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The Feminist Emojis Of Our Dreams Have Arrived

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Last month, Apple released a new version of emojis which included a more diverse range of skin tones.

We rejoiced, of course, but every now and then, we still find ourselves wondering if something is still missing from our emoji collection. Sometimes you might feel lost for an avatar to express your intention to, let's say, bow down to a badass lady, indicate mansplaining or punctuate the "voice of a generation."

While we're pleased to deploy the dancing ladies, princess and salsa dancing emojis in a wider range of colors, we've often found ourselves wanting for slightly more dynamic characters.

MAKERS noticed that emojis picturing men involved a much wider range of activities and professions, but the platform has higher feminist ambitions than equal representation in virtual bike-riding and boat-rowing. That's why they created "femojis," a category of powerhouse feminist women emojis including Beyonce, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Lena Dunham and Ellen DeGenerous.

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The emoji set of our dreams also includes lesser known feminist icons like Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space. What better way to launch your pal out of bed to meet for Sunday brunch? Shoot for the stars, ladies.

"Compared to larger global women's issues, emojis may seem insignificant, but these tiny characters have become the primary language young girls use to express themselves in text messages or on social media," the MAKERS team writes. "And if they don’t see a female police officer like Val Demmings, are they less likely to aspire to be one?"

In the next round of emoji updates, we're begging the powers that be to get down with RBG and ask themselves, "Who Run The World?" Yes, that would be girls.

See the rest of MAKERS "femojis" below.




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How To Wear Seersucker Without Looking Like You're At A Country Club

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Seersucker has a very specific reputation. The lightweight cotton fabric, which is most commonly striped or checked, is synonymous with preppy style. The Kentucky Derby, country clubs and adorable kiddos in rompers (like Prince George!) come to mind.

There's even a national day dedicated to the summery material called Seersucker Day. The annual event, which is held in late June, is celebrated by senators who sport seersucker in the halls of Congress.

Nevertheless, it's possible to bring the fabric back down to earth, and even make it trendy. And you can absolutely wear seersucker even if you're not a Southern belle -- or Trent Lott. We've pulled together a spectrum of looks -- ranging from "I love seersucker" to "I think I hate seersucker" -- to illustrate that just about anyone can rock the iconic textile.

Check out the looks and let us know how you plan to wear seersucker this season in the comments section below.

If you're already a major seersucker fan: Go big.
Wearing the fabric from head-to-toe is the way to go. Mix-and-match colors and sizes of the seersucker stripes to add some dimension and edge.

Seersucker: Blazer + Shorts + Shoes


Jaeger seersucker jacket, $275; Country Club Prep seersucker shorts, $75;
Sperry Top-Sider "Bahama" seersucker shoes, $80; Mango t-shirt, $23; Karen Walker "Starburst" sunglasses, $300.


If you're feeling a little iffy about seersucker: Try it in small doses.
Seersucker is super versatile and looks great on swimsuits; it can easily be worn at brunch or at the beach. Add some Southern charm on your next trip to the shore in this look.

Seersucker: Shirt + Bathing Suit + Bracelet


Scotch & Soda seersucker shirt, $99; Lisa Marie Fernandez "Yasmin" seersucker bikini, $375;
Brooks Brothers x Kiel James Patrick seersucker bracelet, $48; Chiara Ferragni "Wink" espadrilles, $276; Banana Republic bag, $98.


If you're only ready to dip your toe in the seersucker pool: Try a twist with a more graphic seersucker.
Opt for a more modern spin on the classic seersucker stripe. This graphic black-and-white blouse will do trick. And we also love the subtle and sporty addition of seersucker stripes on these sneakers.


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Tibi seersucker "Tie Back" blouse, $325; New Balance seersucker sneakers, $65;
Frame Denim "Lucielle Le Garcon" jeans, $239; Rebecca Minkoff "OMG" crossbody bag, $195; Quay Australia "Steel Cat" sunglasses, $59.


And if you're just totally not on Team Seersucker: Try solid seersucker.
Skip the stripes for a solid colored seersucker item if the traditional print is too preppy for your taste. You'd never believe this navy bomber was seersucker.

Seersucker: Jacket


Zara seersucker bomber jacket, $100; Sheinside "Cross Hollow" jumpsuit, $23;
Tory Burch hat, $95; Moschino bracelet, $274; Loeffler Randall "Alfie" espadrilles, $195.




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The Mewgaroo Sweatshirt Lets You Be A Kangaroo Mom To Your Pet

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You may have seen cats on leashes and dogs in strollers before. Pet owners will do just about anything to get close to their animals, and a new product from Japanese retailer Unihabitat totally enables the behavior.

The "Mewgaroo" is a hoodie with a pouch large enough to hold a cat or small pup. The sweatshirt has cat-like details, including a set of pointy ears on the hood and paw pads on the sleeves. The oversized pouch swaddles a pet close to its owners stomach, keeping it warm and safe like a Joey kangaroo.


Unihabitat

The cozy cotton number permits hands-free snuggling so that wearers can do other tasks, like text, eat or type, while cradling their cuddly ones close to their hearts.


Unihabitat

The pouch has a removable lining for easy cleaning: Fur will, no doubt, collect inside. The Mewgaroo pullover retails for 5,980 yen -- around $50 -- and appears pretty ideal for smuggling pets onto public transportation and into the office.


Unihabitat

Cat people and dog people are often at war. This luxury item is sure to make peace for at least one of the battles.


Unihabitat

Watch a cat enjoy his person's pocket in the video below.

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31 Photos That Show All The Adorable Love Kids Have For Their Loveys

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It's no secret to parents (or even former children) that kids often develop a special attachment to a lovey -- a favorite toy or blanket that almost never leaves their side. From family vacations to doctor visits, loveys can provide a sense of comfort and security to young kids growing up.

We asked the HuffPost Parents Facebook community for pictures of their kids with their prized objects and the most interesting places they've traveled with them.

Here are 31 of those adorable photos.





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Lorde Tells Dudes Everywhere: 'Don't Underestimate My Skills'

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FYI: Lorde's age and gender have no effect on her success.

On May 19 the singer/songwriter tweeted some choice words for anyone who doubts her ability.







Some outlets believe Lorde's tweets could be in response to her recent split from her long-time manager Scott Maclachlan. Maclachlan had been Lorde's manager for seven years, during the time she hit full-blown stardom.

The separation has received some interesting reactions from critics, including a recent article in The Guardian by Eamon Forde titled "Oh Lorde, Pray Leaving Your Manager Wasn't A Mistake." In his piece, Forde writes that Maclachlan "nurtured [Lorde] from schoolgirl to superstar." While that may be true, his words could've been received as patronizing.

It doesn't matter if Lorde was responding to critics or simply stating her badass opinion (as she does so often) -- either way, well done lady.

Keep doing you, Lorde.

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50 Of The Best Celebrity Short Haircuts, For When You Need Some Pixie Inspiration

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Ever-changing hair is part of the gig when you're a celebrity. But it takes a certain amount of bravery to go all the way.

Over the years, a slew of stars have stepped out with pixie haircuts. They range from super-short to full-bodied, in an array of gorgeous colors. The cut makes a bold statement, and these ladies pull them off with style and sophistication.

From Audrey Hepburn to Rihanna, check out 50 celebrity pixie cuts we love. Which one is your favorite?

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13 Reasons Moms Never Get Haircuts

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Have you noticed that just before a woman has a baby, she chops all her hair off, then spends the next three years growing it out long enough to braid into a human hair ladder that can lower her child out of a burning building, Rapunzel-style?

I offer photographic evidence:

Exhibit A: Me and baby, two years ago, leaving the hospital -- note the short hair. (Also note my non-similarities to the ever-elegant Duchess of Cambridge. Kate: perfect. Me: screaming baby, old-lady sweater).

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Exhibit B: Me and baby, two years and only two haircuts later.

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Scheduling a haircut is never easy, but once you have a child, getting a haircut takes divine intervention, planetary alignment and a whopping dose of good luck. Here are 13 reasons why:

1. First, you have to call ahead. This requires having the wherewithal to think multiple thoughts in a row: I could sweep the floor with my hair. I guess I need a haircut. I should make an appointment today. Meanwhile, the baby cries; the potty-trainee tinkles on the floor. All hair-related thoughts fly from your head. Hours later, you vaguely remember: I was supposed to call someone today. Maybe the vet? About getting the dog groomed? (Meanwhile, the baby cries again; the potty-trainee shouts, "Me go potty now! Oops. I finished.")

2. When you re-remember about making the hair appointment, you have to find where your toddler has hidden your phone. This could take days.

3. Once you find your phone, you realize that you have to choose a new hairdresser, because it's been so long that your old stylist has either moved away or broken up with you because you've rescheduled too many times. Choosing a new hairdresser is no small thing. It's almost like getting married, only scarier and more expensive.

4. Then you have to find the phone number for the stylist your friend recommended. This number is not stored in your phone, of course -- it is on a business card that you've been carrying for two years, since the last time you thought about getting a haircut. Eventually, you find the card, coated in animal cracker crumbs at the bottom of your diaper bag, along with a fossilized banana, three melted crayons and 18 Legos.

5. You probably have to call the salon back five times. This is because the moment you find the phone and finish dialing, one of your children will get injured, or smother you with kisses or yodel loudly for no reason except that they sense your desire to leave them for an hour to do something for yourself.

6. When you call to make the appointment, you have to remember all the school, sports and social activities of every person in your household, and you also have to predict when one of your children will not be coming down with the flu. You should probably consult a fortune cookie or astrologist before making this decision.

7. Once you make the appointment, you have to remember to write it down. This is difficult, because the moment you hang up the phone, small people begin grabbing at you, begging for food. By the time the grabbing and clamoring subsides, you have forgotten the date and time of your appointment. So you have to go back to step three -- finding your phone and calling the salon.

8. Now comes the issue of childcare. You have to call a babysitter or beg a friend to have mercy on you. (This involves going back to steps three through six -- finding the phone, looking up the number, making the call.)

9. Oh, and finances. By this time, three months have passed, but you have successfully made an appointment and lined up childcare. You are in the middle of a victory dance when it occurs to you: Not only do you need to save enough money for the haircut and tip (and depending on the salon, you may also have to tip the hair washer, the hair blow-dryer, the hair flat-ironer and some guy standing in the lobby saying in a jaunty but probably fake French accent, "Welcome to Salon Chic and Très-Expensive"), but you also need to save money to pay the babysitter. You auction off your great aunt's wedding ring on eBay.

10. Don't get sick, kids! The week before Haircut Day, you put your house on lockdown and quarantine your children so no one will get sick. No one goes in, no one goes out.

11. Time to manage expectations. At last, the day before Haircut Day arrives. You check your children's temperatures all day, just to be sure no one is getting sick, because if you have to cancel, you need to do it 24 hours before the appointment. Cautiously, you whisper to yourself that this might actually happen. You might get to go. But you dare not speak the words aloud, lest the You-Counted-Your-Chickens-Before-They-Hatched Fairies hear you and seek revenge.

12. Then, the worst happens. The morning of Haircut Day arrives. Before you even get out of bed, someone is shouting, "Mommyyyyyyyyy! He's throwing up! In his bed! And in his hair!"

13. But it's too late to cancel. If you reschedule now, you'll still have to pay for the appointment. So you bribe your babysitter with overtime pay, a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant (you'll have to sell another heirloom) and a free gas mask. You slump out of the house to the sound of betrayal and heartbreak, and arrive 15 minutes late to your appointment. It's already been given to someone else, so you have to wait. So you sit in the lobby for an hour, reading magazines about famous people with nannies and personal hairstylists -- the most peaceful hour you've had in weeks. You drift off to sleep. The welcome-to-the-salon-fake-French guy feels sorry for you, and covers you with a blanket. When you wake up, you feel so refreshed that you give him a double tip.

At long last, you get your haircut. Feeling like a new woman, you float home, debating how long you can get away with not washing your hair so it will keep smelling like fancy salon products... two days? Three days? You've just decided on three days when you walk through your front door for a joyful reunion with your children. The baby reaches for you, squealing with delight, and smears banana into your hair. Still reveling in the I-took-a-break-from-Mommying afterglow, you do not cry -- you have grace to spare. You tell yourself that banana makes hair shiny, and you never liked New Haircut Smell, anyway. Besides, all is not lost. You'll experience New Haircut Smell again in two years.

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A version of this post first appeared on the author's website, LizzyLife.

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The Feminist Fairy Tale Of Princess Taylor Swift

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Once upon a time, probably in a castle not that far away and actually in Rhode Island, there was a beautiful princess and wildly talented business woman named Taylor Swift who didn't think she was a feminist.

She said it was "too strong" a word, and that she didn't "think of things as guys versus girls." This was during the F-word dark ages, that awful chunk of time (circa 2012 and 2013) when famous ladies couldn't be interviewed without being asked where they stood on the issue. This cultural moment came from a (seemingly) well-intentioned effort by certain members of the media to have powerful women proudly identify as feminists. Unfortunately, things quickly devolved into shaming and finger pointing at anyone who got the definition of the word wrong. The question turned into a long-running joke wherein being a feminist simply meant figuring out the secret code word for "equality."

880tay

Eventually, more and more famous women publicly declared themselves feminists. They were led by Queen Beyoncé, who worked not only to normalize but to glamorize feminism, saving it from stigmatization. Beyoncé, too, had struggled to understand the F-word. She called the word "extreme" in a 2013 interview with British Vogue, only gaining the will to unleash her feminist magic after watching some TED talks.

The shift in the Pop Culture Kingdom happened so quickly that those upset by the lack of celebrity feminists began to worry about feminism's potential trendiness. Beyoncé's influence was powerful, but there was concern that dark forces of advertising, led by Dove soap, might co-opt her strength to sell. ("When fashion treats such important issues as trends, we risk losing the fight when they slip out of vogue," Allison Davis wrote for The Cut.)

880tay2

Perhaps even more concerning was the fear that these newfound feminists would not do anything with their feminism. They might just wear the feminist badge and do little to make real change. Would they just use the label and allow the sudsy domination of women-friendly body wash brands to lay claim to the movement? Had Beyoncé's glittering bodysuit been used in vain?

Feminist bloggers discussed a future led by the Good Witch of The Southern Hemisphere known as Lorde. And then they saw the answer. Princess Taylor Swift, educated by her lady-in-waiting, Lena Dunham, was cast free from the dark curse of Not Knowing What Feminism Is. She came forward with her new knowledge, and each day she regained a bit of the strength she had lost during the F-word dark ages.

Soon, she rose up and overcame the misconceptions which had kept her from realizing her potential. "Misogyny is ingrained in people from the time they are born,” she told Maxim magazine, breaking the spell once and for all. "So to me, feminism is probably the most important movement that you could embrace, because it’s just basically another word for equality." The fair royal didn't just declare herself a feminist, but used her platform to promote understanding.

And then Princess Taylor Swift lived happily ever after and made artisanal jam with Karlie Kloss and not necessarily any men at all. The End.

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Middlebrow is a recap of the week in entertainment, celebrity and television news that provides a comprehensive look at the state of pop culture. From the rock bottom to highfalutin, Middlebrow is your accessible guidebook to the world of entertainment. Sign up to receive it in your inbox here.

Follow Lauren Duca on Twitter: @laurenduca

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Emily Ratajkowski Smolders In Stunning Sports Illustrated Photo Shoot

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Emily Ratajkowski has never looked sexier in a new photo shoot for Sports Illustrated.

The model and actress, whom you definitely remember from the "Blurred Lines" video and possibly for her small role in "Gone Girl," posed for the magazine's fourth installment of their series "Yu (Tsai) and Me. "

emily r

emily

For more with Emily Ratajkowski's photo shoot with Yu Tsai, head over to Sports Illustrated.

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Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid And More Stun At amfAR Gala In Cannes

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The stars were out Thursday in Cannes for the amfAR Gala.

Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Chanel Iman, Eva Longoria and more were in attendance at the 22nd Cinema Against AIDS Gala held at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Hadid wore an open-front white Tom Ford dress, Jenner rocked some serious color in a purple Calvin Klein Collection top and skirt, and Iman looked like a princess in a frothy Zuhair Murad Couture gown.

The ladies have been all over the red carpets of Cannes this week. On Wednesday, Jenner stole the spotlight at the premiere of "Youth" in an Azzedine Alaia crop top and skirt.

Check out their looks:

Gigi Hadid
gigi hadid

Kendall Jenner
kendall jenner

Chanel Iman
chanel iman

Eva Longoria
eva longoria

Hailey Baldwin
hailey baldwin

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The Lady Gaga Wedding Dress Sketches That Left The Star 'Speechless'

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Lady Gaga is known for her outrageous fashion choices, but when it comes to her upcoming nuptials, it's all about what fiancé Taylor Kinney wants.

“It will be totally for Taylor,” Gaga told WWD of her wedding dress. “It’s all about my man. I haven’t really thought about anything specific yet but whatever it is, it will be totally for him.”

Kinney popped the question on Valentine's Day with a heart-shaped diamond ring. The pair first met on the set of Gaga's 2011 video for "You & I."

One thing is for sure -- designers are eager to design a dress for what WWD calls the "bride of the decade." On Wednesday, the publication released 36 sketches submitted by top designers for the fashion icon. And Gaga was totally flattered:




Check out some of the sketches below, and head over to WWD for the rest.


Donna Karan Atelier:
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Monique Lhuillier:

A photo posted by WWD (@wwd) on






Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel:

A photo posted by WWD (@wwd) on






Alber Elbaz for Lanvin:
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Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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Elle Australia Featured Nicole Trunfio Breastfeeding After A Candid Moment Inspired The Photographer

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Model mom Nicole Trunfio brought her newborn baby boy along for her Elle Australia shoot and a photo of her breastfeeding him landed on the cover.

Trunfio breastfeeds son Zion Rain in the exclusive subscriber version of the June 2015 cover. The moment was a candid one, captured by photographer Georges Antoni.

“This wasn’t a contrived situation: Zion needed a feed, Nicole gave it to him, and when we saw how beautiful they looked we simply moved her onto the set,” Editor-in-Chief Justine Cullen explained. “It was a completely natural moment that resulted in a powerful picture.”

nicole trunfio

Trunfio, who was moved to tears by the cover, wrote about why she believes the image is a significant one in an Instagram post Thursday.

There is nothing more powerful and beautiful than motherhood. The last thing I want to do is be controversial, so please take this for what it is, let us #normalizebreastfeeding there is nothing worse than a mother that is judged for feeding her hungry child in public. #weareonlyhuman I'm so proud of this cover and for what it's stands for. I obviously don't look like this while I am breastfeeding but this stands for all women out there, whether you breastfeed or not, we gave birth, we are women, we are mothers. Thank you to ELLE for being so bold and making such an encouraging, positive and healthy statement. #womenunite


The 29-year-old supermodel welcomed her first child with fiancé Gary Clark, Jr., back in January.

nicole trunfio

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Dagne Dover Totes Are The Solution To Your Black Hole Handbag Struggle

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Melissa Mash has been obsessed with handbags since she was a "wee thing," and turned her passion into a career when she went to work as a business consultant at Coach. There, she got a firsthand look at how every woman struggles with finding the perfect bag.

"Women who came into our store were looking for a solution to help save them -- whether it was a bag that could gracefully carry a laptop without their keys scratching it, or a bag that could hold a water bottle without it spilling all over her papers, or just a way for her to be able to find her wallet and keys instead of going into full-on panic attack mode," said Mash.

Fast forward a year and Mash found herself in business school grappling with the same black hole handbag problems. "My laptop didn't even fit in my bag, let alone the binders, papers and extra pair of shoes that my daily routine required," she said. "I realized that no brand had nailed practical bags that actually looked good ... that's when I decided to do something about it."

So she teamed up with Jessy Dover and Deepa Gandhi to create handbag and accessories line Dagne Dover.

What Are They?

Dagne Dover totes are made out of a lightweight, coated canvas fabric that comes in an array of classy colors. Mash believes "product design should speak for itself, not scream itself." So you won't find these bags covered in ostentatious logos, which lends well to their sophisticated aesthetic.

What really sets this brand's sleek tote apart from its competitors is the interior -- there is literally a place for everything! "The Tote" style features sleeves that can fit a 15-inch laptop, tablet/notebook, phone, water bottle/umbrella, three pens/lip glosses and a detachable keystrap. The "The Tiny Tote" includes similar pockets as well as an adjustable crossbody strap.

dagne dover tote interior

Perfecting the design was critical for Mash and her partners, as it aligns with her number one tip for being a smarter handbag wearer: don't switch bags. "Simplify or else you will keep forgetting items in another bag and, you know, that sucks," she said.

How I Wore It

I usually travel with a medium-to-large size handbag and sometimes a small reusable bag for my daily commute from Philadelphia to New York City. My purse is weighed down with loose change, two iPhones, multiple phone chargers, an extra pair of shoes and keys. Carrying a wallet is just not an option, as there is no room left in any of the bag's pockets.

With the Dagne Dover tote, I was able to perfectly fit everything into a separate snug sleeve and reach items I needed in record time. After two weeks of wearing the handbag, I was able to lighten my load to only include the true essentials.



Dagne Dover provided a complimentary Tiny Tote for review purposes.

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8 Frida Kahlo Quotes That Capture Her Infinite Wisdom And Fire

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Her passion, her devotion. Her vulnerability, her drive. Her vision, her fire. Her flower crowns, her eyebrows. There are infinite reasons to love Mexican surrealist painter and ultimate source of life inspiration Frida Kahlo.

In honor of the New York Botanical Garden's recently opened tribute to Kahlo and her garden, as well as her endless impact on the lives and minds of creative spirits everywhere, we've compiled some of our favorite quotations that capture the magic of Kahlo's inimitable spirit.







All illustrations by Priscilla Frank

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Underwear Company Features Double Mastectomy Breast Cancer Survivors In Empowering Photo Campaign

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Each October, popular culture becomes awash in pink ribbons, pink balloons and pink shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The publicity of breast cancer research, treatment and survival through the pink campaign may the most well-known way to raise money and awareness, but it isn't inclusive of everyone.

Campaigns like "No Bra Day" have come under fire for being too "pinkwashed." The result isn't just glib, it also represents only one gender expression. That's why gender-inclusive underwear company Play Out is shedding light on the more complicated nuances of the disease through a stunning photo series. The empowering images feature women with double mastectomies who opted out of reconstruction and are bilaterally flat chested.

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Models Emily Jenson (left) and Jodi Jaecks (right).


Emily Jenson, Jodi Jaecks and Melanie Testa, three breast cancer survivors who underwent double mastectomies, modeled for the campaign, which also features androgynous model Rain Dove. Jaecks says she hopes it explains more about the reality of the disease.

"This takes the conversation outside the realm of basic breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is a fact of the human experience and it is vitally important to place survivorship in the context of empowerment," she told The Huffington Post in an email. "I think that my natural androgyny and sexual preference have given me the advantage of self-acceptance far outside of cultural gender identification or definitive norms. This self-assurance informed not only my choice to have the double mastectomy, but the certainty that my choice would serve my self-confidence and strength moving forward in my life."

The Play Out photo series was created in collaboration with FlatTopper Pride, a cancer survivors support group for LGBTQ individuals who chose not to undergo reconstruction. Testa says the photos importantly call out a underrepresented group of people who may be stigmatized in the dominant culture.

"Living in a society that does not reflect the image of my body [type] -- breast-less, scarred, affected by cancer -- has great consequence and influence to those who are newly diagnosed," she told HuffPost. "Not all women choose reconstruction or feel that it will make them whole again; some feel quite whole without breasts and without the need to wear breast forms. I choose to embrace my body as is and blithely proceed with grace and dignity. My hope is that other women will see these images in their time of need and that they will feel empowered and informed about flat reconstruction as one option among many."

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Models Rain Dove (left) and Melanie Testa (right).


Ultimately, Jaecks wants the body-positive images and her personal story to inspire strength in others who may be experiencing similar challenges with breast cancer.

"This is a disease, not just a woman's disease. Therefore, it [shouldn't] be an assault on a woman's gender identity, sexuality, femininity, body acceptance or self-confidence," she said. "Most people do not realize that over half of post-mastectomy women do not have reconstruction. If we can extend the comfort zones of women who make this choice -- who long to live openly and freely -- without prosthetics, we will evolve well beyond the cancer shame of the past."

To see more photos from the campaign, check out the slideshow below:

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This Is What Happens When Black Women Try On 'Nude' Clothing

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All nudes are not created equal -- but someone needs to tell that to the fashion and beauty industries. The underwear, makeup and shoes that come in the color "nude" are often for fairer skin tones, which leaves black women without many options.

The folks over at Buzzfeed wanted to prove this point and they did just that in a hilarious, yet candid, video in which a few brown-skinned women model "nude" items to see how close the color is to their actual skin tones. As you can imagine, the experiment was a failure. One woman said: “So the only take-away I got was that nude equals ashy on me.”

Sounds about right. Check out the video above!

On a more positive note, there are several companies -- including Christian Louboutin, Nubian Skin, and Tkees -- that are creating products in a range of hues to accommodate more complexions. Hooray!

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Deleted 'Mean Girls' Scene Is So, So Fetch

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This deleted "Mean Girls" scene is so fetch. (Yes, we're still trying to make fetch happen).

In the clip, available as an extra when you purchase the film on iTunes, Cady (Lindsay Lohan) encounters Regina (Rachel McAdams) in the bathroom at the school dance just before Spring Fling King and Queen are announced.

"I had this really expensive dollhouse from Germany," Regina tells Cady in a childhood anecdote that's really an apology about Aaron. "But I never played with it, so my mom wanted to give it to my cousin. But even though I didn’t want it ... "

"You begged your mom to let you keep it?" Cady asks.

"No, I threw it down the stairs," Regina says.

It's a sweet, emotional scene with a brief, hilarious cameo by Amy Poehler.

We'll be watching it on repeat to tide us over until the upcoming musical arrives.

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3 Surprising Beauty Benefits Of Lavender

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Photo: Getty Images

Ah, lavender. Just thinking about the plant brings on feelings of relaxation. Sipping on tea made out of its leaves, or smelling its scent will calm your mind or help you sleep better. But did you know that you could also use this purple flowering plant for homemade beauty treatments?

Lavender has been used through the ages for of its cleansing and healing properties. Romans started using it to scent and purifying their baths centuries ago, ancient Egyptians turned its essential oil into a perfume for the mummification process and people burned bundles of lavender during the Great Plague of 1665 in London to try to ward off infectious diseases.

Whether used alone or with other soothing ingredients, there are plenty of reasons why you should keep this herb handy. Here are three surprising uses for lavender.

1. Acne treatment. Most people with acne don't realize that a plant oil such as lavender won't clog pores, according to Marina Peredo, a board certified dermatologist at SkinInfluence NYC. "The antiseptic and antibacterial properties may be a more natural solution to mild acne," she says. To create your own facial toner, Peredo recommends combining a few drops of lavender oil to witch hazel. The lavender works to heal and treat breakouts, while the witch hazel tones your complexion. Dab the solution onto a cotton ball and apply to cleansed skin.

2. Scalp rinse. If you've tried just about every dandruff shampoo to relieve dry, itchy scalp, don't give up hope until you've mixed up the lavender hair rinse by Amy Jirsa, a master herbalist and yoga instructor. In her book "The Herbal Goddess," Jirsa shares a recipe that combines dried lavender steeped in boiled water and apple cider vinegar to make a nourishing rinse that will remove build-up, alleviate irritation and restore the natural pH balance of your scalp. Watch her explain the steps on YouTube.

3. Wound care. Suffering from a bug bite? Gary Goldfaden, a dermatologist and founder of Goldfaden MD skincare, suggests smoothing on a bit of lavender oil to reduce the swelling and minimize itching. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it also helps to soothe wounds and improve the development of scar tissue, which can be beneficial to healing the skin.

Goldfaden notes that many people have allergic reactions to lavender, most commonly in the form of skin rashes. If you have more sensitive skin, Peredo recommends mixing it with natural oils or even your regular moisturizer. But you should always perform a patch test or consult with a physician before trying any homemade beauty recipe.

How do you incorporate lavender into your beauty regimen? Tell us in the comments section.

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How California's Ethical Nail Salons Can Teach New York To Clean Up Its Act

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Guests enjoy Smirnoff Ice and a Nail Salon at the Ladies With Game Tailgate at The Diageo Liquid Cellar on January 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images)




When Anthony Pham read The New York Times’ expose about the exploitation of manicurists in New York, the California nail salon owner was at once horrified and comforted by how clear-cut the fix could be.

“To me, it’s so obvious,” Pham, owner of Spa Elysee in Burlingame, where workers start out earning $11 an hour, told The Huffington Post. “I can say with absolute conviction that the state of New York needs to tighten up and make their licensing process much more strict than it is.”

After a 13-month investigation, which involved interviewing nail salon workers and owners across ethnicities and languages, The Times unveiled a laundry list of offenses, which included wage theft, physical abuse and the health consequences of being exposed to toxic products. While the expose shocked readers into boycotting nail salons, and moved Mayor Bill de Blasio into declaring a Nail Salon Day of Action on Thursday, advocates who have been addressing injustices like these for more than a decade have warned against taking drastic, and potentially harmful, steps.

They say it will require coaxing workers out of the shadows, demanding more oversight among politicians and developing a trusting collaborative of nail salons, similar to a successful program in California.

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San Mateo supervisor Don Horshey present Spa Elysee with the Healthy Nail Salon award.

“It’s really important for workers who are affected to be centered in the conversation,” Miriam Yeung, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, a group that focuses on Asian Americans’ reproductive, economic health and education rights, told The Huffington Post. “They have insight into what’s most wrong and what they most need, and what will be most effective policy making.”

This very concept of taking into consideration nail salon workers’ pressing needs has helped clean up the industry in California.

"This Isn't About Boycotting Salons"

After Asian Health Services, a community health center and other advocacy groups took inventory of the health “epidemic” nail salon workers faced, they developed the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative in 2005.

A conglomerate of manicurists, nonprofits, justice and environmental organizations, the collaborative aimed to develop a program that would reward salon owners for prioritizing workers' health and safety. Nail technicians are believed to have miscarriages, develop cancer and other conditions on the job due to exposure to toxins.

The scrappy organization, which has only four full-time staff members, is also involved in community organizing and advocacy work on the policy level.

“This isn’t about boycotting nail salons,” Julia Liou, co-founder of the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative and planning and development director at Asian Health Services, told HuffPost. “It’s about how we can come together and help this industry become healthier and safer.”

One of the collaborative’s most effective measures was developing a healthy nail salon recognition program. In 2009, the group devised a three-part certification campaign that would earn participating nail salons a visible placard to place on the window, so that customers could feel confident knowing that the workers’ health isn’t being jeopardized.

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Throwing Out The Toxicity

The program requires salons to dump any nail polishes containing the “Toxic Trio,” which is formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. This move was particularly critical considering that repeated inhalation of such ingredients can be harmful, yet companies aren’t required to list the contents of their products on the bottle.

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California's chemical regulators randomly sampled dozens of professional grade nail polishes in 2012 that claimed to be free of a "toxic trio" of dangerous substances and found that many still contained the chemicals in high levels. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

“Even though you’re in that profession you can have huge blind spots,” said Pham, a Vietnamese-American who grew up in the salon he eventually took over from his mother. “We were just oblivious. Why would companies produce a nail polish that’s dangerous? If someone is selling something to human beings, why would they include harmful ingredients?”

The program also requires workers to wear protective gloves at all times and masks when they’re working with acrylics. Salons also must install ventilation systems, which vacuum out fine dust particles in the air.

The air filtration systems cost about $800, but Pham was able to secure one for free since he was one of the first salons to get involved in the program. The county of San Mateo footed the bill and Liou hopes to get additional government funding to provide the system for any salon that wants to participate.

A Certification Program To Ensure Ethical Practices

The certification program, which is currently available in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda County, City of Santa Monica and Santa Clara County, was initially met with some skepticism.

“People were very scared,” Liou said. “It’s going to be really expensive for us,” was a common concern she heard over and over.

But what Liou uncovered over time was that most nail salon owners wanted to run ethically responsible businesses. But as is typically the case in New York City, the owners –- who are often immigrants just like many of their workers -- struggle with English and just didn’t have the information readily accessible to take the necessary steps.

To ameliorate any concerns, the collaborative delivers a training packet that’s translated into a number of languages and holds a one-day seminar for every employee in the salon, so that everyone involved can fully grasp the protocol involved.

Considering that his ventilation system was covered, Pham said the process wasn’t cost prohibitive.

He estimates having spent about $300 on discarding old, toxic polishes and forks over about $40 a month for protective gloves and masks.

To date, 55 salons have been certified. That figure is expected to climb to 75 by fall, Liou said.

And while the recognition program doesn’t outright address wage issues, Pham noted that any salons that are eager to protect their workers’ health, likely aren’t interested in undercutting their employees.

But getting paid paltry wages is also so much less of an overall concern in California, where nail technicians are mandated to undergo a rigorous 300-hour licensing process.

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A nail technician at Spa Elysee gives a customer a pedicure.

Nail salons also undergo strict inspections two to three times a year. Those that are found guilty of violating of standard procedures are fined heavily and it’s “very, very easy” for a salon to have its license revoked, Pham added.

Worker Training

While manicurists in New York are technically required to be licensed, The Times found that many simply work without them, and the licenses are easily bought, sold or forged.

Taking on inexperienced workers was one of the oft-repeated justifications for not paying workers a living wage.

The Times learned that workers often first pay about $100 to get in the door and then work for free until the salon owner deems them worthy enough to earn an hourly wage.

Since manicurists are considered “tipped workers” in New York City, owners are permitted to compensate a little less than the $8.75 minimum wage. But many earn far less. One woman who was profiled got under $3 an hour.

The average wage for a nail technician in California is $9.88, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,

But Pham says that due to the extensive licensing process, pay is even more competitive in the industry.

Employees just starting out at Pham’s salon earn $100 a day, and put in about nine hours. They keep all of their tips and earn a $10 bonus if a tech completes $300 in services.

He said a “lower end” salary for a nail technician is a daily rate of $80 to $85.

Pham said about 20 to 30 customers come through Spa Elysee’s door every day, where clients can also get waxing and facial services, but the salon doesn’t actually charge that much more than those in New York City.

The average manicure in New York costs $10.50, according to The Times.

Pham said he charges $15. A manicure-pedicure combination runs $30.

New York Already Ups Its Game

While New York appears to have taken a page out of California’s healthy nail book, advocates say politicians needs to devote additional resources to make effective systemic changes.

“We need politicians to commit to staying around for long haul,” Yeung said, “or else what we’re looking at is tissue paper when you cut yourself. It’s not going to work.”

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Spa Elysee hosts healthy nail salon event.

The day after The Times piece ran, Gov. Andrew Cuomo implemented a number of emergency measures, which included requiring salons to post signs informing workers of their rights. They notify employees, for example, that it’s illegal to work for no pay and that they’re required to wear gloves to protect themselves.

Hundreds of volunteers hit the streets on Thursday to dole out fliers further explaining nail salon workers’ rights. And while the agencies involved in the task force said they won’t ask workers about their legal status, advocates say part of the rehabilitative process needs to involve engaging with every worker, undocumented or not, in a meaningful way.

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Volunteers distribute flyers in multiple languages about health concerns, labor practices, regulations and wages at nail salons, to commuters outside a subway station in New York on May 21, 2015.

On a federal level, advocates want to see toxic ingredients regulated for safety.

The Patron's Power

In terms of what concerned customers do, advocates say they need to recognize the invaluable power of their voices.

They say clients need to approach owners and ask about their tipping policies, breaks for workers and request the salon only carry non-toxic products, Yeung said. If customers notice something suspicious, they should contact a trafficking hotline and they should contact their legislators asking that their cities replicated California’s healthy nail salon program.

“You’ve taken care of my beauty needs and I care about you,” Yeung said of how customers should view their relationship with their nail technician. “It’s almost a sisterhood. We have to support each other.”





This story has been updated to clarify the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative's healthy nail salon program.


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10 Beauty Foods For Glowing Skin And Shiny Hair

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Photo credit: Paul Delmont, Thrive Market

Beauty from the inside out is what we're going for with a healthy lifestyle.

Rather than looking to your vanity table for a beauty fix, take a look in your kitchen -- you might be surprised how much what you eat can affect your skin and hair!

1. Dark chocolate

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne. In fact, research has shown that dark chocolate even protects skin from sun damage. Chocolate, or rather raw cacao, contains anti-aging antioxidants called flavonoids, which fight free radicals to protect your skin from UV damage and prevent the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discolorations.

Chocolate also makes you feel happy -- when you eat it, the brain releases endorphins, your body's natural feel-good chemical, and phenylethylamine, which elicits the head-over-heels feeling of falling in love. When you feel good, you look good.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E that help your skin stay smooth and plump. Walnuts also protect your hair from sun damage and keep it lustrous and shiny. Get your daily dose of by eating a handful raw or throwing some chopped walnuts in your salad, pasta or dessert.

3. Spinach

Spinach contains a triple dose of wrinkle-fighting antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. These all work together to protect your skin from the sun's aging UV rays (but you should still wear sunscreen, of course). Enjoy spinach in salads, green smoothies, or lightly sautéed with coconut oil, garlic and a dash of sea salt.

4. Lentils

These legumes are a good source of protein and iron, which support full-bodied hair. Enjoy them as a side dish, in a hearty soup, or make your own lentil-veggie burgers.

5. Chia seeds

These tiny seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and loads of omega-3s -- all great for your skin and hair. Since chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, they also keep you feeling fuller longer. Enjoy them as a pudding, in smoothies, or as an egg substitute in vegan baking.

6. Almonds

Almonds are rich in flavonoids and vitamin E, which is vital to skin health. They can help ward off damaging free radicals and even oxidative damage caused by smoking. Almonds also make a great source of satisfying fiber and protein, and their manganese and selenium content helps keep your hair shiny. Snack on a handful of almonds, or enjoy them in almond butter spread on apple slices.

7. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds provide a huge boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beyond good for you. Preliminary studies have shown that both omega-6 and omega- 3 fatty acids help prevent or treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s can also maintain a healthy rate of skin cell renewal. To ensure your body absorbs all these beauty-boosting benefits, eat flaxseeds in ground or "meal" form.

8. Avocados

Avocados are the ultimate "get gorgeous" food. Ever seen shampoos or facial masks using avocados? There's a reason for that.

Key for hair, skin, and nails, the monounsaturated fatty acids packed into these creamy treats not only help lower bad cholesterol levels, but also reduce the appearance of aging in skin. Avocados also contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate, and one avocado is packed with more potassium than a medium banana -- nearly 700 milligrams! Eat avocado in guacamole, sliced on top of a salad or sandwich, or even with a spoon -- we won't judge.

9. Berries

Berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and vitamins that help protect you from premature aging. The antioxidants in berries help minimize the damage of free radicals, which can accelerate wrinkle formation and cause disease. Additionally, berries are packed with vitamin C, which keeps skin firm and strong. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels. Eat a handful of your favorite berry with breakfast, or pureed into a smoothie.

10. Seaweed

Sea vegetables like nori or wakame are loaded with iron and phytonutrients. All of these nutrients can help you attain gorgeous, supple skin. Iron, manganese, iodine, copper, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium -- all found in sea vegetables -- are essential for gorgeous hair, skin, and nails. Enjoy these in mixed green salads, toss some wakame into your miso soup, or wrap up some veggies in nori sheets to make nori rolls.

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