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Do You Want to Go Blonde to Hide the Grays?

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Another day has passed and another person has left my chair disappointed to hear blonde is not in their optimal hair color palette. This particular person had a strong desire to go fully golden blonde to cover her grays.

Do you think you would suffer the same disappointment if you heard that blonde was not in your optimal hair color palette, particularly if you want to go blonde to cover your grays? (or perhaps you have already gone blonde to hide the grays).

I am really writing from the perspective of a color analysis professional when I use the words "optimal hair color palette". What I mean is the range of hair color options that align with your natural coloring that will enable your appearance to give off a more youthful and vibrant glow. If you don't wear a hair color in your optimal color palette, you could make yourself look older, dull, odd, unbalanced and magnify skin imperfections such as wrinkles. All things that as we age, most of us want to avoid.

Without a color analysis consultation, it may be a little tricky to tell if blonde is in your optimal hair color palette.

Here are some surface-level considerations that may indicate blonde does not give off your best:

  • You've never in your lifetime (particularly post puberty) had natural blonde hair.

  • There is a significant undertone, intensity and value discrepancy between your natural eyebrow color and desired blonde hair color.


If you've already gone blonde -
  • When you look in the mirror or at a picture of yourself, your eyes may be more naturally drawn to look at your hair over your face. [For reference, take a look at this Kim Kardashian before and after photo with deep brown hair compared with blonde hair on People Magazine online. Do you notice your eyes naturally are more inclined to look at Kim's face and eyes when her hair is a deep brown? This is because the deep brown hair color is more aligned with her undertone and coloring.]

  • Your face coloring may look washed out and out of harmony with your hair color.

  • Your eyes will lack some sparkle.

  • In many cases your jawline will look wider than if you were wearing your optimal hair color(s).


Kim Kardashian is a great example of someone who would meet all of the above surface-level considerations that indicate blonde does not give off her best. Do you think blonde would be a great hair color choice for Kim Kardashian when she goes fully gray? You may want to see the photos in the above link and this picture of Kim with platinum blonde hair for reference on People Magazine online as you think through your response to this question.

Perhaps you may just want to have some fun with your look, try out something a little different etc., I get that.

As a color analysis professional, if you exhibit the above surface-level signs and symptoms, I more than likely will tell you that blonde does not/will not give off your best.

The question is really up to you - do you want to go blonde to hide the grays OR do you want a hair color that gives off your best? As a hair colorist, I can do either.

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

Carol Brailey is an Image Consultant based in Toronto, Canada. More of her blogs can be found at carolbrailey.com and virtualcoloranalysis.com. Carol is a member of the Studio Fontana team located in the Fashion District of downtown Toronto.

Additional Related References:

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Safer Ways to Get Your Summer Blonde Color

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Summer has officially arrived and one of the most common requests at our salon this time of the year is blonde hair. While going blonde or touching up blonde hair is fun and exciting, it's also serious.

We all know that coloring hair is damaging as it requires the process of breaking bonds in your hair. However what if there was a way for colorists to color hair and also repair broken bonds? At On-Site Studio Hair Salon in Orlando, Fl, we accomplish just that by using a breakthrough products like Olaplex and B3 Brazilian Bond Builder.

Learn about Olaplex


Olaplex is an additive that avoids the breakage of bonds in chemically treated hair. It's actually a bond multiplier - working to rebuild broken bonds. Olaplex eliminates the damage while making the hair stronger and healthier.

Why is Olaplex so important for blondes? Blondes are at a much higher risk for damaged hair. The process of going blonde requires bleach, which is especially damaging. Olaplex counteracts the damaging effects of bleach and allows colorists to treat your hair safely.

If you're thinking about making an appointment at On-Site Studio to go blonde this summer, consider purchasing Olaplex's Hair Perfector No. 3. This product is great for strengthening hair after being treated and is also good to use pre-treatment. One of the best parts of utilizing Olaplex is that there is no added processing time so you can plan around your normal appointment schedule.

Ask us about Olaplex products and we'll be more than happy to answer your questions.

Discover B3 Brazilian Bond Builder

Another coloring product that builds bonds and strengthens hair is B3 Brazilian Bond Builder. It works by reinforcing the bonds that make up the cellular membrane complex. As a result it reduces the loss of cuticle and cortex cells, which are responsible for supporting the structure of the hair.

There is no added processing time with this product as well, allowing your routine appointment to remain on schedule. The B3 Brazilian Bond Builder is also great at prolonging color retention and locking in moisture - keeping your hair healthier and stronger for longer. Want to keep your hair looking great after using B3 Brazilian Bond Builder? The Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque is perfect for maintaining a smooth and rich look.

If you're wishing to stay blonde or go blonde this summer, you can rest assured that On-Site Studio is doing it safely with both Olaplex and B3 Brazilian Bond Builder.

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The Most Gorgeous Makeup For Green Eyes

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makeup for green eyes
Photo Credit: Kevin Winter via Getty Images

Whether wearing bold eyeshadow colors or vibrant liquid liners, stars like Rihanna, Emma Stone and Kristen Stewart always leave us mesmerized with their makeup for green eyes, proving that they know exactly how to play up this gorgeous eye color.

There are generally three common shades of green eyes, according to Sephora Pro makeup artist Amy Suchma. There's true green, with hues of dark green and light green, which is the most rare; golden green, with hues of green and a gold/yellow; and hazel green, with hues of green with a little gold and sometimes brown.

Just like when choosing colors for brown eyes, Suchma uses an artist's color wheel and color theory to determine which tones best enhance green eyes. "On the color wheel, the most complimentary color for each hue is located directly across from the targeted color," she says. So, you'll want to gravitate towards the liners and shadows that fall between the red-violet spectrum.

What exactly does this look like? Scroll down to check out Schuma's illustrations and product recommendations for the best makeup for green eyes. You'll notice that the makeup artist uses red-browns and pink tones to accentuate true green eyes. She opts for wine, plum and lilac/lavender makeup to brighten the yellow hues in golden-green eyes. And for hazel eyes, Schuma uses eggplant, periwinkle or even navy to help intensify the flecks of green, gold and brown.

True Green Eyes

true green eyes makeup
Illustration: Sephora PRO Artist Amy Suchma

Suchma suggests using eye makeup with rich red tones to make green eyes stand out. Sephora Collection #39 Cherry on Top and Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in #846 Morello Cherry will do the trick. Another tried-and-true tip from Suchma is to lightly apply a bit of your blush (in pink hues) on your lash line a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush with long bristles to make them look more green.

Golden Green Eyes

golden green eyes makeup
Illustration: Sephora PRO Artist Amy Suchma

"Smokey eyes are a gorgeous way to contrast depth with the lightness of [golden-green] eyes," says Suchma. Create this look with wine and lavender shadows like Marc Jacobs Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow Palette in The Tease #202 or Dolce and Gabbana The Eyeshadow Eye Colour Duo in Gems #107. Then draw black liner in the waterline to add definition.

Hazel Green Eyes

hazel green eyes makeup
Illustration: Sephora PRO Artist Amy Suchma

Combine periwinkle liner such as Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint in Plush Periwinkle on the upper lash line and sweep a shadow like Kat Von D Ink Liner in Nietzsche along the lower lash line. "Adding a violet/plum mascara to the look will enhance the effect even more!" says Suchma.

If you want to ease your way into bold eye makeup for green eyes, Suchma recommends a shimmering green shadow that matches the lightest color in your eye. Place that on the upper lid or in the inner corners of eyes to bring out their natural color. Try Make Up For Ever Star Powder #910 Celadon. "The shimmer powder is unparalleled," says Suchma.

green eyes makeup
Illustration: Sephora PRO Artist Amy Suchma

The makeup artist's absolute favorite trick is to wear lipstick with the above hue suggestions. She says, "When I want to enhance a green eye and keep the look very fresh, I will apply a red, pink or violet lip color to provide contrast to the eye while keeping the shadows very soft and neutral. It really works." Her top lip color picks include, Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Pencil in Aubergine, Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain #12 African Violet and Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Color Stick in Pop Rock #614.

bold lipstick for green eyes
Illustration: Sephora PRO Artist Amy Suchma




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American Apparel Is Laying Off More Employees And Closing Stores

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NEW YORK -- American Apparel said Monday it plans to lay off workers and shutter stores with weak sales.

The Los Angeles-based company hopes to slash $30 million in operating expenses over the next 18 months. A spokeswoman declined to comment on the number of stores that will close and the number of employees who will receive pink slips.

“We are committed to turning this company around,” Paula Schneider, the retailer’s newly-named chief executive, said in a statement. “Today’s announcements are necessary steps to help American Apparel adapt to headwinds in the retail industry, preserve jobs for the overwhelming majority of our 10,000 employees, and return the business to long-term profitability.”

Most layoffs will be in the head office and at retail locations, a source with knowledge of the plans told The Huffington Post.

The company's stock price plunged nearly 11 percent by Monday afternoon on news of the cost-cutting measures.

american apparel store

The announcement comes amid a desperate attempt to turn the struggling retailer around. In April, the company laid off 180 workers, mostly in its manufacturing segment.

Over the past five years, American Apparel has lost more than $300 million, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Former CEO Dov Charney, the company’s longtime figurehead and co-founder, was largely to blame for what Schneider called “steep losses.” He was fired last year, in part due to employees' allegations of sexual harassment. But the retailer said it is still fending off about 20 lawsuits filed by Charney, who had hoped to wrangle his way back into the company.

This post has been updated with additional information about the layoffs.

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Inspired Luxe Is The Site For Handmade Wearable Art That's Ethical And Exquisite

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inspired luxe
Photo credit: Inspired Luxe


There are few people within the fashion industry who are as dedicated to the art of handmade goods as Denise Bradley-Tyson.

As the founder and CEO of the e-commerce site Inspired Luxe, Bradley-Tyson's mission is "supporting the imagination of small-scale makers and showcasing artisanal treasures, traditions and innovations from around the world."

Inspired Luxe is not driven by trends, but rather craftsmanship -- which is an anomaly in a business dominated by fast fashion. But we've learned that slow style is often worth the time and investment.

Thanks to Bradley-Tyson the curation of these custom-made items has already been done for us. Her love for travel and keen eye for one-of-a-kind fashion and accessories has resulted in a selection of items from domestic and international designers that is stunning to say the least. Combine that with an emphasis on ethical fashion and social entrepreneurship and you've got yourself a gem of a company that will definitely be a go-to destination for finding something special for loved ones, or for yourself.

We asked Bradley-Tyson to select just a few of her favorite artisans -- something she said was very challenging -- and tell us why they are worthy of praise and our support. Here are her picks in her own words.

Guidemore Chigama
"'Engineering feats.' 'Architectural wonders.' Those are the expressions that come to mind when I think about Guidemore Chigama's work -- which I guess is appropriate since he trained as an engineer in Zimbabwe. He uses recycled glass and old African trading beads as well as up-cycling found objects, including elements lifted directly from nature, to create contemporary, unique statement necklaces. I marvel at his beautiful constructions: they drape; they hang; they pivot; they swing. In contemplating his work further, I would characterize Guidemore as the 'Frank Gehry' of jewelry design. Why Frank Gehry? His work too undulates, is organic, intelligent and stands on its own."

InspiredLuxe1


To buy: Yellow Multi Twist necklace, $600; "Mama Valentine" necklace, $1,100; "Marry Me" necklace, $700.




Coast & Koi
"Women everywhere, and men, are either through law (in such places as California) or by choice trying to be kinder to the environment by taking re-usable bags and totes to the market, grocery store or boutique when shopping, a commitment I applaud. When I ran across these Coast and Koi bags, I thought 'Wow! Double Whammy! Not only can a person actively participate in the recycling movement, but they can do so with a very stylish, unique upcycled bag!' They are indigenous, made from recycled utility rice, grains, coffee or chicken sacks that have been used to transport produce across the globe and which end up in and around Cape Town, South Africa."
InspiredLuxe2


To buy: White/red/yellow/gold bag, $189; Red/grey stripes bag, $189; Green/red stripe, $189.




Thabo Makhetha
"Innovative in her use of local resources, Thabo Mekheta is crafting beautiful, elegant capes and coats made from traditional Lesotho blankets. In so doing, she is not only helping to keep artisanal traditions alive, but she is also providing a walking, swinging piece of education for the wearer and any of the many admirers who see the wearer in these stunning sophisticated capes and coats."

InspiredLuxe3


To buy: "Kobo Ea Bohali" blue coat, $800; "Kobo Ea Bohali" cape coat, $500; "Kobo Ea Bohali" yellow coat, $800.




Corinthia Peoples
"With roots in Oakland, Corinthia splits her time now between Brooklyn and Las Vegas -- and that duality of urban cool and showmanship flash comes across in her work. Her use of asymmetry is part and parcel of her signature style, which is completely reflective of the world we live in today -- it is never straightforward or completely linear. Asymmetry reminds her of the human species in how we are, in her words 'perfection within imperfection, balanced within the plight of being balanced.'"

InspiredLuxe4



To buy: "Truth" earrings, $149; "Speak Your Truth" necklace, $339; "Speak Your Truth" earrings, $89.


Jane Signorelli
"Her work is nature-based and evolves from what nature has to offer us: fossils, shells, raw stones and textures. It is the stone that inspires each of Jane's pieces. Organic to couture -- her designs flow from natural stones, fossils and pearls. She has the innate ability to allow the stone to dictate what it should become in terms of wearable art. Because they are derived and crafted from natural stones, each piece possess its own special energy and presence."

InspiredLuxe5


To buy: Brown Turquoise Beads with Antique Tuareg Key necklace, $1,295; Black Stingray with Jasper cuff, $1,595; Carved Bone Beads with Indian Coins and Ethiopian Coptic Cross necklace, $1,695.




Tamara Hill
"San Francisco jewelry designer Tamara Hill is a multi-faceted artist, photographer, traveler, art historian, teacher and inveterate collector, so it is no wonder that her unique pieces reflect that. Her jewelry is inventively re-purposed as contemporary treasure pieces that honor and convey the spirit, symbols and magic of many far-flung cultures and timeless legacy of traditions. These intriguing amulets and pendants, iridescent talismanic shells, polished ancient fossils, earthy minerals and luminous gemstones are gleaned from bazaars around the world and inspired by her travels."

InspiredLuxe6



To buy: "Sunray Fan of Pyrene Shells" necklace, $545; "Antique New Guinea Kina Shell" necklace, $1,500; "Moroccan Hamsa Pendant" necklace, $1,850.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.




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Fashion Trends: The Inverted-Martini Skirt or What to Wear on July 4th

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Fashion Trend: The Inverted Martini-Glass Skirt or What to Wear on July 4th

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Fashion is fickle and comes in waves, rushing up onto the shores of consciousness, soaking the landscape so it becomes more than a trend, before receding to be re-invented, a decade or two later. Every few seasons there's a seminal shift in one item or feature that indicates what the fashionistas will be wearing in a myriad variations until the next seismic change.

 Almost before fashion week spreads predictions around the globe, actresses appear at press junkets in the freshest look that will be featured on fashion pages in subsequent months, finally, manifesting on the street, worn by everyone, usually a year later. 

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While promoting Total Recall in 2012, Jessica Biel foreshadowed the '50's eyeliner thats been so prevalent the last few seasons. In 2014 it spawned and became the item that updated a look. Though still prevalent, the trend is on the wane.Two years ago the platform shoe gave way to the pointy toed pump. Last year flat ironed hair was replaced by untidy corkscrew curls. So what should we expect to see in 2015? The year is well underway and those ahead of the curve are already sporting the look. It can be summed up in two concepts: the waist, and the bell shaped skirt.

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For the very young, A-line skirts are teamed with super fitted crop tops exposing the midriff. Taylor Swift did it, in New York recently, teaming the fresh feel with a Bulgari purse to add understated elegance to body-on-show clothing. Bella Thorne was the first to sport the look while promoting Blended.  She teamed it with a crop top that sits snugly in the waist revealing the midriff. While titilating, few over 20 can sport the look. 

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The solution is to own your own style. Adapt the silhouette to suit your body, age and lifestyle. Wear a slightly longer top that kisses the edge of the waist, as did Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones. This is flattering for any generation. The key is that the skirt sits in the middle of the waist, up from low-on-the-hips, where it had slid for almost a decade. The length of the skirt is for the individual to decide. Selena Gomez spun the look in an inverted martini-glass leather mini and a fitted, leg-of-mutton shirt, by Louis Vuitton. Danai Gurira of The Walking Dead, sported a dress by Soni that incorporated the nipped waist and flowing full skirt.

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So whether you are sipping sundowners around a pool, or adventuring to a sophisticated soiree, pop on a soft skirt and remember - fashion is fun and every rule is meant to be broken. Be yourself. You define the look. Don't let the look define you. Adapt the idea so you feel your best you, and if you want to ignore the trend - step out in whatever will allow you to laugh fully and be easy. Life is for living.  Clothing is just the prop to your actions.

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The Ultimate Guide for Men That Need to Shop at Victoria's Secret

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What are some shopping tips for men shopping at Victoria's Secret?: originally appeared on Quora: The best answer to any question. Ask a question, get a great answer. Learn from experts and access insider knowledge. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

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Answer by Alecia Li Morgan, Former VS Store Manager

Here are some pro-tips and work-arounds to get the average guy through a shopping trip at VS with minimal trauma:

Set yourself up for success.
  • Size helps. Sorry, I know you'd prefer you come in and just tell us she's about "this" big (holding your hands apart) or worse, creepily stare at our other associates and say she's about her size, but maybe with bigger boobs. Yikes. That'll put you on  the Creeper list posthaste.  The easiest way to figure this out is if you have access to her clothing and can just check her bra and panty size. If you can only get one, DEAR GOD, get the bra size. Because you could tell me she wears a size small tshirt, and she still could be anywhere from a 32A to a 34D and possibly even further down the line either way. But if you tell me her pants size is an 8, I can for sure tell you her panty size.
  • Style guide is good. If you're buying her intimate items, you should already have had some access to her existing ones. This is good. Yeah, you're probably going to be looking at them, but SHE is going to be wearing them. If you know she only wears plain cotton everything, buying her a really intricate lacy whatnot is probably not going to be your best bet. We can suggest items that are along those same lines, but maybe a little bit fancier or whatever. If she always wears satin thongs and you decide on some cotton hiphuggers, you may also strike out. So having a general idea of what *she* likes (not just you) will help us find something you like and that she also has a great chance of liking.

Choose your battleground.
Time and place are important.
  • Time - don't go midday on a weekend. Associates are going to be swamped, the store is going to be packed with women (who will shoot you suspicious glances 9 times out of 10), lines will be long, product will be messier, and you're going to want to cut and run before you make it one room in. 
  • Place - a smaller store at a smaller mall may be more enthused to see you (or any customer) and thereby give you extra attention, AND may also have more sizes/colors still in stock - buuuuuuuut it's also possible that they won't have received as many different varieties and definitely won't stock as many different styles and selection overall. A bigger store is going to have more stuff to choose from (unless they're super sold down).
  • Day of the week is also important. You already know no weekends. Tuesdays are good because most of the "new" promotions and new launches begin on Tuesdays. This means likely the newer stuff will be freshly put out and you'll have a higher chance of getting what you want in the size you want. Tuesdays are also good because "launch" days are big for tracking numbers - associates are eager to make a sale and therefore will be happy to assist you and point out every possible variation or variety you may want. Tuesdays also aren't really generally very busy, so any sale is a plus, making you more valuable than just a rando guy on a weekend full of women shoppers who know what they want and take less work to get to the counter.

Once Engaged in Battle
  • Look for an associate who doesn't seem to be actively busy. Look for someone who is greeting or who approaches YOU and asks how she can help you today. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Telling us point-blank that you're lost and need help is one of the quickest ways to get a smile and some extra help.
  • Give us some firm guidelines to work with and we'll get you on your way faster and with a better result, but even if you've got a vague "I'm not sure? Something pink? and soft?", we'll work with you.
  • Be upfront and clear about your budget. It's fine. We hear everything. This helps us not overwhelm you, and even if it seems awkward at first, it actually saves you from more awkwardness later if we keep showing you stuff beyond what you want to spend, etc.
  • Always always ask for a gift receipt. No matter what, sizes and styles may not suit her. Giving her a gift receipt tells her It's okay if it just isn't her for whatever reason, she should go find something that IS her. And that's the point of the gift - to make the receiver feel good, right?

Some general tips:
  • As others mention, sets are nice. If you pick something that's not a basic black/white/nude, chances are it's a "seasonal" or "fashion" color and pattern - which means that the 'matchbacks' (all the matching panties, shorts, sleep shirts, robes, etc) are going to go out of stock and not able to be found later. At a minimum, if you're buying a bra (or even a slip), you should buy the matching panty - or get help finding one that matches well enough (if the size in the one you need is out).
  • Ask about the 3fers. As in 3 for 33, etc. A lot of times the panties you're paying $14.50 (or a little more even sometimes) for are sold at a slight discount in "sets" of 3 (sometimes 4 or 5), so it might be nice to just pick her out two more.
  • Don't always just go for the really sexy stuff. Most of the time, women like to buy this ourselves - we know what looks good on us in terms of style and color, and we like to really be in charge of this because it does make us feel empowered and sexy (if we choose to wear this stuff at all). Sometimes it's nice to go luxurious or comfortable - look for some of the softest things that are still very pretty, or the slips that aren't so much about being laced in as floating around her. Besides, how often will she really wear that same $88 corset or merrywidow? If you buy a pretty, fancy bra and panties, it's still going to look sexy on, but she can also wear them normally, too. Match it up with a slinky robe if you want to make an "evening" set.



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The Power Of Seeing Women Masturbate On TV

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The fifth episode of Lifetime's "UnREAL" opens with a shot of protagonist and reality TV producer Rachel (played by Shiri Appleby) masturbating with a vibrator in the back of a van. "Chivalry is not dead," says the male host of fictional dating show "Everlasting," as Rachel, laying under a wool furniture blanket, tries to get off to some porn on her iPhone. The scene isn't "sexy" -- there's no lingerie, no tousled sheets, no moaning, no male-gazey camera shots. While the fantasy of a "Bachelor"-like dating world is being created outside of the production van, the audience watches the real part of "UnREAL" unfold inside.


The scene frames Rachel's masturbation as mundane, utilitarian, routine -- which is exactly why it's so special.


 Over the last few years, we've seen more women getting themselves off on our TV screens on shows like "Girls," "Orange Is The New Black," "Reign" and "Mad Men." With each groundbreaking scene -- and the inevitable discussion that follows -- we get closer to recognizing that getting off is no big deal.





While masturbating on-screen isn't something we see all that frequently regardless of a character's gender, men doing it feels fairly de rigeur. (Think: "American Pie," "Skins," "There's Something About Mary," "Sex and the City," "American Beauty," "American Horror Story," "Fast Times At Ridgemont High," "The Big Bang Theory.") It's usually played for laughs, or as a way to bring up relationship issues when a female partner walks in on the act. The scenes might read as awkward, but not shocking.


"Male masturbation is pretty common on TV," "UnREAL" co-creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro told The Huffington Post. "You've seen it a lot, and it's always a joke and there's a shorthand for it. But a healthy, adult woman who isn't having sex probably is jerking off -- but no one talks about it."


Our very language encourages a gender imbalance when it comes to open dialogue about masturbation. There is a nearly unlimited list of slang terms and euphemisms for male masturbation, but depressingly few for its female equivalent. (Is "flicking the bean" really the best we can do?) The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education made international headlines when it coined the term "klittra" last month, combining the Swedish words for "clitoris" and "glitter."


This lack of public discussion about female masturbation might explain why people absolutely feel the need to comment on it when a woman gets off on-screen.


In "Girls" Season 1, Allison Williams' character Marnie masturbates in a public bathroom after hanging out with a sexy artist. The scene made OK Magazine's list of "The 5 Most Scandalous Scenes From HBO's 'Girls' So Far,'" and New York Magazine asked Allison Williams how she "prepared" for it. (To her credit Williams told NYMag that she was "sort of fascinated that it’s being made into a thing.") The pilot of "Reign" -- a CW show -- included a very brief scene of Kenna, a teen lady-in-waiting, starting to get herself off. Much was written about the scene and the network's decision to trim it down -- "It might have been the most risqué scene in The CW’s history had it aired uncut," wrote Entertainment Weekly -- but very little was said about the fact that as Kenna is starting to pleasure herself, she's joined by the (much, much older) King of France! (See the clip below.)


"Is masturbation more shocking than sex?" asked a 2013 HuffPost Live segment. When it comes to female masturbation, we still treat it as such. 




So what is it about on-screen female masturbation in particular that elicits such a strong reaction from those watching? 


Marti Noxon, "UnREAL's" co-creator who is perhaps best known for writing and producing "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," thinks the general silence about female masturbation and the reaction to seeing it on TV comes down to discomfort -- specifically men's. 


"I think it makes men uncomfortable," said Noxon. "I think there’s something really scary about the idea that [sex is] not always romantic for us, and that it’s not always about needing a man there to take care of our needs. I think it’s scary for guys to see that, and be confronted with this in-your-face idea of 'yeah, we’ve got it.'"


The beauty of these "in-your-face" scenes is that the more we see them, the less "shocking" they become. Because (spoiler alert!), in the real world, masturbating is pretty damn "normal" -- and healthy. A 2009 study found that 78 percent of Americans over 14 have masturbated (though in every age group, women were less likely to report masturbating than men). Plus, getting off can help lift a woman's mood, balance her sleep habits, decrease her stress levels and soothe her menstrual cramps. 





"It’s part of being a healthy person and having a sex drive, and not always relieving it with a partner," said Shapiro. "I don’t actually think it’s a big deal at all. I wrote this episode [and] when I first turned in the script, there were a lot of conversations about, 'Well, we haven’t established that Rachel’s a sex addict.' And I was like, 'Why would masturbating make her a sex addict?'"


They decided to move ahead with the scenes (the episode both begins and ends with Rachel jerking off) after what Shapiro calls a "really interesting, fruitful conversation." And the resulting scenes are painfully and beautifully human. Just like Rachel, lots of women masturbate. And use sex toys. And watch porn. And fall in love. And have sex. And get up afterward and kick ass at their exhausting jobs.


"My total impetus for making stuff is about humanizing women," said Shapiro. "And I just think [masturbation] is a really normal part of being human."


Also on The Huffington Post:


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How One 14-Year-Old's Dream To Help Underprivileged Girls Became A National Success

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Most 14-year-olds are busy studying for biology tests, trying out for school sports teams and musical productions, and searching for spare time to sleep. Not Allyson Ahlstrom.

At age 14, she started a non-profit organization, and nearly six years later, Threads for Teens is a nationally-recognized organization doing incredible work. The organization's mission statement explains that it aims to inspire confidence in young women by providing underprivileged teen girls with the opportunity to pick out a new outfit or two from the back of the company's mobile boutique, which is run out of the back of a pink 18-wheeler.

The Threads for Teens on Tour truck!!! #cantwaittostart #threadsforteens

A photo posted by threadsforteens (@threadsforteens) on









Threads for Teens is based out of Santa Rosa, California, where they have one stationary store. Their clothing racks, and those on the touring truck, are stocked with clothing and accessories which have been donated by a number of local stores as well as nationwide chains including Santa Rosa's Punch Clothing, LF Stores, Claire's, and their latest partner, Rue 21.

Ahlstrom has been recognized by dozens of local and national news stations, and featured on TV shows including the Queen Latifah Show and the TODAY show.

And it doesn't look like Ahlstrom will be stopping anytime soon. This fall, Ahlstrom is taking her organization and its trusty mobile store on tour around the country to deliver clothing to young women all over the nation.

Ahlstrom told the Huffington Post that her initial inspiration for the organization came from reading a book about other young entrepreneurs called Generation Change."The book was about different service projects teenagers across the country led, some even as young as 12! It was at that point that I decided to do something myself. I came up with the idea for a one-time clothing drive, that has since grown into a national non-profit organization."

Asked about her mentality throughout the process, Ahlstrom said "I never thought about not being able to succeed, I mostly thought about how I could accomplish the clothing drive. When starting a project, I think it's important to have big dreams, but to also be realistic about what will happen to begin with. For me, giving ten girls a new outfit was what I wanted to accomplish. I did not start out thinking about going on a national tour.”

As for her advice to young people who are interested in making a real difference in their communities, Ahlstrom says, “Absolutely do not doubt anything!" She says she was surprised by how eager people were to serve their community and pitch in. She also reminds us that no act is too small to count, saying "volunteering for an hour a week (4 hours a month), can have a profound impact on an organization. Making an impact does not have to be on a gigantic scale."

Ahlstrom says she wants to “grow Threads for Teens into a global girl empowerment organization.” She says she hopes to “open boutiques in all fifty states and around the world,” and even “develop girl empowerment curriculum, build a scholarship endowment, and host a girls summit.”

Check out the Threads for Teens Facebook page and Twitter profile to stay up to date on Ahlstrom's progress.

allyson ahlstrom

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Bill Cosby Admitted To Drugging Women In 2005 Deposition

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bill Cosby admitted in 2005 that he secured quaaludes with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with and that he gave the sedative to at least one woman and other people, according to documents obtained Monday by The Associated Press.


Cosby's lawyers insisted that two of the accusers knew they were taking quaaludes from the comedian, according to the unsealed documents.


Nevertheless, attorneys for some of the numerous women suing Cosby seized on the testimony as powerful corroboration of what they have been saying all along: that he drugged and raped women.


The AP had gone to court to compel the release of a deposition in a sexual-abuse case filed by former Temple University employee Andrea Constand, the first of a cascade of lawsuits against him that have severely damaged his good-guy image.


Cosby's lawyers had objected to the release of the material, arguing it would embarrass him. Ultimately, a judge unsealed just a small portion of the deposition.


"The stark contrast between Bill Cosby, the public moralist and Bill Cosby, the subject of serious allegations concerning improper (and perhaps criminal) conduct is a matter as to which the AP — and by extension the public — has a significant interest," U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno wrote.


Cosby, with his oft-espoused views on topics including childrearing, family life, education and crime, "has voluntarily narrowed the zone of privacy that he is entitled to claim," the judge wrote.


Cosby, who starred as Dr. Cliff Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" from 1984 to 1992, settled Constand's lawsuit under confidential terms in 2006. His lawyers in the Philadelphia case did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment on Monday. Constand consented to be identified but did not want to comment, her lawyer said.


"This evidence shows a pattern in which defendant 'mentored' naive young women and introduced drugs into the relationship, with and without the woman's knowledge, in order for him to achieve sexual satisfaction," Constand's lawyer, Dolores M. Troiani, argued in court papers.


 Cosby, 77, has been accused by more than two dozen women of sexual misconduct in episodes dating back more than four decades. Cosby has never been charged with a crime, and the statute of limitations on most of the accusations has expired.


"If today's report is true, Mr. Cosby admitted under oath 10 years ago sedating women for sexual purposes," said Lisa Bloom, attorney for model Janice Dickinson, who says she was drugged and raped. "Given that, how dare he publicly vilify Ms. Dickinson and accuse her of lying when she tells a very similar story?"


Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing several women, said she hopes to use the admission in court cases against the comedian.


Cosby, giving sworn testimony in the lawsuit accusing him of sexual assaulting Constand at his home in Pennsylvania in 2004, said he obtained seven quaalude prescriptions in the 1970s. Constand's lawyer asked if he had kept the sedatives through the 1990s, after they were banned, but was frustrated by objections from Cosby's attorney.


"When you got the quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with?" Troiani asked.


 "Yes," Cosby answered.


"Did you ever give any of these young women the quaaludes without their knowledge?" Troiani asked.


Cosby's lawyer again objected, leading Troiani to petition the federal judge to force Cosby to cooperate.


Cosby later said he gave Constand three half-pills of Benadryl, although Troiani in the documents voices doubt that was the drug involved.


Cosby had fought the AP's efforts to unseal the testimony, with his lawyer arguing that the deposition could reveal details of Cosby's marriage, sex life and prescription drug use.


"It would be terribly embarrassing for this material to come out," lawyer George M. Gowen III argued in June.


He also said the material would "prejudice him in eyes of the jury pool in Massachusetts," where Cosby is fighting defamation lawsuits brought by women who say his representatives smeared them by accusing them of lying.


Robreno, the judge, had temporarily sealed some documents in the Constand lawsuit but never ruled on a final seal before the case was settled. Under federal court rules in Pennsylvania, documents must be unsealed after two years unless a party can show specific harm. The judge ruled that Cosby's potential embarrassment was insufficient.


Robreno asked last month why Cosby was fighting the release of his sworn testimony, given that the accusations in the Constand lawsuit were already public.


"Why would he be embarrassed by his own version of the facts?" the judge said.


Cosby resigned in December from the board of trustees at Temple, where he was the popular face of the Philadelphia school in advertisements, fundraising campaigns and commencement speeches.


Lawyer Gayle Sproul, representing the AP, in court last month called the married Cosby "an icon" who "held himself out as someone who would guide the public in ways of morality."


 Troiani, summarizing her evidence, painted a starkly different picture.


Cosby "has evidenced a predilection for sexual contact with women who are unconscious or drugged. His victims are young, 'star struck' and totally trusting of his public persona," Troiani argued.


 ___


This story has been corrected to show that Cosby's lawyers, not his accusers, say two women knowingly took Quaaludes from him, and to show that the alleged assault against Constand took place in 2004, not 2005.


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Just FYI, Russell Wilson And Ciara Aren't Having Sex

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We haven't heard that much about Russell Wilson and Ciara's relationship, until now. 


The pair, who made their public debut as a couple back in April as they walked the red carpet at the White House Correspondents' Dinner together, were rumored to have ended their romance as soon as it started. But it turns out that's not the case. In a Q&A with San Diego pastor Miles McPherson at The Rock Church on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback got really, really candid about the couple's sex life, or lack therof


"He has anointed both of us and I know that he's calling for us to do something miraculous," Wilson said. "I told her … If you can really love somebody without that, then you can really love somebody." 


Wilson was talking about not having sex, just in case that wasn't totally clear. 


He said the 29-year-old singer agreed with him, adding, "I ain't gonna lie to y'all now. I need y'all to pray for us! I know you seen her on the screen ... If there's a 10, she's a 15. Pray for me. Keep my mind clear. Keep my heart clear."


Good to know. Also good to know: Wilson, 26, was previously married to Ashton Meem, whom he divorced in 2014, while Ciara was previously engaged to rapper Future, with whom she has a 1-year-old son, Future Zahir Wilburn




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Animal Prints: What The Wild Things Wear

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What do you think of, when you picture animal print undies? Maybe a go-go dancer or a wild ex? The Underwear Expert, for one, certainly doesn't picture pairs that take on actual wildlife fur and feathers in their prints - but there are more animal prints out there in the underwear world than just the ones you may see in Magic Mike XXL. Some pairs have patterns and prints featuring the actual animals versus the animals' stripes or spots - a few even utilize a bold graphic print for a unique, asymmetrical look.

In our exclusive animal prints photoshoot, we highlight 11 pairs of animal print underthings. The Smuggling Duds Cattled Boxer, which you may remember from our April Fool's shoot, is our personal favorite. The pink-accented cow print is, by far, the most "fun" pair.

Another cute look is Male Power's Animal Wonder Thong. It's interactive, too - just try and find the hidden leopard face in the thong!

Funky Trunks and Mitch Dowd have more realistic animal looks. The Funky Trunks Bad Boy Boxer includes a pop-art design that features a bulldog wearing a cop's hat. Mitch Dowd's Stripe Loose Fit Knit Boxer has a cartoon monkey on a light blue background.

Croota's Tiger Contrast Boxer Brief features a white tiger that wraps around the right leg all the way over to the rear. The boxer brief has a tiny kangaroo in the front, which pays homage to Croota's Australian roots. We can't resist a bit of nostalgia!

What kind of animal would you like featured on your underwear? Do any of these looks make you feel like a sexy beast? Let us know!

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

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Amanda Peterson, 'Can't Buy Me Love' Star, Dead At Age 43

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Actress Amanda Peterson, who was best known for her role opposite Patrick Dempsey in the 1987 teen movie "Can't Buy Me Love,"  has died at the age of 43, her father told TMZ. 


According to the website, Peterson's body was discovered in her home in Greeley, Colorado, on July 5 after her family hadn't heard from her in two days. 


Her cause of death is still unknown, but her father told the website, "She had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed." 


Peterson got her start as a child actress in the early 1980s, landing small roles on "Silver Spoons," "Boone" and the movie musical "Annie," before nabbing her most memorable role in "Can't Buy Me Love."  The actress was last seen on screen in 1994's "Windrunner."  


Watch the trailer for "Can't Buy Me Love" below: 




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You're Washing Your Swimsuit All Wrong: Here's How to Extend The Life of It

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By Sophia Chabbott , Glamour

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Photo: Joseph Leombruno, Jack Bodi/CN Digital Archive

You've found the perfect swimsuit. OK, well maybe it's more like the perfect collection of swimsuits (hey, when they're this cute, who can stop at one?). Now it's time to take care of them and make sure they don't fade, stretch out, or get grimy.

Making a suit last all summer and beyond is all in the washing, says John Mahdessian, owner of Madame Paulette, where New Yorkers send their finest clothes to be dry-cleaned (you also might recognize his name if you watch The Real Housewives of New York. He's Dorinda Medley's beau!) Mahdessian told us that women tend to do all the wrong things when it comes to laundering their swimsuits, ruining them by (or even before) summer's end. Here are his tips and tricks for extending the life of your suit:

1. Before you jump in: Rinse off any body oils or body makeup, which will ruin your swimsuit over time.

2. Hand-washing is your best bet: "I prefer the hand-washing and soaking technique with a neutral detergent, like Palmolive or Ivory soap," said Mahdessian. First, rinse the suit with water to flush out any chlorine or debris, then add soap and rub gently. Be sure to rinse out all of the soap and lay flat to dry.

3. If you can't hand-wash: "Buy a mesh laundry bag and put the suit in there before throwing it into the machine on a gentle cycle," said Mahdessian. "Otherwise, the mechanical action will stretch the fabric and it can get bungled, twisted, and tied up."

4. Don't leave it to dry in the sun: Lay your suit flat on a towel to dry so it doesn't stretch out -- and do so in the shade. If you leave your suit out to bake in the sun for more than a couple of hours, it will begin to fade. And whatever you do, don't put it in the dryer.

5. If you've got a stain: If the stain is wet, lightly dab it, then start the hand-washing process when you get home. If the stain is dry, do not scratch it off. If you do, you can scratch out some of the dye, which can never be repaired. If you can't get the stain out, head to your local dry cleaner.

6. Can't get those little particles sand out of the fibers of your swimsuit? First, try hand-washing and soaking it for a bit in water. If that doesn't work, wait until the swimsuit dries completely and grab your hair-dryer. Blow out the sand particles on a light and cool setting.

More from Glamour:
10 Things He's Thinking When You're Naked
56 Phenomenal Wedding Dresses That Will Make Your Heart Skip A Beat
The Ultimate Braid Guide: 30 Different Styles to Try ASAP
50 Swimsuits That'll Make You Look 10 Pounds Thinner
10 Makeup Tips Every Woman Should Know
6 Things Men Never Notice During Sex

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Ryan Reynolds Talks Baby Carrier Controversy, Says You Should Anticipate More Mistakes

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Ryan Reynolds is doing this whole father thing for the first time. He knows he's going to make some mistakes.


He already made one pretty publicly when what seems like half the Internet totally freaked out after Blake Lively shared a photo their daughter, James, strapped to his chest with just her feet peeking out at the bottom. 


During an appearance on the "Today" show on Tuesday, the 38-year-old actor opened up about the baby-carrier fail telling Matt Lauer, "The baby's not properly secured in the vessel that I'm wearing there. I'm a first-time dad, and that is not the first mistake I've made. I can guarantee you it won't be last."


He added, "I'd never used that particular carrier before. Every other time has been perfect."



 


The Canadian actor has been making the rounds while promoting his new sci-fi thriller "Self/less," and stopped by HuffPost Live on Monday, where he told  host Alyona Minkovski he's trying not to be one of those annoying parents who brags about his kid all the time


 "I just find it funny -- everybody thinks their son or daughter is God's gift to air, and in their home, they are. I mean, when I'm [in my house], I look at my daughter and I'm like, 'You are the most amazing creature I've ever seen in my life.' But that's sort of annoying when you do that publicly, so I usually kind of go the other way with it. I'll write silly jokes about how my daughter is terrible at her art or whatever," Reynolds said.



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Kylie Jenner Announces New Website With Stunning Instagram Selfie

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If you, like thousands of other people on the Internet, want to know Kylie Jenner's beauty secrets, you're in luck -- the 17-year-old is ready to dish. 


The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star announced via Instagram Monday night that she'll be launching her own website, KylieJenner.com, where she'll share her best makeup tips. 



A photo posted by King Kylie (@kyliejenner) on



The youngest member of the Kardashian-Jenner family captioned the photo, "can't wait to release all my beauty secrets on KylieJenner.com coming soon. Love this bright look by @makeupbyariel."  


And since one website (and an already massive social media following) isn't enough, Kylie, along with sister Kendall Jenner, also launched Kendall-Kylie.com earlier this spring. The super-secret site -- clicking to their homepage directs you to sign up for a "VIP list" -- goes along with their Kendall + Kylie Instagram account. Refinery29 notes the site seems to be a space for the sisters' to share their fashion-related endeavors. Members who sign up for the VIP list get are also the first to know when new K + K items are available. 



It's Kendall and Kylie's world. We're just living in it. 



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Blake Lively Goes Brunette, Is The Latest Celeb To Try Tortoiseshell Hair

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Everyone, stop what you're doing, Blake Lively has gone brunette -- or should we say, "bronde."

...Brondes have more fun #NoTypos-IKnowIThinkItsCrazyToo

A photo posted by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on








Lively is the latest celeb to try out the tortoiseshell hair trend, which combines shades of golden blondes, caramels, chestnuts and chocolates. We're not exactly sure why she decided to change hues (the last time we saw her as a brunette was back in 2011 when she dyed it for her role in "Green Lantern"), but maybe the new mama has a new project in the works?

Either way, the actress has definitely found the perfect color for summer -- it's not too light, it's not too dark, it's just right.

BRB, running to our nearest hair salon.







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Health and Beauty Tips for Women Over 40

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The health and beauty habits we had during our 20s and 30s were fairly simple. We just had to do the basics - wear sunscreen, exercise, and eat healthy foods. During that period of our lives, our bodies were resilient. We could stay up late, have the occasional unhealthy meal, and skip a couple of days at the gym without a problem.

However, by the time we hit our 40s, our bodies begin to change. Since turning 40, my body parts - my breasts, my bottom, and that unfortunate part underneath my arms - want to connect with the floor. Not only that, my stomach is sensitive, I can't stay up past 10 p.m., and if I don't exercise regularly, again, the whole operation starts inching closer to the floor.

Now all that sounds grim, but being in your 40s is great - really! Women in their 40s are confident. We've been living in our bodies for four decades, so we finally know how they work. We know how much sleep we require, and what our partner needs to do so that we can have an orgasm. We've figured out the best kind of exercise for our body type, and which styles look better and worse on us.

But keeping ourselves healthy and beautiful post-40 takes work. And I'm not talking about the kind of work involved in trying to be 22 when you are 42. That's silly. I'm talking about the work it takes to be beautiful and healthy at your specific age and in your particular body. So here are some tips to keep your post-40 body at its most lovely.

Take Your Vitamins: That sounds boring, doesn't it? But taking vitamins after 40 is the difference between having healthy looking skin and glossy hair, and having sallow skin and hair that is a dry mess. I take a multi-vitamin and fish oil tablets daily. If I miss a day, my skin, hair and nails show it. So take your vitamins - just like when you were a kid!

Exercise Daily: When we were younger, our bodies didn't show the effects of a couple of days of missed exercise. However, when we are in our 40s, working out is critical. Your body quickly loses its agility if you don't exercise it daily. Moreover, foot problems and back aches easily can creep in without notice. Consistent exercise is your insurance policy against those aches and pains. The good news is that exercise doesn't have to be inconvenient. You don't have to spend 2 hours a day (time you don't have) at an expensive gym (spending money you don't have). I have a busy lifestyle, so my yoga mat and collapsible exercise bike allow me to get in some exercise every day. Finding an exercise regime that you can do consistently is the best gift that you can give yourself.

Adjust Your Wardrobe: Somewhere between a muumuu and a mini-skirt with stilettos is the right way to dress after 40. And within that space, there is a lot of room for personal style. The temptation after 40 is to try to wear 20-something clothing. However, just because they sell your size in a tank top or bikini, doesn't mean that it looks good. This is the time in your life when more is more. More fabric is more beautiful. You want your clothes to cover up your imperfections, and accent your assets. And you want to buy clothing that fits well - anything too big or too small doesn't work after age 22. The way you dress should be about looking beautiful, which is not the same as looking young.

Adjust Your Hairstyle: I love the variety of women's hairstyles, and I don't think there's such a thing as the perfect haircut. However, there are some hairstyles that go out the window in your 40s. Hair pulled back tightly in a bun or ponytail serves no one after 45. Trust me, I feel the loss. That Evita hairdo was my go-to style for years when I wanted to do something simple, yet elegant with my hair. However, once you get above a certain age, your hair should soften your face. Straightened blunt cuts are likewise problematic. They drag down your features, when you need a lift! The easiest approach is to go for face framing layers (with or without bangs) at any length that makes you happy.

Don't Go Dark on Hair Color: Our hair color needs to be lighter as we get older because our skin tone can't handle anything too dark. I speak from experience. Last year, I asked my colorist to dye my hair to its natural color. She looked at my roots and did exactly what I asked - she dyed it black. Unfortunately, the hair color that God gave me no longer suits my face. I looked like Morticia Addams. It was not good. Once we are over 40, we need a lighter hair color that makes our skin look healthy.

Take Care of Your Feet and Back: Our feet and back do big jobs for us. They support our weight and make walking easier or harder, depending on their condition. For those of us who don't live in warm climates, we tend to neglect our feet during the winter months because they aren't visible. However, caring for your feet all year round, including regular pedicures, at home or at the salon, is important to keeping your feet healthy. And our back health is critical. I've thrown out my back multiple times by carelessly lifting heavy items. Back injuries do not heal quickly, especially as we age. Make sure to stretch your back daily, sleep on a firm bed, and take care when lifting either children or furniture. Your back will thank you.

Sleep!: The concept of "beauty sleep" always sounded silly to me ... until I hit 40. Gone are the days when I can stay up until 2 a.m., and still look great the next day. These days, if I stay up until 2 a.m., the next morning, I look like I am 90. After 40, sleep makes a big difference in one's appearance. Even after a quick 10-minute nap, I look refreshed and about 5 years younger. So make your sleep a priority.

Yes, taking care of our post-40 bodies is work. As my 80-year-old mother likes to tell me, "Taking care of my body is a full-time job!" Well, it may not be that bad in our 40s, but caring for our bodies as we get older requires some effort. However, looking and feeling great will be the payback for a job well done.

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Black Model Nykhor Paul Is 'Tired Of Apologizing For [Her] Blackness'

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Model Nykhor Paul is fed up with the fashion world and is making her feelings known.

The South Sudanese model posted an open letter on her Instagram account Monday addressing all the "white people in the fashion world" -- specifically makeup artists -- who don't know how to work with models who have darker complexions. The 25-year-old model, who has appeared in shows for Calvin Klein and Rick Owens, blasts the particularly unprofessional makeup artists who "try to make her feel bad" about her skin color when they are unprepared with cosmetic hues that will match her skin tone. She asks, "Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don't have to do anything but show up?"

Read the full letter below:

Dear white people in the fashion world! Please don't take this the wrong way but it's time you people get your shit right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don't have to do anything but show up wtf! Don't try to make me feel bad because I am blue black its 2015 go to Mac, Bobbi Brown, Makeup forever, Iman cosmetic, black opal, even Lancôme and Clinique carried them plus so much more. there's so much options our there for dark skin tones today. A good makeup artist would come prepare and do there research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing it's insulting and disrespectful to me and my race it doesn't help, seriously! Make an effort at least! That goes for NYC, London, Milan, Paris and Cape Town plus everywhere else that have issues with black skin tones. Just because you only book a few of us doesn't mean you have the right to make us look ratchet. I'm tired of complaining about not getting book as a black model and I'm definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people, shit we started fashion in Africa and you modernize and copy it! Why can't we be part of fashion fully and equally?

A photo posted by nykhor (@nykhor) on




Paul clearly doesn't hold back. And the South Sudanese beauty, who is also a well-known human rights activist, isn't alone in her struggle. She is just one in a chorus of black models who have bemoaned their experiences in the highly homogeneous fashion industry.

Supermodel Jourdan Dunn once dealt with a makeup artist who outright refused to work with her because of her skin color. In addition, fashion icon Beverly Johnson was confronted with the same ignorance decades ago and would arrive at shoots with her hair already done and her own foundation in tow so she didn't have to interact with makeup artists.

Clearly not much has changed over the years. But we're glad Paul is bringing the issue back to the forefront. Let's hope we don't have to hear any more of these sad tales again.




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Brody Jenner Calls Kourtney And Scott's Split 'Unfortunate'

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Brody Jenner is the first family member to speak out about and confirm Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick's recent split. 


On Tuesday, the 31-year-old DJ and reality-TV personality assured "Today" show co-host Hoda Kotb that both parties were doing "great" post-breakup, which seems like the wrong word entirely, since the pair reportedly split due to Disick's out-of-control substance-abuse issues and suspected infidelity


"Obviously, Scott has gone through some issues in the past," said Jenner, who was promoting his upcoming series, "Sex With Brody." "He's worked through them."


But Jenner's comments are at odds with a photo that Us Weekly published shortly after news of the couple's split broke, showing Disick "sitting closely with another mystery brunette in a drug-filled hotel room in New York City" that was reportedly taken on June 14. 


Jenner did admit that when he saw photos of Disick getting cozy with ex-girlfriend Chloe Bartoli while in Monaco last week, he knew there was trouble ahead. 


"Honestly, when I saw those pictures, I just went, 'Uh-oh.' I even showed my girlfriend, I just went, 'This isn't good,'" Jenner told Hotb, adding, "It's unfortunate."


Jenner is currently the only member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan to comment on the split. 



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