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Are You For Or Against School Uniforms? Two Fashion Editors Debate

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There's nothing quite like the discussion of school uniforms to get HuffPost Style editors all riled up. The need -- or lack there of -- sparked a major debate on our team. Below, two fashion editors sound-off on whether or not they think uniforms are a good idea.

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For Uniforms by Michelle Persad


Wearing a uniform to school is why I have a good relationship with my mother. Okay, that might not be the only reason, but it certainly makes the top ten. When I was 14 and insufferable, my mom and I fought about a lot of things -- whether or not it was a good idea to get a dolphin tattooed on my stomach, if Michael Bublé constituted good road trip music (for the record, NO), why it wasn't okay for her to say "funky" etc. But not once did we ever argue about clothing. And thank God for that, because I know there would have been battles.

From the ages of 9 to 17, I wore a tie, kilt and blouse to school every single day, and it was bloody fantastic. If I could get away with wearing the same thing to the office all week and not be judged, I would. Even though I work in fashion, having my outfit predetermined would free up my brain to focus on more important tasks like taking Buzzfeed quizzes entitled "Which Original Beanie Baby Speaks Directly To Your Soul?" (For the record, I got Patti The Platypus).

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There are tons of arguments against uniforms, like they limit self-expression, yada, yada, yada... but you know what I was forced to do in high school? Express myself using words. Something I've found somewhat helpful in my career as a writer. And if you're still not buying into the whole knee-socks-and-blazer-thing, let me appeal to your sense of reason. It's a huge time-saver. To illustrate my point, I have compared my morning routine in high school (with uniform), to my routine now (sans uniform):

High school: Hit the snooze button. Hit the snooze button again. Hit the snooze button a third time. Eventually get up because my parents are screaming at me. With half-shut eyes, find my kilt on the floor, a clean blouse and hopefully my tie -- though I always lost my tie. Brush my teeth. Grab a banana. Endure a sarcastic comment from my dad because I didn't brush my hair. Get in the car.

Now: Hit the snooze button. Hit the snooze button again. Hit the snooze button a third time. Eventually get out of bed for fear of being fired from work. With half-shut eyes, try and figure out what to wear. Give up and instead go brush my teeth. Go back to my closet. Give up again. Grab a banana. Start stressing because I have no clothes. Consider the weather. Try on an outfit. Laugh that I even considered wearing skinny jeans and move onto something with an elastic waist. Eventually just put on what I was wearing yesterday because, let's be honest, who's going to notice? Freak out because now I'm actually really late. Still don't brush my hair. Walk to work.

In summary, having a uniform not only caused me way less stress in the morning, but it also ensured that I was always on time. (Okay, I was actually late a lot, but never because I couldn't decide what to wear). And hey, I can look back at school photos and not cringe at what I was wearing. (Okay, I still cringe, but that was because there was a long period of time when thought hair gel and "The Rachel" were a good idea).

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Against Uniforms by Jamie Feldman


Like so many others, the time right before high school was a pretty interesting time for me. I got my nose pierced, went on a no-shower kick and swore by socks and sandals (a trend I had no idea would resurface so many years later). My new attitude toward style (and apparently hygiene) was largely a result of the fact that I had been accepted into a performing arts school, a lifelong dream come true.

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When I walked through the doors on that very first day freshman year, one thing struck me immediately -- the unique way everyone expressed themselves through their own personal style. Whether it was green hair, huge platforms or in my case, a shiny stud in my nose, no one gave anyone else a second glance over what they were wearing. I felt instantly at home. It seemed that for the first time, I was in a place where I could truly express myself.

Of course, coming into my own personal style took some trial and error. There was a period of time where I would match my T-shirts to my stockings. And even though I consider those times to be pretty dark fashion-wise, they still played a part in the evolution of my style (not to mention gave me some embarrassing photos to look back on today). My formative years would have been totally different had I not been given the chance to evolve through my attire each day.

Let's also not forget what teenagers are like. Specifically, teenagers who are also artists and were raised in New York City. Uniforms would have not only never worked in my school, I'm going to go ahead and guess that they would have created more problems than solutions. Clothing allowed us to be inspired by one another, to understand and even admire each other.

I understand the benefits of uniforms in schools. But teenagers are angst-y enough without having to also be restricted in their clothing choices, and I will be forever grateful that I got to make so many sartorial mistakes throughout those years.

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Now you've been given both sides of the argument, you can decide for yourself. Are you pro a stress-free morning and saving your relationship with your mother? Or do you too think you should have the right to match your T-shirts to your stockings if you so choose? Sound off in the comments below.


Sophia Bush Fires Back At Her 'Obsessive' And 'Violent' Online Stalker

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Sophia Bush is taking a stand against an "obsessive" stalker who has spent months harassing both her and her fans.

On Tuesday, the 32-year-old actress shared a collage of more than 500 screenshots of the stalker's comments on her Instagram and Twitter accounts.

"For the past few months I have been harassed to the point of sheer horror by an online stalker. This person has taken to harassing and bullying many of my followers as well. And tonight I finally said fuck this shit," the "Chicago P.D." star wrote along with the photo.

Bush explained that the 500 screenshots were just a "tiny sampling" of the harassment she's endured over the last three months, and she's sharing it because she's had enough.

Sophia Bush's entire message to her online stalker:

For the past few months I have been harassed to the point of sheer horror by an online stalker. This person has taken to harassing and bullying many of my followers as well. And tonight I finally said fuck this shit. This is what I posted to twitter. The photograph is a tiny sampling of over 500 screenshots I've taken in the last three months. And I'm sharing it here to make something very clear. This kind of behavior does. Not. Fly. You do not have permission to hide. Not anymore: This has gotten beyond out of hand. Obsessive. Violent. And legally punishable. To any of you who've been targeted by @SophhiaBush, I'm so sorry. I'm sure he/she will be blocked again soon, only to create another account. We're close to 20 now. And law enforcement says "we're on it," and "don't acknowledge this person," but when this person, this vitriolic perverse monster is targeting all of you? Threatening rape, gang rape, & throat slitting to name a few? Impersonating me and breaking some of your hearts? Telling people they should kill themselves, and detailing how? Nope. No silence. As the evidence of staking and harassment mounts, so does my anger. Because this is grotesque. And on the other side, my sadness mounts as well. What happened to you, you poor lost soul, that this is how you find pleasure? That you need to attempt to destroy little bits of other people to build yourself up, bit by bit? Who in your life hurt you? Who made you need to act out like this? Because my god I feel so sorry for you. But my sorrow in the face of your pain is no match for my anger at the pain you are causing others. You do not have the right to spread poison because you have felt poisoned. It's a small minded and ugly path to take. Choosing to inflict pain doesn't make you strong or powerful. It only proves your weakness and self-loathing. All the time you're taking to verbally harass us, threaten physical assault, and terrorize strangers? Please start spending it in therapy and learn to love yourself. You deserve it. And because none of us deserve one more moment of your bullying bullshit. #gethelp #bullyingisugly #violenceisntfunny #thereisabetterway


Amal Alamuddin's Oscar de la Renta Wedding Dress Was Too Heavy For Her Flower Girl

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The Amal Alamuddin / George Clooney nuptials are getting more and more glamorous by the minute. First, there was all that gorgeous wedding weekend style. Now, we have yet another photo to swoon over: a look at Alamuddin's final dress fitting with Oscar de la Renta himself. We would expect nothing less of our favorite style star than the absolutely stunning lace number she wore for the affair. But when Vogue went behind-the-scenes at the fitting, we found out the iconic designer advised against at least one thing -- adding more fabric.

amal alamuddin oscar

When Alamuddin's mother asked if more layers of tulle would be added to the already elaborate skirt, her request was denied. And for good reason:

This is voted against by committee, one reason being that the role of train shepherd is already deemed too much for Tala’s twelve-year-old daughter, Mia, who is Alamuddin’s only flower girl. 'That won’t be enough,' says de la Renta confidently. 'You will need a grown-up to help as well—your sister.' He nods toward Tala, who is happy to take on the task.


We don't know about you, but if we were Alamuddin’s 12-year-old train shepherd, we'd be pretty grateful to de la Renta for making the very important task that much easier.

To read more, head to Vogue.com or pick up Vogue's October issue, which hits newsstands Oct 1.

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'Love, Lashes And Lipstick' Is The Beauty Book You've Been Waiting For Forever

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As far as celebrity makeup artists go, Mally Roncal is the top of the top. She's the woman behind glamorous red carpet looks worn by Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum and Angelina Jolie, so she knows a thing of two.

From her stress-free travel hacks (she can work wonders with just a tube of tinted lip balm) to the "bullet-proof" products she uses to achieve her signature glow, Roncal is like your dream big sis with a kickass Caboodles makeup case and the best beauty tricks.

However, Roncal's rise to fame as a beauty maven and cosmetics creator hasn't always been pretty. In her new book, "Love, Lashes and Lipstick: My Secrets for a Gorgeous, Happy Life," she mixes in humbling life lessons -- overcoming childhood bullying in Middletown, New York and criticizing an anonymous makeup artist's work while assisting him on a music video shoot (ouch!) -- with step-by-step tutorials that make for an honest guide on remaining positive in the face of adversity.

We cuddled up with "Love, Lashes and Lipstick" and have compiled some of the best words of wisdom from Roncal -- no makeup required!

mally roncal love lashes lipstick

"Take those extra few minutes in the morning; when we breathe and enjoy the process of getting ourselves together, we honor ourselves. Creating that space can change your frequency for the rest of the day."

"If I had to choose the most important lesson my parents taught me, it was that everyone wants to be heard, deserves to be heard, and should be treated with love and respect. My parents always knew and acknowledge the inner and outer beauty in everyone, and they passed that to me."

"Listen to people. Really listen. Call people by their name. And see beauty in everyone. It's always, always there."

"Those things about yourself that you don't love -- you know, your freckles, your laugh lines, your nose -- those are the delicious, unique characteristics that make you YOU. And you, my love, are beautiful."

"Sometimes we have to learn the hard way to let something go... Knowing who you are means knowing what looks good on you and being willing to change when it doesn't work for you anymore."

"Take your time time figure out who you were before, who you are now, and who you want to be. Inside every mother is a sexy mama. She deserves to be celebrated."

"I believe that if you live with an open heart and trust that you are meant for the best in the world, you will get it. Don't ever settle."

"When the little devil on your shoulder says, 'Don't,' or 'You can't,' ignore her... We only have one life. In the end we only regret the chance we didn't take."

"No matter what, be true to who you are. Own who you are. Forget the haters. Don't let them dull your shine. What may not be right for them could be right for you. Be you, and you win every time."

"Saying thank you for the good things in your life isn't enough; we all need to pay it forward... If you've been given a gift -- time, money, talent -- share it. It's simply the right thing to do, and I've always found I get back far more than I give."

Get your copy of "Love, Lashes and Lipstick: My Secrets for a Gorgeous, Happy Life" at MallyBeauty.com, Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

"Drag Race" Superstars Team Up For 'American Apparel Ad Girls' (VIDEO)

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Talk about a triple threat: "RuPaul's Drag Race" stars Willam, Courtney Act and Alaska recently teamed up for a collaboration with American Apparel and now the fearsome threesome has released a new single and video to accompany it.

The song, "American Apparel Ad Girls," is a parody of Capital Cities' "Farrah Fawcett Hair" and the video for the single, above, hit YouTube this morning.

"Every little boy dreams of being on a baseball card -- other than the ones that dream Linda Evangelista-esque dreams of modeling like this," Willam told The Huffington Post. "American Apparel has continually supported artists and I love that we can bring attention from our campaign for them to some of our favorite causes -- ourselves AND the ethical manufacturing of these super cool t shirts."

Courtney Act loves that, "American Apparel supports artists and I love that they chose we three drag artists to co-lab with on this project. It feels so legitimizing to be supported by such a huge global brand," adding that the in-store signing the queens did when the shirts debuted "was absolutely massive... there was a line around the store and down the block and it was the most I had felt like a Spice Girl in my entire life and my childhood goal was to be a Spice Girl."

Alaska added, "I love American Apparel's clothes because of the chic simplicity of design and their beautiful array of colors. Plus they're all made right here in downtown LA using ethical manufacturing practices. Who could ask for anything more? Buy our t-shirts, because who doesn't love a good-looking top?"

Good point, right?

The limited edition line of t-shirts bearing an original image of each artist is available online and in American Apparel stores now. “American Apparel Ad Girls" is available for download on iTunes.

The Least Wearable Looks From Paris Fashion Week

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We love fashion month and always count down the days until Paris Fashion Week. Since it started a few days ago, we've spent every minute hate-clicking through countless shows on Style.com and hoping that we somehow win the lottery to be able to afford every.single.item. But some of the stuff we've seen is just downright crazy.

Between the dresses that resemble towels, the hats made out of wicker baskets and garments that look like they were soaked in blood, there was no shortage of unwearable looks at Paris Fashion Week.

Check out the most outrageous outfits ranked below:

'Training To Be Batman's Wife' Shirt For Teen Girls Sends All The Wrong Messages

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For the low price of $9.98, teen girls can be stripped of any personal ambition and reduced to their eventual title of "wife."

At least, that's the message one might glean from a T-shirt that reads "TRAINING TO BE BATMAN'S Wife." It is currently on sale at Walmart and sold out on Amazon.

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The T-shirt in question.


The shirt's overt sexism has caused outrage among parents, DC Comics fans, Twitter users and Amazon reviewers. On Jezebel, a writer who goes by "Eldritch" analyzes the problems with the shirt, starting with the first word on it. "What does 'training' mean here, anyway? Training to be thin enough, pretty enough for the likes of Bruce Wayne? Or perhaps training on how to cook and clean for the caped crusader?" she asks.

The Daily Dot's Gavia Baker-Whitelaw then highlights the absurdity of the rest of the message: "When a 12-year-old wants to buy Batman merchandise, it’s generally not because she’s impressed by Bruce Wayne’s eligible bachelor status."

By insinuating that girls aspire to marry "superheroes," DC Comics seems to miss the very important fact that young girls want to -- and should -- see themselves as superheroes. Baker-Whitelaw points out that other DC Entertainment-licensed shirts have been guilty of the same poor taste. In April, Avengers fans petitioned shirts that told boys to "Be a Hero" and girls to "Need a Hero."

DC Entertainment isn't defending the shirt. A spokesperson told The Huffington Post:

DC Comics is home to many of the greatest male and female Super Heroes in the world. All our fans are incredibly important to us, and we understand that the messages on certain T-shirts are offensive. We agree. Our company is committed to empowering boys and girls, men and women, through our characters and stories. Accordingly, we are taking a look at our licensing and product design process to ensure that all our consumer products reflect our core values and philosophy.


The Mary Sue's Victoria McNally proposes a solution for them and other manufacturers: "Let’s have a bunch of t-shirts for little girls that depict Supergirl or Batgirl being a badass, or maybe a Justice League shirt for boys that doesn’t ignore the fact that Wonder Woman is a member."

Add To Cart, please.

Walmart did not immediately provide comment when reached Tuesday morning by The Huffington Post.

Bette Davis Skewers Sexism In Unheard Interview From 1963

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When film legend Bette Davis (1908 - 1989) sat down with entertainment journalist Shirley Eder to discuss the sexes, the year was 1963, and Davis was smack in the middle of her career. But even today, her words remain as relevant as if she said them yesterday.

In this previously unheard interview -- resurrected and animated for the PBS series "Blank on Blank" -- Davis reflects on being a woman in a male-dominated industry and remarks on the obstacles facing intelligent, independent women in the workplace.

"As a female, I think [intelligence] is a terrible hindrance in business," she says. "I think it’s a terrible hindrance for any female to have a lot of intelligence in private life. But I think in business sometimes it’s even worse because there’s deep resentment ... from the male side of the business. We all work for men, you know, they’re the people in charge, and I think they find women easier who haven’t the ability to think for themselves or stand up for themselves. One can make more enemies as a female with a brain, I think."

Davis also calls for men to elevate their views of independent women.

"I think men have got to change an awful lot," she says. "I think, somehow, they still prefer the little woman. They’re just staying way, way behind. ... As a rule, I think millions of women are very happy to be by themselves. They’re so bored with the whole business of trying to be the little woman, when no such thing really exists anymore. ... This world’s gone way beyond it."

She even points to the lack of female-focused characters and plots in entertainment, an issue that continues to receive attention today.

"There’s no writing for women anymore," says Davis. "This is the truth. ... Women are the essential part of the theater but the writers are not writing about women."

Check out the video above to hear more from the interview.

Wearable Futons: Clothing Of The Future?

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Japan, the country that gave the world condom cookbooks, burgers that are completely black and men who eat their own genitals in the name of art is giving the world something almost as weird: suits that double as futon mattresses.

King Jim, a Japanese company specializing in office equipment and supplies, recently started selling something called the Wearable Futon Air Mat Set.

It's a jumpsuit made of nylon, polyethylene and polyester that can double between as an overcoat and a bed, for those times when you're not sure where you're going to sleep.

The product is available in Japan for about $40 from supplier King Jim -- and that includes an air mattress, according to the Daily Mail.

There is no news of a release in other territories yet.

So far, reaction in Japan has been mixed, according to RocketNews24.com.

Some people admire the ingenuity of the idea, while others fear it may make it easier for Japanese companies to force employees to pull all-nighters at the office.

futon clothing



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Etsy Wedding Dress Guide: 8 Best Etsy Bridal Boutiques

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When starting the search for the perfect wedding dress, most brides round up the ladies, make sure the strapless bra is on, and start hitting the bridal boutiques. While the initial excitement of trying on wedding dresses is a given, after you try on that 17th wedding dress... you can start to imagine how it could get old really quickly.

Well brides, it's the 21st century and we have the technology to make this process better. How? Shopping for your wedding dress online. Yes, it's possible and it's actually awesome. Not does shopping for your wedding dress online mean you can stay at home in your slippers with a mug of tea (YES!), but it also means you'll have a wider array of dresses to browse.

One of the best online places to shop for your wedding dress (or anything wedding-related!) is Etsy, but with so many boutiques and dresses on this artisan, indie e-tailer, it can be hard to find the true wedding dress gems. But never fear! We've put together this handy Etsy wedding dress guide so you can stop searching and start shopping for that perfect gown.

1. LEANIMAL

Leanimal designer Leanne Marshall keeps brides looking classic and girly, while still keeping her dresses fresh and not too traditional. From hand-beaded details to lovely lace accents and pin-tucked bodices, brides are sure to love Leanimal's pretty gowns.

2. OUMA

If you're a bride who is looking for beautiful gown with an edgy attitude, Ouma may be the boutique of your dreams. Designer Monique Sandoval mixes tulle and sequins, and loves playing with unexpected details like leather and ombre.

3. JILLIAN FELLERS

There's something about Jillian Fellers' designs that conjure up visions of a romantic Victorian-era love story. With delicate silk, chiffon and crepe dresses that are cut and draped with a vintage vibe, a wedding dress from Jillian Fellers is the stuff every hopeless romantic dreams of.

4. REBECCA SHONEVELD

The Art Deco wedding trend isn't even close to being over -- and for good reason! Gorgeous vintage-style dresses like the ones designed by Rebecca Shoneveld continually breathe new life (and extreme prettiness) into this chic wedding style. That hand-beaded lace gown below? We die.

5. DARK PONY DESIGNS

If your bridal look will be all about the tulle skirt and your favorite top, look no further than Dark Pony Designs. Specializing in tulle skirts of every length and color, Dark Pony Designs is the place to complete your unique bridal look.

6. THE FLOWER BRIDE

Surprising, exciting and always 100 percent chic, wedding dresses from The Flower Bride are perfect for brides who want to do something different and fashion-forward. Details like peplum, boho cotton lace and silk rosettes all make an appearance in her current selection of wedding dresses, and they look so good.

7. GRACE LOVES LACE

A wedding community crowd favorite, Grace Loves Lace is an amazing boutique filled with breathtaking dresses that feature (you guessed it!) lots o' lace. Brides rave about GLL's fresh and modern approach to lace wedding gowns, which breathes new life into the traditional wedding style.

8. TRUVELLE

One of our newest Etsy obsessions? Truvelle! Designer Gaby Bayona's modern designs effortlessly combine stunning simplicity with a bit of whimsy. The result? Blush sequins, long romantic ribbons, understated and pretty lace... we could go on and on.

And if you're not convinced yet that Etsy is truly one of the best wedding dress shopping destinations yet, then consider this: most of these gorgeous dresses run for less than $2,000. Yes, you heard us right. For a fraction of what you would pay at a traditional wedding dress boutique, you could get a handmade, one-of-a-kind wedding gown that you'll not only love on your wedding day, but you'll also love looking back on.

Would you buy a wedding dress from Etsy? If you're an Etsy bride, what was your experience like? We'd love for you to share your thoughts with other brides in the comments!

Image via Truvelle on Etsy

Good2Go Is An App For Consenting To Sex

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Want to have safe and consensual sex? There's an app for that.

Good2Go is a new smartphone application that encourages users to give consent before engaging in any sexual acts. The app targets college-aged adults and its creators from Sandton Technologies hope it will prevent unwanted sexual conduct by facilitating a step-by-step process to ensure both parties are on the same page.

Lee Ann Allman, president of Sandton Technologies, created Good2Go along with seven other mothers and fathers of college-aged children. The idea emerged from conversations with their children and their children's friends about the overwhelming number of sexual assaults that happen on college campuses all over the country.

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So, once a user decides she or he wants to have to sex with someone, the app works as follows:

  1. Launch and log in to Good2Go and hand the phone to your potential partner.


  2. Good2Go then asks your potential partner if she/he is ready to give consent by asking "Are we Good2Go?"


  3. The three answer options are: 1. "No, thanks"; 2. "Yes, but... we need to talk"; and 3. "I'm Good2Go."


  4. If the potential partner decides "No, thanks" a screen pops up that says "Remember! No means No! Only Yes means Yes BUT can be changed to NO at anytime!"


  5. If the potential partner decides "No, thanks" a screen pops up that says "Remember! No means No! Only Yes means Yes BUT can be changed to NO at anytime!"


  6. If she/he decides "Yes... but we need to talk," a small bar at the bottom reads "Let's talk!"


  7. If the potential partner says they're Good2Go the app asks if she/he is "Sober," "Mildly Intoxicated," "Intoxicated but Good2Go" or "Pretty Wasted." If the potential partner chooses "Sober," "Mildly Intoxicated," "Intoxicated but Good2Go" the user can give consent, however, if she/he is "Pretty Wasted" the app says the partner cannot consent and to give the phone back to its owner.


When asked why the app informs a "Pretty Wasted" user that she/he can't consent (even though they're sober enough to be using Good2Go), Allman told The Huffington Post in an email: "If someone answers 'I'm Pretty Wasted' the app will not allow an affirmative consent answer even though they probably aren't at the legal threshold of incapacitation. We have set a higher bar concerning sobriety than the law defines."

Allman also made it very clear that the purpose of the app is to teach young people "the language of affirmative consent." "If the app becomes a tool that is adopted across campuses, we believe that it will reduce sexual assaults, unwanted or regretted encounters," she said.

good2go av screenshot



These days, it seems like there's an app for everything, so why wouldn't there be one to facilitate consent? But some are skeptical about whether Good2Go could actually prove effective at combatting sexual assault.

As Slate's Amanda Hess pointed out the app doesn't clarify what kind of sex people are consenting to: "Good2Go is obviously a euphemism for sexual activity, but it’s not clear what that means exactly -- is it making out, oral sex, vaginal intercourse, or anal sex, and with protection or not?"

When asked about this gap, Allman told HuffPost that, "Affirmative consent should be asked for and given for all sexual acts, no matter what they are. This should be part of the conversation that they will have as part of using the app."

Molly Mirhashem from The New Republic also criticized the app, writing that "situations where consent is often misunderstood or disregarded -- one or both parties being intoxicated, 'implied' consent within relationships -- will not be addressed with this or any app."

While Good2Go's structure could be helpful in making sure that there's no miscommunication between two parties, it doesn't necessarily allow for any of the gray area that exists in real life sexual situations and conversations. For example, the app doesn't address exactly what you and your partner are comfortable (or not comfortable) doing in the bedroom.

HuffPost spoke to the managing attorney of the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) Colby Bruno to find out if the 11-year veteran of the field thinks this app could be useful on college campuses. Overall, she seemed hopeful.

“Anything that helps students get to a mutual understanding is important for consent," Bruno told The Huffington Post in a phone interview. “If it helps just one student or one couple with understanding what they’re about to do then terrific.”

If young people are willing to use it, Good2Go could definitely signal a step in the right direction.

Bruno put it perfectly, stating: “There are clearly flaws [with Good2Go], but if it brings some consciousness to the issue [of consent] then fantastic. Why not?"

To download the app for free go to iTunes or Google Play.

H/T Slate

Disney Is Taking Wedding Cakes To A Whole New Magical Level

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Leave it to Disney to turn an ordinary wedding cake into a magical work of art!

During Disney's recent Fairy Tale Weddings Expo, the house of mouse unveiled their brand new creation: cake projection mapping. In layman's terms, that means lighted images are projected onto a white wedding cake, thus creating a magical, whimsical, oh-so-Disney way to decorate your big day confection (watch the video above to see how it works).

Plus, according to Disney's website, the cake is completely customizable -- which means the projection doesn't have to be of Tinkerbell as it is in the video (although that's clearly a great choice). Anything the bride and groom want can be projected onto the cake, including their own love story.

The only downside to this fairytale cake? It's currently only available as part of Disney's "Wishes Collection" wedding package, which starts at $12,000.

Of course, the technology for the cake exists outside of Disney, but it's not quite as magical.

Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Tim Gunn Sizes Up First Lady Fashion Dos And Don'ts

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama went under Tim Gunn's fashion microscope and got an approving nod, but not all first ladies fared as well — Hillary Rodham Clinton among them.

Gunn and a panel of fashion experts reviewed the fashion sense of the nation's first ladies at a National Archives forum Tuesday, and found plenty of do's and don'ts. Gunn rated Mrs. Obama's style sense as "divine." Jacqueline Kennedy he deemed a "style-setter." But he wondered why Edith Wilson, wife of Woodrow Wilson, felt compelled to play amateur seamstress and remake her dresses over and over.

As a designer, Wilson "would have been the first one out on 'Project Runway,'" the fashion consultant and TV personality joked.

"She was having difficulty making it work," Gunn said, in a play on his trademark admonition to "make it work."

As for possible future administrations, Gunn said Clinton has been looking "very presidential lately. There's definitely an evolution that's been taking place. The bar has been raised."

Other panelists said it had taken Clinton some time to warm up to the idea that a first lady's style reflects on her husband's administration.

"I just feel like it's not important to her," designer Tracy Reese said. "Public service is very important, but her appearance is down on the list."

Valerie Steele, director of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, said Clinton's signature style from her days as first lady was "the famous pantsuit and the hair problems."

Looking further back in history to the 1800s, Steele noted that in the days of Sarah Polk, wife to James Polk, women wanted to show off a tiny waist, hands and feet, but have "plump, voluptuous shoulders and a big, big butt."

"That sounds like Nicki Minaj, JLo and Kim K.," Reese declared. She eyed a picture of an ivory brocade dress of Polk's with a flouncy bottom and wondered aloud, "Can you imagine Kim Kardashian in that?"

Gunn sniffed, "I'd prefer not to."

The forum was held at the National Archives, which has "signature" items worn by Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Obama on display as part of its exhibit, "Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures."

Among the items on display: the black and red Narciso Rodriguez dress worn by Mrs. Obama on the night of the 2008 election in Chicago and a pillbox hat worn by Mrs. Kennedy.

The forum was presented in partnership with the White House Historical Association.

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Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nbenac

Ali MacGraw On The Best Thing About Getting Older (VIDEO)

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For decades, iconic actress Ali MacGraw considered herself a people pleaser. Now, at age 75, MacGraw has no problem telling it straight. When she recently sat down with Oprah on "Super Soul Sunday," the "Love Story" actress not only had a new look, but an entirely fresh perspective.

"You've said that one of the greatest gifts of maturation is being able to say 'no thank you,'" Oprah says in the above video.

"Or sometimes, just 'no.' Which is really great," MacGraw says.

In the past, MacGraw says she couldn’t turn down plans or be forthcoming in fear of being disliked. "It's such a trap," she says. "And I was in it for decades."

MacGraw was born in New York, the daughter of two well-educated but struggling commercial artists. She says her father often drank too much and at times physically abused her younger brother. Determined to "fix" the family chaos, MacGraw became what she calls "perfect with a capital P." She attended Wellesley College on a scholarship, became an assistant for fashion legend Diana Vreeland and had a meteoric rise to fame in Hollywood.

Because of the way she grew up, MacGraw says the simple act of saying "no" was the lesson that took her the longest to learn. In the past, she thought nothing of saying "yes" when she really meant "no."

"We were told a white lie is OK," MacGraw says. "I did so much manipulation. Not out of meanness, but I thought that's the way you were supposed to be."

Oprah agrees. "What I've learned is that white lies are really big lies to yourself," she says. "That is a betrayal of yourself. There are no white lies to yourself."

"Super Soul Sundays" airs Sundays at 11 a.m. ET on OWN.



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Kim Kardashian's Matching Crop Top And Pants Take Things To A 'Hole' New Level

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A pastel turtleneck crop top with holes and matching pants is not an outfit for those who want to be understated, but Kim Kardashian is far from understated.

The reality starlet made a major fashion statement Wednesday when she stepped out in the puzzling ensemble to catch a flight out of Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport back to Los Angeles after a busy Fashion Week. Kardashian paired the pink Chanel outfit scattered with cut-out holes with nude pumps and a long gray coat.

She was photographed with North West leaving the Royal Monceau Hotel and hopping into a waiting car.

The 33-year-old made quite the splash at this year's Paris Fashion Week in an array of outfits, ranging from sheer to plunging to Kanye-esque.

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Everything The Kardashian-Wests Wore During Paris Fashion Week

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Whether you care to admit it or not, the Kardashian-West family took Paris Fashion Week by storm this season. Between little sis Kendall Jenner walking in just about every show, to North West snagging her very own front row seat at Givenchy, they kind of turned Paris into their own stylish playground, for a few weeks anyway.

The family, who have become almost as notorious for their outfit choices as they have for, well, being them, did not disappoint sartorially. There was cleavage, there were matching outfits, there was even matching cleavage.

Here is every single thing they wore during Paris Fashion Week.

All the Cool Kids Are Doing It: Chanel Joins the Celeb Feminist Club

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We've been dropping the f-word a lot lately in our media. Beyoncé lit it up in the VMAs, Joseph Gordon-Levitt melted hearts with his video on what feminism means to him and recently Emma Watson flawlessly spoke to the UN about the state of feminism today. It seems some of this has trickled down to the fashion world and it looks pretty good on Chanel's 2015 Spring Show.

Karl Langerfeld created a new line, Boulevard Chanel No. 5 and introduced it in a pretty loud way. The show closed as a street protest, complete with picketing signs and, of course, fabulous clothing. Cara Delevingne led the march, obviously, with a megaphone -- but not just your ordinary megaphone -- a quilted one, because fashion. Behind Delevingne, were several other familiar faces Kendall Jenner, Joan Smalls, oh and the richest model in the world, Gisele Bundchen, to name a few.

They accessorized with signs that said things like "Ladies Rights Are More Than Alright," "Make fashion not war!" and what seems to be inspired by Ms. Watson's UN speech, "He is She."




It seems like they had some fun.



And their fun didn't go unnoticed. Women all over are applauding the show. If I weren't on a Ramen noodle every night budget I would buy the entire line. For now, I will have to settle with changing my Twitter header.

Langerfeld, who himself isn't generally known to have the nicest comments towards women up his black leather sleeve, seems to be down for the girl power movement as he marched alongside his model army. Though feminism is much bigger than a trend, and a nice tweed coat, it seems like feminism is the new black and I like it.

Anne Hathaway: Fame 'F--ked Me Up For A Really Long Time'

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Some actors dream of the success Anne Hathaway has already seen during her impressive film career. But as the cover star of Elle U.K.'s November issue, Hathaway told the magazine that dealing with life in the limelight isn't always easy.

"This fame thing? Fucked me up for a really long time," the 31-year-old admitted to Elle U.K.

She continued, "I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t know how to engage with it. It stressed me out. And people would say, 'You just have to be yourself,' and I was like, 'But I don’t know who that is yet!'

This might explain why, in January 2014, Hathaway told The Huffington Post that she felt people "needed a break from her," and went on a short hiatus following her 2013 Oscar win for her role in "Les Misérables."

Now, however, the actress is ready to reemerge on the big screen, starring alongside Matthew McConaughey in "Interstellar," which hits theaters on Nov. 7. Judging by what she told Elle U.K., it seems Hathaway is more confident than ever:

"I’ve realized that I don’t need validation from anybody. At all. I’m not sitting here now worrying, 'What do you think of me?' With all due respect, you seem like a lovely lady, but I don’t need you, or anyone else, to like me," Hathaway said. "And that’s so liberating. It’s a big reveal, man."

Read the full interview with Hathaway in the November issue of Elle U.K., on newsstands and available as a digital edition on Oct. 2.

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Taylor Swift Says Dating Someone Is 'The Last Thing On My Mind'

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If you were hoping to join the ranks of men who've stolen Taylor Swift's heart, we've got some bad news for you. It seems the so-called serial dater is putting her eternal quest for love on hold.

“Dating or finding someone is the last thing on my mind, because I can’t picture how it could work with the way my life is," Swift, cover star of Vogue U.K.'s November issue, told the magazine.

Swift added that her life as a celebrity is too chaotic for another person to deal with:

"I don’t know how a guy is supposed to walk next to his girlfriend when there are 20 men with cameras, and he can’t protect his girlfriend because that’s the life she chose. I just don’t see how it could work, so I don’t think about it, and I kind of run from it when it presents itself. Cause I don’t think any guy really … They think that they would want to get to know me, and maybe date me, but I don’t think they want what comes with it,” Swift told Vogue U.K.

And the 24-year-old isn't just taking a break from dating guys -- she seems to be done with singing about them, too. Swift explained that her new album, "1989," will stray from her quintessential lovesick country ballads:

“This time around I’ve chosen the brave and bold way of going about things. Because with this album I’ve completely changed the sound of everything I’ve done until now. So it’s interesting to not be afraid of that. You know, I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, I don’t want to betray Nashville, whatever, but essentially it comes down to challenging yourself as an artist.”

Seems like Swift is certainly turning a new leaf. (And if she gets lonely without a boyfriend, at least she has her cats to cuddle up with at night.)

For the full interview with Taylor Swift, head over to Vogue UK.

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'Jeopardy!' 'What Women Want' Category Is A Major Sexist Fail

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Whoever writes the categories for "Jeopardy!" seems to have little idea what women actually want.

On Sept. 30, "Jeopardy!" featured a "What Women Want" category alongside "State Capital Nicknames" and "2014 Bestsellers." Since the answers didn't include equal pay, the right to affordable and safe abortion or anything else women actually want, the show left many wondering who signed off on this.

what women want board



Mashable's Neha Prakash rounded up the clues included in the category. In just five questions "Jeopardy!" perpetuated almost every female stereotype in the book:

pair of jeans

Answer: "What are Levi's?"



a few moments of quiet

Answer: "What's a crossword puzzle?"



help around house

Answer: "What is a vacuum cleaner?"



bear

Clue: "Before bed, a cup of this herbal tea from Celestial Seasonings. That's the logo seen here."
Answer: "What is Sleepy Time?"



pilates

Answer: "What is Pilates?"


At this point, it should be understood that women want a whole lot more than a working vacuum cleaner and jeans that make our butts look good.

Considering that one in five women will be raped in their lifetimes, women are still paid 77 cents to every man's dollar and the fact that there has yet to be a female president in the U.S., ladies have much larger things to worry about than a hot cup of Sleepy Time tea.

As Jezebel's Tracey Moore pointed out, the average age of a "Jeopardy!" viewer is 64 years old. So although a "What Women Want" category might not have seemed so out of place in the 1950s, it's still sexist nonsense.

Many took to Twitter to voice their outrage and clarify what women really want:
































While some might brush off a "Jeopardy!" category as not worthy of outrage, Moore noted why the game show's sexism is a real problem:
Stuff like this -- how we reflexively think about gender when no one makes us think even a tiny bit harder -- reveals our biases. It proves that many people don't recognize that there ARE bigger issues for women than how they look, how tight their Pilates game is, or where the tea is, and that it even matters when you reduce them to such trivialities.


Women's true wants and needs are not the stuff of quirky rom-com one-liners. Do better next time, "Jeopardy!"

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