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Miley Cyrus Looks Super Fit In Crop Top And Spandex Leggings

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Miley Cyrus practically lived in leggings and tiny tees when she transformed her body with the help of Pilates classes back in 2012, and she looks as fit as ever.

On Tuesday (Jan. 7), she stepped out in a belly baring crop top and spandex leggings while taking her dog for a walk, inspiring us to keep our New Year's resolution to stay active this year. Never one to miss an opportunity to show off her style, the "We Can't Stop" singer wore a vintage Chanel backpack, which the Daily Mail estimates is worth nearly $1,500.

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What We Don't Need To Know About Online Dating

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We've always been told that the more we know, the better.

Data is useful, to the extent that it provides a path to action that will (hopefully) yield more successful outcomes. If we know green tea reduces blood sugar, we can all go out and get green tea. Green tea does not elude us. (Heck, there are even things worth knowing that we can't personally act on, like what's up with Mars.) It follows then that if I know that the most popular women on online dating sites are Asian, 25-and-a-half-year-old, thrice-weekly drinkers, and I am very fair, Jewish, 24-year-old with erratic drinking habits, I can use this enlightenment to fruitful ends, right?

Yeah, no.

In November, the dating website Are You Interested found that, based on 2.4 million interactions on their site, white men and Asian women received the most attention from potential suitors, while African-American women received the fewest messages.

This week, dating website Plenty Of Fish released data that essentially paints a picture of the Online Dating Barbie and Ken. The site employed researchers to examine more than 1.8 million messages sent between heterosexual singles in the U.S. They found that a 25-year-old Catholic woman who owns a dog, describes herself as thin, and drinks alcohol three times a week is more likely to receive messages than any other woman. Her last relationship lasted between three and eight years, according to the analysis.

Well, congratulations to the seven of you for whom that is 100 percent true. Apparently the rest of us are out of luck when it comes to finding love -- or even a mediocre date -- on the Internet.

Plenty Of Fish also left us with a trait-by-trait breakdown for what men look for in women online:

Women who drink receive 4.4 percent more messages than the average woman on the site. Female non-drinkers receive almost 24 percent fewer messages. Well, bottoms up then.

You identify yourself as "thin." Thin women receive 41 percent more messages than the average woman. These are not real words. These words mean nothing. Not to mention the massive margin of error for reporting bias.

You are Catholic. Women who are Catholic receive 20 percent more messages than other religions. Wait, what? Why?

You own a dog. Women who have a dog receive 5 percent more messages. Those who don't have at least six or more cats, by which they will be eaten when they die alone.

To point out that the data is faulty is irresistible -- but not our chief concern here. The fact is, it doesn't matter. It does not help anyone to know that people they don't care about are failing to send them messages based on personal traits or behaviors they can't change -- and probably quite like about themselves.

What am I supposed to do with this information? I cannot become un-Jewish. I can only be as thin as a healthy diet, exercise and genes allow. When I see an allegedly cute dog, I feel nothing. None of these have ever been to the detriment of my dating life (with the exception of realizing it would not work out with a few canine enthusiasts), and if they are, it's a bad match to begin with. And no self-respecting person would, or should, adjust their behavior or appearance based on these findings. They are virtually meaningless, in all senses of the word.

These statistics aren't even useful to those who do possess the supposed highly-coveted characteristics. Does it elate them that they are the targets of the largest, likely least discerning group of suitors? Do they think "Thank God I was baptized, otherwise Lookin4fun247 might have passed me by." And what do said statistics imply about a 25-year-old, skinny, Catholic woman who feels as though her life has reached a standstill?

For the most-pursued online daters, reading these findings may only confirm suspicions they have about being targeted based on superficial traits. My Asian friends speak of a "yellow fever epidemic," faintly supported by "data," and they can't help but feel suspicious that anyone who approaches them does so based on fetishization rather than sincerity.

To be fair, not all data is created equal.

There is some sociological utility in investigating these findings. It is possible that these trends reflect the dating culture, and one sociologist concluded that racial discrepancies are likely a result of "preemptive discrimination," whereby one chooses not to message someone of a certain race because they don't believe they will be interested in them. This is worth knowing as it relates to the larger landscape of modern courtship -- and modern racial dynamics.

And of course both men and women have their preferences when it comes to attraction -- some broader or more evolved than others. Online dating provides a judgement-free zone in which to pursue them. But attraction encompasses so much more than a list of characteristics, even when it's happening over a computer. According to Plenty Of Fish, the most popular men on their site are brunette Christian athletes, who publicly state that they want children, drink socially, make between $100-$150,000 and have a graduate degree. The lesson here isn't "See! Straight women are picky and shallow too!" It's that distilling the ideal partner, male or female, into metrics better suited for a Census report than meaningful criteria for compatibility, helps nobody.

Online dating services, we appreciate what you provide us. But rather than tell us whose inbox is biggest and what their favorite food and blood type are, how about letting us tell each other what we want. My un-Catholic, un-dog-loving romantic life will be just fine.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST WOMEN:

Farrah Abraham Admits Doing Porn 'Ruined' Her Life

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Farrah Abraham has made a number of questionable choices in her short time on earth, but it was the porno she agreed to do with adult film star James Deen that she says "ruined" her life.

“It made it hard to have friends and a private life and to trust family, who I feel use me for money,” the former "Teen Mom" star told In Touch magazine. “If I went back in time, I would not have done it. The sex tape ruined my life."

The 22-year-old added, “Knowing my sex tape was out there for everyone in the world to see ... was overwhelming. I wanted to hide my face and not go out or pick up my phone.”

Abraham still insists on referring to her X-rated encounter with Deen as a "sex tape," though he quickly came forward to say he was paid to take part in the project, which was initially intended to be passed off as a "leaked" celebrity sex tape.

This is the first time Abraham, who seemed to be enjoying her extended fame since "Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom" was released in May, has expressed regret about the video. In fact, she's recently explored other aspects of the adult industry, appearing at strip clubs and she is scheduled to launch her own line of sex toys later this month.

Ellen DeGeneres, We Love Everything You Wear

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Ellen DeGeneres is hosting the Oscars, which means one thing's for sure: The style's going to be fantastic.

Yes, really.

If you hadn't noticed, the funny lady's got the whole menswear-inspired thing down pat. From her epic sneaker collection to her ability to pull off white pants without regard to Labor Day, we're surprised we hadn't taken notice of Ellen's smart, fresh take on fashion before she tweeted a pic of herself today wearing a sharp tux, all Oscar-ready.

How great is that tux? As further proof of her style genius, here are more of Ellen's great outfits. We can't wait to see the tricked-out tuxes and shiny loafers she whips out for the Oscars on March 2nd...

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See how it all started:


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Kristen Wiig Debuts New Bob Haircut At 'The Spoils Of Babylon' Premiere

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Kristen Wiig is ready for the new year with a new, super-chic bob.

The funny lady stepped out for the premiere of her IFC TV miniseries, "The Spoils of Babylon," looking awesome Tuesday (Jan. 7), in Los Angeles. Wearing an adorable Valentino frock, Wiig debuted a fresh bob, chopped to her jawline and colored a deep mahogany hue.

The new 'do has style bloggers swooning, and we can't blame them. The 40-year-old looks great!

Wiig will show off the look when she attends the Golden Globes Sunday (Jan. 12). She rocked much lighter, longer tresses at last year's event.

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Best Dry Shampoos: The Top 10 Products To Hide Your Greasy Hair

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It's hard to imagine a time without dry shampoo, the powdery hair saver that conceals our greasy roots, gives us back 10 extra minutes in the morning and generally outperforms every other beauty product in our arsenal.

But which dry shampoo is the best? We've tried dozens, spritzing and tousling until we ended up more confused than we started. But thanks to the data crunchers at Rank & Style, there is now a definitive Top 10 list of dry shampoos. Using an algorithm that aggregates data (including editor picks and user reviews) from stores, blogs and magazines, Rank & Style has selected the 10 best dry shampoos on the market.

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1. Alterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo, $22 This spray, formulated without parabens, made the list for the buzz around it. Perhaps it has something to do with Alterna's newest celebrity spokesmodel, Katie Holmes.

2. Tigi Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo, $19.95 This "virtually translucent formula" scored for positive user reviews.

3. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $21.50 Oribe products all smell divine, but this particular "invisible dry hair spray" ranked because of the growing talk around it.

4. Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, $24 This lightly scented product made the list as a top editor's pick.

5. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo, $20 Brought to you by the miracle workers at Drybar, this fresh-scented spray was popular among customers and has garnered major buzz.

6. Batiste Dry Shampoo, $7.99 This affordable drugstore standby won out in user reviews and was one of the most popular dry shampoo products.

7. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo, $21 The rare dry shampoo that's not a spray, this citrus-scented powder can be applied directly to roots. It was a top editor's pick and earned high user reviews.

8. Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray, $25 This spray goes on entirely clear (no white powder), making it one of the most popular.

9. Stila Cosmetics Fragrant Hair Refresher-Creme Bouquet, $28 This dry shampoo, which actually comes in a squeeze bottle, won out based on user reviews and popularity.

10. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, $18 This oat extract-based product is a favorite of editors as well as popular among shoppers.

Have you ever found bad hair day success with any of these 10 dry shampoos? We have -- plus we've got a handy guide to the do's and don't of using dry shampoo right here.

Check out Rank & Style's other awesome lists at RankAndStyle.com (including the top 10 black tights, the top 10 eye creams under $50 and the top 10 cold weather boots).

How to have healthier hair for even longer:


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Do you have a beauty story idea or tip? Email us at beautytips@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

Mindy Kaling's Elle Cover Is Sexy, Not 'Fat-Ist' (She's Not Fat...)

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When I saw the picture of Mindy Kaling on the cover on Elle Magazine next to the pictures of the other cover girls -- Zooey Deschanel, Amy Poehler and Allison Williams -- I didn't think anything of it. Honestly, I looked at all four covers next to one another and thought to myself DAMN. Mindy looks HOT.

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It wasn't until the tweets started coming in that I realized Elle showed full-body pics of Zooey, Amy and Allison -- but a close-up of Mindy. Many people said they were hiding her body. As in, they were fat-shaming her. But were they?

Coming from someone who is not fat, but not skinny (like my faux twin Mindy Kaling), I know what it's like to not be as thin as most celebrities. I mean, don't most normal people know what that's like? Amy Poehler, Zooey Deschanel and ESPECIALLY Allison Williams are all thin celebs. We see them on TV and in magazines and think they're skinny. Do you know how much thinner they would be if we saw them in person? REALLY EFFING THIN, PROBABLY.

Mindy Kaling isn't fat. She isn't a tiny little celebrity, but she certainly isn't large. She is normal. An average woman. If I saw her in person (and I'm really hoping one day I will, because I heart Mindy), I'm sure she would appear smaller than she does onscreen. The camera really does add 10 pounds, FYI. Except when you take a selfie with your iPhone from a high angle -- then the camera will take away 10 pounds... Just saying.

If I was going to be on the cover of a fashion magazine, appearing next to other cover girls on fashion magazines at newsstands everywhere, I probably wouldn't want a full picture of my not-so-skinny body on the cover. I wouldn't want my cover surrounded by covers featuring thin models. That would make me feel bad about myself. It would make me feel fat, when I'm not (or at least I think I'm not?). Call me self-conscious (and it's totally fine if you do, because I AM -- I mean, what girl hovering between almost chubby and almost thin isn't?!). Say I should learn to love my body. Tell me to lose weight if I'm not happy with the way I look right now. But when it comes down to it, I'll probably never be happy with the way I look unless my full-time job becomes working out with a personal trainer or my body type magically changes. The more the Internet keeps coming out with new body objectives to achieve such as the thigh gap, having legs that look like hot dogs and now the 'bikini bridge,' the larger average people will appear in the media.

So, Mindy Kaling's Elle cover doesn't feature her stomach or legs. So what? Maybe she's happier that way. Maybe that was just the best picture taken during her photo shoot. Maybe Mindy's face is sexier than the other faces (sorry ladies, love you all, but I've seen all the covers and Mindy OWNED that shoot) so they wanted to showcase it in the best way possible.

Mindy Kaling opened up about the cover herself on Twitter. She is giving people the chance to see more of her body. You just have to go on 13 dates with her.




I personally love Mindy's Elle cover. It's sexy, glamorous and mysterious. And to be completely honest, it makes me want to actually open the magazine. She's like a female Ryan Gosling meme in the picture. It's like Hey boy, want to see what's behind this sexy blazer? Open the mag to find out! Like, if I open it perhaps there will be a full spread of Mindy for me to explore (and I mean that in the least sexual way ever, I love her... writing).

So, let's all leave Mindy alone. Or not. She's on Tinder...

Red Carpet PDA Moments That Will Get You Psyched For Award Show Season


Introducing 'Brosmopolitan,' The Magazine For Dudes Who Love 'Anchorman' Quotes

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What would Cosmo for guys look like?

According to David Inger, a writer for the magazine, something like this:



Judging from the mock cover, bros are very interested in why Pitbull exists and/or is famous, something we imagine many women would care to know, too. And cover boy Adrian Grenier looks very handsome, even if he does, apparently, prefer flora to humans.

Inger designed the parody cover in Dec. 2013, posting:

Cosmopolitan has been on the cutting edge of women's entertainment and news for decades. Now, the time to reach across the gender aisle is finally at hand. Why did it take us this long to realize that, if we replaced the "C" with a "Br," we'd have a completely awesome new magazine for men? We don't know either!


We're almost disappointed that "Brosmo" doesn't actually exist.

Beauty Website DooBop.Com Is The Answer To Every Brown Girl's Product-Loving Dreams

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We just love go-getter gals like Jodie Patterson, who see an issue and tackle it with gusto, grace and -- in this case --plenty of lip gloss!

Jodie is the co-founder of the new online beauty shopping destination DooBop.com, which is the resounding answer to the lack of products readily available for multicultural women (read: brown skinned and curly/kinky haired chicks). Less than two months into it's launch the site is filled with an expertly curated collection of products from widely popular prestige companies, like Iman and Fashion Fashion, alongside a few little-known gems exclusive to the site, like Paris-based Nuhanciam and Ethnicia.

The awesome handpicked products and the site's sleek look are clear nods to Jodie's fashion PR background and her co-founder Benjamin Bernet's tenure as a marketing executive at L’Oreal. Their combined effort to inject some much needed diversity into the beauty market is much needed and definitely appreciated, considering black women spend $7.5 billion annually on beauty products and will spend 80 percent more on cosmetics and twice as much on skin care products than their white counterparts.

With that said, we caught up with Jodie to get the scoop on DooBop.com and its "beautifully diverse" mission. Check it out!

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What inspired you to create DooBop?
The streets of New York were our inspiration. We rode our subways and walked our streets to witness beauty in ‘real time’ - on real women. This city is more diverse and brown than anything else…soon the entire world will be as well. So we decided that the beauty industry needed to catch up to real life. Brands needed to be tilted towards a brown woman. So we shifted and leaned towards colors, ingredients and formulas that are relevant to this particular woman. It wasn’t a big political statement – it was more about being part of the zeitgeist of the times.

Is there a story behind the adorable name "DooBop"?
I was feeling playful and wanted to have something that evoked curiosity as well as action. Doobop rolls off the tongue and hopefully it imprints on you!

What makes DooBop different than other beauty supply sites?
Doobop curates and creates experiences you’ll appreciate on every level. We start off by offering free shipping and free samples with every order! Then we make sure we offer foreign products that you’ll only find with us. We’re more excited to offer the never-before-heard-of gem from abroad than the ‘market leader’ in the States. We’re about disrupting what we call a ‘sleepy ethnic market’ and bringing innovation and curation to a woman who is ready for something new. Our site has prestige and niche product from all over the world that allows the customer to explore beyond the confines of the proverbial ‘ethnic isle’. Plus we really care about women, all women. $1 from every sale goes to underserved and at risk teens through a New York-based organization we support called, Community of Unity. We work with the young women in the organization on many levels but I’m most excited to start talking to them about the business of beauty. There could be a collaborative project down the line!

Do you think DooBop will inspire more beauty sites and companies to take women of color into consideration?
Yes! We’re hopefully the first of many to edit for diverse women of color. And all praise be to the Internet and the power it gave to the woman! We now have a real voice that’s being heard in the millions. Just look at some of these beauty gurus as an example -– individual concerns are now relevant. Companies are being forced to listen to what we have to say. Women of color in particular want innovation, more options, smarter product -– Doobop listened and responded -- other sites will soon follow. It’s inevitable!

Tell us about your dashing French partner?
Ha! Yes, Benjamin Bernet is tres chic but he’s more than just a "good look" for the company. As our CEO, Benjamin comes with a decade of experience from L’Oreal as a senior marketing executive and worked on killer brands such as Kiehl’s and Giorgio Armani Beauty. He’s tuned in to the mechanics of successful companies, the business of profitable start-ups and how Doobop in particular can make a big impact. And actually, he lives and breaths product -- he knows our line-up inside and out.

Any special features on the site that we'll love?
We want Doobop to be a standout site, so we worked with exceptional creative talent to produce exclusive How-To beauty tutorials. Our team of six beauty experts, (Keith Campbell & Liz Owusu in hair, Cynde Watson & Angie Parker in make up, Sherwin Parikh in dermatology, and Jeanette Bronee in wellness) can be seen in three-minute videos that address modern beauty dilemmas and in the form of questions and answers -– all on site! We also give our customers special insight into products by adding our own “Why We Adore It”. This section gives it to you from our perspective and tells you exactly what (and why) we’re obsessing over! Bonus: customers can also take a quick and easy beauty consultation that allows us to recommend cool and surprising product!

Who are your personal beauty inspirations?
For me, beauty is about moments and memories -- I usually look beyond the magazines for ideas. For my personal beauty inspiration, I look to women that have a lot to say -– because that always comes across in the way one looks! I’m always tuned into these women: Bethann Hardison, a champion for brown women in the fashion industry. Gaby Basora, a fashion designer who plays with romantic and nostalgic looks in a modern way. My daughter Georgia Becker, who launched a beauty web site & app for teens that allows young girls to explore beauty in a personal approach. And of course my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I have a wall in my house of all of the women in my family dating back to the turn of the century. When I get dressed in the morning, I always stop and see whom from the wall I can channel –- from the inside out! Beauty is always so personal.

We love your Georgia by Jodie Patterson beauty line -- does DooBop mean the end of those fabulous products?
Thank you! It’s so good to hear that people like the Georgia line! It was inspired by my own children and the dedication I have to being a great woman + mom + entrepreneur + wife. It’s a line that allows us all to be beautiful without sacrificing what’s important to us. Everything I do with DooBop and beyond inspires me to do more with Georgia. Are you kidding me? Georgia is not ending; it’s got a bright future ahead. New scents and ideas are in the works as we speak!

We also asked Jodie what her favorite 10 products on DooBop.com are and why...

Beyonce, Kelly Rowland Crash Private Karaoke Party In Miami

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It would be pretty rude if two women who were otherwise complete strangers just busted in on your private karaoke party, unless of course those women were Beyonce and Kelly Rowland.

That's exactly what happened to a group of friends singing their hearts out at Sing Sing Karaoke in Miami on Tuesday night (Jan. 7), when Beyonce and Rowland decided to crash the party:







In case they read this, Bey and Kelly are welcome to crash our next Karaoke gathering anytime they want.

What is Swiss Style?

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Type in "Swiss Style" in Google and see what comes up. As opposed to, for example typing "French Style." What comes up has to do with typography, more specifically, the International Typographic Style. Also knows as Swiss Style, this refers to a graphic design style developed in Switzerland in the 1950s that emphasizes cleanliness, readability and objectivity.

Forget typography. Let's get back to Swiss style. As in Fashion style. What comes to mind?

You might think of the prototypical Swiss young girl named Heidi, so named after a Swiss work of fiction written in 1880 by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. Let's not discuss further what Heidi wears, or how she likes her pigtails to look.

You might think embroidery. Would you know Forster Rohner? A family business started in 1904 in St. Gallen, this company is known for its magnificent embroidery. While you may not know them, you might know the fashions of Isabel Toledo, who loves this embroiderer.

You might think of lace. While most traditional Swiss clothing is adorned with embroidery (see above), Switzerland is even better known for lace. Perhaps you might not know Creation Baumann, but you should. This textile/lace company prides themselves, in what I think of a as a very Swiss fashion, as being "125 years young."

You might think of Akris, the Swiss fashion house based in St. Gallen, described by a leading American fashion critic as "spectacularly unspectacular." I guess he meant elegant and understated. My most flattering pair of black pants is made by Akris. They know how to dress Swiss women.

You might think Bally, the show company founded in 1851 by Carl Franz Bally and his brother Fritz in the basement of their family home in Schonenwerd, in the Canton of Solothurn. As an entrepreneur, the corporate history of Bally fascinates me. In 1999, Bally was sold to Texas Pacific Group, a private American equity fund (yes, at one point it was an American-owned brand!) Almost 10 years later, TPG sold Bally to Labelux Group, a German holding company. Bally today? 750 points of sale in 66 countries with revenues generated by various channels, including retail, wholesale and franchises. While the Bally shoe business still represents 50 percent of revenues, the rest is derived from accessories and ready-to-wear (men and women).

OK. So we have discussed industry. Textile manufacturers. But what about style? Here are three examples. And yes, they happen to be my three sisters. Swiss style is alive and well...

Cyrille Polla (33). Free, unique, unpredictable. I might add vintage and original. Her fashion philosophy: Don't wear new clothing items right away, save them in your closet for a while, savor them. Shop your own closet. Fragrance: none. Cocktail of choice: champagne or Martini Rossi Bianco on ice. Diamonds or pearls? A diamond on her ring finger, pearls in her treasure chest.

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Rachel Polla (31). Classic, comfortable, sexy. As in sexy librarian. Except she is not a librarian, but a powerful private banker. Fragrance: Chanel N. 5 and nothing else. Cocktail of choice: a champagne cocktail or a Cosmo (Sex and the City, anyone?). Diamonds or pearls: diamonds. Was that really a question?

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Roxane Polla (24). Eclectic. As in she wears a lab coat most of the time (she is in med school), and riding attire the rest of the year (she is an equestrian). Fragrance: Coco by Chanel. Cocktail of choice: Margarita. Diamonds or pearls: Neither!

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Disney Princess Lingerie Might Kill Even A Grown-Up's Innocence (PHOTOS)

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This must be the other Fantasyland. An online retailer in Japan is selling Disney princess lingerie.

The Cinderella, Belle, Aurora and Rapunzel bras and matching panties, based on the character's gowns, are just frilly, pastel-y and school-girl-y enough for extra Disney-themed creepiness.

The sets, which retail for about $38 (3,990 yen) apiece in Bellemaison's "Disney Fantasy Shop," are for grown-ups, of course, but ewwww anyway.

That said, when it comes to style, the actual items aren't as yucky as imagining the princesses in them. The soft, solid-colored designs are relatively understated -- at least there are no characters' faces printed on the cups.

The Cinderella cornflower blue number is sold out until April, according to the website. "Princess world of longing secretly enjoy," the translated ad copy reads.

Bellemaison writes on its website, "Disney Fantasy shop is subject to the agreement Walt Disney Japan and Co., Ltd." But The Huffington Post has reached out to Disney's consumer products division to see what role, if any, the Mouse Factory has in this.

Until then, we pick up the pieces of our shattered innocence.

PHOTOS:
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h/t New York Post

These also might ruin your Disney dreams...


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Betsey Johnson in Tucson

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Just a few weeks ago fashion designer Betsey Johnson visited Tucson. She came via the good offices of the University of Arizona Center for American Culture and Ideas (CACI), the UA Lundgren Center for Retailing, and Tucson Fashion Week. During her visit she met with young designers, headlined a major fashion show, and showered good cheer on all who came in contact with her. She even did her trademark cartwheel and splits.

It was my job as the director of CACI to introduce Betsey to the large gathering and so I diligently prepared remarks that I thought appropriate. After sweating bullets over the composition thereof, in the event, just before going on I was persuaded by my colleague to chill and just give my comments off the cuff. Her call was the right one. But I have since reviewed my comments, and damn if I don't still like them. So this is for Betsey -- here is what I might have said to you under slightly different circumstances:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Wow, that got your attention, didn't it! Of course, while the word happiness (in this context I think) means meaning, we can all acknowledge that in this country we have the freedom to make our lives so that they matter to us, and that this can take many divergent paths.

There is an even older document that pertains to our situation as well, and that is the Jewish Bible, or as some of you know it, the Old Testament. You may remember that right at the beginning Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge, discover their nakedness, and have to find something to wear, even if that is just fig leaves.

The Center for American Culture and Ideas has as its acronym CACI, a most common material. That seems about right. We aim high, and are interested in high ideas, high culture, and high values. Yet we recognize the interaction between the high and popular that has always driven culture. We acknowledge greatness, and suggest that it can be known, appreciated, questioned, and emulated, but it should not overwhelm our desire for innovation and the new. We might listen to Monteverdi, Bach, Mahler, Copland, or Bernstein; look at the creations of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Picasso, Balanchine or Joffrey; and we might refer to Plato, the Bibles, the Declaration of Independence, or Dante, Twain and Roth. One of our goals is to occasionally remind our students of some of those elements of the past that allow us to live how we do, and of some of the things of greatness our forebears have left us.

But of course, this brings us to Betsey Johnson, and how she fits into this picture. For years, BJ has followed her own path to happiness and meaning, creating designs of imagination and beauty that have graced the feminine half of the species. I don't doubt that she has taken inspiration from many sources, old and new, during her career. In so doing she has confronted rather admirably Eve's dilemma, how to cover up, but to do so with style, wit, and allure. As a model for emulation, I hope that sometime in the future I will be able to do the splits, but somehow I doubt it. We are grateful for her presence here and her support of the University of Arizona Center for American Culture and Ideas.

A Visual History Of Amy Poehler And Tina Fey Being Best Friends

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Amy Poehler and Tina Fey go together like Nutella and more Nutella. In a perfect world, they would be in charge of literally everything, but at least they're running the Golden Globes. In preparation for Sunday (Jan. 12), we bring you a visual history of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey being best friends.


Emily Maynard's Engagement Ring Is Anything But Average

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For "Bachelorette" Emily Maynard's fourth engagement, fiancé Tyler Johnson popped the question on New Year's Eve with not one, but five diamond-studded bands instead of a more traditional ring.

His selection clearly paid off, as Maynard said "yes" and told US Weekly, "I've had enough engagement rings."

The pair met in 2012 at church, right before Maynard began filming "The Bachelorette." But the couple didn't strike up a relationship until after she and "Bachelorette" winner Jeff Holm had already called it quits.

Maynard was previously engaged to NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick -- the father of Maynard's eight-year-old daughter -- who died in a plane crash. She was then engaged to Brad Womack after winning "The Bachelor" and lastly to Holm.

Watch the video above for all the inside details on her ring and the proposal.

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These Throwback Pics Of Black Hollywood Are Making Us Excited For Awards Season (PHOTOS)

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The Golden Globes are just days away, marking the official start to Hollywood awards season. And everyone knows that the anticipation of seeing what the stars are wearing is just as -- if not more -- exciting as seeing who walks away with a statue.

To that end, we've dug up a few awesome throwback photos, via the Vintage Black Glamour Tumblr, of stylish black stars hitting the awards circuit. The old-school razzle dazzle has us pumped for all the award shows on the horizon. What about you?

Check 'em out below!

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Diana Ross at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1978 attending the Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year Awards dinner honoring Dr. Jules Stein. Dr. Stein was the founder of an entertainment empire that began with MCA, the talent agency turned music and film behemoth. Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage.

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Cicely Tyson answers a reporter’s questions on the red carpet as she arrives at the #Oscars on March 27, 1973. Ms. Tyson was nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in the film, “Sounder”.

black hollywood
Diahann Carroll with her daughter, Suzanne Kay, at the 1987 Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. Photo: Ron Galella/Wireimage

black hollywood
Harry Belafonte leans against an Oscar statue at the Academy Awards on March 27, 1956. I was going to wait until Oscar night to post this one but… Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images.

black hollywood
Debbie Allen, the Houston-born dancer, actress and director extraordinaire turned 63 today! In this 1984 photo, she is attending the NAACP Image Awards on December 4, 1984 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage.

black hollywood
Nat “King” Cole and wife Maria attending the 35th annual Academy Awards.

black hollywood
Whitney Houston with her 1988 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal on March 2, 1988. Photo via Corbis.

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Michael Jackson and Diana Ross at the 1981 Academy Awards.

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Billy Dee Williams arrives at the Academy Awards on March 28, 1973. He appeared as Louis McKay in “Lady Sings the Blues” which was nominated for five Oscars that season.

More vintage inspiration:

H&M Introduces Kiddie David Beckham Line, Giving Us The Gift Of Adorable Mini Beckhams

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What's better than one David Beckham? A bunch of mini David Beckhams in training, with all the swagger of the original with even more cuteness.

H&M has announced that its uber successful David Beckham Bodywear line is being spun off into a bodywear collection for boys. Everything is extra cozy and comfortable (do little boys wear anything else?) but with an aesthetic that differs little from the original: gray tanks, navy henley shirts, slim-cut boxer briefs and skinny sweatpants for lounging around (and watching cartoons, probably).

We doubt elementary school shoppers will notice the style details of the new line, but they sure do look adorable in it. H&M has released a few preview images of young models in the collection, and we just want to eat them up. How darn cute are these lil' Beckham doppelgängers??

PHOTOS:

hm beckham kids

hm beckham kids

H&M's core customer group:


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Paris in 5 Days: A Spender's Bender

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Recently I went "all in" on an extravagant girl's trip with Amy, my dear friend and business partner of 13 years. We spent more than a decade working like dogs for our long running internet startup (which was finally acquired!) and now it was time to celebrate the sale of our company Splendora in true Splendora style. While Paris on a shoestring is an admirable goal, this story chronicles the opposite. Here's our list on where to stay, eat and play with a Queen's ransom.

Where to stay:
BUDDHA-BAR HOTEL PARIS
4 rue d'Anjou - 75008 PARIS
+33 (0)1 83 96 88 88

I'm a firm believer that where you stay sets the tone for your trip and the Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris put us in the proper mood for the sensory delights that awaited. Bathed in hues of onyx and vermilion and tempered with contemporary European sophistication, the hotel is enveloped in a kind of permanent twilight -- a sultry welcome after a long day ... or night. The staff is also gorgeous, helpful and always smiling, not exactly the norm at other Parisian hotels.

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Amy and I splurged on a colossal three room Historic Suite, which included a spacious living room, dining table for 6, master bedroom and a bathroom as big as most hotel rooms. Its central location on Rue D'Anjou just across from the Tuileries and the Louvre made it a quick jaunt to museums, bridges and the Left Bank, not to mention the hotel's nearest cross street, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is the Madison Avenue of Paris. The Buddha-Bar Hotel Paris has all the sexy chic of Hotel Costes sans the attitude and pomposity.

Our Moveable Feast:

#ConnoisseursOnly
JIN was my favorite restaurant in Paris and many weeks later I'm still thinking about my meal. It's an authentic Japanese experience and an absolute must for Japanophiles and sushi lovers. The space is intimate and seductive with room for only a dozen diners per seating. There's also a downstairs, but the bar is where you want to be.

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The set menu features courses that are presented, jewel-like, on beautifully crafted dishware. Every morsel unfolds with flavor especially the sea urchin and toro with smoked sea salt, which nearly brought me to tears. Every patron, like us, was unable to resist moans of ecstasy after every bite and every course. It's just that fresh. It's just that good. Reservations are a must.

JIN ST. HONORE
6 rue de la Sourdière, 75001
011 33 1 42 61 60 71

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#TheInCrowd
Monsieur Bleu is modern, metropolitan, and feels very Manhattan It's the hot, happening spot where the beautiful people dine and boasts a majestic view of La Tour Eiffel from the terrace where outdoor dining and cocktails are mandatory during warmer months. The menu is deliciously straightforward. We feasted on French caviar, champagne, oysters and a squid ink pasta and truffle risotto that was rich and flavorful. It's often booked weeks in advance so reserve before you go.

Monsieur Bleu
Restaurant, Bar, Mezzanine, Terrasse
20 Avenue de New York 75116, Paris
tél: +331 47 20 90 47

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#ClassicElegance
Marius et Janette has the best fish in Paris and a highbrow history of hosting epicures and dignitaries (the night we went we caught sight of former French President Jacques Chirac). Whet your palate with a platter of oysters then order the whole grilled fish crusted in sea salt. Pair it with a crisp white Cordonieu and polish it off with a plate of wild strawberries. Absolument divine! Just try not to swoon when the check arrives.

Marius et Janette
Réservation : 01 82 28 77 40
4, AVENUE GEORGE V 75008

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#HiddenGem
Les Cartes Postales
Here's a wonderful little spot very close to the Louvre that we found for lunch. What makes it special is the unique and delightful blending of French and Asian cuisine. We loved the fresh fish carpaccio delicately flavored with soy and vinegar as well as other dishes that were French in concept but not weighed down with cream and butter. The portions are also surprisingly large so if you're dining with a girlfriend, ask for a share plate or you'll never squeeze into that YSL later.

Les Cartes Postales
7 Rue Gomboust
75001 Paris, France
01 42 61 02 93

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#Hipster Haven
Le Chateaubriand is located in a section of Paris that's akin to the Mission in San Francisco or the Lower East Side in New York. Its no frills, Brooklyn-esque ambience combined with a slow cook philosophy may have impressed me more if I did not already frequent establishments like this in my own city. Each course was interesting and tasty but the earnest explanation about the origin of every dish and wine was a bit much for my jetlagged brain. However, many of my European friends were over the moon about the experience so I should probably return when I am well-rested and more patient.

Le Chateaubriand
129 Avenue de Parmentier
75011 Paris
33 1 43 57 45 95


Where to Drink:

There were not enough hours in the night to swill cocktails but these three swanky watering holes: Le Mary Celeste, Candelaria and Glass come highly recommended by a chic, trusted source.

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We did, however, enjoy a late night at the posh, Russian themed Raspoutine, a former bordello turned nightclub where you'll rub elbows with models, millionaires and other exotic creatures canoodling over bottle service in red velvet upholstered booths and (if it's a wild night) dancing on table tops. To avoid hassles at the door make sure you go with a member or have your concierge call ahead and get a late dinner reservation. Action usually starts after midnight.

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For me a visit to Paris is not complete without a café crème at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. Both are tourist magnets and not exactly "insider secrets" but as an American I find it magical to think that at one time Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso and many of my Modernist heroes frequented these same cafes.

A Few Places to Shop:

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Nadine Delepine Make this sweet little boutique on the Left Bank your first stop and get gift buying out of the way. You can load up on handcrafted costume jewelry and girlie prezzies for family and friends that won't break the bank. I found something for every lady on my list from ages 5 to 75.

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Gianvito Rossi, son of the famed Sergio Rossi, is the new darling of the well-heeled. His designs are sexy, classic, and surprisingly comfortable though a pair might set you back around 400 €.

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Frederic Malle located across from Gianvito Rossi is a not-to-be-missed fragrance experience. All parfums are curated and hand crafted by artisans who have the best noses in the world.

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Reciproque on Rue du Pompe is the largest consignment store in Paris where you can find gently worn Chanel, Hermes, Lanvin and labels galore at a fraction of the cost.

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Bonpoint carries the most exquisite children's clothing and accessories and their boutique on rue de Tournon in St. Germain is an experience in itself. My American son wouldn't be caught dead in these fancy lad togs but my daughter felt like a princess in the leather bow flats and pearly pink velvet dress I found for her.

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Colette is where I let things got a little out of control with my purchase of a Comme des Garcons jacket. Make this your last day visit so you don't break the bank too early.

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And finally, you don't really need a fat bankroll to enjoy Paris. One of the best and most memorable things I did was totally free (at least for the first half hour). Simply check out one of the self-service bicycles located on most street corners (Velib) and pedal your way across one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Cameron Diaz Battled Acne, Binged On Greasy Food Back In The Day

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Cameron Diaz is pretty much Hollywood's poster child for a healthy lifestyle, but apparently she didn't always eat right and work out daily.

The 41-year-old actually ate so much greasy food as a young woman that she ended up breaking out and suffered from painful acne. Diaz opens up about her struggle and cutting out the junk in Seventeen magazine's February issue, admitting, "I was this skinny girl who could eat anything I wanted without gaining an ounce -- so I did. If you really are what you eat, I would have been a bean burrito with extra cheese, extra sauce, no onions!"

Read an excerpt from her piece in Seventeen below:

You might think my life is always totally glam, but I used to have horrible acne -- deep, boiling pimple -- the kind that hurts so badly, I didn’t want to leave my house. My friends said they didn’t notice, but I’d say, “It’s the only thing anyone can see!” No amount of concealer and foundation could take away the texture of my skin, the embarrassment I felt, or the pain of those raging pimples. I was miserable.

At the same time, I was this skinny girl who could eat anything I wanted without gaining an ounce—so I did. If you really are what you eat, I would have been a bean burrito with extra cheese, extra sauce, no onions! Sometimes on a Friday-night drive-through run, I would order a double cheeseburger with french fries and onion rings. I was the poster child for being both skinny and unhealthy—and I had the zits to prove it.

I thought I’d tried everything to make my skin clear up, but I didn’t realize all that fried, greasy, processed artificial crap was setting off a hormonal surge that sent my skin into crazy town! Once I cut out the junk, I saw such a major difference that I felt like an idiot. It not only cleared up my acne, but it also gave me this huge amount of energy. I realized our bodies are these amazing machines, created to be good to us when we’re good to them. I could hear my body when it craved more veggies or water. I had energy to spare, which was something I’d never felt before. I couldn’t believe I had been drowning out my natural cues for so long! I started reaching for avocados and tomatoes because they made me feel great. I went from focusing on how my face looked to focusing on all the awesome things my body is capable of.


For more with Cameron, head over to Seventeen.com and pick up "The Body Book," on sale now.
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