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Pregnant Carrie Underwood Is A Vision In White At The American Country Countdown Awards

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Gorgeous mama to be! Carrie Underwood attended the 2014 American Country Countdown Awards at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday night. The pregnant star wore a tight, floor-length white gown with gold detailing, her golden tresses swept to one side.

Underwood, 31, is expecting her first child -- a boy -- with husband Mike Fisher.

carrie underwood

carrie underwood

As hosts Florida Georgia Line wrote in The Huffington Post, "American Country Countdown is the longest running radio countdown show of all," and Monday night marked its first ever televised event.

After stunning on the red carpet, the "American Idol" alumna slipped into a belted, ruffled blue dress and performed a medley of hits. As the opening act, Underwood sang "Before He Cheats" before moving on to "American Girl," "Cowboy Casanova," "Blown Away" and "Something in the Water," according to E! News.

carrie underwood

carrie underwood

Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson and Miranda Lambert all were scheduled to perform as well.

Tom Ford's Controversial Gold Penis Necklace Has Some Outraged

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Tom Ford has a penis-shaped problem on his hands.

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has taken issue with a Ford-designed piece of jewelry called the "penis pendant necklace." The $790 piece, which is available in gold and silver, looks exactly like the name suggests and comes in sizes small, medium and large.

The controversial Catholic League considers the piece offensive, however, because the pendant appears to be in the shape of a cross.

tom ford


"When we learned of this item, I said to the staff that I bet this guy Tom Ford is a homosexual," Bill Donahue, the Catholic League's president and CEO, is quoted as saying in a press release. "I was right. He even thinks he’s married." (Ford is married to journalist Richard Buckley.)

Donahue continued his diatribe in an email to The Huffington Post Tuesday.

"A designer gets a little too cute with my religion at Christmastime, and uses sexual imagery to make a quick buck off of it," he said. "Sounds like someone who is not exactly Catholic-friendly, and has some sexual hang-ups as well. It doesn’t take a Ph.D. in Profiling to guess just who might be behind this sick gambit."

Gay Star News reported that others took to Twitter to criticize Ford over the phallic pendant.

The 53-year-old fashion star debuted the necklace at his spring-summer 2015 show in London over the summer. At the time, Esquire noted the possibility that the penis cross may be an allusion to the phallus-shaped fascinus charms worn by ancient Romans.

A rep for Ford was not immediately available to comment.

Jessica Biel Is Pregnant, According To Justin Timberlake's *NSYNC Bandmate

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Wonderful news for Mr. and Mrs. Justin Timberlake!

Jessica Biel is pregnant with the couple's first child, Timberlake's *NSYNC bandmate Joey Fatone confirms to InTouch. “He told me a while ago, and I kept my mouth shut,” Fatone says, “but now I can talk about it!”

Biel and Timberlake have kept mum on the baby news, but Fatone admits they can't wait to become parents. “Jessica is awesome, and Justin is a kid at heart. [They’ll have] fun,” he said.

The Huffington Post has reached out to the couple's reps for a comment on the baby news. This post will be updated if and when they respond.

Biel and Timberlake, who have been together for almost eight years, celebrated their second wedding anniversary on Oct. 19. Biel was most recently spotted at her husband's concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, and seemingly confirmed the pregnancy news in a clingy grey jumpsuit.

The 32-year-old actress has been open about her desire to start a family, telling E! News, "I'm not quite sure about sooner or later, but definitely at some point."

"It also seems like the greatest sacrifice -- and I don’t mean that in a negative way," she added of motherhood to The Daily Beast. "You sacrifice pretty much everything for this person, this little thing, and it does seem crazy, but when I see my friends who have kids they tell me, 'It’s worth it. We’d do anything for them.' It’s wild."

A wild and exciting time for the soon-to-be family of three!

jtbielbabe

Our Rihanna For Puma Wish List, As Told By Her Best Songs

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It looks like Rihanna is the "Only Girl" in Puma's world.

The brand announced Tuesday that everyone's favorite bad gal has been named its new creative director. Women's Wear Daily reported that the superstar signed a multi-year deal to "customize classic Puma styles as well as create new [ones]." She will also serve as the brand's global ambassador, which probably means one thing: a whole lot more Rihanna in athletic gear.

Rihanna is known for her wild style, so just for fun, we compiled a wish list of items we hope to see included in her Puma collections, based off of our favorite Rihanna songs.

Press play and browse through our picks. What do you hope to see as part of the collection?




The "Run This Town" Sneakers
sneaks


The "Please Don't Stop The Music" headphones

The Nama"Stay" yoga mat

The "You Can Stand Under My" umbrella
umbrella


The "California King Bed" Pajamas

The "Pour It Up" water bottle
water bottle


The "Shut Up And Drive"-ing gloves

The "Only Girl (In The World)" runsie

The "Rude Boy" muscle tank
rude boy


The "Talk That Talk" phone case

The "Shine Bright Like A Diamond" sunglasses
sunglasses

Britney Spears Rocks A Peachy Pink Bikini For Women's Health

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Britney Spears shared a photo from her spread in Women's Health magazine on Instagram Monday, and jaws dropped everywhere. For the cover, the 33-year-old slipped into a teeny pink two-piece swimsuit that unveiled her toned abs:

Thank you so much @womenshealthmag for featuring me in your new issue! It's on stands this week!

A photo posted by Britney Spears (@britneyspears) on





Back in January, Spears reportedly revealed that her workout plan consists of hour-long cardio three times a week. (Like Britney always says, "[You wanna] look hot in a bikini? You better work bitch.") The mother of two is also an avid yoga fan and has credited the workout for getting her body toned. It looks like her dad has joined in on the yoga fun, as the "Toxic" singer shared a photo of her dad taking his exercises to um, new heights on Sunday:


Daddy doing his yogger (Yoga) poses up high! lol

A photo posted by Britney Spears (@britneyspears) on




For more with Britney Spears, head over to Women's Health.

Top Celebrity Moments Of 2014, According To Instagram

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If it wasn't posted to Instagram, did it even happen? Not if you're a celebrity.

Good thing the people who tinker around behind the scenes at Instagram came up with a list of the top celebrity moments of 2014:

1. Blue Ivy and Beyonce killed it as Michael and Janet Jackson for Halloween.

Janet and MJ

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on





2. One Direction's Liam Payne joined Instagram, teens rejoiced.

Da boyyyzzzzzZ

Zdjęcie zamieszczone przez użytkownika Liam Payne (@fakeliampayne)






3. Solange's wedding was better than your wedding.





4. Kimye actually broke Instagram records with their wedding photo.

Una foto publicada por Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) el






5. Taylor Swift one-upped everyone by leaving comments on her fans' Instagram photos.
taylor
[@dreamingswiftie]



6. Justin Bieber stopped slacking off, and teased some music.

Cold waters

Um vídeo publicado por Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) em






7. Alicia Keys announced she was pregnant!





8. Beyonce took care of those pesky breakup rumors.

My favorite hue is JayZ Blue

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on






9. LeBron James asked a mathematical question.

6 or 23?......

A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on






10. In this moment, Allison Williams had no idea her #tbt photo would be a million times better than NBC's "Peter Pan Live!"

Thrilled to be playing Peter Pan live on NBC in December. I've been rehearsing for a REALLY long time.

A photo posted by Allison Williams (@aw) on






11. Ariana Grande's boyfriend, Big Sean, showed her some Insta-PDA.





12. 1997's self-proclaimed "King of the World" joined Instagram.





13. Taylor Swift had super secret listening sessions with fans, because she's Taylor Swift.

Yes we are ladylike. #1989SecretSessions

Ett foto publicerat av Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)






14. Rihanna decided to give Instagram a second chance.

Hellurrr #badgalback

Ein von badgalriri (@badgalriri) gepostetes Foto am






15. Britney Spears just wanted the simple things in life.

How I spend my Saturdays....lol.

Un vídeo publicado por Britney Spears (@britneyspears) el






16. North West sat front row at Givenchy for Paris Fashion Week.

Reserved for Mademoiselle North West #Givenchy

Uma foto publicada por Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) em






17. Channing Tatum celebrated Father's Day for the first time.

First Father's Day with my girls!

A photo posted by Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) on






18. Supermodels Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum celebrated the World Cup. Go soccer/football!

Vai Brasil!!!!! Go Brazil!!!! #WorldCup #CopadoMundo

A photo posted by Gisele Bündchen (@giseleofficial) on







The Creative Collective Whose Guest List Includes FKA Twigs, ASAP Rocky, and a Bunch of Supermodels

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The nightlife scene can be quite daunting for beginners, intermediates, and actually even advance level social media socialites. Though sitting down with Hami Delimi, of Pigalle, Pompon, Pain O Chokolat, the multidisciplinary branding crew based in the Pigalle district of Paris, France, you get the feeling that you are in fact included, welcomed even if the exclusive guest list includes people like FKA Twigs, Chanel Iman, ASAP Rocky (& the Mob) and international rappers alike. I was first introduced to the collective during the most talked about mansion party during Art Basel 2014, which Hami calls "a personal festival." Baselers were practically swimming to Palm Island to get a glimpse of not only the jaw dropping 12,000 sq ft white palace, equipped with a pool, ten rooms filled of tropical fruit, and, oh yea, an elevator. Throughout the festival weekend, PPP's guests (which included close friends) enjoyed catered meals, beauty treatments by Clarins and special performances by the collective's favorite artists, which also entailed a DJ set by Drake. Part night club, part hotel or hostel or Airbnb, the 20 lucky houseguests happily traversed around the estate in customized Stussy- pink robes, while another 700 plus guests enjoyed the pool, the sponsored Bud Light beer, and of course the view of lots of pretty people dressed normcore slash trendy slash gold grills on fleek. Not to mention the list of entities the collective teamed up with to make it all happen: Grit Creative Group, a creative agency based in NYC, Dazed Magazine, Mercedes- Benz, and Muzik Headphones, among others. Just a few days after hosting the party that boated in guests on yachts, Hami talks to me about what's next for the group's revival of the New York nightlife and redefining the hospitality scene.

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On The Mansion Party That Shut Down Art Basel
I am pretty happy the event, that was the third year we did Art Basel, and this year we wanted to bring a lot more. It was like a festival, because we also did a lot of parties throughout the year and this was three-day production. It was our flavor, and this is what we do the whole year in Paris. PPP is three entities. Pain O Chokolat, the base of the whole movement. It' more like a collective of 10 people. Pigalle is like a clothing brand, and on top of that we have the nightlife hospitality, called Le PomPon.

On Partying Around The World:

We are doing pop-up parties all around the world. We did one in Bali, for New York Fashion Week, a collaboration with Nike and then in Miami, we finished off the year. We try to bring a European flavor and soul to all of our events.


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On the pink robes guests were wearing all weekend....
We are doing different stuff. We touched on design and art direction for the Muzik Mansion. It was about turning this into a hospitality thing instead of feeling like you're going to a club. We wanted to have the event in a Mansion, real chill and for it to be like a family reunion to share and discuss. We created a robe that relates to the Maimi culture in collaboration Stussy, an American brand. Some people even got to take them home as a souvenir.

2014-12-15-BFA_10993_1337695.jpg


On The People Who Attend The PPP Events

There was an little showcase we did with Skepta. He has amazing talent, we love his specific UK touch, which is very different- we don't hear much from American rappers. It was so exclusive because we had an intimate gathering in the living room area of the house. ASAP Mob and Rocky were there as well. We like to give our guests exclusive moments where you can listen to music. .

2014-12-15-BFA_11018_1340973.jpg


On the Pink theme
We organized and produced the whole weekend. The light installations give the general ambiance that you would find in a club in Miami and we decided to give it this specific touch of pink.

2014-12-15-BFA_11025_1341821.jpg


On Who Got The Invite And How To Get Invited To The Party
Basically, we like to invite friends and friends of friends and as well as [random people] who also want to get a chance to touch this exclusivity. We like to touch everyone. We've been like this from day one. We come from nowhere and we had the chance to get in to the parties. If you come with good energy, you will have a chance to get in.

2014-12-15-BFA_11025_1341887.jpg


On Their Next Ventures
We have quite a lot of projects coming out soon. We have a new line/collection from Pigalle for Fashion Week debuting in Paris. It will come in the first half of the year. You have to just keep checking Instagram because we like surprises. In the past we did a huge collaboration with Air Force 1, in turning around (or redefining) basketball culture. We also have a huge event coming up on the 21st of June called the "Music Party" in Paris to celebrate the first day of summer. It will be our 12th edition. We are victims of our own success so it's getting difficult to pick a venue to fit everyone.
We also want to open a hotel that will include our lifestyle, the curation of events, restaurants and art decoration. So we are working on a lot.

The Story Behind Nasty Pig's Banned Holiday Commercial (NSFW PHOTOS)

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Saturday morning I was lying in bed, looking at Facebook, when I came across a story about Nasty Pig's holiday commercial being taken off TV. I immediately contacted Nasty Pig's CEO, David Lauterstein, to see if he wanted to sit down and tell me more about the situation. I'm extremely grateful that he did want to chat.

Phillip M. Miner: Can you tell me about the history of Nasty Pig?

David Lauterstein: We started in 1994. I met my partner/husband/everything, Frederick Kearney, in 1993, and he was super-talented, and he knew how to make clothing. I was really itching to start a company, so we began making clothing for friends. We started with $50 and a lot of balls. It grew organically from there. Now we have a retail store, a very strong online presence, and we sell to about 35 stores around the country -- all from nothing.

People used to tell me what we were doing was business suicide: calling a business "Nasty Pig" and building a brand around sexually active gay men. "What are you? Nuts?" I was like, "Give it 20 years. Culture will catch up." [Laughs.]

We're basically living the great American dream. We run an honest business, which is expensive! We put out quality, well-designed product. We pay our people well, and we even give them full health benefits. We've chosen to run a business with integrity and let the rest fall into place.

PM: That's really great. Could you give me a brief synopsis of the holiday-commercial situation?

DL: We shot and produced an ad, which was directed by Lil Internet, and we submitted it to Verizon Fios and Time Warner.



Verizon Fios refused to air it at all, but it was approved by Time Warner. They started running it late-night on certain networks, which was the plan. Then they told us it was yanked.

Despite our calls and emails to the company, we didn't hear anything from them. Every day that went by was one day closer to Christmas, and I was losing potential business. Eventually they told us it could not be edited and they wouldn't run it.

So Gawker stepped in and reported what was happening and exposed the unfairness of the situation, so I'm very grateful to the free press.

Some people have said they think I planned this scandal, but that would have been impossible. The ad was preapproved before it ran, and we purchased time for it to be aired. Having it pulled was never our intention.

PM: It would be pretty hard to sneak a commercial onto the air.

DL: Exactly. It's not like we're dealing with live TV! I would never pick a fight with Time Warner. They are an LGBT ally! They do good work for our community. But, in this instance, we were marginalized. We were terrified, but my husband and I decided we had to stand up for what we thought was right. Time Warner issued an apology, which we appreciate. And they assigned us a new rep, and we will be speaking soon to figure out what's next. I'm hoping to very quickly resolve this issue with them and continue our relationship in the future.

PM: And Verizon Fios refused to air it?

DL: Verizon Fios rejected the ad and said they would not accept this in any form. So, while Time Warner caught the heat, Verizon was never willing to even tell us why we couldn't air it. Time Warner didn't handle us well, but at least they gave the commercial an opportunity. Verizon Fios said [they would] not accept this or any edits. My media buyer said she has never seen anything like that before, that in her 26-year career she'd never had an ad rejected without edits. She couldn't believe it was happening. That's actually a bigger deal. So, Verizon, what's your problem? [Laughs.]

PM: What has the reaction from the ad been?

DL: We got so much support from gay and straight people, but there was definitely more negativity from within the gay community than the straight community. There was one gay man who's married and had a child and said, "My child shouldn't be exposed to this." I wanted to tell him, "Sir, people like me have pushed the boundaries so you could have children. We push boundaries of what's culturally acceptable so you can get those rights. You didn't get that right due to people like you; you got that right due to people like me." Fred and I were arrested at a Matthew Shepard march. We marched in Washington for marriage rights. We raise money for the Ali Forney Center. We are good, honest people who care very deeply about our community. Now that our company is getting more exposure, I hope people realize that, in actuality, Fred and I are a great example of what being gay in this century can be. You can have a white picket fence and you can dip it in black rubber, and it doesn't make it any less valid. I think gay people like us are a great example for the straight world too. Make your own rules for your marriage. Or don't get married at all! Just make sure your life makes you happy.

The amount of internalized homophobia that this exposed was amazing. Some gay men were saying, "This makes gay people look bad." That's ridiculous. If you love steak and you see a 99-cent Whopper ad, do you think, "This makes all meat eaters look cheap?" When you see a sexy bra ad, does that make women look like sluts? What was so different about this ad? People have sex! Gay people have sex! It's what makes us gay. Being gay doesn't define us as people, but gay sex certainly defines us as gay. My company's willingness to run this amped-up ad helps to push culture forward, not backward.

I understand that showing images of tattooed, hairy men in sexual situations is not the way gay men are depicted on TV, and I understand why it's threatening. At the same time, we are not showing anything that isn't real and isn't something you're seeing on TV with different kinds of people. If those were all straight people, I don't think there would have been a single complaint.

PM: I think you're right about that.

DL: When we made the commercial, we knew it was a strong vision, but it's no different than any other racy advertising. During the holiday season you have to cut through the clutter because every business is assaulting their customers for wallet share. That's the reason Victoria Secret does their fashion show in December. And there's a reason why Joe Boxer does their "Jingle Balls" ad, and there's a reason we ramped our advertising up during this season.

Gay people are inundated with images of sex. We know that. So our ads have lots of innuendo. When it comes to advertising, we like to say, "We want to appeal to the brains and the balls." By putting something out there that is well-edited and well-made and has those little nuances, it speaks to more than just blatant nudity, and it has something else. Our customers are intelligent people who deserve better than being pandered to with hokey, dated references and second-rate marketing. Putting our ad on TV allows us to send a very private message in a very public space. That's what Nasty Pig is about.

Our customers use our brand to quietly communicate with each other everywhere they go. They believe in us because we give them great-fitting garments and plenty of culture. And let me tell you this: I am sure as all of this drama unfolded and we got so much free advertising off of the entire episode, they were right there with us, cheering us on as we laughed all the way to the sperm bank. Right, guys?




Check out Nasty Pig's product line at their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

American Apparel Finally Fires Dov Charney

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American Apparel has finally fired Dov Charney, its controversial founder and former chief executive.

Paula Schneider, a retail industry veteran who has held posts at Warnaco, Gores Group and BCBG Max Azria, will take over as CEO, replacing interim chief Scott Brubaker.

Schneider joins the fashion brand at a tough time. The teen retailer, known for its risque advertisements and made-in-America clothes, has been dealing with sagging sales and nearly $300 million in losses since 2010.

Charney had been suspended as president and CEO of American Apparel since June 18, pending an internal investigation of alleged misconduct. He stood accused of using company funds for his own personal use, sexual harassment of staffers and allowing nude photos of a former employee to be posted online. He'd been serving under the vague title of "strategic consultant," and was spotted in October barking instructions to employees.

Following the investigation, which was conducted by a consulting firm, a special committee of the board of directors determined that "it would not be appropriate for Mr. Charney to be reinstated as CEO or an officer or employee."

Known as quite the "sexually charged" businessman, Charney has settled several sexual harassment lawsuits over the years.

Perhaps his most infamous stunt occurred in 2004, when he masturbated in front of a reporter. After his suspension, Bloomberg Businessweek declared "The Fall of the Sleaze King" on its cover.

American Apparel's board seems happy to move forward.

“We're pleased that what we set out to do last spring – namely, to ensure that American Apparel had the right leadership – has been accomplished,” Allan Mayer, American Apparel's co-chairman, said in a release. “We are confident that Paula Schneider has the skills and background to lead the company to long-term success.”

American Apparel declined to provide more details on the results of the internal investigation, beyond what was mentioned in the release.

It's the 'Cinema' Season, Perfect Time to Look Back at Favorite Movie Hair

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The past is a great place to find something new.

Take a seat in my salon and let's play "cinema time machine."

We're headed back to the '90s. Meg Ryan has already made it big in box office bonanzas When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. Then, in 1997, she did one of my favorites, Addicted to Love.

Let me clarify. I am a chronic hair watcher and I loved Ryan's pixie in that pic and make no apologies for the predictable storyline which, truth be told, I also loved. She was great in these romantic comedy dramas but let us not digress.

The hair's the thing, and the point is this: Ryan's hair style in this movie was great and could easily be the next thing we see again in pixies. When this came out we were emerging from the longer, bigger hair of the '80s. Ryan's cut was edgy with some pretty sharp color transitions, and it was piecey and shattered. Really strong and feminine.

The other point: hair styles never die. They go away for a while like Michelle Pfeiffer's in Dangerous Minds. By this time, 1995, Pfeiffer had already scored big in Scarface, Dangerous Liaisons and as Catwoman in Batman Returns. In Dangerous Minds she played a tough Marine-turned-teacher determined to reach these bright kids in a disadvantaged school ... NOT a great movie but, remember, we're talking about hair. She had a classy, soft, layered bob, probably used a big-barrel curling iron to get this look with the wave at the ends.

We could almost wear that cut anytime and anywhere: perfect for the board room, elegant for a gown with spaghetti straps, easy to pull back in a ponytail with bangs for a workout, timelessly natural coloring.

One more! Then I want to hear your favorite hairstyles in movies. Add to comments below. Help me write this. Think "90s" and we'll do other decades in other columns.

Ashley Judd had a lot of great looks in the '90s, from her more geometric bobs in Double Jeopardy, Kiss the Girl and Heat all the way down to a short pixie in High Crimes, 2002 (venturing just beyond the '90s). And she looks great in mocha brown and caramel blondes. That was more than one hairstyle. I Love Ashley Judd acting and hair.

We're currently in a trend of natural colors with soft transitions, lots of waves and curls but also a broad spectrum of pixie styles. That was then and this is now, but all of these hairstyles would look great on the street today. The past is a great place to find something 'new' and the movies provide a great resource for searching.

As always, be open to change!

Some Of The World's Most Famous Transgender Women Cover CANDY magazine

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2014 has been a whirlwind year for mainstream transgender visibility.

As we approach the end of this historic year for individuals identifying across the transgender spectrum, one magazine is celebrating the women who are living authentically and openly at the forefront of the battle for transgender rights.

For its 8th issue, Winter 2014-2015, C☆NDY Magazine brought together fourteen of the most prominent women who have become the faces of the transgender movement.

spread
From left to right: Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, Carmen Carrera, Geena Rocero, Isis King, Gisele Alicea, Leyna Ramous, Dina Marie, Nina Poon, Juliana Huxtable, Niki M'nray, Pêche Di, Carmen Xtravaganza and Yasmine Petty

C☆NDY cites itself as "the first transversal style magazine" and is reportedly named after Candy Darling, the Andy Warhol superstar.

Luis Venegas, founder of C☆NDY, told Style.com that the shoot found inspiration from Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue. “It’s the first time such a large number of trans women have been featured on the cover of a magazine," he stated. "Is it too daring to say that we’ve made history? Time will tell.”

We absolutely love this. Check out two individual shots with Laverne Cox and Geena Rocero below.

laverne

geena

What a Girl Needs: The VIP Lounge at the Dubai International Film Festival

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The one thing that is never far from one's mind in Dubai is shopping. Now, I'm personally all about the great films, the wondrous interviews and the interesting talks at the Dubai International Film Festival, but underneath this cultural activist beats the very mundane heart of just a girl. And when I heard about the VIP Lounge, run by Katherine and her beautiful helpers at Lumin, I had to go. I knew it would be like a trip to Santaland, and guess what... I wasn't disappointed!

So typically a VIP Lounge during a film festival, be it Cannes, Venice or DIFF, is a place where mere mortals aren't welcomed. It's reserved for the celebrities and their producers, an oasis where they can get pampered, fed, rehydrated and then released with about ten to fifteen bags in tow. The bags can contain anything from make-up to watches, to outfits to wear on the red carpet and jewelry leant for a photo shoot. If you run into someone with a flushed, happy glow and overwhelmed by bags, you know you've just experienced the power of a gift lounge in the flesh.

The VIP Lounge at DIFF is no different. Except that this being Dubai, Tiffany & Co. are the official jewelry lenders, and I was nearly blinded when I first walked in. This year, the Tiffany & Co. Christmas windows are absolutely breathtaking and their collection manages to surpass them. Walking on a red carpet with their gems, I dare any woman to look ordinary. These are extraordinary jewels, they have always been. It's why they wrote books and made movies about Tiffany & Co. They are an inspiration.

Walking in, I was immediately drawn to the cute men at the Lounge. One was the bar master for Haig Club, a new "Single Grain Scotch Whisky" which, in its dashing blue bottle reminiscent of a perfume bottle, aims to attract women and vodka drinkers. That said, my male colleagues all managed to snatch a bottle at various events where Haig Club was featured, around the festival. And the Haig Club Ginger Smoke Stack is a fragrant cocktail that I would really get addicted to. In a good way of course.

To the left of the Haig Club cutie, I found one of the loveliest children's lines I've seen in a long time. Cute Editions is aptly named, and features t-shirts with babies dressed in Arabic-inspired outfits. The baby T of "baby Lawrence of Arabia" is simply phenomenal and the cute "1954" little black dress for girls is a great way to bring a classic down to small sizes.

For all our handbag needs there is Saudi-designed, by Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Italian made leather company Baraboux which immediately caught my eye. I'm a huge handbag and shoe person and the colors and textures of the company's signature clutches for Fall/Winter 2014, born out of a collaboration with style icon Caroline Issa, are simply and elegantly delicious. Plus I'm partial to anything that creates a bridge of understanding between cultures and the Italian-Saudi connection is a no-brainer for me.

Sunglasses are left up to Rivoli Group, a luxury retail experience that anyone familiar with a UAE mall has been privy to. I love their accessories and their choice of four brands to feature in the VIP Lounge -- Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, Mont Blanc, and Swarovski.

For more jewelry there is Balu Joias, who are gifting their trademark Lucky 7 bracelets with a special tribute to the fabulous UAE. Bearing the colors of the Emirati national flag, I'll admit I've been wearing mine proudly since visiting the lounge. And designer Sharon Harris is a joy to meet up in person, truly beauty personified. I look forward to buying more pieces by her, like the mesmerizing finger-long snake ring studded with Swarovski crystals.

Watches belong to Jean Paul Gaultier and Escada, with a lovely model showing off the great brand styles. German brand Escada is present at some of the most prestigious gift lounges of the Oscars and the Emmy's and its products end up being seen on some super glamorous red carpets. While French couturier Gaultier is of course the favorite of pop icons like Madonna, Beyoncé Knowles, Naomi Campbell and Rihanna.

Social network Keek and Ethical Muse have paired up for the VIP Lounge at this year's DIFF to offer a jute bag with a hand of Fatima design that I quickly snatched up. Of course, Keek is the up-and-coming place to be online for videos and I'm figuring out a way to include it in my day-to-day social communications which are growing as we speak. I think we've all become addicted to social media and what's better than to see our friends posting their video updates and being themselves on a daily basis?!

For the scent-addicted in all of us -- I'm partial to anyone who smells delicious -- Initio, a French perfume brand, presents their Absolutes and Magnetics which blend pheromones with a bit of magic and mystery. The make-up side of the lounge belongs to Make Up For Ever which are official sponsors of DIFF and spared no expense in their giveaway, a mini-trunk of everything you may have ever dreamed of owning by this beloved make up company.

Finally, as humans we love our surroundings and a great home, filled with beautiful things is what I always imagine as my ultimate goal in life. I've always felt a bit displaced, grew up with parents who were self-proclaimed gypsies and being around beautiful home furnishings makes me happy. One of my favorite shops in Dubai is O'de Rose, which has a mini-location inside the Galleries Lafayette in Dubai Mall. With their pillows inspired by Oum Kalthoum, their funky temporary tattoos with Arabic calligraphy, as well as personal accessories like bags and necklaces, they've conquered me wholeheartedly.

And then, when all is said and done, shopping is a pretty exhausting sport. So nothing is better than discovering that at the end of the journey, there is a beauty lounge awaiting, on the terrace of this lavish suite filled with wonder, run by the ladies at Bedashing, which have some great locations in Abu Dhabi -- another favorite destination of mine.

The generosity of the VIP Lounge was so overwhelming that I could not take an Abra home, afraid it would sink from the weight of all the goodies collected. I took a buggy instead. Ah, yes, bless those first world girl, heavenly film festival problems!



Most images courtesy of Lumin, used with permission.

15 Celebrities Turning The Big 5-0 In 2015

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Make way for the Gen-X'ers! While 2014 may have been the year of the boomer, 2015 is the beginning of a new era; one where Generation X starts turning 50.

According to some, Generation X is the sandwich generation, spanning just about 15 years starting in 1965. That was a time when Lyndon B. Johnson was president, "My Fair Lady" won the Oscar for best picture, and the Civil Rights movement was in full swing.

We have to say, 50 just keeps getting hotter every year. In 2013, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp, both former "Sexiest Man Alive" title-holders, celebrated the milestone birthday. This year, we welcomed First Lady Michelle Obama, Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves into the fold, to name a few. And this coming year, things are going to heat up even more when our favorite superhero, Hollywood's resident bad boy, and half of the Sex and the City crew all turn the big 5-0:


Why Women Spend Hundreds On Athletic Clothes They Don't Actually Wear To Work Out

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In the not-so-distant past, women wore workout clothes to work out. Wearing them to brunch, happy hour and work was hardly thought of as fashionable. In fact, it was considered pretty odd. But in 2014, sales of leggings and yoga pants are up, while denim sales are down. People are wearing trendy workout clothes all day, every day -- and it's cool.

We have officially entered the age of "Athleisure" clothing, activewear that's not actually worn for sweaty workouts. Yes, women aren't always buying these clothes with the intention of hitting the treadmill or yoga mat. They're often wearing them because they're comfortable, attractive and make them feel good about themselves.

"I wear workout clothes to university, out with friends and to and from the gym. I wear workout clothes when I'm not working out because they look good, and they're comfortable,” Toronto resident Delia Xenophontos, 19, told The Huffington Post.

Jahni McBryde, a mom who lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, said she wears athletic clothing in many situations because "workout clothes are not only comfortable, but they are really cute too."

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Lululemon "High Times" yoga pants.


Ladies are shelling out hundreds of dollars for the newest Lululemon gear. Designer Alexander Wang released an athletic line for H&M this fall. Topshop will debut a Beyonce workout line in 2015. Websites like Carbon 38 and Net-A-Porter cater heavily to online shoppers seeking trendy gym and yoga clothes.

Sales figures present a fairly compelling reason why retailers are launching new workout lines. In the United States, workout apparel has been trending up in the past three years, and sales jumped 7 percent between July 2013 and June 2014, according to data from The NPD Group. Additionally, activewear accounted for $33.7 billion in sales and made up 16 percent of the apparel market.

On a smaller scale, Nike's apparel revenue jumped 10 percent in the fiscal quarter that ended Aug. 31 compared to the same period in 2013, while Under Armour's apparel net revenue was up 26 percent in its most recent fiscal quarter. Lululemon's net revenue was up 10 percent during the most recent quarter.

What's going on, exactly? For one thing, the expectations for women's bodies has shifted a bit. In the 1990s, a super-thin, waif-like body was idealized; now the focus seems to be on thin and toned bodies. According to fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen, a person who exercises may be perceived as attractive, so wearing clothing meant for working out makes people feel healthy and fit, even if they aren't.

“People want to be healthy. They want people to know they live a healthy lifestyle, exercise and take pride in themselves. You want people to know you live a healthy lifestyle," Karen told HuffPost. "But at the same time, half of these people are actually really lazy. You may do a yoga pose for two minutes and then say, 'OK, there. I did my exercise.' There's a psychological aspect of wanting people to know this about you and for you to know it about yourself. It makes you more attractive to others -- to friends, to family, to a mate. We want people that are fit or trying to become fit.”

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Sports bra from Alexander Wang's H&M collection.


Being a fit woman is ideal for now, but how long will Athleisure stick around? Even if emphasis is eventually taken off fitness, Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner, author of You Are What You Wear, predicts that some variation of this clothing trend is here to stay.

"Comfortable and multifunction clothing will always have a place in our wardrobes," she told HuffPost. "Athleisure will probably stay around as long as our desire for novelty is satiated with variations of the classics, like black yoga pants, jeans and white T-shirts."

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Koral Activewear "Lustrous Leggins in Summit," available on Carbon 38.

Cop Designs 'Breathe Easy, Don't Break The Law' T-Shirts

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"I Can't Breathe" shirts have become a ubiquitous sign of protest against what many feel was an unjust decision not to indict the cop who put Eric Garner in a chokehold before his death.

But now, a law enforcement uniform company in Mishawaka, Indiana, has designed a shirt that says, "Breathe Easy, Don't Break the Law."





Raw Story and other outlets have suggested the shirt is a form of counter-protest against those who think the Garner acquittal was unfair.

But in a Facebook post, South Bend Uniform owner and Mishawaka Police Corporal Jason Barthel insists that the shirt's message is one of unity.

"For those upset, please understand when we use the slogan 'Breathe Easy' we are referring to knowing the police are there for you!" the post said. "We are one people, one nation regardless of race, religion, creed or gender. We are all in this together. The police are here to protect and serve. 99.9% of us have the greater good in our hearts each time we strap on our uniforms and duty belts. We are all one people and this is by no means is a slam on Eric Garner or his family, God rest his soul. Lets all band together as AMERICANS regardless of our feelings and know we can and will be better!"

South Bend did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Huffington Post.

Fox Sports Deportes reporter Erika Reidt was suspended after allegedly posting a similar comment on Instagram.

"I’m gonna start wearing a shirt that says I can breathe because I obey the law,” Reidt apparently said under a photo of the Lakers' Kobe Bryant wearing an "I Can't Breath" shirt. Reidt claimed her account was hacked, but Fox Sports Deportes announced it was suspending her while it conducted an investigation.



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Why We Get Depressed At The Holidays, And How To Deal

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It's the most wonderful time of the year... well, not for everyone.

While images of love and joy fill storefronts, TV screens and magazine pages, for many people, the reality of the holidays isn't so cheerful. Between stressful end-of-year deadlines, family dysfunction and loss, poor eating and drinking habits, and increasingly cold and dark winter days, it's easy for the holiday season to feel not-so-merry and bright.

Constant reminders of others' happy seasons can additionally serve as a painful reminder of the happiness and love that's lacking in our own lives. For this reason, the month of December can be a particularly difficult time of year for those dealing with family conflict, loss, break-ups, divorce, loneliness and mental health issues.

Feelings of depression and negative mood affect many people at the holidays, and not just those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression. While there hasn't been data to suggest an actual rise in depression rates and suicides in December -- research has found that depression and suicide actually peak in the Spring -- some experts say that the holiday blues are a very real phenomenon. And of course, there's plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that this is the case.

Here are some of the risk factors of holiday depression, and how you can avoid them.

Setting up unrealistic expectations.

Hoping for a picture-perfect White Christmas holiday is setting yourself up for not only disappointment, but potentially depression.

"People have this anticipation or fantasy of the holiday that you would see on TV," psychiatrist Dr. Mark Sichel, author of Healing From Family Rifts, tells The Huffington Post, adding that his practice gets much busier after the holidays. "Actually, it's never exactly as people anticipate and it's often disappointing. There's often strife within families that comes out at holiday times."

Especially when it comes to family especially, it's important to manage expectations during the holidays and not hope for things to be perfect. If holidays tend to be a time of conflict in your family, or you've recently experienced the loss of a loved one, putting pressure on your family to all get along or to be cheerful could lead to disappointment and additional anxiety.

Being mindful of what you do have to be thankful for -- your sister who always makes family gatherings bearable, getting a week off of work, or just the promise of a fresh start with the beginning of the new year -- can help combat feelings of deficiency and lack.

"Realize that the holidays do end -- and take stock of what you can be grateful for," says Sichel. "Having gratitude is probably the best antidote against depression."

Trying to do too much.

At the holidays, the pressure of trying to do everything -- plan the perfect holiday, make it home to see your family, say yes to every event, meet those year-end deadlines -- can be enough to send anyone into a tail spin. And if you're prone to anxiety and depression, stress (and a lack of sleep) can take a significant toll on your mood.

A heightened pressure and fear of not getting everything done are some of the most common triggers for the holiday blues, according to Sichel.

"Being bogged down by perfectionism" can contribute to feeling down, says Sichel. "Many people feel they just can't do the right thing, that family members are always disappointed in them."

Comparing your insides to someone else's outsides.

Both in real life and on social media, it can be difficult to avoid comparing yourself with others around Christmastime. If you have a less-than-perfect family, a past trauma from this time of year, or just a less-than-full holiday dance card, comparing your holiday experience with other peoples' is a recipe for increased sadness and isolation.

And as Sichel points out, these comparisons tend to be skewed -- and they tend to make us feel bad about ourselves.

"People's basis for comparison is not based in reality, because most families have issues and most people do not have the perfect Christmas that they would like to have or that they'd remember from their childhood," says Sichel.

Slacking on self-care.

For many people, December is the busiest time of the year. When work pressures pile up and the calendar gets full with social obligations, the routines that normally keep us healthy and happy -- yoga class, morning runs, healthy home-cooked meals, a meditation practice -- are usually the first thing to fall by the wayside.

In addition to increased stress, eating poorly and drinking excessively can also exacerbate issues like stress, anxiety and depression.

"Take care of yourself -- don't overeat and over-drink," says Sichel. "Do your regular routines of exercise and whatever keeps you together during the year."

Sichel emphasizes the importance of avoiding binge drinking. Alcohol is everywhere during the holidays, and if you're struggling with feeling down, it may be wise to avoid drinking as much as possible -- alcohol is known to worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

If you tend to start feeling down when winter approaches each year, and those negative feelings don't go away after the holidays are over, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

According to Sichel, many people who think they are suffering from a case of holiday blues may actually be suffering from SAD, a form of depression that's brought on by the change of seasons. But SAD shouldn't be dismissed as mere "winter blues" -- talk to your doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of the disorder to find a treatment that works for you.

The 6 Most Important Plus-Size Fashion Moments Of 2014

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Plus-Size fashion had its fair share of ups and downs. In recent years, however, the progress that has been made toward a more equal, inclusive industry has shifted from idea to action. Curvy women make more appearances in magazines, plus-size fashion shows and beyond.

And yet, thinking back on all these achievements, it is clear there's still a long way to go. A number of retailers have found themselves in hot water this year for up-charging plus-size garments or using insensitive language to describe their larger options. It's clear, however, there are still many things to celebrate. It's the perfect opportunity to take a look back at some of the most important things that happened for plus-size fashion this year.

1. Eloquii relaunched, giving plus-size style an entirely new meaning.

Eloquii, which once existed (and consequently closed) as a branch of The Limited, relaunched this year with an entirely new image. The site, which originally aimed to provide work appropriate options in a range of sizes, now offers on-trend, fast fashion to its customers. When asked why the retailer shifted focus to a more stylish place, creative director Jodi Arnold told HuffPost: "One of the biggest misconceptions people have about plus-size women is that there are only certain things that would look good on her. We want her to know that she can wear every trend, as long as its cut for her specific body and proportions."

2. IMG signed five plus-size models to its regular roster.

While other, smaller agencies have signed plus-size models in the past, this move was huge for such a prominent agency (which represents big-timers Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss, to name a few). The likes of Ashley Graham and Marquita Pring were seen in a Vogue.com spread last month. Here's hoping that this move will open the door to more opportunities for curvy models.

3. Candice Huffine becomes the first plus-size model to be included in the annual Pirelli calendar.

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The legendary calendar, which features some of the top models each year, introduced its first ever plus-size model into the mix in 2014. And while Candice Huffine, the gorgeous woman who was chosen to pose in the calendar is no stranger to the modeling world, her inclusion means a more diverse version of the calendar moving forward, which is extremely exciting.

4. London Fashion Week featured an entirely plus-size fashion show.

UK-based plus-size retailer Evans made a huge statement during London Fashion Week with its first ever fashion show. The show showcased its "Design Collective" line, which commissioned designers to restructure some of their classic styles to accommodate more shapes and sizes. As the company revealed in a statement, the show proved to the community that "high fashion is for all."

5. Lane Bryant hosted its own Fashion Show in New York City with Isabel Toledo, their most fashionable collaborator yet.

isabel toledo

Lane Bryant has long been a well-known source for plus-size offerings, but it only recently vamped up its image to attract a more stylish crowd. The partnership with Isabel Toledo proved that they have made fashion a priority, and the show -- which once again featured favorites like Ashley Graham and Robyn Lawley -- was a great success.

6. Renee Posey called on Old Navy to stop price discrimination on plus-size garments.

After discovering that Old Navy charges more money for women's plus-size garments than men's, Renee Posey started a little petition. Over 95,000 signatures later, she has not only succeeded in shedding light on the issue but is also making strides to actually change things. As she shares on her Change.org page, she is "thrilled that Old Navy and its parent company, Gap Inc., have chosen to take the very first steps in the long process of making these changes by agreeing to change their returns policy as it pertains to their plus-sized women's line and by instituting a panel of full-figured women to advise them of what we would like to see in their plus-sized range." Although the company continues selling their plus-size women's clothing at a higher price, this is at least a step in the right direction.

What was your favorite plus-size fashion moment of the year? Sound off below, and here's to many more in 2015!

23 Beyoncé-Inspired Gifts To Make Your Home Look Flawless This Season

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You rarely see us fawning over celebrities on HuffPost Home -- okay, maybe just a little bit -- but we all know that Beyoncé transcends your average celebrity. She IS royalty, after all.

Therein lies our secret longing for all the Beyoncé-inspired fan art, wall decals, wall clocks, silverware, rugs, needlepoint, and even candles that we've rounded up here. Basically, the ultimate gift guide for fellow BeyHive lovers.

If Beyoncé's already the Queen Of Our Hearts, why not let her be the Queen Of Our Homes?

I'm a Person With a Disability and My Body Is Not a Mistake

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This article is an excerpt of writings regarding body acceptance while living with a disability. As a young woman in my early twenties with a physical disability, I've come to accept and own the body I've been given regardless of society's pressures and conception of able-bodied beauty.

Life has given me twists and turns, and at times I've been confused as to which way is up.

People have told me that I'm weak -- that I won't measure up to anything, that my dreams cannot be fulfilled. And science cannot treat or stop a progressive disease. I've been left to fend for myself. My innocence stripped away and abandoned as a child, afraid and conflicted in the eye of a storm.

I've been searching for answers and looking for serenity for years; whether that's in a human connection, scriptures, or quotes in hopes of making peace with a card I was not expecting to be given.

For years I thought I was living a nightmare, aimlessly waiting to be awoken and told that I was experiencing a horrifying hallucination. I felt crushed and hopeless when thinking about a future, and if there was one, when living in a body that may fail my dreams and aspirations.

I cried.

And I cried for nights.

Since then, I've questioned where I've belonged -- in relationships, friendships, in my community, in society. I've questioned my talents. I've questioned my opinions and capabilities. I even questioned how I can measure myself in a body that conflicts with my desires.

But as inner turmoil may come and go, I've come to realize that my body is pure, specifically designed, and not left to be abandoned. That my body is a dimension of myself, and something of power and strength. Whether society, strangers, friends, lovers or family understand the true perception of me may or may not matter. What matters is how I see myself.

It doesn't matter if science ever has answers for me.

What matters is that I continue to push forward.

It doesn't matter what society thinks of me.

What matters is that I see my body's pureness.

It doesn't matter if I use a walker, wheelchair, power chair, or any medical devices.

What matters is that I can move freely and independently.

It doesn't matter what doctors tell me.

What matters is that I own my body and that I'm my own advocate.

It doesn't matter.

None of it matters.

What matters is that I continue to live.

Like my finger to the wind, I will continue to live on. I will continue to chase after and live my dreams. Because I can. I am autonomous and it's my prerogative to live the life specifically designed for me, guided by my inner light. That light, an inner flame that has guided me from a child in the eye of a storm to now, taking a stand and owning my body.

My body has taken me to places I once dreamed of. My body has traveled across the world through different time zones -- the Acropolis, Olympic stadiums, the Andes Mountains to Nelson Mandela's hometown. My body has a powerful voice-- from attending the United Nations, Capitol Hill, the White House to meeting a president. And my body has broken records; shattering preconceived limitations of the human body. With every stroke and deep breath, my body has pushed passed every roadblock and closed door; and will continue to do so. My body is beautiful. My body is an incredible gift

My physical dimension is a magnificent piece of artwork; carefully painted, sculpted, and drawn to its truest form. Every freckle, mole and piece of skin was intentionally designed. My body is not a mistake. It has carried me through every chapter of my life and will continue to do so; regardless of not knowing what the future holds. My body is miraculous as it molds into different phases of my life and carries me through moments of pain and exertion to times of peace and relaxation.

My body is incredibly strong. It was not made of porcelain and intended to easily break. My body is cohesive and sturdy -- like water and the trunk of a tree, and perfectly blends with nature's elements. Its bark may be rough and torn around the edges, but its inner being was specifically created to withstand all storms in any season.

My body has always been there for me. It will never leave me and it will always do its best at whatever we encounter together. My body is a dimension of myself and will forever stay by my side. It's time to fully own my body as it's one incredible creation.

My body is a gift.

A gift I am grateful for.


kristin duquette


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Tips For Drinking Safely This Holiday Season

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By Chrisanne Grise

Let the fun begin! December is a month full of parties -- and for many people, booze. Great. But if you are going out, it's important to be smart about your drinking. There's nothing merry about a hangover, after all, especially if you did something you regret... whether or not you remember it the next day. So how can we celebrate the season with alcohol, if that's our choice, and still stay safe?

"There is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself and cutting loose a bit during the holidays," points out Kenneth Anderson. He's the founder and executive director of the HAMS harm reduction for alcohol network, the author of How to Change Your Drinking and a regular Substance.com contributor -- in other words, the perfect person to ask about safer drinking.

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While Anderson has no desire to dampen festive spirits, he's also very aware of how dangerous drinking gone wrong can be. "Always plan for safety above all," he says. "Death is always worse than a hangover." Well, that's for sure. So I asked him, along with a few moderate or not-so-moderate young drinkers, for some safer drinking suggestions.

Plan ahead

Figure out your transportation plans before you leave the house, so you won't have any issues returning home, even if you're inebriated. And if possible, always travel with friends, so you can look out for each other.

A spontaneous night of drinking with friends is fine -- they're sometimes the best kind. But if you're going out frequently during the holidays, you'll do better to arrange your schedule so you avoid alcohol-based socializing multiple days in a row. It may sound nerdy, but your body will thank you for it.

Keep listening to your body, too; make sure you get plenty of sleep in advance, so that you head out feeling well-rested, rather than fatigued. And some prior awareness of how much alcohol your body can handle is also invaluable.

"The major thing that's helped me feel better is being realistic about how much I can drink now," says 24-year-old Allison from New York City. "I can't down eight beers a night like I did in college and feel fine the next morning." These days, she knows and accepts that four drinks are her absolute limit -- and she sticks to that. Once you've found out (hopefully not the hard way) how many drinks your body can withstand, it's well worth making a similar rule.

If you think you may have trouble sticking to your self-defined limits, Anderson recommends writing out a plan for each situation you might encounter to keep your consumption at your chosen level. If a friend insists on drinking a shot with you, for example, you could sip yours slowly over half an hour even if he pounds his down. If Mom insists that everyone have wine with dinner, you can make one glass last the whole meal by drinking water too. And if you think you'll need a reminder of your plan in the moment, write it down and carry the paper in your pocket. Luckily, the kind of situations you'll encounter aren't too hard to predict, which makes preparation a whole lot easier.

Eat and hydrate well

Speaking of preparation, what better form could it take than hearty eating? Drinking on an empty stomach is a bad move, because the alcohol will hit your bloodstream -- and get you drunker -- faster. Instead, help yourself to some fatty food first -- fattier foods slow alcohol absorption most effectively, Anderson says. Make sure you drink lots of water before and during your night out too, because alcohol will dehydrate you, and you'll drink more booze if you're thirsty.

"I've gotten dehydrated from drinking to the point where I've passed out days later because I never replenished those electrolytes," says 27-year-old Brooke, who also lives in New York. Staying well hydrated will ensure that you stay safer and feel better -- both while you're out and while you're recovering the next day.

Choose your drink carefully

In theory, all alcohol is the same -- whatever the drink that contains it -- and if everyone drank it at the same rate, it would have the same effect. But as most of us know, it doesn't always work that way in practice.

"People tend to drink different kinds of alcohol at very different rates," Anderson says. "This is why people barhopping and switching from beer to whiskey to gin tend to wind up with puking blackouts."

You may well find it easier (and safer) to stick with beer or wine instead of doing shots with buddies. And if you usually drink vodka too fast but find you can maintain a steady pace with bourbon, take advantage of that habit. It all comes back to knowing what works for you.

"Generally, the lower the alcohol content and the stronger the flavor, the slower people will drink," says Anderson. "A careful plan of a pre-dinner cocktail, a wine with dinner, and two standard after-dinner drinks will be fine. Chugging a bottle of wine, a six-pack of beer and a pint of gin will leave you with the blind staggers."

That said, if you choose a mixed drink, Anderson warns that carbonated drinks are absorbed more quickly by the body. What's more, drinks made with diet soda result in higher blood alcohol content levels than those made with regular soda. So if you're ordering a beverage with soda in it, be sure to take it slow.

Finally, choosing your drink wisely doesn't just apply to which type of alcohol you pick: Never let a stranger pour your drink.

Pace yourself

There's just no need to chug your beer, no matter what the rest of your buddies are up to.

"Sometimes when I start a drink, I give myself a minimum amount of time that needs to go by before I can finish it," says 30-year-old Robert from Los Angeles. "I feel better that way, but I also figure I'll enjoy the beverage more if I go slow than if I down it all at once."

As well as the enjoyment factor, this is also a pretty good strategy to keep yourself from blacking out -- so much so that Anderson also recommends using a watch to measure the pace of your consumption if necessary. Be sure to stick to a pace that works for you, and don't let anyone pressure you to speed up. Alternating between booze and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night can be a good way to handle this.

Skip the aspirin -- and just about every other drug

You may have heard rumors that taking aspirin before a night of heavy drinking can prevent a hangover. But this is actually a terrible idea. "If you take aspirin before drinking, you will get much drunker on the same amount of alcohol," Andersen explains. This apparently tends to affect men more than women, but is ultimately dangerous for both sexes.

However, it is generally safe to take an aspirin at the end of the night, as long as you have no tendency to stomach ulcers. (Take it with a big glass of water to help prevent dehydration the next day.)

Mixing alcohol with other drugs can be just asking for trouble. Drug/alcohol combos that are particularly dangerous, as rates of ER visits and overdose can attest, include opioids, benzos and cocaine -- but that's by no means an exhaustive list. Even excessive amounts of something as innocuous-seeming as caffeine can be risky, by encouraging you to keep drinking for much longer than you normally would.

If you're in any doubt about whether the drug you're taking is safe with alcohol, by far the safest thing to do is avoid booze entirely, at least until you can check with a medical practitioner.

Deal with your hangover safely

If you ignore all this wise advice and end up with a horrible hangover after all, the best thing to do is rehydrate and eat some food. Chocolate milk, tomatoes, bananas, and herbal teas are all good options.

But don't just chug vast quantities of water, as that can lead to water intoxication, warns Anderson. In addition, mild exercise like yoga or walking may help you feel better.

Ignore the haters

Drinking should always be a choice -- not something you feel pressured into, no matter what the occasion. If your family or friends give you a hard time about abstaining from alcohol on New Year's Eve, Anderson suggests telling them you're on antibiotics. Or you can quietly drink near-beer, grape juice, or soda and they will likely not even notice a difference.

Whatever your choice, the holidays can be fun with or without booze. "If you don't want to drink at all, that is your right too," Anderson says. "You will find nowadays that more and more people respect that."

Chrisanne Grise is a journalist and magazine editor living in New York City. She blogs at chrisanne-grise.com.
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