Size-24 Woman Calls Out H&M’s Sizing After Struggling to Fit into Size-28 Clothes

When Lottie Lamour walked into an H&M in the U.K. on Sunday, she had one goal: to find some cute clothes. Those dreams were dashed, however, when Lamour learned that almost none of the store’s clothes fit her, even the ones that were labeled two sizes larger than what she normally wears.

After her experience, Lamour took to her Twitter to slam H&M’s inaccurate sizing. She proved her case by sharing pictures of a size-28 shirt and shorts, which Lamour, who is a size 24, was unable to fit into. To make matters worse, the size-28 clothes were able to fit her size-16 girlfriend, despite her being six sizes smaller than what was on the label.

“Emma and I went to @hm today so I could look at the plus size range. These items are a size 28. I couldn’t get them on as a size 24 – but my size 16 girlfriend could,” Lamour tweeted. “THAT’S HOW BAD THE SIZING IS.”

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Lamour also called out H&M’s plus-size division, which she suspected to be a recycling of smaller sizes with plus-size labels. She also accused H&M of promoting eating disorders and body dysmorphia by forcing customers to shop larger than what they actually are.

“It’s so incredibly dangerous, especially for young people, and those who have eating disorders or body dysmorphia,” Lamour tweeted. “I absolutely struggled in my formative years when my peers were wearing size 10 and in some shops my size 14 body wouldn’t fit in a size 18 item of clothing.

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MORE: These Plus-Size Fashion Bloggers Are Revolutionizing the Style Game

Lamour wasn’t the only one who hasn’t experienced a disconnect with H&M’s sizing. After her tweets, another customer shared a picture of her wearing size-28 overalls, despite being a size 18. In 2017, another customer shared a picture of size-16 H&M shorts over shorts from Primark of the same size. The picture showed that H&M’s shorts were almost a hand’s width smaller than the size it was actually labeled as. A few months later, another customer slammed H&M after struggling to fit into a size-16 dress despite being a size 12.

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MORE: Why Model Candice Huffine Is Done Apologizing for Her Body

With the number of customers who have complained about H&M’s inaccurate sizing, this cannot be a fluke. There is clearly a disconnect with what H&M’s label reads and size the item actually is. It’s unacceptable. Do better, H&M.

These 7 Celebrities Prove Food is the Best Accessory

Ah, food. Where should we start? It’s a shoulder to cry on and a friend to rely on. But it’s turning out to be more useful than we thought, and celebrities everywhere are proving our point by turning their snacks into accessories.

We’re not talking about wearing your food—that’s gross. But we’re definitely suggesting that an edible accessory could elevate your wardrobe from ramen status to full-on Nobu. And if you don’t want to trust our opinion, you don’t have to. Trust Victoria’s Secret Angels. Trust American Royalty. Trust Miss Universe. (Drops mic.)

MORE: Somehow, Elsa Hosk’s Outfit Has Us Daydreaming About Cooler Weather

You might think the best part about this trend is the fact that it’s edible, but you’re wrong. The best part is that you can adapt it to whatever you’re craving. That, friends, is the American dream. (…Right?)

Here, seven celebs show you how they accessorized their outfits with some (literal) arm candy.

Romee Strijd: Lemon.

Source: Instagram

Strijd’s look is phenomenal, and we can’t deny that. It resides somewhere between easy-breezy and total supermodel, which, we guess, explains her VS Angel title. But what could take her floral pants and shiny shades to the next level? A lemon. Duh.

Khloé Kardashian: Coca-Cola.

Source: Instagram

You can’t just walk around making a duck face—that’s socially unacceptable, and everyone knows it. So how is one supposed to achieve that perpetually-perfect pout? Khloé Kardashian‘s got it down: All you have to do is carry around a can of Coke, and drink it through a straw. At all times.

Kourtney Kardashian: Ice Cream.

Source: Instagram

But not just any ice cream. Ice cream in a super-cute cone, decked out in rainbow sprinkles. Her berry-toned jacket-without-pants look is very chic, but we can’t deny it’s lacking a little something in the “pop-of-color” department. Luckily, Sugar Factory was there to save the day.

James Charles: Pizza.

Source: Instagram

Nobody looks sexy in an oversized black hoodie—and that’s a fact. Even if your skin, makeup, hair and nails are incredible, you can look “gorg,” at most. But sexy? That’s a whole other arena.

Celeb makeup artist James Charles knew this, so he amped up the vibes with a slice of delicious-looking pepperoni pizza. It totally accents his millennial angst, while simultaneously elevating his outfit. Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?

Millie Bobby Brown: Bubblegum.

Source: Instagram

MBB’s ’60s-inspired look wasn’t complete, even with an incredible beige leather jacket and winged eyeliner so legit it could proably fly her to New York and back. TG for her stylist, who knew just what would do the trick: bright pink bubblegum. Consider the game changed.

Emily Ratajkowski: Some Kind of Fruity Cake Dessert.

Source: Instagram

EmRata’s pout is so perfect, we’re not convinced that the cake on her plate, though half-eaten, even touched her luscious lips.

Her girly, polka-dotted ensemble did need a badass edge, now that we think about it—an edge those spiky lychees on her plate totally deliver. (She calls them strawberries, but those do not look like strawberries to us.) Plus, a pop of red never hurt anyone.

Olivia Culpo: A Bowl of Fruit.

Source: Instagram

Nothing screams “Miss Universe” like working out in a full face of makeup and perfectly-coiffed hair—except maybe eating a bowl of rainbow-colored fruits while wearing totally-stainable-yet-completely-unstained all-white exercise gear.

How To Go Vegan: 12 Beginner Tips To Get You Started

Maybe you’ve thought about going vegan because someone you know did and suddenly can’t stop talking about how amazing she or he feels. Or maybe you saw Serena Williams just went vegan. Whatever the reason, going vegan—which is abstaining from animal products, including meat and dairy—is a great way to get a health boost, save money and do something good for animals and the world.

We know quite a bit about going vegan—after 20 years as a vegetarian, one of our editors made the leap to a meat- and dairy-free diet a few years ago. Despite what you might think—it’s not all endless bowls of salad and raw, squishy tofu, promise!—going vegan has tons of positive health benefits, including lowered cholesterol, lower blood pressure and body mass index, and lower risk for heart disease. In fact, a 2009 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows a vegan diet can lower one’s risk of diabetes and certain types of cancers too.

MORE: Madelaine Petsch on Her Everyday Vegan Diet & Surprising Travel Hack

But if you’re going to go vegan there are a few things you should be wary of, as well. Doing it without a game plan can cause health problems. For starters, because you’re cutting out some major food groups, you should make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need, because it’s very easy to become vitamin-deficient. Before you start, it always pays to chat with your doctor, who definitely can provide an overview of which vitamins to take.

But in the meantime, to help you consider whether the vegan lifestyle is right for you, we’ve come up with 12 helpful tips to help you make the transition.

Photo: Oh She Glows.

1. Figure Out What You Want to Get Out of It

Are you going vegan because you want to feel better or lose weight? Because you agree with the ethics or politics of a vegan diet? Because you’re concerned about the environmental or social costs of the meat and dairy industries?

It’s a lot easier to stick to a diet when you understand your motivations, so do your research. There’s a lot of information out there on the health benefits of a vegan diet (and we recommend Rory Freedman’s Skinny Bitch for a funny, approachable guide), but if you want to read up on the ethical or political justification for a meat-free diet, we suggest Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals or the classic Animal Liberation by Peter Singer.

2. Do It with a Friend

Making a huge change is always difficult, and you can ease the burden if you have someone to go through it with you. Perhaps you can convince a significant other or a roommate to try a vegan challenge as part of a New Year’s resolution with you? Even if you both don’t end up sticking with it, it may be the added little push you need to get started.

MORE: 24 Vegetarian BBQ Ideas to Grill at Your Next Backyard Party

3. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

You’re not going to get it right from the start, and expect that adjusting to a vegan diet will involve some trial and error.

Photo: Love & Lemons.

4. Get a Couple of Basic Cookbooks, and Pick out 10 or 15 Recipes You Really Like

We’re big fans of Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero’s Veganomicon and Robin Robertson’s 1,000 Vegan Recipes. You’re likely going to want to work in some extra time each week for cooking because it’s going to be a bit more difficult to eat out.

Photo: Oh She Glows.

5. Don’t Forget About Snacks

As your body is adjusting to your new diet, prepare to be hungry at new and different times. Carry an array of vegan snacks—fruits, nuts, veggies and hummus with you, to make sure you don’t end up panicking and without food.

6. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Protein

This can’t be said enough. A lot of people mess up by not finding a way to incorporate protein in their diets when they get rid of meat and dairy. But protein is actually in tons of stuff. Some of our favorite high-protein options: quinoa, green peas, almonds and cashews, black beans and chickpeas, tofu and kale.

MORE: 9 Practical Ways to Maintain a Healthy Weight Without Looking at the Scale

Photo: Oh She Glows.

7. Resist the Urge to Fill up on Simple Carbohydrates

It’s tempting, we know, but eating a basket of white bread for lunch has about the same nutritional benefit as snacking on a box of cardboard. Save your calories for something worthwhile! Or at least slather some hummus on that bread and top with some tomatoes and cucumbers.

8. Remember That Just Because It’s Vegan, It Doesn’t Mean It’s Good for You

Vegan food has come a long way, which is both good and bad. Now, suddenly, there are a ton more pre-packaged options, and depending where you live, there are lots more restaurants, or at least vegan-friendly restaurant menu items. That’s a good thing, mostly. But it can be problematic in the sense that it means there’s a lot more processed high-sugar, high-sodium and high-fat products on the market.

For instance, there are tons of fake meat and cheese products out there that are worth a try, but beware—they’re often processed, with salt and additives, so don’t rely too heavily upon them in your diet. As with a meat diet, whole foods are always best. Consider fake meats and cheeses a not-every-day-thing.

9. Soy Is Good for You, but It’s Also Bad for You

It’s confusing, we know. Unprocessed soy—tofu and soy beans—and fermented soy like miso are good for you. But processed soy—soy that’s a cheap filler in processed food—isn’t great for you and has been linked to digestive and allergic problems. So read labels!

MORE: 12 Hacks for Getting Your Cheese Fix—the Healthy Way

Photo: Love & Lemons.

10. Pay Attention to Your Cravings

If you find yourself fantasizing about eating cheese constantly, it may not actually be the cheese you want. Your body may actually be needing some salt. So figure out a salty snack you can eat instead. The same goes for meat. If you find yourself craving a steak, it could be that your body’s actually in need of a dose of iron—in which case, you should grab some leafy greens like kale or chard or spinach.

11. Supplement Your Diet with Vitamins

Especially in the beginning, vegan diets are often lacking in B12, Vitamin A and Vitamin D—all of which naturally occur in animal products. To ensure that you get enough of these vital vitamins, talk to your doc about a game plan.

12. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

So, you snacked on a few nachos the other night at 2 a.m.? Don’t kick yourself, you’re still new to the game. You’ll figure it out with time if you’re really invested. Slip-ups are only natural.

A version of this article was originally published in December 2013.

Dascha Polanco Masterfully Matches Her Hot Pink Makeup and Power Suit

Netflix darling Orange is the New Black has delivered a plethora of gifts over six seasons, including a nationwide shift in perception of the LGBTQ community to some undoubtedly fierce makeup looks. And though the show’s impact reaches significantly further than surface-level beauty tricks, we can’t help but appreciate them when they come along.

Recently, actress Dascha Polanco (who plays Daya in the hit series) shared one such thing, and it comes in the form of monochromatic glory.

MORE: 30 Must-Have Neon Pieces to Electrify Your Look

Source: Instagram

We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty sure the universe just shifted. Suddenly, everything is tinted pink, and we are not complaining.

Polanco’s fierce all-pink ensemble doesn’t stop at the waist, though—she actually coordinated her entire look by wearing a full hot pink power suit. At this point, we’re not sure whether the eye makeup complements the suit, or the suit complements the eye makeup.

MORE: Lucite Is the Colorless Accessory Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Source: Instagram

At the end of the day, we must admit: we’re sold and look forward to trying this look in a variety of colors. Imagine how regal we’d look in an all-cobalt ensemble. Just saying.

Mila Kunis Makes a Strong Case for the Green Shadow and Hazel Eyes Combo

Friend in our head Mila Kunis is the epitome of cool. She’s ridiculously charming, effortlessly beautiful and one-half celebrity couple goals alongside hubby Ashton Kutcher. Outside of press runs for a film project, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the mother of two in front of the camera (unless paparazzi are doing the absolute most). So when she does step out on the red carpet or a late night talk show, we’re admittedly all eyes and ears.

MORE: The Expert-Approved Way to Accentuate Your Eye Color with Makeup

This time around, while most are probably reading up on her comments regarding Kutcher’s first marriage, we’re onto more important matters, like this eyeshadow moment on The Tonight Show.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.

Kunis was there to promote her role in The Spy Who Dumped Me and took advantage of the occasion by going full-on glam without trying too hard. It makes sense that she would go with this emerald shade, as green is a complimentary hue to hazel, the color of Kunis’ eyes.

Source: Instagram

And if Instagram is any indication, we  makeup artist Tracey Levy to thank for this look, as she’s been part of Kunis’ glam squad for years now. If you’re stuck on how to apply green makeup without getting too heavy-handed, start with our guide and a little inspo to spare.

Why Celebrities with ‘Acceptable Bodies’ Deserve a Place in the Body-Positive Community

The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is to not trust my eyes because, more often than not, they’re lying to me. Every time I look in the mirror, I see an image that magnifies every perceived flaw and trouble spot: my stomach, my thighs, my arms. When I stand in front of it, I push down on my stomach to try to flatten it like the ones on my Instagram feed, pulling on my skin to the point of physical pain. I measure myself multiple times a day, hoping to satisfy my fitness tracker but only managing to drive myself to panic attacks. From my perspective, everything is wrong with me.

Yet whenever I open up about my anxiety and discomfort with my body, I get the same reaction:

    “You’re too thin to feel insecure.”

    “Stop whining, I would kill to look like that.”                

    “I’m so sick of skinny bitches.”

Many think I’m trying to attract compliments or attention. But in reality, I have body dysmorphia, a mental illness that focuses on physical flaws to the point of obsession. Sometimes these flaws are real. Sometimes they aren’t. But they look and feel real to me, and living with them has triggered a severe eating disorder that has damaged my physical and mental health. I see one version of myself; everyone else is sees another.

You don’t need to be a certain size to feel insecure.

The body-positivity community is working hard to fight unyielding beauty standards, normalize plus-size bodies in the media and demolish fat phobia. Yet there is still work to be done regarding body-shaming of all kinds. What does it mean to have a “thin” body when it’s caused by an eating disorder? Does it matter if a body is seen as socially “acceptable” if the person feels terrible in it? Body-positivity has always been a part of feminism, but when we tell women how they’re supposed to feel about themselves based solely on our judgment of their appearance, how are we any better than those who oppressed us? It’s 2018, and you don’t need to be a certain size to feel insecure.

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Many women have been taught since childhood to feel bad about our bodies. In fact, according to the National Eating Disorder Association, concerns about weight and shape can begin in girls as young as age 6, and 40 to 60 percent of elementary-school-age girls are concerned about their weight and becoming fat. We have been conditioned to hate how we look at a young age, regardless of what we look like. Hating your appearance is almost a learned behavior, and the first step to breaking that behavior and healing is to speak out.

I’m not alone in feeling like my “privileged” body is unacceptable. Many celebrities have come forward to discuss their own body issues, only to face serious backlash. Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart recently admitted to Harper Bazaar that she has body dysmorphia. Her admission about her body insecurities and her struggle to accept herself have led to major criticism from some in the body-positive community. One Twitter user even suggested that she shouldn’t be given a platform because her body is “industry-standard” and that hearing about her insecurities is tiring. Reinhart responded to the tweet, explaining that “insecurities exist outside the limits of a certain dress size” and “you may not understand someone’s insecurity but respect it.”

Sometimes these flaws are real. Sometimes they aren’t. But they look and feel real to me.

Reinhart points out that body-shaming can take infinite forms and is equally harmful for those living with mental illnesses such as eating disorders and depression. It’s important to understand that Reinhart’s insecurities are valid not only because she suffers from a disorder that alters how she sees herself, but because she, like all of us, lives in a world where everyone is looking to fix or change her. There’s always someone or something implying that she can be thinner, prettier, or more. In December 2017, for instance, Reinhart was included in a side-by-side meme with Victoria’s Secret model Taylor Hill, leading many people to call her fat in comparison. Reinhart is pulled in all directions from “too thin” to “too fat,” and that amount of judgment would be exhausting and emotionally painful for anyone, including a celebrity.

Earlier this year, comedian Amy Schumer faced similar backlash when the trailer for her film I Feel Pretty premiered. Many said the film—a comedy about a woman who learns to love how she looks only after sustaining a major head injury—not only discourages body positivity, but that Schumer’s body is too slim to be seen as overweight. They argued that Schumer has an average body type and thus it’s not valid or realistic to claim that she could feel insecure about it. Regardless of anyone’s opinions of the movie, saying that Schumer isn’t qualified to talk about body image invalidates her own experiences, which is pretty ironic, given that she has publicly faced body-shaming for years and is frequently called plus-size in magazines.

Everyone has the right to feel insecure, regardless of size, weight or body shape.

In an essay for Bustle, Schumer confronted her critics. “There are those who said my character shouldn’t feel insecure about her size. But it’s not anyone’s place to tell someone whether or not they have a right to feel bad about themselves.” Like all women—all humans—Schumer’s feelings are valid because they’re her own. Internally, Schumer has her own feelings about her body, and she has an absolute right to them, whether they’re feelings of confidence or insecurity (or a mix). It shouldn’t matter if she has a “regular” body type. If she feels bad about her body and is learning to love it, then she should be allowed into body-positivity conversations, as should any person of any size or perspective.

Source: Instagram

MORE: 10 Brands Leading the Body-Positive Movement with Unretouched Ads

Rini Frey, an activist behind Own It Babe, an online eating disorder and healthy living community, has also faced backlash for her “thin privilege,” with some believing that her behavior is insensitive toward people with larger or more marginalized bodies, simply because some find hers to be relatively more socially acceptable. The reaction recently triggered Frey to remove all body-positive hashtags from her Instagram.

The perfect body is a myth we all have to rise above.

Though Frey’s body may be seen as thin, she has also opened up about suffering from an eating disorder. Though some may consider our bodies “privileged,” their shapes are at least partially a result of a life-threatening illness. By calling our bodies “privileged,” we’re dangerously close to implying that those struggling with eating disorders are privileged. This creates damaging stereotypes that not only keep people from getting help, but can even lead to death. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other mental illness, but they rarely get the kind of attention that brings light to that fact.

Photo: Instagram (@ItsVeronicaLodge)

MORE: Why Model Candice Huffine Is Done Apologizing for Her Body

Mental illness is an illness—not a privilege. My “thin” body is no reward for the struggles I have to endure. When we force people to suffer in silence because of how they look, we’re saying their illness isn’t valid. When I asked Frey what body-positivity means to her, she told me: “We deserve to embrace our body, no matter what it looks like and to also understand that every recovered body looks different and that, in and of itself, is beautiful.”

We are all victims of society’s gaslighting.

None of this is to say that plus-size bodies are not marginalized or that fatphobia isn’t a real, serious issue that people deal with daily. Plus-size bodies are more marginalized than thin ones, and are more discriminated against. Plus-size bodies have always needed the body-positivity movement and, in my opinion, still need it most today. They are and need to be the loudest voice when we talk about body positivity, self-love and acceptance, because the road to overcoming discrimination is undeniably a longer and more uphill one. However, by saying that people with thin or average bodies are not welcome in body-positivity conversations not only promotes eating-disorder stereotypes but invalidates an almost universal truth: We’re all victims of society’s gaslighting about beauty standards.

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All bodies have been targeted to feel inferior and unable to measure up to impossible and unrealistic expectations. Reinhart’s body may be “industry standard” to some, but she’s still photoshopped in magazines. Schumer’s body may appear “average” to many, but plenty of people still negatively label her as plus size. The truth is, we’re all struggling with insecurities of various forms and with different effects. The idea of a perfect body is a myth we all have to rise above. By coming together and supporting each other, we can all move beyond beauty standards and body-shaming and promote real diversity and inclusivity.

Becca Cosmetics Set to Launch First-Ever Skin Collection

Makeup may have dominated our teenage years, but once those inevitable late twenties arrive, skin care immediately ranks higher. All of a sudden, the word “anti-aging” becomes part of our vocabulary and brands are encouraging us to invest in retinols, eye creams and whatever else to slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Now, more than ever, we’re hip to the fact that getting older is actually okay, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart and/or preventative about your daily routine, either.

And this also shouldn’t require choosing between a makeup-free or fully-covered face. Simply merge your skin care and cosmetics in a way that aids your specific concerns, whether it be acne, excess oil, dryness or something else from the long list of things we deal with. Of course, this usually takes some time and a bit of trial-and-error, but what about a product that cuts corners and blends the two in one?

MORE: 15 of Sephora’s Buzziest Summer 2018 Launches

That’s the premise behind Becca Cosmetics’ first-ever foray into the skin care realm with its “Skin Love” collection. The brand’s mostly known for its next-level highlighters and high profile celeb collabs, like the Endless Summer Glow collection with Chrissy Teigen. But this time around, their focus is innovation, with three new launches made of the stuff you can feel good about slathering on. Here’s the 411 on each, which you can buy starting this Friday (August 3):

Becca Cosmetics

The Skin Love Weightless Blur Foundation ($44) is a medium-coverage cream foundation, enriched with the brand’s exclusive brightening complex that brightens and nourishes the skin. It includes avocado, algea, honey, vitamins C and E, licorice and blueberry extract. The “smart” formula also adapts to your skin’s chemistry as it’s applied, so you’re getting that second-skin finish that doesn’t look caky.

Becca Cosmetics

The Glow Elixir ($48) is a lightweight serum meant to be worn under your makeup or primer as a complexion booster. It’s also made with that brightening complex we just talked about, in addition to micro-pearls for a dewier (not sweaty-looking) finish.

 

Becca Cosmetics

And finally, the Glow Glaze Stick (not to be confused with delicious glazed donuts) is the least expensive ($28) and poised to become a customer favorite, in our humble opinion. Think of it as a low-key highlighter, without the excess shimmer. It can be rolled on top of makeup or used on naked skin, both of which will deliver that glossy, non-greasy finish effortlessly pulled off on high fashion runways.

We can’t wait to get our hands on all three.

21 Intricate Embellished Clutches to Snag Before Summer Ends

When it comes to purses, I like to keep things simple. I have one brown crossbody, one black crossbody and a bigger black tote—plus the gray backpack I carry to and from work most weekdays. With these four essential pieces, I’m usually set. I have something for any professional or casual setting, and since my purse collection is entirely made up of neutrals, matching my accessories to my outfits is never hard.

The only problem: I have zero party purses.

MORE: The Only Shoes We’re Wearing This Summer Are Woven Mules

This didn’t dawn on me until early this summer, when I went to a wedding with my boyfriend. As I slipped into my pocketless maxi, I realized I had nowhere to put my phone, wallet or sunglasses. My brown crossbody was the closest I had to wedding-appropriate, and it definitely wasn’t.

It was then that I realized I needed to branch out of my minimalist approach to accessorizing: I needed a cute clutch, and I needed one fast.

MORE: Lucite Is the Colorless Accessory Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thankfully, clutches are everywhere in the summer—and this season favors bags covered in embroidery, beads and other embellishments. In an hourlong search for an embroidered clutch online, I found a bunch I absolutely loved. And even better: Since the season’s nearing a close, many of them were on sale.

Below, you’ll find 21 of the cutest embellished clutch bags around. Stock up on some of these, and you (and I) will never be caught party purse-less again.

Will Royal Tradition Prevent Meghan Markle from Being Priyanka Chopra’s Bridesmaid?

If you were one of the few million people who watched Meghan Markle’s wedding in May, you might have noticed that she didn’t have any adult bridesmaids. Per royal tradition, royal brides aren’t allowed to have adult bridesmaids, which is why, instead of celebrity friends like Serena Williams, Markle’s bridal party consisted of children, like her sister-in-law Kate Middleton’s daughter Princess Charlotte.

But what about the opposite situation? Markle might not be allowed to have bridesmaids, but is she allowed to be one? That question was raised recently when news broke that Markle’s close friend Priyanka Chopra is engaged to Nick Jonas. (In case you didn’t know, Markle and Chopra became fast friends after meeting at Elle’s Women in Television Dinner in 2016. They’ve seen seen Hamilton together! So you know their friendship is serious.)

MORE: Hailey Baldwin’s Famous Friends Who Could Be Bridesmaids at Her Wedding

But is their friendship serious enough for Markle to be one of Chopra’s bridesmaids or even her maid of honor? According to royals expert Omid Scobie, there is no rule preventing royals from being a bridesmaid at a non-royal’s wedding. But that doesn’t mean that it happens often. Per Scobie, the scenario is highly unlikely, as it is against tradition for a royal to walk behind a commoner, which would happen Markle was Chopra’s bridesmaid.

“There is no protocol that dictates whether an adult female member of the British Royal Family can take on the role of a bridesmaid or maid of honour at a non-royal’s wedding,” Scobie told Cosmopolitan U.K. “However, it is an unlikely scenario for one simple reason: A female royal would not be expected to walk behind a ‘commoner.'”

Source: Instagram

MORE: 10 Royal Beauty and Fashion Traditions Meghan Markle Has Already Broken

Scobie cites Pippa Middleton’s wedding in 2017 as an example of the tradition. Though Pippa was the maid of honor at Duchess Kate’s wedding in 2011 (which also broke tradition, but that’s a discussion for another time), when it came time for Pippa’s wedding, Kate was noticeably missing from the bridal party and instead, read a prayer.

There you have it: Though it’s not impossible for Markle to be a bridesmaid at Chopra’s wedding, it’s unlikely, lest the Duchess of Sussex breaks a serious royal tradition. But, hey, Markle has been known to go against royal rules before, so what’s another broken tradition?

9 Women and Femmes with Anxiety Share What Masturbation Means to Them

I’ve always been an anxious person. Even as a child, I remember nearly hyperventilating about tasks my friends didn’t seem to stress out about—standing up in class to go get a tissue, getting into a car or exploring new places.

That anxiety skyrocketed when I turned 20. I became dissociative and found myself slipping from my body on a regular basis. I felt entirely out of control—more out of touch with myself than ever—but something surprising helped me get back to myself: masturbation.

MORE: How Therapy Helped Me Deal with My Debilitating Anxiety

I’ve never been embarrassed or ashamed of masturbation, but I always felt a little strange masturbating when I wasn’t feeling super sexual. After all, that’s supposed to be the point, right? I quickly realized that wasn’t the case; there are tons of reasons people masturbate, and they don’t all have to do with feeling turned on.

For many people, masturbation can serve as a healthy and accessible way to “self-soothe,” Elizabeth Watt, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist, tells StyleCaster. “This can start early in life when a child or teen feels stress and uses masturbation as a way to calm their body and release tension.”

Other sources—like this Michigan Medicine report, corroborated by Sara Marie Laule, MD—suggest that masturbation tends to begin in childhood, due to things like boredom, sleepiness or stress.

For me, it’s all about the latter, and the anxiety that comes with it.

Marissa, 27

“[Since] middle school, I’ve masturbated when I’ve felt anxious,” Marissa, 27, says. “Not every time, obviously. But if I’m home and alone, it’s definitely something I find myself turning to without even thinking about it.”

Marissa says masturbation helps relieve some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, like feeling tense or having a headache. “[It] helps me refocus mentally. Often when I’m anxious, it’s about what-if situations that I can’t control in the moment,” she says. “I feel like masturbation helps me center myself on the here and now and brings me back into my body—at least for the time being.”

MORE: My Anxiety Got Me Fired From Five Jobs

Considering some research indicates that women are more likely to have anxiety disorders than men, it’s not surprising that we seek out new ways—and perhaps unexpected ones—to deal with anxiety that doesn’t necessarily warrant a doctor’s visit or a prescription. After all, accessibility is a huge issue when it comes to mental health, and stigma can deter many from seeking help.

Though masturbation isn’t an adequate substitute for professional care, people with anxiety should do what works best for them; it certainly doesn’t hurt to have additional coping mechanisms. (Speaking from personal experience, alleviating anxiety on top of having an orgasm—or a few—is a lovely side effect of a practice I already regularly engage in.)

Crystal, Thirtysomething

“I guess I kind of stumbled on the stress-relieving aspect of masturbation by accident,” Crystal, who’s in her 30s, says. She explains she went to take a nap one day and ended up grabbing her vibrator, instead.

“It’s strange (and embarrassing), but I felt a lot better after,” she says. “It’s now one of my favorite forms of medicine-free stress relief.”

Sam, 23

Whereas Crystal accidentally discovered the relieving effects of masturbation, others, like Sam*, have masturbated with the intention of calming their anxiety.

“Masturbation has always been something that I’ve been drawn to, mainly because it helps me to relax,” Sam, 23, explains. “A lot of my anxiety comes from the awareness of how others are perceiving me—how they are interpreting me and what their expectations of me are in various settings. Masturbation helps me to take the focus from outward to inward.”

This, she says, allows her to focus on her own thoughts and feelings. “If I can help it, masturbating before I know I’ll be in a situation that could be stressful or triggering helps me to refocus and calm down,” she adds.

Courtney, 38

Courtney, 38, says they’re not sure that it’s the act of masturbating itself, but the subsequent hormones it releases, that aids anxiety.

“I don’t know that it makes me feel more in control,” Courtney explains. “I think it’s whatever hormones it releases counteract whatever is making me feel like things are out of control.” 

Kristin Zeising, PsyD, licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, backs this up. “Orgasms can help decrease anxiety and stress through the act of releasing endorphins, which are generally the ‘feel-good chemicals,'” she tells StyleCaster. “Orgasm also releases the hormone oxytocin, which promotes feelings of love and well-being.” This, she says, can definitely cause someone to feel less anxious—at least during and directly after masturbation.

“It feels compulsive and not sexy at all,” Courtney adds. “But it relieves the tension.”

K.T., 30

For K.T., 30, it’s all about finding a bodily distraction. “I find that being physical in general helps anxiety,” she explains. “Moving around, working out, getting into nature—masturbating is an extension of that.”

These things help her release tension—and focus on what’s important in life. “Sometimes I don’t realize how pent up I am,” she says. “And delighting (my term for masturbating) is like a magic reset button.”

Alaina, 24

Masturbation can be especially impactful for those whose anxiety is caused by trauma.

“My PTSD stems from being raped and sexually assaulted, so it’s difficult; I’m not always in the right mind-set to masturbate,” Alaina Leary, 24, says. “But that’s part of why I make it a regular practice, when I’m feeling sexually safe and comfortable.”

“Masturbation is a way to take control of my own body and sexuality, and envision whatever fantasies I’d like,” they add. “When I enjoy masturbation, it reminds me that my body is my own and I have consent with myself.”

Meghan, 30

Meghan, 30, says she uses masturbation as a means of disrupting anxiety attacks before they take over.

“I find jilling off to be a really helpful tool for centering myself and kind of interrupting anxiety attacks,” she says. “Masturbating is relaxing, distracting and a source of release.”

Meghan explains that masturbation helps her slow and control her breathing—and interrupts some of the repetitive thinking that accompanies her anxiety. “As a sexual assault survivor, the sense of control I get when I please myself is very grounding,” she adds.

Rae, 25

Many find it empowering to be able to reach for a sex toy—or literally just their own body—to find an escape from anxiety, even if it’s only temporary.

“The best way for me to calm myself down is to masturbate,” Rae, 25, explains. “Even when my body is seemingly in revolt, my emotions on overdrive and all my tensions heightened, the simple fact is that I can soothe myself with my own touch.”

She adds that she can get her own sensations to override the ones she doesn’t want to feel—”to turn that heightened sensitivity from discomfort to pleasure”—and comfort herself, even when she’s feeling most overwhelmed.

Me, 25

I’m not at all under the impression that masturbating 24/7 will cure my anxiety. (Plus, who has time for that?) But masturbation has always been something that both centers and distracts me.

When I’m anxious and I feel most distant from my body, masturbation is a private, intimate moment I offer to myself to make seeking pleasure a part of my everyday experience—no matter how rough that day is going. It’s almost a peace offering, and a note of understanding I’m passing to myself: Yes, we feel really, really bad right now, but we’re going to be OK. Here’s a small, good-feeling thing until we’re through this.

I just honestly feel lucky to have stumbled upon something free, quick and guiltless that gives me a moment’s pause from the buzzing, overwhelming feeling of anxiety. And I feel even better knowing I’m not alone.

 

*Name has been changed

19 Unexpected Yet Practical Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil

Even if you’re not well-versed in the world of natural and essential oils, chances are you’ve read that tea tree oil is an all-in-one ingredient with the ability to fix almost anything. Above all, some swear by it as a fast-acting acne treatment—and, as we know, blemishes big or small can be notoriously difficult to remove. Just dab some onto a cotton ball, swipe over your problem areas, and voila: clear skin.

But there are way more uses for tea tree oil than just treating acne-prone skin. According to the internet, it can also be used as a detergent, a gargle, a bug repellent… the list goes on! Scroll down to learn 19 unexpected, bizarre, and super-practical uses you probably didn’t know existed.

MORE: 5 Sunscreen Sprays and Oils Made to Protect Your Scalp

1. To treat wounds.

Tea tree oil is a super-effective treatment for healing open wounds, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

2. To fight fungus.

The same way you’d apply tea tree oil to your skin with a cotton ball, it’s recommended to paint some on your toenails two to three times per day with a Q-tip if you’re struggling with foot fungus.

3. As pest control.

Many insects don’t like the pungent odor of tea tree oil (and we can’t say we like it much, either). Mix one part TTO with 10 parts water for a spray-on bug repellent that’s all-natural!

4. To treat a sore throat?

TTO might be a miracle product, but we can’t promise it tastes good. In fact, if swallowed, it can be toxic. For this reason, Poison Control suggests that you don’t use tea tree oil in or around the mouth—though some people say they gargle it to treat sore throats. We, however, recommend playing it safe. Stick to your cough drops!

MORE: The Best Lightweight Oils for Getting the Summer Moisture You Need

5. To soothe sunburns.

It’s been said that mixing tea tree oil with olive oil results in an effective sunburn treatment. Simply rub it into the affected skin, and let it soak in!

6. As an all-purpose cleaner.

Wishing you could get your countertops sparkling clean, without the use of harsh chemicals? Luckily for you, all-natural tea tree oil acts as a cleaner. Just use the same formula you’d use for insect repellent (one part TTO, 10 parts water)!

7. As a gargle for bad breath?

Like we said, Poison Control suggests you don’t use tea tree oil in or around the mouth, so as not to risk toxic ingestion. However, some traditional uses of TTO include turning it into a gargle, which supposedly fixes bad breath by killing bacteria! But you’re definitely better off with some Altoids.

8. To prevent or kill lice.

Lice, similarly to other insects, hate tea tree oil. It supposedly kills them upon contact! Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo to prevent lice, or (if you’re already affected) apply tea tree oil directly to the scalp to kill them overnight!

9. To eliminate foot odor.

If you’ve noticed that your shoes are smelling musty, consider using tea tree oil as a safe, all-natural way to ensure that your feet don’t stink! Turn it into a powder by mixing 10 drops of it with 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cups baking soda, and 10 drops of lavender oil. Then, just powder your feet and shoes with the mixture!

MORE: The Best Ways to Use Essential Oils This Summer

10. To treat dandruff.

Itchy scalps are often the result of allergies, bacteria or fungus. Tea tree oil, when mixed with shampoo, is extremely soothing on the scalp, and can even prevent dandruff!

11. To treat bug bites and stings.

Mix some TTO with a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and massage into the affected area. The combo disinfects, reduces pain and prevents itching! To ensure the solution is as effective as possible, apply a bandage over the area.

12. As air freshener.

One cup of water mixed with three drops of tea tree oil and two drops of lemon essential oil acts as a natural household deodorizer. The stuff smells amazing!

13. As a laundry detergent booster.

Adding 10 drops of TTO to your wash cycle ensures that your clothes come out extra-clean. The oil prevents bacteria and fungus!

14. To fight mold and mildew.

Combine one cup of water with a teaspoon of tea tree oil. Shake well, then spray on mold- and mildew-affected areas! Let it soak for a few minutes before wiping it away. This solution can also be used preventatively, which is recommended for areas like toilet bowls and shower curtains.

15. To help your plants grow.

Tea tree oil combats fungus and rotting. By mixing it with some water and spraying your plants every few days, you can protect them from harmful bacteria! Once they’re free of it, they’ll grow faster and stronger.

MORE: 11 Tea Tree Oil Products for Treating Your Acne

16. As makeup remover.

Tea tree oil is extremely effective at breaking down makeup. Mix 10 drops of it with 1/4 cup of canola oil in a jar, dip a cotton ball into it, and use it to wipe away your makeup! Be extra careful around your eyes and mouth, though.

17. To eliminate cold sores.

TTO can be seriously drying if used in large quantities. Apply it to a cold sore (on the outside of your mouth area) to see results in just a few days! Be careful not to ingest it while you’re applying.

18. To soothe tense or sore muscles.

A combo of Epsom salt and tea tree oil turns your warm bath into the ultimate spa day for those tired muscles!

19. To fight hair loss.

TTO fights bacteria and fungus, turning your scalp into the perfect space for clean, quick hair regrowth!

Hilary Duff Struggled with Food in Her Teens from Wanting to Fit a Certain ‘Image’

At 18 years old, Hilary Duff was one of Hollywood’s most well-known actresses. She recently finished her run on Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire. She was starring in movies like A Cinderella Story and Cheaper by the Dozen. And her music career was blooming. But behind the scenes, Duff was struggling with food and body image.

In an interview with Byrdie, the 30-year-old actress opened up about her serious food struggles as a teen and how she learned to exercise and eat for her health, instead of her size. “I struggled a little bit when I was 18 or 19 with food. And wanting to fit into this ‘image’ of a girl who is not me,” Duff said. “But that was such a long time ago. Honestly, I feel like I’m in the same five- to 10-pound struggle as most other women out there. Sometimes I’m crushing it and feeling great, and other times I’m like, ‘Ugh. I love to cook.'”

For Duff, body confidence came after she gave birth to her son, Luca, in 2012, which is when she learned to be empowered by what her body can do instead of taking it for granted.  “I’m 5’2’’ and I’m definitely not a ‘skinny girl.’ I’m a healthy girl,” Duff said. “I always feel really empowered by what my body can do—having babies, getting pregnant, or swinging Luca around. He’s like 45 pounds, and I’m dangling him by his ankles and chasing him all around. So I’m so grateful that I’m strong and my body’s there for me.”

Source: Instagram

MORE: Hilarious Times Celebrities Roasted Their Own ’90s and ’00s Fashion

Though Duff isn’t completely immune to body-image pressures, she has become more self-aware of when her insecurities are healthy and normal and when they’re damaging to her health.

“Image is something we’re all very aware of because it’s constantly being talked about, which is a little bit disappointing, and then also helps you be very in tune with yourself—your behavior, your body, and your happiness,” Duff said. “All of those things that fold into the same package. I really feel like I have a healthy relationship with myself, where I know when I’m being ‘bad’ or I know when I’m being really ‘good’ health-wise, and both are necessary for me as part of my lifestyle and happiness, to have balance.

MORE: Operation Recharge: Hilary Duff on Self-Care and the Ultimate Day Off

Whether you’re in the spotlight or not, body insecurities affect everyone. We’re glad to see that Duff has come out of her eating struggles and learned to embrace her body for what it is. Hear hear, Hilary.

Gina Rodriguez Celebrates Her Birthday in a Pink Kaftan, Is Literally a Human Tapestry

Actress Gina Rodriguez, best known for her starring role in the CW’s dramedy Jane the Virgin, recently celebrated her 34th birthday—and unsurprisingly, she did so in style.

Rodriguez kicked off her birthday festivities by checking into Hotel Casa Malca in Tulum, Mexico with her boyfriend, Joe LoCicero. (As of today, fans and news outlets alike are speculating that the pair are engaged—thanks to an Instagram Rodriguez posted displaying a huge diamond ring on her finger.)

Source: Instagram

And the celebration didn’t end there—it trickled intro Rodriguez’ outfit as well. The actress posted a series of Instagrams that showed her wearing a dreamy, hot pink kaftan so massive she looks like an actual human tapestry. I mean, seriously—that, right there, is the kaftan to end all kaftans.

Have you ever seen anything more glorious? No? Us either.

Source: Instagram

MORE: The Juiciest New Books to Add to Your Summer Beach Reading List

Suddenly, kaftans have replaced the crocheted dresses in our beach bags. They’ve subbed in for the swim cover-ups we used to wear to the pool. They’ve supplanted every damn dress in our closet.

Rodriguez’ statement-making kaftan is so incredibly stunning we’re planning to score one of our own and wear it every single day. (Well, first we might need to book a vacation to a kaftan-appropriate destination. Excuse to go to Mexico, anyone?)

OK, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. We might not end up in a kaftan-worthy location any time soon, but you can catch us window-shopping for kaftans until we do. Shop some of our favorites below.

Pixie Mykonos Kaftan, $200 at Free People

Lemlem Cotton Cover-Up Dress, $375 at Barney’s

Thierry Colson Kaftan, $770 at Barney’s

Two Cotton Kaftan, $425 at Barney’s

Physical Graffiti Maxi Kaftan, $168 at Free People

Eres Striped Silk Kaftan, $675 at Barney’s

William Vintage Kaftan, $389 at Farfetch

Malia Obama’s British Boyfriend Took Her Home for a Romantic Destination Date

Move aside, Bachelorette. Malia Obama is the new destination-date queen. Two weeks after the 20-year-old and her boyfriend, Rory Farquharson, traveled to Paris for a PDA-filled date (and a Beyoncé concert!), the couple is continuing their European tour with a romantic vacation in London.

Farquharsow, a British international student at Harvard University where he met Obama, took his girlfriend to his home country last week where they enjoyed a romantic dinner at the Mayfair restaurant C London and a casual stroll through London’s streets. Pictures from the date show the couple looking at watches in a shop display and holding hands in the street.

For the occasion, Obama wore an off-white summer dress and black boots from Dr. Marten, a United Kingdom-based brand, which nodded to their location and her boyfriend’s British background. Farquharson kept it simple with striped shirt, blue pants and loafers.

MORE: Every Celebrity Couple Who Got Married in 2018, Thus Far

Source: Instagram Source: Instagram

MORE: Hailey Baldwin’s Famous Friends Who Could Be Bridesmaids at Her Wedding

From the looks of it, Farquharson and Obama are enjoying their summer vacation before returning to Harvard for their junior year. Along with their mini-vacation in London, the couple also recently visited Paris where they joined Obama’s mom, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and her little sister, Sasha Obama, for a family Beyoncé concert.

We’re taking bets on where Obama goes next.

Ashley Graham is Radiant in Up-Close and Personal Selfie

While most of us attempt selfies after applying makeup or during those late afternoon golden hours, Ashley Graham flips the script by taking her’s just before bed.

Last night, the model posted two selfies to Instagram, captioning them with the crescent moon emoji. We can’t remember the last time we got a few inches away from our faces for a photo, let alone going makeup-free like Graham did.

Although there is a filter on the photo, the 30-year-old radiates with glowing skin. We wholeheartedly agree with this commenter who said, “though I can’t achieve your perfect freckle situation, can you tell us what your skin regimen is? #glow.”

Source: Instagram

MORE: The Beauty and Wellness Benefits of Mushrooms

What might be even better than Graham’s beauty (which, we know, is hard), is how many people think the photo was taken 20 years ago due to the time stamp in the bottom left hand corner that reads July 29, 1998. True, it’s a bit deceiving, but Graham would’ve been nine or 10 years old in 1998— a far cry from what she looks like today. We’re not throwing shade toward those people; just appreciative of the laugh they gave us during our Monday afternoon lull.

At least we can all agree Graham’s aging seems non-existent and gets more beautiful as time goes on.

The Most Expensive Celebrity Engagement Rings We’ve Ever Seen

How much would you spend on an engagement ring? If you’re Justin Bieber and your fiancé is Hailey Baldwin, that number might be in the $500,000 ballpark. If you’re Kanye West and your wife is Kim Kardashian, it might be much, much higher. Celebrities are known to live luxurious and lavish lifestyles, with multimillion-dollar homes and closets stocked with designer clothes, so naturally, when it comes time to spend money on something more sentimental, say, an engagement ring, that’s not the place where they skimp.

MORE: Every Celebrity Couple Who Has Gotten Engaged in 2018 Thus Far

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the most expensive celebrity engagement rings we’ve ever seen, from still-engaged couples to celebrity parents who have been together forever. The prices behind these rings sure are staggering. Put on your sunglasses because these diamonds will definitely blind you.

15 of Sephora’s Buzziest Summer 2018 Launches

Is it just us or did summer move at warp speed? Seriously: we only just locked down a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white film on our skin. Well, August is just days away, which means we’re inching closer to yet another fall season, when temps will drop and we’ll inevitably trade in our hot weather staples for vampy colors and full-coverage makeup. And while there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of different places to cop all of our hair, skin and makeup must-haves for the coming months, chances are we’ll be grabbing at least one thing from the mecca of all things beauty: Sephora.

MORE: The 20 Most Game-Changing Beauty Products of 2018 So Far

We’ve never been good at keeping up with every single product launch because it gets pretty overwhelming, but this summer has been especially good to us without going completely overboard. From superfood-infused shampoo to a luxurious, oil-based self-tan, these are the products worth trying before season’s end.