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8 Sandal And Nail Polish Pairings That Take The Stress Out Of Picking A Color

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Deciding on a polish color at the nail salon always makes us feel like this:



But as we take the necessary steps to make sure that our feet are sandal-ready, knowing exactly which shades are pedicure-worthy will help to eliminate stress.


So we tapped into the expertise of Kiss products celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards to put together this guide on the perfect nail polish colors for eight spring sandal styles. Scroll down to find out which combinations work best!



Sandals & Nail Polish: Two-Tone Espadrilles


To play up the casual feel of this shoe, Edwards recommends complementing colors in peach or coral.  


Shop the look: Sole Society Audrina Platform Espadrille Sandal, $74.95; Loeffler Randall Harper Ankle-Wrap Wedge Espadrille Sandal, $295; Londontown Pinks Lakur Enhanced Colour in Weekend Cheers, $16; Essie Lounge Lover Nail Color, $8.50; Formula X Nail Polish in Punch Line, $10.50.



Sandals & Nail Polish: Gladiators


"Black nails give a fierce, strong, warrior look," says Edwards. 


Shop the look: Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals, $445; Circus by Sam Edelman Selma Women's Sandals, $45; Christian Louboutin Beauty Nail Polish in Loubi Under Red, $45; OPI Black Onyx Nail Lacquer, $10; Lauren B. Beauty Paparazzi Nail Polish, $18.



Sandals & Nail Polish: Sleek, Black Sandals


According to Edwards, bright neon colors display an ironic, fun twist against black sandals. 


Shop the look: Vince Ida Crisscross-Strap Flat Sandals, $179; Madden Girl Bella Two-Piece Block Heel Sandals, $49; Nails Inc Gel Effect Nail Polish in Berkeley Street, $15; Zoya Dory Nail Polish, $10; Yves Saint Laurent Beauty La Laque Couture Nail Polish in Jaune Babouche, $25.



Sandals & Nail Polish: Pearly White Sandals


"Kiss glitters are a perfect combo with a fuchsia nail, accenting the glitter on the first toe only," says Edwards."You never want to overdo it to take away the look of the shoe."


Shop the look: Alice + Olivia Callie Lizard Embossed Leather Heeled Sandal, $189.97; Avec Moderation Calf Leather Corallo Criss Cross Sandals, $295; Gradation Nail Polish Kit by Kiss, $6.99; Sally Hansen Pink Tank Miracle Gel Nail Polish, $7.99; Smith & Cult Suburban Warrior Nail Polish, $18.   



Sandals & Nail Polish: Cool Metallic Sandals


When sporting metallic silver and gold sandals, Edwards suggests cool, bronzy colors to keep a seamless flow.


Shop the look: J.Crew Malta Mirror Metallic Sandals, $78; Calvin Klein Nadina Ankle Strap Sandal, $108.95; RMS Beauty Nail Polish in Spark, $15; Gucci High-Gloss Lacquer in Iconic Bronze, $29; Butter London 3-Free Nail Lacquer Vernis in Dust-Up, $15.   



Sandals & Nail Polish: Animal Print Sandals


"A beautiful, bright red works incredibly," says Edwards. And we couldn't agree more.


Shop the look: Toms Leopard Printed Calf Hair Tierra Sandals, $51.35; Club Monaco Casey Leopard Calf Hair, $99; Mischo Beauty Good Kisser Nail Polish, $18; Estée Lauder The Le Rouge Look: Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Envious, $21; Julep Boho Glam Tamara Nail Color, $14



Sandals & Nail Polish: Neutral Sandals


According to the nail pro, you have an open canvas for a full color spectrum when wearing neutral sandals. She adds, "Just be careful with ornate nail art. Keep it simple and fresh."


Shop the look: Stella Mccartney Faux Leather Lace-Up Sandals, $539, Zeus + Dione Myrtle Two-Tone Leather Sandals, $145; Jin Soon Ube Nail Polish, $18; Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Particuliere, $28; Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in Sally, $18.   



Sandals & Nail Polish: Neon Sandals


"White with a slight opalescence provides a reflective finish against bright-colored sandals," says Edwards.


Shop the look: Birkenstock Essentials Arizona Slide Sandal, $34.95; Kendall + Kylie Elena Strappy Cutout Medium Blue Sandal, $160; Essie Instant Hot Nail Polish, $7.49; Crabtree & Evelyn London Opal Nail Lacquer, $10; Revlon Pure Pearl Nail Enamel, $5.32

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.


The Politics Of Lupita Nyong'o's Hair

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There's an art to the classy clapback, and Lupita Nyong'o perfected that art earlier this week after Vogue published an article on Tuesday stating that her show-stopping, towering natural updo at the Met Gala was inspired by Audrey Hepburn. 


Audrey Hepburn. 


Nyong'o quickly corrected the mag via her Instagram page, sharing a video mashup of her real inspirations, which included Nina Simone and traditional East and West African hairstyles:



Hair Inspiration. Check. @vernonfrancois @voguemagazine #metball2016

A video posted by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on




Vogue's faux pas is just one in a long line of instances wherein white fashion and beauty world completely disregards black hair culture in favor of placing the spotlight on white women. There was Allure's "Afro tutorial" controversy last year, Marc Jacob's co-opting of bantu knots. And, of course, it seems as though white fashion magazines rediscover cornrows every five years. This lack of acknowledgement is what made Nyongo's response to Vogue so necessary, so important.




Black hair doesn't always have to be political, but there is no denying that Nyong'o's presence in Hollywood from the very beginning as a natural-haired actress with dark skin is a kind of mini-revolution. Having Tracee Ellis Ross and Solange Knowles in Hollywood is vital, but what Nyong'o offers is something different, something exciting. 


When Nyong'o first came on the scene, there was a preoccupation with her skin, her striking features, and her closely shaved hair, which helped to show off those features. It was a classic and elegant look, a palpable look for a white Hollywood landscape with no young, dark-skinned starlets on the A-List. 


But since her whirlwind debut, Nyong'o -- named People Magazine's Most Beautiful in 2014 -- hasn't bothered with being palpable. Her hair is constantly changing. At any given moment it may be closely cropped, or parted to one side, or pulled up into a bouffant, or combed into a stunning twist out. It's always glamorous. It's always chic. It's always interesting. 


It challenges everything black women, especially black women with kinky hair, have been taught. Lessons like: if you're going to rock your hair natural, and you don't have loose curls, keep it "neat" and simple. Don't go crazy. Don't experiment with color, or texture, or length. Fight against your shrinkage. Do everything in your power to make your curls pop. But also, don't do the most. 


But Nyong'o is all about doing the most. She and her hairstylist Vernon Francois never shy away from taking chances on styles that are quirky or over-the-top. There's no concern with being polite or "acceptable," no preoccupation with being labeled unattractive or "unkempt." 


When Nyong'o wears her hair in a towering bouffant, or temporarily dyes it purple and lays it to one side, or shapes it into severe geometrical shapes, it's affirming. She's paying homage to those who came before her, and carving out new paths for women embracing their natural textures today. Obviously, Nyong'o offers a lot more than just her hair -- she's an amazing talent and an important voice for women from all walks of life. But what she offers through her hair is just as vital. She exemplifies not only the beauty, but the sheer possibility of black hair.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

The Beauty Evolution of Beyonce: From Destiny's Child to 'Lemonade'

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For W magazine, by Mia Adorante.

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Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Destiny's Child catapulted to fame in 1998 with the release of their self-titled debut album and even when they were a functioning group, we always knew Beyoncé was the standout in a sea of matching costumes. (It was her mother, Tina Knowles, who designed and sewed many of those infamous creations, after all.) And as many transformations as she's undergone musically -- from girl group ingénue to Dangerously in Love, to surprise album releases and Lemonade -- her look has equally evolved. She's gone from homemade costumes to Givenchy muse, and from headband-wearing teen to sleek, styled music mogul and mother. Here, we count down her best of the last 22 years, year by year, starting with Destiny's Child in 1999.

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Photo by Mirek Towski/DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images.

1. With Destiny's Child in 1999, Beyoncé embraces a more natural look hair-wise -- which made her purple eye shadow and shimmery lipgloss stand out all the more.

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Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images.

2. The same hair style gets a flat-ironed makeover in 2003 at the 30th annual American Music Awards. We imagine peering through those is kind of like looking through a curtain.

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Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images.

3. Bey and Jay pre-Lemonade, pre-marriage, paired up at the 2003 US Open women's semi-finals. Though Beyoncé wins with yet another new hair style, friend Serena Williams wasn't able to appear to defend her championship title from the previous year.

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Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images.

4. Loose curls define the look for all three ladies of Destiny's Child for their NFL performance before the Patriots vs. Colts game in Foxborough, Massachusetts in 2004.

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Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

5. Though she wasn't up for any prizes that year, either solo or with Destin's Child, Beyoncé arrived at the 47th annual Grammy Awards in 2005 in style, with a slick updo and a fresh glow.

See the rest of The Beauty Evolution of Beyoncé: From Destiny's Child To 'Lemonade' on Wmagazine.com

More from W Magazine:

Kendall Jenner's Most Jaw-Dropping Looks

Brad Pitt's and Angelina Jolie in Domestic Bliss (Photos)

Kim Kardashian Goes Fully Nude in W Magazine

The Biggest Trends in this Fall's Fashion

Gigi Hadid Is REALLY Well Connected

15 Sexy Male Model Selfies

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-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

This Disappearing Tattoo Ink Is Going to Save Your Relationship With Your Parents

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For Teen Vogue, by Andrea Navarro.

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Photo: FilmMagic

Tattoos can be everlasting memories, or they can eventually become huge regrets. People get inked for a ton of different reasons -- from an impulse decision to something very personal. Either way, there may come a time when you just don't want that tattoo anymore, but the removal options are limited.

Those who choose to go through a laser tattoo removal process will not only have to spend a ​ton​ of money, but there's also a huge time commitment. The only other options are getting more ink to cover them up, or using a ton of makeup to hide them. A team of New York University students and graduates are looking to change that with their latest project.

Seung Shin and Seung Anthony Lam started their company, Ephemeral, to develop a tattoo ink that won't last forever. Seung Shin told Washington Square News​ that the dye molecules in Ephemeral tattoo ink are small and confined in a special capsule. With Ephemeral tattoos, all an artist has to do is retrace the ink with a tattoo gun filled with their special removal solution.

Shin hopes to influence the tattoo industry sooner, rather than later. "Five years down the road, I hope we've substantially dented the tattoo industry, its culture and its future," he said. "I hope to see a lot more people with ink," he added. If in five years we're able to erase our tattoos and lose that fear of commitment, there's no doubt tattoo shops will see a growth in customers.

Related: These Temporary Tattoos Will Replace Every Choker in Your Jewelry Box

More from Teen Vogue:
Rainbow Roots Is the Coolest Hair Trend We've Ever Seen

20 Genius Hacks That Will Save You Big Money at Sephora

10 Quick Ways to Pump Up Your Ponytail

Before Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift Were Famous, They Modeled for Abercrombie -- and We Have the Pics!

27 Must-See Celebrity Prom Throwback Photos

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-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

I Left My Boyfriend to Follow My Dreams

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Thirteen months to be exact, that's how long I went without seeing my boyfriend. I saw him on a screen every day, but not once did I get to hold his hand or wedge my face into that cozy space between his jaw and shoulder.

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Leaving Josh wasn't easy. We had met in high school, fallen in love and have been together ever since. Josh and I were the sickly cute couple, building ginger bread houses at Christmas and carving pumpkins on Halloween.

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We took road trips around America, tie-dyed t-shirts on weekends and left love notes on each other's cars. We got our first apartment together, adopted two kittens and backpacked around Europe as a duo.

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Our lives were deeply intertwined and after 9 years together, I left him to follow my dreams.

Teaching English abroad was one of those ideas I'd read about in a book and couldn't get off my mind. As I spent my nights waitressing, being yelled at for not bringing ketchup fast enough, the idea was seeming more appealing.

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Traveling the world was my dream and actually living abroad felt like a sure way to make it happen. I did some research, worked on a teaching certification online and started to apply for jobs.

Aside from anxiously waiting for replies, I spent my days staring at maps, fantasizing about weekends spent on the Great Wall and vacations to South Korea and Japan.

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The day I received the email was one I'm unlikely to forget. "Congratulations, we would like to offer you a teaching position..." I didn't even finish reading it. I nearly threw my laptop on the floor, screaming and running around the house; doing one of those ass-shaking-heavy victory dances.

"I got it!" I squealed. I looked to Josh to celebrate my victory and was met with a face sporting a supportive grin, but eyes showing disappointment and pain. It was happening, I was leaving him behind to pursue a career and my travel dreams.

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During the six months leading up to my move, we thought about what was coming and were happy about the change. Some days however, we wrapped ourselves under the blanket in bed and swore we would never leave.

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Plans started to be made and we never questioned the fact that we would stay together, doing long distance until Josh came out to China when my contract finished. He decided to uproot his life too, take our cats and some of his friends to Colorado to live, work and snowboard for the year.

I arranged my visa, and Josh searched online for apartments.

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We disassembled our apartment and eventually took a road trip across the country to Colorado. I helped him move into his new apartment. I had to see what it looked like so I could picture him there when we spoke on the phone. Those last few days in Colorado were the worst. Everything we did, I couldn't help but wonder if it would be the last time.

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I lost it during our last breakfast that morning in Denver. The waiter must of thought that something was up. The crying never stopped. Not during the ride to the airport, not during our final hug by the terminal and not during the five times I turned around just to look at his face one last time.

OK, enough with the sap. Leaving each other was hard, but emotions started to level out as we got more comfortable with our new lives. There was plenty to talk about at the end of every day and we loved hearing about each other's adventures. Some days were plagued by loneliness and crying but most weren't.

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Life was just how I imagined it would be. I loved my job and everything I encountered seemed interesting. I made friends with people from all over the world, learned to speak some Chinese and transformed myself from waitress/bartender to teacher and freelance tutor.

I visited every single city that I said I would and figured out how to socialize alone. Josh eventually bought a one way ticket to Fuzhou, and we started a countdown until his arrival. The months flew by, and suddenly I found myself digging through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit to wear for our reunion. I fiddled with my hair, re-did my makeup a few times and couldn't believe how nervous I felt to see someone I had been dating for a huge majority of my life.

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This upcoming moment was a scene I had imagined every day for over a year. I pictured a romantic reunion, meeting each other's eyes as he walked into view-crying, hugging and (tactfully) making out.

While it was in fact a grand reunion, it was exactly none of the other things I thought it would be. I got on the bus far too late, left Josh slightly stranded at the gate and approached him as a sweaty mess, too out of breath from running to give him a proper kiss.

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Life got back to normal pretty quickly. Josh met my friends, joined us for day trips to the countryside and drinking binges at our favorite bars. He worked from his computer in my apartment while I taught during the day and we met up for dinner and drinks when we finished.

Our relationship was recovering quite nicely, kind of like we never were apart.

Looking back on my decision to leave, I wouldn't change a thing. It made us better partners, fostering trust and appreciation. To be honest, our relationship has flourished because of the time spent apart and continues to reflect that to this day, nearly a year since we reunited.

I went after my dreams, and my boyfriend loved me harder for it. Anyone who is willing to sacrifice their own desires and comforts for me to better my life can have my heart any day. They deserve it.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

80-Year-Old Contouring Grandma Wins Internet With Glam Makeup

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Meet Grandma Livia. She's 80 and can still rock false lashes and nails. That's why she's Instagram's newest darling.


Thanks to her makeup artist granddaughter's Instagram page, the octogenarian has become a social media sensation in recent weeks with her glamorous looks. Tea Flego, Livia's granddaughter, first introduced us to her stylish grandma last year, with a makeover photo, and shared that grandma AKA Glam-ma loves makeup.




Since then, the Croatian makeup artist has posted a handful of photos of her grandma with a full face of makeup and people have taken notice. 


Flego has decked out Grandma Livia in everything from bright lipstick to heavy contouring to flashy highlighter and more. The results have inspired thousands of her followers.




Livia seems to have drawn admirers of all ages, resulting in thousands of likes on her photos. "She's hotter than me," one Instagram user commented. "She's gorgeous." We couldn't agree more.


As for Glam-ma Livia, she seems overjoyed with the results. 


Earlier this week, Flego shared that Livia, who lives in a nursing home, is grateful for the wonderful reaction she's gotten from people around the world. 


You're a stunner, Livia!




 


 

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

Women Power Rangers Get The High Heels No One Asked For

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Fighting evil villains is hard. Fighting evil villains in heels is even harder. 


On Wednesday morning, Entertainment Weekly released the first image of the new Power Rangers costumes for the upcoming movie adaptation of the 1993 TV series "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." The costumes, which are worn by characters in the movie, are a welcomed update to the original campy spandex suits, except for one glaring problem: The two female ranger costumes include wedge heels. 


Because, you know, heels totally help you save the world. 






If the men's costumes don't include wedges, why do the women need them? Because they obviously care about how they look when fighting alien invaders. Le duh. 


Also, let's not forget that the Power Rangers are a group of teenagers -- and most teens don't have bionic breasts to fill those sizable metal cups.  


As Forbes contributor Scott Mendelson wrote, these costumes are definitely problematic. "Would it have been too much to ask for the Pink Ranger and the Yellow Ranger to have the same nondescript footwear as their three male teammates?" Mendelson wrote. "Was it too much to ask for the female superheroes not to have costumes that made their breasts as the primary focal point, especially in a franchise presumably targeted at young children?"


The movie, which is set to hit theaters March 2017, is a remake of the 1993 hit TV series "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." The plot centers around a group of friends who were chosen to protect the world from alien invaders. 


Below is a photo from the 1993 series that shows the costumes are almost identical -- regardless of the ranger's gender. 



Female superheroes being sexualized? What a new concept.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

10 Cool Girls On Instagram Share Their Go-To Scents

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By Jaynelle Stewart

Whether sweet and fruity, fresh and clean, or rosy, the right fragrance or scent easily evokes a memory, sets the right scene, or simply makes you smell damn good. We asked some of our favorite beauty editors, bloggers, and beauty enthusiasts on Instagram what their go-to aroma is and why they love it.

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instagram.com/missjulee

"I was introduced to this bespoke line of fragrances called Memo Paris a year ago and I've been obsessed ever since. I love scents that invoke strong feelings -- and this collection definitely delivers. The company's "Inlé" perfume reminds me of my travels and the spirit of self-discovery. Whenever I wear the bergamot, jasmine and mint-infused scent it helps me escape a bit from reality and dream a little more. And we should never stop dreaming!" - Julee Wilson


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instagram.com/niag

"My favorite fragrance at the moment is "Flora" by Gucci. It's sweet but not overpowering and smells fresh and light." - Nia Groce

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instagram.com/clothesconscience

"My favorite fragrance is by Jo Malone London called Rose Water and Vanilla. I love this fragrance because it has a floral and vanilla scent that's perfect for a woman with a hint of musk. It's actually a cologne intended for men but feel like it is a perfect signature scent for me, a woman who hates being labeled." - Tanya Jean-Baptiste

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instagram.com/grownandcurvywoman

"My favorite fragrance is Marc Jacobs Daisy Blush. I love clean floral scents and this fragrance is perfect for the spring." - Georgette


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instagram.com/Daeceryc

"I never wore fragrance until I came across "Venetian Bergamot" by Tom Ford. It reminds me of how I envisioned Italy, which is a place I've always wanted to go. It smells like a mixture of citrus and florals and makes me feel and smell elegant." - Deacery

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instagram.com/BeyondClassicallyBeautiful

"My all time favorite fragrance is Hanae Mori's Butterfly. It was one of the first I was introduced to as a young woman in college. I love how it contains strawberries and almonds, a combination that gives the impression of vanilla. It's strong but not overpowering and works all year. I stopped wearing it for a long while, then I resurrected it for my wedding. It's a scent that my husband always loves and recognizes because I was wearing it the night we met. That makes it even more special to me." - Abi Ishola


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instagram.com/huffpostbeauty

I'm in LUST with Gourmand Pistachio Brulee Hair + Body Mist! I like to spritz it onto my body when my skin is slightly damp after showering. The warm notes of vanilla bean and pistachio appeal to my sensual side, while the lush blend of gardenia and coconut add a burst of freshness." - Dana Oliver

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instagram.com/lifeinbeverlyheels


"Every year, I have to buy this one perfume even though it's been discontinued for a while, [laughs]. It's called My Insolence by Guerlain. That's definitely my signature fragrance. But a new scent I love right now is Prive by Giorgio Armani." - Beverly


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instagram.com/itsfellisia

"I'm always on the lookout for new fragrances to incorporate into my beauty routine. Although I've stumbled upon several signature perfumes over the years such as Victoria Secret's Very Sexy, Chloe's Love Story, and Dolce & Gabanna's Floral Drops, DKNY's My NY is my go-to and all time favorite. To me, this fragrance celebrates modern femininity with its fresh, smooth, warm, and sweet fruity-floral blend. I love spritzing this perfume on after getting dressed because it adds the final touch to my outfit. Even on the days that I'm dressed down its transformative powers makes me feel confident, sophisticated, polished, and ready to conquer the world." - Fellisia Robinson

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instagram.com/kenyasherron

"I'm using Black Opium by YSL right now. It's a commanding scent but still light and feminine, if that makes sense. It's strong but dainty."

Visit BeyondClassicallyBeautiful.com to read more content that celebrates the diverse beauty of black women.

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Why You Should Dress to Impress for Every Occasion

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Some days you just don't feel like spending an hour doing your hair and makeup before taking another 20 - 30 minutes finding the right outfit. It shows when you leave the house. Dressing to impress, no matter what the occasion is a reflection of your inner drive, your self-worth and character. Taking the few extra minutes in the morning to look your best, even if you're not leaving the house changes your path to productivity. When you look good, you feel good and perform well.

Prepared for the Unexpected

You should always be prepared for the unexpected when you leave the house. Running into an old flame, high-school friend or meeting someone new can happen anywhere, and you should always look your best. Even if you are just wearing jeans and tennis shoes running errands, make sure your outfit is complete and that you have a neat appearance.

A potential employer or talent scout may be out looking for a specific look. You could be approached by a potential employer anywhere, to apply for a position or be offered an interview. Even if you are not in business attire, displaying confidence through a completed outfit and overall look shows others that you took the time to make sure you look appropriate for the environment you are in.

Lifted Spirit

When you have your look for the day together, you will feel better about yourself. A boost of self-confidence on a day when you are feeling less than stellar makes a great impression. It shows that you understand the importance of always looking your best and making an impression no matter where you are. In casual situations, you may help a busy single mom understand that she can look less stressed and seem more approachable when she has herself together.

A lifted spirit does wonders for accomplishing goals. You have confidence and a will to succeed no matter what the day has to throw at you. On days when you are feeling a little sluggish or just down, wear a happy color and accessorize using contrasting colors. Sometimes a little uplifting in spirit has to come from the outside and always dressing to impress can help achieve that.

Completing your Look

Dressing to impress others in any situation takes more than just putting on the right clothes, making sure your hair is in order and making your face look fresh. Every part of your outfit, including your nails and shoes, are important details. Chipped nail polish and ratty shoes come off as you having lazy tendencies and are not putting your appearance in the forefront.

Career Advancement

An interviewer will know, within 10-seconds, if you are the right person for the job. This opinion comes from your overall look first. Improper attire and imperfect grooming leads to 40-percent of rejections while searching for a new position. Your credentials are important, but when you look the part, you are more likely to get the part. If you drop your resume off to a potential employer personally, pay attention to how those in plain view are dressed. This should give you an idea of what the employer expects as far as dress is concerned.

This step will help you be better prepared for an interview or potential promotion. If you cannot see what others are wearing, consider packing an alternate outfit on your first day so that you will fit in better and make a better first impression with your new employer.

Wardrobe Tips

When you need versatility in your wardrobe but your wallet has other ideas, use a couple wardrobe tricks to minimize your spending. Your wardrobe should fit your lifestyle and have inclusions for every aspect of your life from around-the-house clothes to formal occasion options. Consider purchasing 75-percent solid colors but have multiple types of accessories. For example, you can really dress up a simple black dress by making your own custom scarf belt with a silk scarf and a fashionable hair clip. When you have variety in the accessories department, you can make any outfit or combination of two "old" items look like a brand new outfit.

Bottom Line

Impressions are made surrounding your appearance no matter where you go. Someone always has an opinion of their own. While you still need to have an identifiable personal style, fitting in no matter where you are is a must. Even if you are getting ready to board a plane or just running to the corner store for forgotten items, always look your best as you never know where an opportunity may present itself that can better your life.

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Update Your Summer Whites With These Essential Pieces

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While we won't suggest that you step outside in an all-white outfit, we can recommend a few pieces that you can add to your wardrobe for the upcoming spring and summer season. You can pair these pieces, like the denim jacket from AMI, with dark denim or khaki chinos, along with a comfortable t-shirt. If the jacket isn't your thing, the nehru collar shirt from Abasi Rosborough is a dope piece that will go with just about anything, the hidden buttons and clean front make it great for casual or semi-formal occasions.

If there's one thing you can't skip out on, it's white t-shirts. Whether you buy them in singles or in packs, you'll definitely need more than one at your disposal. Our choice for white t-shirts is the three-pack from Hiroki Nakamura's visvim label. The pure cotton tees are not only high in quality but also fit exceptionally well. Finally, if there's one piece you absolutely need it's a pair of white trousers or denim. In this case, we recommend Albam's Alternate Rake Trouser. The British brand knows craftsmanship and puts the English heritage in every piece of their collections.

In terms of classic footwear, there is nothing more essential than a pair of all-white Air Force 1s. Whether they are "trending" or not, once you put on a pair you'll always look great. For 2016, Nike has taken the iconic sneaker and treated the upper with their lightweight Flyknit technology. The finishing details include icy accents at the heel and the toebox. Or you can channel your inner Daniel and get yourself a pair of white Authentic Vans!

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Abasi Rosborough ARC BDU Shirt


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AMI Denim Jacket


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Visvim Three-Pack Cotton Jersey T-Shirts


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Albam Alternate Rake Trouser


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Vans Authentic

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Air Force 1 Flyknit


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and we are not being compensated from the brands we have highlighted above.

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We Asked Women To Share Timeless Beauty Secrets From Their Moms. Here’s What They Told Us

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Listen to your mother. No, really ... have you asked your mom for any beauty tips lately? Sometimes we forget that the best beauty advice is not necessarily found within the pages of glossy magazines but, instead, from that woman who created us. That’s why this Mother’s Day we partnered with SK-II to celebrate beauty solutions passed down from mother to daughter. We asked women to reveal the invaluable secrets their mothers have shared about how to look your best. What we got back: timeless, fad-defying tips that will last as long as a mother-daughter bond. Love you, Mom.


1. The Beauty Trick That Will Prevent You From Being Embarrassed By #ThrowbackThursday Pictures


For Lindy Desciak, classic, timeless style is a generational tradition. Her mother encouraged her to disregard fleeting hair and style fads. “Wear your hair and clothes in classic styles and you'll have a lot less to be embarrassed about when showing picture to your kids one day,” Desciak's mom said. 


- Lindy Desciak, Mount Vernon, Mo.


2. The Beauty Trick That Is Actually Not A Beauty Trick At All



What happens when you ask someone in health care for beauty secrets? She tells you that beauty starts from within, according to Lori Stadtmauer, whose mom is a nurse.


“She always preached for the healthy aspects of beauty, like balanced nutrition and hydrating,” Stadtmauer says. “She taught me to drink a lot of water to really keep my skin glowing, especially ahead of events like weddings ... at least eight to nine glasses per day the week before. It really helps keep your skin fresh and helps avoid redness and flaking. She still looks terrific, so I definitely plan on sticking to her advice!”


- Lori Stadtmauer, Tel-Aviv, Israel


3. The Beauty Trick That’s Actually 100 Percent Mental


“I think chronic stress is beauty's worst enemy,” says Nicole Centeno, founder and CEO of Splendid Spoon. Inspired by her mom, who instilled in her that laughter and relaxation are the best beauty tools, Centeno strives for balance. “I practice mindfulness while I eat, I try to meditate everyday, and I embrace any opportunity to laugh. I feel most beautiful when I'm joyful!”


- Nicole Centeno, Brooklyn, N.Y.


4. The Beauty Trick That Reminds Us That Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder Mole-Holder



“I have a mark on the back of my shoulder, and my mother told me that it was called a 'beauty mark' from as far back as I can remember. When people asked me what it was, I told them it's a beauty mark, believing that was its true name -- usually resulting in some laughter from the person who asked. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I discovered it was what some people might call a 'mole.' I really do believe it had a positive impact on how I viewed myself as young girl."


- Danielle Porter, Boston, Mass.


5. The Only Beauty Trick That Encourages You To Stuff Your Face


"My mom and grandma used to say, 'Skinny women tend to wrinkle faster, so have another bite of this dish, sweetie.'”


- Lee-He Jacobson, Tel-Aviv, Israel


6. The Beauty Trick That Reminds Us That Less Is More



Bre Waldon’s mom always emphasized her natural beauty, a guiding principle that Waldon herself uses to this day. “I always remember how classy and put together my mom always looked and it seemed so effortless,” Waldon says. “Nothing was ever too much.” Furthermore, she learned from her mother that understated sophistication is always in style. “Don't overdo it. Every shade is not for everybody.”


- Bre Waldon, Columbus, Ga.


7. The No-Brainer Beauty Trick That We Never Thought Of


"When you find the perfect lipstick, buy it in bulk," Lexie Green says her mom would often advise. "You never know when the brand might discontinue it, and you don't want to go through something traumatic like that.”


- Lexie Green, New YorkN.Y.


If we could summarize what we learned from our moms, it’s that true beauty is simple, practical and most importantly, timeless. With a beloved formula that’s remained unchanged for 35 years, SK-II is a classic skincare secret to be shared through the generations. This Mother’s Day, join SK-II, the number one prestige facial essence brand in Asia, in celebrating the passage of beauty tips from mother to daughter. 

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On Beauty, Bodies And Love: An Open Letter To My Daughter

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Dear Maddie Mae,

Yesterday, my pants didn't fit. No amount of pulling or prodding or squeezing or calisthenics would do.

In my 30-plus years on this earth I've lived in a myriad of different bodies: thin, athletic, perfectly tanned; strong, boney, heavy; pregnant and post-partum.

Throughout those years, and inside those very different bodies, I’ve had moments of feeling both proudly beautiful and, sadly, not-so-pretty. But in the months since you were born, Maddie Mae, I’ve realized that in spite of what perfections or imperfections my body might have, I feel my most beautiful in this body, as your mother.

And yesterday, as I struggled to pull up my pants, in that small, frustrating moment, I nearly forgot what mattered — like you may, too, one day — and it nearly made me cry.

But today, in spite of my clothes that just won't fit, let me make this clear: Beauty is so much more than what we look like, or pants that fit just right. Beauty is heart and soul, and a love that makes the world shine.

Yesterday, my pants didn't fit, not over these hips that birthed you, not around the belly that gave you life. Not even these arms — the ones that rock you to sleep, feed you so you can grow big and strong, and comfort you when you need them — were able to complete the task.

But as I gave up trying to button them, before a tear could fall, our eyes met and you greeted me with the most genuine smile, like all your smiles are. You, little girl, reminded me that my size doesn't define my beauty, nor does a pair of pants.

These widened hips and stretched-out belly tell the story of the hopes and sacrifices and challenges my body faced to give my little girl life. Along with stretch marks and thinning post-partum hair, they make up the heart and soul that fought so hard to make our family whole by bringing us you.

Your sweet smile reminded me that today, in this different body, I'm beautiful — not because I fit in skinny jeans, or because my hair is perfectly in place. Not because my skin is flawless, or because I have lips to die for. Not because I wear the latest trends, or because I look great in a bikini.

No, those aren't the things that make your mama beautiful. Instead, it is your mama's love for you that makes her so. Love is this voice that sings you to sleep, and will tell you daily, forever, how much you are loved. It is this body that gave you life — no matter how different it may now look. It is these arms, which keep you safe, and hold you so tight, but also know when to let you go. My soul is what gives you guidance and teaches you lessons along the way. And it is this heart that will love you through life’s challenges and rejoice in all your perfect imperfections.

Because beauty, my Maddie Mae, as cliché as it may sound, is not about fitting “just right.” No. Beauty is our heart and soul. And the greatest gift I can give you is to show you how to shine from the inside out.

Yesterday, my pants didn't fit. But it's OK; because I saw my heart in your luminous smile and that, Maddie Mae, is beauty.

This Mother’s Day join SK-II, the number one prestige facial essence brand in Asia, in celebrating the beauty of shared mother-daughter moments and the wisdom passed down across generations of women. Deeply rooted in the heritage from which it stems, SK-II empowers you to celebrate womanhood and become your most authentic self.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

My Sort-Of -Blonde Ambitions: A Makeup Artist Allows Himself a Makeover

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I'm now blonde, and I'm having more fun. Well, sort of blonde. My normally black hair is now many shades lighter, with a warm undertone and a noticeable amount of yellow. Instead of going to a salon, I did it myself a couple weeks ago after putting it off for quite awhile. My friends have been super friendly and enthusiastic about the change, but almost everyone has recommended I use special shampoo to lift it lighter and "balance the color". "Why not go totally white or grey?", they offer. "Why not more true blonde or platinum?" I'm a professional makeup artist and work with some of the best hairdressers in New York, so I know their suggestions are well founded.

However, I find myself resistant to their advice. I told several people that I didn't buy the specific shampoo they recommended because I didn't like the chemical ingredients on the label. This was a half-truth. I told others that I was giving my hair and scalp a chance to recover before doing a second round of bleaching. Also true, but still not the whole story.

Whenever I'm creating makeup looks for clients or a beauty editorial shoot, I try to be forward thinking. Much of my process involves first considering the trends that I've grown bored with, and then working to create the polar opposite. For example, I've built a career on creating gorgeous bronze smoky eyes. But instead, I'm currently working with more grungy blacks and grays. With "anti-trends" being among my favorite makeup looks, it might make sense that I wouldn't want a cooler, more polished looking hair color like the platinum, pastel, and white shades that have been so popular in the last year or two. But I don't believe this is the only reason that I am being so defiant.

Resistance is Futile


While shopping at Duane Reade a few months ago, I saw the extra lightening L'Oreal Feria Kit, with a box of steely blue grey color next to it. I initially resisted buying the kits, citing a potential opportunity I had to go on live TV the morning following the Academy Awards. I needed to look like my head shots and told myself, "I'll buy the kits. If I don't book the TV gig, I'm coloring my hair as a consolation prize."

The TV job fell through, but the kits still sat on my coffee table. I convinced myself that I was waiting because the next TV opportunity was just around the corner. Fortunately it was, and I told myself that it was better not to stray from the conservative look I thought most Americans would be "comfortable" with (whatever that means). No one has ever told me that I needed to have my hair a certain color for work, but I have a tendency to put successful people I admire on pedestals and try to emulate them. As a result, allowing myself creativity with my look is not something I've been particularly open to recently. And I am a professional makeup artist. I make people look different every day. Why is it so scary to allow myself to do the same?

Whenever I see friends and colleagues, they usually say, "You're doing such awesome things! I've been following you on social media." Like most of us, my public persona is a well-edited and thoroughly polished version of myself. The truth is that I'm constantly battling voices in my head that scare me off from pursuing opportunities I know are out there. These voices tell me to look a certain way. They tell me that I'll never be as talented as makeup artists like Beau Nelson, Troy Surratt, or Anastasia Durasova, and that I'll never look as good looking or be considered as credible as television personalities like John Gidding or Kyan Douglas (all of whom who are among the nicest people you'll ever meet). I was letting the voices get in my way. I needed some kind of change, to shake things off, to move things forward.

As I washed the bleach out of my hair a few weeks ago and looked in the bathroom mirror, I saw myself in a way that I hadn't in a long time. I saw the rebel. I saw my past when my hair was brassy. I saw the same warm shade of do-it-yourself blonde my friends helped me create when I went to a musical theater summer college program as a teenager. I remembered at least three different shades of blonde, yellow, and rusty looking hair from the coming of age film The Edge of Seventeen that I first watched when I was the only openly gay person in my high school, and was looking for inspiration from the future I knew was out there. I remembered the first time I'd seen photos of fashion designer David Blond with a gold tan and pouty lips, staring at the paparazzi with "come fuck me" eyes on the red carpet. I remembered the side of me that's resourceful, hardworking, and frankly, just not so serious. I remembered what it felt like to be a little irreverent.

I didn't change my hair color to try and look hot. I didn't do it to try and look original or artistic. I didn't do it to fit a trend. I did it because I wanted to, but more importantly, I did it because I needed to give in and let go. My whole attitude has since changed. I've been more productive. I've stopped holding on to the emotional rut I'd been in after three difficult breakups in a row and yet another New York winter.

A Little Wrong, and So Right

Ultimately, this fleeting and untrendy shade of "baby duck yellow" (as one friend described it) reminds me to more readily embrace change, or at least face it head on and be more open-minded. Astrologist Susan Miller once told me, "If you're holding on to what you have with a clenched fist, your hand isn't open to receive what's coming next. Now that I've loosened my grip on what I think I'm "supposed to look like", what other changes will I allow into my life?

If you ask any fashion designer, on the record, where they get their inspiration from, they'll probably tell you about where they grew up or about the references for their most recent collection. If you ask any fashion designer, off the record, where they get their inspiration from, they'll tell you it can come from anywhere, and not necessarily where you usually look.

Keep your eyes open, and maybe start in the mirror.

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All photos by Andrew Sotomayor via Instagram

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist and on-camera beauty expert. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewSotomayor , Facebook and read about his full work experience at AndrewSotomayor.com.

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The Nu Project Has Been Redefining The Nude Photo For Over A Decade

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What does the average nude body look like? If you were to use pop culture --circa the mid-aughts, specifically -- as your barometer, your answer might look like the swath of thin, light-skinned women found on television, in film, or on the pages of magazines. If you were to use the 11-year-old Nu Project as your gauge, the answer would be somewhat different: In essence, there is no average nude body.


The Nu Project started with Matt Blum, a freelance photographer and web developer based in Minneapolis, Minn, who, in 2005, was seeking a way to subvert the typical image of a nude woman that dominated mainstream media. Instead of the "perfect," highly stylized bodies that filled screens and billboards, he wanted to showcase the very real and varied forms that female-identifying individuals outside of Hollywood were proud to have as their own. He wanted to showcase an "honest" nude.


His goal was simple: he eschewed professional models and glamour in favor of capturing a diverse array of nude volunteers in poses and makeup comfortable to their personalities. The project really took off in 2009, when Blum's wife, Katy Kessler, began editing the series. It was her idea to take the series into subjects' homes, photographing nude women in the intimate spaces they feel most secure.



In their resulting images, women of many sizes, ages, races and identities -- women who've undergone gastric bypass surgery, are pregnant, or live with scars from past illnesses -- bare their bodies for Blum and Kessler's lenses, boldly presenting a different kind of nude image for themselves, and the other women and men who lay eyes on the series. Over a decade of work, Blum and Kessler have photographed over 250 women across North America, South America and Europe, and today, they continue to recruit volunteers on their website's participation page.


"I try not to talk anyone into participating because of the extremely personal nature of the photographs and I also realize it's not for everyone," Blum explained during an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit. "From what I've experienced, 99 percent of the women who've participated have told me that they saw themselves differently and that they felt more beautiful... There are so many women for whom seeing your image might bring peace and acceptance."


We checked in with the Nu Project's Blum to reflect on 10 years' worth of photography and talk about the future of his series:



What sparked the Nu Project?


There were actually an intersection of two things that led to the creation of The Nu Project. [My] experience with disordered eating in college and the lack of diverse body types and ages in nude photography. From the beginning our focus has always been the personal connection between the viewer and the subject. As a photographic team, the best compliments we can receive are things like, "Your subjects look so confident and happy" and "You show beauty in many diverse types of people."


How do you define an "honest nude"?


Our "honest nudes" still include post-productions and Photoshop, we just don't change the people themselves nor do any retouching of permanent features of their home or body. I have no problem photoshopping out a zit that someone got before the shoot, but I don't see any reason to slim someone's waist line, increase their breast size or remove the texture from their skin. Our hope is to make the portraits look like we caught someone on a great day.



Do you think there's a problem with the way women -- particularly nude women -- are portrayed in mainstream media? Was Nu Project an attempt to address this?


Sometimes. We think Lena Dunham has done a great job with "Girls"; showing the world that there is no single body type that can be nude in a very successful, mainstream show. We also notice that for most publications and shows, it's still the same as it ever was.


Tell me about Katy Kessler, how she became involved in the project and what she's added to the work.


Since she decided to start doing the editing in 2009, my work became our work. She selects all the images, writes the copy, co-curates the social media (when we have time, which is almost never) and without her there would be no project anymore. The project has completely transformed from what it was when I started it, and I give her full credit for the shape it has taken. She gave me permission to be a little weird and to take the images a little less seriously. There are more smiling, happy images and a little irreverence.



Do you speak to your subjects about body positivity or confidence during the shoots? 


Typically they speak to me about it. Most everyone has their story: the time they were bullied because of their body, their weight, their look, etc. Or a struggle with an eating disorder. That said, I want to make sure I state that we don't think this project can prevent or cure eating disorders. That can only be done over lots of time and with assistance from professionals.


What kinds of conversations on body positivity has the project started for you personally?


In terms of my own body, I don't know that I have seen much change since I started shooting. Part of that is unfortunately due to the fact that I struggled with the same disordered eating that many other people do. I still wish I were thinner, more muscular and had smaller love handles, but it doesn't occupy every minute of my thinking nor control what I do (or eat) in life. What absolutely has changed is the way my brain perceives beauty and who I'm attracted to. Who I was drawn to at 18 or 24 is completely different than now, with the exception of Katy (we are married, with two kids and I am still drawn to her every day because of her confidence and strength).



Online, in your FAQ, you write (in response to people asking if you photograph men): "we understand there is a lot of pressure on men to look a certain way, we believe that women are judged more harshly by appearance." Can you elaborate on this?


Every person could suffer from body image issues, but for women, body objectification is ever-present. Part of this is the way [of] society, and part of it is media. They feed each other. Most men are judged on their jobs. If somebody wanted to do a photography collection about that, we would love to see it.


We would also absolutely love some celebrities to allow us to shoot them for The Nu Project so people can see the human in their celebrity body.


What's next for Nu Project?


We've started work on a new project, similar to what the Nu Project is to body positivity, but centered on sex positivity. It's a lot harder to find models due to how much more personal the shoots are, so we anticipate a lot of trips to New York City and Los Angeles in order to complete the work. The main idea is that no matter who you are or what you're into, be honest with yourself, your partner(s) and do what makes you happy.


In regards to The Nu Project, we hope to sell 200-300 more copies of The Nu Project Volume II in order to fund the next rounds of shoots which we're hoping will take place in Israel. Regardless of book sales, we'll keep shooting this project (maybe forever?) because it's just what we do ... We believe in it, so we keep doing it.











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So THAT'S Why It's Called 'Seersucker'

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Seersucker's a weird word. 


If you break it down, what are we seeing and why do we want to suck it? 


Well, seersucker's etymology is a little more complex, and since we are officially in the seersucker season (what with the Kentucky Derby, Seersucker Day in D.C., and every hot day thereafter until Labor Day), we think it's a great time to look at how this now-standard fabric got its strange name.



The fabric we call seersucker came to the U.S. by way of England, which found it trading in India with the East India Company in the 1600s. It was called shirushakar there, or shir o shakka, Persian for "milk and sugar," according to the Encyclopedia of Textiles.


But the English anglicized it into seersucker, and it was called such in cargo listings to the U.S. colonies as early as 1694.


Technically speaking, the fabric is woven from linen, cotton, silk or synthetic fibers on twin-beam looms that weave it at different speeds, which gives the seersucker its trademark stripes and texture.


A practical fabric, seersucker is very breathable, dries quickly and looks great straight out of the laundry. 



As legend has it, to prove to his doubters of seersucker's practicality, Joseph Haspel Sr. (founder of Haspel Clothing in New Orleans and the guy who introduced the idea of a seersucker suit in 1904) swam in the ocean wearing his suit, hung it up to dry and wore it to an official banquet dinner that night, looking sharp as ever.


Still, seersucker wasn't really considered stylish until the 20th century, especially after WWI in the 1920s. It would require Ivy Leaguers at Princeton to adopt it before others wanted to look like them in the fabric.




 As WWD puts it:



"Seersucker was not always associated with the leisure class. Before introducing the famous striped suit, Haspel made seersucker coveralls for Louisiana factory workers. Family lore has it that Haspel Sr. wondered why gentlemen should suffer through the heat in heavy suits, and the idea for the seersucker suit was born. Once it had caught on in the South, Brooks Brothers got in on the game -- and soon dandy Princeton lads of the giddy 1920s were bucking the notion that seersucker was a fabric for the working class while flouting a sartorial tradition that had men wearing suits of dark wool or flannel all year round."



It was a perfect fabric for politicians and government officials who had to wear wool suits in the suffocating D.C. summers, so it would make sense that seersucker would catch on there. But as the Wall Street Journal points out, "these days air conditioning has made it possible to scoff at summer, and that has made the suits of the season risky."


We say go for it.

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Help Us Show How Beautifully Diverse The Hijab Can Be

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Muslim women worldwide wear the hijab -- Islamic head covering -- in various ways, and often incorporate elements of their own culture to create a head scarf style that is native to their region. The many different styles is a testament to the rich diversity of Muslim women. It's both an expression of self as much as of love.

Sometimes, the hijab is portrayed primarily as a full-length garb echoing styles that are commonly found in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. But we know this foreignizing depiction of the headscarf is one dimensional.

Show us how you wear your hijab along with a short description of what it means to you to help us illustrate the vibrancy and diversity of women who don it. Tag your photo with #HijabToMe on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and we'll showcase it in The Huffington Post.

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The Huffington Post is covering the rise in anti-Muslim discrimination and those who are working to combat it. Why? Because hate and bigotry are toxic for everyone. Share your story and send to islamophobia@huffingtonpost.com and we'll consider including it in the Islamophobia Tracker.

All submissions are subject to Huffington Post Terms and Conditions.

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What Happens When You Let A Toddler DIY A Mother's Day Card

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Dads and kids often get creative around Mother's Day to make mom something extra special.


In his latest "New Father Chronicles" video, La Guardia Cross and his adorable daughter Amalah demonstrate how to make a DIY Mother's Day card. Between the markers, sparkles, stickers and toddler's attempts to put craft supplies in her eyes, the finished card is quite a ... masterpiece. 


As Cross writes in the YouTube caption, "Nothing shows mommy we love her more than making a Mother's Day card with our own hands. She'll love it ... or not."

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9 Simple Things Skincare Professionals Do For Their Own Skin

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You may turn to dermatologists and estheticians to map out the best beauty regimen for your specific needs. But have you ever wondered what these skincare experts do every day in order to achieve and maintain healthy and radiant skin? Well, here's your inside look.


Washing your face, applying a toner and eye cream in the morning and at night seems pretty straightforward. Yet, it is easy to forget each step or skip entirely because you're too tired. In addition to this simple routine, you will see a significant improvement in your skin if you exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, use plant-based lip balms instead of those with pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil, and hydrate from the inside out with water.


Watch the video above to learn more about a skincare professional's daily regimen. Then, check out our infographic on how much of each product you should apply

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'Are You Really Wearing That?'

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I've been thinking a lot about mothers and daughters and clothes. The subject elicits such strong reactions in conversations with friends and relatives--profound, and not always positive.

Take my relationship with my mother. She worked in fashion for most of her life, in jobs ranging from swimsuit model to assistant designer to sales executive to special-events producer. I don't think I know anyone else who can say their mother met fashion legend Diana Vreeland, picked out clothes for a Barbra Streisand movie or worked behind-the-scenes at Studio 54 parties in its heyday!

Her love of clothes and shopping was something we bonded over at an early age. She would even allow me days off from grammar school to go with her to the Short Hills Mall and to nearby Saks and Lord and Taylor stores in New Jersey to make our seasonal purchases. It was what we enjoyed doing together. Her delight in my choices gave me a lot of positive reinforcement. When we got home, she always encouraged me to "put on a fashion show" for my father by modeling my purchases. No doubt that's one of the reasons I later became a fashion editor, a choice she reveled in.

And then there's me and my daughter.

We started out just like me and my mother, loving to shop together. She had inventive ways of putting her outfits together at age four. When she was little and I had to travel to Europe for weeks at a time for my job, I would "make up for it" by bringing her lots of clothes from the fabulous and affordable children's stores in Paris. She couldn't wait for me to open my suitcase. (It was harder to find things to bring my son. He ended up with a lot of soccer jerseys that he liked, but he didn't jump up and down!) In retrospect, I'm not sure that bringing home presents truly makes up for time lost, but we all do what we have to do.

When my daughter was in her early teens, I used to joke that she was going to skip college and head right for the "fashion closet" at my magazine as an intern. She loved accompanying me to the New York fashion shows that took place over the weekends. At 13, her dream came true; she was approached by an editor for Teen Vogue at a show and asked if they could photograph her for a story. I was a very proud mama!

But around the age of 16, my girl started making some clothing choices that I didn't approve of. I remember a very heated argument we had about what she planned to wear to a party on New Year's Eve--an outfit I deemed "trashy." (My real words were harsher, I'm sorry to say.) Just like that, what she wore became an issue between us.

Fast-forward seven years: She now has a very different style of dressing than I would have imagined when she was a child. She loves to put looks together in quirky assemblages that reflect her artistic sensibility as opposed to anything that the fashion world dictates. I learned not to comment unless it's a compliment and to respect her style choices as hers to make.

Recently, when my business partner and I launched Apprécier and got a write-up in the Wall Street Journal--a big coup for a startup!-- I wasn't surprised that my mother called me first thing in the morning. "Hi, darling," she said. "I loved the article, but I don't like what you are wearing. You're so much prettier than that."

For a moment I felt defensive, but then I just had to shake my head and laugh. Mothers and daughters! Fashions may change, but the relationship between the generations never will, and that's something to celebrate.

Happy Mother's Day!

Shop our wish lists at www.apprecier.com - the first 5 things are on my mother's shopping list, the next 5 things are on mine, and the last 5 things are on my daughter's.

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These '90s Fashion Ads Show Normcore At Its Finest

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In spite of all the pouty and pensive-faced models in '90s fashion ads, trends from this decade are still coveted today because of their unpretentious look and feel. 


We all wanted to look as cool as Kate Moss in a pair of high-waisted, light wash Calvin Klein jeans. Denim jackets and cotton T-shirts from the Gap were the epitome of effortless style as modeled by Milla Jovovich and 90210's Luke Perry. Meanwhile, we're still saving to purchase a slinky slip dress from Dolce & Gabbana. 


Stars like Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Kristen Stewart have put their own twist on classic '90s fashion, donning minimal separates, oversized shirts and baggy jeans. Many bloggers followed suit, giving breath to the normcore trend, where the intention is to come across as "anti-fashion." Yet, their attempts often read as well thought-out -- the very opposite of what '90s fashion represents. 


To take us back where it all started, we've rounded up some of the best '90s fashion ads on Pinterest. There's nothing like the real thing, baby. 


-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

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