinderella. We even told ourselves we'd be 100% okay with just a single diamond in the middle of a plain band. Now we know there's other options we can choose from. From cushion to emerald cut, none of us have to relegate ourselves to a style of the past!

Brilliant Earth

3. Thick Band Engagement Rings: Brilliant Earth Alden Ring

Did you just yelp or was that us? Maybe it was a collective sound heard around the world because wearing an engagement ring with a thick band seems like something our grandmothers would love. Though we don't always question their personal style, there's something "vintage" about this trend that doesn't make us feel great. Also, this ring will likely swallow your finger if your hand is on the slender side!

Shane Co.

4. Excessively Vintage Engagement Rings: Shane Co. Natasha Lab-Grown Engagement Ring

Hear us out — vintage rings are gorgeous and have the rare ability of being unique in a sea of familiar engagement choices. But reaching for something that feels like you can buy it from somewhere like Shein for way less than the market price shouldn't make anyone feel good.

Believe us when we say this trend is "outdated!"

Vrai

5. Rose Gold Engagement Rings: Vrai Side Cluster Cathedral Oval Engagement Ring

Rose gold engagement rings were an alternative to the general metals we're used to seeing (i.e., white gold, platinum or yellow gold), but we think they're losing their touch. We've also noticed that some jewelers have their own definition of how this trend looks so it's not as easy to tell what people consider to be "rose gold."

Your best bet is to try engagement rings on in person to see what looks best on your skin so your partner's able to make a more informed decision!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more trends you should and shouldn't invest in!

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

As our Re:Make conference-goers can attest, there’s really nothing like being in the company of fellow makers. Small-scale artisans make our world go round, and we’ll take every chance we can get to celebrate them! That’s why we teamed up with Blurb to put on our first-ever Maker B-School, a night filled with inspiring makers, tasty (and photogenic!) cocktails and a healthy helping of maker wisdom from some of the best in the industry.

Consider this your virtual tour :) First stop: Blurb’s station!

BLURB

We have MAJOR respect for this company. Using their tools, any maker (or regular Jane!) can publish a print book, magazine or ebook, and therefore make their brand that much stronger. Blurb has done wonders for the maker community, and we’re incredibly honored to partner with them.

CHRISTINE HERRIN + ADOBE

We’re all about hands-on project stations, and Adobe definitely delivered. They paired up with Christine Herrin, who makes seriously beautiful zines using Adobe InDesign, and provided inspirational booklets for all of the attendees.

Excuse us while we crush HARD on Christine’s designs — we can’t get enough of them.

LAMBERT FLORAL STUDIO

Next up is Sammy Go of Lambert Floral Studio (yay for maker dudes!) with a jaw-dropping, bountiful bouquet, some impressive knowledge of how to grow a business’s social community and possibly one of the most tasteful product catalogs we’ve ever seen. Can you bring your flowers to all of our events, please?

See what we mean by an impressive catalog? This thing is downright dreamy.

CRAFT + COCKTAILS

Ashley Rose Conway of Craft + Cocktails whipped up tasty piña coladas and spiked pink peppercorn lemonades all night, and also dished out some expert tips on cocktail photo styling. We’ve already been following her on Instagram for ages, so it was a real treat to get a behind-the-scenes look!

These babies were definitely Insta candy :)

ETTA + BILLIE

Alana Rivera, from the artisanal soap brand Etta + Billie, talked shop and shared best tips for building an authentic brand. We can’t decide what we like more: the marvelous fragrances or the tasteful, elegant packaging.

JOSHU + VELA

The team at JOSHU+VELA construct bags, wallets and accessories made entirely of natural materials, and they’re manufactured right here in SF — by them! It was a pleasure to have them showcase their brilliant products and share their perspective on brand identity. We’re itching to take a leather-working class with them, if they’ll have us ;)

PORTRAITS TO THE PEOPLE

How cool is this — Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People used our DIY studio to provide headshots for the attendees!

After getting zhuzhed by a professional makeup and hair stylist, makers would get a chance to take a new headshot by Sarah, one of the top photographers in the Bay Area. Neat, huh?

THE FOOD!

Oh, did we mention the incredible food provided by SF favorite, Vive la Tarte? Tied for most delectable treat was this INSANE bacon-wrapped fig and an unbelievably satisfying creme brûlée tart — but we’re not playing favorites.

MAKER B-SCHOOL TOP TIPS

Didn’t make it to the stellar event this time? No worries! Lucky for you, our amazing designer Rosee Canfield compiled the makers’ top tips in a beautiful, printable card. Check it out!

Download it here and hang it in your work space!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about running your own business? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo!

This post is a collaboration with Blurb.

Author: Maddie Bachelder
Photography: Brittany Griffin

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester are definitely one of our favorite celebrity couples, but they’re also some of our favorite celeb parents. The couple has two children together, and they keep their family life pretty private.

But while getting all dolled up during a video interview on February 27, Leighton Meester offered a rare update about their kids, including a glimpse into their work-life balance as a family of 4.

Adam Brody & Leighton Meester’s kids aren't "fazed at all" by the Hollywood life.

Leighton Meester's kids understand the Hollywood of it all.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

While recording a Vogue Beauty Secrets video, Leighton Meester revealed that her kids are pretty used to traveling for her and Adam Brody's work.

“My kids, they get what we do," she says. "They come on location a lot." And while both Leighton and Adam have worked on some pretty big projects (and Leighton just joined Nobody Wants This season 2!), the Gossip Girl actress doesn't "think they're fazed at all."

"They get a lot of us off set and a lot of us not working, which has been always a really big benefit for both of us," she continues.

She also revealed to Brit + Co exclusively that Arlo is pretty helpful in the kitchen. “What I try to do is meal prep as much as I can. Sometimes that doesn't work out for me, but for my kids — I'll make things ahead of time," she says, adding that she's in “one of the luckiest positions that a mom could be.”

“When I was still nursing or my babies were still young, I had plenty of space and time to [be with my kids]," she continues. "And I know most women who are mothers don't have that opportunity at all.”

What has Adam Brody said about his parenting style?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

When asked about his parenting style with Leighton Meester, Adam Brody told Today's Hoda & Jenna that he feels like their parenting is the "perfect" balance. "Of course, I’m going to feel like it’s the perfect balance of all of it," he says, adding that they're "very honest."

"We have some very truthful conversations, for better or worse. But other than that, I wouldn’t say overly strict," he continues. "There is a helicopter, you know, to keep them safe. I’m not overly strict but I see the sharp edges, literally...I want to keep those heads maintained."

What has Leighton Meester said about their family traditions?

Paulina Stevens/Exmas Film Inc/Amazon Freevee

When it comes to spending time together during the holidays, Leighton also opened up to Brit + Co exclusively about their go-to activities in an interview for her 2023 rom-com EXmas.

"We do a lot of hanging out," Leighton says in our conversation. "It's infuriating to people who live in cold weather but we go to the beach or we go in our pool or jacuzzi. We have snacks by the jacuzzi — we call it jajuterie!" Can I get in on that?

How many children does Leighton Meester have?

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester have two children, a daughter named Arlo, and a son whose name they haven't told us yet.

What are Leighton Meester's kids ages?

Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Arlo is 9 years old and was born on August 4, 2015. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody's son was born in 2020 and is 4 years old.

How old was Leighton Meester when she had her first child?

Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Leighton Meester was 27 years old when she had Arlo in 2015.

Check out Ryan Reynolds And Blake Lively Want Their Kids To Have “As Normal A Life As Possible” for the latest news on another Gossip Girl cast member's family.

Millions of Americans tune into award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys every single year. Yet, you may not know that the Newbery Medal predates all of them — and this great literary honor historically celebrated and exulted some of your favorite childhood reads.

The latest Youth Media Awards took place on January 27, 2025, at the LibLearnX conference in Phoenix, Arizona. There, this year's Newbery Medal winner was officially announced. Keep reading to find out the exciting new winner!

Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Newbery Medal winning book!

What is the Newbery Medal?

Amazon

The Newberry Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children on a yearly basis. The American Library Association (ALA) gave the very first Newbery Medal to Hendrik Willem van Loon, author of "The Story of Mankind," in 1922.

This honor, named after John Newbery, an English children's book publisher, ultimately became the world's first children's book award.

Since its inception, the Newbery Medal has been awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children. Numerous revered works have been given this honor, ranging from The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle in 1923 to Summer of the Swans in 1971 and The Tale of Despereaux in 2004.

Who won the 2025 Newbery Medal?

Erin Entrada Kelly

The honor was given to The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. The book, which came out on March 5, 2024, is set in 1999 and follows a 12-year-old boy named Michael Rosario, who is consumed by anxiety as he prepares for a potential Y2K disaster.

Then, one day, Michael encounters a teenager named Ridge, who stands out with his unusual clothing and strange way of speaking. It turns out that Ridge traveled back in time from the year 2199 with the help of his mom's scientific experiments following a dare from his siblings.

Michael is tempted by the opportunity to find out about the future. However, he realizes that his priority is helping Ridge return to his own time.

This feat represents Erin Entrada Kelly's second Newbery Medal win. She previously won the honor for the first time in 2018 with her book, Hello, Universe.

Along with this prestigious award, the committee also awarded Newbery Honors to other books deemed attention-worthy. These titles included Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller, One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy.

Amazon

While the Newbery Medal is perhaps the most famous children's book award, the ALA also recognizes outstanding literature across a variety of categories. These awards, including the Randolph Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the William C. Morris Award, and the Michael L. Printz Award, are determined by committees of children's librarians and other literary experts.

This year, the Randolph Caldecott Medal was presented to Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. It's awarded to the most distinguished American picture book for kids.

Amazon

Twenty-four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds received the Coretta Scott King Book Award, which honors African American authors and illustrators who create exceptional books for both children and young adults. My Daddy Is a Cowboy, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza, won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award.

The William C. Morris Award, given to books by debut authors writing for teen audiences, was presented to Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Finally, the Michael L. Printz Award, which recognizes excellent works across YA fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, and anthologies, was awarded to Brownstone by Samuel Teer and illustrated by Mar Julia.

Order 'The First State of Being' Here!

Amazon

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

Looking for more book news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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