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Boholuv Old School: Coachella Bound

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Coachella 2016, the music-founded glamfest just a few years older than my youngest daughter, is in final countdown. And my husband, my song-writing partner in music luv (it's how we met) and I are going. We will comprise a snippet of the concert-going population whose ages will start at the average attendee age x 2, but we'll do so with bells on. And sunblock.

Music:
Our daughter, youngest of 3, is a music loving tween. She introduces her dad and me to downloads and dance moves that 1) point out vast seas of difference between the generations, but also 2) spans them with the best of bridges. My sons, adults, each individually went through their discovery of older music genres and recording stars. It's a joyous little experience when they unearth music I grew up with. I went through my time-warp discovery too, in my own generational context. This included but was not limited to classic film soundtracks and mellow crooners to, say, Jethro Tull. Two nights ago we did, in fact, pay homage to Ian Anderson at the performance of his band's namesake rock opera, something I have known he planned for years to write. A perfect swansong collection, classic hits were embedded into the show. The audience was on its feet for "Aqualung" in every bit the same way audiences rise and stand for Handel's "Halleluja Chorus."

Select music I own on vinyl, cassette, (never ever an 8-track - can you imagine?) disc and via download, the truest indicator of ongoing fanship over the years. A key element of the generation of music lovers to which I belong is technology - it's our horse n buggy vs automobile story, isn't it? Among the tech crossover elite are the Alan Parsons Projects, King Crimson, ELP (heartfelt and head bowed to the late great Keith Emerson), Sting, and most especially Tull.

Not being stuck (too totally) in the music of my youth (sleepovers were Saturday Night Fever BeeGees dance sessions), I am loving lots of the new stuff. Having fast forwarded, tunes like "Get It" by Matt and Kim are what I listen to on the way to things like board meetings, as perfect preventative counterbalance to all the proper protocol in which I am about to be immersed. And I too am addicted to the music of Muse. Their live performance masterpiece, Live at Rome Olympic Stadium, and next Drones warranted a weekend trip to see them earlier this year. The dancability of songs today is among the best ever. I agree with the younger generations on that count - the heavier, the techier, the better. Give me DEV's "Bass Down Low" any day over retro low hanging fruit, as it's referred to by musicians, like Tom Petty's "American Girl," which women of my generation consistently mistake for a dance mandate. Now, I might move with steps that'd make our tween's eyes roll, but that's ok. Her childlike disdain is aka the imperative lengthening of the apron strings, as it should be. I'll confess, however, to looking dorkish only to a certain extent (she has no idea that I do some moves specifically to get a rise in her)....

My husband and I, having started to orient our travel around music, will pack up at week's end and head to the California desert. It amuses and makes us smile to know that at an event of this mega-hipness, it's a throwback band, Guns n Roses, that is headlining. While the younglings are listening into this rather immediate past, I hope they reach back even farther in time, say back to Ian Anderson and his Tull companions. Anderson ranks among the gods of renaissance rock troubadours. His bohemian frills and pre-grunge plaids are still awe-inspiring, as is his music. Or take Barbra Streisand's to-die-for Star is Born persona - I still want what was in her closet back then, what she modeled onscreen and set as top notch bar for the 70s Boholuv generation.

Fashion:
A Star is Born brings me to the other, equally important aspect of the Coachella phenomenon, fashion. Star was Ms Streisand's baby, produced, directed and performed by her, for which her wardrobe - embroidered caftans, beaded chokers and peasant skirts (as they were called back then) - served as costume department. I still know every word to every song in that film, in the same way legions can sing along to every word of The Sound of Music. I'm waiting for the day when sing-along events for Star, or perhaps Jesus Christ Superstar are created. Going back as far as 6th grade, I remember wearing "mod" red/yellow/blue suede shoes and a crochet granny square vest.... By the time Star hit, I was exploring artful independence in my own looks. I sewed outfits for myself, creating pieced patch pockets, mix-matching fabrics. I know much looked way too homemade, but as "art kid" I was ok with the quirkiness. I collected dime store lace tights and unsual hair paraphernalia, and still have a beloved pair of painted Swedish clogs; call them vintage now. My precious Aunt in Berlin (who I have featured a couple times on HP: Traveling Sweater and Trying On Tiaras) once bought for me, then age 16, a handkerchief hem, 3-piece outfit consisting of peasant blouse, cummerbund and skirt. I still remember the moment I spotted the ensemble, tacked high on a shop window's wall with stick pins. I still have that outfit, and wonder if my daughter might ever want to wear it....
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Culture Conflict:
In short, I am old school bohemian dresser. To call it "original" boho is a misnomer, as the original bohemians were a location-based segment of society in history. But I am a charter Free People consumer who still has some of their very first print thermals in my dresser drawers. I am dismayed over the targeting of their Festival line, as has made the news in tandem with pre-Coachella publicity. Newsflash: fashion is fickle, but only because it reflects our malleable society. Lines are quickly and inconsistently crossed from both directions. Flattery in the form of imitative inspiration enters all too quickly the realm of offensiveness when blanket ownership assumptions (contested beads and feathers) are made against it - especially when it involves big bucks. The collateral effect is - guess what? - free publicity. If you don't like it, don't buy it; don't wear it. That is how choice/support works in a free market. Moreover, Free People's current, maligned collection is neither new nor unique from a design standpoint - and relative to full spectrum pricing, is not that expensive, as is also lamented. Valentino's divine Spring/Summer 2016 and the gorgeous stuff DSquared2 comes up with time and again borrow heavily from cultures over time and place - and imo with amazingly edgy, beautiful results, at pricepoints 10, even 100x that of FP.

Second news flash: Nothing is new. Everything is borrowed from other, pre-existing sources - it's about context (esp in time) and intent as planned and/or perceived. As fashion purports to move forward, it does so like a slinky. Supposed "must haves" coil up and back around again as style cycles appear over and over again. To copy, to imitate is part of design. Take the camouflage pants this peace-mongering, art-loving mom so loves: My first pair was army surplus, men's (as at the time there was no such thing as a straight cut, low-waisted woman's pant), bought while in college. I have worn camouflage ever since and am always happy when they are re-deemed "in". Ditto as regards my ever-lovin' overalls, be it my 2015 patched and distressed Ralph Laurens or the decades+ wide-whale cords (again, menswear, for the cleaner lines). That proverbial "bury me in..." line would pertain to my overalls. Offensiveness in fashion is as relative as is personal platform and the time one chooses to devote to its advocacy. If Free People's Festival collection is subject to attack, then should not my camo pants or overalls be just as questioned for their relevance - or lack thereof - to me as pseudo/non-connected consumer? What about the flip term mentioned above? "Peasant" as used in the 70s for much of what was/is boho, sounded rather chock full of disenfranchisement and disdain potential, no? And what about the way cool, wire-wrapped "tribal horn" style earrings I, a pasty-faced (aka "white") Euro-Ami gal just nabbed on Etsy? Do I not have a right to buy and wear them and support a hard-working craftsperson? I believe I/we do.

Boholuv:
Fringe, embroidered embellishments, so-called ethnic details and loose, flowy garments are stock elements in my wardrobe. I cannot tell you how fun this will be, to immerse myself in a multi-generational catwalk the width of a football field. But I will do it age appropriately: Just 'cause one can, doesn't mean one should. That smacks of what I call TTH - Trying Too Hard. Cool as in temperature suitable + the making of a style statement I can write home about will combine with wisdom, which = practical comfort. Shoes/boots will be for walking. I cringe when I observe women hobbling at night's end, or worse yet, see them carrying their shoes, full length dresses dragging on the asphalt. Layers, a Boholuv imperative, will be light in weight but heavy on the creative. Excessively exposed skin will be left to others. Though I might indulge in a tassel or a pom-pom or two, and I am a casual fan of those the Weissmuller/Tarzan films, me no dress like jungle-version Jane in a mini skirt made of leaves.
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Fun will be in the details: delicate ankle chains barely peeking out from harem pant hems, necklaces of leather strands and shell beads, wrap bracelets and straw hats. The crochet and fringe that's been in my closet for years come right back into their own with this pilgrimage. Makes those earlier purchases even more cost effective - I am a believer in selective closet cleanouts, as what one year is dated, is the next season's curated darling.

You can follow my Coachella 2016 picture book on my Instagram account, @ModLodgeLuv where I will share new finds and old standbys as they are packed and made ready to go, as well as event pics.

Fashion fun and Boholuv are for me, for us, whose connectivity to "millennial" is perhaps only as parent, who have embraced for decades what is happily again so very "now," who know well enough not to take much of it too seriously, but still want to join in some serious fun.

photos by kimann, all items property of kimann

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This Classic Beauty Product Just Got A Major Makeover

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In the '90s, our Caboodles makeup cases were filled with mini body mists and lotions, butterfly hair clips and Lip Smackers lip glosses. Yet, we'd spend most of our allowances on the latter so we could show off all our strawberry, melon and grape-flavored lip oils during recess.


Our lips looked and felt super shiny, but that's pretty much all those drugstore lip oils were good for back then. Jane Park, the CEO and founder of Julep cosmetics, has modernized this classic beauty product into a skincare treatment with a bit of luxury.


Behold, Julep Lip Oil and Tinted Lip Oil Treatment.



Growing up in Korea, Park's mother used to slather oil all over their lips. "People often only focus on protecting and taking care of their face and neck, and often forget about the lips," she says. "I've been using oils to cleanse my skin, nourish it and moisturize my whole life!"


According to Park, most lip treatments act as a barrier to protect skin from the outside elements. She adds, "What most people do not know are that these protecting formulas aren't able to sink into the skin to treat and heal."


Julep Lip Oil and Tinted Lip Oils use a combination of four pure oils (camellia, avocado, rosehip seed and grape seed) that are commonly found in Korean skincare products to deeply hydrate skin and enhance your natural lip color. Park explains, "Camellia oil, which smooths and plumps lips from the inside out, is sourced from Korea's Jeju Island (a hot vacation spot). Grape seed oil is another ingredient that is essential to this product. It's pulled directly from the actual grape skin making it so the oils are able to dive down deep and absorb easily."


Even though these lip oils have strong Korean roots, Park reveals she didn't want to confine them to that label because most of the time no one understands what that really means. "My goal is to give people the best ingredients to achieve the best results," she says. 


To get the most out of the tinted lip oils, Park recommends prepping your lips with a scrub before swiping on. She also likes to keep the clear lip oil on her nightstand to apply before bed an an overnight treatment. 


Look out for Julep Lip Oil and Tinted Lip Oil Treatments ($20) May 1 on julep.com. Shop our editors' picks for the best lip oils on the market right now below.  



Lip Oils



Lancôme Juicy Shaker, $21; Clinique Pop Oil Lip & Cheek Glow, $18; Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, $22.50; Milk Makeup Oil Lip Stain, $18

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Cowboy Boots and the Memories of Life

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This is a story of my Grandpa Jack and cowboy boots. It's a story of how a boy from Independence, Missouri came to be a traveler, a uniquely American version of the Explorer. A man who represents the rugged outdoors and the passion for life lived passionately.

As a small child, one of my earliest memories is of my Grandpa Jack. He stands in the bathroom, facing the mirror. I stand in the hallway, a small girl three years old, looking up at him. He squirts a dollop of VO5 in his palm, rubs his hands together and then runs his fingers through his hair.

He was a cowboy. Not the John Wayne version.

He wasn't always a cowboy.

Long before we knew each other, he was a young man from the mid-west. He married Charlotte the Great and they had my mom.

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They spent time in the Ozarks, had a house and their family grew. Grandpa loved animals, especially his dogs.

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And while the white tee-shirt remained a staple, the rest of him morphed into a rugged, rodeo-riding, horse owning man, and he always dressed IMPECCABLY.

He wore a Stetson cowboy hat, western shirt, with enamel snaps, jeans so filled with starch they could nearly stand on their own, and they cracked when he put his legs in them. The finishing touch was his Tony Llama Cowboy boots. He accessorized with Marlboro Reds, hat pins, and my favorite, belt buckles! He epitomized resilience, self-sufficiency, and independence.

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Although a cowboy in appearance and soul, he drove a truck, moving from Independence, Missouri to Utah. He fell in love with the landscape and favored routes to Wyoming, with its rolling valleys, small population, and wildlife. The west suited him with its barren land, endless sage deserts, red rock etched into statues and cliffs. He loved the roaring rivers, wild horses, and dramatic mountains. He liked the life a man led out there.

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Today, the beauty of a cowboy may seem a bit old-fashioned. Even art depicts the cowboy as "nostalgic" and "quaint," as if he exists only in the past. The truth is there is a part in all of us that longs for getting on horseback and exploring the unspoiled wilderness
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Perhaps the spirit of the cowboy was set free with Theodore Roosevelt as a role model, winding his way through Yellowstone. Perhaps it died with Grandpa Jack back in 1985.

I have memories of campfires and cowboy stories in a pasture as the horses grazed on wild asparagus on the banks of the river nearby.
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My images of a cowboy are my grandpa's chisel-face, the dimple in his chin, his weather-worn hands pulling a rope as he guided me, my siblings and my cousins around the pasture on horseback.

I can still see him cupping his cigarette against the wind somewhere outside. His gray eyes that turned to a fierce green when he was angry, signaling for us to clear the way.

He taught us a work ethic.

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We couldn't ride the horses until we had hauled the hay, checked the horses hoofs, and listened to his direction.

He was, perhaps, the first man I fell in love with. He was handsome, but he had this passion for life that was intoxicating. He told stories of ordinary days that seemed to become grand adventures. He treated his horses like his family.


My children never met him, but they know him.

My daughter just received her first pair of cowboy boots and when we opened the lid, the smell of leather brought Grandpa into the room. I watched as my daughter inhaled the smell on the boots. It made me remember that my IMPECCABLY dressed grandpa wore gym socks inside his cowboy boots, the white knee-high ones with the blue or red stripes.

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I'm calling cowboy boots a conservationist, preserving the wild in all of us and the freedom my grandpa experienced. They are boots that connect us to my grandpa and his passion for life.

They captivate and hold immense beauty. They are curators, reminding us we love life and the view.
Watching my daughter pull her cowboy boots on over her jeans for the first time was like Grandpa Jack was there, teaching her.

Life has us running in sneakers, but it's one of the best feelings to slow things down to a simpler pace and take in the view we sometimes miss.


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It's one of the best life lessons Grandpa Jack and his cowboy boots taught me. While I wish Grandpa was still around to put my kiddos on the back of a horse, teach them to ride, tell them the stories of his life, I know his legend lives in my heart and will be passed down through the generations.

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Store Employee Says Zara Discriminated Against Her Natural Hair

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Zara is under fire for alleged bias again. This time, an employee at a Zara store in Toronto says management discriminated against her because of her natural hair. 


Cree Ballah, who described herself as biracial, told Canada's CBC News she was approached by two managers when she arrived at work on March 23. They asked to take her hair out of the box braids she had pulled back into an updo, she said. 






Ballah told Toronto's City News that the two managers said they were "not trying to offend" her, but told her they were "going for a clean professional look."


Ballah said they then tried to take matters into their own hands by attempting to "fix" the hairstyle in the middle of a crowded mall. "It was very humiliating... it was unprofessional," she told CBC. "My hair type is also linked to my race, so to me, I felt like it was direct discrimination against my ethnicity in the sense of what comes along with it."


Ballah did not respond to a request for comment before publication. City News reports she filed a complaint with Zara's human resources department. A meeting two weeks later did little to resolve the issue to her satisfaction.


A Zara spokesman told The Huffington Post in part in a statement that the fashion retailer "has no formal policy regarding employees’ hairstyles; we expect all employees to ensure that they present a professional appearance that enables them to serve our valued customers.


"We have engaged directly with the employee on this matter and respect the privacy of those discussions. Zara would never, under any circumstances, ask an employee to remove his or her braids. We are proud of our diverse workforce, and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination."


Unfortunately, Ballah is hardly the first person to be penalized for their natural hair. Earlier this month, Akua Agyemfra, a server at Jack Astor's restaurant in Toronto, was sent home for wearing her hair in a bun. In 2012, Louisiana meteorologist Rhonda Lee claimed she was fired from her job for defending her natural hair on-air after it was criticized online. 


Zara has a less than perfect history when it comes to relationships with both its customers and employees. Back in 2015, the brand was accused of showing racial bias toward customers and employees, and it has, on more than one occasion, been criticized for carrying offensive products

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This Artist's 3D Tattoos Will Practically Jump Off Your Skin

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When you're putting something on your body forever, you might want to be deliberate. On the other hand, sometimes the best artistic creations come about when you're willing to experiment and consider happy accidents. 


It took at least two fluke occurrences for tattoo artist Dave, who goes by Winston the Whale, to take up 3D tattooing. About a year and a half ago, Dave, who has been an artist and illustrator for several years, says he "was focusing on pursuing murals and other forms of art" when a friend asked Dave to give him a stick 'n' poke tattoo. "I ended up doing this little planet and some stars and the tattoo actually looked pretty decent!" he told The Huffington Post in an email.


He began tattooing more friends and posting the photos to Instagram. "A month later I was booked out of my apartment doing stick 'n' poke tattoos!" he said. "It was really crazy how fast it happened."


Then, last September, Dave was discussing a possible tattoo with a last-minute client. "I suggested a simple skull. He asked me if it was possible to do it in red and blue like a 3D image and I figured it was worth a shot to at least try it," he said. The photo blew up on Dave's Instagram, and suddenly he was flooded with requests for red-and-blue 3D tattoos. "I kinda just went with it," he said.



First 3D flash tattoo of the day! 5 more to go ❤️✌️ thanks Ryan! Done at #valentinestattooseattle

A photo posted by ✨Dave✨ (@winstonthewhale) on




Dave's designs feature clean, playful lines and simple elements that are easy to grasp even with the potentially eye-crossing effect of the red and blue version offset over each other. "It's really about delivering something that is stripped down to the basics for maximum impact upon immediate viewing," he explained. "People only really look at an image for a second or two and these little 3D designs capture their attention for just the right amount of time."


Before you rush out and buy a pair of 3D glasses, however, be warned: "They don't actually work on skin," Dave told HuffPost. "Unfortunately there are several factors to making an anaglyph image effective and the contour of the body, skin tone, color overlap, etc. that negate the actual anaglyph 3D effect."


Dang. 


Still, chances are the tattoo recipients and those they meet will not be equipped with 3D glasses very often, so the most important fact remains: These little red-and-blue line drawings look super-cool.


Check out some more of his work below, and at Winston the Whale's Instagram.


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These Young Couples Got To See What They'd Look Like In 50 Years

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Saying the words "'Til death do us part" may seem like the easiest part of the wedding, but what does aging together actually look like? 


YouTuber and makeup artist Stephanie Nadia decided to show real-life couples what they'd look like 50 years from now. Watch the results in the heartwarming video above.

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Forget the Hoop! Embroider White Canvas Sneakers for Spring

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We're falling more and more in love with embroidery everyday. I personally might need to make a new Instagram account to keep track of all my embroidery heroes and inspiration. Recently we discovered Liz Payne and were blown away by her designs (check out her Etsy and Instagram). I mean, her work is WTF amazeballs. With the skills we've learned from Embroidery 101, we decided to tackle our own pair of embroidery sneakers for spring. It will take a long time so make this project this weekend or save it for a few days of Netflix marathoning.

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Materials + Tools:
- white canvas sneakers
- embroidery floss
- beads
- scissors
- embroidery needle

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Tools:

1. Unlace the sneakers and string your first color thread onto the needle. Tie the end of the thread to one of the shoe lace grommets.

2. Cover the sneaker in different patterns and stitches using various colors of thread. Scroll down below to learn basic embroidery stitches or learn in our class Embroidery 101!

3. String beads onto the needle and stitch them onto the sneaker for extra flair.

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Alright, I'm not going to lie, the type of canvas sneakers are made from is a lot harder to embroider than the cotton you would normally slide into your embroidery hoop. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. This project took about 10 hours and can easily be done while you Netflix and party. To make the embroidery 100 times easier, unlace both sneakers to really get that needle working.

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Tie the end of the thread to one of the shoe lace grommets. You can tie a knot at the end of the thread but it may get in the way of stitching. By tying it to the grommet, it will hold the thread in place and will help avoid the needle from bumping into knots when embroidering.

French knot stitch


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Poke the needle through the sneaker starting from the inside. Wrap the thread around the needle four times. Stick the needle back through the sneaker right next to where it emerged. Hold the thread in your left hand while you pull the thread with your right hand on the inside of the sneaker to create a nice tight knot.

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Cover the sneaker with tons of french knots. Space them out to create a polkadot look or place them close to each other to create a textured patch.

Satin stitch


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Satin stitch is used to fill in an area or a shape. Simply make basic stitches right next to each other until you create a solid color-blocked area.

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What I find most fun about embroidery is thinking of the string as a pencil. Create stitches just as you would create lines on a page to make fun markings.

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Back at it again with the satin stitch to create small triangles. Make the second stitch right next to the first but slightly longer to create a triangle shape.

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Change up the colors of your thread to create a dynamic pattern or keep it all monochromatic and focus on texture, texture, texture!

Split Stitch


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To create a semi-seamless longer stitch, try using a split stitch. Back stitch into your first stitch so the thread comes up through the fibers of the thread.

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If your fingers are getting sore -- I bet they are -- try covering more surface area with large triangles.

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Finish up the tops of the sneakers with some beaded embroidery. Slide a bead onto the needle and then poke your needle through the sneaker to secure the bead in place. Repeat over and over to create a beaded masterpiece.

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Beading is also a time commitment, so if your patience is thin, go ahead and finish off the space with some satin stitches.

Chain stitch


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Start with the needle coming up from the inside, poke it back into the fabric right next to wear it broke through. Don't pull the thread all the way. Instead leave a loop. Bring the needle back up about a stitch-length away and pull the needle through. Insert the needle through the loop behind the stitch and pull tightly. Continue this process and you will start to see a chain forming.

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Shapes + embroidery + color (um teal!) + sneakers = dream shoes for sure!

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Spring color palette FTW!

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Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!


DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Photography: Brittany Griffin and Kurt Andre


Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Meet Chromat, The Fashion Brand That's Changing The Fashion Industry

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Becca McCharen, head designer at Chromat, is changing the world one runway at a time. As one of just a few designers who have repeatedly featured diverse models on the Fashion Week runways, there's no denying McCharen is a trailblazer in her field.


But if you ask her, it's much simpler than that. In a new interview with The Huffington Post, McCharen, whose architecturally inspired designs are nothing short of works of art, explained that being inclusive is more about acknowledging the daily lives we all lead than making a statement. 


"All our runway models represent who who inspire us, whether it's trans women, women of color, curve models, that's my world and that's the world we live in and that's who I want to celebrate," she said.



It's that seemingly no-brainer notion that has garnered the brand plenty of praise and media attention. Most recently, it landed McCharen a starring spot in the ActuallySheCan Film Series, which includes three short films premiering during the Tribeca Film Festival. The films celebrate achievements by young women who, according to the campaign, "are defying odds, challenging convention and inspiring their generation." 


Chromat is advanced not only in thinking but in execution, too. McCharen frequently works at the intersection of fashion and technology, using her background in architecture to design stunning pieces and advancements like 3D graphing to design perfectly fitted garments for customers.  


Making these strides to be inclusive and accommodating is just another step toward the ultimate goal of having this kind of mindset become the norm. "The barriers will have been broken when this is no longer a conversation," she said. 


Preach.


Check out the entire video above, and head to ActuallySheCan.com starting on April 22 to see the 15-minute film.  

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Jessica Simpson Talks New Music And Her Daughter's Love Of 'Nicki Naj'

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When Jessica Simpson isn't busy expanding her billion-dollar empire, acting in a new movie or singing in the studio, the mother of two likes to hit the road with her family. 


As the new brand ambassador for Budget Car Rental, Simpson spoke with The Huffington Post about her weekly penchant for renting cars. The cars make it easy to squeeze in some extra together time, as well as provide a disguise for Simpson and her family to escape the paparazzi. 


Check out HuffPost's candid conversation with Simpson about the paps, her doppelgänger daughter's love of Nicki Minaj and the awesome surprises she (literally) has in store for her fans: 



Do you feel your interactions with paparazzi have changed over the years?


I really don't know ever how to describe paparazzi other than, if I don't have my hair and makeup done I really don't want them [laughs]. It's hard for me to know that my children are being photographed even when I'm not with them.


You post a lot of photos of your kids on social media. Is that a way to manage the paparazzi because you get to control the image you put out there? 


I don't really believe that paparazzi control the image that I have, you know, at all. It really is me who controls my own image and I do take that very seriously. When I do post pictures of my kids on Instagram, it's not necessarily trying to outdo someone else. I'm not trying to get something out there before someone else can, [but it's] because I think my kids are beautiful and adorable. 



"Be cool and kiss the camera mom" - Maxwell Drew

A photo posted by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on




They definitely are. Your kids are such stars. 


My kids have the biggest personalities ever, and I know every mom would probably say that about their children, but I guess I'm just one of those moms who likes to brag about how adorable their kids are. 


Do you all enjoy going on road trips together? 


We definitely love going on road trips and it's definitely in our Budget rental car, I'll be honest. The kids love it. Eric and I listen to them banter back and forth and it's like, "Oh, my gosh, can we just give them an iPad or something?" It reminds me of when I grew up and going on road trips with my sister and my parents. It's always a sentimental time. Even if your kids [are] screaming, I feel like I'll miss that one day. [Laughs


Definitely. Is there a special soundtrack that you guys listen to in the car? 


Well, my daughter [Maxwell] really is a fan of of "Nicki Naj." [Laughs] Not Nicki Minaj, "Nicki Naj." That's her inspiration at the moment. And Ace is -- I could brag -- but he has perfect pitch. He's got such good tone. He can sing so well, but the words don't always come out correctly. It's cute, they both love music and they like to dance and circle around each other. My daughter is trying to learn to break dance at the moment, she has one move -- she puts her hands down and puts her leg up like she's break dancing. 




That is so funny. Do you think you have two future stars on your hands? 


My kids are stars in my own eyes. I would never force the entertainment business on them or anything like that, but I do think they're already more talented than me.  


What kind of upcoming projects do you have planned? 


I mean, there are so many! I'm obviously continuing to expand the Jessica Simpson Collection and we're looking into building stores, which is extremely exciting [Simpson couldn't elaborate on the secretive first location]. I'm back in the studio -- I've been in the studio all week.


It's been a very exciting time to rediscover music and I definitely have so much inspiration. I've been in the music business for so long, and it's interesting to see what I come up with as a mom and the perspective I have after all the records I have made and all the life situations I've been through. There's a lot to talk about. There's a lot to sing about. There's a lot I feel like people will relate to. 


The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 



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Are You Ready for Robots to Take Over Your Closet?

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By Megan Gustashaw for GQ.

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(Getty Images)

Much has been said about designers reimagining the fashion system to better suit the retail landscape today, only the future isn't entirely in their hands. Artificial Intelligence is also ripe to revolutionize the industry and, according to a new article in The Business of Fashion, "thanks to a trifecta of cheap, ubiquitous, powerful computing, big data and the development of deep learning" the time could be now. In the article, author Kate Abnett outlines three ways AI could dramatically change the fashion industry -- and by extension, your closet -- in the near future.

No more sales = No more crap you don't need
One of the clearest wins for the fashion industry will be the ability to better manage inventory using Artificial Intelligence. "AI can crawl e-commerce sites to see which products are selling; it can analyze consumer data to learn which colors or materials customers in a specific country -- or even city -- are buying; and it can scoop up swathes of information from social media to identify trends and microtrends", writes Abnett. What this means for you is that, when you walk into a store or visit an e-commerce site, there will be more of what you want, or will most likely buy, in the right sizes and colors, and less jam-packed sale racks tempting you with stuff you don't need.

The ability to shop with the world's biggest fashion nerd
Artifical Intelligence could also revolutionize the customer service experience, which, let's be honest, is all but nonexistent since e-commerce sites became enormous traffic-drivers. An AI bot could act as a personal stylist, helping you locate hard-to-find items, figure out what will look good on you, tell you what's trending, and more. That whole Tay bot thing didn't go so well, admittedly, but better bots are just around the corner (and hopefully unplugged from social media).

Weirder, cooler clothes in your closet
Artificial Intelligence doesn't just offer a solution for the business minds to better manage bottom lines, it'll also help designers flex their creative muscles. Abnett uses the analogy of architecture leaders like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid using computer modeling to realize their wildest structural dreams. In the same way, AI could help fashion designers come up with new fabrications, cuts, and systems of getting dressed that they aren't able to realize working alone.

More from GQ:

The Hottest Women of the 21st Century

The Best Haircuts for Men

Amber Rose's Nude GQ Photo Shoot

Everything Kanye West Wore in 2015

9 Men Who Mastered the Art of the Rock 'n' Roll Beard

Cristiano Ronaldo Has Mankind's Greatest Body


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How to Shave Off Your Winter Beard

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By Megan Gustashaw for GQ.

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(Getty Images)

Flashing some skin after months of hibernation can be a scary experience. Even scarier if that skin is located above your shirt-collar -- a.k.a. your face -- where no one can pretend they don't see it. But shaving off one's winter beard is an age-old tradition, and one that is ultimately survivable when approached with care. Here are the six steps to pulling it off like a pro.

Ask Yourself, Do I Really Want This?
If growing a winter beard has turned you into the Sting of your personal life (you know what we mean), perhaps you should keep it around just a little bit longer. You could always shave your head instead, like 23-year-old Gig Hadid whisperer Zayn Malik, or go full-on summer-season wildman, like a DGAF retired late-night host.

Warn the People That Live with You
We've all watched a video of a man making his wife and kids cry with his scary, scary beardless face. Warn those around you in advance, so that they can mentally prepare (slash, set the stage for your family's viral video). Sure, you'll still have to deal with mildly insulting comments from coworkers and friends, but at least there won't be tears at home.

Gather the Necessary Materials
Schedule a professional shave at the swankiest place in town, or, if you'd rather enjoy some alone time in the bathroom, gather the necessary equipment to get the job done right. You'll need face wash, a beard trimmer or a set of clippers, shaving cream, a sharp razor, after-shave moisturizer, and a hand towel. And maybe some jams? Shaving off a winter beard calls for a soundtrack if you ask us.

Clear Your Schedule
Do not shave off your winter beard before you go to a party or dinner. The two halves of your face need time to get reacquainted, especially if you have even the whisper of a tan on your forehead. Otherwise, you might have to deal with razor burn or ingrown hairs, so it's best to give things time to settle no matter what you think you're dealing with under there. See also: Ben Affleck.

Do Not Rush This
Do not get drunk and try to muscle your way through this with a razor and scalding hot water. Start by washing your face with an exfoliating cleanser, then apply some beard oil or shaving cream to soften the follicles. Before you go at your face with a razor, take your beard down a few notches with a pair of clippers. Finish with a hot towel and an after-shave moisturizer as well. All in all, you should be in the bathroom for a good 30 minutes--60 if you're taking mid-shave selfies. #muttonchops

Give it a Couple of Days
You knew we were going to say this: Hey, it'll always grow back! But seriously, rolling into work on Monday morning with a couple of days of stubble will take the bite out of everyone's "You look so different" comments in the best way. It'll also give you ample time to buy some new clothes for your new face, which is a nonexistent thing we are giving you permission to do. If you're going to reinvent yourself, we say go big or go home.

More from GQ:

The Hottest Women of the 21st Century

The Best Haircuts for Men

Amber Rose's Nude GQ Photo Shoot

Everything Kanye West Wore in 2015

9 Men Who Mastered the Art of the Rock 'n' Roll Beard

Cristiano Ronaldo Has Mankind's Greatest Body


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How To Get The Most Popular Spring Shoes For Under $100

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At HuffPost Style, we're all about looking great without breaking the bank. And thankfully, this season there are so many shoe trends that you can scoop up for next to nothing. 


Between lace-up flats, Western-inspired booties and babouche shoes (heel-less slippers), there really is something for everyone. 


Check out a few of our favorites below that all clock in well under $100. 


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It's Been 10 Years Since Paris Hilton Brought Kim Kardashian Into Our Lives

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It's difficult to remember what the pop culture landscape looked like before the Kardashians began to dominate our cultural consciousness. 


But it was really just a decade ago -- 10 years ago to the day, to be specific -- that Kim Kardashian posed on red carpet with her very famous friend Paris Hilton for the first time.



The timing was perfect. Hilton had been down a sidekick for nearly a year, having confirmed to reporters that she and "Simple Life" co-star Nicole Richie were no longer BFFs. Meanwhile, Hilton and Kardashian grew up together and recently reconnected after the heiress reached out to her old pal, who was known at the time as "the Queen of the Closet Scene," to organize her monstrous closet.


After spending the last few months posing solo or with younger sister Nicky, on April 12, 2006, Hilton brought Kardashian along with her to the 3rd Annual Lakers Casino Night in Santa Monica, unknowingly setting the stage for everything that was to come. 



Ten years ago, Kardashian was just Paris Hilton's friend Kim, which is exactly how she's described by Getty in the photo above. The next few months were crucial to Kardashian's career as she became Hilton's new BFF and knew better than to turn down an invite for a night out. 


"We'd go anywhere and everywhere just to be seen," Kardashian told Rolling Stone in July 2015."We knew exactly where to go, where to be seen, how to have something written about you. All you had to do is go to this restaurant, or this party, talk about whatever you want to talk about, and it would be in the paper the next day."


They say everyone has to start somewhere. The seeds of Kim Kardashian's celebrity were planted with a photo of her with Paris Hilton, which, in retrospect, Hilton probably regrets.



Being Hilton's BFF is a full-time job -- one Kardashian held for about eight months. By early 2007, she didn't need Hilton anymore. What's more, America didn't need Hilton anymore. Just months after "The Simple Life" was canceled, "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" premiered. 


Kardashian's ascent to fame didn't sit well with Hilton, who later resorted to name-calling and crude remarks that signaled a feud was brewing between the two former besties, not that Kardashian was particularly concerned. 


Today, the feud is over, though we'd never call them friends -- just two women who know the value of a well-timed #tbt.



Found this pic while unpacking! It's from 2006 in Ibiza. Happy belated birthday @ParisHilton

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on



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Duchess Kate Wore A $72 Dress To Sit On The Floor And Color In India

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In the three short days since she began a royal tour of India and Bhutan, the Duchess of Cambridge -- you may remember her as Kate Middleton -- has reached epic levels of sartorial greatness in looks by both Indian and British designers


While visiting a center for homeless children in New Delhi on Tuesday, she took the opportunity to remind us that she looks just as lovely in clothing the rest of us can afford, too.



Kate looked adorably chic in a maxi dress by U.K.-based label Glamorous, which sells for about $71 on the brand's website (it's currently sold out, but you can pre-order for a restock on May 10). It's available for even less than that elsewhere, including $40 on sale.



The long, flowing dress was perfect for getting on the floor and coloring with the kids, although we're not sure long sleeves are the most practical option in New Delhi's 95-degree heat.



Later in the day, the duchess was all smiles for a visit with Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi, wearing a stunning, seafoam green Temperley dress -- her second Temperley look of the week. Her dress, from the brand's Fall 2016 collection, was tailored to include a modesty panel in the front where the original was sheer. 



Just. Plain. Gorgeous. 


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29 Times Saoirse Ronan Shut Down The Red Carpet With Her Stunning Style

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If we had to nominate one actress whose style ruled the 2016 red carpet season, it would definitely be Saoirse Ronan


The Bronx-born, Ireland-raised beauty received countless nominations for her outstanding performance in "Brooklyn," making her a fixture at Hollywood's hottest ceremonies and parties. So we weren't surprised to learn that Ronan had tapped fashion consultant and Vanity Fair contributing editor Elizabeth Slatzman to help up her style ante. The results? A a total transformation, as we witnessed the young actress ooze confidence, whether she was sporting sophisticated jumpsuits or heavily-embellished gowns


In celebration of Ronan's 22nd birthday on April 11, we've compiled photo evidence below that shows how she earned a spot on our best-dressed lists


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Susan Sarandon On What Life Would Be Like For ‘Thelma & Louise’ Had They Lived

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Twenty-five years ago, director Ridley Scott's "Thelma & Louise" hit theaters and shocked moviegoers with the film's violence and controversial ending.


In the May 2016 issue of Harper's Bazaar, actresses Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis reminisced about "that" ending, what Thelma and Louise would be doing if they hadn't gone off that cliff and who they're excited about in Hollywood now. 



"Where would they be now, if they'd lived? Well, Thelma's definitely not with her husband anymore!" Sarandon said. "One would only hope she found Brad [Pitt] again. [Laughs.] Maybe Louise became a lesbian. That would be fabulous."  


Considering the infamous ending still stands, Davis admitted that there's no way the two will ever do a sequel. But when the movie came out in 1991, many thought that "Thelma & Louise" would inspire new roles for women in Hollywood.





"One very common theme in the press was, 'This changes everything,'" Davis said. "'Now there are going to be so many female buddy pictures, so many female action figures, This just completely rewrites everything,' and it didn't. The really short answer is, it didn't do shit." 


Though the movie industry still has a long way to go in terms of writing meatier, more fulfilling roles for women, Davis insisted that she's proud of the actresses taking over Hollywood today


"What gives me hope now are the young girls -- Lena Dunham, Jennifer Lawrence -- in Hollywood," Davis said. "I love all of them. I love everything they're doing; I love how outspoken they are ... I don't think anybody would've said there weren't enough parts for women because it would have sounded like you were complaining."






To read more of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon's interview with Harper's Bazaar, head here. 

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This Is Why You Should Never Apply Concealer Before Foundation

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If you apply concealer before and after your foundation, we urge you to stop doing that right now. Not only are you wasting money and makeup, but you're undoing your efforts to cover up.


Makeup artist and Beauty.com Beauty Director at Large Romy Soleimani says when you apply concealer first, you're wiping the concealeroff when you place foundation on top. She adds, "Applying concealer after foundation makes identifying where to use it much easier." 


As a general rule of thumb, Soleimani prefers to use concealer on areas that need more coverage: under eyes, around the nose and blemishes. "I always use concealer after foundation, tinted moisturizer or nothing at all to only conceal where needed, keeping the skin supple, natural and glowing," she says.


Having the best concealer makes wearing it alone so much easier. A few of our favorites are NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer and Make Up Forever Ultra HD Concealer


Check out the makeup tutorial above for more need-to-know concealer tips, including how to choose the correct shade for your skin tone and when it's best to use cream versus stick formulas. 

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How To Get Glitter Off Your Skin Once And For All

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Blame it on your four-year-old's macaroni picture frame. Or your latest Pinterest adventure. Or Rebecca's seriously fun (and also seriously ridiculous) bachelorette party. Whatever the culprit, you now have flecks of glitter all over your fingers, cheeks, eyebrows, bangs...from now until eternity. Here's how to finally rid yourself of those shiny suckers.

Related: The Brilliant Eyeliner Trick You Haven't Heard Before

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What you need: Aerosol hairspray and a paper towel.

What you do: Dampen the paper towel and spray hairspray on it liberally. Then, blot the parts of your skin that are subject to sparkly flecks.

Why it works: The adhesive in the hairspray is tough enough to stick to the glitter but gentle enough not to tug on your skin (like, say, tape would). We hope someone alerted Melissa McCarthy of this.

Related:

14 Ways to Cook with Glitter (Because You Can, Dammit)
This Household Item Is Way Better Than Fancy Blotting Sheets
A Smart (and Speedy) Way to Curl Your Hair on the Go

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Let's Talk About the Choker...

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Fashion, with its boomeranging trends, is ever so capricious. Trends often come and go only to return again but with a slight nuance -- a subtle update that makes your pre-loved items miss the reborn style. But if you're someone who has difficulties getting rid of your sartorial belongings (like me), you'll be delighted to hear that the comeback of the choker hasn't changed one bit.

So lately, necks are the new cleavage. Chokers have resurfaced and adorn celebrities necks. Farewell to the statement necklace, hello to the skinny bit of fabric or leather that embellished many necks in the 90s. Chokers peaked in the 1990s, flooded the 2004 catwalks, came back again in spring/summer 2012 and popped up last winter, last spring and again this season.

Undeniably chokers work best with a low-cut top, anything that covers your collar bones is the wrong way trying to update your look.

Chokers can make anything revealing feel a little less naked and, believe it or not, work with almost anything. It is a versatile piece, as long as your neck's length allows it. If nature didn't grant you a long neck with enough space between the chin and the shoulders, then, choker is not the accessory for you. Surprisingly, choker looks good with pretty much everything -- be it a masculine tuxedo jacket or a romantic gown.

Style wise, you can use it as a layering piece. Accessorize like a pro by wearing the "it" necklace over a turtleneck.

Wear it with another necklace. Layer your choker with a long, beaded necklace for "à la bohème" vibe.

Pair it with a denim. Even a basic denim jacket and t-shirt are upgraded with this necklace.
Team it with a girlie dress. Toughen up a feminine dress with this ribbon as necklace tied around your neck.

The choker is delicate. It's an unusual accessory and adds a different mood to your look; it gives a little bit of an edgy touch, like a rock star, to even the simplest of looks.

Choker has a history too! During the French Revolution, women used to wear red ribbons around their necks to pay homage to those who met their death at the guillotine.

In the 1800s, Alexandra of Denmark was influential in expanding the trend due to her insecurities over a neck scar. She was inspired by adding choker to her outfit from traditional Indian dress in Bombay, where she often traveled as the reigning Empress of India. If we go even further back, we'll learn that Native Americans wore them to protect their necks and their spirits as well as to symbolize rank.

Debutantes in the 40s were showing them off at society luncheons and charity galas.

"Like hemlines, necklace lengths go up and down," explains Sophie Quy, Net-a-Porter.com's fine jewellery buyer. "The choker is the natural evolution after the long pendant of a few years ago, followed by the trend for layering minimal, smaller chains and short pendants."

Choker is perhaps the most non-exclusive piece of jewellery ever made, indeed you can easily make your own.

Chokers have various forms and material. Satin, velvet, leather, metal, wide or thin band. We've seen some younger, more experimental dressers playing with the extendable tattoo-style chokers (which we're not advocating here...).

We're fans of the less grungy, more ladylike concoctions.

For a woman who isn't concerned with following trends, it is a refreshing alternative to diamonds and chains.

It's worth trying. Trust me!

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Match.com Just Got Schooled Over This Offensive Freckles Ad

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Consider this one massive missed connection.


Match.com is catching fire on Twitter this week for an ad that's quite offensive to the freckle-faced populous. 


The ad, which was posted in London tube stations, features an up-close photo of a model with freckles and red hair. The caption reads, "If you don't like your imperfections, someone else will," followed by an offer for a free three-day trial.






Understandably, passersby were NOT amused at calling freckles and red hair "imperfections." The U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority received "half a dozen" complaints about the ad, The Guardian reports.


"Think you need to rethink your latest campaign," Twitter user Max KC told Match. "There's nothing wrong with freckles." 






A Match.com spokeswoman told The Huffington Post that the "Love Your Imperfections" campaign was meant to "[celebrate] perceived physical and behavioral imperfections" and "encourage everyone to be proud of their individuality."


But freckles and red hair are not "imperfections." 


In fact, style photographers often celebrate freckles as marvelously unique facial features that make for a stunning statement. While some people have had a hard time learning to love their own, freckles are nonetheless to be appreciated, admired and loved, just like every other inch of our bodies.


Match is "in discussions with our relevant partners about removing these posters as soon as possible," the spokeswoman said. 


Meanwhile, we'll be swiping left on Tinder.  

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