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Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian Poses Nude For DuJour Magazine

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Kourtney Kardashian posed nude for the latest issue of DuJour magazine and opened up about why she feels her best during pregnancy.

The 35-year-old reality star, who confirmed she is expecting her third child with Scott Disick in a June episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," appears in DuJour in a series of stunning photos shot by Brian Bowen Smith wearing only a necklace, a thin cover-up and nothing at all.

"To me, nudity is not something to be ashamed of," Kardashian said. "I’m not embarrassed of my body. I’m at my best when I’m pregnant. It’s such an amazing feeling, the transformation that your body goes through. There’s something about that that’s so empowering and beautiful and I just really embrace it."

The editorial showcases the shape of her body while pregnant and she hopes people see the images as art.

"It’s what a woman’s body is made to do, so I hope it’s maybe seen as something that’s artistic," she told DuJour. "This was something that initially I did for myself just to capture the moment in my life, but these photos are beautiful and I’m happy to share them. And I like how raw they are. It’s my body: I’m not trying to impress anybody or be something that I’m not. But in general, I don’t really care that much about what people think. It doesn’t rule my world. I did this because I wanted to and it made me happy."

Head over to DuJour to read more from Kardashian's interview.

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kourtney kardashian

kourtney kardashian

The Secret To 'Real Housewife' Kyle Richards' Incredible Hair Is Seriously Simple

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In her bitingly clever "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" recaps, Julie Klausner would regularly refer to Kyle Richards' thick chestnut locks as "Pantene curtains." Turns out, that's literally what they are.

When HuffPost Live asked the Bravo star for the secret to her envy-inducing tresses, she revealed that she only uses one thing, and that one thing happens to be Pantene.

"I do use Pantene," she exclaimed. "I really do. And I'm not a spokesperson for them, but I really do use it."

Yup, that's right: the perfectly-coiffed housewife's product of choice costs $3.99 and can be scooped up at basically any store anywhere.

And that's generally the extent of her regimen, as the 45-year-old says that when it comes to her hair, she's a "less-is-more person."

"I don't put product in my hair because it dulls the shine," she explained. "And I try not to overheat it. I try not to damage it with brushing. You just have to take care of it like you would your skin."

Watch more from Kyle Richards' conversation with HuffPost Live here.

Sign up here for Live Today, HuffPost Live's new morning email that will let you know the newsmakers, celebrities and politicians joining us that day and give you the best clips from the day before!

Proof That One Size Does Not Fit All

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"One size fits all" stores are popping up everywhere. Brandy Melville, for example, is a retailer that caters to teens and young women, selling clothes in a single size only.

What is this shit!? #theyrecrazy #onesize #fits #nobody #curvygirlproblems

A photo posted by ♑♊ (@officialnatashaindie) on




This is the sign you see when walking into a Brandy Melville store. If you purchase clothes through its website, the size option is listed as "fits size small/medium."

But, assuming that women of all sizes shop in this store, we got five women to try on its different "one size fits most" pieces to see just how well they fit.

Two Steps to Customize the Little Black Dress for You This Holiday Party Season

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It's that time of year again. You have several Holiday parties to attend and dress up for this month. Your wardrobe plan includes shopping for or reaching into your closet to grab your go-to staple piece -- the little black dress, also known as the 'LBD'.

The LBD fashion rule has been shared with women for decades -- own a simple, yet elegant little black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. To this day, I have not met a woman who does not own a black dress or considers a black dress a must-have wardrobe staple.

When we begin exploring the benefits of color analysis, the key question that comes up is should you have a little black dress in your closet, whether black is in your seasonal color palette or not?

As an image consultant who specializes in color, my answer is actually no if the specific color and tint of black is not in your color palette. If you choose to wear a little black dress when your seasonal color palette does not include black, you could be making yourself appear older, unbalanced, dull and highlight skin imperfections quite simply because you are not wearing a color that aligns with you.

It is time to customize the LBD rule for you!

Here are two easy steps to follow to determine if and how to customize the LBD rule for you:

1. Determine if black is in your color palette:
A color analysis consultation will guide you on what colors are best for you and what color flow palette you are in. If you are a True Winter or flow of Winter, black or a variation of black is in your palette. The LBD rule does work for you if this is the case. Make sure you are wearing the black that corresponds to your color palette (e.g. brown-black, true black, blue-black etc.). If the color black is not in your palette, read on to step #2.

2. Determine the most neutral and timeless color that aligns with you:
The main purpose of the LBD rule is to offer long lasting neutral versatility into a woman's wardrobe. If black is not aligned with your color palette, this can still be achieved by substituting the color black with a color or colors that work best for you. In step #1 you would have found out your color flow palette and star colors. Select the most neutral or timeless of these star colors for your own customized LBD rule.

I am a True Summer and therefore a little black dress is not in harmony with my coloring. My LBD rule is actually an LND and LCD rule which stands for Little Navy Dress and Little Charcoal Gray Dress. Both of these customized rules offer me the timeless versatility that a little black dress would offer me, but instead, now I give off my best energy by wearing colors that work best for me.

There's no time like the present to customize the LBD rule for you to position your color choices to give off your best at your next Holiday party.

I hope this blog post inspires you to wear your authenticity!

Adjust These 3 'Sexpectations' for a Better Sex Life

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Unrealistic expectations can ruin one's opportunity for happiness in all areas of life, but especially in the bedroom. We've all experienced high expectations for spectacular sex with a new partner ruining the reality of the event (that would have actually been perfectly fine if we didn't build it up so much beforehand). Just as sexual expectations, "sexpectations," if you will, don't serve us well in the beginning of relationships, they can also wreck havoc over time in long-term relationships.

Below are three common areas where unrealistic expectations get in the way of a great sex life. Adjusting your expectations to be in line with these has the potential to impact your sex life and your overall relationship for the better.

1. Sexual desire discrepancy is natural.

Sure, in the beginning of a relationship sex is hot, frequent, and perfectly compatible. That's great! It keeps you interested long enough to become attached to the person and gives you something to fondly look back to when things get less compatible. That's just the thing, things do get less compatible at times. The disappearance of that passionate sex doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, it is common. Sexual desire discrepancy, where one member of the couple has higher or lower desire compared to their partner, is a feature of most long-term romantic relationships. A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that sexual desire discrepancy was common, and women employed a number of strategies to get back on track with their partner, including having sex without desire, communicating, meeting partner's needs, and just giving it time to work itself out. So don't fret if you and your partner aren't in sync at all times. In fact, expect that you won't be! Having the expectation of desire discrepancy as a natural part of the relationship will take away the stress so many couples needlessly associate with it.

2. Men don't always have higher sexual desire than women.

This expectation, that men are always ready for sex and women are always refusing it, is harmful for men and women. It is not consistently supported by research and leaves men who aren't always wanting sex feeling inadequate and women who are always wanting sex feeling like nymphomaniacs. In my research, I have found fairly consistently that women and men are equally likely to be the member of the couple with lower sexual desire relative to their partner. And when we have interviewed women about this, they've expressed frustration when their desire dynamic isn't consistent with these stereotypes because it becomes harder to talk about with their partner and therefore harder to overcome. By pushing back against gender stereotypes and acknowledging that there is probably as much variation within each gender as there is between each gender, you'll lessen the pressures of conforming to those roles that can add up over time.

3. Orgasms are not a requirement of "successful" sex.

Early sexual response cycles from Masters & Johnson, and later, Kaplan, had sexual response peaking at orgasm and ending at resolution. However, more recent conceptualizations of sexual response have acknowledged that there is a lot more to sex than wham, bam, orgasm, done. Work from Basson has led to a more circular model, with the option of orgasm (or not), and satisfaction being a more important output. Focusing on engaging with your partner in satisfying sexual exploration rather than "getting off" will enhance the quality. Recent research has also found that sexual duration may be a better way to classify sex than sexual frequency; maybe having sex longer is just as good as having sex more frequently. So focus on the quality rather than quantity and don't let the goal of orgasm get in the way of a pleasurable experience with your partner. Treat orgasm as a little (or big) bonus rather than letting it define whether it was a satisfying experience.

Adjusting "sexpectations" to be more in line with reality can protect your relationship from stress over sexual desire discrepancy, gender stereotypes that don't help anyone involved, and goal-centric sex that places orgasm as a badge of honor. Replace unrealistic expectations in your sex life with reality and you may find that reality isn't so bad after all.

Alexander Wang's New Denim Ads Are More Offensive And Tired Than 'Provocative' (NSFW)

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As creative director at Balenciaga and the most recent designer chosen to create a line for H&M, Alexander Wang has certainly won the respect of the fashion industry over the years. But his new denim ads, which feature not only a naked woman but one who appears to be touching herself and are meant to "provoke," read more like yet another cheap attempt at using the female body to sell a product than anything else.

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But regardless of how you feel about nudity in advertising, and even if you are not put off by the obvious attempt at shock value through nudity here, at least we can all agree on one thing: there is (sadly) nothing new or innovative about using naked women to push a product.

Calvin Klein most famously has used this tactic for years (Wang cites those images as his source of inspiration, according to Women's Wear Daily.) But at least in those ads, like this one featuring Lara Stone and Toni Garrn from 2012, the models actually have the jeans on in the photos. Crumpled up at the ankles is probably not the most effective place for a product to be in an ad focused on selling that particular product.

Wang, however, clearly doesn't see it that way. In fact, based on his explanation, it's not clear which way he sees it. “It’s not provocative just in terms of sexy, but provocative to provoke conversation," he told WWD, adding, “I’m not dictating what that message is exactly. The interesting part is to see how people interpret it, and what they have to say about it. Of course, there are going to be people who disagree with it.”

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But what exactly are we supposed to disagree with? That jeans should make us want to take off our clothes and touch ourselves? That we're never actually supposed to put them on at all? Perhaps Wang is simply implying that the latest trend in denim is wearing them at the shins. Based on these images alone, it's hard to tell.

Either way, nudity for the sake of nudity isn't necessary in an advertisement, nor does it send any type of message to the consumer other than the notion that the brand believes the best way to get people talking about its products is by selling a woman's body.

Your clothing is cool enough on the models, Wang, you don't need to take it off of them to make money.

11 Ridiculously Inspiring Life Lessons From The L'Oréal 2014 Women Of Worth

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"When a woman feels empowered, she will never feel like a victim to anyone or anything."

President of L'Oréal Paris Karen T. Fondu opened the 2014 L'Oreal Women Of Worth event perfectly with one powerful statement. Now in its ninth year, Women Of Worth recognizes 10 remarkable women for whom the term "worthy" feels wildly insufficient. The 2014 honorees, and their stories of perseverance and survival, are no exception.

This year's honorees were celebrated at the annual gala in New York City on Dec. 2 by friends, family and some very famous admirers. These women of exceptional worth were introduced by L'Oréal ambassadors Eva Longoria, Blake Lively, Diane Keaton, Julianne Moore, Andie MacDowell and Aimee Mullins as well as MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski, "The Today Show's" Hoda Kotb and 2013 national honoree Lauren Book.

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A common theme among their remarks was choice: choices as rights, choices as privileges, and choices as acts of courage.

"Every single one of us has a choice. A choice not to let our past define our future... The choice is truly ours alone to make," said Book.

"I'm a firm believer that the only limitations we have in life are the ones we put on ourselves," declared honoree Stephanie Decker, who chose not to allow the loss of her legs to hold her back.

"A heroine is a woman who risks going too far in order to find out how far one can go for a cause greater than herself," said Diane Keaton, reminding us that the only thing we must to do become a heroine is decide to be one.

The powerful impact of each woman's story told last night is easily matched by the actions they have inspired. We couldn't possibly capture the true depth of their wisdom in a few quotes, but they are too inspiring not to try.


Here are 11 pieces of wisdom from last night's honorees and presenters:

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The 10 Women of Worth nominees with L'Oreal's president Karen Fondu and senior vice president Malena Higuera.


1. We are surrounded by heroines every day.
"What makes a heroine? I think I can answer that. A heroine is a woman who risks going too far in order to find out how far one can go for a cause greater than herself." - Diane Keaton introducing honoree Audra Wilford, whose MaxLove Project provides support to children facing life-threatening illness and their families. As a mother of a 7-year-old son who survived a battle with brain cancer, Wilford is acutely away of just how important this support is.

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2. The doubts of others shouldn't stop you from pursuing your dreams.
"Our generation has faced incredible scrutiny. But I do believe it's this generation that's going to change the world." -- Blake Lively, introducing honoree Brittany Wenger. At only 19 years old, Wenger has developed cloud technology that could revolutionize breast cancer detection, using artificial intelligence to read cancer cells.






3. Anger is best channelled as motivation.
"When I learned we live in a world where women are sold for sex, my heart was so broken. Then I got pissed off." - Jenny Williamson. Williamson turned her shock into rage, and her rage into action, after learning that sex trafficking hit shockingly close to her California home. Her organization Courage Worldwide builds homes and offers support and education for children rescued from the sex trade.

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4. There is more to winning than receiving an award.
"I have already won because I have a group of girls who call me mom who have never had a family." - Jenny Williamson

5. We all need a few pick-me-ups, no matter how small they are.
"These are somebody's children, somebody's daughters and somebody's mothers. Somebody needs to be there to tell them: You're adorable, you're gorgeous, you're precious. And if that has to be me, OK." - Shaaron Funderburk, who survived drug addiction, homelessness and prostitution to found her Off The Streets program, which provides safe spaces for women battling to overcome similar circumstances.

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6. It's all about your mindset.
"Storms are inevitable. Beating them is optional." - Stephanie Decker, who shielded her two children from debris when a tornado tore through her Indiana home in 2012. The 2014 honoree lost the use of her legs in the storm, but through her Stephanie Decker Foundation, which works to help children with prosthetics thrive, it is impossible to measure how much has been gained by her powerful story of survival.

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7. The power of women can never be overestimated.
"I truly believe, when you kill a man, you kill a man. When you kill a woman, you kill a nation. We replenish. We rebuild. Everything you are looking at right now came from a woman. I don't care if a man made it. He had a mother." - Shaaron Funderburk


8. Difficult experiences will reveal your strength. Find it, and use it.
"A woman is like a teabag -- you can't tell how strong she is until she's in hot water. Women of the world, it's tea time." - Phyllis Sudman, who earned the top Women of Worth recognition this year. In 2004, Sudman experienced every parent's worst nightmare when her son Simon died of sudden cardiac arrest at just 13 weeks old. Sudman co-founded Simon's Fund to raise awareness for sudden cardiac arrest and the warning signs, and her efforts will help prevent other parents from experiencing this devastating tragedy.

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9. We are not built to avoid tragedy. We are designed to endure it.
"We are all built to face adversity. It's in our DNA." - Diane Keaton


10. There will always be things out of our control. How we let it affect us is not one of them.
"Every single one of us has a choice. A choice not to let our past define our future. A choice to live the life we want to live... The choice is truly ours alone to make." - Lauren Book, who earned Women of Worth's top honor in 2013 for her efforts to prevent childhood sexual abuse. Her organization Lauren's Kids educates adults and children about sexual abuse and provides guidance and support to help survivors heal.

11. One exceptional woman ensures generations more.
"It's what makes it all worthwhile -- to learn from your mother and hopefully teach your daughter, and then teach the world." - Deborah Snyder, honoree and founder of the Operation Renewed Hope Foundation. The retired Lieutenant Colonel served 20 years in the military as a helicoptor pilot, but her service to our country goes on. Through her efforts providing support and education to veterans and their families, Snyder is inspiring the nation to put an end to veteran homelessness.

The A-to-Z All Things Holiday How-To Guide

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Every holiday it is hard not to wonder how generations of people (men and women) pulled off all that goes into the season. And this without the convenience of things like online shopping! There are still decorations to setup, events and get-togethers to plan for, gifts to buy and wrap, figuring out what everybody's going to wear, travel if you're heading somewhere for your celebration, cooking, planning, meal and food preparation. The list can be endless.

But with a little tactical management and strategy, you can own this holiday (and every holiday thereafter) starting today.

A - Attire. Make a list of who needs to get dressed (you, your spouse, the kids, etc.) and for what (ex: parties, events, school play). Do a quick mental or visual run through of what you already have in the closet. Can any of it be utilized for any of the items on the calendar? Note it. Then note what you may need to purchase, if anything. By taking this approach with a little advance planning you'll have a great chance of avoiding the chaos of trying to figure out what to wear when you need to get dressed. For most holiday events with exception to New Year's Eve, a more conservative look is most appropriate -- dress pants, dresses, etc. Layering a sheath dress over a turtleneck can work for almost anything. Look for opportunities where you can rework an item for more than one event. Don't be afraid to repeat an outfit if you need to!

B - Beauty. Events and parties means everybody's got to be put together and presentable more than on the typical day. It's actually a great way to incorporate a little holiday fun without a lot of extra work. Most major makeup and beauty brands have some kind of holiday product offering to make things a little festive. SpaRitual's Holiday Collection for 2014 has a range of colors from pretty purple to bright red, plus plenty of glitter options. It's all vegan and formulated without DBP, toulene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin. Mineral Fusion has excellent eye shadows for every skin tone that go on easily and can endure holiday busy.

C - Cookies. Cheating a little with holiday baked goods without compromising on the classic home-cooked experience is easier than ever with all of the new upstart gourmet food options as they often incorporate unique ideas, flavorings, etc. Peppermint chocolate brownie mixes, lemon sugar cookies, etc. You can find fantastic abundance online through searching, or check out online retailers like Williams Sonoma which carry lots of great kits for baking treats.

D - Decorating.
Decorating for the holidays today has become so chic. There are so many choices starting with the classic and traditional items to modern, sleek, fun and other updates to make your holiday home styling personal and unique. Aim to determine a theme or common thread such as specific colors or ideas before you hit the stores -- it'll make it a lot easier. If you can shop a single store that carries it all or order online to make everything most efficient. Don't forget that some decor or holiday items may be harmful to pets or wildlife! Check before you buy to be sure. Don't rule out stores like Crate and Barrel or West Elm! They carry great holiday items that are unique.

E - Egg Nog.
Egg nog has gone far beyond the traditional holiday drink! You'll find this holiday classic flavor in everything from cookies and ice cream to coffee syrups. There is plenty of fun ways to incorporate it into your celebration. Contrary to what it might seem, it's actually very easy to make from scratch, and there are a ton of recipes online that put cool and funky spins into the mix for something classic but also unique.

F - Figgy Pudding, Fruitcake. Many may have never had 'figgy pudding' or fruitcake but they're both holiday favorites. Recipes and variations of both are as cool and creative as any other decadent treat. While figgy pudding needs to be scratch made, fruitcake can be picked up online or at many stores and bakeries. Check out online for chic gourmet options (yes, that is possible!) especially when gifting this classic.

G - Gifts. Gift shopping can be chaos -- and expensive -- if you are not careful or prepared. The best defense in tackling your list is to have a great offense. Set a plan of who you need to buy for, how much you want to spend or can spend on the gift, and a few gift ideas for each. Shop for the items you know could sell out quickly like kids toys, etc. For gifting the traditional classics, such as robes and bath goods, look for items that put a new element in. Lemon slippers fit like cozy, comfy thick knit socks with leather on the feet. For a cool gift that keeps on giving all year, SpaHeros.com's beauty subscription sends a treat every month and the products are great.

H - Home. Home is usually either where the holidays are -- or is empty because you're somewhere else celebrating. Give yours a good cleaning before the season starts if you'll be hosting events. If not, it'll be great to come home to a clean house once you've returned from your holiday reveling. Plan to hang and take down decorations on single days where you've devoted an effort, or if you're busy, do so over the course of a week or so to make everything easier.

I - Ivy. Ivy makes for such a great decorating item, and you can find it in both real or artificial forms. Faux ivy can often be ideal for those with pets, small kids or large spaces to decorate, though you can use real ivy for all kinds of things -- centerpieces, gift decorations, etc.

J - Jesus. The holiday season incorporates multiple religions, beliefs, and celebrations. For those who observe it as the birth of Jesus, there are a great deal of awesome decor and gift items that honor this. The classic nativity scene has gotten a modern update -- you'll find all kinds of new variations and styles that represent. Art, cards, and other gift items are also more modern and stylish than ever. Shop online or hit a local store for options and ideas.

K - Kindness. The holidays are always so great for all the kindness and cheer that seems to increase during the season. Making an effort doesn't always mean it has to be a grand one -- little things can spread kindness and help others, too. Animal shelters are always in need of donations, senior citizen homes often appreciate gifts, etc. Doing something for someone in need is never disappointing!

L - Latkes. Latkes are a holiday classic especially for those who observe Hanukkah. So many new ideas and recipe variations have come along over the years, from incorporating interesting and tasty ingredients to differentiating with the type of potato used. It can be a great breakfast side with eggs, you can bake them instead of fry, etc. Though even just the traditional style are a great treat.

M - Mistletoe. Mistletoe has also evolved from the age-old offering located in boxes on store shelves -- many retail and grocery stores offer it fresh, either dressed with bows and bells or alone where you can do the decorating yourself. This is one holiday tradition that's always fun!

N - Nutcrackers. The classic nutcracker decorating is a holiday tradition. What's fun about this item today is that you can find them in fun forms like Disney characters, bold colors, and then of course on a range of holiday items from bathroom towels to canisters for cookies.

O - Ornaments. Many of us have more ornaments than we need, while others may just be starting to collect them for their holiday tree. But this holiday favorite also makes a great decor item elsewhere! Hang a group in uniform colors or styles around areas of the house, along windows or doorways, etc. You'll want to be sure to use plastic options anywhere that might be subject to being bumped, but otherwise anything can go here.

P - Packing. Holiday packing can be a challenge, in part because of the increase of things to dress for but also weather, etc. The key with packing is to remember to keep it simple by working around a specific few colors so that you can mix and match items easily. Set aside time to think out what you'll need to get dressed for before you start the work. Base everything around two or so shoes (one for casual, one for dress) and a single set or two of jewelry.

Q - Quiche. Holiday quiches are a tradition for many. Cut your cooking time by ordering yours from a local bakery, restaurant or online -- many online retailers quick ship great variations. You can cut corners and save time with pre-made pie crust, or work with a pie crust mix. Williams Sonoma has a crust mix that can do the trick.

R - Rest. Rest and relaxation during the holiday time can be a challenge, especially if you've got guests in town or kids. A great way to get a little R&R in the mix of any chaos is through good products for the shower, which you can use easily and quickly to make the experience a little more relaxing than usual. Lady Primrose has a pretty honey soap collection that is perfect for this. Or, if you've got the time, book a massage with you and your mom or other family member as a gift. It's a fun way to spend a little time with family and can make a great gift.

S - Stockings. The stocking isn't just a time-honored holiday classic -- it can also double as a gift bag, or even be a great gift on its own. Styles have without a doubt become more modern, cool and chic from the traditional so have a little fun with yours. It isn't just those who celebrate Christmas that can enjoy holiday stockings -- there are plenty of Hanukkah stockings in stores too!

T - Tree. The holiday tree has evolved to a full out experience with decorating ideas and items that completely transform this classic piece. Artificial trees look more real than ever and are a great eco-friendly option. Many are now available with lights already strung onto the branches. Tree shapes and sizes have also exploded in options -- tall and thin, short and full, big, small, you name it. Pick one that fits your space, taste or personal style and decorate it your way.

U - Under the tree. Speaking of the tree, tree stands and skirts, and under-tree decor items are cooler than ever, with plenty of great design variation and ideas. You can find just about anything that comes to mind, but don't be afraid to play with your own ideas. When it comes to gifts under the tree, store them in terms of size and as uniformly as possible to save space. Don't forget the fun idea of having an electric or toy train under yours. Kids love it! Though be careful with what you choose for under the tree with pets, making sure nothing can harm (or be harmed) by cats, kittens, dogs or puppies.

V - Vacation. Many use the holiday season to take vacation, be it to far away locales, ski lodges, or just visiting friends or family. If you'll be heading on yours, be sure to allow for extra time for travel and weather delays, both as you depart and arrive. New boarding facilities for pets skip cages for open formats, with plenty of interaction, activity and socialization all day long, versus the days of kennels and cages.

W - Wrapping Paper. Gift wrapping has gone to a whole new level! It couldn't be more fun and exciting. Wrapping paper today spans the entire spectrum of the imagination, or you can have fun with DIY ideas. Stores like Target have particularly modern paper options for gift wrap, but don't be afraid to use the unexpected. Anything can go so let your imagination play!

X - X-tras! Make sure you have plenty of extra items before the holidays start. It goes beyond things like drinks and food to staples such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, etc. Especially if you'll be hosting guests. If you're hosting a party, consider something like Stack Wines versus traditional wine bottles -- the wine comes in individual glass size servings in plastic so no worries about breaking glasses during the festivities, or washing dishes after the celebration ends.

Z - ZZZZ. Are the holidays finally over? Yes! Take a few days before New Year's Day to get extra sleep and rest so you are recharged for the year ahead.

For more chic and fun holiday gift items, food favorites, ideas, see Condiment's November edition at www.getcondiment.com

Firsts

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Everyone had pimples. I didn't. Everyone had her period. I didn't. I never realized the two were hormonally related. Then, one day at 15, there it was, my "monthly friend." Aunt Flo. The crimson tide. Red River. Ridin' the cotton pony. On the rag. That time of the month. FINALLY, I was a member of my tribe.

I was a late bloomer, a sophomore in high school. I ran through the halls like the town crier announcing my triumph while holding a box, a rather large box, containing a big-ass Kotex pad. You remember, the one that came with a belt. A contraption that felt medieval. Until now, when I was excused from swim class due to my menses, I had lied to avoid suiting up and swimming laps in the chilly fall weather. I lived in Los Angeles. I was always cold. I still am. Years later, I put it together that people probably thought I was bragging-it-up about getting my period because I had missed the previous one, if you know what I mean. Losing my virginity would also be a late-blooming experience, as it didn't happen until I turned 18 and had already graduated high school.

That's my segue cue. I was visiting some cute boys with my adventurous friend Ginny. Ginny had a minor crush on one of the boys, Kevin. The boys lived in an apartment in Isla Vista while attending UCSB. They were surfer dudes -- so my style. I was just 17. Go ahead, sing the Beatles song. I'll wait.

We showed up at their door unannounced. Again, so my style. We had been given a vague invitation earlier that summer from Kevin, and were eager to make an appearance. We also planned on sleeping over, because that's the way we rolled. I'm sure when the boys answered their door and saw us with overnight luggage, they assumed they were about to get lucky. Unfortunately, I was about to get unlucky.

Over the course of the evening, I developed the biggest, gnarliest (a surfer word, so it's fitting here) pimple -- my virgin zit. A first. Right on my cleft chin. The cleft chin that had garnered so much attention my entire life, getting compliments from random people: "I love your cleft chin." The culprit -- red, bulbous and growing by the minute -- was just to the right of the cleft. I was hyperaware of this new growth. At the time, I thought it was because their apartment was a bit dirty, sandy, frat-house-y. Although both boys were really clean, the apartment had seen a lot of days and a lot of college students. We headed to the beach for a walk at night. The water, glistening in the moonlight, was calling to me. On the spur of the moment, I threw all my clothes off and dove in. Kevin's roommate Mark joined me. It was the early 70s. A freer time. We laughed. We flirted.

Ginny and I fell asleep on couches and in the morning, the zit was all I could see on my tiny face. As far as I was concerned, it was all anyone could see. We dressed and drove down the street, shopping for vintage clothes at Yellowstone Clothing. We ate lunch in the garden across the way at the local hippie restaurant. I ordered brown rice with veggies, smothered in melted jack cheese.

A few months later, I would experience another first. It was with Kevin's roommate Mark. I shed my clothes again. I wasn't sporting a zit that night.

The Fake Stuff Makes Us Want the Real Stuff

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I was 10 years old, enjoying a scoop of ice cream, when my dad, a marketing director, pointed at a poster on the wall, and said: "did you know that the ice cream in that picture is really mashed potatoes?" I sat there, spoon in my mouth, noticing that the image of the fake stuff looked better than the cup of ice cream in my hand.

Things aren't always what they seem, and what you see isn't always what you get. Some bakeries release a fresh baked cookie scent to attract customers, and the cakes on display are decorated Styrofoam. Perhaps it is the imitation of something that leads to the desire for the real thing.

When people see a fur coat, it is unclear if it was made of processed and dyed polymeric fibers, or 20 dogs. Trends go viral because people copy what they see, and fashion relies on trends. In his NY Times article published in September 2007, Eric Wilson explained how "clothing manufacturers believe that copying is the business model of the industry, where what becomes fashionable relies on the mass dissemination of trends."

Fur, was once used for survival. As humans advanced, so did technology, and an abundance of materials were developed to protect us from the elements. Clothing evolved from function to fashion, and the dilemma of ethics arose. The 60s brought the film 101 Dalmatians, where the evil Cruella De Vil attempted to kill puppies for a diabolic fashion statement, (which at the time seemed outrageous). Animal Rights groups emerged in the 70's with models claiming they'd "rather be naked than wear fur." Fur was something you might have found in your grandmas closet; and by the late 80's it was considered "taboo." In fact, women were scared that they'd get paint thrown at them by animal rights activists if they wore it.

"Faux" fur, made of synthetic fibers, allowed the mass-market to get the same look without compromising lives and ethics. Animal rights organizations, helped promote the synthetic trend, hosting faux-fur competitions in fashion schools and encouraging designers to use the material in their collections. For a while, it was working. But then things got confusing.

In her article for the New York Times, Julie Creswell documents cases of real fur disguised as faux. Dan Matthews, vice president of PETA explains how "the lines between real and fake fur have blurred. Fur farms in China raise dogs for clothing and label it as "faux" in the U.S. because that's what the market best responds to."

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"Investigations found that dog fur is still slipping into the country on unlabeled and falsely advertised jackets."- The Humane Society of the United States

According to the Congressional Record Proceedings and Debates of the 111th Congress, on Wednesday July 28, 2010, a labeling loophole allowed any piece of clothing with less than $150 of fur to be labeled without mentioning that it included fur, even if it contained as many as thirty rabbits, three foxes or a wolf.

Now, fur is everywhere. Over 500 designers are using it proudly. The global fur trade is expected to rise exponentially, currently at an all time high, valued at 40 billion, according to the International Fur Federation. This season, the widely promoted "Fur Now" Campaign, portrays men and women covered in fur, hiding the ugly truth behind a facade of glamour and luxury.

I wonder if the wearing and promotion of the "faux," normalized the style, causing the explosive resurgence of real fur back to the center of our culture. I believe that wearing anything that looks like fur advertises the trend and encourages others to dress that way. Keith Kaplan, of the Fur Information Council of America, explains: "People are still buying fur. If people were not buying it, stores wouldn't want to sell it." A loss of market demand will slow the needless suffering, and I believe that eliminating the "faux" could help lead to the trend's extinction.

It is a tremendous responsibility to know that what we buy and wear has an influence on the kind of world we have. Trends are contagious. We inspire others through the choices we make. If you care about our planet and its beautiful creatures, distance your wardrobe from anything that looks like it was taken from an animal. They need their fur more than you and I do.


For more information on what you can do to help end the trend, go to www.EveyClothing.com, and please stay in touch on Facebook.

Nothing Seems To Be Working For Abercrombie & Fitch

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Abercrombie & Fitch is trying everything to get teens and college kids to come back to its stores. It’s eliminating clothes with logos, rolling out new store designs and culling underperforming locations while attempting to cut $200 million in costs.

Yet it seems that nothing’s working.

The teen apparel retailer reported dismal results on Wednesday, with sales falling 12 percent for the quarter from a year ago, despite the multitude of changes meant to spur a turnaround. Chief executive Mike Jeffries blamed the struggles on weak store traffic and overall turbulence in the teen fashion industry.

“It is very clear that the young apparel sector in which we operate is going through a period of disruption, and turmoil,” Jeffries said on a conference call with analysts on Wednesday. When reached for additional comment, Abercrombie referred to Jeffries' statements on the call.

The lack of progress has some industry observers concerned that Abercrombie won’t be able to pull itself out of the bog. The moves may be “too little, too late,” Eric Beder, an analyst at Wunderlich Securities, wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday. With its logo apparel still in stores, bleak sales results, low traffic and stiff competition, he’s worried that the retailer won’t be able to recover.

“The glory days of Abercrombie are long gone, and the once teen giant has fallen,” wrote Beder. “We are unsure when it will be able to rise again.”

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Teens don't like logos any more, and Abercrombie knows it.


Abercrombie and its sister brand Hollister have fallen on hard times. Shares are down 36 percent over the past two years. The company cut its 2014 earnings outlook on Wednesday. Plus, both brands are losing traction among teens, according to the latest teen shopping survey from research firm Piper Jaffray.

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, teen shoppers flocked to Abercrombie, lured by the perceived coolness of the A&F name and trademark moose logo. But the retailer was slow to adapt when fashion trends shifted and customers began shunning logos.

Now, Abercrombie and Hollister are under siege from fast fashion retailers like H&M and Forever 21, which constantly adapt the newest styles from the catwalk, bring them to store shelves within weeks and sell them at low prices. A pair of jeans at Abercrombie costs between $68 and $88 when full price, while customers can snatch up a plethora of denim styles from Forever 21 for under $25.

“The Abercrombie and Hollister brands face enormous global competition and pricing pressure from fast fashion retailers that operate with price points significantly lower and inventory turns that are significantly faster,” John Kernan, an analyst at Cowen and Company, wrote in a note to clients in November.

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Hollister stores are being overhauled, but will it be enough?


Still, Jeffries remains optimistic as the changes roll out. Hollister stores are experiencing a full revamp, with new storefronts, softer music and less musk spritzed throughout. Logos on clothes should be gone by spring. Meanwhile, Abercrombie’s adjusted its marketing to appeal to a wider range of body sizes, and now sells some plus-size clothes online.

“In light of a very difficult quarter, we must ask ourselves, and I know many of you ask the same question, are we make the right changes, are we moving fast enough, will these changes be enough to overcome a very challenging environment?” Jeffries said on the call. “Despite the difficult results for the quarter, we believe the answer to these questions is ‘yes.’”

The Best Beauty Products For Day-To-Night Transformations

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So, your workday-from-hell is finally over -- and now, all you want to do is make a beeline for the bar to grab a cocktail (or three) and delicious appetizers. If you had time to go home first, you'd #treatyoself to a fresh coat of foundation, but at the office you don’t quite have the luxury of doing so. (Anyone who’s ever tried to apply a full face of makeup in a public bathroom can testify to that.)

This Year's Pantone Color Of The Year Is Marsala

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NEW YORK (AP) — Let's hear it for Marsala, the wine-influenced, red-kissed color of 2015, as chosen by Pantone.

"Hardy, robust, satisfying, fulfilling. At the same time there's a certain glamour that's attached to this color," offered Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Pantone's yearly picks can herald a marked presence of a color in fashion, beauty, housewares, home and industrial design and consumer packaging, though some years the influence is stronger than others.

The 2014 color of the year from the forecasters and industry consultants was Radiant Orchid, a deep tropical purple. The year before that it was Emerald green. Tangerine Tango had legs in 2012.

The idea, Eiseman explained in a recent interview, is not to choose a color that will necessarily "overtake the world." In Marsala's case, she said, the shade is complex but grounding — brown-red with blue undertones for a dark blush effect.

Eiseman and her team travel the world to observe color at play. For Marsala, they see an accent wall in a living room or office, a swipe of eye shadow mixed with bronze for a metallic look, a throw pillow, the exterior of a car or a bit of jewelry evoking the 1950s.

There's a natural earthiness to the shade, announced Thursday, a full-bodiness like the cooking wine it is named for, without overpowering.

"It really does embody a certain amount of confidence and stability," Eiseman said.

The hue isn't a risky one, whether in a nail polish, a frock on a runway or a pattern of stripes in a men's tie or florals for table placemats or bedding.

Eiseman noted the versatile shade was among colors Pantone flagged as spring/summer trends for 2015 earlier this year, as evidenced on the runways of Herve Leger by Max Azria, Dennis Basso and Creatures of the Wind, among other designers.

As they did with Radiant Orchid, the cosmetics giant Sephora plans a limited-edition collection of beauty products based on Pantone and its latest pick, Eiseman said. Marsala has been widely used in lipstick and hair color for years.

One of the color's strengths, she said, is the ease in combining it with gray, black, beige and other neutrals.

"It's a color that you can mix with what you already own," Eiseman said. "You can add just a touch of it. That's the intent and purpose. It is not the color that swallows the world."

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Follow Leanne Italie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/litalie

4 Tips For Faking A Natural Tan This Winter

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Your self-tanner bottle promises "beautiful bronze," so why does your skin look more "accidental orange?" Val Monroe, Beauty Director at O, The Oprah Magazine, explains the ins and outs of self-tanner application to get the most natural glow.

Choose the Right Product
Monroe says the biggest blunder people make is trying to go too dark, too fast. Don't try to go more than one shade darker than your natural color. "You want to get just a little bit more color, as if you played for the afternoon in the sun," she says in the above #OWNSHOW video.

For self-tanner newbies, Monroe recommends a gradual product that builds color over a period of days, not hours. "If you're just starting out, I would say that the gradual one is the best one to start with because it's the easiest to use," she says. "You can apply it like a moisturizer -- you want to be careful because you are actually adding color to your skin, but you're going to see a very, very gradual difference in color, almost as if you've been a way for a weekend and you came back and you were slightly tan."

Prep Your Skin
To avoid splotches and spots, Monroe says prepping your skin by exfoliating is key. Rough areas like ankles, knees, and elbows need to be silky smooth. As a pro tip, Monroe says to use a little bit of moisturizer on those areas prior applying self-tanner.

"Another thing you can do after you apply the self-tanner is to take a washcloth and just lightly rub your elbows your or knees, where you think you might have little bit more concentrated color than the rest of your body," she says.

Face the Facts
Though you may be tempted to slather your self-tanner from head to toe, Monroe says it's best to use a separate product for your face. "There are products that are specifically made for the face and most of these are non-comedogenic, which means they're not going to clog your pores -- whereas the products that are made for the body don't make that claim, and some of those are a little heavier or greasier because you may need more moisture on your body," she says.

Don't Overspend
Is that designer bottle at the department store worth the splurge? Monroe doesn't think so. "Actually, I don't think the price of the product makes much difference – this is something that goes across the board, not just self-tanners but with all skincare products," she says. "Because the large companies who have a lot of R&D, Research & Development, they're the companies you want to trust. So whether the product is $5.99 or $50.99, if they have a good R&D, you're still going to get the good results."

See what beauty products made Monroe's O-ward winning list this year.



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Miley Cyrus Dons Disco Ball Nipple Pasties After Art Basel Miami Concert

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It's nearly the end of 2014, and Miley Cyrus has been trying shock us with her get-ups for the better part of the last two years.

When the 22-year-old stepped out topless -- save for some disco ball pasties covering her nipples, a silver wig made of tinsel and makeup inspired by Mimi from "The Drew Carey Show" -- we hardly batted an eye.

Wednesday night, Cyrus attended Tommy Hilfiger and art dealer Jeffrey Deitch's Art Basel party at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, where she took the stage and told the audience, "You thought this was a respected place where you could escape me!"

Cyrus definitely enjoyed herself, and even sparked up what appeared to be a blunt on stage. According to E! News, she told the crowd, "Usually I don't smoke weed and drink -- well that's a lie ... usually I don't smoke weed and drink on show days, but I felt like it was fine in Miami."

After her performance, she hit up the Dream nightclub with her new beau, Patrick Schwarzenegger, before moving on to Eleven nightclub.

You do you, Miley.

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miley cyrus

miley cyrus




#artbasel

Et bilde publisert av Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus)



American-Made Chic Holiday Gift Ideas

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Those following on the American-made bandwagon know my commitment to this idea.

A year or so ago, Diane Sawyer reported that if every American spent a mere $64 on domestically produced items, the results would be an astonishing $200,000 jobs! It would also start the engine to creating a demand, for America, to become innovative again.

This holiday season it weighs even more heavily, on the heels of completing a documentary I had been working on for the past three years titled "Make it in America: Empowering Global Fashion." The focus of the film is to bring awareness to the consumer about the importance of Made in America, by examining what manufacturing once was, the decline and the re-invigoration.

We had a successful preview during NYFW this past September, which the fabulous Nina Garcia of Project Runway hosted. The film will be released January 6th. With voices including Martha Stewart, and designers and brand owners from J Brand, Nanette Lepore, Theory and more. It will be a great watch for the socially responsible fashionista. More to come on that at a later date.

My point in sharing this today is simply to encourage shoppers, during the busiest time of the year, to shop local. It can be challenging, especially for those looking for chic gifts. Many made in USA brands come across as hokey, so I am always on the hunt for those that exude artisinal qualities, luxe details or made by hand elements.

Here is a list of brands I think are making great products for kids, women and men. I encourage you to consider them as you continue your hunt for the perfect gift! Here are a few of my favorite things...

All things fashion!


1. Sven Clogs: slip on comfort with out loosing the fashion sensibility. I have the high heeled clog in wild mushroom and I just purchased the low heeled metallic silver as a Christmas for my daughter. I have already reached my $64 commitment but I have no plans to stop there.

2. Last year I gifted my husband a limited edition Shinola watch. Made in Detroit, this brand is killing it with job creation bringing life back to a city that was hit hard.

3. Theory: Not everything is made here, so you must look at your labels, but you can find great basics here that are well made and have sophisticated, yet simple design elements.

4. J Brand: My go to jean brand... they are by far the most flattering for my body type and available for men and women. My second made in America purchase will be from them.
Other brands to consider AG and Koral. There are a lot of jean brands that are Made in USA, with California still producing high volume jean production. Again, check the labels.

5. Fun Jewels for a girl who has everything... Jill Golden. For more delicate pieces, Jennifer Fisher.


For the foodie, beer aficionado and wine enthusiast!

1. For the Gourmand, St James Cheese company has a lovely cheese assortment. I particularly love the their Greek kiss which is a grape leave wrapped goat cheese from Mississippi.

2. Lager, Ale and more... Victory Brewing Company. They also make ice cream and cheddar spreads.

3. The perfect hosting gift: Salted Caramel Macaroons... French macaroons, made here.

4. Wine lover's try Johnson Family Cabernet. A great cab at a great price.

For the kiddos!

1. Lincoln Logs... Stave off technology for just a bit.

2. American apparel for baseball tees, leggings and twirling ice skating dresses(my daughter has a plethora of colors!)

3. Hours of doodling galore... Crayola crayons and art supplies

4. Surf Sweets and Tru Sweets candy, they are gluten free, gmo free and contain not artificial colors or flavor... a great stocking stuffer treat!

All my suggestions are authentic and not marketing induced. I have tried and own most. The couple suggestions that I have not tried are products that have peeked my interest and/or have been added to my own wishlist.

Happy Holidays!

The Fashion Project: Designing a Better World

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The impetus behind what Fashion Project is now came to Anna Palmer and Christine Rizk during a tax law course at Harvard Law School when they learned that nearly $13 billion worth of clothing and accessories were donated to charities annually.

The idea for the company's novel business approach was born that day and has since made it the leader in charitable online consignment.

The online marketplace accepts new and gently-used women's designer clothing and accessories. Once at headquarters, each donation is processed, photographed and uploaded into a curated boutique where private-sale prices deliver amazing savings to members and every great find means valuable support for an important cause. With 55 percent of the proceeds going to a charity of the donors choice, the Fashion project is not only selling great style, but also good karma to all its members. "You can open up your closet and look at all the charities out there and say 'I want to support this one,''' Palmer says. An item originally purchased for about $400 could feed a family of four for a couple of months when resold through the Fashion Project, Palmer says. "The impact is gigantic -- that's the part of it that makes us really excited."

While the fashion world has been branded with the image of being excessive, wasteful and frivolous, my hope and premise behind my business Style by Zoey has always been that there is potential for fashion to design a better world. Often starting with the spark of a single idea, entrepreneurs and designers are changing how the world views fashion's potential and ability to leave a lasting and powerful influence on society. From empowering women, to fighting childhood hunger, Anna Palmer and Christine Rizk are yet another amazing example of how we can use fashion to make a difference in the world.

Truth be told, the beauty of the Fashion Project lies in the fact that altruism isn't merely injected as an afterthought into the brand strategy, or used as a polite accent, but is embedded into the core of who these women are and what their business stands for, proving that Palmer and Rizk hearts are as big as their closets.

The Boston-based charitable e-commerce start up has not only supported over 2,000 charities since its inception in 2012, but they have also raised about $7.2 million in a new equity funding, according to a regulatory filing on Oct. 23, illustrating that fashion organizations can make a significant impact. Bottom line? No matter what happens in retail or on the runways, there's one thing that never goes out of style: giving back.

As Palmer told me, "Fashion Project is about giving back -- and what better time to give to people in need than the holiday season. Christine and I created Fashion Project to use fashion as a force for good and raise as much money as possible for charity by leveraging the value of second-hand luxury clothing. We encourage everyone to give back this holiday season, either by donating gently-used items from your closet, or purchasing something to spruce up your wardrobe."

In honor of Giving Tuesday and for my latest Style by Zoey "style with heart" collaboration, I've partnered with the Fashion Project to use "fashion as a force for good." Learn how to get involved this Holiday season.

After all, it is always better to give than to receive.

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Written by Zoey Gulmi

Michelle Phan, YouTube's 'Beauty Bestie,' Empowers Women From The Outside In

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Know this face? This is the face of a CEO, media exec, lifestyle guru, music producer, entrepreneur, author, multimedia artist, beauty expert and YouTube mega-star. And according to Michelle Phan -- the head of a multifaceted empire, a digital pioneer who reaches 11 million people on a daily basis,a woman who epitomizes multi-hyphenate -- she could be you or me.

Dancin' Dads In Ugly Christmas Sweaters Is The Gift We Didn't Know We Wanted

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Meet your new favorite hip dance crew -- whose day jobs might include professions like accounting.

In an ad for Sainsbury's, a supermarket chain in the UK, that was uploaded to YouTube, a group of dads, called "The Christmas Jumpers," show us who's boss at a talent show -- all the while rockin' ugly Christmas sweaters. Their perfectly choreographed dance to a funky remix of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" left us basically speechless, and there's no way you won't be, as well.

H/T: Right This Minute

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Father And Son Can't Help But 'Shake It Off' While Lip-Syncing To Taylor Swift

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Fifteen-year-old Sean and his dad were recently on a road trip lip-syncing to some Guns N’ Roses when a Taylor Swift song suddenly started blasting from the car speakers.

First, the two dudes were like,

dad-son-lipsync


But before long, the music just took hold:

lipsync-taylor-swift


“Rocking out to [Guns N’ Roses] is definitely macho, but it’s hard to be tough singing a T. Swift song. We just rolled with it and shook it off,” Sean’s dad, Chris O’Malley, told TODAY this week.

Hear, hear, dad. Hear, hear.

Since being uploaded in early November, the adorable video of Sean and his dad has racked up more than 1.2 million views.

(Watch the whole clip in the video above.)

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