The next Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, is set to be the first Black star in 15 years and 33 seasons of the Bachelor franchise. Just as incredible is the fact that at 31, Lindsay is the oldest Bachelorette ever. Plus, the Dallas resident stands apart with her high-powered day job as an attorney. We're super excited to see the show get a much-needed update in 2017, as is Lindsay, of course. And she's already got a few ideas about the pool of guys she's expecting.
"I mean, I'm not your typical Bachelorette, right? We've already talked about it," Lindsay told ET 's Lauren Zimat at the Friday taping of The Bachelor 's "Women Tell All" edition. "I'm the first Black Bachelorette, I'm 31, so I'm an older Bachelorette…Then at the same time, I have a different type of job than the typical Bachelorettes have, so I think it's a little bit harder to cast someone for me." Lindsay added, "Being 31, like, I've been there. I've gone through my twenties, I've been through the journey, so I know exactly what it is that I'm looking for."
Lindsay continued, sharing her expectations about the racial makeup of the contestants. "I obviously expect to see a wider pool of African-American men just because that's me, but what I'm excited about is I'm hoping that my cast reflects what America looks like," she told ET. "I don't [exclusively] date African-American men, I've dated all races before, and so I'm hoping the cast reflects what America looks like and I'm excited that my season is hopefully the one that has the opportunity to do that."
We're counting on it.
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We’ll always argue that the more diverse the beauty industry, the better. And luckily, the cosmetics space is growing more and more inclusive by the day, and we’re happy to see an expansion of other races and genders across the board. Case in point: the newest face of L’Oréal Paris, Maria Borges. If you know who she is, then you already know she’s a really, really great pick.
If you don’t recognize her name, though, you might recognize her face — and probably her flawless skin, too. The Angolan model was the first model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with her natural hair. In 2017, that might not seem as controversial as it would have two years ago — but it's a monumental moment. While Victoria’s Secret made waves this year for letting plenty of models strut down the catwalk in whatever hairstyle they were born with, it was Borges who led the troops years before. Back in 2015, she was the first to wear (by request) her short, natural curls make her way down the runway without extensions or a Beachwaver — and she totally stole the show. Since then, she’s climbed the ranks within the fashion world, walking for designers like Ralph Lauren, La Perla, and Emporio Armani.
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images.
L’Oréal has been on the fast track to inclusivity for months now. The brand started 2017 off right with its new “Your Skin, Your Story” campaign for True Match foundation featuring trans model, actress, and writer, Hari Nef. The campaign also included models and influencers of all different colors and genders in the same campaign — making it a point to note how crucial it is to have a diverse group of people within the industry. (Sabina Karlsson, Dominique Babineaux, and Darnell Bernard, among others, were featured.)
While we'll always love seeing Blake Lively in every L’Oréal Paris commercial, we’re definitely ready to see Borges pop up on our TV screens, too. She's already made a statement on what it means to love the hair you have, and we're proud to see she’s taking her voice to an even bigger platform.
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My makeup aesthetic has always veered somewhere between minimal and nonexistent — and the same goes for the rest of my beauty routine. The first time I got a manicure, I couldn't stand it and ripped the acrylics off the next day. And my hair? I’ve never had any desire to wear extensions, a wig, or a weave. I simply don’t like feeling things on my skin and head. It just doesn’t feel like me.
Now, I’ve dabbled with lip stains and eyeliner on nights I want to turn up, but never have I ever imagined that I’d get my hair and makeup done to the extent it was for the above video. But then again, I never thought anyone would ever ask me to transform into Nicki Minaj either.
When Refiner29's video team asked me to play Minaj in an upcoming makeup-centric video, I did it because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. It wasn't until after I’d realized what I had agreed to do did I really prepare for such a massive transformation. This meant moisturizing my face and drinking a ton of water, the only two things I thought to do to prep. (Shows how much I know about beauty!)
When the transformation day came, I sat for hours getting my makeup done. To be honest, it was agony. I admit I was pessimistic, but after seeing my face with a think layer of foundation and concealer, it struck a nerve. To my surprise, I looked great! The blemishes on my face were reduced, hidden even. And while I never had a problem showing my bare face (I rock it every day), there was something refreshing about seeing myself like this. But a few hours into the shoot my hate for makeup reared its ugly head.
I never realized that simply sitting and getting your hair and makeup done could be so draining. It bothered me that I couldn’t touch my face without getting highlighter on my nails and fingers. The heaviness of the false lashes made me long to keep my eyes closed and the glue seeped into my eyes and started irritating my contacts. I could feel layers of cake on my face and I was not having it. When the end of the day finally came I washed my face to reveal a huge smile of relief. Finall y, I thought.
Then something funny happened. It turns out, the experience was incredibly illuminating. As much as I hate to admit it, since the shoot I have started wearing foundation and concealer — and just last week I started experimenting with eyeliner, eyeshadow, matte lip color, and even a little contour.
After experiencing this transformation, I am not entirely closed-minded to the idea of wearing makeup. In fact, I kind of love it. Will you catch me wearing Barbie-pink lipstick à la Nicki anytime soon? Let’s not get carried away, but I am enjoying taking baby steps.
Asia Feliciano is a video intern in Refinery29's Los Angeles office.
Being a teen is hard enough, and things like peer pressure — of any kind — don't make it any easier. That's why dad and blogger Bert Fulks came up with a way to get his kids out of any unsafe or pressured situation.
Fulks came up with what he calls the "X-plan," in which his kids can text him an x if they're in an awkward or unsafe situation and want an out. The x will then signal to Fulks to call them and tell them that there's been an emergency, and that he needs to come get them immediately.
Fulks, who spends time helping teens with addiction recovery, wrote in a blog post that he once asked them, "How many of you have found yourself in situations where things started happening that you weren’t comfortable with, but you stuck around, mainly because you felt like you didn’t have a way out?"
When every single one of them raised their hands, Fulks realized that he needed to come up with a way to keep kids from having to stick around in uncomfortable situations.
"Let’s say that my youngest, Danny, gets dropped off at a party," he explained in the post. "If anything about the situation makes him uncomfortable, all he has to do is text the letter 'X' to any of us (his mother, me, his older brother or sister). The one who receives the text has a very basic script to follow. Within a few minutes, they call Danny’s phone."
The conversation will then go something like this:
“Hello?”
“Danny, something’s come up and I have to come get you right now.”
“What happened?”
“I’ll tell you when I get there. Be ready to leave in five minutes. I’m on my way.”
The child can then tell their friends that something has happened without going into specifics, and have a way out of an uncomfortable situation.
"Once he’s been extracted from the trenches, Danny knows that he can tell us as much or as little as he wants … but it’s completely up to him," Fulms wrote. "The X-plan comes with the agreement that we will pass no judgments and ask no questions... This can be a hard thing for some parents (admit it, some of us are complete control-freaks); but I promise it might not only save them, but it will go a long way in building trust between you and your kid."
Though Fulks uses the X-plan for his kids and any peer-pressure inducing situation they might find themselves in, it's a pretty smart plan that you can use in situations amongst your friends — like, say, if someone is on a a date with a stranger and they don't feel safe and need a way out.
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Keke Palmer: Scream Queens star, badass author, and vocal supporter of hacking? That's right. In a new interview with Women's Health, Palmer shared more than just her favorite workout necessities. In true Palmer style, she glibly admitted to breaking into past boyfriends' phones and social media accounts through stealthy sleuthing.
"I'm one of those girlfriends that'll hack into my guy's social media," Palmer told the magazine. "I’ll fish for his password habits — birthday, pet's name — during a casual conversation, then use that to get into his e-mail or his social accounts."
Sneaky! Palmer's method of low-key hacking isn't unheard of, though. And it's actually pretty clever. Instead of going through less savory means of gathering information, why not use casual convos as a way to dig up vital details? But why was Palmer so forthcoming with her not-so-secret skill? The interview was for Women's Health 's "Confessions" issue, so it makes sense that she'd come clean about this habit.
And she wouldn't be the first one to do it, either. Fans who have been keeping up with the Kardashians will remember that Kim is a big proponent of hacking into your S.O.'s phones. She didn't just do it for herself: In one memorable episode, she helps Khloé infiltrate her boyfriend's voicemail.
Palmer's never been shy about voicing her opinions, whether it's on hacking into phones or her own actions. In a recent interview with Wendy Williams, Palmer clapped back at the talk-show host when Williams brought up her recent dispute with Trey Songz. Not everyone has the guts to spar with Williams, but Palmer had no problem spilling the tea.
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There are plenty of ways to shake up your sex life, whether it's by trying out a new sex toy or consulting the Kama Sutra. But what if you're in an especially playful mood? That's where sex games come in. You're probably familiar with some of them — sexy truth or dare, dirty dice — but have you ever given a sensory-play card game or a role-playing app a whirl?
Whether you're looking to try something new with a long-term S.O. or getting adventurous with a new partner, sex games can be just the thing you need for inspiration. Just dim the lights, turn off your phones (or keep them on if you're using a sexy app), and see how things start to heat up.
If you end up in bed before you finish the game, don't worry. In that case, everyone's a winner.
Click through to browse some of the steamiest sex games available.
Each of the four panels on these scratch cards reveal an important detail for the fun you're about to have: The "Action" panel tells you what to do, the "Location" panel suggests a room, the "Time" panel names a minimum duration, and the "Bonus" panel offers a way to heat things up even more.
Lovehoney, $6.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
With 52 games in one box, this game set is as thorough as it gets.
Kheper Games, $24.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This set of truth or dare cards comes from sexpert Susie Bright, and depending which card you draw, it can kick off an exciting (and horizon-expanding) conversation between you and your partner, or maybe even ignite an entire night of passion.
Susie Bright, $14.95, available at BabelandPhoto: Courtesy of Babeland.
Whip this deck of cards out when you want some variety — and a bit of a challenge. Whether you consider yourself an "expert" or not, these near-acrobatic positions will be a delight to perfect.
Nerve, $7.00, available at BabelandPhoto: Courtesy of Babeland.
Strip poker is plenty fun, but if you're looking for something a little different, give strip blackjack a try. Each card comes with a "foreplay" and "strip" suggestion, so it's up to you how fast or slow you undress.
Lovehoney, $6.00, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
With fantasy cards that start with "What if he" or "What if we," this game allows couples to explore new things in a low-stakes, fun setting. The best part? The set comes with six blank cards so you can add your own fantasies to the deck.
Little Genie, $17.00, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
With this steamy calendar, every day is an opportunity for a new bedroom adventure for you and your partner. Of course, if you'd rather spend the month focusing on yourself, may we suggest our 30-day masturbation challenge?
Adam and Eve, $12.00, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This adults-only twist on Connect Four has players challenging each other to different foreplay activities, all while trying to get four pieces in a row.
Lovehoney, $19.00, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
You and your partner tease and tempt each other around the board until one of you wins the grand prize, which is — you guessed it — oral sex.
Adam and Eve, $12.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This set boasts — count 'em — 105 exciting and "moody" seduction suggestion cards. This is one game that will keep you busy.
Trystology, $14.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
Thinking about exploring your kinkier side? This deck of position cards will show you how to add a little bondage to your normal routine. Get ready for a wild learning experience.
Lovehoney, $6.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
This set of "sexploration" vouchers can either be "raunchy" or "romantic," so whether you're interested in cuddling the night away or heating things up, there's something in the deck for you.
Lovehoney, $7.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
Instead of betting money in this game of poker, you're wagering erotic favors that you'll do for your partner or receive from them. If you ask us, it's a win-win either way.
Adam and Eve, $22.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This set of dirty dice is actually customizable. Take your pick of stickers to add to the three cubes for a one-of-a-kind gambling experience.
Bijoux Indiscrets, $10.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
Gift your partner a couple of Bedroom Bucks the next time you're in a giving mood. These coupons entitle the holder to a sensual massage, oral sex, and more.
Adam and Eve, $6.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This best-selling game has you exploring your partner's body in a variety of ways, with varying levels of intensity. Draw "Mm" cards to get warmed up, "Ooh" cards to try out role-playing scenarios, and "Aah" cards to end the game with a bang.
Nookii, $24.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
On paper, the object of this game is to get to 50 points before your opponent. Really though, your goal is to tease your opponent with restraints, sensory play, and more. And it comes with all the props you'll need.
Adam and Eve, $19.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
Nothing like a straightforward pair of sexy dice — one has body parts, the other has actions, and it's up to you to connect the dots.
Babeland, $7.00, available at BabelandPhoto: Courtesy of Babeland.
Feeling adventurous? The 69 Places app helps you brainstorm new locations (and events) where you can have sex. You can even check off your accomplishments.
Photo: Courtesy of iTunes.
This game gets physical from the get-go: Place color-coded stickers on your partner's body, roll the dice, and place your hands on the colors you roll.
Trystology, $15.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
This set of cards is a major source of inspiration, and each idea is framed as a vow or promise ("I vow to perform oral sex on you while you are standing"), in case you have a flair for the dramatic.
Lovehoney, $8.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
Think of this card game as a truth-or-dare starter kit, minus the "truth" part. Simply draw a card and do what it says, like "Kiss the player others will be the most surprised to see you kiss." Did we mention this game is great for groups?
Lets Fool Around, $9.95, available at The Pleasure ChestPhoto: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
This jar of different sex position ideas will look great on any bedside table.
Craftformers, $7.52, available at EtsyPhoto: Courtesy of Etsy.
You can play all 50 I.O.U. cards at once, or draw the game out for days, swapping cards with your partner and performing the naughty acts as a surprise.
Lovehoney, $7.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
The KINDU app is essentially a role-play idea generator, and it places you and your partner in a choose-your-own-adventure-style scenario where you can you select the exact fantasy you'd like to play out.
Photo: Courtesy of KINDU.
Use these question cards as flirty ice-breakers at a party or as a way to get to know your partner more intimately.
Good Vibrations, $14.95, available at Good VibrationsPhoto: Courtesy of Good Vibrations.
This game is just the thing you need to take things slow. The massage oil candle quickly melts into a sensual lotion, and the seduction cards tell you how to use it.
Adam and Eve, $22.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
Download this "hot truth or dare" app and have the largest collection of dirty truth and dare prompts at your finger tips.
Photo: Courtesy of iTunes.
What you and your partner do to each other depends on where you land on the board. Can you guess what you get to do when you reach the final square?
Adam and Eve, $12.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This is about as straightforward as it gets: Each card has an article of clothing printed on it. Every time you draw a card, your partner must remove the corresponding piece of clothing.
The Pleasure Chest, $7.95, available at The Pleasure ChestPhoto: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
Live out your wildest affair fantasies with your partner in this intense role-playing board game.
Lovehoney, $32.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
These cards are basically dirty Mad Libs: Fill in the blanks in these sex scenarios to make them steamier or sillier.
Trystology, $14.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
With dice, cards, and props, this game will keep things hot for hours.
Adam and Eve, $24.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This role-playing game hits all the classics, with scenarios featuring "cops and robbers" and "doctors and nurses."
The Pleasure Chest, $19.95, available at The Pleasure ChestPhoto: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
With a simple slot-machine interface, the Pleasure Machine app is guaranteed to kickstart your evening, whether you're feeling romantic, playful, or wild.
Photo: Courtesy of iTunes.
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All bottle blonds know the struggle of maintaining color with minimal damage. I've tried just about every new solution that comes my way; "hair dusting" — a pro trick to remove fried ends — and a multistep technique my colorist performs that allows me to take my brown hair to an incredibly light place without going full-on platinum are just two of the most recent. But through thick and thin, one product has helped my hair like no other in my bathroom: Unite's humble leave-in conditioner.
What it lacks in fancy packaging or elaborate marketing, it makes up for in crazy-good, reliable results. As a beauty editor with a particular soft spot for all things hair, I'e tried a ton of products, but it's Unite's formula that I go back to time and time again. I discovered it organically — hairstylist Riawna Capri gave me a bottle from her salon, Nine Zero One — and I've been hooked every since.
Three or four quick sprays into my hands is enough to make my dry, knotty hair far more manageable. (Tip: Misting directly onto hair ensures an uneven application, so warm it up in your hands, then scrunch through.) Whether I air-dry overnight or blowdry, my hair is smoother, softer, and free of tangles — which never happens without it.
It's lightweight and never greasy, with a hit of protein for stronger hair. In fact, it's nothing like applying oil or any other leave-in conditioner or detangler I've tried, because as soon as you apply it, it's almost as if it soaks in, instead of coating strands. Translation: It works without adding build-up or a heavy feeling.
The best part? I average four pumps a few times a week, which means that I've been working on the same bottle for almost a year — and at $22, that's what I call a big win.
Unite 7seconds Condition Leave in Detangler, $22, available at Unite.
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Update: This post was originally published on May 17, 2015.
It's Look Like A Fashion Person 101: Wear a pair of single-soled pumps with a pair of well-loved jeans, and you're set. It almost doesn't matter what you have on top; with a ratty T-shirt or a couture blouse, the combination of jeans and pumps gives your outfit a "on my way to a fashion show" verve.
And, while there are lots of ways to mix and match jeans with heels, there are a few rules to follow, too. The following six people have mastered the balance. Click through to soak in their secrets — and then give the style trick a spin for yourself.
Don't shy away from layering a dress over the jeans.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
A double cuff on the bottom of Garance Dore's skinny jeans shows off the most important ingredient in this recipe: the ankles.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
The baggier your pants, the more severe your shoes should be.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A low-cut pump is essential. Start embracing your toe cleavage!
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A nude pair of pumps gives your legs the Stretch Armstrong treatment.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
If you go for a mule or bootie, make sure your ankles are still out on in the open.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
No jeans are too oversized for this styling trick. Embrace a wide cuff to show off the shoes, and play with proportions by sporting a billowy, printed blouse up top.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Balance embellished jeans with classic nude heels.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Try a bootie-style heel with some distressed jeans.
Coco Chanel would approve.
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Savannah Guthrie has only been back on the Today show for a short time, but she's already giving viewers plenty of memorable moments. After returning from maternity leave, the anchor's making some hilarious gaffes that bring a whole new meaning to having a work spouse.
According to Entertainment Weekly, this morning while Guthrie was reporting on a study involving moms, dads, and lost sleep, she accidentally mixed up her husband and her co-anchor, Matt Lauer.
"On my maternity leave, when I was getting up and feeding every couple of hours, Matt would be..." Guthrie said. She quickly caught her mistake, though. "Where is my Freud textbook?" she joked.
Her fellow panelist Sheinelle Jones erupted in laughter, saying, "Breaking news!" before asking, "Anything you want to talk about?"
Jones wasn't the only one. Al Roker chimed in, too. "Calling Dr. Howard! Dr. Freud! Dr. Howard!" he teased.
Guthrie took it in stride, however. She even mentioned that it wasn't the first time she's mixed up her real-life husband, Mike Feldman, and her work boo, Lauer.
"That's our secret!" she whispered to a chucking Lauer.
Viewers joined in on the fun, too. On Twitter, the Today show posted the clip and it received plenty of comments.
Some joked about the paternity of Guthrie's new tot.
And others were just happy to see Guthrie back at the desk. Since her return, she's gotten many, many tweets welcoming her to her old post. With fun slips like this, it's easy to see why so many fans missed her.
My heart pretty much exploded with joy the first time Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Caroline (Candice King) acknowledged that their feelings for one another extended well past friendship, so I am living for this undead couple's upcoming nuptials. The Vampire Diaries couple may not have been the first out of the gate (#TBT to Elena and Stefan's ultra boring love affair) but they are the one that I am most happy to see be endgame — even if, knowing TVD, "endgame" is a complicated term. Stefan finally re-proposed to Caroline in last week's episode "It's Been A Hell Of A Ride," and now, the pair will tie the knot in Friday's episode "We're Planning A June Wedding." Now, new pictures reveal just how beautiful this ceremony will be — feel free to tear up, because we don't deserve something this lovely.
Of course, it wouldn't be The Vampire Diaries without a little dose of darkness. The whole wedding is going down ASAP because Damon (Ian Somerhalder) wants to lure Katherine (Nina Dobrev) out of hell. Having an ex-girlfriend at your wedding? Not exactly ideal — we know just how awkward that can be on CW shows thanks to Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill, and that's without the whole "hell demon" thing thrown in. Fortunately, you'll care a lot less about the circumstances when you see just how gorgeous Caroline looks in her wedding dress.
Seriously: just check out the lace! The bouquet! The delicate headband! It's so very Caroline.
Photo: Bob Mahoney/The CW
It's not the only beautiful pic from the festivities. The CW also released a photo of Caroline and her soon-to-be hubby at the altar. The pair is a vampiric vision under a beautiful branch-and-flower arch. Who wouldn't want this photo pinned to their Pinterest "wedding goals" board?
Photo: Bob Mahoney/The CW
After so much bloodshed, murders, and trips to the Other Side, it's nice to see the gang having a nice moment for once. If only the group didn't have to contend with psychopathic witches, vengeful vampire ghosts, and a whole mess of psychic drama immediately after the vows. Sigh.
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Update, February 28, 2017: Today, Boohoo's thoroughly-anticipated acquisition of Nasty Gal became official. A team of existing Nasty Gal employees will remain on board and will continue to be L.A.-based, "to ensure the DNA of the brand is retained," per a release. The U.K. retailer purchased Nasty Gal for a reported $20 million, per WWD.
“We are thrilled to have Nasty Gal as part of our family, and are excited by the opportunity to expand the company into international markets," Carol Kane, Boohoo Group's joint CEO and interim CEO for Nasty Gal, said in in the release. "This is a distinctive brand with a fiercely loyal customer base, and we are committed to preserving that as we move forward into a new chapter.”
Nasty Gal, which was started in 2006, will apparently continue offering private-label clothing and accessories under its new ownership.
Update: Nasty Gal is expected to live on in some form, should the widely-speculated Boohoo acquisition go through, in the near future. In the meantime, though, the brand laid off employees and revealed plans to close its two brick-and-mortar locations earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported. Depending on how you look at it, though, there's a silver lining (sort of): Nasty Gal currently has a ton of discounted inventory right now, and is offering an additional 70% off sale, per Racked. So, at least we can cope with the retailer's imminent closure with some retail therapy.
This story was originally published on November 10, 2016.
As if it hasn't been a tough enough week for #girlbosses, fashion-favorite brand Nasty Gal (its founder, Sophia Amoruso, coined the popular hashtag) is filing for bankruptcy, WWD reports.
The retailer, which just celebrated a decade in the business, petitioned a court in California with the motion on Wednesday. According to WWD, the decision reportedly came out of an October 24 meeting, where the company's board voted to seek Chapter 11 protection. Amoruso, the de facto face of the brand, will be resigning from her position as executive chairman, according to Recode — a role she assumed after stepping down as CEO in early 2015.
"Our decision to initiate a court-supervised restructuring will enable us to address our immediate liquidity issues, restructure our balance sheet, and correct structural issues including reducing our high occupancy costs and restoring compliance with our debt covenants," Sheree Waterson, Nasty Gal's chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We expect to maintain our high level of customer service and emerge stronger and even better able to deliver the product and experience that our customers expect, and that we take pride in bringing to market."
Despite the problems plaguing the company she started in 2006, Amoruso has had a pretty big year. She released her second book; her life story is being turned into a Netflix series, and she was named to Forbes' richest self-made women list this summer.
Nasty Gal did, however, experience an unexpected boost a few weeks ago from an otherwise unfortunate situation: When President-elect Donald Trump called Hillary Clinton a "nasty woman" during the third and final debate, the attempted jab was quickly reclaimed by the Democrat's supporters online — and Nasty Gal seized the opportunity.
Still, as a business, it hasn't fared as well. In February, Nasty Gal laid off 10% of its staff, per Bloomberg, following months of reports of a work culture gone sour and a series of lawsuits from former employees accusing the retailer of discrimination. A handful of other publicblunders and call-outs made many question the fast-growing (and industry-revered) brand.
In its official statement, Nasty Gal assured that its customers' shopping experience wouldn't be affected in light of this petition. There's still no word how this will impact the brand's two brick-and-mortar locations in California.
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Savannah Guthrie asked Kudrow, "Do you think you it would ever happen? Could you ever get the group together?," referring to the Friends cast.
"Me personally? No," Kudrow replied. "We have convened, privately, for dinner, and it was great." (Wisely, Kudrow didn't mention the so-called "reunion" last year, which was really a tribute to James Burrows, not a true reunion. And Matthew Perry wasn't there.)
As for why she's not keen on a more public reunion, Kudrow cited her and her costars' ages.
"The thing we liked best about the show was that they were 20-somethings and they were their own family," she told Guthrie. "Now, they all have families, so what are we going to watch?"
Kudrow meant the statement as a way to shut down the reunion rumors, but if you ask me, she just opened the door for a Friends reboot. If all of them have families, that's a Fuller House / Girl Meets World style sequel just waiting to happen.
Guthrie suggested that she and Kudrow are "boring, middle-aged people." And while Hollywood ageism is still a major issue, what if a Friends reboot defied stereotypes about age?
If it doesn't go the Fuller House route, I would definitely watch a crime show featuring Phoebe and Ursula. Phoebe was always more intelligent than the rest of the group gave her credit for. She could totally be at the center of a Psych -style show where an insightful regular person helps the police solve crimes. It practically writes itself!
Of course, that's all speculation, and it's likely that there won't ever be a Friends reboot or reunion. To fill the void in our hearts, let's all take a moment to re-appreciate "Smelly Cat."
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The poster spotted an elderly couple while eating out at a Wendy's and, what originally looked like a simple date night turned out to be so much more.
"As I was sitting eating my double cheeseburger at Wendy's, I glanced over at this older couple, and thought 'That's sweet' and continued with my meal," the poster wrote. "But when I looked again, in between bites, I saw this gentleman feeding his wife. My whole life I've yearned for a love that strong."
But the story doesn't stop there.
"The gentleman got up from his seat to throw his food away and I couldn't resist asking how long he and his wife had been married. He looked at me and asked me to guess his age but not to guess too low. After a few guesses he told me he was 96 and his wife is 93 who is suffering from Alzheimer's. This is their date night."
The story is sweet in and of itself, but takes on a whole other level of love story knowing that this man's wife has Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a devastating disease and takes a huge toll on caregivers as well as patients. Being a caregiver is demanding and stressful and emotional, especially for family members who decide to care for their loved ones, according to the National Institutes on Aging.
Even if this man isn't caring for his wife 24/7, taking her out for a regular date night is a sweet, loving gesture that certainly hasn't gone unnoticed.
If the couple makes it to June, the poster wrote, they will have been married for 75 years.
"Getting all the way to the end of the line with the person you started out with is one of the most glorious things on the face of this earth," the poster wrote. "Could a couple be more blessed than to have that happen? To share a deep love and bond that only grows as we age, that is a beautiful thing."
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It's clear now that January 21 was just the beginning. The Women's March organizers are rallying women worldwide for a March 8 strike — a day of "love and liberation" meant to underscore the systemic gender inequalities that still exist, from the wage gap to sexual harassment. To participate in the strike, they are calling on women to take the day off work (paid or unpaid), not spend money, and wear red in solidarity.
But while taking a day off is theoretically everyone's right, in reality it's not always easy. For many women, it could mean missing a day of wages, which is not something everyone can afford to do. Women from every part of the economic spectrum may fear the stigma that comes with participating in a strike in our bottom-line-oriented society — whether it's in the form of a boss who says they absolutely need you there or a coworker who criticizes your political views.
With all of this in mind, the Women's March organizers wrote a letter to employers on strikers' behalf in order to explain the meaning behind A Day Without A Woman. If you are thinking of participating, sending it to your boss may help them understand why you would choose to stay home.
"I hope you will stand in support of me, and any of my women colleagues who choose to participate, in observance of this day," the letter says. "Places of employment can participate by closing for the day or giving women workers the day off, whether paid or unpaid. Even more important than the symbolism of standing with women on March 8, the Women’s March is asking all employers to perform an audit of their policies impacting women and families. By ensuring that women have pay equity, a livable wage, and paid leave, businesses can demonstrate that their long-term actions align with the values we are standing up for on this day."
In a statement, Cassady Fendlay, a national spokesperson with the Women’s March, said: "We want this to be a day where women feel empowered to take a stance on their value in the workplace and the world beyond. While the most impactful way would be to take the day off, we realize that many women in our most vulnerable communities or whose jobs provide essential services, including reproductive health services, will not have the ability to join the strike. We strike for each of them and we look forward to seeing the creative ways both men and women will showcase their support."
You can read the full text of the letter, as well as download it as a document and print it out, on the organization's website.
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It's no secret that the beauty looks that appear on the fashion month runways tend to be a little, err, bold. Case in point: London's make-out makeup and New York's upside-down eyes. Both are examples of looks that you may want to try for a Friday night out with your crew, but might not dare attempt to wear during the workweek. So what happens when you need a fresh dose of inspiration that isn't best suited for a night out? Just take it to the streets.
Famed editors, notable guests, and fashion enthusiasts in Italy for Milan Fashion Week prove that stylist hair and makeup isn't just for the catwalk. But of course, we knew already knew that. Stained lips and shaggy cuts for all textures prevailed in New York City. And even at the shows, there were attainable styles to be seen (and to be tried) for all: textured fringe, blunt bangs, and sleek bobs practically beg you to book an appointment with your stylist this weekend.
Luckily, the enviable — and wearable! —looks keep on coming. Even when show attendees or onlookers got all dressed up in Milan, they embraced an approachable glam suitable for nearly every occasion. The lessons to be learned? While you may reserve your bold cat-eye for dinner dates only, a hint of shimmery shadow might work well lunch. Your soft pink lippie might get you through the day, but seeing it styled with a set of dreamy waves could be your next look for a night out dancing, too.
The point here is that beauty doesn't have to always go overboard. Yes, I know, it's terribly hackneyed, but less really is more — at least in Milan. Keep on scrolling to see what I mean.
A wash of light pink blush paired with a moody purple lip make for a chic finish.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
What's not to love about this beauty's bouncy ringlets?
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Want to cop this '90s-inspired look? Add a little volume to your roots with mousse, then flip hair to one side once dry.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
You can't help but fall for this pink eye and rosy lip pairing.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Pink bottom liner. Pink lips. A pink sweater. They say that good things come in threes...
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Natural brows and a barely-there lip let us focus on her slept-in (but not slept on!) curls.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Use a small round brush to give your your chin-length bob an enviable bend.
When sharp bangs and bushy brows meet, magic happens.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Anna Wintour's bob is always blown out to perfection, obviously.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
One-up monochromatic makeup by matching your 'do to your clothes.
Photographed by Cris Fragkou.
Bleached brows and a bold red lip will stop street photogs in their tracks every time.
Subtle shimmer and soft curls practically scream fun.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Look at her eyebrow glitter!
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A one-length lob gets an instant update with a deep side-part.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
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Even though overall viewership has declined over the years, millions of people around the world still tuned in to watch the the 89th Academy Awards on February 26. One such country that made time for the program was Iran. It was also one country that won big that night when the Iranian film director Asghar Farhadi (who skipped the ceremony for political reasons) took home the coveted Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for The Salesman. His win was announced by fellow Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Shirley MacLaine. The live-television moment was covered by the Iranian television channel Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA), which is state-run agency, according to the Women In The Worldwebsite.
But something was majorly off.
As seen via pictures of the broadcast, the network decided it was necessary to Photoshop Theron's Dior couture gown, eliminating any visuals of the 41-year-old's chest or arms. The end result was a crude black smudge on the upper-half of the accomplished actress. Theron, however, wasn't the only one — even Anousheh Ansari, the Iranian-American astronaut and engineer who accepted the award and read a speech on behalf of the absent Farhadi, was covered up with a black smear. She was wearing an already conservative one-shouldered dress with a shawl, but her exposed shoulder was apparently too exposed for the program.
A Facebook group called "My Stealthy Freedom, " founded by Masih Alinejad, captured a video of the censorship. The caption of the video also points out the irony of the moment in comparison to the statement being read aloud by Ansari which focuses primarily on the rights of the individual.
"As the ILNA news outlet from within Iran covered the awards ceremony for the #Oscar, and Asgar Farhadi’s message of standing up for oppressed people, they also put a black paint on Charlize Theron and Anousheh Ansari to cover up their arms and shoulders, leaving only their heads visible," reads the caption. "Another typical example of the Islamic Republic’s fear of naked arms of Iranian women. It is shameful indeed, but that is how the Iranian media outlets based within the country have been covering such events for years."
It's pretty off-putting to see Theron with this dark mark all over her body, and eventually she becomes almost totally blurred out just because of her dress. It feels and looks absurd, and its clear why the images are universally upsetting, as Alinejad writes in an email to WITW. "This is the Islamic Republic of Iran which forces girls as young as age seven to be covered up,” she told the site, which focuses on women's rights. “While many of us, including Americans, are expressing our opposition to Trump’s Muslim ban, we also have to be louder and clearer about our condemnation of Islamic Republic of Iran’s ban on women who can’t enter Iran without hijab. Women from all religions and cultures, many of whom are flogged and imprisoned inside Iran for not wearing ‘proper hijab.'"
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"States can pass whatever laws they choose," he told a crowd of attorneys general, according to The Huffington Post. “But I’m not sure we’re going to be a better, healthier nation if we have marijuana being sold at every corner grocery store.”
Furthermore, Sessions took a swing at a Washington Poststory that argued that legal marijuana would help alleviate the opioid crisis.
"I see a line in The Washington Post today that I remember from the '80s," Sessions said, according to WaPo. "'Marijuana is a cure for opiate abuse.' Give me a break. This is the kind of argument that's been made out there to just — almost a desperate attempt to defend the harmlessness of marijuana or even its benefits. I doubt that's true. Maybe science will prove I'm wrong."
Let's take a look at what science has to say.
To begin with, a study in Health Affairs found that when medical marijuana was a legal option, the rate of prescription drug usage fell significantly. And what's more, a 2014 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that states with medical marijuana laws between 1990 and 2010 saw about 25% fewer deaths due to opioid overdoses than states that didn't have those laws.
"Several studies have already shown that states with legal marijuana access see reduced opioid problems,” Tom Angell, chairman of drug policy reform group Marijuana Majority, told HuffPo. “If the attorney general really cares about public health and safety, he’ll stop relying on ‘alternative facts’ ... This administration should respect science and, at the very least, needs to uphold the president’s repeated campaign pledges to respect state cannabis laws."
As attorney general, Sessions has the power to roll back progress on marijuana laws, though it remains to be seen what he and the Trump administration will actually do. Needless to say, however, his track record doesn't look too promising.
(Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity and would like to remind its readers that marijuana usage continues to be an offense under Federal Law, regardless of state marijuana laws. To learn more,click here.)
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They say it's better not to see how the sausage gets made, and we definitely believe that old adage. But, it turns out, it's actually pretty fun to watch one a specific step of the other primary breakfast meat getting made. We recently came across a GIF on Reddit that shows one important part in the bacon makin' process. The GIF, which was posted by a Redditor known online as BulletAllergy, is aptly entitled "The bacon chopping machine." When we first clicked the link, we were immediately sucked in by a continuous conveyer belt of bacon being sliced by a gigantic slinging blade. See for yourself:
We told you it was mesmerizing. The post, which was put up on Reddit less than 24 hours ago, has already received over 44,200 upvotes and over 2,000 comments. Like any good Reddit post, those comments included some random jokes and some weirdly interesting info about this magical bacon machine. A user named C137-Morty asked, "Do they just line the machine with pigs? That's an insane amount of meat." We're sure he or she was not totally serious, but we, too, were curious where all this pork came from. And, of course, another Redditor had an answer. the_original_Retro responded, "Nope. The machine is spreading the individual slices out so they're easy to remove one at a time from their future packaging. That's the results of just one pork belly right there. For proof, look behind at how thick the slab of meat is, then look on the table to see how thin it is there." Seriously, go back and look at the giant slabs right behind the blade to be impressed all over again. Sign us up to watch the bacon get made anytime. Or, maybe just this step of the process.
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Disney took a major step in the right direction for LGBTQ representation on TV this week. A recent episode of Disney XD 's animated show Star vs. The Forces of Evil features not one, but two gay couples sharing a kiss.
The landmark scene in the episode titled "Just Friends," which was first pointed out by Mashable, is a montage of couples kissing at a concert set to a sweet song. First, we see two male characters lock lips. A few seconds later, we spot two women kissing. Both moments are very quick, which, in a way, only adds to the message Disney is sending: same-sex love is no big deal, people.
To see this on a kids show is extremely encouraging, if not long overdue. For a child watching the show, such a seemingly small scene could have a big impact. It both reflects LGBTQ children's identities back to them in a healthy way, and helps promote tolerance and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals.
People are not holding back their excitement. Fans have been sharing the screenshots on Twitter, praising the network for casually depicting LGBTQ love. One ecstatic tweet: "THERE WAS A ACTUAL GAY COUPLE KISS in one of the new episodes of star vs the forces of evil, IM LIKE SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!" Somebody else wrote, "This makes me all types of happy." Another pumped-up viewer tweeted, "Star vs.the Forces of Evil Just Friends gay kiss OMG DISNEY FINALLY GAY kiss canon."
Photo: Courtesy of Disney XD/Via YouTube.
If that's not clear evidence that representation matters, I don't know what is. Check out the video and some awesome Twitter reactions below.
SO THIS WAS IN THE MOST RECENT EPISODE OF STAR VS THE FORCES OF EVIL THANK YOU AND GOODBYE pic.twitter.com/kok5gtER7Q
We've been cataloguing Selena Gomez's style quite closely these days, but can you really blame us? The girl's got taste. And the pairing of Gomez and stylist Sami Miro is a match made in fashion heaven. Since Gomez won over The Weeknd's heart, the singer appears to be stepping up her street style game in a major way. Her latest look is as edgy as the rest of the ensembles we've seem her in lately, but what makes this specific outfit worth bookmarking is the fact that it's still on sale. And, at $210, it's not that outrageous (at least compared to the price tag on most celebrity street style gear) — so, you better act fast.
Behold, the bodysuit that her stylist hand-selected for her — and designed herself. Yep, that's right: The see-through suit is by Sami Miro Vintage, the stylist's denim-heavy clothing line (and really, really good). The suit in question was brought to us by a stealthy Instagram post from a Selena Gomez-Abel Tesfaye fan account, aptly titled "abelena_gomez," in which Slay-lena Glo-mez (sorry, we couldn't help it) was attending her beau's concert in Zurich. Because when you're a world famous pop star with an equally famous boyfriend, what else does one wear to a concert in Switzerland?
Moving on. The site has four bodysuits, but from what we can see, the one Gomez is wearing seems to be the classic Valentina: "Sheer turtleneck thong bodysuit with light blue wash vintage denim patch and embroidered 'smv' logo." Yep, that's the one. If you prefer something edgier — if that's even possible — Miro's namesake collection has some options for you. How about some snakeskin or black denim paneling, perhaps? If Gomez continues to turn up the "Body Heat " like this (get it?), we're going to have to ask her to to share some style tips, and maybe let us borrow that Nasty Woman jacket. (Yeah, we're still not over that awesome piece, either.)
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