5 Minute DIY: Deck Out Your Desk with Neon!

We’ve been having a bit of a friendly competition here at Brit HQ to deck out our desks in our new office. And you know that we had to have at least some neon in the mix! What makes this DIY even better? It could be one of the easiest ones we’ve done on the site, and it involves the new neon Sharpies, which we can’t get enough of!

Just by coloring the edges, you’ll give your acrylic desk accessories a bright neon glow.

And all the supplies you need are available at the office supply store. Let’s get started!

Materials:

– painter’s tape

– scissors

– rubbing alcohol swabs

Instructions:

1. Clean edges the acrylic pieces with the alcohol swabs. This step is technically optional, but if you’ve had them on your desk for awhile, they might be a bit dusty or have oils from your hands on them.

2. Color the exposed edges of each piece with the Sharpie color of your choosing. Be sure to color the bottom edges as well to increase the “glow.”

3. For any seams that show through on the sides (see the pen holder below), tape off the seams and color with the Sharpie.

4. Using a fresh rubbing alcohol swab clean up any mistakes.

We chose to do each accessory in a different color. They all worked really well, but the blue was the faintest of the five. It took a couple of coats, and had a really subtle finished look.

The “seams” on this organizer don’t go all the way through, so we taped them off to get straight lines. You can skip this step if you want, but we found it really increased the glow of this organizer.

Make sure the ink is dry before you remove the tape to avoid smudging it.

The finished organizers, seem to light up with their colors!

The yellow really pops on these file trays.

The blue was much more subdued. If you end up not liking the way one of the colors turns out, simply use a rubbing alcohol swab to remove the marker. It might take a little elbow grease, but it will all come off.

To make sure the color really stood out on this organizer, we colored the top and bottom of each swiveling tray. It has a great look when stacked all together.

This one might be our favorite! Just by coloring the top edge, the U-shaped cutout, and the bottom edge, the green really lit up this little piece.

What do you have on your desk? Is it time for a neon upgrade? Tell us in the comments!

Are you a member of the type-all-day crowd? Whether you’re tapping away highly complex code or churning out clever quips in the way of content, it’s more likely than not that you spend the bulk of your workday sitting at a desk. But did you know that it is way better for your healthand productivity to stand at your desk?

Sure, standing all day can have its downsides as well but, one good thing to remember when trying out a standing desk for the first time is that a cushioned bar stool is often your best friend. Whether you're picking a pre-made one or you'd like to DIY it so that you can customize it to your space, these standing desks will help you get more work down and improve your posture at the same time.

VIVO Desk Converter Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation ($120+, was $140+)

Any desk can be a standing desk when you add this adjustable workstation. There's room for your monitor or laptop on the upper shelf, and keyboard on the lower shelf, plus you can pick from a variety of colors to best fit your office.

Upper Square Albin Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($160, was $411)

Ergonomic and adjustable, this desk has a contemporary and minimalist look that works for any modern office. The shallow shelf below the desktop is great for pens and notebooks to jot down your best ideas.

FEZIBO Brasa Electric Standing Desk with Upper Double Drawer ($300, was $400)

This desk comes with different tabletop space and color options to maximize your workspace. The monitor stand, storage cubicle, and two side drawers offer plenty of room to store your desktop knick knacks, without cluttering up the room.

FlexiSpot E1 Standard Standing Desk ($200, was $300)

Have the best of both worlds with a standing desk that you can lower when you'd rather sit. The bamboo is durable and sustainable (not to mention it looks amazing), and the height adjustment is smooth enough that nothing will fall off.

SIDUCAL Mobile Stand Up Desk, Adjustable Laptop Desk with Wheels ($80, was $100)

If you live somewhere small, or you don't enjoy staying in the same place all day, try a standing desk that you can take with you around your home thank to its wheels.

Sit-Stand Cart Mobile Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($107, was $123)

The cool thing about this desk is that the lower portion sits flat or tilts upward so that you can type at an angle that works best for your wrists. It also comes with cord hooks underneath the desk for helpful organization.

OUTFINE Dual Motor Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($219)

This might look like your basic standing desk, but the cupholder and hook (both of which are detachable, by the way) take it to the next level. 

Intension Design Tripod Standing Desk Pro ($400)

Since this option is a tripod, you can fold it up and store it behind a door or under your bed. This works great for anyone who needs a desk but doesn't have room to keep a permanent one in their space.

Judsen Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($128, was $145)

Not only does this pick let you sit or stand, but it also comes with its own bookshelf so you can keep your favorite books nearby.

Klvied Adjustable Standing Desk ($70)

This sitting and standing desk hybrid works like a TV tray, so when you feel like sitting, you can work from your bed or the couch. Yes, please!

Seville Classics Airlift Mobile Height Adjustable Laptop Stand ($51)

If you have a large sitting desk, opt for a smaller laptop stand that you can use whenever you feel like it. That way you can stand during work hours, without committing to a whole other desk.

Beadien Height Adjustable Standing Desk ($112, was $219)

Don't worry if you've never worked from a rolling desk before — two of the wheels lock so that you don't have to worry about accidentally pushing the desk around.

Plenty Of Workspace, Without The Floor Space

When you get a tabletop that attaches the wall, and stools that fit right underneath, you don't have to worry about taking up tons of floor space. Making it a wrap-around desk that sits in the corner also maximizes space in your room. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Ikea Galant Stand Up Desk

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This basically looks like a desk on top of another desk on stilts. And it kind of is. This is great because it doubles your table space. The craziest thing about this setup? The monitor risers are just upside down plate holders! (via Ikea Hackers)

Standing Desk Accessory

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Transform any desk into a standing desk

If you already have a regular desk in your workspace, DIY a desk accessory instead of a whole new workspace. That way, you can alternate between standing and sitting when you need to. We love that this one prevents you from leaning over and has a lower keypad area, which will help if you have circulation issues in your hands.

TV Cabinet + Galant Legs Desk

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Another Ikea hack, this take pairs the base of a desk with a super low TV cabinet. The results? Fashion and function. If your desk is in the middle of a room like this one is, just don't forget that the desk is wide open — you don't want to push your stuff out the back! (via Spacekat on Github)

Cabinet Door Counter

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Need a really shallow desk for a small space? This hacker took a cabinet door and attached it to the wall. It's wide enough that you can fit your planner, laptop, and desk supplies, but it doesn't stick out too far into your room. Small space win! (via Ikea Hackers)

Elevated Workspace

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Why not elevate your entire workspace? We love the vibe of this craft room, work room, get-everything-done room. Just look at all that under-the-desk storage! If you organize the space into different sections for your different activities, it won't be as confusing as you might think. (via Paper and Ink)

Tabletop Bolted to the Wall

Of course you can also turn a tabletop into an extra large shelf right on your wall. If you have the space for it, why not! We love the lower level shelving, most likely made from a TV stand or small dresser, which will give you extra drawer space too. (via Jason Garber on Flickr)

Standing Desk + Drafting Table

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And last, a slightly more advanced take on the standing desk, created by an architect. The desk unfolds into an angled drafting table, doubles as a pretty portable bar, and looks darn good. If you're pretty handy with woodwork and want something that's a bit of a challenge, this is a great project for you. (via Barrett Morgan Design)

Loving these standing desks? Follow us on Pinterest, and check out our Work and DIY pages, for the latest inspirational content.

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

This post has been updated.

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

No matter how badly you want to hop on your New Year's resolutions, make new recipes, and get your DIY on, having a messy desk can slow you down or derail your productivity completely. If you're struggling with a mess that just won't seem to go away, you're definitely not alone. Keep reading for some DIY hacks that will clear off your workspace and give you room to breathe.

You Have Too Many Papers

Figure Out A Filing System

If you've got way too many paper piles, consider a DIY filing system that will keep things organized and clear up the space where the papers were taking up. Plus, if you go through the papers, you can probably throw more of them away than you realize.

DIY Ottoman Filing System

This filing system is cute and colorful, and it's multi-purpose. Use the ottoman as extra seating or a footstool when you need it.

Colorful File Organizer

Add some painted caps to a pot lid organizer and you've got one of the easiest DIY file organizers ever!

Go Digital Where You Can

Maybe your bank offers virtual credit card statements, or you don't need a subscription to that magazine because you only check their site anyway. Switching what you can to digital will save you space and help the planet at the same time. And if you're already feeling like your digital space is filling up, you can declutter your digital life too!

You've Got Stuff From All Over The House

Marie Kondo It Up

If you constantly find yourself dealing with mugs, books, or laundry on your desk, trust us, we've been there. Take some advice from the KonMari method and make sure that every single thing you own has a specific place.

Clip On Desk Organizers

When you don't have much space left at your workstation, move your storage off-desk. Grip clips are the secret to making your pencils and tape look like they're floating.

Zip Lock Container Organizers

This DIY is great because Ziploc containers (or other Tupperware) are something that a lot of us already have.

Label Everything

It can be difficult to keep things organized if you don't remember where things go. Consider making labels or color coding your organization so you never forget what's supposed to go in a particular spot.

Washi Tape Cord Labels

Whether you're organizing cords or just trying to keep track of which notebook is which, Washi tape is a great way to create a cute label for less.

You're Also Using Your Desk As A Vanity

Divide By Category

It can be tricky to separate all your necessities when you're using your desk for multiple purposes. That's where dividing your supplies can come in handy. If your desk has drawers, use half for makeup and keep folders and office supplies in the other half. Or if you only have a desktop, keep your beauty and office supplies on different ends.

DIY Vanity Kit

This finished product is so cute, you won't believe it's a DIY! This is great because it has room for tall objects and short, wide ones, both containing and grouping your items.

Marbled Jewelry Trays

You know those tiny rings you're always worried you'll lose? Yeah, this is the place for those.

You're Feeling Cluttered

Find Them A New Home

Sometimes if there's just too much stuff surrounding you when you're trying to work, that's all you can focus on. If your space is feeling claustrophobic, try moving some of the clutter off your desk to another area.

Ladder Shelf

Keep your knickknacks nearby with a shelf that you can put right beside your desk. We love that you can paint it to match your space.

Gold Dipped Baskets

Great for blankets, magazines, craft supplies, and more, these baskets are cute and easy to make.

Hang Things On The Wall

If your office doesn't have room for more furniture, find a way to display your photos and trinkets on your wall above your desk or in another part of the room that won't take up floorspace.

Accessory Organzier

This multi-purpose shelf is great for organizing and keeping things off your desk. You'll never lose your keys again!

Stylish DIY Shelf

Organizing never looked this cute, and it's totally customizable based on what kind of storage you need.

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our newsletter for more desk cleaning inspo.

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading books in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 24 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 16 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Image via Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Image via Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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

This post has been updated.

Header Image via Amazon

Growing up on the Outer Banks means I've gone through my fair share of swimsuits. All it takes is one summer of surfing wipeouts, sun bathing, swimming, and hitting up the shops (because you really do everything in a bathing suit on the OBX) to know exactly which bathing suit brands are worth buying — and which are cheap enough to avoid forever. I took to social media to ask real Outer Banks locals which bathing suit brands they can't get enough of. Keep reading for all the details!

Target

Image via Target

I know y'all love Target just as much as I do — and along with their home decor, cute shoes, and comfy clothes, their bathing suit options are some of my friends' favorites. Target's got a ton of diverse and affordable swimwear options that is full of different styles, sizes, and prices. That means there's something for everyone! I'm obsessed with this Underwire Bralette Bikini Top and High Waist High Leg Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottom.

Aerie

Image via Aerie

Aerie is perfect for Outer Banks fans because it's one of the most-used bathing suit brands on the show! This store balances style with comfort and casual, and TBH half the swimsuits are cute enough to be tank tops. Their bathing suits will make you feel confident and add a pop of color to your summer wardrobe! This Smiley® String Triangle Bikini Top and Cheekiest Tie Bikini Bottom are a great place to start ;).

​Old Navy

Image via Old Navy

Old Navy is a great place to shop for affordable basics, and that definitely extends to swimsuit season. Their bathing suits come in a range sizes, and they're durable, classic, and super affordable (a lot of them are under $20!). They also have just enough Americana edge to live out your '00s rom-com dreams. I can't stop looking at the Zip-Front Bikini Swim Top and High-Waisted Bikini Swim Bottoms.

Body Glove

Image via Body Glove

Body Glove is one bathing suit brand that's just as functional as it is stylish, and it's also equal parts feminine and sporty for any gal who's always on the go. The Free Flow Eli One-Piece Swimsuitis one of my favorite suits because it's so colorful and it's also supportive, which you absolutely need when taking part in a treasure hunt.

AlySwim

Image via AlySwim

If you're looking for the true Outer Banks experience, then you should grab a suit made by someone who grew up there! AlySwim is totally customizable, and a lot of the suits are reversible so you get two looks for the price of one. With trendy patterns and vibrant colors, bathing suits like the Blue Hawaiian Eva Top and Bottoms will make a bold statement.

Rey Swimwear

Image via Rey Swimwear

The bathing suits from Rey Swimwear are as classy as they come, and it feels like there are endless options for colors, patterns, and silhouettes. There are also options for longer torsos, which is such a blessing for us #TallGirls. Sarah Cameron would be all over this Marie bathing suit!

More Bathing Suit Brands OBX Locals Love

Image via Kenny Flowers

Maaji is the thing of our '90s dreams, and each bathing suit will make you feel the summer magic we crave all year long. I love the Hot Magenta Adhara V Wire Bralette Bikini Top and Sublimity Regular Rise Classic Bikini Bottoms!

Left on Friday is for the minimalists. But just because the swimsuits are simple and elegant doesn't mean they're boring — and the asymmetrical silhouette on the Shoreline Suit proves it.

Kenny Flowers immediately reminds me of Palm Royale every time I look on their site because of the old school vibe and bright colors. I NEED the Acapulco Underwire Bikini Top and High Waist Bikini Bottom!!

Lime Ricki is the place to go if you're looking for modest swimsuits that will also turn heads all summer long. The bold prints and bright colors are both nostalgic and playful, and it's also a really accessible brand. Celebrate your individuality in a suit like the Shell Stripe Ruffle-Strap One Piece.

Korni Jeane lets you mix and match different vibes to create a bathing suit that's unique to you and your personal aesthetic. I'm confident Kiara would love this Bandeau Top and All Ruffled Up Bottoms.

Every cute bathing suit needs equally cute accessories so check out The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked next!

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

Lead image via Kenny Flowers