Parents can now wear their hearts on their sleeves — or on their wrists or around their necks.

Tasarım Takarım, a 2-year-old Turkish jewelry company, converts children’s drawings into cufflinks, bracelets and necklaces, among other items. 

“It’s like a single moment of someone’s childhood becomes timeless,” co-founder Yasemin Erdin Tavukçu, told The Huffington Post.

When customers send Tasarım Takarım their kid’s drawing, Tavukçu and her painter, sculptor and goldsmith, Özgür Karavit, try to figure out the best way to recreate the child’s doodle.

“Every drawing is unique,” Tavukçu told HuffPost. “So their application solutions and their techniques are also unique.”

Pieces are usually hand cut from silver or gold-plated silver. Occasionally the women add laser engraving when there’s more detail involved. The process usually takes about a week and prices range from $125 to $195. 

Many of Tasarım Takarım’s pieces are given to parents as presents, but Tavukçu says that witnessing how a child responds to seeing her drawing transformed into wearable art is the true gift.

“When kids see the jewelry [they designed], they become so proud of themselves and feel very happy,” Tavukçu said. “They feel so self-confident. They really believe that their art is loved and appreciated by others.”

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As the great Ron Swanson once said, “Never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing .”

This make-up artist knows what we’re talking about. In a matter of moments, Katelyn Galloway transforms herself into the masculine Parks and Rec star, mustache and all.

“I don’t have a lot of words to preface this video,” she says. “But I will say this-the list of my favorite things that I have ever made goes as follows: 1. My child. 2. This.”

What more do you need to know?

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One day, you are going about your business when you catch sight of yourself wearing your favorite Hello Kitty t-shirt that always made you feel so free-spirited. Suddenly you think, “When did I turn into my Aunt Gladys?” Many of us fall into the trap of wearing clothes that are too young for us, thinking that the alternative is to wear dowdy, frumpy clothes.  But here’s the rub: Ironically, when you dress too young, you often make yourself look much older. And then there is the opposite trap of making yourself look older with dated trends. (Please, please, say goodbye to the 1980s Dynasty-style shoulder pads!)

“You always want to look modern, but that doesn’t mean forcing a trend that doesn’t match your body type and age,” says Samantha Brown, stylist, fashion expert, personal shopper and founder of the designer clothing consignment store, The Missing Piece. “You don’t want to look like you are trying too hard or holding on to a decade that’s past.”

Other signs that you are not dressing your age...

#1. You are still shopping at trendy teen store.

“That’s a firm no. The clothing teens wear is not the clothing you should wear and vice versa.  The cuts are different, and their lifestyle is different than yours,” says Brown, owner of samanthabrownstyle.com. That’s said, trends are open to interpretation across the ages. The way a youth is doing the leopard print trend may not be the way you should. If she is doing leopard print leggings and you like leopard, translate the trend and get a kicky pair of leopard flats. And men, even if you can squeeze into young men’s low-slung pants, with your boxers hanging out, don’t. Just don’t. Stick with fitted flat-front pants. (Going in the opposite direction with dated pleated pants will age you.)

#2. Your drawers are full of graphic humor t-shirts with sayings like, “My get up and go got up and went.”

Know your audience. If you spend a lot of time with your grandkids and are wearing it for the purpose of entertaining, that’s appropriate. However, if you are interacting with people your age, it’s little juvenile and silly for day to day. Think of the real message you are conveying and the first impression you make. You want people to think that you are pulled together, creative, powerful, self-possessed. “Novelty t-shirts say you have a sense of humor but maybe you can project that in a different way, perhaps with a quirky piece of jewelry, whimsical prints, or bright colors.  That is a way to show that aspect of your personality that seems more mature,” says Brown.

#3. You like to show a lot of skin: low hanging pants, lots of leg, Real Housewives-ish décolleté.

No, this is not about body-shaming. If you got it, flaunt it—but there are ways to do it so that it looks sexy and sensual, and not cheap. First, pick only one space to show. If you have a low cut dress, then keep the hem longer. If you are doing a short top, don’t show the belly button and pair it with long pants or a cool jacket. Be mindful of highlighting your best features. “A lot of designers are doing cutouts with sheer panels now. That is a really elegant, classy way to do it. There is still skin but there is still coverage. A sheer sleeve is still sexy but gives coverage,” says Brown.

#4. You still dress like you did 10 years ago.

The quickest way to age yourself is to wear something out of date, unless it is a timeless classic silhouette. Looking modern is more important than looking trendy. This holds especially true for men who hold onto their suits for decades. Suit jackets have become more tailored. You should be able to fit only one fist in between your chest and the lapels when the jacket is buttoned. If there is more room, it’s probably too big and an older style.

Update your closet every few seasons. “If you are into vintage clothing, most look better when mixed with modern pieces, like a 70s long flowing dress with a new leather jacket. But be careful: getting the right fit is everything,” says Brown.

#5. You are still rebelling against The Man. 

You can remain true to who you are without looking like a Ramones roadie. “I will say that if you want to participate in that trend, it is weekend casual. It shouldn’t be worn to work,” says Brown. If you want to go bad-ass and edgy, wear one statement piece matched with more timeless wear. For example, if you are into the ripped denim trend, keep the rips minimal on the knees. (“No butt rips!” Brown state firmly) Then dress it up with a fitted jacket and top.

#6. Your swimsuit is from another era.

Even if you are not comfortable with your body, you don’t have to suffer in a frumpy burka-like ensemble. There are amazing one-pieces out there with cut outs, and nice shaping. Brown says to look for ruching (it’s a great to define a waist), a natural built-in waistline, and chest support. For men, Speedos are a hard no in the US. Also, make sure the suit doesn’t squeeze the waist into a muffin top and is something you can move in. “If you can’t stand up, sit down or swim, it’s probably not the right choice” says Brown.

Overall, Brown adds, “People over 50 shouldn’t shy away from participating in trends because they feel intimidated. Fashion and great style are for everyone.  There is no reason to wear your LL Bean turtleneck and shrink into the background. You can participate in trends but pay attention to cut, fit, style and how it fits into your lifestyle.”

Read more from Grandparents.com:

Reverse Mortgages: A Primer

5 Reasons Not To Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

6 Questions To Ask Before An Aging Parent Moves In

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Simone Mariposa was sick and tired of hearing constant negative comments about her plus-size bod. So she decided to do something about it. 

On July 23, the 23-year-old model and blogger created the hashtag #WeWearWhatWeWant to highlight plus-size women wearing outfits that society often deems “unacceptable” for bigger women.  

“#WeWearWhatWeWant symbolizes women building their confidence, and loving themselves enough to break the mold and challenge the societal norms of what’s ‘acceptable’ for big women to do,” Mariposa told The Huffington Post. 

Mariposa was inspired to create the hashtag after reading a story of a plus-size woman who was judged by strangers because of her outfit. “I find it important to highlight plus women being free and fabulous with their wardrobes because we live in a society that constantly polices our bodies,” she said. “Plus-size women are constantly told to cover up, not because we look bad in revealing clothing, but because of people’s personal lack of comfort.” 

“Showing skin isn’t exclusive to smaller girls. It’s okay for a plus size women to let her body breath in her clothing,” Mariposa tweeted. “Stop making it ‘unacceptable’ for plus women to wear clothes that show skin.”

The hashtag quickly took off with hundreds of women responding to Mariposa’s image with their own photos of them in their favorite outfits. 

Mariposa told HuffPost that she hopes the hashtag gives plus-size women a safe space to talk about their experiences. “The story of the plus-size woman isn’t commonly addressed because we are often made to feel subhuman,” she said. “But with powerful hashtags like this, we are given a voice that no one can ignore.” 

Way to do you, Simone. Scroll below to see more of the tweets from women who used the hashtag.

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Sorry Bill Clinton. We’re gonna let you finish, but Madeleine Albright won last night’s Democratic National Convention.

The former secretary of state joined a slew of other famous Hillary Clinton supporters in Philadelphia Tuesday night to voice her support of the now-confirmed presidential candidate, discuss the off-(Putin)g possibility of a Trump presidency, and, gosh darn it, wear her best brooch yet. 

Just look at that thing. It’s got it all: sparkle, size, and just the right amount of flash. If the brooch, which appears to be a take on the Great Seal of the United States, doesn’t scream “U.S.A.!” in the loudest, most fabulous voice possible, we don’t know what does. 

Albright has long used brooches as a way of expressing herself in the political sphere. A collection of 200 of those brooches even garnered their own museum exhibit. As she explained to Smithsonian.com in 2010, she credits her time at the United Nations, right after the Gulf War, with prompting her to start using jewelry to send a message. 

“During that time I had something dreadful to say about Saddam Hussein on a daily basis, which he deserved because he had invaded Kuwait. The government-controlled Iraqi media then compared me to an ‘unparalleled serpent.’ I happened to have a snake pin, and wore it to my next meeting on Iraq. When the press asked me about it, I thought, “Well, this is fun.” I was the only woman on the Security Council, and I decided to get some more costume jewelry. On good days, I wore flowers and butterflies and balloons, and on bad days, all kinds of bugs and carnivorous animals. I saw it as an additional way of expressing what I was saying, a visual way to deliver a message.”

So, sure, Bill Clinton’s heartfelt, powerful speech was good, but we’re calling this one a win for the pin. 

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Meryl Streep delivered a fiery speech on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention. 

Wrapped in a patriot flag dress designed by Betsy Ross Catherine Malandrino, the actress praised the first woman ever to top a major party’s ticket for the White House. Streep began the speech with a yell and double-fist pumps, clearly feeling the emotion on the historic night. 

“We got some fight left in us, don’t we?” Streep said to roaring applause. “What does it take to be the first female anything? It takes grit and it takes grace.”

“Hillary Clinton has taken some fire over 40 years of her fight for families and children,” Streep continued. “How does she do it? That’s what I want to know. Where does she get her grit and her grace? Where do any of our female firsts, our path breakers, where do they find that strength?”

Streep also spoke eloquently about the female trailblazers who have come before Clinton “with a burning passion for their cause,” rattling off a list of powerful women that included Deborah Sampson, Sandra Day O’Conner, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman and many more. 

“You people have made history,” the actress said. “And you’re gonna make history again in November, because Hillary Clinton will be our first woman president. She will be a great president and she will be the first in a long line of women ― and men ― who serve with grit and grace. She’ll be the first but she won’t be the last.”

Watch the rest of Streep’s speech below.

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At this point, it’s pretty much common knowledge that there’s no role too big for Meryl Streep: She can play Donald Trump, Miranda Priestly or, as she most recently, so earnestly demonstrated at the Democratic National Convention, your passionately patriotic aunt. 

Streep gave a fervent speech in support of Hillary Clinton at the DNC Tuesday night and, like Madeleine Albright before her, the woman-of-all-trades wore her patriotism on her sleeve.

Clad in a Catherine Malandrino dress that is essentially an American flag, Streep was delightfully on-theme, and as expected, the subject of many a social media response: 

But lest you think Streep’s dedication only runs convention deep, think again. The dress is actually a repeat from Streep’s 2009 press tour for the movie “Doubt.”

Repeat or otherwise, this is pretty much how we feel about her look:

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Remember when you were a kid and your parents dressed you up in an itchy sweater to take family portraits at Sears?

Yeah, this is nothing like that.

Beyonce and her daughter Blue Ivy are masters of the mommy-and-me moment. They recently took a break from ruling the world to take some playful family photos in Paris, wearing matching Gucci dresses and using the freaking Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. 

The photos were posted to Bey’s personal website, along with some equally envy-inducing shots of her riding around in fancy cars and on boats with husband Jay Z (as one does).

Stars: Sometimes they are so not like us. 

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Chances are, you know Moleskine ― the name of the ubiquitous little journals found in nearly every Barnes & Noble/Starbucks across the land.

But do you know how to accurately pronounce “Moleskine?”

Maybe you pronounce it “mole-skeen, or perhaps, “mole-skin” or “mole-skyne.”

Or do you say “mol-uh-skeen-uh?” “Mole-skeen-y?” 

Turns out, they’re all right, according to the company:

“Many Moleskine users send us enquiries as to which is the correct way of pronouncing the word ‘Moleskine,’” the company explains. “The answer is: There is no predetermined answer.”

They explain this as a way of saying that the Italian-based company is a brand with “undefined national identity. And that’s the way we like it.”

If that’s not enough for you, perhaps you can take the lead from the company’s CEO, Arrigo Berni, who can be heard pronouncing it, “Mole-uh-skin,” on PRI’s “Marketplace.” But then again, that could just be his accent.

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If you were up late last night watching the Democratic National Convention and reading Twitter, it’s likely that you were expecting to see tweets about potential first gentlemen Bill Clinton’s speech. But if you were ready and waiting for all the sassy discussion that dissected his sartorial choices, you were probably disappointed.

The dress that first lady Michelle Obama wore for her speech the night before was touted as a stunner the land over. We all knew that she wore a custom blue dress designed by Christian Siriano. But Clinton’s suit ― striped in blue with a vibrant blue tie ― was met with crickets.

Any tweets about his fashion were tongue-in-cheek sarcasm about how little they expected the coverage to be about his suit ― his speech, technique and charisma were the focus of the response and analysis.

The LA Times didn’t even care enough to investigate, reporting, “We don’t know who made the suit specifically (he’s worn Hickey Freeman and Hart Schaffner Marx in the past, among others) but we can tell you that if you stare at it long enough, a subtle tone-on-tone stripe becomes apparent.”

Indeed it does. We’ve reached out to the Clinton campaign for more information about his duds and will update here if we learn more.

For the record, because nobody’s saying it: Clinton looked pretty damn sharp in that suit.

Here’s a comparison of the Twitter commentary about the first lady’s attire, compared to the potential first gentleman’s.

Bill Clinton:

Michelle Obama:

The lack of attention paid to what he wears not only highlights the different ways men and women are portrayed in our society, but it also presents an interesting new issue in the fashion industry.

First ladies have historically held a unique position to represent and showcase U.S. designers to the world, and are therefore incredibly influential to the industry. Will that change if we’re represented by a first gentleman? Or would a female president carry that torch instead?

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Move over, Khaleesi and Arya. There’s a new pop culture baby name trend in town.

According to a press release from BabyCenter, parents are turning to “Pokemon Go” for name inspiration. New data from the parenting network shows a spike in popularity for Pokemon names among BabyCenter users. For example, the name Roselia has risen 5,859 spots over the past year. Onyx is up 2,184 spots and Eevee jumped up 1,377 spots.

“Parents are always looking to pop culture for baby name inspiration and, right now, it doesn’t get hotter than Pokémon Go,” said Linda Murray, BabyCenter Global Editor in Chief. “It’s possible that parents’ enthusiasm for the game will reignite their love for the brand and spark a full-fledged naming trend,” she added.

BabyCenter’s report also notes that Pokemon like Starmie, Ivysaur and Shayman may be influencing baby name trends, as Star has risen 2,040 spots for girls, Ivy is up 1,287 spots for boys and Shay jumped up 369 spots for girls and 64 for boys since last year.

According to a recent BabyCenter poll, almost 50 percent of mom users play “Pokemon Go.” Thus, the notion that the game is impacting baby name choices “might not be that far-fetched,” the press release states.

A BabyCenter representative told The Huffington Post that these baby name popularity rankings stem from site users. When parents register on BabyCenter, they indicate their child’s name and birthday or due date. The popularity of specific names may fluctuate slightly day to day, as the data updates in real time, and the press release figures reflect the rankings on July 26.

So, will preschools of the future be filled with little Mewtwos and Jigglypuffs? Only time will tell.

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We’ve seen the way members of the British royal family can be an influence for good, but this might be the one of best examples yet. 

Orders for a new, free at-home HIV test spiked five times higher after Prince Harry underwent an HIV test in video streamed live on Facebook.  

The Terrence Higgins Trust, which is “the largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the U.K,” according to its website, launched a short pilot program in June to offer free versions of the at-home HIV test BioSure. The test usually retails for around $33. 

According to a press release from the Trust, the program saw success on its own, with about 4,000 tests delivered during a first-come, first-serve promotional push that lasted two weeks. Orders continued to be placed even as the pilot period wound down, with 32 placed on July 12. However, after the segment with Prince Harry aired, orders “surged five-fold to 150 per day,” the Trust announced. 

Harry was tested at the Guys and St. Thomas’ hospital in London earlier this month in an attempt to educate, de-stigmatize and highlight how easy and painless it is to be tested for HIV. Thanks to tests like BioSure in the U.K. and OraQuick in the U.S., which promise results in less than an hour from the comfort of your own home, the process is easier than ever.

Dr. Michael Brady, medical director for Terrence Higgins Trust, said the free pilot program definitely had an impact. 

“The pilot self testing scheme has been a real success in terms of developing our plans for increasing HIV testing in the future, but also was important for the people who took the test and may not otherwise have known their HIV status. For one in five, this was their first ever HIV test,” he said. 

Upon seeing the “great news,” Kensington Palace tweeted to thank the Trust for its “great work in tackling the fear and stigma around #HIV testing.”

Great news, indeed. Check out some at-home options for HIV testing or find a testing center near you. 

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When a young woman from Cornwall walked into the UK-based beauty store Superdrug, she wasn’t expecting to be mocked for her outfit by two employees. Unfortunately for Harriet Rae, that’s exactly what happened.

But instead of crumbling, Harriet chose to kill her haters with kindness. In a July 23 Facebook post, Harriet wrote an open letter to the two women who made rude comments about her appearance and the fact that she was wearing shorts.

“You spoke loud enough for most people to hear. Its obviously not the first time you’ve had a giggle and a made comments about another girl,” she wrote.

She continued, writing that the two employees had nothing to gain from making the rude comments, and even threw a few compliments their way: 

Just so you know, your words didn’t hurt me. The looks you gave me did not either. I do feel slightly saddened that you think it’s ok to speak about another female, or in fact anyone, in that way. I don’t believe you gained anything from it apart from looking a little bit silly when you realised I heard you. If somehow you end up reading this, as Cornwall is a very small place, can you be a little bit kinder with your words? Some peoples skin isn’t as thick as mine has become and the next persons might be very thin indeed.
So in response to your comments, I send back some love! If you did your own hair and make up for work today, you are both very talented. I could never get my winged liner or my ponytail that perfect!

Harriet posted a photo of her (totally appropriate) outfit with her open letter:

The post struck a major chord. Since being posted on Sunday, it has been shared more than 50,000 times. The post also prompted a response from the store’s managers. 

“I have spoken to the lovely people at Superdrug Head Office...who apologised for what happened in the Truro Store on Saturday,” Harriet wrote. “I re-enforced that the intended message of the post was to spread kindness and positivity, not embarrassment or hurt. They understood and accepted that I didn’t want to give a description of the people or my location in the store when it happened.”

Remember, people, it costs nothing to be kind. 

The Huffington Post reached out to Harriet for comment but did not hear back before publication. 

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"As rates of bariatric surgery increase, more patients are seeking plastic surgery following massive weight loss. They present with redundant skin, which is often uncomfortable and negative for one's body image. Common body contouring procedures include tummy tuck and lifts of their breasts, arms, and thighs. These patients are not interested in purely cosmetic enhancement. It's more of a restorative process. Many studies have also shown improved quality of life following these procedures."

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