With all due respect to one of the greatest ever- William Shakespeare said, " a rose by any other name would smell as sweet..." but I beg to differ. Tamsin Lonsdale, is most definitely not like any ordinary English rose. She is undeniably beyond intelligent, worldly by definition, unique and strikingly beautiful, jet-setting socialite with impeccable taste, witty as you'd expect from a refined English girl to be but yet she remains humble.
My featured interview guest is creative, sharp, and competitive but embodies a balanced personality with compassion, gratitude and sweetness. She is the sort of charismatic friend you'd want to dream up. She is intriguing with extraordinary hostess skills that are at first glance very traditional, like a young Martha Stewart, yet with applaudable freshness and modernity all at once. She's the sort of girl that goes on a hike in the morning, then meets you to go to a strenuous riding lesson in the Malibu summer heat in the afternoon (true story), then off to lunch and still has energy to go on an early evening surf lesson then out to dinner. I envy her peppiness, she barely breaks a sweat while building a huge brand called The Supper Club. She is most definitely the brainy girl that fits the what-it-takes mold to make a cover story of a magazine like Forbes thanks to her own brilliance and single handedly creating a fresh new version of the private members party scene by curating each event to be completely memorable for her members making her company relevant and current year after year.
She has lovely baby blue eyes, golden skin from suntan, blonde waves, contagious smile, her famous sultry voice is crisp with a very posh accent. She listens carefully when one speaks to her, and I feel this is because she perceptively studies people.
My interview with her is followed by these photo's of Tamsin hosting her events, and of several different Supper Club parties, and a couple of photos of her charming family....
Tamsin Lonsdale at her Summer Solice Party

The Lonsdale sisters, Tahnee, Storm, Tamsin, Chloe


Model Chekkie Maskell and Tony Lonsdale, 1970's, London. Tamsins parents

Tamsin with a featured chef, Charles Webb, for a Supper Club event

A Supper Club scene

Tamsin checking last minute details on table setting at Aventine

Supper Club Brunch Table



A beautiful violinist Rebecca Cherry entertaining Supper Club guests, Cristina Incisa di Camerana and Marcello Tallarigo

Flamenco dancer and Spanish guitarist entertaining Supper Club guests in Hollywood Hills

New York Supper Club members, Flavia Masson, Keren Eldad, Kim Bates

Clicking glasses at a Supper Club NY dinner event

Mae Brunken, Susan Foster, Sarvin Ghaemian, Samantha Haas

Tamsin Lonsdale, Sam Paola, Leah Hardy at a Supper Club dinner at Herringbone

Villa Maria Wines hosting bar at a Supper Club event


Supper Club event table

New York Supper Clubbers

New York Supper Clubbers, Sebastian Doggart and Christina Clare

Supper Clubbers Grissel Camacho and Rafe Rafahi


A typical Supper Club table set up


Where did you grow up?
In Hampshire - Jane Austen countryside and the inspiration for many of her novels.

How do you think your family & and upbringing shaped your personality??
Quite a lot. We grew up in a liberal household and were sent to the most liberal school in England - Bedales - famous for not having many rules and being progressive with a creative approach to education. My parents were both hippies in the 70s (my mum a fashion model and dad the founder of a chain of denim stores in London named The Jean Machine) and our upbringing (myself and 3 younger sisters) was very relaxed with not so many rules in the household either. All this helped to encourage my entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by my dad's success as an entrepreneur in the rag trade I always knew that I wanted to work for myself and have my own business, and so I chose to study business and accounting at the University of Edinburgh finishing with a first class degree.

Describe yourself at 9 years old, and 15? and what about at 21?
At 9 - sweet - I think I was voted the cutest girl in my year at school around this time, at 15 - rebellious, just discovering that there was a life beyond ponies and parents namely parties...
at 21 - intrepid adventurer - having caught the travel bug at 18 after spending a year traveling around Australia, I proceeded to explore a whole host of other countries during my holidays at Edinburgh, which spanned almost 4 months every summer - traveling to Morocco, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, India, South Africa, Brazil, to name just a few.

What was your favorite family vacation as a child? Now as an adult, where do you love to go for relaxation?
The Florida Keys- as kids we had a holiday home in Marathon in the Florida Keys, and would holiday there 3 times a year. It was the fondest memories, from fishing with dad to swimming with manatees, long bike rides down to K-mart, collecting hermit crabs, playing tennis at twilight, sailing on the Hobie Cat and eating BBQ'ed lobster on the dock, freshly caught out of the ocean that day.
Now as an adult I love to go to Antigua to relax, where my dad has a house. It's like paradise there, so quiet and lush, with beautiful secluded beaches. My favorite things to do whilst there are to get lost in a novel on the beach, go for sunset runs and take the boat out. I also love to go to Aspen, especially for New Years eve. I love to ski and the apres ski is not bad there either.

How did you get started hosting these amazing events, and when was The Supper Club born? how did you make it a business?
I must have been 13 when I threw my first party - for my birthday, inviting my whole class back to my house for pizza and cola. I have always loved planning dinners and holidays and bringing friends together. It was at Edinburgh University, when I got really into event planning both personally and professionally. For my birthday every year I would rent a big mansion or fort in the Scottish countryside, and invite 50 of my closest friends for a 3 day party, complete with big dinners parties, deejays flown in from Russia, lots of dancing and treasure hunts - and always a theme - from Cowboys & Indians to Boogie Nights and Lord of the Rings. Whilst at university I also started 2 regular clubs night, a trance party held monthly called Aswang, with my best friend Chaz - we'd decorate the club with real ivy and hammocks, and serve spicy chai tea and fruit to guests at the end of the night, and make all of the decor, mainly UV fairies and pixies on giant size drapes. That was a lot of fun. The other club night was an 80s party, called Glitterati, held bi-weekly.
When I graduated university I toyed with the idea of working in the city as a management consultant, but decided against that (and pleased I did). I tried my hand in corporate events, property, was a fashion stylist for Italian Vogue and even moved to Cape Town for a year before falling into The Supper Club. At first it was a hobby - I missed the big dinner parties we used to throw at university and meeting new and eclectic friends around the dinner table and wanted to revive this in London which at the time was more about going out to nightclubs, where the music was so loud it was difficult to have a conversation. My first Supper Club dinner party was held in 2004, at my father apartment in London, around an oversized table, for 20 friends. I remember staying up all night the evening before, cooking fish pies in preparation for all of my guests the next night. It was only after a year of organizing these underground dinner parties very much as a hobby, that I realized there was a gap in the market and people would pay a premium for the service I provided. It was then that I decided to set The Supper Club up as a fully fledged business and charge a membership fee. It was an instant hit and after 2 years in London I then took it to New York in 2007 and shortly after that to LA.

From small quaint dinner parties to elaborate themed parties, how do you decide what is the next party?
Good question - it's more about how I decide what the next 8 parties are though, as we host up to 8 Supper Clubs a month, mainly in NY and LA. Currently I have about 30 events I am planning, as I tend to plan out few months in advance, as well as having private clients ranging from The Guardian Newspaper to America Express. I've also been hired quite a bit to plan our members birthday parties, and a few weddings!
There are a few factors though that determine what the new party will be - new restaurant openings (we always like to be the first into these restaurants, makes it an extra special experience and occasion). Most recently we hosted a pop up Supper Club dinner at Botequim, a new Brazilian restaurant just off Union Square in Manhattan. The husband-and-wife restaurant owners, Marco Moreira and Joann Makovitzky were a dream to work with, the food excellent and the setting magical.
I also let seasonal social and sporing events dictate my parties, from a 'Brunch at Wimbledon', 'Polo Day Out' and 'London Olympics Viewing Party' to a 'Mad Hatter's Easter Tea Party' and 'Nightmare before Halloween' themed gatherings. I love a good theme and have an endless supply of ideas for these -the limit is my imagination!
It's also important that I see the space first before deciding the theme - most recently we hosted a Summer Solstice celebration in a gorgeous home in the Hollywood Hills, with Villa Maria wines, and it was only after seeing the home that I knew this would be the perfect theme - due to the clean and modern lines of the house, making it perfect for entertaining, killer views and a infinity pool with glass bottom which was just dying to have a mermaid in it!
The next themed parties we have coming up that I am most excited about are a Film Noir Garden Party in September at one of our members, Mae Brunken's gorgeous home in the Hollywood Hills. She's a fantastic interior designer, and her house reflects her talents. Often our members love to open up their homes for our events. At the end of July we are hosting a Sustainable Summer Soiree at the founder & CEO of LivingHomes, Steve Glenn's, LEED certified Santa Monica property.
I am also really inspired by our Supper Club passport series, where each year we invite members to join us on a number of different exotic holiday locations. Last year we went to Cape Town and Kruger park, and this year we are planning trips to Bali and Morocco.

What is your personal favorite style of event or party?
I've always love Old Hollywood - you can't beat it, its classic, timeless, and everyone looks glamorous. Masquerade parties are fun too.
I also love day time events, from pool parties to sunday brunches.

What was your proudest press moment?
I loved the write up we received from Joshua David Stein in Page 6 Magazine, as well as the NY Post piece , back when I was launching The Supper Club in NY.
I also loved this piece in Brit newspaper the Telegraph written by one of our Supper Club members Sebastian Doggart.

You have hosted many celebrities at your parties in the past, which celebrity would you like to host or plan an event for in the future?
Hmmm. Good question. Richard Branson, Tim Burton or Baz Luhrmann - The last 2 because they have amazing imaginations and a planning a party for them would need to reflect this. The former (R Branson) because I've always admired him as an entrepreneur, and his mind also seems to have no limits.

You traveled a lot, where is your favorite city to live and why?
Los Angeles. I've lived in London, Australia, Cape Town, and New York and it was not until I landed in LA that I found the place I was happy to put down roots in. I love the climate, the ocean and healthy lifestyle - it brings my life balance, what with the hectic nature of event planning. I also feel in LA that I get to live my life, rather than my life living me. In LA I get to slow down and focus on other things beyond work. I've learnt to surf and play polo and love going on road trips up to Big Sur and Napa and skiing at the weekends. I've also made incredible friends in LA and my business is really busy.

What is your favorite country for vacation?
Favorite country would be India - I like Rajasthan best, the colors and spices, it's out of this world and exotic, it feels like a proper holiday, escaping and immersing oneself in a whole new and different culture. I have not been to Costa Rica yet, that's next on my list.

What was the most lavish party that you hosted for your members?
In London - Mary Greenwell's (make up artist to the star's) birthday party at Beach Blanket Bablyon - inspired by F Scott Fitzgerald - a Beautiful and the Damned birthday party, and we had some many celebrities come, from Uma Thurman to former bond girl Maryam D'abo, Mike Figgis, Jemma and Jodie Kidd to name a few.
In Los Angeles - a Black Dahlia themed party- with menu and cocktails to match and lots of entertainment, hosted at Sowden House one of my favorite party locations in LA, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house and it's also where the Black Dahlia was found murdered, so it was very fitting for our party.
In New York - a Jazz-Age picnic held in the garden of a historic Harlem mansion, where we transported guests there on a big red British double deck bus as well as vintage sports cars (for the celebs).

What brands have you had a working relationship with in the past that you really loved collaborating with?
Pernod Ricard - especially Absolut Elyx. Moet Hennessy - in particular Krug champagne. Bacardi - we recently hosted a spectacular party with Facundo rum.
The 86 company - owned by one of my members, Malte Barnekow, as well as tasting good, their packaging is beautiful too - from Fords Gin to Cana Brava Tequila - we've worked with the whole portfolio. Jim Beam's small batch bourbons.

Who can be a member at your Supper Club?
It's all about personality - we look for those bright shining stars, people that you would naturally gravitate towards at a dinner party - with great energy and charm, style and charisma. Many of our member are the industry leaders as well as rising stars, entrepreneurial in spirit and international, with a hunger for life and experiences.

What are the criteria you look for when looking for a venue to plan the next event?
It's important that the venue is excited about working with us, as this translates into the end product 'the event'. Food, atmosphere and service are also all extremely important too and I tend to do a food tasting before an event if I've not dined there yet.

What venues do you like to work with most? How is it different than a house party?
New restaurants and local neighborhood gems as well as private homes. Private homes make for the best spaces to host our events in, as they deliver a truly unique one-of-a-kind experience, however they are also the most work because you are essentially starting from scratch each time, from bringing in the chef, staff, rentals, valet, entertainment, cleaning crew etc. So I tend to limit these events to once a month, to allow myself breathing room in between.

You always impress your members! How do you come up with the next theme? Your recent "Summer Solstice" party at the amazing home of Andrew Nikou in Hollywood Hills, you hired an elegant mermaid to swim around the infinity pool all night. Marquis made delicious cocktails like "Marquis Fleur" with elderberry, my favorite, and with Owls Brew and Villa Maria Wines, all fit together so elegantly. How do you connect the brands you choose to bring to the particular parties-the entertainment you choose and so forth?
In terms of working with brands, we work with many, high end luxury brands, and it's important that we always weave them into our events organically. For our Summer Solstice party we teamed up with Villa Maria wines, who had a whole marketing campaign around the Summer Solstice, so this was just such a natural fit. Their wines are also top notch, so it was nice to treat our members to a sampling of some of their finest vintages.

Which activity do you prefer doing on your day off? Hiking, playing polo, riding or surfing?
You know me too well - running is a huge passion of mine. I start every day with a long run around Runyon Canyon, it gets the day off on the right foot! I also tend to end the day with a sunset run too, if I have time. I also adore to play polo and show jump, as well as reading, decorating my new home, cooking, road trips and planning the next holiday (I am off to Ibiza and Barcelona later this month).

I love Ibiza, we should plan the next one together. You're so competitive when you play polo, when we go riding and your fearless in jumping, do you feel challenging yourself has helped you in your business as well?
Yes! I am driven and ambitious, which has been helpful in pushing myself further to take my business further, without this I might never have had the inclination and courage to move from London and open The Supper Club in NY and LA.

You make it look so easy, always cool under pressure, but I know you are detail oriented and a perfectionist, how do you look so calm and relaxed at your events? What helps you? what happens if something goes wrong, how do you deal with unforeseen issues?
Practice makes perfect and I've been doing it for a while now.
I think though, it's because at the end of the day I truly enjoy all of my events, so it does not feel like work. I am lucky in this respect that my job is made up of all of the things I am most passionate about - entertaining, meeting new people, bringing friends together, trying out new places, eating and drinking and traveling the world.

Tamsin, what is the difference with your members at your parties in LA, Miami, NY, and London?
Not so much. Our members are really international and embody many of the same personality traits - charismatic, interesting, interested, stylish, creative, fun, smart, successful... However in terms of professional fields/industries we tend to have more members in LA in music, art and film, whereas in NY we have more members in finance, fashion, media and design.

Which brands do you look forward to working with more in the future?
There are so many. I've really been enjoying working with The Guardian recently, creating a custom Supper Club series just for them, as well as the Chef Agency and Audi. I am also looking forward to working more with Jim Beam, Bacardi, and Casamigos ultra-premium Tequila and Matches Fashion.

You have been featured in so many magazines and websites, name a few that you personally felt proud to be written in, the recent one for CNN was quite cool...
CNN for sure! NY Post, Page 6 Magazine, GQ, Vanity Fair, Telegraph.

Your Hollywood Hills house is decorated so impeccably, you're latest hobby seems to be interior design? Is that something that you feel helps you when you are planning a dinner table?
Well thank you to Mae Brunken, one of my members, whose been helping me with the interior design of my home...But yes. I am a very creative person. It's in my genes. My whole family is pretty creative. My sister, Chloe, is a fashion designer and owner of MiH Jeans and my other sister, Tahnee, is an incredible artist (I recently commissioned her to do a piece for my home). My events give me a creative outlet - I see them very much as a blank canvas - where the theme, chef, location, and entertainment are the colors making up the final painting. It gives me great satisfaction to see it all come together and the end product being the members having a fantastic time at the event.

You are a true fashionista, always so stylish, where do you love to shop most, if anywhere in the world?
Beckley, Intermix & Barney's in LA. In NY, I like to wonder around Soho and West Village diving into all the little boutiques, in London - Portobello market and Top Shop.

What is your favorite types of music to you listen to? What band do you want to see next in concert?
I'm quite eclectic in my music taste, I love bosa nova, in particular Bebel Gilberto who I never get tired of listening to. I love Goldfrapp, Lykke Li, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, The Killers, Feist, Carla Bruni, Mystery Jets, Prince, The Cure, MGMT. I also adore jazz music. Whilst I love concerts, I prefer festivals, where over a few days I can watch lots of bands and really relax into the whole experience.

We are musical soul-mates! What do you prefer to be in? Heels or flats? Dress or jeans?
Skinny jeans, t-shirt and boots in the day, but at night time if I'm going out, definitely heels and a dress.

The way you set up your company is brilliant you could literally do Supper Club anywhere in the world which must be so liberating. Did you realize going into this that you would have this sort of freedom? It's priceless...
Not so much, unlike most businesses I never had a business plan, it was more organic in the way my company grew. I love the way that I can literally pick anywhere in the world to live and could take the supper club with me, that gives me a tremendous sense of freedom and empowerment. However whilst it may seem like I have a lot of freedom, I am to some extent anchored to the cities my events are in. I host all of my events in LA myself - I think in the last 5 to 6 years I've been in LA, there's only been two dinners I've missed. In NY I personally host one event a month, flying in especially for it. I have a great team in NY that coordinates and hosts the dinners when I am not there.

You are a bit of a matchmaker?
Yes you could say that. I've got a good eye for matching people up and have quite a few marriages under my belt, especially in London.

You are a savvy business woman-yet so much fun to be around, beautiful and quite a catch! If I were a man I would absolutely kidnap you! What do you look for in a relationship?
Haha! A man that is passionate, kind, accomplished, generous, stylish, social and smart, and likes to travel.

What do you like taking with you when you fly?
A good book, magazines, my cashmere blanket and laptop.

If you had a pet, what would it be, and what would be it's name?
German Shepherd. Rum, or a horse, dying to have a horse.

I agree on that, as your humble loyal riding-buddy! So what is next for Supper Club?
Possibly opening a bricks and mortar venue in Hollywood, and opening an outpost in SF, as well as brining out a beautiful glossy coffee table book on party themes.

What is your all-time favorite film? and book?
For books I loved: Papillon a memoir by convicted felon and fugitive Henri Charrière and Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, by David Mitchell. Really anything by David Mitchell is great - loved Cloud Atlas. Hunger Games was also a great read and I love His Dark Materials, an epic trilogy of fantasy novels by Philip Pullman.
For movies I loved Vanilla Sky, Elysium, Oblivion, Independence Day, Hunger Games. I really love si-fi and I guess anything with Tom Cruise (laughing).

Me too! What do you feel makes a splendid friend?
Loyalty and positivity.

I cannot agree more!
(Here is a photo of Tamsin and I together on my birthday, where she hosted exquisitely at Mari Vanna on Melrose Place last Spring).

(all photos belong to Tamsin Lonsdale and are used here with permissions)

Selfies: They're on our Instagrams, they're in our vernacular, and -- let's face it -- we probably have a bunch of them saved on our phones.

However, this satirical sketch from CollegeHumor brings some nuanced humor to our selfie obsession.

The video depicts a woman in a bathroom deciding whether or not she should take a selfie, when two alter egos -- one devilish and one angelic -- appear in the mirror. The former demands she take a selfie, and the latter demands she refrain.

You'll have to watch to see who wins out, but regardless, this video will make you think before you say, "but first, let me take a selfie."

No matter the square footage of your home, the hunt for a little extra space will ensue every now and then. The go-to solution, typically, is to haul items off to local storage facility until you can figure your space issues out. As tempting as that may be, there's a good chance there are a couple spots you're overlooking (and underutilizing) right within your home. Whether it's a place to display a few extra odds and ends or a hidden room you didn't know you had, these places are just begging to get the attention they finally deserve.


Above the door. If you think you've run out of space, look up. There tends to be extra space at the tops of doors, bookshelves and other vertical structures that are ideal for storage.




The attic. Contrary to popular belief, the attic does not only function as an in-home storage unit or a clutter graveyard. Clear it out and you'll have an extra bedroom or hideaway office in no time.




On the bookshelves themselves. When wall space is scarce, go ahead and hang things directly on the front of your storage units. Consider it a bold, new approach to displaying your best pieces.




The closet. Using a closet for nothing else but coats, shoes and cleaning products is so last year. Turn the space into a desk, reading nook or craft station. And as an added bonus, look at the doors as additional hanging room for everything from mail to art.




The foot of the bed. Everyone knows that stashing odds and ends under the bed is a great way to carve out more space in the bedroom, but you can't incorporate extra seating and additional storage down there, now can you?




The fireplace. Instead of letting it go unnoticed during the nine months out of the year that aren't winter, use it as the basis for a beautiful vignette.




That awkward nook... It's time to stop seeing those quirky spaces as inconveniences -- create a small sitting area or vibrant entryway feature.




Under the stairs. While you might not necessarily have the room down there to turn this space into a bedroom or office, it's still a great little area for a home bar, work station or more.




Below the coffee table. Everyone knows there's nothing better than a beautifully decorated coffee table -- but what about underneath it? Use this spot to collect all the things that don't fit on top or work with your design scheme.




The windowsill. From seating to an extra place to pile books, windowsills are a naturally beautiful spot to start using for something other than catching curtains.




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Congrats go out to Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson!

The longtime couple, who have been engaged since 2010 and have two children together, finally tied the knot at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California on July 5 in front of family and friends, E! News reports.

The bride wore a custom Carolina Herrera gown, according to People.

Simpson's sister Ashlee and her fiance Evan Ross were in attendance, as well as the pair's friends including Jessica Alba and Topher Grace. Their 1-year-old son Ace was a ring bearer and their 2-year-old daughter Maxwell was a flower girl.

"I already feel like we're an old married couple," Simpson told "Good Morning America" earlier this year. "Like, if he wanted to run, he could've run when I was hormonal and pregnant."

Cheers to the happy family!

Who says your summer wardrobe has to be full of floral prints and neon pieces? Not us.

Now that you've purchased your crop tops and one-piece bathing suits, it's time to go for the white-on-white trend we've been seeing everywhere from fashion blogs to Instagram accounts.

Chances are you'll be surprised by how much of a statement you'll make by wearing this crisp trend. Scroll down for style inspiration on how best to rock white-on-white.

It's the little things that can make all the difference when it comes to making an outfit stylish, such as the right tie or pocket square. Both can help you instantly transform an outfit by adding a splash of color to a formal suit. And now that wedding season is in full swing, you might be in need of a quick style upgrade.

In the video above, online men's fashion retailer Mr Porter taps Michael Hill of Drake's, a leading London tie-maker, to demonstrate four different styles of folding the classic pocket square: businesslike, casual, elegant and eccentric. Yes, these are not your grandfather's pocket squares.

Watch the video to learn how to fold a pocket square, then shop our picks in the slideshow below.

We get it: You're busy. We are, too — especially now that we need to be spending all of our free time having adventures outside in the glorious sunshine, margaritas in hand. With all the fun that awaits, who has time for things like complex hairstyling?

In an effort to better understand the reality of how distant Barbie is from the average woman, I created a parody featuring what her breasts might look like at her current age of 55-years-old. It's a sad, sad truth but as women age, their breasts go south. And if we take into account that Barbie's bust equates to a double FF cup size she'd definitely be suffering from back problems by now. With breastfeeding and menopause behind her, it's not unrealistic to think she'd have looked down to witness the fall of giants. Sure, as the years go by, gravity takes hold: resulting in droopy, saggy breasts. No wonder, Barbie, by her mid-fifties may be considering a breast lift and/ or augmentation to regain her fantastic plastic breasts.



Do Barbie's boobs hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you throw them o'er your shoulder
Like a bag that has a boulder?
Do Barbie's boobs hang low?

Now we can add Breast Lift Barbie to the long list of controversial parodies associated with this iconic doll. Yeah, yeah, yeah... I'm pretty sure that Barbie will continue to be spotlighted and parodied for years to come. How do I know this? Well, I happen to agree with Dr. Phil who said "the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior." So, looking back there's Welfare Barbie, 'S & M' Barbie, Gangster Barbie, Exotic Dancer Barbie, Transgender Barbie, and yes, even Divorce Barbie who comes with all Ken's stuff. And I'm just getting started. Sure, some of these spoofs are just plain wrong but some aren't just funny, they're downright hysterical, not to mention thought provoking.

I, Fiona Finn, as a parodist, just love the artistic freedom to be able to criticize in order to make social statements. If you think about it long enough you'll realize most parodies are really protests. And the fact that I'm allowed the right to protest and parody proves freedom and democracy are still at work in America today. It just so happens to be that Barbie is one of my favorite subject matters to parody. But don't get me wrong; when it comes to poking fun at Barbie, the icon, it truly comes from a place of love. Really, how could I not love her, I spent the first decade of my life playing with that beautiful doll and subconsciously, the next thirty plus years trying to look like her.



Like many girls, I wanted to look like a Barbie with her perfect body and yes, even her mountainous, hard-plastic breasts. But large breasts were not to be for me. I grew up flat chested, unable to increase my breast size no matter how many breast lifting and firming exercises I did. Yes, I even sang the boob workout song. You know that song, right? It goes like this... "I must, I must, I must increase my bust, the bigger the better, the tighter the sweater, the boys are depending on me!" But I was naturally thin, unable to gain enough weight to make my boobs larger. Thus, I had to resort to just faking it. As a tween, I stuffed my bra daily with toilet paper or socks but by adulthood I moved to wearing padded bras, even falsies.

Incidentally, can you believe I attracted a husband with what else? A breast fetish! Oh yes, he wanted my breasts bigger. Yet, not too little and or too big, you know somewhere just shy of stripper sized. So I decided, with his push, to enlarge my breasts to a full C cup. Sure, part of me wanted to make my husband happy, but I also wanted to look better in and out of my clothes. I'll admit it; playing Barbie influenced my life and choices. So, I decided to what Barbie had to do with my life in my recent memoir RAW: One Woman's Journey through Love, Loss, and Cancer.

Think about it, with over one billion women having grown up playing with Barbie why wouldn't her breast play a role in how those women think breast should look? I mean, Barbie was in fact the first doll ever in American history created with an adult body, i.e. she came with boobs! Lots of young people grow up never seeing what normal natural breast look like, and I'm no different. Other than my Barbie doll, I'd only witnessed nudity on the pages of a National Geographic magazine. Still, I can't forget seeing countless bra-less women with extremely saggy breasts and thinking how I'd prefer to grow up having Barbie breasts.



But as I grew older and somewhat wiser, I realized that although some men and women have aesthetic preferences there's no right or wrong when it comes to female's breasts. And since they come in all shapes and sizes it doesn't matter if your cup size an A- almost nothing, B- barely there, C- can't complain, D- darn big, E- enormous, F- fake, G- get a reduction, or H- help, I've fallen and I can't get up. Or whether you have perfectly shaped, swooping, sagging, drooping, small, large, none, even or uneven, natural, or surgically enhanced breasts. Really, it's your life and your body. It all comes down to feeling good about yourself! Remember, we must, we must, not focus on our bust, Barbie is not alone, with fake boobie syndrome. You're a prize, not a size! So girls, forget about your sweater, and love yourself--its better!

Fiona Finn is the author of RAW: One Woman's Journey Through Love, Loss, and Cancer as well as, Barbie: A Parody.


Here is the link to the fact that Barbie was in fact the first doll ever in American history created with an adult body.

Two months after the now-infamous elevator incident between Solange and Jay Z, the 28-year-old songstress is speaking out for the first time about the fight, but she isn't saying much.

The singer sat down for an interview with Lucky for the fashion magazine's August 2014 issue, just two weeks after TMZ leaked security camera footage showing Solange fighting Jay Z while in an elevator at New York City's Standard Hotel after the Met Gala in May. In the clip, she can be seen hitting and kicking her brother-in-law while Beyonce stands idly by.

While speaking with Lucky, Solange refers to the fight as "that thing." Although she expects the topic to come up in conversation, she brushes it aside.

“What’s important is that my family and I are all good,” she says. “What we had to say collectively was in the statement that we put out, and we all feel at peace with that."

The family released a joint statement to the Associated Press on May 15, saying that their family is like any other.

"Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family," the statement read, in part.

"At the end of the day families have problems and we're no different," the statement continued. "We love each other and above all we are family. We've put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same."

“We’ve always held each other down no matter what,” Solange tells Lucky. “That’s something I’m drilling into Julez now."

"I'm all about that bass, 'bout that bass -- no treble."

So declares Meghan Trainor in the relentlessly catchy "All About That Bass." Trainor, a 20-year-old songwriter based in Nashville, lends her own voice to this retro-pop body acceptance jam. A summer anthem promising to "bring booty back?" We're in.

In the video, Trainor and Co. "won't be no stick figure silicon Barbie doll, so if that's what you're into then go on and move along." Vine star Sione Maraschino busts serious moves in the background, matching (or outdoing) any video girl we've ever seen.

The tune declares "skinny" overrated and celebrates men and women of all shapes and sizes. "I wrote this song because I myself struggle with this concept of self-acceptance," Trainor said in an email to HuffPost. "It was written from a real place so I’m glad that other people can relate to it." The message is perfectly positive with a few jabs at "the magazines, working y'all's photoshop. We know that sh*t ain't real, come on now, make it stop," as Trainor sings.

Despite the absurd standards of thinness promoted by the beauty industry, Trainor hopes to "break those chains," she told HuffPost. "It's impossible for a girl to live up to what we see in the magazines... Everyone is born to be different, and [yet] that's the thing that makes us all the same."

We're all about that.

Leonardo DiCaprio is looking a lot less like Leonardo DiCaprio and a lot more like Jack Nicholson these days.

DiCaprio was nearly unrecognizable in photos obtained by X17Online.com from the Fourth of July weekend. In the pics, the Oscar-nominated actor sports a full beard and long hair while at the beach in Malibu, California, with his supermodel girlfriend, Toni Garnn, on Sunday, July 6.

Gone is the clean-cut Leo who pulled off the part of a slick stockbroker in "Wolf of Wall Street." With his new shaggy beard, unkempt hair and sunglasses, he could pass for the doppelgänger of his "Departed" co-star.

Hugh the heck is that?!

Hugh Jackman was hardly recognizable as he sat in the stands of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in London, England on July 6:



The reason for the 45-year-old actor's new look? Jackman is set to play the villainous role of Blackbeard in Warner Bros' "Peter Pan" spinoff, titled "Pan." The live-action fantasy, directed by Joe Wright, is currently being filmed in London and is expected to be released in July 2015.

For comparison, here's Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness at the 2014 Tony Awards in June:

Mommy-daughter time is made even sweeter in the summer sunshine.

Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian slipped on a gold bikini for some outdoor relaxation with her daughter, Penelope, who turns two years old on July 8. In the photo uploaded to Instagram Monday, July 7, Penelope can be seen lying on Kardashian's belly as she reclines in a lounge chair.

The 35-year-old reality star has been filming "Kourtney & Khloe Take the Hamptons" in Southampton, New York. She revealed she is pregnant with her third child on the season premiere of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" last month.

To define the style of Illinois State University would take away from the individuality of the campus. College fashion is part of the evolution of finding ones place in a world full of options. It is a way of expressing how you feel and the path you are on. Those who stand out are the ones who effortlessly express who they are. The beauty of fashion and the art of it all come from that individual expression. The great thing about this place we call ISU is the diversity of the people and the lack of uniformity. Our uniforms are our own to build as we simultaneously build ourselves through our education. I confirmed the individuality of my school the day I sat in class besides a girl wearing a chiffon maxi skirt, cowboy boot combo. We do not follow rules of style because we think for ourselves. Style at Illinois State is not always off the runway but it is always inspiring.

Illinois State University is located in the quaint town of Normal, Illinois. A few hours out of Chicago, many students come here to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city. A melting pot similar to the nearby city, many different people and ideas meet in this town. There seems to be a place for everyone. Walking to class through the tree-covered quad, along the dark brick buildings people from all walks of life come together. The students define themselves by their dedication to their education, commitment to having a good time, and of course, sense of style.

In this melting pot, fashion sense is scattered in a wonderful way. During the week students often show their Redbird pride in cozy ISU sweaters and cozier yoga pants. The remaining students can be seen in any style from bohemian crop tops and cut-off shorts to leather leggings and white t-shirts. Walk in one of the Uptown coffee shops and you find students in rolled up skinny jeans, loose fitting tees, and colored Converse listening to the latest Black Keys album. Travel down the street to Pub II restaurant and bar and see guys chatting on the patio sporting button down shirts and dark wash jeans, while girls wear tank tops and skinny jeans, perfectly accessorized with gold jewelry and a cross-body bag hanging over their shoulder.

When the sun goes down, an even more exciting and busy time begins. Roommates' closets are raided in a race to find the most perfect outfit. Style is always present and always evolving. We may be in the town of Normal but there is nothing uniform or routine about us.

This Fashionista defines Illinois State University style with her edgy and feminine outfit. She is comfortable while being fashion-conscious. The accessories accent her outfit and portray effortless style. Cutouts, fringe and lace detail add interest to the outfit. This Fashionista is ready to take on any class or any college event with confidence. Illinois State style is detail-orientated, confident and individual in the best way.









Kelly Alexander is a senior at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois majoring in Apparel Merchandising with a double minor in Business Administration and Business Environment and Sustainability. She has been working for CollegeFashionista for two semesters and counting. This summer she is also working as a marketing and sales intern for Lana Jewelry in Chicago and enjoying her life in the city. After graduation, she plans on traveling Europe before beginning her career in the fashion industry.

Even as a little girl, Mila Kunis never wanted to get married. But all that changed when she found the love of her life, her fiance and former "That '70s Show" co-star Ashton Kutcher. Now pregnant with the couple's first child, the 30-year-old opened up in W Magazine's August 2014 issue about her upcoming wedding.

“I never wanted to get married. From the age of 12, I prepared my parents for no marriage,” Kunis told W.

“Then things changed— I found the love of my life. Now my theory on weddings is: Don’t invite anyone. Do it privately and secretly. My parents are okay with that. They’re just excited that I said yes,” she said.

The actress credits her years on "That '70s Show" as the reason her relationship with Kutcher is so special.

“My first real kiss ever was with him on the show. And when 'That '70s Show' had a prom, my date for the prom turned out to be my fiancé. We can honestly say that we went to prom together!”

“Not only did [the show] introduce me to my fiance,” she continued, “But I’m so grateful that all my mistakes are recorded for posterity. I went through everything embarrassing that a girl can go through in front of my fiancé. There’s no question that he’s seen the worst. I find that comforting," Kunis added.

Kunis also told the magazine she’s ready to put show business on the back-burner for motherhood: “To me, this job has always been a hobby that turned into a great profession, but I don’t eat and breathe acting. I’m sure Meryl Streep has a very different point of view. But I’m excited about being a full-time mom,” Kunis said.

News of Kunis's pregnancy first broke in March. She is due later this year.

Read more from Mila Kunis' interview online and in W's August issue, on newsstands July 9.

Kate Middleton usually looks elegant and composed when she's performing her royal duties, but, like every human, she does occasionally drop her picture-perfect grin to reveal deeper emotions.

When I am in the market to buy a new hat, I like it to be simple and easy to wear. Most of the time when I am hat shopping I look for one in black. Every now and then something colorful may appear in my hand, but it's mainly to add contrast to all the primarily black caps I own. What I've noticed more and more is that companies are starting to work with waterproof technology so that their hats stay dry and fresh at all times. Waterproof gear like, hats, wallets, etc. are in high demand. The company that has been killing it with their waterproofing technology is Liquipel.

Dope and Starter are teaming up with Liquipel to provide consumers with an awesome hat. The collab will feature Dope's logo on the front of a black snapback, and on the back it will show the starter label on the mid section.

Dope Couture owner Matte Fields had this to say about the collaboration.

JR: What brought you and starter brand together? Why starter, when there are so many other hat brands?

MF: Starter is one of the originals. When snapbacks regained popularity in the early 2000's most people were buying deadstock Starter hats from the 90's. In our first boutique, most of our hats were either DOPE or Starter.

JR: Why a hat collab? Why not a jersey, shirt, sweater, or jacket?

MF: There was no question when we linked up with Starter that we would do a hat. The Starter snapback means a lot to streetwear, it was an easy choice.

JR: Why do you like the new Liquipel technology?

MF: Liquipel is normally used on electronics and the reasoning is evident. People drop their phones in water, they spill things on their devices. With clothing it is a little less clear why you would want Liquipel. We sent a couple test hats to some touring artists to get initial feedback on the hat, and we got some really great responses. These guys who are normally going through hats every few shows from sweating and the abuse of touring were telling us how they were able to rock the DOPE x Liquipel x Starter snapback show after show. Liquipel made it the perfect hat for touring, skating, just getting it this summer.

JR: Will Dope be doing more collabs with starter and Liquipel?

MF: We have something lined up for Summer 14, check our blog (http://dope.com/blog) for updates.


JR: Would you like to say anything else about the collab that hasn't been said?

MF: We have put a lot of focus on the technology and the collab with Starter, but I also just think this design is ill. It is minimally branded and works with everything. People need a hat like that.

Click on the link to view how Liquipel Technology works when the collaborated hat is hit with champagne!

DOPE x Liquipel x Starter Snapback from DOPE on Vimeo.

While getting ready for a recent appearance on "The Colbert Report," John Green revealed that he really likes wearing makeup and that he finally understands why some girls do, too.

"I confess that in high school I was one of those guys who was like, 'You don't need to wear makeup, you're beautiful just the way you are,'" he admits in the video above that was posted to his YouTube account, vlogbrothers.

But now, the author realizes that girls don't apply makeup in hopes that guys will tell them they're beautiful -- girls wear makeup for themselves, the same way Green isn't putting on makeup to impress audiences.

"It's like really beautiful armor because it makes me feel more confident and somehow kind of protected as I go through my day," he said.

In the "about" section on YouTube, Green also lists his favorite makeup tutorials and makeup gurus he has been following. We knew we loved this guy!

On the banks of the Red Cedar, there's a school that's known to all. Even if you don't know the school, Michigan's roller coaster weather has definitely made its way through the grapevine. From a full foot of snow in April to scorching hot temperatures in March, you can seriously never know what to expect. One hour can be drastically different from the next, without warning. At Michigan State, with its campus boasting over 100 miles of sidewalks, being prepared for anything is a quality every Spartan needs in their wardrobe.

East Lansing is a college town, through and through. Game day tailgates take over almost every Saturday in the fall, March Madness and the Izzone reign supreme in the winter and everything from the library to a party can be packed without fail any night of the week. While college students are more or less the population of this capital city suburb, that doesn't mean students aren't dressing to impress. Comfortable-chic meets practicality in a Spartan's closet.

This Fashionista works the mix and match layers to create a stylishly prepared look. With her knit top, she braves a chilly morning, getting caught in the rain or just an unlucky basement classroom. Knits have definitely made the move over from a simply cold weather piece, being spotted at festivals everywhere this summer. Take a stroll beside the Red Cedar and you'll spot this trend in abundance.

Paired with this are a pair of loose shorts, another huge trend this year. In a typical Spartan's wardrobe, trendy pieces become staple pieces and settle into campus quicker than then newest round of Freshman. As a campus that was established in 1855, during a heat wave it can be stiflingly hot in the classrooms. Pairing loose shorts with a kimono top, this Fashionista figured out a way to beat the heat. Sitting in class is way better when you don't have to sweat out the heat and the answers to your exam.

Amongst all of these stylish pieces, the best part is each of their versatility. Toss off the knit and only pair the kimono with a tank top for a hot day in class. Pair the shorts with the knit for an easy breezy look for lounging on the porch. Add the kimono to your favorite day to night dress for a Friday night out. Keep all three, like this Fashionista, and mix trendy with comfortable for a classic college style.

East Lansing is a classic college town--football, a beautiful campus and a city full of college kids. With this classic college town comes classic college style--comfortable yet fashionable, without trying too hard. With Michigan's well-known crazy weather thrown in, this Fashionista's layered look is the perfect representation of any Spartan's go-to look. The ability to dress it up, dress it down or change with the weather makes it perfectly compatible with a large campus and a day full of who knows what.

Fight, fight, rah team fight! Victory for MSU (Fashionistas)!





Victoria Tomkinson is a Senior at Michigan State University, studying Communications and Spanish. Spending the summer in New York City interning at Rebecca Minkoff and Nanette Lepore, she has been working for CollegeFashionista for four semesters. A self-proclaimed nomad, she pairs her love of fashion with an adoration of travel. She hopes to return to New York post-graduation to achieve her goal of working for a fashion magazine.

It's summertime and that means being on the go. It doesn't matter if you're heading out of town, to something with family and friends, taking the commute to work or summer school, or going to one of the many events that the summer season offers. This past month, Condiment headed to the amazing Dwell on Design show to check out the latest in design, get the scoop on current and future industry trends and meet and talk with incredible brands and people in the business. Whether you're headed to an event, party, travel or whatever else this season, here's a quick guide for making summer on-the-go easy, comfortable and of course, cool and chic:

1. Stay Hydrated! Tote a bottle of water in your purse, carryon or handbag. Classic options like Fiji and Arrowhead come in a range of bottle sizes -- get something large and you'll stay properly watered all day. If plain water isn't your thing, there's always sparkling, or something with a little flavor -- just keep an eye out for unnecessary calories. Hint flavored waters are an editor favorite here.

If you're headed somewhere like a concert or tailgate party and adult beverages might be on hand, there's a new trend in sparkling wine brands that make drinks a little lighter -- perfect for summer season. A popular brand for this is Myx Fusions, and not a surprise -- Moscato infused with juice couldn't be more delicious.

2. Keep Stacked On Snacks: Snacks are so amazing today, with so many natural, organic and other unique and healthy options on the market. The best part is many are packaged and ready to go so you can take them with you wherever you're headed. Oregon-based Skout Organics is one of the most incredible companies on the market for this -- the company has a range of pumpkin seed options that play on cool seasonings and flavors. You might know Kind snacks for its bars, but the company has new healthy grains that are so good! Perfect for taking anywhere. We go bananas for Stoneridge Orchards dried fruit -- it's the juiciest dried fruit. In fact, a friend has used its products for baking blueberry scones that were just awesome.

3. Style In Layers: Summer is all about layering, so that as temperatures rise or fall you can stay comfortable. This is especially important if you're going out for the day or might be somewhere indoors with chilly air conditioning. Lightweight knits are great for dressier affairs, while fleece and terry can be more comfortable and durable for outdoor events like concerts, festivals or sporting games. Sweatshirts are on trend in fashion at the moment so you can get a little stylish and creative.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes! Being on the go during the summer months means you'll be on your feet, too. When it comes to the intersection of fashion and style, there isn't a better option than the classic wedge. With a wedge, like any heel, you'll want to try to find a choice that distributes weight evenly -- too much on the balls of your feet can cause foot pain. Sole Society has a lot of friendly options that won't break the bank. If a heel isn't your ideal, flats are in abundance at the moment! Look for a simple, comfortable leather ballet style, or get creative with a jelly sandal -- it can get wet without an issue.

With jewelry, keep it simple! A chic pair of stud earrings and a bracelet or handful of rings on a few fingers is all you need. Pendant necklaces can also be great for on-the-go. Avoid anything too bulky, clunky or chunky when you're mobile or active -- it'll be more comfortable and workable regardless of whatever you are up to all season. Bauble Bar is a great resource for finding affordable, easy jewelry. You don't want go too expensive or too inexpensive -- in case you lose a piece or it gets damaged, keep price points reasonable. If it's too cheaply made things like sweat and moisture can cause the finish to discolor.

Don't forget little things like hand sanitizer or wipes, sunscreen, hand lotion and of course, gum or breath mints. Tuck travel size bottles of cruelty-free, natural or organic options in your handbag or carry-on to reach for as needed.

To see all of this month's edition of Condiment Magazine, visit here