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Brides Should Take A Cue From Lauren Conrad When It Comes To Bridesmaids Dresses

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Lauren Conrad might be a lot of things, but a "bridezilla" is not one of them.

The reality star graces the fall 2014 cover for Martha Stewart Weddings magazine alongside three of her nine bridesmaids. In the issue, she dishes out the details about her bridal party.

“My jewelry team at Kohl’s made me necklaces. We found this little diamond ring piece that looks just like my ring, so I did rose gold necklaces for everybody and then sent it with a will-you-be-my-bridesmaid’ card," Conrad told the mag about how she asked the nine women to be a part of her special day.

When it comes to being a bridesmaid, the dress can be the worst part. But when the bride-to-be is Conrad -- who just launched a bridesmaids collection for her Paper Crown line -- it's safe to say the ladies are in good hands.

“I sent them all the different shapes and let them pick from two colors. I don’t mind if there are a few girls in the same dress, or if people are all in different ones. It’s too difficult to take a group of girls and put them in the same color and silhouette; everyone has their own style," she revealed.

She's also letting them pick their own hairstyles. “I’m letting the girls do whatever they want. Again, I think that weddings are about celebrating, and you want everyone to feel comfortable, so I think it’s about whatever is going to make them feel pretty. Understated is always best, so I think trying to go more classic is always a nice choice because you don’t want anybody to stand out in a negative way.”

Conrad and fiance William Tell got engaged last October. InTouch previously reported their wedding date is set for this fall.

Read Conrad's full interview in the fall 2014 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

lauren conrad

The Things to Buy for Yourself Today and Keep For Your Daughter (or Son) Tomorrow

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Sometimes when I'm shopping, I admit that I make a purchase I don't need or shouldn't buy because it's something that I will pass on to my daughter. Some of the favorite items I own are not new, but things that my mom or grandmother passed down to me. I have some beautiful scarves that my grandma brought back from Italy decades ago that she has since gifted to me and are irreplaceable. Many of my favorite jewelry pieces have been cherished family heirlooms in this way. I always think how cool it will be when Gigi's a teen or young woman and she has the same items that were once mine. I know firsthand how special it can be, and how special being given such things can be. It doesn't matter if you're a mom or a dad, or have a daughter or son. Receiving something that meant something to a parent, grandparent or other relative is special. So I sometimes make purchases I don't necessarily need because I know I'll be filling a page in my daughter's memory book. Granted, this might be part of some kind of shopping mind game somewhere within myself, but I love the idea of generations of family holding and sharing such items. The idea of her holding dear these pieces, and someday sharing them with her own children, is one of those visions that melts a mom's heart.

Here's a list of things I've received or bought over the years with the thought that Gigi will take them over as part of her fashion or home collection one day, and cherish them as I have. Some are things I think every girl needs. Some are frivolous but fun and girly, and something special for her to grow into. I've also included ideas for dads, and parents with boys.

1. A favorite handbag -- I received a Chanel bag as a gift. I rarely use it so I can keep it in pristine shape for when it is passed on to my daughter. But any favorite handbag your daughter remembers you carrying would be a great choice to save for him or her. It does not have to be designer. For moms with boys, consider a travel piece instead such as a favorite, well-made carry on suitcase, all-purpose bag or if you're a working mom, business card case. Dads with daughters, don't be afraid to buy a special handbag for her that you tuck away for when she's older. She will love the gesture even if you never carried it yourself!

2. Unusual and fun pieces of jewelry -- I collect jewelry and have over the years received and bought quite a few pieces. Gigi loves to look through the drawers of my jewelry armoire and hear stories of where pieces were found. One day it will be fun for her to wear these pieces and remember the tales of their origin. These items do not have to be expensive! Just things that you yourself as a mom wore and loved, or that may have been gifted to you, etc. Dads can pass cuff links and watches on to their son, but don't be surprised that those who have daughters might also take an interest! Mens watches and other items are always en vogue, and your daughter will love to have a piece you loved. Moms with sons, look for a necklace or pendant that is unisex to give to your son. In Italian culture, a gold horn, cross pendants,and many other items are worn by both men and women.

3. Your own special collector favorites -- I have a thing for solid perfume compacts. Certain fragrance designers create some fun compacts occasionally, but these pieces don't come out often. So when I see something, I like to add it to my collection knowing that she will love to have these quirky little compacts on her vanity one day. For other moms, or dads, whatever trinkets, collectors items or what not you enjoy are perfect. I've heard of parents who collect items from various states, others love natural stones, whatever yours might be. Keep it in mind for passing on to your son or daughter later.

4. Fine jewelry -- Every little girl needs pearls for her wedding day, or some other beautiful piece of fine jewelry -- it does not matter how large or small. My daughter was blessed to get a set that my mom created for her -- I admit I am jealous of how beautiful they are and want to pass along a heirloom family trend in reverse on this item! For boys or girls, any nice, quality or special jewelry piece, watch, etc. that you may have or received can be very special. I know moms who have passed their jewelry items on to their sons' wives when they do not have a daughter, and certainly, pieces can always be gifted with the intent that they be made into a special, custom item if too masculine or feminine for your child.

5. A beautiful vase -- I know it sounds odd, but I have some vases that I use over and over when I get flowers. Gigi has good memories of seeing them displayed and relates them to memories of holidays, birthdays or other special occasions that call for flowers . She will long cherish using one of these great vases when she gets flowers of her own. If vases aren't your thing, or you don't think your child would want to receive something of this nature, any decor item that has a value to you can be a keepsake he or she will someday recall family memories from in their own home.

6. A special blanket -- I'm kind of obsessed with blankets and have amassed a collection over the years. So when Gigi was a baby, you can imagine this has only grown. When she grew, I couldn't part with her blankets, so I took the bundle to a local quilting store and had them made into a large quilt with all of the pieces. It has a special patch with a little poem about the blankets. She absolutely adores this item, and so do I. It will be a blanket she keeps for a lifetime, hands down to her own child some day, or even inspires her to use her baby's blankets for a quilt as well. Even something that wasn't intended for your child during his or her infancy can be special and cherished later on.

7. Fun, quirky fashion pieces -- Occasionally I see an item in the store that I think is gorgeous, but truly impractical. This is when my 'hmm, Gigl will love this' theory comes into play. I have some unusual hats, a shawl of faux fur trimmed in animal print, some great metallic scarves, sparkling beaded headpieces and other items. Yep, they sound unnecessary, but what fun she will have when she pulls these out in 15 years and adds them to an outfit! They'll be filled with fun stories of when her mom bought them, the various stage of life she was in at the time and how she loves it. For a son, sports items, cool t-shirts, interesting baseball and other hats can be just as beloved.

8. A gorgeous, awesome frame -- Look for something special and unique, and if you have to, splurge a little on it. Pick it out together with your son or daughter and put a favorite picture of the two of you together in it. When Gigi's a big girl, that frame and picture we picked together will be priceless, and this goes for your kids, too! You can tuck a little handwritten note behind the picture and backing with the date, special words, or a message so that when he or she has it years later they will always be fond of it.

What 'Undercover Colors' Gets All Wrong About Date Rape

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Thanks to four male college students from North Carolina State University, you may soon be able to add a new accessory to your outfit and tool in combating date rape: nail polish.

A new nail polish called "Undercover Colors" will be able to detect date rape drugs by changing colors in the presence of Rohypnol (roofies) or GHB (G-juice), the two most commonly used date rape drugs. To see if one of these drugs has been slipped in your drink, a woman has to stir the drink with her finger. Throw that in with the rape whistle and pepper spray that your mom gave you freshman year and you've got your back-to-school check list covered.

While I applaud their efforts to prevent sexual assault among college students, after reading their product description, it's pretty clear that these male students know little rape culture and even less about plausible solutions.

Sexual assault doesn't only happen at bars. Analysis by the Washington Post in 2012 show nearly 4,000 allegations of sexual assault on college campus with Penn State University (56), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (34) and Harvard University (31) topping the charts. About 73 percent of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the survivor knows, where women are more likely to feel comfortable and less guarded. Alcohol is just part of the problem. Our friends at Feministing remind us that, while the stats might vary, it's pretty clear that "plain old alcohol is the substance most commonly used in drug-facilitated rape."

While well intentioned, products like "Undercover Colors" actually perpetuate rape culture by placing the burden of safety back onto women.

Let's stop getting distracted by gimmicks like this and talk about real solutions to the growing violence against women. Here are three things college campuses can actually do to help keep all students safe.

1. A little rape-culture competency wouldn't hurt. One of the most devastating aspects of rape culture is the rampant victim blaming. We hear it all the time from victims not being taken seriously when they report sexual assault to their university campus to publicly defending accused rapists while denouncing what their victims say. When violence against women is being trivialized and ignored, none of us are safe. Host an on-campus brown bag lunch to talk about how victim-blaming occurs and talk about what we can do to prevent it.

2. Engage men as part of the solution. Are we having those tough conversations with men, who are more likely to be perpetrators of sexual assault against women, about how to be respectful others boundaries, personal space and what consent really means? Hannah Brancato, co-director of FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture, a sexual assault prevention group, states that for consent to be part of common practice on college campuses, it needs to be incorporated "in the sexual culture on college campuses." This needs to include both women and men. FORCE launched a college-themed guide for consensual sexual activity. Check out the guide here and use it on your college campus.

3. Accountability, please. Schools currently facing investigation for mishandling sexual assault complaints have listed several possibly policy changes, including changes to their disciplinary proceedings where expulsion becomes a possibility for perpetrators of sexual assault. While such policy changes will put more of the burden on the perpetrator, such disciplinary hearings have led to wildly inappropriate questions for survivors and light punishments for perpetrators found guilty of assault, such as expulsion after graduation (who knew that was even a thing). Policy changes need to not only hold the perpetrators accountable, but the school's handing of these hearings as well.

It's pretty terrible that in 2014, that these kinds of products even need to exist, but the reality is that they do exist. Instead of funneling money into making gadgets that help prevent women from being raped, let's talk about solutions to shifting rape culture where consent, on both sides, is seen as the norm.

6 Backpacks For Kids That Won't Hurt Their Backs

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Heavy backpacks, especially when worn improperly, can cause kids' backs, neck, or shoulder pain. (More details about that, here).

But if a heavy load is unavoidable, don't worry! Doctors recommend a few shopping guidelines that will help prevent injury:

1. Look for thick shoulder straps (and always use both straps!).

2. Pack heavy things at the bottom and towards the back, close to the body.

3. The backpack should be the length of the torso, ending two inches below the waist.

4. Find a backpack with a waist strap. Dr. Elise G. Hewitt, a Board Certified Pediatric Chiropractor, says using that strap will help distribute the weight onto the hip bones, rather than the shoulders.

While backpacks with waist straps might not be sold at every store -- since they're typically used for athletic purposes -- we've rounded up a few great, safe options:



The Dangers Of Heavy Backpacks -- And How Kids Can Wear Them Safely

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Between studying, homework and extracurricular activities, going back to school may make kids feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. And sometimes, they literally do. After you pile a lunch, school supplies, binders and textbooks -- which typically weigh 3.5 lbs each -- into your child's backpack, the load he or she is lugging around could be huge ... and potentially dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 14,000 children are treated for backpack-related injuries every year.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that the weight of a backpack should be less than 10-15 percent of a child’s body weight, but that isn't always the case. Too often, children don't wear their packs correctly, increasing risk of injury. “Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints and can lead to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems,” orthopaedic surgeon and AAOS spokesperson Daniel Green, MD, told The Huffington Post. (Though, backpacks will not cause scoliosis, Dr. Green stressed.)

It's easy to spot symptoms of a load that's too hefty for your child, adds Dr. Rob Danoff, an osteopathic family physician. If kids grunt when putting on or taking off the backpack, have red marks on their shoulders from the straps, or if they complain that their shoulders, arms or fingers are "falling asleep," those packs might just be too heavy.

But don't fret, injury is preventable and it is possible for kids to carry backpacks comfortably. First thing's first: Dr. Elise G. Hewitt, a Board Certified Pediatric Chiropractor, recommends shopping at a sporting goods store because employees know how to fit backpacks.

And though kids might object, Dr. Hewitt stresses the importance of using waist straps. "Shoulders are not designed to hang things from," Dr. Hewitt told The Huffington Post, pointing out the reason indigenous people carry things on their heads. By using the strap, the bulk of the weight can be carried on the hip bones, rather than on the shoulders.

This infographic explains exactly what can happen to your kid's body from traveling with all of that extra weight on their backs -- and what can you can do about it.



Infographic by Jan Diehm for The Huffington Post.

Check out our list of recommended backpacks here.


Barbie Is Instagram's Newest Style Star And We Are Thrilled

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These days, it seems like everyone -- especially people in fashion -- are on Instagram. Now, one of the original style icons has an account of her own.

That's right, Barbie's closet made its social media debut on Wednesday. Her posts already fall in line with similar fashionista accounts, from outfits of the day to accessory call outs.

And if the news isn't enough to get you to follow Barbie, maybe this will: a little birdie (in the form of Elle Magazine) told us she's going to be at New York Fashion Week. So you can go ahead and add her to your accounts to follow, because you know she's getting a front row seat.

Check out some of the adorable photos below. Now all we need is a Ken and Barbie Instagram proposal and our childhood / social media crossover dreams will finally be realized.







Emma Stone Debuts Short Bob Haircut

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Short and sweet!

Emma Stone switched up her style when she chopped her signature red hair into a short bob on Aug. 27. The 25-year-old debuted the new 'do at the Venice Film Festival premiere of "Birdman," which hits theaters nationwide on Oct. 17.

Stone looked radiant in a dark green, tulle Valentino gown with a plunging neckline:

emma stone

emma stone

For comparison's sake, Stone had shoulder-length locks at the New York premiere of "Magic in the Moonlight," in July:

emma stone

We love the new look!

Prince Harry Is Officially Off The Market, But Here Are 9 Ways To Win Him Back

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Well that didn't take long.

Just a few months after splitting from Cressida Bonas, Prince Harry has found love again with rumored new girlfriend Camilla Thurlow. The Prince is apparently so smitten with Thurlow that he's whisked her away on a "romantic cruise" to St. Tropez, just before his birthday. Apparently, she also looks a lot like Kate Middleton, but you can decide for yourself by looking at a picture of her here.

And even though we're really, really happy for Harry, we're left wondering why WE weren't in the running for Royal Girlfriend. Just to see what we're up against should Harry ever be single again, here are all the requirements it must take to date a royal:

1. Be compassionate
prince harry rugby

Harry helps multiple oversee charities, so it's important for him to be with someone with a big heart.

2. Have a great sense of humor
prince harry

He once raced Ryan Lochte in a Vegas pool, so it's safe to say the Prince is a total goofball.

3. Have your own life
prince harry royal

Harry's new love interest works for The HALO Trust, an anti-mine nonprofit that Princess Diana used to worked with.

4. Have really great hair
prince harry cressida bonas

The prince previously only dated blondes, but with this brunette we've concluded "good hair" is his type.

5. Have the same name as your future step-mum
prince harry camilla

Or is two Camilla's one too many? We'll let the new girlfriend decide.

6. Have a strong sense of self
chelsy davy

Harry's girlfriends have always been very opinionated and headstrong.

7. Have a wild side
prince harry dancing

Pretty much everyone know's about Prince Harry's love of getting down and he needs a girlfriend who can keep up!

8. Save room for sports
prince harry polo

It's fair to say that the Prince is always up for a good game of polo, rugby or football.

9. Enjoy traveling
prince harry mountain

The Prince is known for galavanting all over the world, and he'll need a world-traveler by his side.

Because the truth is, we'd TOTALLY react like this if we got to date Prince Harry (or settle for just seeing him):

girl who photographed prince william

Caroline Wozniacki Gets Hair Caught In Racket At U.S. Open

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Caroline Wozniacki didn't have a bad hair day at the U.S. Open Wednesday, but she certainly had a bad hair moment.

During her match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Wozniacki tried to backhand a return, but her ponytail caught got in her racket. The athlete, who lost a point as a result, said she braided her tresses to avoid such entanglements.

But there was no harm done.

Wozniacki won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the third round. She even served up a funny comment on Twitter.





h/t For The Win

Tony Bennett And Lady Gaga Are The New Unlikely Stars Of H&M

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Move over, Miranda Kerr. H&M has two new sweethearts who are lending their good looks and good voices to the brand.

Women's Wear Daily announced Thursday that H&M has tapped Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett for their holiday campaign. The pair, who will debut their jazz album in September, star in a commercial featuring a song from the album, as well as print and online ads beginning in November.

Gaga wears H&M and some seriously curly hair in the ad, and by that we mean she dons a sweater and nothing else. A suit similar to the one Bennett wears will also be available for purchase.

And while the two seem like an unlikely choice for the company, just remember they have turned to music before (remember Gisele's "Heart Of Glass" rendition?) If nothing else, we have a feeling the song will be slightly better received than that.

bennett and gaga

Kendall Jenner Just Dropped Her Last Name For Fashion... Again?

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The Kardashians have spent years (not to mention millions) making a household name for themselves, but now... Kendall Jenner is trying to 'drop' it.

Although she doesn't bear the same last name as four of her famous siblings, Kendall Jenner is trying to distance herself from her TV show past in a major way. Older sister Kim Kardashian announced earlier this year that Kendall was no longer using her last name at casting calls, but this time Kendall's decided to drop her last name from her comp card, which are model speak for business cards.

kendall jenner model

The new "It" girl has made it very clear that she wants to be taken seriously in the fashion world, despite the common belief that her reality TV stardom and family ties to big-name designers has gotten her where she is now. Harpers Bazaar thinks that Kendall is trying to become one of the 'greats' by dropping her last name -- putting her right up there with "Gisele, Naomi, Christy and Kate."

Seeing as Kendall is rolling with a crew of models and forbidding her sister to sit at her fashion shows, we're convinced that Kendall is not only serious, but dead-set on making her own name. We're just wondering how many shows "Kendall" is going to walk this time at New York Fashion Week.

Miley Cyrus Goes Nude Atop A Pile Of Stuffed Animals For V Magazine

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Fall magazines are out and Miley Cyrus' clothes are off for V's Rebel Issue.

Cyrus appears nude on a pile of stuffed animals in a shoot by Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele for the upcoming issue of V Magazine. The 21-year-old also appears on the cover, but clothed in a furry, blue bodysuit.



V explains the idea behind the Rebel Issue:

V91 focuses on the art of rebellion. But before you think us punks or misfits, it should be noted that we’re not necessarily talking about that type of rebellion associated with being deliberately defiant or rowdy, but rather with the idea of taking ownership of one’s ideas and craft and not compromising even when difficult situations arise. Staying true to one’s self and one’s art, no matter what, takes courage and discipline, which is vital to any artist’s survival.


Cyrus posed for V Magazine last year, as well. For that cover photo, she rocked pink hair and wore a black bra and underwear.

Check out Cyrus' full spread in V Magazine, on newsstands Sept. 10.

Beyonce Covers CR Fashion Book, Holds A Chanel #Surfbort

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Leave it to Beyonce to hold one of the coolest surfboards/#surfborts we've ever seen.

The singer/leader of the universe is the cover star for CR Fashion Book Issue 5, Carine Roitifeld's magazine. Beyonce poses in a Yohi Yamamoto coat we wish we could pull off, Sister by Sibling mask and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

beyonce fashion book cover

This is not the first time the magazine has made waves with its cover. Last year, CR Fashion Book featured Kim Kardashian wearing a grill. But let's forget the cover for just one second -- it's Queen Bey's fashion spread that's even more captivating. Inside the issue, her hair sweeps the floor a la Rapunzel and she holds some serious power stances with a Chanel surfboard in tow.

Captured by photographer Pierre Debusschere, the shoot was directed by beloved fashion designer, Riccardo Tisci. See Beyonce fulfill her own definition of ***Flawless in the photos below. Read her poem to Blue Ivy and more at crfashionbook.com or pick up a copy on newsstands September 4.

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Shakira Pregnant With Her Second Child

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Congratulations are in order for Shakira and boyfriend Gerard Pique.

The singer turned "The Voice" coach and her Spanish soccer player beau are expecting their second child together, she confirmed in the Spanish edition of Cosmopolitan.

The couple welcomed a son, Milan, in January 2013.

The 37-year-old singer met Pique, 27, at the World Cup in 2010, where she performed her World Cup anthem, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)."

"If it wasn't for the World Cup, my son Milan would not be here," she told the Associated Press in July.

Miley Cyrus Wears The World's Least Wearable Bathing Suit On The Cover Of V Magazine

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Miley Cyrus has this way of sending us on sort of an emotional roller coaster. One day she's advocating for homeless youth and the next day she's, well, provocatively laying atop a pile of stuffed animals in a sexy,custom Fendi fur bathing suit on the cover of V Magazine.

Cyrus is the glossy's Fall 2014 cover star, appropriately titled the Rebels issue, which is photographed by Karl Lagerfeld himself (who also designed the swimsuit, obviously.) The shoot is styled by famed stylist Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, who told the mag she and Miley "go together like hand and glove."

We've seen plenty of unwearable swimsuits before, but this one definitely takes the cake. Having said that, if anyone can pull it off, it's Cyrus.

Check out the cover below, and to read the whole interview head to V Magazine.

v magazine

At 100 Lbs., Avtar Singh Mauni May Have World's Largest Turban

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Hats off to Avtar Singh Mauni: the 60-year-old holy man may be on the brink of a world record thanks to a 100-pound turban he wears on his head.

The titanic turban measures 2,115 feet when unwrapped -- the same length as 13 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Mauni spends six hours a day getting it on his head, and his holy headgear is so large that the only way he can get to his local temple in Patiala, Northern India, is via motorcycle, Barcroft TV reports.

The fabric and ornaments add up to around 100 pounds, but the weapons he carries as part of his traditional costume add another 87 pounds.

Tending to the turban is a serious commitment for the devout Sikh, but one he does proudly.

"I don't consider it to be a burden. I'm most happy when I wear it," Mauni said, according to the Daily Mail. "I just keep putting on the cloth from top to bottom one layer at a time just like you would lay the stories of a building.

"On the rare times I don't have my turban on I keep getting this feeling of being incomplete, that some part of me is missing. I get afraid that I may fall and I keep wondering "have I lost something, where is my turban?'"

Currently, the Guinness World Record for world's largest turban is held by fellow Indian citizen Major Singh, whose turban measures 1,312 feet.

Mauni would like the recognition, but admits he wants to have more than just photo ops with his fellow humans.

"When I go out a huge crowd gathers around me. Some are amazed beyond belief and tell me 'You are great for carrying such a large turban,'" he said, according to the Express. "But sometimes all they want is to take a picture, so I loudly tell them to stop. After all it takes me hours to put on my turban and all they want is to take a quick picture and then run away."




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Hang Out With 'Orange Is The New Black' Cast And Help Support Real Women In Prison

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The fictitious ladies of Litchfield Correctional Facility are putting their on-camera differences aside for real women facing the realities of life behind bars.

A handful of cast members from Netflix series "Orange Is the New Black" are spending time with the winners from an online auction, with proceeds benefiting the Women's Prison Association, or WPA. Auction winners will have lunch with Taylor Schilling and Piper Kerman (who is not a cast member, but whose memoir inspired the series), drink coffee with Lea DeLaria, and shop with Jessica Pimentel, Laura Gómez, Jackie Cruz and Diane Guerrero. Fans were able to bid on the experiences, which are part of the WPA's #2ndChances Campaign and will take place in New York City, through online auction platform CharityBuzz. Bidding opened Aug. 13 and closed Wednesday afternoon.

The WPA provides a variety of services to women at all stages of the criminal justice system. While women are behind bars, the association helps them access mental health and addiction services and gain peer support from women in similar circumstances, among many other services. The WPA also helps women transition into post-prison life by helping them prepare for job interviews and teaching them everyday life skills, such as budgeting.

The WPA plays a vital role within a system that is affecting a growing number of American women. According to the organization, there are about 200,000 women behind bars in the U.S., reflecting a 750 percent increase in the last three decades. And certain demographics have taken the brunt of those alarming figures. In 2008, one in 100 black women aged 35 to 39 was in prison -- more than 3.5 times the rate for white women -- according to a report from the Pew Center on the State, the New York Times reported.

The WPA showed its appreciation for the Netflix series on Facebook earlier this week by posting a message in support of the program ahead of Monday's Emmys Awards ceremony.







To learn more about the WPA, visit the organization's website.

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Swarm Of Bees Attacks Blake Lively, Teaches Her That Age Is But A Number

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Blake Lively, person who was on "Gossip Girl" and recently made a "creepy" lifestyle blog, was attacked by a swarm of bees on her birthday. She recounted her experience with this different sort of "bee day" (pun intended, by her) over at Preserve:

I felt an electric shock of energy-- was it excitement that I was about to turn another year older? Was it nerves? Why did it feel like agony? I like getting older ... I think.

But this felt terrible. Does your butt quite suddenly (and painfully) deflate when you turn 27? Because mine hurt like hell …then my neck, back, legs and forehead. And oh my hands! They were shriveling. It felt like I was being shot by dozens of tiny invisible darts. I felt like the Wicked Witch, melting, melting, burning, melting.


As common as violent physical reactions to aging a year in your mid- to late-20s might seem, Lively's visceral experience was actually many bees using their butts to sting her.

After escaping the swarm, she decorated a vanilla cake. It was while baking she realized that the bees had used their venom to combat the fear brought on by the ephemerality of the human condition. Of course!

"It took a swarm of bees to remind me that a b-day is nothing but a number. Each day I choose my age," she wrote, presumably squinting at the screen with puffy eyes, doing her best to type with swollen hands. "Today it’s 27, going on 2."

Thanks for teaching Blake Lively that lesson, bees. We leave you with this:

Everyday Sexism In Just 9 Illustrations

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From "leaning in" to "having it all," it can sometimes be hard to keep track of where we have and haven't made progress when it comes to gender roles. A new project however, simplifies everyday gender stereotypes, making it impossible to ignore their negative implications.

A new book from Taschen titled Man Meets Woman, features simple green and pink pictograms by Beijing-born, Berlin-based designer Yang Liu that examine modern gender roles. The 38-year-old uses minimalist imagery to illustrate a complex culture of gender stereotyping. The end result is an effective commentary on everyday sexism found in the workplace, during parenthood and even in the bedroom.

"Women today are trying very hard to fight against [these] stereotypes, which is a very important process on the way to reach the equality between the genders. And there's still many things to be done," Liu told The Huffington Post. "But on [the] other hand, during this process, we become scared to face to the fact that men and women are just different in many aspects."

self image



"As a working wife and mother, I am compelled to realize time and time again how many minor and major differences exist between men and women, despite today's ongoing debate on the subject and the constant redefinition of male and female roles," Liu writes in the introduction to Man Meets Woman. "Many of these differences arise out of traditional gender models and are dictated by social and professional structures."

Some of the pictograms are straightforward, illustrating the differences in everyday female and male experiences that point to problematic gendered stereotypes such as the gender pay gap. Others however, take a more tongue-in-cheek approach to comparing uncomfortable realities -- such as the fact that the depiction of women is the same in both men's and women's magazines.

magazines



In her introduction, Liu encourages readers to look past what may be accepted as the norm and prompts them to question where these gender stereotypes come from. A man doing housework and taking care of his children is a "modern man," yet a woman doing the same is deemed a "housewife." A woman's self-image is drastically exaggerated, while a man's is slightly the opposite. A man might feel he should exaggerate the number of sexual partners he has had or wants to have, while a woman might think she needs to minimize her "number."

There is a reason a person's gender fundamentally impacts the way she or he experiences the world, and while Liu presents some of the problems that arise from strict gender roles, she doesn't necessarily offer prescriptions to fix them, leaving it to the reader to consider solutions on a small scale.

"With this little book I would like to present a visual documentary of my personal views on the subject of communication between men and women," Liu writes. "I thereby hope to be able to encourage all of us to approach this subject with a little more humor and, in our daily interactions, to look at and think about things from the viewpoint of the opposite sex."

sexual experience



luggage



multitasking



competition



best weapon



mysterious objects



housewife husband



Man Meets Woman comes out this fall on October 6.

[h/t Fast Company]

Obama Held An Important Press Conference And All People Cared About Was His Tan Suit

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President Barack Obama showed up at his press conference on Thursday to answer some important questions about ... oh my gosh, did you see what he's wearing? (It was actually a pretty important press conference on foreign policy, and you should read about it here and here.)

Obama made quite the bold sartorial choice on this late summer afternoon and donned a tan suit...

obamasuit

Perhaps it was the upcoming long weekend that inspired the president to choose a lighter, more breezy color? Or maybe it was his attempt to come across as just a regular gent, who likes to change up his suit colors every once in a while. Whichever the case, for a man who once told Vanity Fair that he wears "only gray or blue suits," the stark color change shocked the country...and by country, we mean Twitter. Instead of covering the content of what Obama was saying -- which again, was important -- many decided to become serious fashion critics for a hot second.























Congrats, America, your very important stances on Obama's suit made news. Dreams really do come true.



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