It's Not Just Nail Salons. Hairstylists Face Serious Health Problems, Too

May 22, 2015, 10:19 am

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The health and safety of nail salon workers made headlines earlier this month after The New York Times published a series on unsafe and unfair work conditions. It turns out that manicurists aren't alone: Hairstylists can also relate to some of the struggles reported on by the Times as they are often forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions and for unfair wages.

Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research at Women's Voices for the Earth, joined HuffPost Live host Nancy Redd on Thursday to discuss the high price of fabulous hair. After taking a deep dive into medical reports, Scranton discovered that "up to 60-70 percent of salon workers reported dermatitis on their hands and respiratory conditions like asthma and decrease in lung function," mostly due to chemical overexposure.

Hairstylist Cassi Hurd revealed that she recently burned her hand twice in the same spot while working, and she also experiences "coughing attacks" as a result of mixing hair colors or bleach.

The health risks are especially appalling among African-American hairdressers, since many treatments include working with harsh chemicals. Teni Adewumi, an environmental justice research coordinator for Black Women for Wellness, joined the conversation to disclose findings from an upcoming report that show cases of stylists suffering from uterine fibroids, miscarriages, and even ergonomic problems.

Things get really hairy when you factor in how these issues may potentially affect the health of consumers. Hopefully, dialogues such as these, along with proper training, state legislation and regulation within the beauty industry will change things for the better.

Click here to watch HuffPost Live's full segment.

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Help Improve Nail Salon Conditions By Participating In The #HandleWithCare Campaign

May 22, 2015, 11:02 am

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Ever since Sarah Maslin Nir's piece in The New York Times exposed unsafe working conditions, abuse of workers and low wages in the nail salon industry, we've all been left wondering what we can do to help.

One person who's stepped up to the plate is Pippa Lord, founder of Handle With Care. The website and corresponding hashtag has gained traction from nail artists, customers and even government officials (Governor Cuomo is a follower), who have all taken to social media to show support. Their goal is to help improve conditions not only in nail salons, but in the beauty industry as a whole.



"I really hope that women will start thinking more about the social impact of the service industry in general," Lord told The Huffington Post in an email, adding, "It upsets me that we let this slip and it took an article like this to bring it to light. But not every service industry will get an article like this, so what about them? What about those other cheap beauty treatments?"

Emergency measures have been taken by Cuomo to protect nail salon workers, and just this week hundreds of volunteers handed out fliers on the streets of New York informing both workers and customers of their rights.

But taking matters into your own hands has (literally) never been easier. Instagram users are encouraged to snap a photo of their nails using the hashtag #HandleWithCare to show support.

If nothing else, Lord's efforts have opened up the conversation on a larger scale. "It’s been incredible, especially from members of the nail industry, many of whom said they’d been wanting to say something about it for so long and looking for a way to show their support," she said.

Head to Handle With Care's website to learn more, and if you see poor working conditions or any other violations, call the New York State Department of Labor at 1-888-469-7329.

@handlewithcarenyc #HANDLEWITHCARE #RGBcosmetics #JENNIFERFISHER #JFxRGB #FIGHTER #FAIRTRADE #SUPPORTFAIRTRADE #SOICIALRESPONSIBILITY #MADEINUSA #HANDSELFIE

A photo posted by #RGBcosmetics (@rgbcosmetics) on May 21, 2015 at 7:30am PDT

Gingham mani inspiration from our soul sisters at @handlewithcarenyc. Loving their mission, not to mention their amazing manicure regrams. #oliveyourstyle @jessicawashick #handlewithcare #oliveyourmani #gingham #mani #perfection #OJnails

A photo posted by Olive & June (@oliveandjune) on May 20, 2015 at 8:55am PDT

I support socially responsible service! #handlewithcare #nyc http://t.co/r1OtU9PB2D @sousstyle

— Karolina Kurkova (@karolinakurkova) May 19, 2015

I support #handlewithcare @handlewithcarenyc
here's my current mani situation to show support!! http://t.co/quXmzzuA7m

— Nails by Mar y Soul (@NailsByMARySOUL) May 21, 2015

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ConGRADulations: Graduation Gifts That Make the Grade

May 22, 2015, 11:07 am

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Graduation is a time of great accomplishment. Help the graduate in your life celebrate this momentous occasion with a gift thats sure to make the grade. Whether you're looking for something for a friend, significant other or relative, I've rounded up the best buys for all the grads in your life.

Make it Personal
Personalized jewelry is always a thoughtful gift. One part fine family heirloom, one part contemporary keepsakes, nameplates and letter necklaces are a wonderful way to represent all the people in your life that you love. My pick? Like a symbol of all that would spring from that one creative seedling, Jennifer Meyers curated a stunning collection of semi-precious and precious jewelry that exude refined elegance with detailed hand crafted designs that gives each piece a personal touch. So go ahead, make it personal and pick up something worth remembering today.



Tech to It
Shopping for the men in your life can be a daunting task for even the most capable of gift givers. Whether you're looking for a gift for your main squeeze, keeping things strictly platonic or waiting for the verdict to come in on your new beau, fret not, because I've got the perfect solution. A watch that simplifies his life. My pick? The Crestron app for Apple Watch revolutionizes how people interact with their homes. After all, why dig through your pockets for keys when you can unlock your door with just a tap of your wrist? With an app that allows you to turn on the lights and adjust the AC before you get home, and set the alarm before you pull out of the driveway -- whats not to love?



Say Cheese
If your favorite grad is heading off to Europe, or doing a cross-country road trip before joining the workforce (go them), try getting them a travel accessory that will enhance all of their vacation photos while staying bulk free. Not sure which one will give you the most bang for your buck? Enter the Olloclip, a clip-on lens that lets you take more detailed photos with your iPhone.



Pencil Them In
Call me old fashion, but technology aside, there's no replacement for a hand-written note. Give your grad a great way to make a mark with a personalized set of note cards. Crane has styles that range from funky and fun to simple and professional making it the perfect gift for any graduate.



Give the Gift That Keeps On Giving

If you're looking to send a little housewarming gift to your favorite grad, a fruit tree is the perfect gift that keeps on giving! Fruit trees will provide your grad with delicious, healthy fruit every year. By gifting a fruit tree, your loved one can enjoy easy access to fresh produce, save money, and add beauty to their home. My pick? Plantogram has a variety of beautiful trees that will make for a unique and useful gift for the graduate in your life!




Congratulations graduates!

By Zoey Gulmi

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Yet Another Reason Advertisers Should Embrace Body Diversity

May 22, 2015, 11:11 am

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Academic studies can be fascinating... and totally confusing. So we decided to strip away all of the scientific jargon and break them down for you.

The Background
When it comes to women's bodies, academics have identified a "tyranny of slenderness" in contemporary culture. This "tyranny" is perpetuated through the ultra-thin models almost exclusively featured in ads. But while advertisers have defaulted to the thin ideal, research has yet to prove conclusively that this tactic actually sells more stuff. (Research has been able to prove that looking at all of those unattainable bodies reinforces the thin ideal and makes women feel bad, so there's that.)

The Setup
In a recently published study, researchers from Baylor University wanted to see if the “thin sells" maxim made sense, so they surveyed 239 women ages 16 to roughly 65 to find out how much each woman internalized the thin ideal. Then, they randomly divided the women into three groups to see if they would buy handbags based off of particular advertisements. One group was shown five ads for handbags with "skinny" models and another group was shown five handbag ads featuring "average size" models (these were the "skinny" models Photoshopped to look a bit heavier). The last group was shown ads with no models, just handbags. The researchers also collected their basic demographic information, as well as each woman's body mass index.

The Findings
Of the 239 women in the sample, only 30 percent were what the researchers called "high internalizers" who fully subscribed to the thin ideal. The other 70 percent were either ambivalent (45 percent) or "low internalizers" who rejected the thin ideal (25 percent). Ads with ultra-thin models only convinced women who were "high internalizers" to buy the handbags; otherwise model body size had no direct impact on the effectiveness of an ad -- the "average size" models worked just as well as the "skinny" models. Fun facts about those "high internalizers": These women were younger, consumed more media, earned more money and were generally unhappier with their bodies than the other women in the study.

The Takeaway
If, as this study would have you believe, advertisers pander to the insecurities of a small percentage of women, then also they're likely alienating 70 percent of female consumers. It seems that a wider range of bodies are just as effective, if not more, at selling products, so perhaps that's incentive enough for advertisers to embrace body diversity on a wider scale.

Until that actually happens, it might be helpful for women to keep in mind that previous research has shown that only 5 percent of women can actually achieve the thin ideal -- just something to consider while you're being bombarded with nearly 3,000 ads on a daily basis.

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Pastel Underwear Easily Transitions From Spring to Summer

May 22, 2015, 1:16 pm

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Often called the "Easter eggs of the underwear drawer" (no? It's just us that calls them that?), pastel underwear offers up a bright addition to what otherwise may be a dull drawer in your bureau. And yes - we of course realize that pastel underwear is typically a spring trend, but with the bright looks from the following brands, you're sure to wear these pairs well into summer.

The luminescent colors from Jor shine across our model's gorgeous skin, and have beautiful white accents to highlight the pastel colors. Papi brings us a darker look from their new Summer Mirage Collection, which still pops like a firework. Jor delights in lime green, and Papi tries a purple ombre look for a dark-to-light effect.

On brands Mundo Unico and Sly, the pastel colors are combined, instead of contrasted against one another. Sly's asymmetrical design is on-trend and funky, and Mundo Unico plays with yellow and blue pastels. The best part of these looks? The zigzag on the pouch, obviously.



Click for more information about pastel underwear, and check out The Underwear Expert for all of the latest men's underwear trends.

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FABRICATIONS: Meet Queer Fashion Designer And Artist Ben Copperwheat

May 22, 2015, 1:39 pm

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This is the twelfth installment in a miniseries titled "FABRICATIONS" that elevates the work of up-and-coming queer individuals working in the fashion world. Check back at HuffPost Gay Voices regularly to learn more about some of the designers of tomorrow and the way their work in fashion intersects with their queer identity.

Originally hailing from the United Kingdom, Ben Copperwheat is a queer fashion designer and artist living and working in New York City. His clothing is heavily informed by both his background in screen printing and his work throughout a variety of facets of the fashion industry, and his designs have appeared on the likes of Boy George, Liza Minnelli and Pat Cleveland. Read the interview below to learn more.



The Huffington Post: What has your journey as a queer artist and fashion designer entailed?
Ben Copperwheat: I was born in Luton, England, 30 miles north of London and lived the first 28 years of my life in the United Kingdom. I had an interest in art at a very young age and drew pictures of Disney characters in my childhood and Madonna in my teens while listening to the pop music my mum would play. At 18 I enrolled in the local art college and, with the nurturing of wonderful tutors, I went on to complete a bachelor's degree in Creative Arts at Bath Spa University. My aspirations led me to London and the Royal College Of Art of which I graduated with an MA in Printed Textiles in 2001. This jumpstarted my career and since then my journey has been a wondrous ride of exploration and growth.

After graduating I taught textiles for fashion at Northumbria University in England. This was great as I enjoy working with students, but it also enabled me to pursue print design projects with a variety of different people and companies. After two years working in London I felt ready for a big change. It doesn't get much bigger than New York City! I had visited New York twice before and had fallen in love with its fizzy energy and sky-high possibilities. My cousin was already living in NYC, so this made the transition easier.



Upon arrival in 2003 I applied for jobs, and almost immediately I was offered a position as a print designer at Calvin Klein Jeans. I worked at CKJ for five years and I had a great time. I learned a huge amount about the fashion industry, met some lifelong friends and travelled the world to cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Berlin, Paris, London, Barcelona, Dehli and Jaipur, shopping for inspiration. During my time at CKJ I also designed print collections for Stephen Burrows, Sue Stemp and Peter Som. In 2008 I desired more freedom so I left my job and transitioned to a freelance print designer.

In 2009, in partnership with my cousin Lee Copperwheat, came the formation of the clothing label COPPERWHEAT. We produced five seasons for New York Fashion Week in a variety of venues including Soho Grand Hotel, the Maritime Hotel and Cappellini store in SoHo. This was a huge learning curve, a tumultuous ride, the outcome of which was some beautifully made, very cool clothes. Ultimately, this label and partnership was not meant to be. In 2012 we went our separate ways, at which point I threw my creative energy into what I know best: screen printing. This juncture felt like a new beginning, and came with it a freedom of expression more vibrant and unrestrained than I had previously experienced. With a print area built into my duplex apartment in Bushwick, I went for leather and printed clothing, wallpaper and interior fabrics. I started selling pieces in Patricia Field's store on the Bowery and producing commissioned outfits for clients.



Where have your designs appeared?
Through my work with Stephen Burrows, my prints have adorned the bodies of Liza Minnelli, Pat Cleveland, Gail O'Neill, Alva Chinn, Anna Cleveland and Lily Cole. With the label COPPERWHEAT we were featured in Dazed, Surface Magazine, Vogue Italia, Style.com, collaborated with Palladium Boots, Singer Miguel and Bruno Mars. For my own brand, Ben Copperwheat, my prints have been worn by NBA star Russell Westbrook, commissioned for Will Sheridan, Rod Thomas of Bright Light Bright Light and, most recently, I designed the stage outfit for the Boy George/Culture Club reunion tour and merchandise T-Shirts. Boy George debuted this outfit on "American Idol" in March 2015.



What does it mean to you to be a queer designer? How does your queer identity intersect with your work?
Queer has always been a tough word for me to embrace, as growing up in England I was bullied for my sexuality from as early as I can remember to the age of 8. Queer was one of the words I was called, along with "bent" and "puffter." I feel, as time goes on, the word "queer" is becoming more of a friend. So, therefore, to be a queer designer, living in New York City is a gift. I feel incredibly grateful to have the freedom to express myself through my clothing, art and interactions in such a vibrant culture -- especially when there is so much oppression and suffering throughout the world. I have been openly gay/queer for over 20 years, so my queer identity is without a doubt synonymous with my work. Bright color and graphic pattern are predominant features in my designs, which is not the norm in current fashion and art. I feel "queer" represents that which is not the norm.

Who does Ben Copperwheat design for? Who is your audience and how do your designs cater to them?
I design for anyone who is looking for something different and visually exciting. My designs are a cross between artistic streetwear and high-end fashion. Whomever wears them brings their own personality and dimension to the prints. I have fans and clients of all ages and backgrounds. I wear my designs daily as I find this to be the most comfortable form of self-expression and I am regularly stopped on the street by a cross-section of admirers. I am inspired by the world around me -- in particular New York City -- and I feel my work reflects this.




Historically the fashion world has been extremely queer friendly -- what role do you think the fashion world has played within mainstream acceptance of LGBT identity?
I feel it definitely has played a part in mainstream acceptance, especially Vivienne Westwood, with her embracement of all things queer. Also, other designers in tandem with popular music, specifically artists such as Madonna working with Jean Paul Gaultier, Lady Gaga with Alexander McQueen, Pet Shop Boys with Jeffrey Bryant to name a few. On the other hand, designers such as Dolce & Gabanna and Giorgio Armani are trying to turn the clock back with recent comments. Such is the push and pull nature of progress.



What does the future hold for Ben Copperwheat?
With 15 years working as a designer and turning 40 this coming September, I feel that I am only just starting to realize my full creative potential. To be an artist/designer is a lifelong vocation, so with, I hope, at least another 40 years left on this planet I have many great things to come. I am currently in a group show curated by my friend Walt Cessna, "#INTERFACE Queer Artists Forming Communities Through Social Media" at the Leslie-Lohman Museum in New York. I am also planning work for a solo art show in NYC. I would like to show solo again at NYFW when the time feels right -- branch out more into interiors (wallpaper/murals/fabrics). I am turning my apartment into a "museum" of my work, where every surface is printed/painted. Design costume and sets for theater. Get back to painting -- I started out as a painter while at art school. Continue to nurture relationships with recording artists and performers and design more stage outfits. My ethos is that prints can be applied to anything. The nature of my work is very versatile, and I intend to continue to evolve in this way.

Want to see more from Ben Copperwheat? Head here to check out the website. Missed the previous installments in this miniseries? Check out the slideshow below.

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Why The Itsy Bitsy Bikini Trend Isn't Going Anywhere Anytime Soon

May 22, 2015, 2:35 pm

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Hawaii gets a lot of flak for being behind on trends, but when it comes to swimwear, the Aloha state is definitely ahead of the curve.

And we know something mainland beaches don't: cheeky bikini bottoms are about to sweep the nation.

The Brazilian bikini bottom -- the barely-there style of the '80s -- has been resurrected in new and more modest ways, and this time, bikini experts say, it's here to stay.

"The [Brazilian bikini] trend is growing," Debbie Wilson, owner and designer of Maui Girl Bikinis, told The Huffington Post. "I don't see it losing popularity."



You Can Thank/Blame Social Media

Wilson has been designing all types of bikinis for 30 years. When she first opened her boutique on Maui, Brazilian-cut and thong bikinis weren't in much demand. Now, Wilson says, they make up 75 to 80 percent of her overall sales.

The resurgence has swept Hawaii over the past five years, and signs of it are just now beginning to pop up on the mainland. Victoria's Secret, perhaps the most mainstream swimwear brand, has introduced an "Itsy" option as well as a "Cheeky" option, and San Lorenzo, the Hawaii-based boutique that specializes in the Brazilian-cut, has recently branched out with stores in Newport Beach and Malibu as well as a pop up shop in the Hamptons -- the paragon of East Coast prep and propriety.

Those in the industry say the surge in popularity may be related to the rise of social media.

Sabra Krock, creative director for the swim boutique Everything But Water, told The Daily Beast that the recent "fitness craze" is to thank for the cheeky trend, "as well as the Instagram and selfie voyeurism that's online," she said.

"I definitely point to Instagram as a key reason for a desire to emulate celebrities," she said.

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Apr 18, 2015 at 1:31pm PDT

A photo posted by Kylizzle (@kyliejenner) on Apr 17, 2015 at 1:07pm PDT

Once You Try It...

The trend may have only recently reignited, but Mariella St. John, marketing director for San Lorenzo Bikinis, says that this style "is one that you can never go back on."

Today's line-up of Brazilian-cut bikinis offers more modest designs, making the style more accessible. While veterans and daredevils might still opt for super thin thongs or the showy v-line swimsuits of the late '80s and '90s, more modest options like cheeky boy shorts now exist.

These new designs, Wilson says, are "turning into g-strings again, but with more details, like a waistband, or shorts that still fit you in a way a [thong] would."

Contrary to what you may think, Wilson explained, smaller bikini bottoms have a "slimming effect" on your rear end.

"Women are starting to realize that the [smaller cuts] are more flattering," she said.

A photo posted by San Lorenzo Bikinis (@sanlorenzo_bikinis) on Apr 24, 2015 at 11:06am PDT

Finding Your Fit

When choosing the right cut, Emma Wo, fashion blogger at AlohaBabe.net and Miss Hawaii 2015, says "it's important to find a style that works well with your body type. Brazilian-cut bikinis can seem daunting at first," she told HuffPost, "but if you’ve got curves, full-coverage bikinis can actually make you look wider."

"When customers, who have never worn our bikinis, come into the store, we tell them, 'We're going to convert you,'" St. John said. When her customers find the right fit of a cheeky bikini and then go back to a traditional cut, they often tell her that the regular bottoms feel like a "diaper."

For comparison, here's a traditional cut next to a Brazilian cut on the same model at a San Lorenzo boutique:



If you're shy about jumping in to a full Brazilian bikini, Naomi Newirth, co-designer of Acacia Swimwear, says to find somewhere in between and start there -- "not full coverage and not a total Brazilian cut," she told HuffPost, "no extra sag or fabric."

Acacia Swimwear's 2015 collection features cheeky bottoms that still maintain moderate coverage, like the ones featured below. Bikini model Chelsea Yamase also suggests Mikoh Bikinis, for a similar style.

If you're still nervous about making the switch, bikini blogger Rebekah Steen of Gold Fish Kiss says, "Just give it a shot. At least once. Life’s short, try it out, and get some sun on your buns. You’ll be surprised how wearing just a little less fabric on your bum makes it look just that much better."

Below, we've rounded up some of the best in-between cheeky bikinis so you can try the trend out for yourself.

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Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen Won't Be In 'Fuller House'

May 22, 2015, 3:29 pm

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We didn't expect Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to appear in the new "Full House" reboot, and it turns out the 28-year-old fashion designers will not reprise their shared role as Michelle Tanner, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Although Ashley and Mary-Kate will not be a part of Fuller House, I know how much Full House has meant to them and they are still very much considered family," executive producer Robert L. Boyett said in a statement. "It has been exciting to see how they have built their professional careers, and I support their choice to focus on their fashion brands and various business endeavors. I appreciate their support and good wishes towards Fuller House."

The news comes weeks after John Stamos, who is both producing and slated to appear in the Netflix series, called "bullshit" on the sisters, after they told Women's Wear Daily they weren't in the loop regarding the new show. Stamos later tweeted that he and Mary-Kate has smoothed things out after having a "sweet talk," but he apparently wasn't able to sweet-talk the twins into appearing on the show.

In addition to Stamos, fans of the ABC original series can expect Andrea Barber, Jodie Sweetin, Candace Cameron Bure, and Dave Coulier to appear on the revival. which will follow Bure's D.J. Tanner as a widow with three kids.

Earlier this month, Bure spoke about "Fuller House" on the "Today" show, saying that the Netflix series won't be the same as the original. "It's definitely a fresh take," she said. "We're not doing the old show, it's not a reunion. It's a spinoff show."

UPDATE: On Friday night, John Stamos retweeted this very article and then wrote that he was "#heartbroken" over the news:

#heartbroken

— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) May 23, 2015

I understand they're in a different place and I wish them the best. I promise you will not be dissapointed with our reunion and spin off!!

— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) May 23, 2015

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This Week's Cheap Celeb Finds List Is Dominated By Beyoncé And Nicki Minaj

May 23, 2015, 4:00 am

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If all the Memorial Day sales happening right now haven't convinced you to start shopping, then our cheap celebrity finds list will.

This week, tons of our favorite stars posted Instagram photos that were not only on fleek, but also on cheap. Nicki Minaj shared photos of her and her new BFF, Beyoncé, in affordable American Apparel duds, while Miley Cyrus looked cute in an elephant unitard.

Check out the best finds below:

Nicki Minaj's one-piece

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on May 19, 2015 at 9:09am PDT

American Apparel The Nylon Tricot High-Cut One-Piece, $45

Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé's socks

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on May 19, 2015 at 9:22am PDT

American Apparel Stripe Knee-High Sock, $10

Miley Cyrus' unitard

A photo posted by Shanti Om Bb (@shantiombb) on May 20, 2015 at 12:54am PDT

Acro Unitard in Elephant Parade Orange by Motel, $72

Bella Thorne's tank top

A photo posted by BELLA (@bellathorne) on May 18, 2015 at 3:37pm PDT

All Saints Kerin Tank, $105

Victoria Justice's top

A photo posted by Victoria Justice (@victoriajustice) on May 15, 2015 at 10:26am PDT

Strut-This The Bowie In Pink Floral, $58

Lucy Hale's bikini top

A photo posted by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on May 15, 2015 at 6:41am PDT

Triangl Winnie Jessy Nightfox Set, $89


And because Nicki Minaj and Bey took over our list, you should check out highlights from their new video as you shop:

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9 Signs You're Finally in a Mature, Adult Relationship

May 23, 2015, 6:00 am

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This was originally published at www.elitedaily.com

Media dictates so much in today's world -- including relationships.

Whether portraying unrequited love, forbidden love or passionate love, the media's ideas of love all have something in common: drama.

After all, drama drives the media.

But, guess what? When you're in a dramatic relationship, this reality isn't so appealing. Dramatic relationships are just plain sh*tty, and there's nothing romantic or alluring about that.

Real relationships, to be quite honest, could almost be considered boring, and the media doesn't value "boring."

For years, I bought into the idea that a relationship needed some type of drama to be legitimized. As I'm settling down, I'm realizing how truly wrong and exhausting that mentality was.

For the first time in... well, ever, I'm in a healthy, mature relationship. It's different than previous relationships I've had because this one is real. It is solid. It is stable. It is everything I've ever wanted, and everything I didn't know I needed.

It's also everything I ran away from in the past because it just seemed too "boring." Only now am I realizing that there is a difference between a boring relationship and a stable, mature one.

1. Being your significant other's partner isn't hard.

Until recently, I always struggled when I was in a relationship. Feelings of uncertainty and anxiety were overwhelmingly normal, while feeling secure in the relationship was not.

Maybe this is obvious, but it shouldn't be the case. Being someone's partner should come easily rather than feel like a chore or a responsibility.

2. You don't have to be in contact 24/7.

Part of an adult relationship is realizing that each person has his or her own world, separate of one another. This means that being together all the time or constantly texting just isn't feasible, and that is OK.

Actually, it's even nice. I love my boyfriend, but if I talked to him constantly, I'd go crazy.

3. You don't want to change your significant other.

I'll admit that I have a history of seeking out broken people and trying to fix them, which never ends well. This isn't the case in a healthy relationship.

In a healthy relationship, changing your partner shouldn't even be a desire on your radar. Changing annoying little habits is one thing, but changing or fixing who someone is as a person should not be your goal. Maybe he or she isn't perfect, but he or she shouldn't have to be.

4. Your significant other balances you out -- and even calls you out.

Rather than always agreeing on every aspect of life, your relationship tests and challenges your views. Your partner brings new views to light -- possibly ideas that oppose your own.

When you don't agree on a topic, it isn't the end of the world. You acknowledge each other's positions and move on.

5. Discussing the future isn't scary.

In immature relationships, there is less certainty and less communication about the status of the relationship, therefore less willingness to discuss the future.

In an adult relationship, plans can be made months in advance without stopping to wonder where the relationship will or won't be.

6. You may disagree, but you don't all-out fight.

Observing how the other person argues and adjusting your own style is a learning process, but part of a mature relationship. For example, I tend to shut down when I am angry, whereas my boyfriend is more direct.

Adjusting to this was difficult at first, but now that we know each other's style of disagreement, we are able to communicate in a more mature manner.

7. Showing your love becomes more important than verbally expressing it.

It used to irritate me that I am more vocal about telling my boyfriend I love him. He, on the other hand, doesn't say it as often, but shows it in his actions.

Over time, I've realized that this is preferable to hearing it all the time. Sometimes love is in the day-to-day actions rather than the literal words, and this is definitely a more mature viewpoint.

8. Jealousy is a non-issue because the relationship is founded on trust.

In an adult relationship, the male can have female friends and vice-versa without the world coming to a screeching halt. Each partner is secure in the other's commitment and does not possess an unfounded worry about cheating or dishonesty.

9. You're in sync with one another -- mentally and physically.

This may sound like it's about sex, but it is not the case. It's more about knowing a person so well and having developed such a connection that his or her smallest movement can be predicted -- or sentences finished. It's about him or her becoming an extension of you in a healthy way.



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8 Slimming Soups for Swimsuit Season

May 24, 2015, 3:50 am

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Juicing is out. Souping is in. But food trends aside, these soups are so delicious and satisfying that you won't even realize how healthy you're eating.

1. Golden Gazpacho



Adapted from Oleana chef Ana Sortun's cookbook, Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, this soup's silky texture and pure tomato flavor is highlighted by a touch of curry powder and turmeric. It is so easy to make that you'll make it all summer long. GET THE RECIPE

2. Roasted Garlic Gazpacho



If red gazpacho is more your speed, you'll love this vibrant and robust-tasting soup. The onions and garlic are roasted, not raw, so it goes down easy. GET THE RECIPE

3. Summer Corn Soup



With only a few ingredients -- a little butter, shallots, corn, chicken stock and fresh herbs -- this soup has an intense corn flavor that tastes just like summer. GET THE RECIPE

4. Summer Vegetable Soup with Pesto



This healthy and flavorful soup is chockfull of summer veggies. Serve it with a warm, crusty baguette for a light meal. GET THE RECIPE

5. Cream-less Cream of Asparagus Soup



Smooth, mild and gently flavored with lemon and Parmesan, this asparagus soup tastes wonderfully luxurious without the addition of heavy cream. GET THE RECIPE

6. Zucchini, Walnut and Dill Soup



This silky pureed soup is surprisingly healthy -- there's no heavy cream in it, just a handful of toasted walnuts to thicken it up. Serve it hot or cold. GET THE RECIPE

7. Chilled Roasted Red Pepper Soup



This light and refreshing chilled soup is chockfull of veggies, like slow-roasted red bell peppers, vine-ripened tomatoes, onions and garlic. But the real magic is in the seasoning: fragrant fresh rosemary, anise seeds and a splash of balsamic vinegar. GET THE RECIPE

8. Chilled Creamy Tomato Basil Soup



This tomato soup tastes brighter, sweeter and more intensely of tomatoes than any other tomato soup you've ever tried. The secret ingredient is orange juice, which highlights the sweetness of the tomatoes without calling any attention to itself. A touch of cream goes a long way. GET THE RECIPE

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Kim Kardashian Shares New Photos From Her Pre-Wedding Party At Versailles

May 24, 2015, 9:01 am

≫ Next: The Ballad Of Luke And Lorelai

≪ Previous: 8 Slimming Soups for Swimsuit Season

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Sunday marks Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's one-year wedding anniversary and by the looks of her Instagram account, Mrs. Kardashian West is feeling a bit nostalgic about the special day.

Over the weekend, the reality star treated her 33.8 million Instagram followers to never-before-seen photos from her pre-wedding bash in Versailles. Highlights from the lavish and star-studded event in the royal château included a carriage ride fit for a fairy tale and a guest appearance by Lana Del Rey. And to think this wasn't even the official wedding!

Fairytale

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 23, 2015 at 7:15pm PDT

Kisses

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 23, 2015 at 7:14pm PDT

Lana ❤️

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 23, 2015 at 5:50pm PDT

Welcoming speech! #Versailles #OneYearAgo #WeddingWeek

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 23, 2015 at 5:41pm PDT

Then we danced all night in the rain

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 23, 2015 at 7:58pm PDT

The couple officially tied the knot in the 16th-century Forte di Belvedere in Florence on May 24, 2014. Happy anniversary, Kimye!

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The Ballad Of Luke And Lorelai

May 25, 2015, 5:33 am

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Please allow a fan-made Luke And Lorelai video montage to play softly in the background while you read.

The character of Luke Danes was originally supposed to be a woman. When showrunners cast Scott Patterson instead (because there wasn't "enough testosterone"), he was only signed on for the pilot. But would “Gilmore Girls” have made such a lasting impression on audiences without the proprietor of Luke’s Diner -- and the chemistry to make his on-again, off-again love story with Lorelai Gilmore work?

Patterson had met Lauren Graham before that fateful first day on set. After losing his luggage on the flight to Toronto, he was left wearing sweats to dinner with Graham and other cast members. "I walked into this very posh French restaurant and was, of course, the ugly American wearing my sweatsuit. Everybody stopped and turned to stare, and then there was wonderful Lauren, greeting me with a drink and seat at a very nice table," he said. "I liked her right away."



After that first day of shooting in the now-iconic Luke's Diner, Patterson and his manager bargained for two and then four more episodes, eventually convincing producers to offer up a six-year deal. "The chemistry was apparent from the get-go," Patterson recently told The Huffington Post in the kind of gruff but friendly tone you might imagine Luke smirking along with. "That's why it turned into more than a pilot."

The relationship between the two was so natural and organic that, looking back, Patterson doesn't know if he could have done the show without Graham as his partner. The famously fast-paced dialogue meant the scripts were massive -- 80 pages of pure black chunks of ink stuffed with tongue-twisting witticisms. (The average hour-long show usually tops out at 60.)

Patterson recounted one time he and Graham received the 10-page script for an upcoming scene 10 minutes before filming. "We looked at each other after that point and two things happened: We both quit smoking and, from then on, we knew we could do it," he said. "I don't think I could have done it with somebody else. We had a very unique chemistry and a confidence in each other that we could hit the ball back over the net."



That connection on- and off-screen came easy. What was hard was the hemming and hawing of the will-they-won't-they dynamic that would allow the romantic tension between Luke and Lorelai to endure for what would be a total of seven seasons.

For the first several seasons, creators Amy and Dave Sherman-Palladino were careful. They put off Luke and Lorelai getting together as long as possible and plotted obstacles with caution, knowing there were only so many times they could tear the couple apart.

"You've created this unbearable tension throughout the years and you have to be careful with how you release that," Patterson explained. "It's like a roller-coaster and you have to keep people on board."

One of the more manufactured obstacles in the ballad of Luke and Lorelai came in the form of April Nardini, Luke's long-lost daughter, who amounted to little more than a frizzy plot point of a character when she was introduced midway through Season 6. "Listen, here's what happened," Patterson said. "In Amy's defense, and later in [writer] David Rosenthal's defense, they both know that as soon as you give fans exactly what they want, they go away. April was needed to ramp things up."



The Luke and Lorelai narrative really started to fall apart when the Sherman-Palladinos left ahead of Season 7, as the WB shifted hands and became the CW.

"No matter how gifted you are -- you didn't create those characters; that's not your voice," Patterson said of the show's new crew for its farewell season. "Amy is uniquely qualified to write a show like 'Gilmore Girls.' I thought losing her was the death knell for that show. It was like we were all paying Stratovariouses and then they took them away and gave us some high-quality violins, but they weren't Stratovariouses."

In that case, they must have felt like they borrowed violins from a public-high-school band the moment Lorelai ended things with Luke and immediately slept with Christopher. A ruinous plot point so universally disdained, it's still the subject of anger (and think pieces) in 2015, almost a decade later.



"Gosh," he said. "Listen, I think the the fans deserved better ... in a couple of different areas. They hung in for seven years and that wasn't a pleasant thing for them to go through."

The two find their way back together eventually, though only for a kiss in the final minutes of the show (after Lorelai realizes how hard Luke worked to put Rory's going-away party together). It's a consolation prize at best. A scene that, as far as Patterson sees it, was far from keeping with the reality of the characters.

"I think Luke would have just simply disappeared, just vanished. How long can he hang in there and get beat up? It's been seven years!" he said. "My plot point would be, they go by the diner and it's closed. Taylor is celebrating and lets Lorelai know he's just purchased the diner and Luke's gone away."



In the end, Patterson thinks fans deserved to see the love they had celebrated consummated with a bigger payoff. "Fans hooked into the whole Luke-Lorelai thing because of the very powerful feelings that were evoked within them, and they wanted a wedding," he said. "Let's just go out and say the 'w' word. They wanted a wedding and they didn't get it. They have every right to be a little miffed by that. I was miffed by that."

It seems there's been talk of a "Gilmore Girls" movie since the Sherman-Palladinos left (and took quality with them). But with a reunion up ahead at the ATX Television Festival in June, might we see the ending Patterson and his loyal Luke-Lorelai shippers have always wanted?

Before saying goodbye, Patterson hinted at the possibility of more "'Gilmore Girls,' maybe even a movie."

"I don't want to give the fans false hope," he said, sounding like he might want to avoid giving himself false hope as well. "I will say there have been some conversations."

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5 Things You Didn't Know About 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

May 25, 2015, 5:37 am

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As summer approaches, all we really want to do is what you did in years past. Or, you know, get Jennifer Love Hewitt to talk to us about her iconic role as Julie James in the 1997 slasher, "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

Here are some stories JLH told The Huffington Post about the horror flick:


1. The famous scene where Hewitt yells in the street was thought up by a fan who got to tell the actors what to do.



According to Hewitt, a fan who loved horror movies "got the chance to come to the set and choose a moment in that movie for somebody to do."

Hewitt said that it was never supposed to be her line and she wasn't supposed to do the iconic scene originally. In her recollection, the fan said, "I think that she should stand in the middle of the street and spin around and say, 'What are you waiting for?'" When Hewitt was told about this scene she responded, "You want me to what?! How am I going to look like a normal person doing that?"

Now the moment is a "really sweet memory" for Hewitt and has a special place in her heart. "People don't know that that was just like some kid who loved horror movies," said Hewitt. "I'm glad I got to do that for him."


2. Hewitt didn't know that Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar were going to end up together.



Prinze and Gellar would eventually get married in 2002 -- half a decade after the movie came out -- but at the time of "I Know What You Did Last Summer," Hewitt didn't see the inklings of a lasting relationship just yet.

When asked about it, Hewitt laughed and said she was "just trying to make it through [her] first lead role" and wasn't concentrating all too much on those two.


3. "I Know What You Did Last Summer" was based on a book.



"I Know What You Did Last Summer" is based on a book with the same name. There was controversy at the time the movie came out as the original story wasn't intended to be a slasher.

Hewitt eventually read the book, but "way after the movie."


4. Hewitt was actually really scared while filming the movie and had trouble sleeping.



Hewitt said her young age contributed to this and explained a specific instance of terror involving the villain. "So, three o'clock in the morning, you're running in fog in the middle of North Carolina from a guy that you barely know, with a hook on his hand," Hewitt laughed. "You're supposed to be scared out of your mind."

The filming sometimes affected her sleep schedule as Hewitt explained, "There were definitely days where I went home and was like, 'I'm supposed to be asleep now. I don't think that that's going to happen.'"

"There were definitely moments where it felt actually scary, but it was fun."


5. Filming the escape scenes from the killer led to real bruising.



"I was bruised a lot from falling and chasing and running," Hewitt admitted.

Hewitt said that it was "a lot of hours" and "a lot of work," but still thought the process was "just kids sort of playing around, but doing this really important big thing."

All images from "I Know What You Did Last Summer" unless otherwise noted.

This interview took place as part of Hewitt's promotional tour for Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula, which she has used throughout her current pregnancy.

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Kick Off Summer 2015 With Celebrities In Bikinis

May 25, 2015, 5:39 am

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It's Memorial Day Weekend -- aka the unofficial start to summer -- and celebrities everywhere are breaking out their best bikinis. Whether they're kicking it poolside, hanging on their own private yachts (nbd), or simply doing it for the Instagram, it seems like all of Hollywood has stripped down to swimwear to commemorate the long weekend. Flip through the gallery in case you need a little inspiration for a brand new suit:

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Wave Gothic Festival Storms Into Germany

May 25, 2015, 11:21 am

≫ Next: 11 Times Lenny Kravitz's Accessories Were Cooler Than Yours

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You've goth to see this.

Around 20,000 people trudged into Leipzig, Germany, this weekend for the annual Wave Gothic festival, according to the Associated Press.

The first Wave Gothic festival took place in 1992 with around 10 bands, the Orlando Sentinel reports. But the four-day event now includes more than 100 acts.

Take a look at some of the participants from this year and years past.





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11 Times Lenny Kravitz's Accessories Were Cooler Than Yours

May 26, 2015, 4:00 am

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Lenny Kravitz is a rock god who can belt out songs or stroll the New York City streets wearing the most outrageous outfits, and we'd still bow down. His cool factor makes us question everything about the way we get dressed. No man or woman can pull off accessories quite like Kravitz.

From the way he expertly drapes scarves around his neck to his effortless mix of gold and silver jewelry, Kravitz can teach us all a thing or two about making fearless fashion choices.

So in celebration of Lenny Kravitz's birthday, we're highlighting 11 times his over-the-top accessories blew our minds.

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You Can Now Own That Hillary Clinton Needlepoint Pillow You've Always Dreamed Of

May 26, 2015, 4:15 am

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If you've always dreamed of having a Hillary Clinton-themed needlepoint pillow or coffee mug, you're in luck: Hillary for America is officially launching an online store Monday.

Supporters of the former secretary of state's 2016 bid can now own drinking glasses, T-shirts, bumper stickers and onesies adorned with her campaign logo.

According to a Clinton campaign official, all of the products sold are 100 percent American-made. Hillary for America staffers can be seen modeling some of the merchandise on the website.

See some of the items available in the official Hillary for America store below:

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Kanye West's Anniversary Tweet To Kim Kardashian Will Make You Believe In Love

May 26, 2015, 5:45 am

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All weekend long, Kim Kardashian shared photos from her and Kanye West's wedding festivities, including never before seen photos, to celebrate the couple's one-year anniversary.

So much for anyone who dared to think this relationship would end up like the reality star's previous marriages. But despite all the photos of the pair kissing at their lavish affair, it was West's tweet on Monday night that really makes us believe Kimye might be a couple for the ages:

Kim, I’m so happy to be married to the girl of my dreams… I love you and Nori so much!!! I would find you in any lifetime.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) May 26, 2015

Kardashian seemed to find his sentiments equally romantic:

Awwww baby I love you so much!!!!!! I would find you too! Anywhere!!!!! https://t.co/viN0ucrwEN

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 26, 2015

And if you haven't seen it, take a moment to watch the couple's first dance, because damn, that's beautiful. We love weddings.

Happy First Anniversary @kimkardashian #KanyeWest and thank you for taking us all on your Magical Mystery Ride .... One of the best weeks of my life...and thank you @johnlegend for this amazing memory... #family #love #allofme #florenceitaly

A video posted by @krisjenner on May 24, 2015 at 10:15am PDT

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Lena Dunham Poses In A Bra And Underwear Because She Can

May 26, 2015, 6:55 am

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Lena Dunham can wear what she wants, when she wants, even if that means underwear, rain boots and a smile.

Dunham posed for a photo in green lingerie, and shared the snapshot on Instagram Monday. In her caption, the "Girls" star mused about fashion freedom.

"Love my @lonelylingerie and I think I will wear it to dinner with some boots & a smile because we are all very lucky to be free," she wrote.

Love my @lonelylingerie and I think I will wear it to dinner with some boots & a smile because we are all very lucky to be free

A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on May 25, 2015 at 5:21pm PDT

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