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How To Do Black Tie When You Want To Dance Your Face Off

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When you RSVP yes to a party hosted by a bunch of dancers, you ought not pick an outfit that doesn't let you move. So, when the New York City Ballet invites you to one of the biggest parties of the year to kick off its new performance season, the same rules apply. At last night’s annual Spring Gala, we couldn’t help but notice how many outfits were not only made for moving, but had ballet in mind to begin with.

The mark of a dance-your-face-off design is in its silhouette. Will it shimmy when you shimmy? Will it prevent you from bending your knees? To celebrate the start of the NYC Ballet’s newest season, and the premiere of the Danish ballet La Sylphide, the red carpet responded with looks as pretty as the ones on stage, and nearly as functional, too. Perhaps the outfits ahead aren't quite perpared to perform a pas de deux, but at the very least they were perfect for cheering one on. 

Olivia Palermo’s floral creation is the stuff of dreams — a.k.a. Valentino. While the long layers might appear to make moving tricky, we'd say ethereal tulle such as this is made for nothing but twirling around. (Just ask the professional dancers.)

Someone came ready to bust a move. By “someone,” we mean stylist June Ambrose. And, by “ready,” we mean that incredible sculptural skirt can double as her own personal dance circle.

The most dance-ready part of Indre Rockefeller’s outfit is hard to tell in this photo, but the bottom half of her gorgeous Delpozo set is actually a pair of pants. (Get a better look on designer Josef Font’s Instagram.)

There is perhaps no material as movement-friendly as fringe. Here, Rachel Roy piled it on in long lengths and a bright-blue shade.

Elettra Wiedemann, R29’s own executive food editor, opted for a minimal Lanvin design with a color choice and deep neckline reminiscent of another ballerina staple: the leotard.

Okay, Mischa Barton’s printed dress-and-robe combination doesn't really have an obvious dance element. But, we're really into the idea of a layered look that gives you both the ability to move the extra fabric around as a dance prop, and to remove the outer shell when things heat up.



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Natalie Portman To Play Ruth Bader Ginsburg In Badass Biopic

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natalieportman-embedPhoto: Picture Perfect/REX USA.
Natalie Portman is bringing the Notorious RBG to the big screen. Deadline just announced that the actress will play Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in an upcoming biopic. The film is called On the Basis of Sex, and per Deadline, it "follows the travails of Ginsburg as she faced numerous obstacles to her fight for equal rights throughout her career."

Today, Ginsburg is considered a cultural hero (she was named to the "icon" section of this year's TIME 100 list), and she is lovingly referred to as the Notorious RBG. Her storied term on the Supreme Court began in 1993, when then-president Bill Clinton appointed her to our nation's highest judicial panel. She was the second-ever female justice to be appointed, and the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

The film will be directed by Marielle Heller, who's most recent feature, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, was highly praised at its Sundance premiere. Natalie Portman has been mostly out of the spotlight since picking up an Oscar for Black Swan, but she'll return in full force both in front of and behind the camera in the coming year. 

We're SO glad that Justice Ginsburg's story is being told. If Hollywood could work on a Dr. Ruth biopic next, that would be much appreciated as well. (Deadline)

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The Infuriating Story Of A Subway Creep — & How The Cops Responded

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467789964 (1)Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images.
A New York City woman's story of sexual harassment on the subway is going viral — for all the wrong reasons. The woman, a 30-year-old paralegal who we've agreed to keep anonymous, was on her way to work when a man behind her on an escalator lifted her skirt and took a picture. 

A concerned stranger, also riding behind her, saw the man and screamed. The creep ran away. But, the truly infuriating part of the story comes next: When she did what countless subway posters urge us to do and reported it, the NYPD joked around rather than jumping into action, according to her report, and the experience left her enraged. 

According to the blog she set up to document her experience, the officers seemed to have no idea how to respond. “That’s the perils of riding public transportation," one cop joked. They told her they'd have no way of finding the guy and that the cameras in the station weren't running.

She couldn't accompany them back to the station because the train wasn't running, but the officers did file a report sometime later — which she only learned when she ran into one of the officers the next day. 

We spoke to the Detective Brian Sessa at the NYPD who confirmed that a complaint had been filed, saying that proper protocol had been followed. "They took a complaint report, and a case is opened up." Sessa also told us that an up-skirt picture is a lesser crime than the woman reported. "She was not sexually assaulted," he said. “Someone lifted up her skirt and took pictures of her. That’s unlawful surveillance." 

The woman's post about the incident went viral. We reached out to her to ask how it all went down and what she wished had happened instead. 

The following interview has been edited and condensed, and we're respecting her wish to remain private. 

What happened that day?
"I had just taken the A train downtown and was exiting the Fulton Street stop, riding the escalator near the Fulton and William Street exit. I was heading to work, running late, actually. 

"A woman behind me screamed 'What are you doing!?' I turned, and there was a man running, down the up escalator, and I realized she was talking about me; they told me the man had lifted my skirt to take a picture.

"After,  I went through a series of emotions and feelings — starting with blaming myself for not being aware or alert, not chasing after him, not getting a picture of him, reacting so slowly. Then I moved on to realizing how egregious of a violation it was and feeling panicked about him having the picture. Was he sending it to other perverts or posting it online? I also felt humiliated and just completely exposed — either he was going to do creepy gross sexual things with my picture, or was planning on laughing at and humiliating me."You reported it to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the agency that oversees New York's Subway. What was their response? 
"The woman who had been standing behind me was the first to get to the booth and alert the MTA worker. The MTA worker was aware of the facts and we gave her a description of the man. She called the police." 

It took about 15 minutes for three officers to show up after the complaint was made. What happened next?
"They were nice guys, but I felt like they were really at a loss as to what to do. They were joking around with us — trying to make us feel better — but it actually just showed how insensitive they were, how they didn’t comprehend how egregious the violation was. I felt they were embarrassed that there was so much waiting, and a total lack of protocol for how to deal with something like this. It was like they felt sheepish at their futility and could only deal with us by joking."

What do you think the police could have done better? 
"I wish they had responded faster and canvassed the platform on the way to meeting us. They were coming from the other side of the station and had been given a description of the perpetrator. I wish they had a protocol in place and were sensitive to me and my witnesses’ feelings. I wish that they had an alternative way to get to the station so I could have filed a report and left with it. I wish they had put up posters in the subway stop about this pervert. I wish that they had contacted me to give me my report number — so far I haven’t heard from them. Basically, I wish I had experienced some professionalism and competency."

Has the incident changed the route you take to work?
"I considered not taking the same route but forced myself to do it and not let the actions of some pervert change my life. I was on very high alert when I got to Fulton Street and felt like my head was going to fall off because I was looking all around me in fear of seeing the guy. I also simultaneously hoped to see him so that I could try again to get him caught."

What do you plan to do next?

"I’m waiting to hear from the NYPD — the ball is in their court. Up until now, I’ve done everything I can to regain control of the situation and provide information to them and I am waiting to see if they will have the proper response. I anticipate having to file a complaint — either to the CCRB, the Transit Authority, or both. Right now, I’m giving them some time to fix the situation and to make a proactive effort in catching this guy."

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Hollaback! Creator Wants To Take On Twitter Trolls

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may_embedPhoto: Courtesy Emily May.
Online harassment is a widespread issue: According to data from Pew Research, a whopping 92% of 18 to 29 year olds have experienced it. But, there are no simple, reliable resources for reporting it, or learning how to deal with it. Hollaback! founder Emily May plans to change that with her new project, HeartMob. 

HeartMob makes it so you can easily report harassment and control what happens next. You can make reports public or keep them private at first, cataloguing an instance in case things escalate further. For public reports, you can request help from others in the community. HeartMob will also offer resources like safety planning, how to identify serious threats, info about online-harassment laws, and how to report harassment to authorities or get counseling or legal services.

May's uniquely qualified to take this on. She founded Hollaback! 10 years ago to fight street harassment, and it's been massively successful; it received the Ted City 2.0 prize and the Manhattan Young Democrats “Engendering Progress” award, among other accolades. In all, it's collected over 8,000 stories of street harassment and provides resources and support including incident reporting, bystander intervention, and online movement building. 

Here's how May knew now was the right time for HeartMob, which is in its final week raising funds on Kickstarter

What first prompted you to create HeartMob?
"After over 10 years of running Hollaback!, I’ve been harassed and attacked online repeatedly. Even worse, I’ve seen our site leaders, partners, and friends harassed online — and I’ve seen incredible women leave the Internet as a result. I’ve had enough of adapting to the problem; I’m ready to change it. I thought, Why don’t we take everything we’ve learned from addressing street harassment, and apply it to this completely different landscape: the Internet?"

How is online harassment similar to street harassment?
"Both have the same root causes (sexism, racism, and homophobia), and both have similar effects: They silence victims and cause depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"We knew from addressing street harassment that the movement to end online harassment would be built similarly: People would boldly share their stories, decentralized leadership would be key — and research and policy solutions would follow."

And, how are they different? 
"There is no 'corporation' that you can appeal to, to solve the problem of street harassment, whereas with online harassment, you could appeal to the social media and technology companies that allowed online harassment to proliferate in the name of 'free speech.'

"Secondly, the role of bystanders — a promising practice in addressing street harassment — is different in online harassment. Instead of bystanders sometimes being around (as with street harassment), bystanders are always around [online]. And, if they missed something, they could fly back through time and space to address the harassment after the fact."

Where are you with HeartMob now?
"In 2014, we took on a leadership role in the online-harassment movement by founding, leading, and managing an extensive Online Harassment Task Force, which served as experts on what victims of online harassment face, and what interventions would help them feel safer and supported online. These suggested interventions formed the core of the HeartMob prototype, which began development in August 2014 and finalized in January 2014. In December 2014, we held the first summit on online harassment in NYC, where we tested the HeartMob prototype with key journalists and organizational leaders. Moving forward, we have secured a development team, a legal team, and a research team."

You can support HeartMob's Kickstarter here

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Robert Herjavec Continues To Encourage The Small Business Revolution

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004_L36C6549_ClairePepper_embedPhotographed by Claire Pepper.
There are more than 27 million small businesses in the U.S., and they employ 50% of the working population. According to a 2014 study by American Express, women are starting companies at twice the rate of men, though they still only account for less than 30% of the market (and only employ 6% of the U.S. workforce). There are a few things holding female entrepreneurs back: smaller startup capital, lower gains (female-run businesses make 25 cents to the dollar what male-run businesses earn), and difficulty securing loans. But, every day, more resources become available to encourage and enable women to take the plunge.

Small Business Week is wrapping up, but for Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec, the cause isn’t relegated to a single week a year. As an investor on one of ABC’s biggest shows, he regularly encourages and gives money to small business owners from around the country. This makes him an obvious fit to promote the Small Business Revolution, which is sponsored by Deluxe Corporation and offering one small business a $25,000 grand prize.The Small Business Revolution is profiling 100 small businesses from across the country — everything from wedding dress stores to Paleo food trucks — in a series of documentaries and photo essays. We had a chance to talk to Herjavec about the endeavour the day after his untimely Dancing With The Stars elimination. While we couldn’t get him to admit that women make better CEOs than men (something his costar Kevin O’Leary thinks), he did have some advice for young women looking to launch their own companies.

“Before you start a business, become great at something because the market doesn’t reward mediocrity...the market pays for expertise,” he says. “So, before you can sell expertise, you have to be an expert.”

While some might interpret that to mean you need to log some hours in an office before you attempt to start your own business, Herjavec says that sometimes launching the company is the experience.

Once you get the ball rolling, the serial entrepreneur thinks the best way to find success is through sales — that’s the magic ingredient for every thriving business. Want to win at Shark Tank? Have a killer presentation.

“Sales is key to any business,” Herjevac says. “You can survive with a bad accountant. You can survive with bad production for a short amount of time, but you’re going to die without sales. People need to sell themselves. Before you can sell your business, you have to be able to sell yourself.”

If you’re inspired to join the millions of lady bosses in the U.S., there are several places to get advice. One good place to start is the Small Business Administration’s website. The section on women-owned businesses is filled with information about securing loans and licenses, local resources, and inspiring stories of successful female entrepreneurs.

And, if you know a small business that might benefit from a $25,000 prize, you can nominate it on the Small Business Revolution website

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92-Year-Old Female WWII Pilot Flew Again Today

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Joy Lofthouse, 92, calls her old plane "the nearest thing to having wings of your own and flying."
The World War II Veteran was part of the ATA, or Air Transport Auxilary, an all-female division that shuttled planes back and forth from the front lines. Called "Attagirls," their casualty rate was as high as one in six. Ms. Lofthouse joined up with her sister in 1943 and flew a Spitfire, which she calls "an iconic plane."
Seven decades after the end of the war, she got to fly again. "It's very hard to describe the feeling," she said from the cockpit. "It almost makes one feel young again." The biggest difference? The communication. "We had no radio, and once you took off, it was complete silence. That was the big difference today: There was someone talking all the time."

Watch the video of Lofthouse's flight below.
BBC Radio 5 via YouTube
Via The Mary Sue.

The Best Plus-Size Lingerie Brands To Shop Now

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Let's get intimate for a moment: No matter if we're single or taken (or any other type of relationship status Facebook lets us pick), we love to don a sensual underpinning. It doesn't matter if we're the only ones who'll see those sexy somethings, just knowing we've got a little something special on puts us in a good mood all day long. And, we know we're not alone in using this confidence-boosting trick.

But, when your curves are ample, your bust needs more than light-as-air bra straps. And, if you've got a booty, too, lingerie shopping can quickly turn from being a pleasure to being a pain (and not the Fifty Shades kind). To save you from stressing, we rounded up our choice picks of sexy underthings for those with a little more to love.

Did we miss your favorite spot for picking up seductive styles? Tell us in the comments where you love to shop for your most provocative pieces, so we can add it to our hot list.


Addition Elle
Reigning supreme from our neighbor to the north, Canadian brand Addition Elle has a truly sultry (and stunning) collection. From model Ashley Graham's coquettish collection (we're loving this crop lace top) to its extensive bra selection (from B to H cup), its intimates hit every check mark, even for the most hard-to-please customers.

Hips & Curves
Hips & Curves is a one-stop shop for all your risqué requests. From romance-novel-cover worthy leather corsets and bondage-inspired bras, to sleek stockings and all the accouterments you need for a fun night in (like whips, cuffs, and blindfolds), you'll find the perfect pieces for all your turn ons.

EVANS
When you wear above a 38 band or over a DD cup, finding a bra that doesn't look like you pulled it from your granny's dresser can be quite the challenge. Fortunately, Evans has stocked their site with some of the best brands for busty babes, including Elomi, Goddess, and Curvy Kate. Shop styles from band size 38 to 56, and A through J cups, as well as panties from size 10 to 26/28.

Lane Bryant
Thanks to over 100 years of experience, Lane Bryant has crafted one of the largest selections of intimate apparel this side of the Atlantic. Whether you're searching for super-sultry negligees, innovative cooling bras, or unique pieces from French designer Sophie Theallet, Lane Bryant will have you jumping on the #ImNoAngel bandwagon in a lace-covered snap.

Hanky Panky
There's a reason Hanky Panky's lovely, lacy lingerie has a cult following — and, now fuller-figured women can join along, too. While many items go up to 3X, its signature thongs might raise some concern with a one-size-fits-most label; but the super-stretchy fabric claims to accommodate hips up to 57 inches.



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Rihanna Traded Her Met Ball Cape For A Poncho

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On Monday, Rihanna bravely showed up for the Met Ball, a black-tie event hosted by Anna Wintour, wearing a show-stopping cape. At first glance, it appeared that the singer was wearing nothing but a robe. Later photos indicated that Rihanna was indeed wearing a jumpsuit underneath, but nonetheless, outerwear as outfit is starting to look like the star's signature. 

Rihanna has a long track record of wearing things in an unorthodox way (like tuxedo jackets and silk pajamas in lieu of red carpet gowns), and she continued that streak yet again when she stepped out wearing a poncho this week. Like, only a poncho. There were some Timbs involved, as well as a whole bunch of bling. But, accessories aside, she unabashedly wore a poncho as a mini-dress. And, it totally worked. The next time you get the I-have-nothing-to-wear woes, just look to your girl Riri. Grab your poncho, slip on some work boots, and raid your costume jewelry drawer. Just don’t forget your undergarments…   
472415780Photo: Josiah Kamau/Getty Images.
Rihanna is wearing a 6397 poncho, Timberland boots, and Louis Vuitton bag.

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The Important Benefit The U.S. Denies Its New Mothers

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For many, Mother's Day means gifting the maternal figures in our lives with cards, flowers, breakfast in bed, and other tokens of affection. Yet, for all of our appreciation of mothers, they are still denied a vital benefit in this country. Of 185 countries around the world, the U.S. is one of only three that do not guarantee paid maternity leave. (Papua New Guinea and Suriname share this non-honor with us.)

For Mother's Day, parenting website The Knot created an infographic on the experience of motherhood around the world. It highlights the U.S.'s lack of a paid-maternity-leave policy — alongside cheerier aspects of parenthood, such as which foods new mothers around the world prefer. (In some communities in China, for example, red, hard-boiled eggs are eaten for good luck when a baby turns one month old.) Peruse the details below to discover the most popular baby names by country — and why parents-to-be might wish every government were more like Finland's. You may not be able to guarantee all American mothers paid maternity leave and affordable c-sections (yet), but you can at least give the mother figures in your life a call, card, or email on Sunday. Gratitude's a powerful thing.
The Bump Motherhood Around the World InfographicImage: Courtesy Of The Bump.


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The Definitive Ranking Of Female Buddy Comedies

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Stir Crazy. 48 Hours. Midnight Run. Dumb & Dumber. Tommy Boy. Stepbrothers. I Love You, Man
.  It’s not hard to list buddy comedies starring two men. But, can you name more than a few starring women? Probably not.

Hopefully that won’t be a problem forever.  Thanks to the success of films like Bridesmaids and The Heat, both directed by Paul Feig, it feels like we're approaching a new era of women in film. 

Today, Hot Pursuit — starring Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon — joins this small but important canon of female buddy comedies. The film tells the story of Officer Cooper (Witherspoon) and Daniella Riva (Vergara), an oil-and-water team who end up trying to take down a group of dirty cops. 

Hot Pursuit is the latest example of what we're praying is a changing tide in Hollywood. The very existence of movies like Bridesmaids and The Heat explodes the idea that adventures only happen to men with women on the peripheral. According to Scarlett Shepard from the Women’s Film Institute, these movies serve as proof that "women aren’t just fabricated to serve as the damsel in distress or as a punch line of a joke in male buddy comedy plot lines.”

But it's still an uphill battle to get studios to greenlight female-centric scripts, thanks to the enduring (and irritating) perception that women don't sell. But, the box office begs to differ. Bridesmaids grossed $153 million. The Heat took in $160. If you build it, Hollywood, audiences will come!  

Feig has been integral to helping change studios' stubborn notions about what people will pay to see in a theater. He started writing more in-depth female characters as the creator of Freaks and Geeks. Now, he says his brain just works better when he’s writing for women. “I guess it’s just a slow attrition over the years of knowing all these funny and talented women, going to see them in projects they were in and going, ‘Yeah, that’s such a terrible part,’” he told Refinery29. “I felt like they weren’t getting to be funny and chalked up to being mean and looking like the jerk next to the guys who were the heroes.”

This trend bummed him out. Feig grew up with lots of female friends. “Guys are so aggressive. Especially with guys being funny, it’s all name calling and homophobia and punching,” he said. Plus, Feig was bullied as a kid, so the hyper macho ways of many comedies didn’t appeal to him. “Hanging out with the girls, we’d all make each other laugh, and I liked the way that the interactions were. It was fun and supportive. There was no aggression. It’s just the way I like the world to be.”

After Freaks and Geeks, Feig was sent a lot of comedy scripts, but they all felt so similar. “They were always very male-based, where it was lots of guys trying to get laid or going on an adventure. The nerdy guy and his pal. I was like, ‘What dynamic is this? I have no take on that.’” Eventually he said: “‘Fuck it, I just wanna write stuff for female characters.’” 

So, what do we mean by a buddy comedy anyway? Traditionally, it’s about two mismatched men (think Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, Mel Gibson, and Danny Glover) and the comedic wiles of their hijinks. There are certainly examples of female-dominated comedies that play off that set-up. But Shepard believes women are moving beyond that and redefining the genre altogether. For this list, I cast a wider net, opening up the parameters to include a variety of films that aren't even necessarily about just two women. Why? Because what really matters is the exploration of friendships. 

After speaking with Feig and Shepard, I’ve narrowed down a ranking system to a few key points. The female characters should all be three-dimensional, never merely punchlines. There should be a fresh plot told from a woman's (or women's) perspective. The story shouldn’t be about a woman choosing between a man and her career. There should be an emphasis on female friendships. Oh, and it should be funny. (That’s the subjective part where I’ll weigh in.)

I’ve given slight preference to films with two main stars, but ensembles haven’t been ignored. I excluded TV shows and straight-up rom-coms (where the endgame is almost always bagging a man.) Ahead, a definitive ranking of 20 female buddy comedies and how they fit in the current golden age of funny women. 


#20: Hot Pursuit (2015)
Starring: Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon

Witherspoon plays a cop in Texas who's earned a reputation of clinging too closely to the rule book. Oh, and she accidentally Tasered a guy. Vergara is the wife of a mobster whacked by a drug lord. Witherspoon is tasked with escorting her to Dallas so she can testify against the man who killed her hubs.

The movie is plenty entertaining, but I expected so much more from these two. And, I could have done without the bit where they escape shady cops by talking about their periods. Cause, you know, men think menstruation is soooo gross. If Vergara didn’t get a tampon right away, they’d be “cleaning up a second crime scene in the back seat.”

Great blooper reel, though!

#19: Sunshine Cleaning (2008)
Starring
: Amy Adams and Emily Blunt

This dark comedy is about two sisters who start a crime-scene cleaning company. Adams is a single mother who lives in the shadow of pretty much everyone around her. Blunt is her goofball sister. Despite the grisly nature of their work, the sisters share funny moments, and we see a really beautiful relationship between them. It’s a nice little movie. I only placed it at the bottom of this list because because it’s not hilarious.

#18: Pitch Perfect (2012)
Starring
: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, and Anna Camp

How did a movie about that explores the niche world of a cappella competitions end up feeling so relatable? By giving us several kinds of women we could relate to. No matter what you were like in college — or what you’re like now — you’re bound to find your doppelganger here. Or, at least the carbon copy of someone you hated in your adolescence. Pitch Perfect is a lot of fun and gives women more screen time — and speaking roles — than they’re likely to see outside of the film.

#17: Sex and the City (2008)
Starring
: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon

Fans of the sex-positive HBO show waited a long time to see it become a feature-length film. The movie delivered all the glamour and romanticized NYC scenes that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. But, it felt less about the friendship between Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda, and more about the men in their lives. It’s not that female comedies can’t have a healthy dose of romance, it’s that the film adaptation ditched the pillar of friendship for it.

#16: Frances Ha (2012)
Starring
: Greta Gerwig and Mickey Sumner

How does your life change when your best friend gets a serious boyfriend? This is the question Frances (Gerwig) and Sophie (Sumner) explore. It’s an honest depiction of how female friendships can sometimes replace the desire for a romantic relationship. The indie is a clever, entertaining romp around New York City and the nuances of what friendship really is.

#15: Ghost World (2001)
Starring
: Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson

We’ve seen plenty of versions of the high school girl experience: the welcome absurdity of Mean Girls; the Never Been Kissed level of geekdom that more closely resembles trauma; the girls so obsessed with popularity they covered up a murder for it in Jawbreaker.

But, what about those of us who were somewhere in the middle? Those who felt they were destined for greater things than high school and misunderstood by everyone around them except their best friend? This is the story of Enid (Birch) and Rebecca (Johansson) in Ghost World. Directed by Terry Zwigoff, the film explores the ways a friendship from your adolescence can transform or even disappear with the transition into adulthood. It gives us that special brand of eyeroll we became addicted to while watching Daria. How lucky, then, that this indie came into our lives just as that animated MTV series ended.

#14: Stage Door (1937)
Starring
: Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Gail Patrick, Constance Collier, Andrea Leeds, and Lucille Ball

This classic centers on a group of actresses (played by some of the biggest legends of all time) living together in a boarding house. It explores friendship, is one of the first representations of roommate living — and it stars some of the biggest Hollywood legends of all time. You had us at Hepburn and Ball.

#13: First Wives Club (1996)
Starring
: Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler

This is a story about a group of friends who were bad about staying in touch after college. (Sound familiar?) When the death of their friend reunites them, they realize they’ve forgotten the golden rule of girlhood: Guys come and go, but girlfriends are meant to be forever. In fact, each of them has been wronged by their former husbands. Sure, it’s a comedy rooted in revenge, but aren’t the most interesting alliances formed by hatred of a common enemy?

#12: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Starring
: Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy

Ready to get meta? This movie’s about a friendship between two women, Evelyn and Ninny, who bond over a friendship between two other women from the Depression Era, Ruth and Idgie. Both sets of pals are unlikely: Ruth and Idgie share a borderline romantic relationship in a town and time when that sort of thing would have been frowned upon. And, after their heart-to-heart conversation at Ninny’s nursing home, Evelyn invites her to move in with her and her husband, who is (gasp) no good.

#11: Outrageous Fortune (1987)
Starring
: Shelley Long and Bette Midler

A bit over the top — think: unrealistic jumps across cliffs — but still a good example of how successful the female buddy comedy can be. Plus, who isn't living for Long to shout, "Nine years of ballet, asshole!"

#10: The Women (1939)
Starring: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, and Paulette Goddard

Guys, the entire cast was women. Not a single man appears on screen. Not a one! And it was directed by the great "women's picture" auteur George Cukor. Sure, some of the conversation is, in retrospect, a tad misogynistic. But, for its time, this was a huge deal. Just think: 76 years ago, Hollywood made a single picture with 130 speaking roles for actresses, while today women have to fight to get a word in on screen.

#9: Romy & Michele's High School Reunion (1997)
Starring
: Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino

Important note about this story: Romy (Sorvino) and Michele (Kudrow) don’t give a fuck what you think, because their lives are cute and great. They have a loose relationship with nearly everything else in their lives, like their careers and the gym. What they do care about? Each other. It’s always the two of them against the world, and their sisterly-like bickering never borders on a full-on falling out. Except, when we meet the hilarious pair, their big challenge is really just their obsession with killing it at their high school reunion. It’s the perfect comedy to showcase the special brand of bestie-hood that’s rooted in “Remember when?”

#8: Steel Magnolias (1989)
Starring
: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLane, Darryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts

This film has its heavy moments, and is perhaps at its heart a drama. But, the infusion of humor into a serious look at female relationships works like gangbusters.

#7: A League of Their Own (1992)
Starring: Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, and Megan Cavanagh

Geena Davis runs a women's baseball team — in a (historically-accurate) skirt. Penny Marshall's hit comedy celebrates just how hard female athletes had to work to be taken seriously when they took to the field during World War II.

#6: Frozen (2014)
Starring
: Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell

Disney films and female characters have a strange relationship. Princesses trilling, "Someday my prince will come" aren't exactly a feminist dream. But you know what is a feminist dream? The true sisterly love of Elsa and Anna.

#5: Baby Mama (2008)
Starring
: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

Fey and Poehler have always been a dream team, even before they got behind the Weekend Update desk on Saturday Night Live. That chemistry goes even further in their hit film in which Fey, a high-powered businesswoman who’s unable to have children, hires Poehler to be a surrogate mother. Their characters are polar opposites — to awesome comedic effect. But, they lift each other up in a way that would make Ann Friedman proud.

#4: Bridesmaids (2011)
Starring
: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, and Wendi McLendon-Covey

When Feig encountered the script for Bridesmaids at a table read in 2007, he immediately thought of how many funny women he could plug into the movie. But, it wasn’t until 2010 that he got the chance to actually bring the film to life. Once he did get that green light, there was an unusual amount of pressure about making it a success. “There was an edict from Hollywood where they were all going, 'Okay this is a movie starring a bunch of women. If this works, we’ll greenlight more, and if it doesn’t, we won’t.'” So, Bridesmaids carried the unfortunate and unnecessary burden of being a test for every female-fronted film to come.

“And that’s ridiculous,” Feig said. “You’d never hear that with a guy’s movie, like if The Hangover didn’t work then men don’t get a movie. I was really sweating because if this didn’t work then I’m basically the man who killed movies for women for eternity. So, thank God it worked.”

Sure, Wiig and Rudolph are at the heart of the film. But, it’s best to think of Bridesmaids as a buddy comedy with several sets of pairs. Wiig and Byrne. Wiig and McCarthy. Kemper and McLendon-Covey. It’s all there, and all more beautiful than Cinderella.

#3: Thelma & Louise (1991)
Starring
: Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis

An iconic movie about two women who have had it. Thelma (Davis) has a mean ol’ husband. Louise (Sarandon) is tired of her job at the diner. When Thelma narrowly escapes an attempted rape during one of their stops — Louise shoots the guy in the act — they realize they’re not meant for a society that won’t believe their self-defense story. Off to Mexico they go, just the two of them. Some say this movie is a “vigilante fantasy about rape culture” — and maybe it is. But, it’s also “like an episode of I Love Lucy [that] ends with the impact of Easy Rider.” If that doesn’t explode conventions of the buddy comedy, I don’t know what does.

#2: 9 to 5 (1980)
Starring
: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton

When Roger Ebert reviewed9 to 5 in 1980, he wrote that the movie’s message had something “to do with women’s liberation.” I’d say it has everything to do with it. It’s about sexism in the workplace. It’s about the way women make assumptions about each other. But, ultimately, it’s about shedding those assumptions and discovering lasting bonds in the most dire of circumstances. It’s also about Dolly Parton having zero patience for bullshit, for which it should receive top marks.

#1: The Heat (2013)
Starring
: Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy

Feig’s hit comedy about a loud-mouth Boston cop (McCarthy) and a textbook federal agent (Bullock) is perhaps the best iteration of what a female buddy comedy should be. It’s about two women who aren’t just in a predominantly male profession, but owning it. There's quality female bonding over beers. When romance does rear its head, it’s sex-positive: McCarthy’s got a stable of regular lays who can’t leave her alone already.

“My motivation for The Heat was, I just got so tired of the thrust of women’s movies being about picking between your career and your happiness,” Feig said. “That’s such a fuck you to all the women I know who love their jobs, love what they do, and want [to have] both.” Feig’s got a real distaste for movies in which a woman is nailing her career but unhappy because she lost the guy. “It’s such a subservient way to treat half the population. So, in The Heat specifically I wanted two women who are great their jobs. They’ve got foibles, because that’s comedy — you have to have foibles and insecurities or you’re not funny. But, these two women who are dedicated to their careers — how do they find friendship?”

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4 Quick & Healthy Smoothies

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For her new cookbook, Drink Your Way to Gut Health: 140 Delicious Probiotic Smoothies & Other Drinks That Cleanse & Heal, registered dietitian Molly Morgan, RD created a delicious range of drink recipes incorporating nourishing ingredients such as kefir (drinkable yogurt), cinnamon, and chia seeds — and, of course, plenty of fresh produce. Kick-start your day with these four smoothies from the book. 

Pineapple-Chia-Colada Kefir

Serves 2 (1 cup each)

Ingredients:
1 cup cubed, fresh pineapple
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup plain kefir
2 tsp chia seeds

Instructions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into 2 glasses and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
 
255 calories, 8 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 50 milligrams sodium, 44 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 36 grams sugar, 5 grams protein, 30% RDA vitamin A, 15% RDA calcium, 120% RDA vitamin C, 4% RDA iron

Mango Green Tea
Serves 2 (1 cup each)

When choosing a protein powder, look for a high-quality one like whey protein isolate or pea protein isolate.

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen, cubed mango
1 cup chilled, brewed green tea
1/2 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt 
1 scoop (about 2 tablespoons) vanilla protein powder
1 to 2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Instructions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into 2 glasses and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
130 calories, 1 1/2 grams fat, 1/2 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat,
Blueberry-Cinnamon Crush

Serves 2 (1 cup each)

This smoothie gets its immune-boosting properties from blueberries, which are rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant. Plus, it boasts an additional immune boost from naturally occurring zinc; each cup of milk has about 1 milligram of zinc. The smoothie also has cinnamon, which for centuries has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems and other ailments. Although modern science has not yet been able to prove the health connection, the warm cinnamon flavor complements the yogurt and blueberries regardless.


 
Ingredients:
1 cup low-fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup low-fat or nonfat milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp agave nectar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 or 5 ice cubes

Instructions:
Combine the yogurt and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the blueberries, agave, cinnamon, and ice cubes. Blend until icy and smooth. Divide between 2 glasses and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
180 calories, 1 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat,
Creamy Watermelon Smoothie

Serves 2 (1 1/2 cups each)

Each serving of this smoothie only has 100 calories and is lightly sweet from the watermelon; add a bit of honey if you find it needs additional sweetness.

Ingredients:
3 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
8 ice cubes
1 to 2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Instructions: 
Combine the watermelon, yogurt, and ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. If additional sweetness is desired, add the honey and blend again until combined. Divide between 2 glasses and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
100 calories, 1 gram fat, 1/2 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat,
Recipes and Photography from Drink Your Way To Gut Health by Molly Morgan. Copyright © 2015 by Molly Morgan. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.     

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J.K. Rowling Released Moaning Myrtle's Full Name, & It's One You Already Know

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Embed (3)Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Last week, J.K. Rowling apologized for killing off one of our very favorite Harry Potter characters. This week, she accidentally named another after a major American political contender: When a fan tweeted to Rowling asking about Moaning Myrtle’s full moniker, the author confirmed it was Myrtle Elizabeth Warren.

But, as Rowling’s response began to make the Internet rounds, the author quickly jumped in to set the record straight. “Nothing to do with the United States Elizabeth Warren, I hasten to add!” she wrote. “‘Elizabeth’ is just one of those classic British middle names.”

Truth be told, we’re not buying the backpedaling. Rowling is a master of (fictional) complex agendas and hidden motives: The fact that she happened to name Myrtle after the famed senator seems like way too much of a coincidence.

At the same time, if any character from the series were going to be forever entwined with a female political force, we would have put our money on Hermione who, like Warren, is never afraid to speak her mind. 

We could especially see Ms. Granger rattling off the missive Rowling sent to an online bully last week. After being harassed and belittled on Twitter, The Casual Vacancy author put her foot down and tweeted a line straight out of the fearless feminist playbook: “The Internet doesn’t just offer opportunities for misogynist abuse, you know. Penis enlargers can be bought discreetly.” Extremely well-played.

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Before & After: Modern Minimalism In Brooklyn

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Hillary Taymour hands me a raw, organic gingersnap with a look of encouragement. I've just divulged my terrible snacking habits to the Collina Strada designer, who happens to be friends with quite a few supermodels (and looks like one, too). I reach into the bag, skepticism lingering on my face. "The chocolate ones are better," she admits with a laugh. "My assistant hides her crappy food from me — she knows I don't allow that in the work room!"

Taymour's commitment to clean living — the snack drawer lined with "sprouted" indulgences, her bathroom cabinet stocked with a dizzying array of essences and essential oils — extends far beyond packaged goods. The designer's new home is a paean to minimalism in industrial South Williamsburg; bleached wood and exposed brick coalesce as the ultimate backdrop for choice artworks, clusters of plants, and chakra-aligning crystals.

We dropped in on Taymour to find out more about her renovation (handled entirely by herself) and her new home line with stylist Gillian Wilkins, Social + Studies. Click through for more.

Before
The renovation took a whirlwind four months. "[My contractor] thought I was insane," says Taymour. "He didn't understand the overall vision at all."

After
The living room is now a whitewashed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. "Since [moving to] New York five years ago, I am more into a minimal, modern aesthetic," says Taymour. "I think the transition from L.A. to NYC really showed in my last place — I was still a little hippie at heart."

Painting (above sofa): Suzannah Wainhouse.

"Social +Studies happened pretty naturally," says Taymour, posing with her Blue Merle Pomeranian, Powwow. "I was able to launch it at my last presentation at Milk. Everything is made in New York; the marble and glass are cut here, and we have a woodworker in Bushwick. It's a nice change of pace...a luxury, really, to be able to take my time designing [it], not being bound to the fashion calendar."

"I had an idea for these mirrors after doing home renovations all summer. I wanted to make something beautiful that worked as art, but [also had a] function. After mirrors will come stools and art objects to create a little world of our own."

Object B Mirror, Social + Studies; painting, Gail Stoicheff.

"I want to be able to live with as little as possible and eliminate clutter. I love the idea of living in a clean, quiet space that allows inspiration to flow."

Painting, Suzannah Wainhouse.

The living room features a custom "Collina"Cold Picnic rug.

"Always maximize the light in your space," suggests Taymour. "It will change the energy in your home."

Lamp, Haley Ann Robinson.

Before
What is now the kitchen area was separated from the living room by a wall. Taymour had her contractor take down the wall to open up the space. "He called me 'crazy girl' and asked why I didn't want anything done like a normal person," she recalls with a laugh.

After
The open-plan kitchen is the ultimate mix of form and function. "Don't rush the permanent stuff, like floors and countertops," advises Taymour. "And, always pay for custom installation."

Before
The old kitchen was in a separate room, which now serves as Taymour's home office. The old countertops and cabinets function as extra storage.

After
Standard IKEA cabinetry was outfitted with custom-made marble countertops. "Never order anything pre-cut for a New York apartment. Most likely the floors, or walls, or the ceiling are not straight...at all."

Before
The bathroom was expectedly dingy and dark.

After
Now, it's a vision in white tile, though it took some convincing to get the contractor to leave the brick exposed above the shower — an aesthetic decision that provides a perch for air plants.

Indigo-dyed towels are kept at the foot of the shower in a hand-woven basket.

Before
The bedroom fell victim to laminate tiles and half-hearted window treatments in the care of previous tenants.

After
Now, it's an ideal spot to unwind after a long day in the studio — though, with two south-facing exposures and an arrangement of artfully layered textiles, who would ever want to get out of bed?

"I'm obsessed with interiors," says the designer. "[They've] always been the focus of my inspiration boards."

Dreamcatcher, Julie Thevenot.

"I've collected crystals from all over the world. I have rose quartz found in the middle of the badlands and pyramid crystals from Mexico. Some are from shamans or dear friends that are thinking of me at the time. Each one has a different healing ability, but I find they create a very grounded, zen-like atmosphere in the space."

Photograph, Lyle Owerko at Clic Gallery.

Fragrances from Commes des Garçons and Maison Martin Margiela are artfully clustered atop a piece of petrified wood, a birthday gift from Taymour's friend, Love Adorned owner Lori Leven.

A rustic-chic Restoration Hardware dresser is one of the apartment's few nods to Williamsburg's de rigeur neo-homesteader aesthetic.

"Don't over-customize," are Taymour's last words of wisdom. "You never know what will come up in life that could uproot you from your current place. And, never accept a first bid [for contract work] — I guarantee you the second guy knows someone who can do it for half the price...though, sometimes, the guy who's half the price is half the price for a reason."



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The 15 Best American Idol Contestants Of All Time

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It's the end of an era. You may not have watched, let alone voted, for contestants on American Idol over the last 13 years, but there's no denying the mark the reality competition show — which, it was just announced, will be ending with Season 15 this fall — has made on both the television and music industries. Along with turning out its own superstars, American Idol  has paved the way for hits like America's Next Top Model , Project Runway, Dancing With The Stars, Top Chef, and The Voice. 

Over the past 14 seasons, the show has invited people around the world to connect over their love of music. It heightened our awareness of unknown talent, revealing that stars in the making are everywhere. It made us laugh, cry, love to hate Simon Cowell and hate to love the Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj feuds. And, it made dreams come true. Sure, that might be sappy, but when you think about it, the series ignited the careers of some of today's biggest artists. Of course, it also further delayed the dreams of many, whether due to the popular vote or the  judges' whims — like when R&B powerhouse Jennifer Hudson got voted off the show in Season 3 (we're looking at you Simon). Hudson clearly didn't let her fate on the show determine her career, but other contestants who might've been robbed weren't able to bounce back as easily. Either way, the exposure and experience are seemingly invaluable, and not just for the singers. Host Ryan Seacrest, who's been with the show since it began, has shared sentimental thoughts about Idol and how it impacted his career. 

 The contestants have been diverse on all accounts. Men, women, Black, white, blonde, bald, country and rock, just to name a few. Some voices have given us chills, while others gave us a really bad case of secondhand embarrassment. No matter what, the entertainment has never dwindled. It's nearly impossible to say who was the best of all time, so we've gathered a fitting number (15) of the greatest American Idol contestants. And, for an extra dose of nostalgia we've included their audition videos. They're just too good to pass up. Plus, they show just how far some of them have come. 

Kelly Clarkson, "Express Yourself" (Season 1)
Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson stole our hearts at auditions. Between "A Moment Like This,"From Justin To Kelly and her songs now as a mother who's all about self-love, it's clear we'll always be on Team Kelly.

Ruben Studdard, "Ribbon In The Sky" (Season 2)
The beloved Teddy Bear's voice could soothe any soul. He and Clay Aiken went head to head for the Season 2 title winner, but there's no doubt Studdard deserved it.

Jennifer Hudson, "Share Your Love With Me" (Season 3)
She's easily one of the biggest American Idol success stories, even though her fame came long after she was voted off the show. Idol was merely a stepping stone for Hudson to go on and tackle even bigger goals.

Fantasia Barrino, "Proud Mary" (Season 3)
This game changer and JHud BFF blew us away every week. She defined star quality from the beginning. Following her time on Idol, Barrino was nominated for 11 Grammys and won one for "Bittersweet" in 2010.

Bo Bice, "In A Dream" (Season 4)
Bice kicked it off for the many country stars who would begin their careers on Idol. His name, laid-back style and compelling voice make it hard not to love him.

Carrie Underwood, "I Can't Make You Love Me" (Season 4)
Perhaps the most successful American Idol winner of all time, Carrie Underwood's musical journey is inspiring. From a small farm to the Super Bowl, she's displayed how dreams really can come true.

Elliott Yamin, "A Song For You" (Season 5)
Season 5 was a tough one — filled with unbelievable amounts of talent. Elliott Yamin lead the R&B/soul pack, especially for the fellas. Along with his rasp, the heart that came through in every note he sang was consistently chilling.

Chris Daughtry, "The Letter" (Season 5)
Representing all the rockers, Daughtry went on to win Season 5 of Idol and then develop a wildly successful career. He just released his sixth album, Witnesses, in February.

Katharine McPhee "God Bless The Child" (Season 5)
You might recognize her name, but if not, just type in "Over It" in your search engine. The hit single from the Season 5 contestant peaked on several charts, and ultimately became the got-to-break-up tune.

Jordin Sparks, "Because You Love Me" (Season 6)
Sparks was the youngest person to ever win Idol, at age 17. She grew so much on the show, and went on to produce top-selling albums and singles with artists like Chris Brown and Jason Derulo. It's extremely difficult not to love her.

Melinda Doolittle, "For Once In My Life" (Season 6)
And, while we love Jordin Sparks, our heart always ached for Melinda Doolittle, who was definitely one of the best Season 6 contestants. Some background singers just belong in the spotlight, and Doolittle was one of them.

Adam Lambert ,"Bohemian Rhapsody"/"Rock With You" (Season 8)
Lambert nailed not just one, but two songs in his Idol audition. He then went on to have a successful music career that's still up and running today, and even serve as a judge on the show. He knew better than anyone how to spot a star.

Phillip Phillips, "Superstition" (Season 11)
His audition may sound a bit different from his music today, but there's no doubt that Phillips is talented. The fact that he tackled this Stevie Wonder classic is indication alone.

Candice Glover "Syrup & Honey" (Season 12)
Like Jennifer Hudson, Candice Glover is the epitome of a success story, though her path has been a lot different. After being voted off in Season 11 and told to work on her voice, Glover came back and won Season 12, and rightfully so.

Nick Fradiani, "In Your Eyes" (Season 15)
This isn't a prediction of who will win Season 15, but it's safe to say that Fradiani, with or without the title, will be unforgettable.



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3 Majorly Inspiring Moments From Michelle Obama's Commencement Speech

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AP725339855075_1Photo: Brynn Anderson/AP Photo.


On Saturday, Michelle Obama gave an inspiring 30-minute commencement address at Alabama’s historically Black Tuskegee University. (She was also given an honorary degree, which she accepted resplendent in a fancy robe, in case you were wondering.)

She opened with an evocative history of the ways in which the school’s Tuskegee Airmen— the first African-American military pilots during World War II — were mistreated because of their race. Indeed, her speech was most notable for how it candidly called out the effects of racism, both in American culture and in the Obamas’ own lives.

Here are a few of the most memorable messages FLOTUS conveyed in Saturday’s remarkably personal speech.

Everybody has hard times and self-doubt (yup, even her).
Michelle Obama acknowledged that she’s faced all kinds of challenges throughout her career — especially when her husband began campaigning for president. Though all female politicians deal with obnoxious questions, as a Black woman, she faced, well, significantly more.

"As potentially the first African-American first lady, I was also the focus of another set of speculations," she recalled for the graduates. "Conversations sometimes rooted in fears and misperceptions... Was I too loud, or too angry, or too emasculating?"

She remembered being discouraged by the vitriol spouted at her from seemingly every corner, from being dubbed “Obama’s Baby Mama” on cable TV to having her self-confidence derided as "uppity-ism." But, she persevered, because, well, duh — she had to. "To succumb to feelings of despair and anger only means that, in the end, we lose," she reminded the appreciative crowd.

Staying true to who you are is what's most important.
FLOTUS may be the most powerful woman in the country, but she’s also human. Which means she’s not immune to self-doubt: "I didn’t start out as the fully formed first lady who stands before you today," she told the Tuskegee grads. And, she remembered being, at times, utterly flummoxed by all the shade being thrown her way. "I had a lot of sleepless nights, worrying about what people thought of me," she revealed.

What got her through was faith: "I had to ignore all of the noise and be true to myself — and the rest would work itself out." She knew she and Barack’s mission was way more important than the idiotic ranting of a few dumb naysayers, and she was right (as usual). We’d say things worked themselves out pretty well for the Obamas, whose success is hard-won — and well deserved.

Racism isn't going away, but that doesn't mean we can stop fighting it.
Obama didn’t shy away from describing the ongoing hardships today’s African-American millennials must confront. Having worked their butts off for their diplomas won’t make the new Tuskegee grads exempt from intolerant attitudes and years of entrenched racism, she noted, just as being the first lady hasn’t spared her.

"The world won’t always see you in those caps and gowns," she said. "[People] will make assumptions...based on their limited notion of the world. And my husband and I...both felt the sting of those daily slights throughout our entire lives — the folks who crossed the street in fear of their safety; the clerks who kept a close eye on us in all those department stores; the people at formal events who assumed we were the 'help.'" 

Feeling perpetually doubted, shunned, misunderstood, even feared takes a heavy psychological toll, Obama said; it can trigger feelings of "isolation" that are "rooted in decades of structural challenges... And, those feelings are playing out in communities like Baltimore and Ferguson and so many others across this country." 

The answer? To do the opposite of hopelessly throwing in the towel. Instead, Obama encouraged listeners to organize, and to vote. "When we pull ourselves out of those lowest emotional depths, and we channel our frustrations into studying and organizing and banding together, then we can build ourselves and our communities up," she said. "If you want to have a say in your community, if you truly want the power to control your own destiny, then you’ve got to be involved. You got to be at the table. You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote... That's the way we move forward."

Here's How To Get Free Ice Cream (Again!)

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1001_BrooklynIceCreamFactory_RavenIshakPhotographed by Raven Ishak.
We’re starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to free cone days. But, if there’s anything worth sounding like a broken record about, free ice cream is definitely high on that list. If you missed out on the April giveaways from Ben & Jerry's and Carvel, you've got another shot at a free scoop this week.

On Tuesday, May 12, participating Häagen-Dazs shops will give customers a complimentary kiddie-size scoop (cone or cup) from 4pm to 8pm. This freebie actually works quite well with the evening commute. (We're also setting a calendar reminder, because once our post-work autopilot turns on, even free ice cream is tough to remember.)

And, for a twist on the whole deal that pits impatience against frugality, Häagen-Dazs will let paying customers cut the line. So, if you're just there because you want ice cream and you don't care about the free part, you won't have to contend with an insanely long wait. Happy eating!       

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You've always been game for your friends' famous theme parties. So why, when it comes to weddings, does the dress code always trip us up? "White tie,""festive,""fancy ranch" (yes, all real) — sadly, these aren't as easy as "ugly holiday sweater." Still it's important to respect our friends' wishes when it come to celebrating their relationships. Which means we may need a whole different dictionary to figure out what to wear.

Instead of stressing over the vocabulary — or worse, confusing "casual" attire for sweatpants  — we asked an expert to decipher the dress codes. Annie Lee, founder of Daughter of Design, is not only a pro at creating dream weddings, she also works with couples personally on their big day — and offers up some much-needed insight on what they really expect with that RSVP.

For instance, Lee tells us that when it says "preferred" on the dress code (such as Black Tie Preferred), it means, "I really, really want you to dress this way." That's much different than "optional," which means, "Some people, including the bride and groom, are going to dress like this but you don't have to." Finally, our expert tells us, "'suggested' is a polite way of saying 'You should wear it.'" For all other hints on what to wear according to the couple's dress code, click on for Lee's advice and outfits to inspire your look.

The invitation says: Festive Attire
Lee says:"Festive Attire falls under the semiformal category, but invites you to get in the spirit of the location. Select an outfit that evokes the local culture and textiles of the wedding."
So, wear: We've found that "festive" dress is often requested for holiday weddings. But, it can also be any excuse to get more literal with your outfit choices. For instance, are you going to a destination wedding in a tropical locale? Opt for a tropical print, like Lupita Nyong'o's palm tree embellished mini dress.

The invitation says: Casual
Lee says:"Jeans are A-okay here, but it's not so casual that you're rolling up in track pants. This event is going to be relaxed, but you're still socializing in public, so an easy sundress or jeans and nice top are great picks."
So, wear: Jenna Lyons knows how to make denim work for nearly every occasion. Her classic, refined combination of dark wash skinnies, structured white top, and simple heels are perfect for low-key nuptials. If you're feeling hesitant, a denim jacket paired with an evening-appropriate skirt is a slightly less casual take.

The invitation says: Dressy Casual
Lee says: "Think your Sunday Best. This event is definitely not formal, but still requires a bit of effort. A cute dress or top with pants or skirt is a great option — definitely no jeans."
So, wear: Choose something comfortable and easily polished, like Aimee Song's printed jumper and sandals. The tailored blazer satisfies the "dressy" part of this equation.

The invitation says: Whimsical
Lee says: "Not quite a costume party, but this wedding is going to be a quirky one where creativity is encouraged. Guests are invited to use their imagination as they dress themselves in an almost anything-goes sort of atmosphere. Put on that tutu you weren't sure [you'd ever] wear out of the house."
So, wear:If Yoda on your evening gown doesn't say "whimsy," we don't know what does. Willow Bay had the right idea at the Academy Awards, and her use of a playful motif on an otherwise fancy silhouette is totally appropriate.

The invitation says: Black Tie/Formal
Lee says:"A bit less ceremonial than white tie, but still in the formal realm. Black Tie means tuxedos and gowns. Ladies can wear anything from a floor-length dress to an elegant cocktail dress. Shorter dresses have become acceptable for Black Tie events — as long as they are stunning and dressy!"
So, wear: This is an excuse to break out a favorite gown that you don't often have a reason to wear. As long as the overall effect is formal, a bit of flair — like Lena Dunham's Creatures of the Wind design with cut-out shoulders and bright stripes — is totally welcome.

The invitation says: Gatsby Chic
Lee says: "You have been invited to a theme wedding, and the missing piece of the decor will be the guests' fashion. Complete the look by dressing in your best 1920s sequined, flapper number."
So, wear: Blame Baz Luhrmann for the Gatsy obsession. We've seen this dress code popping up over the past few years. If you're not entirely gung ho, look for an outfit with subtle elements of Roaring '20s style, such as fringe, T-strap heels, or a drop-waist silhouette like Emma Stone shows off here.

The invitation says: Fancy Ranch
Lee says: "Much like Beach Formal attire, the idea here is to ironically dress formally for the informal setting. Try to find a sophisticated dress that has a bit of western style to it."
So, wear: Subtlety is key. After all, you're not baling hay, so no need to wear your toughest denim (or, heaven forbid, chaps). A sweet gingham print, as seen on Dree Hemingway's collared wrap dress, plays along with the rustic theme, while a feminine heel and clutch keep the look wedding-appropriate.

The invitation says: White Tie
Lee says: "This is at the tippy-top of the scale for formal attire. We're talking long gloves for ladies, tails for the gents. Ladies should be in elegant, floor-length gowns only."
So, wear: We can think of no better example than Olivia Wilde's recent Met Gala look. The dress is simple in silhouette and comes complete with opera-length gloves. But, the embellishments, unconventional color, and that Prada headpiece add just the right amount of personalized quirk to the strictest of dress codes.

The invitation says: Creative Black Tie
Lee says: "Your hosts are looking to have you add a little flair and personality to your formal Black Tie outfit. Choose a unique dress design or layer a fun accessory on top of your traditional ballgown or cocktail dress for a bit more pizzaz."
So, wear: This dress code is a little confusing because your hosts are saying "it's pretty fancy!" and "do you!" all at once. But, Diane Kruger's dress-over-pants combination by Donna Karan Atelier follows both guidelines beautifully.

The invitation says: Beach Formal
Lee says:"Beach Formal indicates the wedding is going to be in an informal beach setting, but still elegant and upscale enough for guests to dress their best while factoring in the sun, sand, and sea breeze. Shop for the oxymoron of a 'less-formal, formal' dress — such as a flowy, long dress. A designer's resort collection often offers the right selection for a Beach Formal guest."
So, wear: Your best printed dress — nothing too stiff or tight, as you'll want it to have some movement. Select a smaller, chunkier-heeled sandal or flat, like Alexa Chung. It's no easy feat strolling the sand in stilettos.

The invitation says: Cocktail
Lee says:"A notch below Black Tie on the attire totem pole, Cocktail attire means gentlemen in suits and ties and ladies in LBDs and other short dresses."
So, wear: Following Lee's LBD suggestion, take a hint from Dakota Fanning's off-beat option that has a sheer mesh overlay and caped back. Accompany with understated, monochrome accessories should you go for a statement silhouette such as this one.



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Ever Thought About Biking To Work? Here's What You Need

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This week is bike-to-work week. Whether you’ve got an old set of wheels gathering dust in the basement, or you’re growing tired of your daily commute (the L train’s delayed, again), there has never been a better time to start pedaling to the office. But, hitting the streets on two wheels can feel intimidating if you’re not prepared.

You can ride with confidence if you know you’re visible (to cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists), if you know where you’re headed, and if you know your bike isn’t going to get nabbed while you make a pit stop at your favorite coffee shop.

Riding your bike has been proven to make you happier and can be a great way to meet that special someone. Here's what you need to kick-start your latest healthy habit. 

Bike
If you don’t have a bike, well, that’s the first thing you need. It’s the perfect time to pick one up, with sunny summer weather up ahead. Feeling the air whoosh through your hair as you pedal to work is way better than being stuck like a sardine in a sauna on public transit.

Vilano Women's Classic Urban Commuter
If you don't need any bells and whistles — and if you'll mostly be biking on flat surfaces — try the $200 Vilano Women's Classic Urban Commuter. It requires some assembly, so you may want to take it to a local bike shop for them to put it together for you (unless you or a friend have some experience with building bikes). It comes in a lovely mint-pearl color, and at 41 pounds, it's hefty but light enough to carry up a flight of stairs if you need to.

Faraday Porteur
If your budget is larger and/or you have hills to contend with, you need something a little more than a single speed. Even the laziest of us can hop on two wheels these days with the Faraday Porteur, a cute eight-speed townie that’s actually an electric bike. Starting at $3,500 (yeah, pricey), you can customize it with a front rack if you want to tote grocery and shopping bags on your jaunts. It also has integrated front and rear LEDs, so you don’t need to purchase extra lights for your ride. It uses a belt drive, rather than a traditional metal bike chain, which is great for two reasons: It won’t rust, and it won’t get bike grease on your pants. Bamboo fenders protect you from puddles.

As for the “electric” part, it’s got a 250W motor that delivers up to 20 miles of pedal-assist riding. That is, you’re pedaling, but going significantly faster than if you were using your legs alone. To charge it, you plug it into a standard outlet, and it reaches full charge within three hours. The bike weighs 39 pounds, which isn’t too bad considering that built-in motor and battery.

Helmet
Yeah, it might mess up your perfect hairstyle, but wearing a helmet is a small price to pay for protecting your noggin from a run-in with a distracted driver or a surprise pothole.

Giro Trinity
The $40 Giro Trinity is about as sleek and simple as helmets come. It’s available in seven different color combos, including a head-turning fluorescent yellow and a handsome, matte, titanium-and-white combo. Giro has a sizing guide on its website, so you can order a lid online that will properly fit your head. Once you get it, you’ll want to adjust the dial on back to ensure it fits snugly, and tighten the chin straps; a helmet is no good if, in the event of a crash, it slips off your head. Also, make sure you’re not wearing it backwards.

Bell Strut
Also $40 (about as cheap as you can go for a quality helmet), the Bell Strut is ponytail-compatible. It comes in three colors (mint, silver, and purple) and has a snap-on visor if you prefer a little extra shade on your face. On the rear of the helmet, there's a dial you can slide for a comfortable, stable fit.

Bike Lock
Bike theft is a very real issue. There’s nothing more crushing than heading outside to hop on your beloved bike and discovering it’s nowhere to be found. A quality bike lock (and proper locking technique) can help ensure you don’t end up in that situation.

Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2
Kryptonite is a trusted name in bike locks, and the Series 2 lock ($44) is one of the best you can get for the price. It’s comprised of a steel U-lock and a four-foot cable. You still need to lock your bike up properly, ideally in a place that’s not a hotbed for bike theft, but having a thick U-lock combined with a cable makes your bike a less-attractive option to steal.

Lifehacker has a great guide for how to properly lock up your bike here. Basically: It’s most important to make sure you lock up both the rear wheel and the bike frame to the bike post; then, use the cable (or a second U-lock) to secure the front wheel, too.

Fly6
At $170, the Fly6 taillight is definitely pricey. But, it’s not just a light: It also has a built-in 720p camera for recording video and audio. Why would you need video? If you’re not doing epic bike journeys, it’s a safeguard against accidents: If a car hits you, now you’ve got video proof as to your side of the case, and that’s powerful evidence in court. And, speaking of powerful, it’s also insanely bright, putting out up to 30 lumens. On a single charge, it can last up to six hours — both shooting video and shining its light (and when it does need to charge, you just plug it in via micro USB). Video is stored on an 8 GB microSD card, which you can easily plug into your MacBook with an SD card adapter.

Lezyne Femto Drive Rear
Alright, you don’t need a fancy camera; you just want a light. Lezyne’s $15 Femto Drive tail light outputs 7 lumens, and because of its design, it gives you visibility from the sides as well as from behind. Its cylindrical aluminum body comes in seven different colors, so you can choose one that matches or complements your steed. It’s powered by a standard watch battery, which can last up to 60 hours of use depending on whether you keep it flashing, pulsing, or non-blinking.

Runtastic
Don't let the name fool you. If you want to start tracking your rides, and the calories you burn on them, you can use an app like Runtastic (Free on iOS and Android). Runtastic lets you log your rides, and, if you have specific fitness goals, can also help you stay focused to achieve them. You can monitor all sorts of fitness activities with this app, including runs, swims, and skiing — it has an Apple Watch app version, too.



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Don't Wait Until Memorial Day: The Best White Denim To Buy Now

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While there's nothing we can do about the Earth's rotation making summer temps hot as hell, we can start to swap out our favorite dark, heavy denim pieces for whiter, lighter versions. And, although the old rule about no white outside of summer has long been tossed out, of all the denim hues, we still feel most rebellious in white — in a good way.  So, let yourself get a bit cooler (both in temperature and in aesthetic) this summer with the picks ahead. From dresses to culottes to denim shirts, we've rounded up the all-white denim pieces you'll live in this summer — and beyond. 


The frayed edges make this girly silhouette, well, edgy.

Shine (subtly) bright in these sequined boyfriend jeans.

The It denim skirt this spring is a button-down iteration, so take it to the next level sans color.

— SPONSORED —

Shake up the squeaky-clean shade by choosing a distressed pair for a more casual vibe.

A long, white jacket is the dopest way to do denim all spring and summer long.

The black stitching takes these from culottes to cool-ottes.

Switch up your hat game with this embellished denim version.

We'd pick these over-all.

Nope, you can't beat Coach's classic silhouette.

Not too loose, not too tight, this relaxed fit is just right.

When the temps start to drop in fall, you can throw a turtleneck underneath.

High-waisted flares will elevate your standard T-shirt-and-jeans uniform.

Try a white denim button-up on days when your jean jacket is just a tad too heavy.

These super-cool, sporty jeans are a non-cheesy way to dress up for Independence Day.

Short dresses are best in denim — the heavier fabric minimizes the chances of your skirt flying up.

Opt for a vest instead of a jean jacket when it gets really toasty out.

Shout-out to the straps on this pinafore dress.



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The 14 Best Places To Eat On The Lower East Side

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The Lower East Side may be best known to you as the home of rowdy, rollicking nightlife, but that adventure extends to the food scene as well. Restaurants here tend to be as tiny and crowded as bars, but see it as an excuse to meet new people and try new things before you even hit the party scene. You might know iconic spots like Katz's Delicatessen or bagel heaven Russ & Daughters, but it's time to venture outside your comfort zone. The immigrant heritage of the LES colors its cuisine, leading to some fascinating hybrids — Chinese-Italian? French-Asian-American fusion? It all makes sense here.

Clinton Street Baking Company
They do much more than sweets, but it's the sweets that you'll get in line for. There's wild Maine blueberry pancakes and caramelized banana French toast for breakfast, plus loads of pie, cake, and milkshakes. But, if you insist on eating real protein (as fans of the bakery did years ago, pushing the owners to expand to other meals), then you won't be disappointed. Go for the fried chicken!

Clinton Street Baking Company, 4 Clinton Street (between East Houston and Stanton streets); 646-602-6263.

Contra
Like some other punk-rock places in this neighborhood, Contra has very little signage out front to help you find it. But youll forgive them once you do, because their tasting menu is the rare arrangement that wont make you forfeit rent: a mere $55 for 5 courses. Recent offerings included a broccoli soup with uni, and swordfish with peas and pepper, gorgeously plated and delicately delicious.

Contra, 138 Orchard Street (between Rivington and Delancey streets); 212-466-4633 .

Freemans
Hidden at the end of an alley, this restaurant may have invented the lumberjack-hipster look. The walls are covered in stuffed animal heads like a hunting lodge, and the food is similarly rustic, like a cassoulet with three cuts of pork, or grilled trout with garlic and thyme. Luckily, it’s so delicious you’ll forgive them for the bearded masses.

Freemans, End of Freeman Alley, Off Rivington Street (between Bowery and Chrystie Street); 212-420-0012.

Ivan Ramen
A Jewish kid from Long Island who opened a ramen shop in Tokyo? You have to admire the chutzpah. Chef Ivan Orkin succeeded with the noodle connoisseurs in Japan, and then opened another shop here on the Lower East Side. Of course the ramen is amazing, (hello triple-pork, triple-garlic!), but there are other great dishes too, like the braised beef tongue.

Ivan Ramen, 25 Clinton Street (between East Houston and Stanton streets); 646-678-3859.

Cata
The vivid red and yellow interior invokes the flag of Spain, preparing you for the Catalan tapas you're about to inhale. The menu is divided into categories of sea, land, and vegetables, so there will be an option (or five) for everyone at your table. Oh, and the wide selection of gin and tonics is a refreshing kick against all of those bright flavors.

Cata, 245 Bowery (between Stanton and Prince streets); 212-505-2282.

Dimes
Take your Bay Area-friend here (you know, the gluten-free, dairy-free, veggie-tastic one), when they come to visit. The cuisine is healthy and creative, like spiced quinoa with eggplant and chickpeas, or braised chicken with lemon-apricot couscous. New York can do that ultra-fresh thing, too, you know.

Dimes, 143 Division Street (between Orchard and Ludlow streets); 212-240-9410.

The Fat Radish
You don't have to fight about where to eat: The Fat Radish is great for the vegetarians, but placates the carnivores with a killer bacon cheeseburger and pork chop. Your group will also agree on the gorgeously bright, all-white space, which perfectly complements the delicious food.

The Fat Radish, 17 Orchard Street (between Hester and Canal streets); 212-300-4053.

Mission Cantina
The bold blue and red exterior at this corner spot makes way for bright, colorful, neon lights. The playfulness keeps right on coming with Mission's "whimsical" Mexican cuisine, which features slight Asian touches. The tacos are inventive, but the shared plates are even more experimental, like smoked pork jowl with peanuts and fried lime leaves, or a three-egg omelette with sea urchin.

Mission Cantina, 172 Orchard Street (at Stanton Street); 212-254-2233.

Kuma Inn
If you hate sharing, Kuma Inn is not the place for you. The menu is 100% tapas, with chef King Phojanakong pulling culinary inspo (and talent) from his Filipino mother and Thai father. The small plates are a good way to get to know these flavors, with fan favorites like the drunken spicy shrimp with sake and baby octopus with bamboo shoots. Oh, and it's BYOB. You don't have to share that part, if you don't want.

Kuma Inn, 113 Ludlow Street (between Delancey and Rivington streets); 212-353-8866.

Louie & Chan
Of all the culinary mashups, Italian and Chinese? Louie & Chan pulls it off, with an Italian restaurant upstairs and a Chinese lounge/club downstairs. The food is pasta and pizza with special little details, like shelled clams and lemon zest, or kale and guanciale. The fun continues with Chinese cocktails — the signature Chan's Tonic contains 14 herbal ingredients that are infused for a year before hitting your glass.

Louie & Chan, 303 Broome Street (at Forsyth Street); 212-837-2816.

The Leadbelly
The place somewhat resembles the basement of your college dorm, but you can use that as an excuse to get college-style tipsy. There's an epic cocktail list, featuring liqueurs you're never even heard of, plus lots of yummy little plates of cheeses and baba ghanoush. You know, for when you get the late-night munchies.

The Leadbelly, 14 Orchard Street (at Canal Street); 646-596-9142.

Thelma on Clinton
Chef Melissa O'Donnell opened Salt Bar in this locale in 2003, and closed it at the decade mark to rebrand. Her newly reinvented space is Thelma on Clinton, and it aims to "reflect the diversity of the Lower East Side." What's that look like? A sort of French-Asian-American fusion, like a soy-poached chicken with bok choy, or smoked duck breast with a dried fruit compote. Very cool, and very yummy.

Thelma on Clinton, 29A Clinton Street (between East Houston and Stanton streets); 212-979-8471.

Taquitoria
If the only time you’ve ever actually had a taquito is off one of those little rollers at 7-Eleven, prepare to be delighted. With these little Mexican meat roll-ups, you pick a filling, pick a cheese, eat, and repeat, as they're five for $8. Consider it a simple and delicious cheap eat.

Taquitoria, 168 Ludlow Street (at Stanton Street); 212-780-0121.

Fung Tu
Here you’ll find extremely high-end Chinese-American food from a chef whose last stop was at Per Se. Jonathan Wu offers entrees like fried pork chops or soybean sprouts with squid and pork, but his smaller plates are more innovative. See, for example, the fried egg roll with pork belly and leeks, or a masa and scallion flatbread.

Fung Tu, 22 Orchard Street (between Hester and Canal streets); 212-219-8785.



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