Two Guys and a Girl on Why Most Men Hate Shopping With Women

November 5, 2014, 12:29 pm

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Why do most men hate shopping with women?: originally appeared on Quora: The best answer to any question. Ask a question, get a great answer. Learn from experts and access insider knowledge. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.



Answer by David Stewart

The Fear. The sheer terror. The knowledge that we're going to have to formulate an opinion on clothes that we're totally indifferent to.

Do you like this top?
It's okay.
Just okay?
It's nice.
Better than this one?
Um... yeah.
What about this one?
Well that's nice too.
You don't think the sleeves are an inch too long?
Well... now that you mention it.
So you don't like it?
Well it's okay.
Is it more okay or less okay than the green one we looked at five shops ago?
Um... more.
I think we should go back and try that one on again. Don't you?
...



Answer by Garrick Saito

We are bored out of our minds.

We lack the physical endurance for shopping that all women seem to possess.

WE ARE BORED OUT OF OUR MINDS. Oh, sorry, I already said that.

I think men's and women's minds are just wired differently when it comes to shopping.

Men generally don't spend hours deciding color, comparison shopping or finding the sale prices. We know what we want, we get in, buy our shit, and get out. 10-15 minutes and we're done. Mission accomplished.

This mentality is inconsistent with how a woman shops, in my experience. My girlfriend is a bona fide Macy's addict and that company has perfected the way to feed her addiction. They send her coupons. Without checking, I can almost guarantee she has three or four of them in her purse right now. Women love getting deals. That is what takes so long. Going from store to store, trying to find the best ones. Even after she has purchased something, she has this irresistible urge to check out the price to see if it was lower, when we see the same thing elsewhere.

The trying on of garments also takes a long time. Not sure why. I know if my girlfriend goes into the dressing room, I won't see her again for the next 20-30 minutes. I sit there waiting patiently, contemplating the meaning of life or if I should just end mine right now. Then, she'll say nothing fits just right. Or the color wasn't right. Or, "It makes me look fat."

"You mean you're not going to buy anything?"

"No, let's go."

Rinse and repeat. Sigh.

[Some] great pictures. I'm not making this stuff up, I promise.
Instagram Account Captures "Miserable Men". - Imgur
...



Answer by Erica Friedman

Most people are inherently selfish and when the item (or criteria used to choose that item) does not interest them, they do not care.

Women's clothing sizes are not standardized, which means I may be any one of about three different sizes for a basic black pair of slacks. This means I am required -- despite my own disinterest in doing so -- to bring a half-dozen pants into the changing room and "try them on for size" (a phrase which sends me into paroxysms of rage.)

Women's clothing styles change quarterly. Color palettes change every season, so if I need a new suit and even if I want a grey one, I am required to look at dozens of suits with varying cuts, fits, shades, fixtures, trim. To get a fucking grey suit. Shopping for women's clothes takes a long time - even when the woman knows exactly what she wants.

Men and women are told by every media and advertiser that "women love to shop" to the point that some women internalize it as the only thing they love to do, and, as I commented elsewhere, it is the only stereotype that appears to be uncritically accepted by both men and women as a kind of universal truth. It is not.

I hate shopping. My wife and my female friends all hate shopping. But try to tell anyone that. "Oh," they say with a dismissive wave, "every woman loves to shop." No. We don't. I have a personal limit of trying on three items and I'm done. If nothing fits/is what I want, I leave and wait for next season and hopefully a return to a reasonable palette/cut/style.

It seems very obvious that a person not buying the item would be bored waiting. Duh. People are selfish and only pretty much care about stuff that affects them.


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Laverne Cox Named A Woman Of The Year By Glamour Magazine

November 5, 2014, 1:24 pm

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She just can't be stopped!

2014 has been a whirlwind of a year for transgender actress and activist Laverne Cox and the awards and recognition don't seem to be winding down anytime soon. Now, Glamour magazine has named Cox as a 2014 Woman of the Year, a title annually given to a select group of influential women.



“When we get to know people as people, then all the misconceptions that we might have about folks who are different form us get knocked away," Cox says in her December profile for Glamour. "And I think that’s what’s happening with [my character on "Orange is the New Black"]. So much of the year I’ve had is historic, but this is a moment that is bigger than me. I meet people who say that my role has given them the courage to say, ‘This is who I am’ and ‘I can transition and be successful and to be out as a trans person.'”

This honor comes after Cox lit the Empire State Building purple for Spirit Day, an annual event to combat LGBT bullying, as well as her groundbreaking cover of Time magazine earlier this year.

Head here to read her Glamour profile.

If You Like Ebay And Jewelry, You Will Love This Website

November 5, 2014, 1:54 pm

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OK, vintage lovers. We just found your new happy place.

Chairish, an online vintage decor marketplace, launched a new accessories section on its site Wednesday, much to the delight of people who love to vintage shop but could do without sifting layers upon layers of items.

To kick off the new addition, they commissioned Trina Turk -- a self-proclaimed "big vintage shopper" -- to release a collection of her picks from Chairish's new collection, as well as an assortment of vintage style pieces from her own line.



The best part? A buyer can choose to pay the asking price -- which start around $40-- or negotiate with the seller to try their luck at a better deal. Basically, if you took eBay, mixed it with your favorite flea market and high-end consignment shop and then curated the whole thing, you'd have the offerings on this awesome site.



So whether you have jewels to sell or are looking to add one (or two or three) more unique finds to your repertoire, there is something for every vintage-obsessed jewelry lover on this site. Click here to check it out for yourself.

12 Stories That Prove It's Never Too Late To Fall Head Over Heels In Love

November 5, 2014, 2:52 pm

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The late Maya Angelou said it best: "Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time."

No matter how old you are, how long you've been single or how many times you've had your heart broken, there is always a chance that Mr. or Mrs. Oh-So Right is waiting just around the corner. On Tuesday, Redditor Throwaway_723 asked users, "People who were still single into their late 30s or 40s, did you eventually find love?" Below are 12 hopeful stories to remind you that it's never, ever too late for love.

1. "I met my husband in my mid 30s, got married in my late-ish 30s. We've been together for 11 years, married for nine with one kid. I had definitely resigned myself to a solo life, and had already begun living that way -- very independent and pretty happy that way. Of course, just when I got in that groove, that's when everything changed. I really think there's something to that: when you stop looking and wanting, and instead focus on the here and now and how to make it enjoyable, that's when the person shows up."

2. "My mom started dating a guy in the assisted living facility. She is 84. He is 90. I thought I was done dealing with middle school puppy love when my kids got out of middle school."

3. "40 here. I was 34 when a girl I last spoke to in high school contacted me on MySpace. We emailed and chatted for a long time, during which I began to feel I would be forever alone. I went on a disastrous date with someone else. Finally went to meet with the girl from high school, and almost didn't click -- she was so shy -- but I stayed close and asked her if I could come in and talk, instead of going home. I stayed all night. We began dating, moved in together and quickly after got married. It's been four years and I'm as happy as could be, deeply in love with her. I was her first kiss. Time isn't anything."

4. "Dated a lot, sometimes. Spent long stretches alone, sometimes. Was comfortable with both. A true 'confirmed bachelor'. At 36, I met my wife (she was 28) at a party. It was love at first all-night-chat. We were living together in a month, married in a year. It's been 16 years."

5. "I was 37 when I met my future husband. We met on a plane, both headed to the same city for work. It was a long flight, we talked almost the entire time. We exchanged numbers when we landed and lo and behold, five days later he was on my flight home. I didn't have any kids and he had three, so that was something I had to consider when he asked me out. I'm so glad I did because six years later, we are happily married. I think you have to keep yourself open to possibilities, more so than when you were younger."

6. "37-year-old male. In the last two years I lost my dad, my dog, and developed a bit of a problem with depression. I completely gave up on the prospect of falling in love. 'Maybe it isn't in my cards this lifetime,' I thought. On a drunken whim I set up an OkCupid account. We met and have not wanted to be apart since. We are meant for each other, truly and completely. I wish my dad could have met her. He would have loved her as much as I do."

7. "I was not really dating at all for 15 years after a shitty break up. Met the love of my life at 53!"

8. At 34 I went to an old friend's wedding. The bride's sister was the girl I was madly in love with in my 20s, but was always too shy to tell her. She was incredibly sweet and insanely beautiful and way out of my league. After a glass or two of liquid courage, I jokingly told her how in love I was with her back then. She then punches me in the arm and told me she was also crazy in love with me. She said she had pages and pages written about me in her old diary, and she still had a photo of us together that someone had taken at a party. Amazed, I then told her I had a copy of the same photo and had treasured it all these years. I asked her to marry me that night (No one saw me propose, it was after the dinner and we were outside by ourselves). She said 'yes' and we got married the following year."

9. "Met online playing 'World of Warcraft', flew out to physically meet her in 2006. She moved in with me in 2008 (from Canada to the U.S.), and we got married in 2010. I was 38 at the time, she was 34. Kiddo a year later, and another one coming in two months (gulp!)."

10. "I was 37 and engaged to someone I'd been dating for nearly a decade when we had an epiphany that our marriage wouldn't make it. I handed back the ring and resigned myself to start buying cats. Instead, one of my best friends, a guy I'd spent years laughing with and acting as 'the best wing-person he'd ever had' stepped up and confessed that he'd been waiting for my fiancé to drop the ball. We've been married for more than a decade now, have two awesome kids (which I had at ages 38 and 41) and are crazy happy. He's my best friend and a true partner. Could I have said that had he and I married in our 20s? Unlikely. So it can definitely happen later in life. Hell, it can even be wonderful!"

11. "I was married in my 20s and divorced at 31. I swore that there was no way I'd ever do it again; 'fool me once versus fool me twice' kind of thing. Until I met the girl of my dreams at age 37. We've been married for years now, and we're looking forward to years more."

12. "I spent most of my 30s in a relationship that I knew was never going anywhere. I thought I would be single forever after that because I didn't think having a man again would be worth the trouble. Afterwards, I reconnected with friends, partied a little more often and was happy that I had left behind a bad relationship. A few months later, I met a man at a bar who lived halfway around the world. One hot three-week love affair, two visits to Europe (I'm American) and about a billion hours on Skype later, I have my house on the market and I'm planning to quit my job and move around the world to a place where I don't speak the language. I couldn't be more excited. I'm a 38-year-old woman, he's 31. Rawr. Adventure is out there!"

*Some responses have been condensed and edited.

H/T Reddit

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CMA Awards 2014 Red Carpet: See All The Fashion Hits & Misses (PHOTOS)

November 5, 2014, 3:27 pm

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We haven't heard this much buzz about the CMA Awards in what seems like forever! With co-host and mommy-to-be Carrie Underwood expected to make several wardrobe changes and pop princess Ariana Grande scheduled to hit the stage, there is no way we are going to miss out on country music's biggest night.

While the gossip mill keeps churning on whether Taylor Swift will even show up, we here at HuffPost Style are shifting our attention to the red carpet where country singer Kellie Pickler and "The Voice" winner Danielle Bradbery arrived looking flawless in figure-flattering, cut-out dresses.

Check out some of the glamorous red carpet looks from the 2014 CMA Awards below, and tell us which stars get your vote for best and worst-dressed.

Carrie Underwood Is Positively Glowing At The CMA Awards

November 5, 2014, 4:29 pm

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Host and triple-nominee Carrie Underwood looked radiant at the 2014 CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday night.

The 31-year-old singer, who is expecting her first child with husband Mike Fisher, rocked a custom hand-beaded gold ombre gown featuring a high-low skirt by Lorena Sarbu on the red carpet, one of many looks she's presumed to wear over the course of the evening. Underwood is co-hosting the show with Brad Paisley for the seventh time.

"I definitely have outfit ADD," Underwood told Seth Meyers of her infamous onstage wardrobe changes. "We'll see [if I change a lot] ... we're figuring that out within the next couple of days."

As for pregnancy, Underwood is still adjusting to it all.

"It's still kind of weird, to be honest," Underwood said of impending motherhood on the "Today Show." "Sometimes I'll be with my husband and it's like, 'I'm gonna be a mom. You're gonna be a dad. Is this real life?'"

See Carrie's gorgeous look below:

Miranda Lambert Steals The Spotlight On The CMA Awards Red Carpet

November 5, 2014, 4:47 pm

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Blake Shelton is one lucky man.

His wife and country music sensation Miranda Lambert stunned in a low-cut pale pink gown on the CMA Awards red carpet at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday night. The 30-year-old, who is nominated in nine categories (more than any other artist this year), accessorized her look with a chic retro hairdo, silver clutch and maroon lip.







"I don't think it's set in that I have nine nominations," Lambert told Rolling Stone Country. "When I heard that, I sort of had to think back in my mind: 'What have I done this year to deserve all of this?' I started thinking about everything we have done, and putting out a record and all of that. It just feels like every time you get on the bus and you're gone for 18 straight days and you're away from your family and your husband, it's not for nothing. It matters, and people are paying attention."

Lambert's album "Platinum" earned her rave reviews and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 180,000 copies in its first week back in June.

Nicole Kidman Supports Husband Keith Urban At The CMA Awards

November 5, 2014, 5:06 pm

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Nicole Kidman looked lovely as she supported her husband Keith Urban at the 2014 CMA Awards on Wednesday at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The 47-year-old actress wowed in a white Roberto Cavalli gown while Urban rocked an all-black ensemble. The country crooner is up for multiple awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

Kidman recently opened up to Ellen DeGeneres about her marriage to Urban, revealing that he "literally carried" her after her father died in September.

"He has been so good to me for nine years, but for the last month, which has been a really tough time for me … he's been amazing," she explained. "To have my husband just step up that way … it makes me cry. We all go through hard times in our lives, but to be literally carried by your partner, and physically, at times, because I was so devastated. I'll do anything for that man."

See the pair on the red carpet below:

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6 Soothing Products For Your Dry And Cracked Hands

November 6, 2014, 4:00 am

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There's no doubt that one of the worst things about fall and winter is dry skin. And while you might suffer from head to toe, it can feel like your hands get the worst of it.

That's why it's important to maintain a a good moisturizing routine to keep your hands soft and healthy. So to help you get the softest hands possible, we rounded up six products that will soothe your digits and palms all season long. Whether you prefer a product with anti-aging properties, or one with a delicate scent, the items below will be a welcome addition to your cold weather beauty routine. Trust us.



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The Fancy Dental Care You Need To Impress Your Houseguests

November 6, 2014, 4:00 am

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I'm that girl who loves visiting the dentist. Sure, I've had a few cavities and even underwent cosmetic surgery to fix a chipped tooth. However, I will go to great lengths, including book several dental check-ups in a calendar year, just to take care of my greatest accessory: a healthy, white smile.

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when someone introduced me to Hello dental care. I know what you're thinking, "What's exciting about toothpaste and mouthwash?" Well, these oral hygiene products are far from ordinary.

What Is It?

Hello is a brand that prides itself on friendly dental care which makes brushing your teeth a bit more fun. Packaged in stylish yet simple bottles and tubes, the line includes Supermint, Pink Grapefruit Mint and Mojito Mint flavored toothpastes, mouthwashes, breath sprays. And not those gross trying-to-be-minty flavors either. Plus, they've created vegan toothbrushes that are incredibly soft.



These items look pretty fancy and may seem exclusive, but everything costs just under $5 and you can buy at your local Duane Reade, Walgreens and select Target stores.

How I Used It

I brought home the Mojito Mint toothpaste and breath spray along with the Pink Grapefruit Mint mouthwash. Normally, I use Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Enamel Shield Toothpaste and Listerine Zero Antiseptic Mouthwash per my dentist's orders.

I brushed twice a day with the Mojito Mint toothpaste for a week. I loved how the hexagram-shaped dispenser made it easy to get just enough product out of the tube without making a huge mess. The mint reminded me of a not-too-strong cocktail drink and it didn't leave behind a bland aftertaste. The brightness of my teeth didn't dim even though this toothpaste contains less fluoride than most others, and the build-up that occurs near my gum line broke down before I reached for the floss.

The real burst of flavor came via the mouthwash. I'm not a huge fan of grapefruit, but I got my gargle (and dance) on in the mirror by swirling this stuff around. It left behind a clean feeling. And when I felt as though I needed a refresher post-lunch and Happy Hour, I spritzed the Mojito Mint breath spray directly onto my tongue. It tasted so darn good that I had to stop myself from going overboard.

Rating: 4 out of 5. Hello may not have all the germ and bacteria-fighting benefits as its competitors, but the brand deserves cool points for its line-up of oral hygiene products that not only look good but taste great.

Hello provided dental care product samples for review purposes.

Lily Aldridge Wears A Super Sheer Dress To The CMA Awards

November 6, 2014, 6:25 am

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Victoria's Secret supermodel Lily Aldridge slipped into a super sheer dress for the CMA Awards in Nashville Wednesday.

Aldridge hit the CMAs red carpet in a black Calvin Klein Collection dress with a sheer top, sleeves and side panels. The dress also had a slit in the back.

While she might not be a country music star, Aldridge and her husband, Kings of Leon rocker Caleb Followill, call Nashville home. The 28-year-old was on hand Wednesday night to present the award for Female Vocalist of the Year and brought her sister, Ruby, as her date.

Naomi Campbell Says She Still Gets Scared Before Hitting The Runway

November 6, 2014, 6:29 am

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After nearly 30 years in the fashion industry and a reputation for being one of the fiercest supermodels in the world, Naomi Campbell is the last person you'd think would still be scared to hit the runway. Be it's true.

The 44-year-old beauty told Net-A-Porter's The Edit in this week's cover story, “I still get scared. I cross myself before I go onto the runway. I pray my dress isn’t going to fall off.”

Campbell has definitely had a few mishaps on (and off) the catwalk, but she still maintains her iconic status.

“If you feel fear, fear will come to you," Campbell told The Edit. "Fear is a terrible thing to have and I’ve been aware of that since I was a kid. It can stop you doing things in your life. I don’t want fear to get hold of me.”

Speaking of doing things, Campbell still as busy as ever. Beyond her major modeling gigs, "The Face" producer is set to star in Lee Daniels' forthcoming TV drama called "Empire," and recently launched the #CrushEbolaNow campaign, which is raising money to help fight the deadly virus.

Head over to Net-A-Porter to read Campbell's full interview where she also opens up about her close friendship with John Galliano and spending time with her family. And here are a few amazing photos from the cover shoot.

Faith Hill Debuts A Pixie Cut At The CMA Awards

November 6, 2014, 7:26 am

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The CMA Awards red carpet is the perfect place to debut a fresh hairdo. Just ask Faith Hill.

Hill rocked a pixie cut at the CMAs Wednesday night at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The 47-year-old looked glamorous in a Naeem Khan dress that featured a big bow and lots of sparkle.

She walked the red carpet with husband Tim McGraw. The couple was nominated for Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for their duet, "Meanwhile Back at Mama's."

While music is her main passion, Hill just wrapped filming on "Dixieland," an indie crime drama set in Mississippi that co-stars Chris Zylka and Riley Keough, according to Deadline.com.

What A Young Woman Fighting Stage 4 Breast Cancer Wants You To Know: Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear.

November 6, 2014, 7:31 am

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At the age of just 34, Stephanie Seban is fighting stage 4 metastatic cancer.

A few months prior to her cancer diagnosis, Stephanie noticed an unusual lump forming in her right breast. She didn't really think much of it and thought her breasts were going through normal menstrual cycle changes. It wasn't until months later, while laying in bed, that she felt the lump again and realized that it was physically protruding from her breast. Alarmed, Stephanie made an appointment for a mammogram.

At the time, she was just 31 and had never thought of getting a mammogram until after 40. Even after her mammogram, an ultra sound, and a biopsy, she was still convinced that cancer was not a possibility; she thought at most it was a cyst.

Although 24 hours later, Stephanie got the call that would change her life forever.

There was no explanation of where her cancer came from. No one else in Stephanie's family had ever been diagnosed breast cancer, and she was not a carrier of the breast cancer gene. Stephanie was totally blindsided.

"I was completely beside myself and totally shattered," she said. "I never thought this could happen to me. I was at the height of my career and everything was starting to fall into place and then this shocking, horrific news totally brought me to my knees and left me in total despair."

As you can imagine, Stephanie had very hard time accepting her diagnosis. "I endured a very dark period and shut everyone out for some time. I had a lot of life and death decisions to make and although everyone meant well and wanted to offer their advice and opinions, it became way too overwhelming to me," she said. "Each diagnosis is so personal and I truly believe people need to make their own choices and do what they believe is best for them. There is no definitive answer or cure so having to make decisions in regards to treatment is terrifying."

I had the great honor of meeting Stephanie Seban after she was nominated for a GLAM4GOOD day of pampering by Luana DeAngelis, founder of the the non-profit You Can Thrive. DeAngelis told me she nominated Stephanie because even in the midst of despair Stephanie has never lost her compassion for others. DeAngelis says Stephanie is a reflection of how strong flexible women can be. "Stephanie has a very important story to tell and I knew that from the moment I met her. She is miraculous. She deserves all the help, support, and love she can get to continue to amplify and shine her light forward; to stay strong and show the world that you can live well and gracefully no matter what life hands you." DeAngelis says she wanted GLAM4GOOD to honor to someone living with stage 4 cancer because even though society puts a pretty pink ribbon on breast cancer, the world needs to know it's still a devastating disease.

Initially, Stephanie had been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. But after a lumpectomy and two additional surgeries it was determined that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and bones, turning it to a stage 4 diagnosis. DeAngelis started working with Stephanie shortly after she found out she had metastasis in 2012. "Meeting Luana at You Can Thrive was nothing short of a blessing," says Stephanie. "Luana has welcomed me into her organization with open arms and introduced me to and provided countless holistic therapies that have helped with the side effects of the drugs and chemotherapy I have been on. Some people find comfort in support groups and they can be so beneficial. However, in my own situation, the last thing I wanted to do was meet up and talk more about cancer," says Stephanie. "I want to escape cancer forever. So the approach at You Can Thrive is more hands on and beneficial for me."

Today, after much growth and tremendous faith, Stephanie says she really strives to live each moment filled with gratitude. "I take nothing for granted as I know now that everyday is truly a blessing and another opportunity to be thankful. I try to do normal things as much as possible in order to put cancer in the back of my mind. I have some really bad days though, especially after treatment, so I allow myself the down time necessary to heal."

I asked Stephanie how she lives with a stage 4 diagnosis and she described things that have gotten her through her darkest hours: "I think people need to take the time they need, be selfish in a sense, and take time to reflect and digest all of the emotions that come along with a breast cancer diagnosis, or any cancer diagnosis, for that matter. People tend to come at you from every direction with advice or a solution and they all mean well but all of the voices can be more stressful than the diagnosis itself, at least that was the case for me. Also, people tend to fall apart when hearing about your diagnosis and you find yourself trying to lift them up when your energy and concern needs to be on yourself during such a crucial time. So my advice is to find a quiet and sacred space with a few people who you trust to be your support team, people who will uplift you and be completely supportive. Shut off the outside noise until you are in a better mental state."

On our GLAM4GOOD day, I pampered Stephanie with a day of beauty thanks to Suave Professionals, hairstylist Marc Mena, and makeup artist Nicole Bryl. Next came an incredible shopping spree courtesy of Ann Taylor, and it was there as we were shopping and trying on clothes, that I noticed how positive Stephanie's demeanor is and the way her positive attitude made everyone on my team feel empowered.

I asked Stephanie how she has been able to turn a challenging situation into something she navigates with a bright inner light. "I can't express enough how important it is to keep a positive mind set," she responded. "Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. As difficult as it is to be positive in such trying times, you need to make a concentrated effort to keep your mind healthy. Poor emotional health can weaken the immune system which is the last thing one needs while already having cancer. Personally, I have incorporated relaxation methods into my life such as yoga, meditation, and working out which help to bring my emotions into balance."

Stephanie also told me she watches funny movies, spends time around people who are uplifting, and tries to be an optimist as much as possible.

I always say cancer has been my greatest teacher. I don't take things so seriously and I've really learned how to slow down and enjoy life. Cancer has brought me closer to my family and most importantly it has increased my faith significantly. In a time like this, money can't necessarily save me, nor can parents or loved ones. All I really have is my faith.

Stephanie wants all women, regardless of age, to be aware of any unusual lumps in their breasts. "I encourage young women to be proactive and act if they presume something to be irregular and get it checked," she says. "Early detection can be curable but as young women we have been conditioned to think that this disease affects people in the later years of their life and this is so far from the truth. There are so many of us who were diagnosed at an early age, many much younger than myself. I feel like we aren't really recognized and there definitely needs to be more awareness and attention so that young women who are newly diagnosed know that they are not an anomaly." Stephanie wants people to know that this disease does not discriminate and no matter what age you may be, if something doesn't feel right, be proactive and get checked out even if you are told it's not necessary before the age of 40. "Had I adhered to that standard, I truly believe I wouldn't be here today to share my story," Stephanie says.

Stephanie believes there is a larger underlying meaning that brings a purpose to why she has this disease and why she is still fighting. "I want to be a voice that is heard, I want to help others who follow behind me and provide a light to some in the midst of the darkness," she says. Stephanie's message to young women who may have been diagnosed is to "find your faith and never let fear prevail over love." she says. "There is a light at the end of the tunnel and as hard as the fight may be, we keep going, and going. We are not alone and anything is possible no matter what prognosis we are given. I was given a 15% chance to go into remission years ago and even though my journey continues, I believe with all of my conviction that I will one day be in that 15%. My faith is bigger than my fear."

Stephanie urges all women to "try to see the joy in each day no matter what your circumstances may be, cancer or no cancer, we do not know what tomorrow holds. Each day is a precious gift from God."

I believe one of the important messages found in Stephanie's words and the important work of You Can Thrive is that those living with cancer are not alone. There is love, help, comfort and companionship available. The more we share women's personal experiences with breast cancer the more we learn about this devastating disease and the greater the chances of early detection and survival.

I dedicate this post to one of my closest friends, Ann Caruso, who is courageously battling breast cancer, and to my Grandmother who died at a very early age due to the disease.

You Can Thrive Gives Glam4Good 10 Self Care Tips For Breast Cancer Risk Reduction


1. Eat organically and/or locally produced foods.
This is important with both animal and plant food sources. It has been shown that populations that eat locally have lower risks of cancer and other diseases. Eating locally not only puts less petroleum into your food and local foods have more enzymes as they do not need to be pulled from the vine as early. Also, conventionally grown foods are laden with petroleum-based pesticides, which act as estrogen mimickers. These chemical estrogens may sit in receptor sites. Meat can also contain antibiotics and pesticides from the food it consumes, look for more sustainable and less toxic sources. In organically processed cattle are fed bio engineered corn rather than grass. This creates e. coli and other resistant bacteria which is harmful for humans and the environment.

2. Eat healthy fats.
Your body needs fat and oils to stay healthy. The cells in your body have membranes that are made from fat. Omega 3 fats found primarily in flaxseed oil, fish oil and walnuts, possess anti-tumor qualities, can help prevent unhealthy cell division and are anti viral. Some healthy oils are organic and unrefined olive oil. A good choice is flaxseed oil for salad dressing. Eating fish like salmon, snapper, sardines that are cold water and high in good fats rather then things that are bottom feeders like Tilapia, Flounder and Catfish is a better choice. Explore high quality fish oil supplementation.

3. Eat 30 grams of fiber per day.
A diet that is high in fiber lowers your risk of cancers by 30%. Regular elimination removes toxins from your body minimizing the absorption of them through the large intestine. Constipation increases cancer risk. High fiber foods include whole grains (quinoa, millet, barley, buckwheat, brown rice, etc.) beans - especially kidney beans, nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables.

4. Center your diet around plant based foods.
Think of meat as a side dish. Consume plenty of body protective foods like ground flax seeds, split peas, legumes, soy, foods rich in beta carotene (carrots, parsley, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, asparagus, kale, mango, peaches, apricots, and sea vegetables), foods from the brassica family (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy, watercress, collards) beans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and drink green tea. Make sure to choose organic.

5. Avoid sugar.
Cancer uptakes sugar at 10 times the rate of a normal cell (this is why they use glucose (sugar) in cancer scans to see the 'hot' spots) cancer cells react and speed up in the presence of sugar. Some believe cancer feeds on sugar. Sugar acidifies the body and creates excess belly fat, which stores estrogen and creates imbalance in the system. By avoiding sugar, especially sugared soda and chemical sweeteners like Nutrasweet you could help the body quite a bit.

6. Move your body.
Studies show that exercising 3 hours a week can cut risk of recurrence by up to 50%! Exercise oxygenates cells. Use a gentle steady type that focuses on fluid movements and deep breathing thereby decreasing stress and inflammation in the body. See: http://youcanthrive.org Two additional types to try are Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi.

7. Avoid drinking out of plastic water bottles.
Using plastic wrap on your food, putting hot beverages or foods in plastic, and microwaving foods in plastic containers. Chemicals can leach from plastic, especially when the containers are heated, cleaned with harsh detergents or exposed to acidic foods or drinks. Plastic contains xenoestrogens also called environmental estrogens. These synthetic estrogens bind to breast cells, sit in receptor sites and cannot be made into protective estrogen by the body. They also accumulate in our bodies and are stored in our fat cells because they are difficult to breakdown and eliminate.

8. Green your cleaning products and pay attention to what you put on your body.
Look at the chemicals you are exposed to in your home. Laundry detergent, dish soap, anti bacterial soaps with the ingredients triclosan or triclocarban, air fresheners and candles are all places dangerous ingredients can lurk. Natural food stores are great places to find better options. You can clean almost anything in your house with vinegar and baking soda. Anything put on skin it will absorb it! The average woman uses 12 different personal care products everyday, exposing herself to approximately 168 different synthetic chemicals. Look for natural or organic body care. Read labels on products: hairspray, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, moisturizer, toner, shaving cream, all cosmetics, nail polish, and especially antiperspirants. Antiperspirants are strong chemicals, usually containing aluminum, which prevents sweating and were found in breast tumors. Sweating is the way your body eliminates toxins and unwanted materials with the help of the lymphatic system. So let your body do the job it was meant to and use a natural deodorant.

9. Get your Vitamin D3 levels checked.
Ask your doctor for the 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test to determine if your vitamin D levels are sufficient. There have been links between vitamin D and breast cancer. Some experts say the level should be at least 40 others say higher. Check with your doctor. If you are considering supplementing Vitamin D consider using 1mg of Vitamin K in conjunction to properly absorb the D vitamin. Again check with your doctor as vitamin K is contraindicative with blood thinners and some high blood pressure medicines.

10. Natural rhythms dark and light.
Your body releases melatonin while you sleep in laboratory tests this substance slows breast cancer growth by up to 70%. Melatonin is triggered by our circadian rhythms (internal time clock) and darkness. Sleeping in total darkness during appropriate hours is essential. Consider wearing black out eyeshades to bed. It is also important to go to sleep by 10:30PM this is when your body produces the most melatonin. During the day, catch some rays! Sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D.

You Can Thrive! is a leader in transformational tangible holistic support services that reduce suffering, improve quality of life and provide education for the people undergoing a breast cancer diagnosis.

These People Took Shots, And Their Reactions Show The Sweet Torture Of The Act

November 6, 2014, 8:18 am

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Taking a shot of alcohol is an affront to the senses. But have you ever wondered what you look like during that fleeting moment of torture?

In his series "Shot Face," London-based photographer Tim Charles captures the visual experience by photographing subjects directly after they ingest alcohol. Their reactions are raw and hilarious.

Which face is closest to the one you think you make? Take a look at the photos below, and visit Charles' Tumblr for more.



H/T FlavorWire

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Color Blocking in A/W 14 with Liberty London Girl (VIDEO)

November 7, 2014, 4:35 am

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With the darker and colder days glooming, it's normal to not want to let go of Summer, of the warmth, the brightness and the colors. It just so happens that one trend this Fall season will allow you to do just that: Color Blocking.

Color blocking is the combination of strong colors in a garment or an outfit. The trend has seen somewhat of a revival since its first appearance in the 60s, later again in the 80s as well as in more recent years. It's a reoccurring trend that is here to stay. Luckily designers, despite continuously going back to the basic techniques, have always managed to create exciting modern styles that that reflect personal styles and current times.

As it's sometimes not the easiest trend to pull off successfully, but Sasha Wilkins, editor of Liberty London Girl is an expert in what color blocking entail, how to combine neon tones and what to remember when incorporating this look into your wardrobe.



There are different ways of working the trend, of course, depending on how comfortable one is sporting all the bright colors of the pallet. One option is to go monochromatic, focusing on one strong color throughout the entire outfit, such as the red scuba dress. Sasha decided to paired it with a statement necklace, lilac gloves and some simple black boots.



To make life a lot easier, there are also statement pieces with color blocking already incorporated. In standalone looks like this, the designer has done all the work for you, you just need to wear it.

Complementary colors are opposite each other on a basic color wheel. Combining these colors will make you stand out, but it's up to you how far you want to take the trend.

On Being Fat

November 7, 2014, 4:56 am

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I am fat. This fact cannot be disputed.

I am also intelligent, educated and successful. To look at me, one might never guess that I am a successful director at a large corporation or that I gave up a child for adoption or that I survived kidney failure and a lifesaving kidney transplant. You probably also would not guess that I speak Arabic and was an interpreter on an archaeology dig in Syria. Would you guess I have been married twice and that I was an accomplished athlete? I have many stories, but because I am fat, you may never know these things about me.

You see, I, like many others like me, endure one of the few remaining acceptable forms of discrimination. Some people may judge me by the way I look and assume that I am stupid, lazy or that I eat chips and ice cream all day. They may also assume I don't care about myself. They only see the fat. They treat me differently than they treat thinner, more attractive women. I know this because I wasn't always fat. I, too, was oblivious to fat people and even shared some of these cruel misjudgments toward them. When I resided in a different body, I didn't know how different my life would be and how different I would feel about myself in a fat body.

My transformation has been remarkable. I went from being a confident, fun, smart and beautiful woman to a fearful and shy resemblance of my former self. I am somehow falling into my dutiful place in the world, trying not to been seen and feeling ashamed of me.

Now, don't get me wrong; I don't want to be fat. I want to feel the way I used to feel. I am on a constant diet and trying every new one that comes along. I watch the weight loss shows and fantasize. I exercise with a personal trainer; I obsess over food and how many calories there are. I get creative with vegetables and eat a ton of them. I get discouraged and pick myself up again. But since my transplant and the steroids I take to keep my body from rejecting my new kidney, I can't seem to lose the weight that I put on since that life-saving surgery. But losing weight is not what this is about.

I am amazed at how inferior I feel now. I feel invisible. People avoid eye contact with me. I am often treated rudely or dismissed. I live in daily fear that my weight will be the thing that results in my long list of fears, which now rule my every thought. I fear things like being let go from my job because "I don't represent the company well," or of never finding a man to love me again because I am no longer attractive. I wonder if people are embarrassed to be seen with me. I fear that someone might say something horrible to me like, "stay away from the donuts, fat a**," or complain loudly that they have to sit next to me on the airplane... again. And yes, the big one, will I die young because of the fat on my body?

Will anyone know the amazing life I have lived and the person that I used to be? Will they know the adventures I have had and people I have met? Amazing experiences like riding horseback Saturday mornings at the Giza pyramids when living in Cairo; being interrogated at gunpoint in Syria; living in Yemen; moving to Egypt as a 13-year-old American; living with lupus, and raising a son by myself. I fear the answer to my questions is no. Just like others that are discriminated against for the color of their skin, many people dismiss me or are rude when they see me in this body. They don't want to know me because they assume that I am something different than I am. The key difference is there are laws and social pressure against racial discrimination (which is still far too prevalent!). Discriminating against fat people is still socially acceptable, and in fact, it is done all the time.

My dream, of course, is to lose some weight. But, if I continue to be unsuccessful, will I ever been seen and acknowledged again the way I used to be? Will anyone step back and see me, want to know me, or will they just continue to see that I am fat?

ALSO ON HUFFPOST:

Kimye Match Outfits For Date Night, Because Matching Keeps Them Together

November 7, 2014, 6:21 am

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You know what they say: The couple that wears matching double-breasted blazers together, stays together.

What do you mean no one says that?

Surely, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are under the impression that dressing alike is beneficial to their marriage. Why else would they leave their New York City apartment dressed like the Balmain Bobbsey twins on Thursday night?

The match factor actually could have been much worse, however, had they brought their daughter North with them on their date. Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing recently gave the blessed child three baby-sized blazers to match the ones Kardashian owns.



Of course, this is hardly the first time Kimye has turned up in matching outfits, but our favorite twinning sartorial moment has to be when the couple sported matching cleavage in ultra low-cut apparel during Paris Fashion Week this year.

Abercrombie & Fitch Sales Plummet

November 7, 2014, 6:29 am

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NEW YORK (AP) — Abercrombie & Fitch is still having trouble getting teens to buy its clothing.

Sales fell by more than expected in September and October as fewer people headed to the mall and shoppers shunned clothing with the retailer's logo on it. Abercrombie & Fitch also reported weaker sales at its European stores, especially at its Hollister brand.

Shares slid in late morning trading Friday, touching a two-year low.

The New Albany, Ohio-based retailer has been trying to win customers back by removing logos from its clothing. It's also cutting expenses and closing some of its stores.

Abercrombie & Fitch expects adjusted third-quarter earnings of between 40 cents per share and 42 cents per share. Analysts expected 68 cents per share, according to FactSet. The company will report full results on Dec. 3.

Revenue fell 12 percent to $911.4 million in the quarter that ended on Nov. 1, below analysts' estimate of $982.4 million.

Sales at stores open at least a year fell 10 percent in the period — down 7 percent in the U.S. and down 15 percent internationally. The metric is a key indicator of a retailer's health, as it excludes potentially distorting results from stores that recently opened or closed.

Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. fell $4.59, or 13 percent, to $30.80 in late morning trading. They bottomed at $30.31 earlier Friday, the lowest point since 2012.

Kick Start Your Wardrobe With This Season With Four Must-Have Boots

November 7, 2014, 7:48 am

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The temperature may be cooling down, but fall footwear is heating up -- and the best way to update your look is by making sure you're a stylish step ahead of the competition in some new on trend boots! With the cooler weather comes a worthy impetus to retire the sandals you wore all summer and test-drive some of this seasons best footwear offerings.

So put your best foot forward with these four must-have boots that I discussed on my latest NBC style segment for Kerri-lee Mayland's show. Ready to get your kicks? Step right this way.

Uptown Chic
Take your style to new heights by grabbing a pair of knee-high boots this season. Whether you opt for a sky-high version or keep things short and sweet, you can instantly transform practically anything in your closet, (including your favorite date night LBD), with knee-high boots. Pair them with skinny jeans for a chic take on a daytime classic or bump up the strut appeal by wearing them with your favorite dress for a night out on the town. Part sophisticate, part uptown girl, the knee high boot is sure to bestow instant it-girl status to whoever dons it.

Ride on:
If your style is more classic, you can't go wrong with a great pair of riding boots. Whether you're indulging in some fall fun outdoors, hitting the streets for some shopping, or going for a long stroll in the city with your beau, these versatile boots will have you riding high on style.

Boot-y call
Its safe to say, the booty is here to stay. Take your look from day to night (or even desk to dinner), by selecting a classic style with a stacked heel or drop it low with a go-anywhere pair that's more downtown cool than uptown chic. Whether you opt for a trendy open toe number or keep things sleek and neat in a classic bootie paired with leggings, denim, or even a dress, you'll instantly add an effortlessly edgy vibe to your look the moment you slip a pair on. Bottom line? The bootie is a good call.


High Standards
Thigh-high boots don't have to scream streetwalker. Promise. On the contrary, a contemporary pair can be chic and dare -I -say -it, practical. As I discussed on my NBC segment, you don't have to be Gisele Bundchen (although it couldn't hurt) with legs for days to pull off this style. Truth be told, the thigh high boot is truly a closet gem as they can polish off a broad range of looks from mini to pencil skirts, and leggings to skinny jeans. Just remember to keep things classy by finding a pair that flatter your legs in either genuine leather or suede. Don't be afraid to pump up the volume by styling your boots with a bright hue sweater dress like I did below with gold jewelry accents and clean simple makeup. Bottom line? When wearing this style its important to let your boots do the talking.




From open-toed booties to sky high numbers, these boots are definitely made for shopping. Are you ready boots? Start walkin...

Stylist: Zoey Gulmi
Boots borrowed from: Nordstrom
Show: NBC CT