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'Heathers The Musical' Is Not 'Heathers' The Movie, But It's Still Pretty 'Very'

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As "Heathers The Musical" opens during the film's 25th anniversary year, comparisons between the two versions of Daniel Waters' original script have become as unavoidable as one of the film's own Heathers. Over at The Atlantic, Alan Zilberman mourned the off-Broadway remake, writing that the musical version doesn't recreate "the genius bleakness of the original." Although, it's not so much that the musical doesn't strike the same chord as its predecessor, but that it's a different sort of thing entirely. Co-writer writer Kevin Murphy said he aimed to open up "the themes of hope and optimism" with the "Heathers" story. As such, there are fundamental differences between the film and musical, but each of the works are pretty "very" in their own right.

The musical provides a backstory for Veronica's friendship with the Heathers ...
We meet Veronica as a nobody, dressed out of the scheme of primary colors, she is lost in a sea of comically intense hazing, but then her penchant for forgery brings her into the Heathers' good graces. It's not major difference from the film -- which simply highlights Heather Chandler taking advantage of the skill -- but it emphasizes the fragility of Veronica's precarious position in the group and general willingness to be used.

... and that's fitting for the more innocent version of Veronica we see on stage.
The Veronica of the musical is decidedly more innocent than Winona Ryder's iteration of the character. As the casting call put it, she "burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t know yet how to be both at the same time ... Thinks she's an old soul, but she's still innocent enough to be blindsided by love/hormones (or shocked by cruelty)." Over the course of the show, there's an enduring element of desperation not featured in the film version, which shifts the narrative to allow for Veronica's coming of age in face of her pre-existing desperation.

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Martha Dunnstock is a fully developed character, who sings a kick-ass ballad about kindergarten nap time.
In the film, Veronica's interaction with Martha is limited to a fleeting cafeteria prank. But in the musical, Martha (not Betty Fin) is positioned as Veronica's life-long best friend. She becomes a symbol of the ramifications of bullying, providing more flesh (no pun intended) to the toxicity we see in the film. Also, at one point, Martha belts out an entire song about wishing we could go back to kindergarten, and it is no wishy-washy "Glee"-type ballad, but a touching yet tongue-in-cheek representation of what it's like to be left out of the "big fun."

It shifts the film's use of rape as a central theme.
It's arguable that, in the sense this show could be likened to an episode of "Glee," there is perhaps too much humor glossed over the darker elements. The driving force for Heather turning on Veronica is shifted from date rape to bullying. Yet, where the movie highlights a scene of a lesser Heather being sexually assaulted in the background of a touching moment between Veronica and JD, the musical features an entire slut-shaming number about having a (penis) sword fight in Veronica's mouth.

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The musical medium allows Heather Chandler, Ram and Kurt to live on as ghosts.
In the movie, Heather returns in a dream sequence, but she is mostly absent following her untimely "suicide." The musical prominently features her alongside Ram and Kurt long after they've been killed off, and that's excellent, because they're awesome characters. “They’re some of the most hilarious parts of the movie,” said Ryan McCartan, who plays JD, “With the magic of musical theater, just because someone dies doesn’t mean that they disappear from the show. We get to keep [them] 'alive.'"

The show ends with the entire not-blown-up school singing about being beautiful and 17.
There is closure and hope in the show. That's not necessarily a strengthening change, but it's certainly not detrimental to the presentation of an ugly high school environment. There is hope after high school. It's called the entire rest of life. And, hey, what's a musical without a reprise of a major feel-good number.


Neil Patrick Harris Looks Very, Very Different In His Latest Broadway Role

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We always suspected Neil Patrick Harris would look killer in fishnet tights and stiletto boots, but now we know for sure.

hedwig



The "How I Met Your Mother" actor underwent an extreme makeover for his starring role in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's cult rock opera tells the tale of a transsexual East German rock star -- we assume you can surmise Harris' role.

Harris strikes a fierce pose on the cover of Entertainment Weekly, donning a blonde wig, jean shorts and glamorous makeup -- heavy on the glitter. "I’ve lost 20 pounds," Harris told EW of his transformation. "I’m in the craziest couture outfits, and I’ve got all this makeup on. But they made me custom heels, so at least those fit well." The sneak peek only makes us all the more antsy to hear the multi-talented Harris belt out "The Origin of Love."

Stay tuned for more updates on "Hedwig," which is set to open April 22 in New York City. To see another enticing glimpse of Harris all dolled up, check out his close-up shot, and visit Entertainment Weekly to read the full interview.

No Wonder These 4 Festival Styles Have Never Gone Out of Style

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Image via Fredericksburg.com



There's no doubt that festival-inspired style is experiencing a major moment in fashion right now. It's easy to see why -- boho sensibilities are not only perfect for all the festivals on your list, but all those light, flowing layers and wide-brim hats make it ideal for warmer weather as well. Take ModCloth's recent stylebook, Boho Rhapsody, for example, while each one of those ensembles would be perfect for hitting the road for Coachella, they'd also be just as at home on a weekend retreat or a casual summer party.

It's safe to say I'm smitten with the resurgence of laid-back looks, but where did it all start? Today, I'm taking a glance back at some of the looks of festivals past that influenced the outfits of today. Check out some of my favorites below, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments.


Crowning Glory:

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Images via Tumblr and Byrdie



I can't get enough of these two pics. Amazingly, while they look like they could have been taken within ten minutes of each other, the image on the left of Mimi Farina (sister of singer Joan Baez) is from 1968, while the one on the right of actress Bella Thorne was taken at a far more recent Coachella festival. While they may be from different decades, both of these gals are rocking one of my favorite of-the-moment accessories: the flower crown. Flower crowns are a great way to add a fresh burst of summer to your ensemble, whether you're dressing up a pair of jeans, or adding a final touch to a dramatic maxi dress. Try making your own, or check out our selection of hair accessories.


To the Maxi:

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Images via Vintage Everyday and Vogue.com



Searching for the ideal summer outfit? I have two words for you: maxi dress. What could be better than slipping on a comfy dress, fastening a pair of chic sandals to your feet, and breezing out the door? A staple of fashionistas of festivals past, the maxi has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, and these modern iterations are looking better than ever.


Breton Up:

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Images via NY Mag and Flickr user Caradona



There's nothing more classic than Breton stripes. Whether you wear them with crisp white shorts a la Joan Baez at the Newport Folk Festival in 1968 (left), or update the staple top with roughed-up denim and bright flats like the Coachella pic on the right, blue-and-white stripes have -- and will -- always have a place in the summer.


Brimming With Excitement:

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Images via Frank Habicht and Mr. Newton



Wide-brim hats have long been a summer festival must-have. Not only do they provide much-needed shade from the hot desert sun, but they instantly add a touch of cool to any outfit. I love the unique, vintage vibes on the left -- how could you not? -- but the look on the right is just perfect for lounging on the grass while music fills the air. Try a more structured hat for an update on the classic, or a striped version for a more beachy feel.

What are your favorite festival-inspired styles? Be sure to let me know in the comments!

10 First-Date Beauty Mistakes He Will Definitely Notice

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First dates can be both a blessing and curse. When things go right, that first night out can be an awesome opportunity to impress a new beau, but a first date gone wrong can potentially ruin your chances with your man crush forever.

To help you keep him coming back for more, we’ve partnered with P&G to bring you the only guide you’ll ever need to prepare for a first date. Here are 10 of the most common first date blunders and how to avoid them using award-winning beauty favorites. Go get ‘em, Tiger!

Cheetos Perfume Ruins Everything You Loved About Cheetos

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Brands everywhere are finding stupid, hilarious new ways to freshen up their tired products and get outlets like The Huffington Post to write positive reviews about them.

Cheetos is not one of those brands. Its new "Cheeteau" perfume -- yes, perfume that's supposed to smell like Cheetos -- flies in the face of real brand innovation. Taco Bell had Doritos Locos Tacos and now breakfast. Pizza Hut had the perfume idea more than a year ago. Most of all, "it's nauseating" is the best review "Cheeteau" received at our office.

Yet here we are, writing an article and trying to talk our way out of an HR situation with our colleagues. We hoped it was all one big April Fool's joke, but it's not. Unless Frito-Lay was pranking us by sending the stuff in the first place.

We don't recommend the perfume, as it is a thick, pungent mix of chemical cheese smell and butt. The commercial is pretty good, though:



Here's how the publicists describe it:

Cheeteau, the inaugural fragrance by famed Cheetos brand spokes-cheetah, Chester Cheetah, will be available to fans in Los Angeles and New York City for a limited time only. Inspired by the popular snack, the scent boasts buttery notes, accents of sharp cheddar and a touch of lemon for balance, perfect for evening or day wear.


Apparently you can get your hands on some if you check out Chester Cheetah's Twitter or Facebook page. Do not spray it.

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Tropical Nail Art: Sunsets, Sea Turtles And Sandy Beaches (PHOTOS)

48 Items We Just Know You're Going To Want For Spring

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If we hear one more person complain about how cold it is outside, we are going to scream. Instead of harping on this freezing weather, we are focusing on something that makes us much more happy -- spring shopping.

Yes, it may be a while before we can wear sundresses and sandals, but when the sun does finally appear, we plan on being ready. To cure the winter blues, a few editors here at The Huffington Post have compiled a list of the items they want most for spring. So, to any designers, boyfriends or BFFs out there, these items will get you on our good sides.

Art by: Raydene Salinas/HPMG



michelle persad

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rebecca

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jamie

megan

noelle

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Miranda Kerr Reveals She's A Member Of The Mile High Club, Talks Sex, Sex And More Sex

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Super model Miranda Kerr is taking it all off for the May 2014 issue of British GQ, and gives the magazine nothing but the naked truth when it comes to sex, sex and more sex.

Kerr is newly single after splitting from husband of three years, Orlando Bloom, back in October 2013. And while the 30-year-old is dating again and "loving it," she admits she's having far less sex than she used to, which is taking a toll on her body.

"One thing I’ve noticed is now that I’m having less sex my body isn’t as toned. The more sex I have, the more defined my arms and stomach get," she explained to British GQ. "Orlando and I always had great chemistry. One-night stands aren’t my thing. I made Orlando wait for six months until I even kissed him.”

Now that Kerr is back on the market she says she's toyed with exploring her sexuality, and reveals that why she's not down with one night stands, she might be up for getting frisky 30,000 feet in the air.

"Let’s put it this way, I’ve had an orgasm in the air before. Alone. And together," the card carrying member of the mile-high club said when asked about her sexual antics in the sky.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason you fly private.

miranda kerr sex mile high

For more with Miranda Kerr head over to British GQ, or pick up the May 2014 issue on sale April 3.

Weekly Roundup of eBay Vintage Clothing Finds

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No time to page through thousands of eBay listings? Then just sneak a peek at my weekly eBay roundup of top vintage clothing finds.

This eclectic mix of designer and non-designer vintage clothing and accessories caught my discerning eye because of its uniqueness, contemporary feel and highly collectible nature.

As always, buyer beware! Be sure to read the listings closely and contact the sellers with any questions.

This week's selection includes items by Kieselstein, Martin Margiela, Kamehameha and YSL. Be sure not to miss the rare Charles Worth vest with lace, the Schiaparelli leather purse, the Rose Marie Reid lurex swimsuit and the 1950s Tobi of California sequin catsuit.

ebay roundup of vintage clothing finds



GET READY, GET SET, BID!!!
(Click on Pic for More Info and Auction Links)



Which item is your favorite? Leave me a comment below to let me know.

To receive the eBay Roundup of Vintage Clothing Finds via email, sign up for Zuburbia's mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

DISCLOSURE: Editorial selections are made by Zuburbia with no direct promotional consideration from the featured eBay sellers however Zuburbia may receive revenue as an affiliate member of the eBay Partner Network.

PLEASE NOTE that Zuburbia does not endorse the use of fur, feathers, leather or animal skins in fashion. Any of these selections are offered only as more thoughtful and eco-friendly alternatives for contemporary fashionistas who have not yet eliminated animal products from their wardrobes or for collectors who are seeking to preserve these items.

It's Been 20 Years Since 'Sister, Sister' Premiered, So Let's Rank All The Intros

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Twenty years ago today, Tia and Tamera Mowry burst onto our screens with their unforgettably kooky hats and their madcap twin-based hijinks, and changed the course of world history with "Sister, Sister."

In between marveling at how old we've gotten and arguing about whether we were a Tia or a Tamera, we found ourselves inexorably drawn back to one of the most unforgettable parts of this unforgettable show: its intro. Or, should we say, intros, since the opening to "Sister, Sister" changed as often as the seasons. Turning to YouTube, we found ourselves lost in a sea of theme songs and got to thinking: Which one is really the best?

Check out the video of all five, and see our ranking below.



4: The intro to Season 1.
wow
Pluses:
-Amazing Jackeé finger pointing and hand movements
-Very clear storytelling
-Introduces the immortal "sibling synchronicity" line

Minuses:
-No "oh-oh-oh-ooohhhhhs"
-A little too long
-Not enough Jackeé

3: The intro to Season 2
jackee
Pluses:
-Roger!
-More succinct

Minuses:
-Still no "oh-oh-oh-ooohhhhhs"
-Not enough Jackeé

2: The intro to Season 6.
gowns
Pluses:
-See Season 5 comments below

Minuses:
-Loss of Roger
-Addition of weird boyfriends
-Not enough Jackeé


1. It's a tie! How can we possibly decide between the intro to Season 5 and the intro to Seasons 3 and 4?
Seasons 3 and 4:
dancing
Pluses:
-The dancing!
-The improved graphics!
-The moment where Jackeé is looking all serious, then she's not serious anymore and it's the best thing of all time
-Incorporation of the "oh-oh-oh-ooohhhhhs"

Minuses:
-Not enough Jackeé
-The song is not the Season 5 song

Season 5:
ray googly eyes
Pluses:
-The song is just incredible, and we will never stop singing it (all together now: "I've got my own miiiind!").
-The gowns
-The overall attitude
-The moment where Ray tries to cover up Tia or Tamera, we're not sure which

Minuses:
-Jackeé is too subdued
-Not enough Jackeé

Do you agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments!

Paris Hilton's Ultra Outfit Is As Revealing As You Expected

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Paris Hilton stopped by the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, because that's what all good DJs do.

And of course, being Paris Hilton, that appearance involved wearing a wildly colorful and revealing get–up.

The heiress–cum–DJ shared a photo on her Instagram account of her festival–worthy outfit. The star's sunglasses protected her eyes from the bright lights shining from the stage (and likely reflecting off of the medallions around her neck) as she danced along to one of the many weekend EDM sets in a plunging dress.





As far as Ultra goes, Hilton seems to almost fit in with the masses. She has the glasses, the neon and the ample showing of skin. But if you can make it through Ultra while still looking put together, did you even go to Ultra at all?

The 5 Best Bra Fit Tips -- From Men

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Do you hate wearing bras or struggle to find the right one for your body type? You might be surprised to find that the best bra fit tips come from guys -- who wear bras.

Over the past year, I've heard from numerous men, asking me for lingerie recommendations and tips on bra wear. But they're not shopping for their female partners. They're "new" to the business of having boobs, sprouting their own, often as a side effect of taking certain medications. And these guys span all ages and body types.

It inspired me to to write a post just for them, addressing their specific physical needs and giving them some bra fitting tips.

The response to my article taught me a few things. Men approach the business of wearing bras differently than women. They look at it as a problem to be solved, without laying any blame or shame on their bodies. And it occurred to me that we could learn a lesson or two from this male bra buying experience.

So here are five best bra fit tips, according to guys:

1. Love your body.

Your boobs, no matter when they developed or what size, are a part of you. The best way to live your life with them is to accept them and dress them properly. You'll never be happy unless you embrace them fully, in or out of a bra.

2. Get a proper bra fitting.

If you're not sure of your size, or you've never been measured for a bra, take the time to visit a professional bra fitter. But don't just go to any store or sales clerk. Find the right person who treats you with respect and dignity and solves your bra fitting problems. You, and "your girls," deserve the best!

3. Patience is key.

Finding the right bra for your body shape or type may take time. With so many different bra brands and styles on the market, it may seem overwhelming and challenging. Accept that finding the right bra fit is a trial and error process. But don't give up. There is a bra out there that's perfect for you.

4. Experiment.

Don't assume only one type of bra is right for you. Try new fashions, whether underwire, full coverage, demi-cup or contour. Learn what works best with your shape and suits your lifestyle.

5. Reach out.

You aren't the only person in the world looking for the right bra. Learn more about bra fit and brands by visiting lingerie websites, or reading expert blog posts. If you're shy, ask questions anonymously. Businesses welcome comments and questions and want to help their customers. The more you learn, the easier your next bra buying experience will be.

What's your view? What do you think of these best bra fit tips, from men? Will they help you?

This article first appeared on The Breast Life.

We Can't Stop Staring At Solange, Erykah Badu And Ledisi's Stunning Essence Covers

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We literally can't take our eyes off of Essence magazine's May issue. Maybe because the glossy decided to tap three of the most beautiful songstesses and style stars around -- Solange, Erykah Badu and Ledisi-- to grace three separate and super stunning covers. We're talking collector's edition quality, folks!

SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS

Inside the issue, which includes Essence's 4th annual Black Beauty Awards, the ladies talk about their unique views on self-expression.

"We all have the option of how we want to express ourselves through our life, hair, style or whatever we decide. We shouldn't be pigeonholed into any one category," Solange told the magazine. The 27-year-old singer/DJ/model has definitely carved out a place for herself in the fashion world and we've loved following her every stylish step.

The same can be said about Miss Badu, who is currently starring in Givenchy's spring ad campaign, and views her hair and clothes as "functional art" and doesn't rely on stylist to dictate her look. "I'm my own stylist and I love it, but I am not trying to make a statement," Erykah told Essence.

And Ledisi also weighs in on how she gets fly. "Although I'm known for my long, colorful locs, I still don't take my hair too seriously," says Ledisi, who is loving life with a new album and a new love. "I experiment a lot, dyeing it and constantly switching styles to grab attention. My hair is one of my best accessories and changing it helps express who I am."

Check out the trio of Essence covers below. Amazing, right?

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erykah badu essence
ledisi essence

If you love Solange's afro on Essence, then feast your eyes on this:

Lauren Conrad's New Purple Hair Seems Like An April Fools' Day Prank

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Sorry, Lauren Conrad, you can't pull a fast one on us.

The former "The Hills" star would like you to think that she's the latest celeb to embrace the trend of rocking lavender locks, however, we know better, or at least we think we do.

LC took to her website on April 1 to share a photo of her new purple hairdo, writing, "I decided to take the plunge and try a semi-permanent color. This one stays in for 6 to 8 weeks before washing out. I really didn’t think that purple was my color, but after seeing several others wear it recently, I decided to give it a try."

lauren conrad purple hair

However, the 28-year-old just told Us Weekly back in March of this year that she's "not a big fan of purple as a [hair] color," adding that it looks great on other stars like Kelly Osbourne and Nicole Richie.

We think Conrad can rock the look with the best of them, but we're almost certain her new 'do is courtesy of Photoshop rather than hair dye.

'Brides Against Breast Cancer' Sells Designer Wedding Dresses For A Good Cause

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Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC), an organization which offers programs and services to cancer patients, is on its annual nationwide "Tour of Gowns," according the organization's website.

Volunteers go through donated wedding gowns at BABC's headquarters in Sarasota, Fla., and then take the dresses to bridal expos in about 120 cities each year, Fox 29 News reported. For the past 16 years, BABC has been spreading breast cancer awareness, and selling discounted designer wedding dresses to brides, with 80 percent of proceeds going toward providing free services for families affected by breast cancer, according to Fox 29 News.

"Everyone you meet has been touched by cancer ... they all have a story to share," Karen DeRitter, the BABC boutique manager, told the outlet. "I'm very blessed to hear those stories and share it with them and then to share one of the most important days with them."

BABC brings 750 to 1,000 designer wedding gowns to cites across the country, and sells them for 25 percent to 85 percent off the retail value, WPVI reported.

"They have great options and tons of different sizes and designers," Maygan Henzie, a bride who attended an event in New Jersey, told the outlet. "It's really a great opportunity and it goes to a great cause."

"Tour of Gowns" will make it possible for Brides Against Breast Cancer to donate $2 million dollars to help cancer victims, according to its website.

If you want to get involved, you can donate your gown here, or see the list of upcoming "Tour of Gowns" cities here.


Shailene Woodley Smolders In White-Hot Dress At 'Divergent' Premiere In Berlin

Fashion's Dirty Little 'Sustainable' Secret; Wear More and Wash Less

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Last year Tommy Hilfiger made headlines when he stated that he 'didn't wash his jeans for months,' and then, after a pause, added 'never.' The comment set off a maelstrom over the hygienic implications but also something else -- more and more people started to come forward and admit that they too wash their jeans "never." It's not just better for the jeans, it's better for the environment to wear more and wash less.

When examining the carbon footprint of apparel, especially something cotton like jeans or a t-shirt, it is shocking how much the impact increases once the consumer takes the product home. Resource inputs to grow, manufacture and transport garments to market all pale in comparison to the water and energy resources that get consumed once said item is in the hands of the wearer. Simply put -- laundering and washing consume the largest amount of resources and the largest carbon footprint in the life of the garment, whether it was produced domestically or abroad and we are drowning in the waste of washing.

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Kate Fletcher, Reader in Sustainable Fashion at the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, London College of Fashion puts it this way, "Keeping clean used to be about disease prevention, but now the culture of whiter than white has weakened our immune systems, lined the pockets of detergent manufacturers and led to the startling fact that the energy needed to wash your favourite garment is about six times that needed to make it."

And now jean wearers, be they the new raw denim wearer or someone like Hilfiger referring to his Levi's, are all coming clean that they 'never wash.' The CEO of Swedish denim company Nudie, Palle Stenberg says of his own jeans, "Here is a pair I've been wearing every day for at least two years. Can you see the repairs? If I turn it inside out ... you can see repairs. That's the idea. Buy a pair of organic jeans, never wash them and you wear them and wear them and wear them and they become like a second skin."

To further cement the normalcy of this idea, a student and researcher at the University of Alberta tested the bacteria content of jeans worn for 15 months, and found that the bacteria levels in the jeans were similar post-wash and pre-wash. Further proof to Fletcher's point that washing clothes is "a habit and an activity closely tied in with social acceptance, personal and romantic success and happiness," and not at all based on hygienic necessity.

Want ways to reduce your closet's carbon footprint, use these these never wash tips:

Worried about bacteria: place clothing in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight, up to 72 hours for maximum bacteria killing effect, this will also reduce any odor on the garment

Worried about odor: hang the garment outside. Whites will also benefit from bacteria reduction in direct sunlight

Sweat stains: buy or make underarm shields that can be removed and washed when necessary, reducing the need to wash tops, sweater and shirts

Heavy dirt or surface stains: wear the item into the shower or spot clean with a lightly damp cloth


Image: University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (2006) Well Dressed? The Present and Future Sustainability of Clothing and Textiles in the United Kingdom

Miley Cyrus Is Topless On A Horse In Leaked 'Adore You' Remix Photo (NSFW)

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Today in totally expected news, Miley Cyrus is topless again.

Back in February, the 21-year-old pop star released the cover art for the remix of "Adore You," which featured a close-up shot of Cyrus in a black wig, showing just enough skin to signal she wasn't wearing any clothes. Well, the full photo that was used for the cover has leaked and was posted by Idolator, and -- lo and behold -- there is Cyrus wearing nothing but white undies, straddling a white horse and holding a blunt. We think it encapsulates her entire persona to a tee.




Of course, Cyrus has now posed topless so many times it would be more surprising if she actually wore a shirt during a photo shoot.

A Southern Fairytale

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Four years ago, I decided to move south and attend school at the University of South Carolina. Located in the state capital, Columbia, the campus is home to over 31,000 students from countries all over the world. It's a beautiful place and, founded in 1801, full of history. The undergraduate International Business Program is rated #1 again this year and the International MBA program is right up there at #3. The study abroad program is outstanding and my travels to Istanbul and Barcelona have been enlightening. There are over 400 clubs on campus, and, undeniably, the weather is a bonus in itself.

I fell in love with the historic campus on my first visit and knew I wanted to go there. But it was far from my home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and that first month or two I wasn't sure how it was going to work out for me.

There I was, a brunette from the north living in a blonde, blonde world in the south. Weirder yet, I was someone who was typically opposed to any type of exclusive group, never wanting to leave anyone out, and suddenly I was a sorority girl with sisters I never had before. (Which ended up being great!) And when it came to fashion, I would tend to opt for something black, or at least neutral. At special events, there I would stand, sticking out like a sore thumb among a bevy of blonde beauties, in a crowd of brightly colored Lilly Pulitzer florals.

Back home, people often ask what it's like to live in the south. They want to know if it was an adjustment to live there, and some of the most popular questions have to do with 'southern charm.' People ask me if the men (and women) really have this thing called 'southern charm' or is it some sort of fairytale?

While I have met plenty of charming people while here, I don't think I can limit 'charm' to only southerners. (I've met wonderful, charming people from all over, including many from the north.) Yes, southern manners are admirable, and I've blushed a few times, especially in the beginning when a young gentleman would smile politely and give me a 'yes ma'am.'

But for me, the real charm of the south is found in the amazing architecture on campus, the beautiful homes with their well-tended gardens in Charleston, the palm trees on the beach in Hilton Head and the history of the people. The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture says that 'the American South is a geographical entity, a historical fact, a place in the imagination, and the homeland of an array of Americans who consider themselves southerners. The region is often shrouded in romance and myth, but its realities are as intriguing, as intricate, as its legends.' I agree.

One of my favorite things about being a student at USC is how close we are to the beach. Only about a 90-minute drive from Columbia is Charleston, where we often visit for a weekend or even a day trip. Last week I was lucky enough to work at Charleston's Fashion Week. I love living on my campus in Columbia, but Charleston...now that's a romantic fairy tale, and quite enchanting. The allure of the cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, the historical buildings, the food, the fashion and art, were all were so charming that again I found myself blushing, this time with excitement. More than once I caught myself walking along, smiling to myself.

It also made me smile to see that southern fashion doesn't really restrict people to bowties and a Lilly Pulitzer shift dress -- the fashions were amazing. Beautiful people were dressed impeccably, (and, yes, most were charming.) As a Fashionista, I'm always noticing what people are wearing and something that caught my attention at Fashion Week was a color I seem to be seeing everywhere this spring: blush. Though Pantone chose 'radiant orchid' as the color of the year, I think some shade of blush had to be near the top of that list. I see the pinkish-peach color in magazines and on the racks in the stores and an apricot shade of blush in nail polishes and lipsticks. It seems to be everywhere. Could blush be the new black? Okay, that would be a stretch, especially for me, but it's a popular choice this spring and I love it.

Ready for our own fashion week coming up here on campus, Alana Fuscardo chose a blush skirt and a barely off-white crop top with an intricate lace inset. Her sheer maxi overlay is feminine and flirtatious and perfect for a warm evening or sunny afternoon. The Fashion Board at USC sponsors a week of activities on campus, and although this particular outfit won't be what Alana is wearing when she models in the actual show, I was able to get a bit of a secret from this Fashionista: she is wearing blush again! As a fellow Fashionista, I won't spill any more of her secrets. To get all of the details of Fashion Week at USC, you can go to http://minniemausfashionhaus.weebly.com/ and read all about it.

What is 'southern charm' and is it real? Well, charm is captivating and endearing, and as a senior about to graduate from the University of South Carolina, I must say that yes, it is real. What began as me wondering whether or not living so far from home was going to work out for me, is ending soon with me knowing that it did work out. There might have been some times that weren't perfect, but overall, it was a bit of a fairytale and I did enjoy my time as a southerner.

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Stephanie Gielarowski studies International Business and Marketing at the number one International Business program in the United States and has a minor in Spanish. She loves trying new things but is most involved as Vice President of Social Outreach for Fashion Board at USC and Marketing Coordinator of USC's Dance Marathon for Children's Miracle Network. She is also a proud member of Chi Omega, the world's largest fraternity. Stephanie believes she is a millennial who is young at heart but embodies an old soul, has strong shoulders and a weakness for puppies, and has no regrets -- only plenty of dreams. She is a senior and ready to begin a career in marketing and public relations in the fashion, beauty or entertainment industry.

Kate Upton Looks Familiar At 'The Other Woman' Premiere

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Kate Upton took a break from appearing in one of her seemingly countless campaigns to walk the red carpet Tuesday night. The 21-year-old bombshell was in London for the premiere of her upcoming film "The Other Woman."

And, as usual, Kate looked absolutely gorgeous in perfectly cinched white Christian Siriano dress, nude pumps and minimal accessories. Although, we have to admit we did a double take when we first saw her -- with that faux, old Hollywood-esque bob she has going on, she is seriously channeling Marilyn Monroe.

This look is proof that Upton looks just as good on the red carpet as she does in one of her racy photo shoots. We can't wait to see what else she steps out in as the press tour continues.

kate upton the other woman

the other woman premiere
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