Halloween is hands down the best holiday—and no matter which day October 31 lands, collegiettes are busy preparing for Halloweekend and the numerous parties to come. Finding the right costume to wear to said shindigs can be overwhelming, so why not look to some of your fave TV shows for inspo?

DIY’ng a character found in your Netflix queue is easy, quick and cheap. Whether it be you and your bestie dressing up as Riverdale favorites Veronica and Betty, or your whole squad bringing Seattle Grace Hospital to campus with Grey’s Anatomy digs, TV character costumes are a fun time for all.

Riverdale

Not only is Riverdale filled with insanely hot guys and girls, it also features intense characters and wardrobes that make great costumes. From besties Betty and Veronica to the couple lovingly known as #bughead, the options are endless.

Grey’s Anatomy

This Halloween costume choice, like its on-screen inspiration, will never go out of style. An easy costume to put together for groups or individuals is one from Grey's Anatomy, which allows you bring characters to life without having to worry about stumping anyone over your costume choice, Also, this option makes for a quick costume for all of you in the medical field—now you have an extra use for that expensive lab coat you had to buy.

Orange is the New Black

Dressing up as the ladies from OITNB makes for another great group costume option. Kick it solo as the badass Alex Vause, or in a large group for a fun and easy costume.

Glow

This Netflix series about women in wrestling makes for a great opportunity to bring the big hair of the '80s to any party. A great chance to experiment in body glitter and intense eyeshadow, the women of Glow make a great costume choice.

Bojack Horseman

Yes. Bojack Horseman. The cartoon series that features talking cats and horses makes for a comical costume that will dub you the life of the party. Princess Carolyn is a great chance for some DIY, with her fish dress and pink hair. Regardless of which character you choose, you’ll be sure to turn some heads.

Stranger Things

Ever since the release of this iconic series, costume parties have been filled with people dressed as Eleven, in her pink dress and waffles. While that is a great option, think about going for short-lived Barb or even overly eccentric Joyce. Oh, and remember to practice your scream for when you see the Demogorgon.

It seems like every time we scroll through our Instagram or Pinterest feeds for new nail art inspo, most of the looks are shown on ultra long nails that look like they require tons of maintenance. While Kylie Jenner-esque nails may be the nail shape of choice right now, it’s definitely not a look that’s practical for everyone. (Any contact lens-wearing collegiette that’s ever tried to take out contacts at the end of the day with long nails knows what we mean—not gonna happen.) Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to achieve standout nails without growing them out. These nail art looks are flattering and lengthening on short nails, no struggle necessary.

1. Marble

While marble nails look like they’d involve spending hours squinting over your nails trying to get the design just right, but this simple dipping method used to get the look means they’re actually one of the easiest looks for ladies with short nails to achieve.

To try this for yourself, you’ll need a small bowl of water, toothpicks, black and white or gray nail polish, and some Vaseline. Take the bowl of water and add a drop or two of each nail polish color, starting with the black or gray shade. Use the toothpick to carefully swirl the colors together to get a marbled effect. Before dipping your nails, make sure you’ve used a base coat and have coated your surrounding skin in Vaseline to avoid having a mess on your hands. Dip your nail into the mixture and voilà! After your nails dry, any excess polish on your cuticles should come right off when you remove the Vaseline.

Related: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Getting the Perfect Manicure

2. Subtle Glitter

You’ve ombré-ed your hair before, but what about your nails? Because the color is concentrated near your cuticle, glitter ombré nails create the illusion of longer nail beds, and it’s an easy look to achieve because it doesn’t have to be precise and perfect in order to look salon-worthy.

After coating your nails in a base color and allowing it to dry completely (we love a neutral hue against colorful glitter, as shown here!), take a glitzy nail polish of your choice and coat 3/4 of your nail, starting at the cuticle. Add a second coat, but stop halfway to the top of your nail the second time around. Finish off the look with a third coat of glitter, concentrated near your cuticle, creating a gradual ombré effect. Don’t forget your top coat!

3. Mixed and Matched

What if we told you there’s a really easy way to do nail art without actually doing nail art? While painting tiny designs on small, short nails can be a struggle, adding an accent nail or two in an eclectic mix-and-match style looks just as fun as nail art, without dedicating hours to your mani. We love the look of a single glittery or metallic ring finger to compliment the rest of your nails. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even pick one accent nail for nail art and keep the rest of your digits simple—it’ll be a huge time-saver.

4. Reverse French Mani

Much like with glitter ombré nails, the reverse French mani creates the perfect half moon shape at the base of your nail, which is ideal for extending the line of nails that are on the shorter side.

Have a shaky hand? No sweat. There’s a mind-blowingly easy hack for achieving smooth lines: Remember those binder reinforcement stickers? Yeah, they’re your new nail art miracle product. After painting your nails with a base color, simply stick them at the base of the nail, placing the holes where you want your half-moon shape to go. Paint over your nails with a second color and let them dry. When you remove the stickers, you’ll have a flawless reverse French manicure look.

5. Teensy Triangles

Are you seeing a pattern here? Basically, any nail art look that creates an upward-and-outward effect on your nails is ideal for looking mega-flattering on short nails, which is what makes this minimalist triangle mani so great.

Once again, creating a bit of a sticky situation will majorly help here unless you have an insanely steady hand—cutting out teeny triangles in blue painters tape should do the trick. Paint your nails the color you want your triangle details to be, and allow them to dry. Stick down your triangles and polish your nails again with a second color. Remove the tape to reveal super smooth lines once your nails are dry. Easy enough!

6. Starry-Eyed

Your nails may be short, but they can still pack a major punch—and this galaxy look is proof. Because this look involves sponging on and layering colors in a way that’s easy and imprecise, it’s easy to DIY it on short nails and is an amazing, eye-catching look when you’re finished.

Calling all ladies with a sizable nail polish collection: this one is for you. While this tutorial uses a total of seven different polishes including glitter to top it off, you can customize it and make it your own with as few or as many hues as you want. You’ll also need a makeup sponge, a toothpick, some q-tips and nail polish remover on hand. To start, paint your nails in black. Once they’re dry, it’s time for the fun part. Take a makeup sponge and pile on silver, blue and bright purple nail polishes. Finish off the look with your “stars,” a.k.a. white dots using a toothpick and a light coat of gold or silver glitter. Clean up any polish on your cuticles with a q-tip dipped in polish remover.

7. On The Side

This sideways twist on French tips takes the look from typical to on-trend—and the sharp diagonal line is especially flattering on shorter nails. This is a look that can easily be achieved with a bit of painter’s tape and two complimentary colors of polish. We’re loving this look which incorporates rose gold metallic polish at the tip. To nail (pun completely intended) the look, use Essie’s “Penny Talk” on top of your favorite neutral polish.

8. Walk on the Wild Side

Considering ultimate #GirlBoss and J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons once called leopard print a neutral, we’re all for finding a way to wear it on our nails. Leopard nails look like they take some professional-level nail art skills, but they’re actually surprisingly easy to create with a dotting tool—or the rounded end of a bobby pin if you don’t have one on hand. The standout pattern will make your short nails as statement-making as the next girl’s super long tips.

Start by doing your nails with a nude polish. On top, use a dotting tool to place dots in a darker tan or beige nail polish—don’t worry about making them perfectly round, either. The more imperfect they are, the better the final product will look. After letting the first layer of spots dry, use the dotting tool to outline them with smaller black spots. 

9. Simple Stripe

When all else fails, simple stripes are the way to go. While the look may seem simple at first glance, there is tons you can do with lots of thinly-sliced tape and a little creativity. Wondering why it’s perfect for short nails? Opting for simple vertically-placed stripes will elongate your nails—kind of like wearing a striped shirt in order to look taller. Don’t be afraid to mix it up either—try a different striped look on each nail as shown above for a final product that’s bold, not boring.

The short-nailed struggle doesn’t have to be real—with the right nail art techniques, your nails can be just as statement-making as your bestie’s acrylic tips. 

IHOP has really thrown us for a loop this year so far. First, changing their name to IHOB (and back again), and now they’ve decided to make their very own beer? Where is all this coming from IHOP?

For any diehard pancake AND beer fan — your wish has come true. IHOP is now releasing an exclusive limited edition Pumpkin Pancake American Stout, or as they call it, IHOPS. Very punny.

Their slogan is “pancakin’ beer” and that just says it all. The pancake house teamed up with Keegan Ales to deliver this “innovative new flavor” which is supposed to give us the “warm and fuzzy feeling of pancakes in time for fall”, according to their website.

The beer supposedly tastes like a perfect combination of pancakes, maple syrup, pumpkins and other ingredients at a Sunday morning breakfast. This just screams fall, doesn’t it? It’s literally screaming at you, with a jug of maple syrup in hand.

Unfortunately, (or maybe not unfortunately? Who’s to be sure) the beer is not set to be sold at any restaurants. The only place you can pick it up is at select bars and beer festivals in the tri-state area.

So, there you have it. IHOP is at it again with something truly alarming. I’m not sure if I can handle what’s to come next. For now, let’s see if this pancake beer stands up to par. If not, maybe we’ll just have to chase it down with some maple syrup.

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Thursday, following allegations from Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when the two were in high school.

In a tearful opening statement, as shared by The Atlantic,  Ford shared her background and the events that lead to her testimony. She noted that she had previously talked about her experiences — both in a couple's therapy session in 2012, as the effects of her assault had led to far-reaching issues for her mental health, and to a small number of her friends over the years. 

"I am here today not because I want to be. I am terrified," Ford said. "I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school."

"I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school."

Poised, yet very clearly upset, Ford shared what she says she experienced on a summer night in 1982 when she was 15 and Kavanaugh was 17: 

“I was pushed onto the bed and Brett got on top of me,” Ford said. “He began running his hands over my body and grinding his hips into me. I yelled, hoping someone downstairs might hear me, and tried to get away from him, but his weight was heavy. Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time because he was so drunk, and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit under my clothes. I believed he was going to rape me.”

As Ford is a professor of psychology, her testimony seemingly doubled as an expert testimony when it came to discussing the physical and mental effects of what she experienced. One moment, when she was describing the alleged assault and the behavior between Kavanaugh and his friend Mark Judge, who Ford says was also in the room during the attack, had caught the attention of the Internet. 

“Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter, the uproarious laughter between the two,” she said. “And their having fun at my expense.”

Throughout the remainder of the hearing, Republican members of the Committee had deferred their questions to Rachel Mitchell, a sex crimes prosecutor from Arizona. Mitchell, during her turns, asked Ford a number of questions about her testimony — including questions about the logistics of her getting to her hearing (as Ford said she was afraid of flying) and other questions as to whether she was entirely certain that Brett Kavanaugh was the person who assaulted her. 

Allison Leotta, a former federal sex crimes prosecutor, tweeted that she believed Mitchell's process was far closer to a cross examination than that of someone "trying to find the truth." 

"Do not for a minute think this sex crimes prosecutor is trying to find the truth about a sex crime. This is how you cross examine someone. Nail down the documents, then start picking apart minor details," she wrote. "I’d hoped Rachel Mitchell would act like a prosecutor, but she is 100% acting as the Republicans’ defense attorney." 

The optics of the hearing — particularly the stark contrast between  Mitchell and Ford's exchanges and those of Democrats who addressed her directly — were discussed at length online. As Democratic Senators lauded Ford as "heroic" and thanked her for her "bravery," the silence on the part of their Republican colleagues felt telling, with reports of GOP insiders regretting the decision to have Mitchell take the wheel. 

In Kavanaugh's opening statement, per BuzzFeed News, he argued that the allegations were part of a "political hit" which he said was "fueled with apparent pent-up anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, fear that has been unfairly stoked about my judicial record, revenge on behalf of the Clintons, and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups." He also repeatedly cited his academics and time on sports teams to vouch for his character at the time of the allegations. 

Kavanaugh also once again denied the allegations, citing a friend of Ford's who said she didn't recall the night in question:

"Less than two weeks ago Dr. Ford publicly accused me of committing wrongdoing at an event more than 36 years ago when we were both in high school. I denied the allegation immediately, categorically and unequivocally. All four people allegedly at the event, including Dr. Ford’s longtime friend Ms. Kaiser, have said they recall no such event. Her longtime friend, Ms. Kaiser, said under penalty of felony that she does not know me and does not believe she ever saw me at a party ever."

Kavanaugh's testimony contrasted thoroughly from Ford's. While she remained calm, if distressed, he was openly sharing his emotions — particularly anger — and directing them at the Senators who questioned him. 

One notable moment occurred during questioning from Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, when she was asking Kavanaugh, per statements from friends, about his reported drinking habits when he was in college and high school.

She'd asked whether he'd ever gotten drunk enough that he'd "blacked out" and forgotten the events of a night, also mentioning that her own father had drinking problems. He, somewhat glibly, turned around and asked her "have you?" but later apologized for the comment. 

Toward the end of what was a full and exhausting day of testimonies (which were undoubtedly a lot for viewers, particularly those who may have experienced sexual assault in their own lives), Sen. Kamala Harris of California addressed Kavanaugh and asked him about whether he had taken a polygraph test, as Ford had (he did not), whether he would request an FBI investigation (no) and whether "men can both be friends with woman and treat other women badly?” (yes).  

Finally, she asked him if he'd watched the testimony from Dr. Ford from earlier this morning. 

"I planned to, but I did not," he said. "I was preparing mine."

Update 7:15 p.m. EST

Following the hearing, President Trump tweeted that he believed the Senate should go through with the vote in the next week, which cast doubt on the theory that he'd consider pulling Kavanaugh following Ford's testimony: "Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting. Democrats’ search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. The Senate must vote!"

Jared Hensley, assistant principal and athletic director at Soddy-Daisy High in Tennessee, has been placed on administrative leave after he said “girls ruin pretty much everything” in a video he made for the student body.

According to ABC News, the video was meant to announce a ban on athletic shorts — which he said he “had” to enforce, despite knowing that it would make boys unhappy. 

“And if you want to blame someone, blame the girls, because they pretty much ruin everything," Hensley said in the video. "They ruin the dress code, well — ask Adam. Look at Eve. That's really all you got to get to. You can go back to the beginning of time.”

He continued, “So, it'll be like that for the rest of your life; get used to it, keep your mouth shut, suck it up and follow the rules.”

The video was uploaded to YouTube but quickly taken down. The Chattanooga Times Free Press re-uploaded it, which resulted in backlash and accusations of misogyny from both the school’s community and the entire internet. 

Oh, and Cher.

Hamilton County Superintendent Bryan Johnson made the announcement that Hensley would be placed on leave on Wednesday.

“We have reviewed the video content,” Johnson said in a statement. “We find the comments about young women in this video inexcusable, as the sentiments expressed do not align with the values of Hamilton County Schools. The situation is under investigation, and this employee has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.”

Others — including female students at the school and even the senior class president — came to Hensley’s defense. 

There’s currently no word on if or when Hensley will return to his position at the school.

Jenni "JWoww Farley" and her husband of nearly three years, Roger Mathews, are reportedly calling it quits. 

According to New Jersey's Asbury Park Press, JWoww filed for divorce in Ocean County, New Jersey on September 12. "The Plaintiff and the Defendant have irreconcilable differences which have caused the breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months which make it appear that the marriage should be dissolved and that there is no prospect of reconciliation," court documents stated. 

The two were preparing to celebrate their third wedding anniversary together, though they dated for nearly five years before tying the knot. They initially met when JWoww was filming Jersey Shore's third season, and they got engaged on the show's spin-off, ​Snooki & JWoww. 

Mathews posted an Instagram just two days after JWoww filed for divorce, though the message's cause was unclear at the time.

"Sometimes we must find ourselves within ourselves. Finding yourself doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. It means coming to terms with shortcomings within yourself for the greater good. Not just the greater good of yourself. The greater good of those you care the most about," Mathews wrote. "Takes a lot of vulnerability and being able to accept shortcomings and that you were wrong even if your heart was in the right place. I still like me, just need to be a better me cause it ain’t just about me. Time. It’s the one thing we can’t get back. I’ve squandered some. Crawling into a hole or feeling bad for yourself never fixed shit." 

The former couple shares two children together: two-year-old Greyson Valor and four-year-old Meilani Alexandra. 

As Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, he addressed his controversial and cryptic senior yearbook page from 1983. 

Leading up to the hearing, many people had speculated that the various comments on the Georgetown Preparatory School yearbook page were references to binge drinking and sexual exploits. However, Kavanaugh tried to provide alternative definitions to the terms' popular slang meanings.

"Devil's Triangle"

Common definition: A threesome involving two men and one woman, per Urban Dictionary. Additionally, Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for one of the women who accused Kavanaugh of being present at parties where gang rapes took place, previously implied that Kavanaugh's use of the term was sexual. 

Kavanaugh's definition: A drinking game with three cups arranged in a triangle. 

"Boofed"

"Judge, have you boofed yet?" appears on Kavanaugh's yearbook page. 

Common definition: The "practice of anally ingesting alcohol or drugs," according to The New Yorker. 

Kavanaugh's definition: A joke about "flatulence."

"Renate Alumnius"

Throughout the 1983 yearbook, this phrase reportedly appears at least 14 times. It's in reference to Renate Schroeder, a student who attended a Catholic girls' school near Georgetown Prep. 

Kavanaugh's classmates' definition: An inside joke about apparent sexual conquests with Schroeder, two classmates told The New York Times. One classmate added that the Georgetown Prep boys were known for being "very disrespectful, at least verbally, with Renate." 

Kavanaugh's definition: A joke "clumsily intended to show affection and that [Schroeder] was one of us." He described her as "a good female friend."

Schroeder initially signed a letter along with 64 other women pledging her support for Kavanaugh; however, after the yearbook page was leaked, she said she didn't actually know what "Renate Alumnius" meant. "I can't begin to comprehend what goes through the minds of 17-year-old boys who write such things, but the insinuation is horrible, hurtful and simply untrue," she said in a statement. "I pray their daughters are never treated this way. I will have no further comment."

"FFFFFFourth of July"

This term isn't commonly used; however, Avenatti alleged that the six F's stood for "Find them, French them, Feel them, Finger them, Fuck them, Forget them."

Kavanaugh instead claimed that this wasn't an acronym, but rather a nod to a friend of his who "wound up" his F's before saying the "F-word," per CBS News. 

As Kavanaugh provided all of these definitions, there were no mentions close to what he described on Google — until someone in Washington, D.C. updated Wikipedia entries. According to Congress-Edits, which tracks updates to the crowdsourced website from congressional IP addresses, someone on Capitol Hill updated Wikipedia to include an entry for "Devil's Triangle" as a drinking game. 

The post has since been removed from Wikipedia. 

If you're tired of searching for horror movies on Netflix that are actually scary, consider turning to TV shows to get you in the Halloween spirit instead. Many television shows do unique episodes for Halloween, and they're always fun to watch (and re-watch!). Here are the 7 best Halloween episodes on Netflix—guaranteed to scare!

1. Twilight Zone, "Living Doll"

While this technically isn't a Halloween episode, it's one of the creepiest storylines in a show dedicated to showing disturbing stories.

2. That '70s Show, "Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die"

This hilarious episode spoofs well-known Alfred Hitchcock movies.

3. American Horror Story, "Halloween Part 2"

This is one of the best episodes in what is arguably the best season of AHS.

Related: The 8 Best Halloween Costumes Worn By TV Characters

4. Parks and Recreation, "Greg Pikitis"

If you ever wanted to see Ann Perkins dressed as Raggedy Ann, now's your chance.

5. Freaks and Geeks, "Tricks and Treats"

One of the most touching Halloween episodes ever shown on TV, it really captures how it feels to grow up.

6. Parks and Recreation, "Meet 'N' Greet"

We love Parks and Rec so much that we couldn't pick just one Halloween episode. "Meet 'N' Greet" is laugh-out-loud funny.

7. Friends, "The One with the Halloween Party"

This episode is such a classic. Who could forget Ross's punny costume?

Get ready to laugh, scream...and wish it was Halloween already. These 7 classic Halloween-themed TV episodes are some of the best!

Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

President Trump Reacts to Kavanaugh Hearing

On Thursday, both Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in regards to Ford's allegation that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were in high school. Ford was forced to recount what happened in detail, as well as answer numerous questions from a prosecutor brought in by GOP senators who didn't want to question her themselves. Kavanaugh's angry demeanor contrasted thoroughly from Ford's. Read an entire recap here:

Thousands of people followed the hearing throughout the day, many taking to social media to share their reactions. President Trump was among them, seemingly implying that he will not revoke Kavanaugh's nomination. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, Trump was "glued to the television" and "heartened" by Kavanaugh's testimony. Aides described the president as proud of Kavanaugh, even "happier" that the judge was defending himself. However, he also called the hearing "brutal" and "hard to watch" during an evening GOP fundraiser. 

A senior administration official reportedly called Kavanaugh's performance as "powerful...strong...game changing" in a text message. Donald Trump Jr. was more public about his support for Kavanaugh, tweeting throughout the day about both him and Ford. 

Speculation Looms Over Confirmation Vote for Kavanaugh

Thursday night was filled with back-and-forth reports regarding when the Senate would vote on the confirmation of Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. According to the Associated Press, Republican senators said the Judiciary Committee still plans to vote Friday morning. If they do, the next step would be a procedural vote on the Senate floor Saturday at noon. A final vote could take place as soon as Tuesday. 

Throughout Thursday evening, numerous senators voiced their plans for Friday's vote. GOP Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee said that he'll be voting to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. "I know it took courage for Dr. Ford to appear before the committee today," Corker said in an email statement. "I also very strongly believe that Judge Kavanaugh, like all Americans, deserves the presumption of innocence and that it was equally as important for him to have the opportunity to address the charges and defend himself."

Alabama Senator Doug Jones, a moderate Democrat, announced that he's voting no on Kavanaugh's confirmation. He said the process "has been flawed from the beginning," and that Ford was credible and courageous. 

Others are apparently still undecided, like Democratic senator Heidi Heikamp of North Dakota. She said she needs to "fully digest" the committee hearing; although, she did stress that a nonpartisan FBI investigation over Ford's claims should be conducted. Arizona Republican Jeff Flake called the decision a "tough call," adding that Ford's account "was compelling," but "lacking corroboration from those who were there." 

Meanwhile, the American Bar Association — which initially gave Kavanaugh a "well-qualified ranking — called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to actually halt his consideration "because of the ABA's respect for the rule of law and due process under law." The organization issued a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein, which CNN obtained: "The basic principles that underscore the Senate's constitutional duty of advice and consent on federal judicial nominees require nothing less than a careful examination of the accusations and facts by the FBI," said Robert Carlson, president of the ABA. 

He continued, "Each appointment to our nation's Highest Court (as with all others) is simply too important to rush to a vote. Deciding to proceed without conducting additional investigation would not only have a lasting impact on the Senate's reputation, but it will also negatively affect the great trust necessary for the American people to have in the Supreme Court."

Kavanaugh has previously cited the ABA's rating of him as a positive. On Thursday, he said, "For 12 years, everyone who has appeared before me on the D.C. Circuit has praised my judicial temperament. That's why I have the unanimous, well qualified rating from the American Bar Association."

SEC Suing Elon Musk

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced on Thursday that its suing SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO Elon Musk for alleged securities fraud. "Musk's false and misleading public statements and omissions caused significant confusion and disruption in the market for Tesla's stock and resulting harm to investors," the lawsuit — which was filed in federal court in New York City — says, according to NPR. 

The "statements" and "omissions" are in reference to Musk's tweets about having "funding secured" to take Tesla private. Despite making this announcement on social media, the SEC's complaint says Musk "had not even discussed, much less confirmed, key deal terms, including price, with any potential funding source." 

NPR reported that the SEC ultimately wants Musk to be banned from acting as an officer or director of any publicly traded company. However, he denies the allegations. "This unjustified action by the SEC leaves me deeply saddened and disappointed. I have always taken action in the best interests of truth, transparency and investors," Musk told NPR in an emailed statement. "Integrity is the most important value in my life and the facts will show I never compromised this in any way." 

Tesla separately voiced its support for Musk, stating the company and its board of directors "are fully confident in Elon, his integrity, and his leadership of the company, which has resulted in the most successful US auto company in over a century." 

What to look for...

Beer. It's National Drink Beer Day. You deserve it. 

Every choice we make has more impact than we realize, and our actions have the power to create a big difference in our communities. Considering that, we are firm believers that there can be more good in the world – right down to being conscientious of the makeup you use every day. There’s no better way to create your own shine than with clean makeup that’s full of quality ingredients free of harsh toxins.

To help you feel the power of good, Her Campus is hitting the road with bareMinerals to bring clean, natural makeup across Boston!

At each stop, attendees will be able to learn more about the latest line of bareMinerals products – and even go home with samples of SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion Serum and SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Eye Gel Cream of their own. Plus, each package has two products, so you can keep one for you and share the other with a friend, all in an effort to share a smile and spread positivity with those around you.

You can visit us on tour at any of the below locations and times:

• Faneuil Hall - Sept. 28, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• Moakley Park - Sept. 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• City Hall Plaza - Sept. 29, 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Northeastern (Forsyth Street near Ruggles) - Oct. 1, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Chestnut Hill Square - Oct. 2, 5 p.m. - 8 p. m.

RSVP to our Facebook event for the latest updates. We can’t wait to see on the road! For more information about the power of good mission, visit bareMinerals.com.

A new documentary, Swiped: Hooking Up in the Digital Age, is getting real about how online dating culture is affecting our real-life romances.

In a world where people can quickly scroll through dozens of Tinder profiles with just a flick of their thumbs, writer-director Nancy Jo Sales (of the famous Alexis Neiers, Bling Ring phone call) says she hopes her film will “bring to life and humanize the people in these stacks of pictures.”

According to CNN, research scientist Justin Garcia says that adults age 18-30 spend about 10 hours each week on dating apps, so it’s no wonder people sometimes feel like they’re drowning in options. One of the film’s interviewees discussed Tinder with a kind of detached nonchalance that can only be borne out of constant exposure. “Just in like economic terms, if you have a surplus of options, then the value goes down … one way or another, I’m just swiping, and then there’s somebody else immediately,” he said.

This practical view of potential partners as “surplus” in an economy may even contribute to a startling issue that Sales learned about through her interviews —a connection between dating apps and sexual violence.

Britain’s National Crime Agency found in 2014 that 184 people reported being raped by someone they’d met through online dating, up from 33 in 2009. Rape is underreported in and of itself, and some people may be even more hesitant to come forward if they met their attacker through online dating, so it’s likely that the real number is even higher than 184.

“Swiped” also tackles the issue of racism in online dating, as some interviewees cited seeing profiles that explicitly rejected black users.

In an interview with NPR, Sales says she believes that “dating apps normalize things that are unacceptable,” since users are more or less free to pick and choose which qualities they want in a match. This can make for a turbulent and unstable dating life, and the ramifications of online dating probably haven’t reached their tipping points yet.

Maybe “Swiped” will help pull back the curtain and give young people a reason to uninstall Tinder for the first –or fifth, no judgment here— time. Catch the film on HBO and decide for yourself.

Nasty Gal is catching some nasty backlash after their recent "size inclusive" addition to their clothing line. The affordable online fashion brand was called out for its previously narrow size selection. Last Tuesday, Nasty Gal responded to the critique by extending their sizes, with their sizes ranging from 0-18. Fashion lovers rejoiced at first, appreciating the move to be more size inclusive. However, according to plus size women who follow the brand, this size range still leaves something to be desired, as most plus-sizes start from sizes 22 to 24 (rather than 18). 

Nasty Gal was excited, saying that they were finally "joining the party" of size inclusive brands. However, not only did Nasty Gal fail to extend sizes in the other direction, by including smaller and petite sizes, but they did not include as diverse a range of larger sizes than they thought. Many plus size women on Twitter deemed Nasty Gal's expansion as insensitive and ignorant, saying how they still could not buy any of Nasty Gal's pieces. 

We can say there was at least an attempt to be more size inclusive. However, Nasty Gal's attempt just didn't cut it, and we can understand why. When a brand declares to be more inclusive, they are taking an opportunity to make the already size-sparse market better for a diverse range of consumers. If anything, this was a missed opportunity to make more sizes for women who already struggle to find cute clothes in their size. Nasty Gal is planning to add even more sizes to their line, but the intentions of the brand are now in question. They did not get it right the first time, but we're hoping they'll get it right the third time around. 

The fake news epidemic has taken off in the U.S. ever since the 2016 election. It’s become a lot harder to stay a fair, objective and respected journalist, but Alisyn Camerota makes it look easy. From a college TV station to Fox & Friends to CNN’s New Day, where she currently anchors, Camerota’s experience gives her a unique insight into what you see when you watch the news. 

Now, she’s sharing that knowledge. In her debut novel, Amanda Wakes Up, (now in paperback!) Camerota gives a glimpse into what it means to be a journalist right now. From work-life balance to ratings-based stories, Camerota covers all the struggles and dilemmas a young reporter faces. 

Her Campus got a chance to catch up with Camerota learn more about Camerota’s years at American University, how she built her career and the advice she has for young women facing sexism in the workplace. 

Her Campus: So, let’s start at the beginning. Why did you decide to study broadcast? And, specifically, why in D.C.?

Alisyn Camerota: When I was in high school, I would watch Phil Donahue on TV. One day, there was truly an ah-ha moment where I thought “Oh my gosh, is that a career? What do you call that job?” I only applied to colleges that had TV stations because I was so interested in doing it. I got a full 4-year scholarship to AU. That’s what made the decision for me. 

I showed up at WAVE-TV [American University’s on-campus television station, now known as ATV] like my first week on campus. The second semester of my freshman year I became an anchor, and my co-anchor was a guy named Rick Leventhal. We worked together for 16 years at Fox and we would always crack up that this was our dream when we were at AU and we actually made it happen. 

HC: That is such a cute story. I guess it’s safe to say that you would tell young journalists that the connections they make really matter!

AC: Well, for sure! The connections that you make in college are really important. Craig Stevens, who was my co-host after Rick graduated, is still the lead anchor in local news in Miami and he has been there since graduating. A lot of the kids that I worked with at WAVE-TV got jobs instantly and are still working in broadcast journalism. 

HC: While you’re thinking about all these journalists you’ve worked with over time, are there any qualities that they all have in common that make them such successful journalists?

AC: Definitely tenacity. This is not a career for the faint of heart. These are all people who wanted to go stand in storms when a hurricane was coming in, who wanted to rush to the crime scene, who wanted to go where breaking news happened. You need to have this drive in your blood because it’s a hard job. It gets easier, but the first years are exhausting.

This is not a career for the faint of heart. These are all people who wanted to go stand in storms when a hurricane was coming in, who wanted to rush to the crime scene, who wanted to go where breaking news happened. You need to have this drive in your blood because it’s a hard job.

HC: In Amanda Wakes Up, it seems that she really struggles with maintaining her relationship with her boyfriend and trying to make it in her field. It becomes about the sacrifices she has to make to keep the balance. Is that a struggle that comes with being a journalist?

AC: Well, I think it just comes from being ambitious. I think that if you’re really ambitious, you always hear the clock ticking. You know that time is limited. In my 20s, I really struggled. I worked hard to try and get situated and to get established in my career. I felt that once I got established in my career, then I could try to put the other pieces of my life together in terms of getting married and having kids.

Ultimately, I ended up being able to manage it, but there were some nights where I questioned that. I’m here to tell everybody that I believe you can have it all. You can have what you want - the personal life, family life and career you want, but there will be days and weeks when you’re not sure that it will all come together.

HC: Was there a moment, throughout all of this stress and anxiety, where you felt like just giving up on your career?

AC: I always thought this was the career for me from the very first time I went out with a camera. It was this cold November day. I didn’t know what I was doing. I am not somebody who was naturally made for this, I had to learn how to do it, but the minute that the camera turned on and I spoke into the microphone, it was a total adrenaline rush. That told me that this is the right career for me. I never thought about giving up my career. I did think, “How am I going to scale back to make a personal life work?”

When I thought that, I went to my boss at Fox and I said that I was struggling with wanting to have a family and being sent all the time on these breaking news stories — sometimes I was being sent overseas. That’s when I decided that I would try to do more anchoring because that is more steady and predictable. I have to be in a studio every morning at 5:30 a.m. come hell or high water.

HC: Is there any story that comes to mind that’s either the first time or a major time when you felt the rewards of all your hard work and dedication to this field?

AC: I have a lot of those. I worked on a national show called Real Life as a national correspondent. The host of the show, a woman named Lu, was on vacation. They asked me to fill in for her. All of my jumping up for breaking news in the middle of the night, canceling all those dates and flying around the country had gotten me noticed. They came to me to fill in when they could’ve gone to anybody. That night beforehand I just felt like tomorrow is a big day and the culmination of my past eight years of working around the clock.

HC: In the novel, when Amanda gets an interview with FAIR News, she has a similar inner monologue about getting her chance at something bigger and her hard work paying off. It’s clear how your experiences translated into the novel, so why not a memoir instead?

AC: I felt that a novel would just give me more freedom to talk about some of the things that I didn’t like about various workplaces or the direction that some of the shows I was working on were going. I felt when I was at Fox, the show I was on was really blurring the line between news and talk radio. I wasn’t comfortable with that because of my training as a journalist. I was frustrated that, I felt, they weren’t being honest with the audience that they aren’t watching news.

A tell-all memoir would suggest that I knew all the answers and everybody around me was doing it wrong, but I don’t feel that way. A novel let me explore different things. I felt like I didn’t really want to give the answers. I wanted to pose all the ethical dilemmas that come up every day when you do work in news. A novel just gave me more opportunity to play around.

HC: In the process of exploring those questions, did you realize anything about your own career?

AC: Writing a book happens at a glacial speed. That gave me a lot of time to really spell out, process and explore what I was doing and the choices that I was making. It really helped me become a better journalist. When I would be frustrated in real life at work, I’d come home and write that scene. The process of writing the scene, but turning it into fiction, helped me be better prepared for the next time that came up. 

HC: You’ve talked before about the “new rules” for women trying to make it in any business, including “tell everybody” if faced with any sort of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Could you talk more about how young women can find the voice to self-advocate, especially in male dominated fields?

AC: One of the things that has allowed sexual harassment to propagate throughout all of these decades that I have been in this industry is silence. The harassers rely on silence because they know what they’re doing is wrong. The victims of it suffer in silence. They feel that nobody will have their backs. What I’ve learned is that breaking the silence is the antidote to harassment.

If all of the women who have come forward in the last two years had known how many women were also struggling and suffering, it would have ended sooner. If it has happened to you, it is most likely happening to someone else. I suggest that you tell your allies, coworkers you trust, HR, your boss and then, if you don’t get any justice, call a lawyer. You don’t have to tolerate it. I thought for so many years that we had to just navigate through it because that was the culture in the 80s and 90s, but that culture has changed.

If it has happened to you, it is most likely happening to someone else. I suggest that you tell your allies, coworkers you trust, HR, your boss and then, if you don’t get any justice, call a lawyer. You don’t have to tolerate it.

HC: Will the culture continue to change? Will women, one day, no longer have to expect to face this in the workplace?

AC: From where I sit, I see that everyone is on notice. To me, it feels like we’re on the right path, but I don’t want to be so naive as to say “problem solved.” Obviously, this is going to be a problem that we have to continue to tackle. The more that young women feel empowered and feel that they have allies and the more that they speak up and explain what makes them uncomfortable and what can’t be tolerated, the better. I can’t impress that upon young women enough: You have permission to say that this is not okay and to go to a higher-up to explain what is happening to you.

Amanda Wakes Up is now available in hardcover, paperback and e-book editions at most national book retailers. 

Halloween is just creeping around the corner, and that means you'll need to grab a stellar costume and stat! But for us more modestly dressed ghouls, whatever costumes they've got in the party store are probably not gonna cut it (or rather cut too revealingly). While we aren't knocking anyone who wants to dress with sexy flare in the spooky season, hijab-wearing girls feel a little left out at times when it comes to putting a comfortably modest costume together. Most ready-made costumes for women show a lot of skin, or some costumes look awkward once you throw your headscarf on top. Fear not though, as we have five gorgeously modest costumes that won't just let you wear your hijab, but have it be the centerpiece of your Halloween costume! 

The Evil Queen from Snow White

Dressing like a princess is fun and all, but everyone knows villains have the most dynamic costumes (and personalities). The Evil Queen from Snow White is one of the most beautiful and treacherous characters to portray, but most importantly, she's already got on a hijab-type headpiece to boot! Pair bell sleeve maxi dress (extra points if it's purple) with a long, menacing black cape. Take any sturdy white fabric and cut it into the shape of the Queen's collar. Make a slit in the fabric and slip in some hard foam sheet to make give it some structure. Stitch the slit closed, then fold the ends of the fabric together and pin it to the middle of your dress to make the perfect collar. Also, a red and gold statement pendant necklace just like the Evil Queen's will definitely level up your look. If you have a red belt or even a thin red scarf, tie it around your waist loosely. Finish the look off with a very tight-fit black hijab, a king's crown and a red apple in hand! This costume is perfect because you're basically just dressing exactly how the character looks, no alterations needed! 

Princess Leia from Star Wars

An intergalactic goddess, Princess Leia is a classic character to dress as for Halloween. We know what you're thinking, the most iconic part of her costume is her signature twin buns, so how do hijab-wearing women replicate her look? Wear a thin hijab cap, then take a plain brown or beige scarf. Rest the scarf only on the top of your head. Instead of wrapping the ends around your neck like you usually do, just tie both ends around each of your ears and pin in place. You now have Leia buns! There are also awesome tutorials on how to achieve this look with perfect accuracy, so refine your technique if needed!  Now just find a white turtleneck dress, or a white turtleneck top and matching, long white skirt. Wrap a thin brown belt around your waist, grab your nearest lightsaber, and you're ready to slay Halloween in hijab fashion!

Rosie the Riveter

No one screams girl power like Rosie the Riveter. This costume is one of the simplest to pull off, but will totally make you feel like a patriotic badass. A dark denim quarter sleeve or long sleeve collared blouse should do the trick, along with a pair of jeans in the same shade. Slip on your black hijab cap to cover any stray hairs if needed. Then tie your favorite red bandana around your head, Rosie-style. All is left is a victory red lipstick, some blush and some mascara to make you look bold and beautiful like Rosie herself. Be sure to show off your guns as you cruise through your Halloween bash. 

Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty 

Another magnificent Disney villain, Maleficent is also a great costume to rock since she has her head covered in an epic headpiece. A long black dress, with trailing sleeves or long sleeves, will fit perfectly with this costume. You can also substitute the dress for a black turtleneck and long skirt to keep you more covered! Another trusty black hijab cap will keep your hair in place. Chisel out your cheekbones with some intense contour, then finish off with a charcoal gray eyeshadow and blood red lipstick. The only complicated piece to this costume is Maleficent's headpiece itself, which you can buy online or you can DIY it yourself with a headband. Now get a big stick as your staff, and you're ready to strike fear into those around you. 

Raven from Teen Titans 

Who doesn't love a good throwback? Well, Teen Titans Go! is a thing, but you can pay tribute to the OG Raven this Halloween like any 90s' kid would. If you didn't notice already, Raven's costume is eerily similar to the Evil Queens, so you can use the same elements to make a new costume. To make this costume, pair a long-sleeved black blouse with some gray skinny jeans or leggings. Finish it off with a tight-fit black hijab and then a long, wide purple scarf that you can pin into a hood shape. If you want to add a little more detail, you can cut out foam sheets in the shape of Raven's belt accessories and glue them to a thin belt, then wrap it around your waist. Slip on some black or purple ankle boots to tie it all together. Don't forget to have a smoky eye look, dark lip, and a drawn-on diamond in the middle of your forehead!

There's no reason to not join in on the costume fun when you wear hijab. Some costumes like these are, in fact, almost incomplete without a hijab-like piece to go with it, while others mesh the hijab into the costume perfectly. Stay true to the style that's most comfortable for you while looking amazing on Halloween night. 

Within the past year, victims of sexual assault and harassment have been motivated by the #MeToo movement to come forward with their stories. Actress and Top Chef host, Padma Lakshmi, is the latest brave voice to speak up.

In an op-ed for The New York Times, titled “Padma Lakshmi: I Was Raped at 16 and Kept Silent,” published on September 25, Lakshmi details the encounter she had with a college student who took her on a date and later raped her in her sleep. She was too stunned by the assault to even want to speak about it. “I didn’t report it,” Lakshmi said. “Not to my mother, not to my friends and certainly not to the police. At first I was in shock. That evening, I let my mother know when I was home, then went to sleep, hoping to forget that night.”

She also regrets not coming forward about her assault as soon as she could have. “I think if I had at the time named what happened to me as rape—and told others—I might have suffered less. Looking back, I now think I let my rapist off the hook and I let my 16-year-old self down."

Lakshmi’s article debuted in response to the stories of Christine Blasey Ford, who came forward against to tell how she had been assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh as a teenager. Kavanaugh supporters, including President Donald Trump, claim that if Kavanaugh had “actually” raped Ford, she would have come forward years ago. The response also started a popular Twitter hashtag, #WhyIDidntReport, in which victims of sexual assault share stories about why they kept silent.

Lakshmi holds Kavanaugh and his supporters to task for looking to excuse his behavior: "Some say a man shouldn’t pay a price for an act he committed as a teenager. But the woman pays the price for the rest of her life, and so do the people who love her."

The essay makes a bold and important statement that we shouldn’t have to still be making by now. Padma Lakshmi was very brave and noble for sharing her story, but how many rape victims must speak explicitly about their darkest, most traumatic moments before people can finally empathize with them?

One of my favorite Riverdale characters just so happens to be Betty Cooper. The seemingly innocent blonde, ponytail wearing girl-next-door is an absolute badass. With the help of her boyfriend, Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse), she is the mastermind that ultimately takes down the bad guy of the season. The role of Betty is currently played by Lili Reinhart and she is absolutely perfect for the role.

However, in an interview with EW, Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica Lodge (Betty's best friend), revealed that Reinhart almost didn't play Betty! Among the actresses that auditioned for the role of Betty was 13 Reasons Why’s Katherine Langford. “I remember when I met her, too—I never saw her act, but some people just have a personality that’s so genuine that I’m like, ‘I feel like you’re a really good actor.’ They have a presence. I had that feeling with her,” Mendes said about Langford. 

Langford and Mendes met during the auditioning process for Riverdale. “I remember we went out and we got falafel with a guy who was auditioning for Archie,” Mendes recalled. “It’s just so funny to think about that time in my life. I would have never thought in that moment that I would be here, and that she would be where she is. It’s crazy!”

Although Katherine Langford’s Betty was not meant to be, she has continued to play some incredibly iconic roles in both film and television – most notably as Hannah Baker in 13 Reasons Why and Leah Burke in Love, Simon.

The new season of Riverdale premieres on October 10. Check out the trailer below: 

Having a small frame is awesome, but shopping for clothes that fit perfectly can be a major struggle. You always seem to be cuffing up your jeans, rolling up your sleeves, belting literally every pair of pants and swimming in your riding boots. Luckily, we’re here to save you. We’ve compiled 12 of the best style tips for our gorgeous petite collegiettes so you can walk through campus with confidence.

1. Avoid pieces that hit below the knee—embrace minis

While this tip isn’t a “must-follow,” it’s encouraged that petites avoid longer pieces, or choose them wisely. “The fabric pretty much swallows you right up,” says Kayla, a sophomore at Kennesaw State. As cute as they are, midi skirts, tea-length dresses and Bermuda shorts seem to be made specifically for those women that are blessed with long legs. Instead, opt for cute A-line mini skirts or dresses that hit a few inches above the knee. Your legs will look a mile long.

2. Make vertical stripes your best friend

Patterns can be a blessing or a curse for petites. When picking patterns, Mara, a graduate of the University of Southern California, stays away from horizontal stripes. “It’s not that shorter people can't wear that pattern, but it typically makes you look wider and doesn't do anything to lengthen your body as opposed to vertical stripes,” she says. Flip those stripes around, ladies. Vertical stripes elongate your figure making you look taller and slimmer.

3. Find petite-friendly stores

All hail the stores that recognize there’s more than just “short” and “tall” women! Sarah, a junior at the University of Iowa, loves stores that cater to her small frame. “I run into dresses and jeans that are too long or just don't fit right! Places that offer petite sizes, like Old Navy and Topshop, are lifesavers! Otherwise, I end up rolling my jeans, which isn't always the look I want to go for,” she says. Some of our favorite brands that offer petite lines are Old Navy, Loft, Topshop, ASOS, J.Crew and Anthropologie.

4. Choose “boyfriend” pieces wisely

Sorry ladies, but boyfriend jeans, men’s flannels and oversized sweaters just don’t always do your figure justice. “I think petite women should steer clear of anything that is abnormally baggy or boxy,” says Isabel, a junior at NYU.  “It is very easy to look like an outfit is eating you up, so things that show off your figure even in the slightest bit are really helpful.” If you do wear boyfriend jeans or oversized sweaters, pair them with more structured pieces to add balance.

5. Use mini purses

Don’t be swallowed up by your purse; instead, find a cute bag that’s proportional to your body size. “I have a stockpile of little clutches and cross-body purses,” Amy, a sophomore at Temple University, says. “They’re more fun than giant purses because they usually have more flair, and the designs don’t overwhelm the rest of my outfit.” Oversized bags are too heavy, anyway.

Related: 5 Easy Ways to Instantly Elevate Your Style

6. Sick of heels? Try pointed-toe flats

It’s a total myth that petite girls have to wear heels all the time. “It’s weird but the lower the heel, the longer the legs look sometimes. If you try and wear huge heels, it will look super weird and disproportionate,” says Isabel. “Overall, petite women can wear whatever they want but knowing what works for your body is a must.” Pointed-toe flats are stylish, sophisticated and can take you from class to your internship to your dinner date. They create the illusion of a longer leg, and they’re on-trend this fall, too.

7. For those that ~love~ heels, say yes to patterns and no to ankle straps

Ankle straps just make your legs appear shorter. “My rule of thumb is to NEVER wear heels that visibly divide my leg, meaning that they have a strap on/around the ankle,” says Alani, a junior at Northwestern. “They make your legs look even shorter than they are. Pumps or any heel that don’t have ankle straps make your legs look longer.” However, wearing a pair of statement heels draws attention to your legs and actually makes them look longer. Plus, they’re so fun.

8. Find a good tailor

Having a tailor probably hasn’t crossed your mind as a broke college student, but it should. Wearing clothes that fit you properly is key when it comes to walking around with confidence. If you can’t afford an actual tailor or don’t have one near your university, teach yourself or find a friend that can help tweak hemlines, adjust your sleeves or take waistlines in. Some stores, like Banana Republic and J. Crew, offer tailoring service if you have a store card. Department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales offer tailoring service for any clothes you buy at their store. It makes all the difference; we promise!

9. Bring your waistline up

We are so glad high-waisted skirts, pants and shorts are trending again. These pieces give the illusion that your legs start at a higher point than they actually do. “If I wear anything high-waisted, I either wear a tighter crop top or a tucked-in shirt to accentuate my small waist,” says Bridget, a junior at UMass Amherst. “Plus, it looks weird with anything else.” Pairing high-waisted bottoms with a cropped or fitted top also emphasizes your gorgeous petite frame.

10. Structured pieces are a must

Clothes with clean lines will always do wonders for your shape. Pick monochromatic pieces to streamline the rest of your outfit. Just watch out for long, structured coats — you don’t want to be swimming in your outerwear. Cropped blazers and jackets elongate your torso, while skinny jeans and fitted dress pants emphasize your shape.

11. Boot season? Aim for ankles

Unfortunately, most riding boots just swallow you up. Like heels with ankle straps, mid-calf and knee-length boots just divide your legs and make them look shorter. A pair of trendy, dainty ankle boots elongates your legs. Plus, velvet, suede and embroidered styles are seriously trending this season.

12. Don’t be afraid to try something that’s usually a “don’t”

If you’re one of those girls that defies the norm, then we say go for it. Some midi skirts actually look super cute on petites. If you choose an A-line shape with a high waist, it will actually elongate your waist. Midi skirts with slits and draped fabric are sexy and won’t swallow you up. Heels with ankle straps aren’t always a bad idea, and they’re just so trendy right now. Wearing boyfriend jeans doesn’t always have to be a catastrophe; pair them with a fitted tee to flatter your figure and finish off your look with pointed heels to lengthen your legs. Nailed it.

The bottom line? If you embrace your small frame with confidence, you can rock ~anything~. Don’t let the body you were born with be a hindrance when finding cute outfits. Use these tips and struggle no more.

Everyone wants to be able to identify and connect with characters in the books they read. Unfortunately, though, representation of all identities was not always front and center in popular literature. However, in recent years, there have been more and more novels published (across all genres!) that have introduced complex characters of all gender identities and sexual orientations. While we have a long way to go in terms of representation in the mainstream media, this is a good start. Here are 10 books featuring LGBTQ+ characters. 

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

The inspiration for the hit film, Love, Simon, Becky Albertalli’s first novel is about Simon, a high school student who is trying to find the courage to come out to his friends and family. In the meantime, he begins an email correspondence with a pen pal that he comes out to. When another student discovers the emails, Simon must decide whether he is ready to live as his true self. Hilarious and heartwarming Simon is a must-read! (Bonus: Becky Albertalli’s other two novels, The Upside of Unrequited and Leah on the Offbeat also feature numerous LGBTQ+ characters). 

When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri 

Katie is a lawyer who is just getting out of a long-term relationship when she meets Cassidy, another lawyer who is the champion of casual relationships. When Katie and Cassidy start to fall for each other, they must navigate personal and professional obstacles on their way to true love. A cute, quick read, you won’t want to say goodbye to Katie and Cassidy. 

Check, Please! #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu 

If graphic novels are more your speed, you don’t want to miss this debut! Bitty is a vlogger and hockey player who is starting his freshman year at Samwell University. In addition to the usual pressures of college life, he must also figure out what is going on with the very attractive team captain. This book already has incredible reviews on Goodreads.

Spinning by Tillie Walden

If you’ve ever devoted your life to one thing, then made a sudden change, you’ll connect with Tillie Walden’s memoir, Spinning. Walden was a competitive figure skater for a number of years, but when she gets a girlfriend and discovers life away from the rink, she starts to wonder why she spent so much time skating. This read is perfect for when you want to reflect on your own life and decisions. 

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash 

An exploration of first love, Maggie Thrash has never been kissed, but one summer at camp, a chance encounter starts a deep love for one of her female counselors. An exploration of love and lost, Honor Girl is honest and sad, but makes for an engaging memoir. 

As I Descended by Robin Talley 

For fans of fantasy and horror, Robin Talley’s As I Descended is the story of Maria and Lily, the power couple that rules over Acheron Academy. While they might be a power couple, the one thing that threatens them is Delilah. When the three girls compete for a scholarship to Stanford, things get intense and may have deadly consequences. Considered a modern retelling of Macbeth, this is way more interesting than anything you ever read in high school English. 

That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E. K. Johnston 

Victoria-Margaret is a princess in a futuristic British empire who is all set to enter into an arranged marriage to benefit her kingdom. But with one more summer of fun, she meets Helena and August—two individuals who steal her heart. This YA novel is the perfect combo of romance, sci-fi and historical fiction, guaranteed to enthrall all readers. 

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee 

Henry Montague is a gentleman who can’t be tamed, but as he sets off to travel across Europe, he decides to enjoy life before he is forced to become an adult. With his sister Felicity and his crush Percy, Henry gets into all sorts of adventures (and romance) along the way. If you enjoy this installment, the sequel, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, is all about Felicity. Girl power! 

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan 

Considered a “feminist Stranger Things,” Paper Girls is a sci-fi comic book adventure about what happens when four paper girls take a journey through space and time in the 1980s. In between the fun pop culture references and non-stop action, young love has time to blossom in this fantastic comic. Volumes 1-4 are available now, and Volume 5 hits shelves this December. 

The One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg 

An Arabian Nights inspired fantasy with beautiful illustrations, The One Hundred Nights of Hero is full of love and feminism. Cherry’s husband makes a deal with an evil man, Manfred, promising Cherry to Manfred if he is able to seduce her. But Cherry has a secret—she is in love with her maid, Hero. The two women must work together to protect Cherry’s fate and save their love. 

All of these books can be found on Amazon, at your local library or your favorite indie bookstore. 

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., announced on Friday that he plans to support Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, The New York Times reports. The announcement comes on the heels of Thursdays tense hearings regarding sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

The New York Times adds that Flake was confronted by protesters as he made his way to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will vote to send Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the floor. He wouldn’t look the two women in the eyes as they described their experiences as sexual assault survivors.

“You’re telling all women that they don’t matter, that they should just stay quiet, because if they tell you what happened to them, you are going to ignore them,” one of the women said.

Flake dismissed the women and reporters who asked for his response, saying he had already issued a statement and now had to go to a meeting.

The women, later identified as Co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy Ana Maria Archila and recent college grad Maria Gallagher spoke out about their decision to confront Flake, per CNN. 

"I thought that he was someone who was willing to take a stand, that was on the side of justice, and I thought of him as someone who was able to recognize the humanity across political lines," Archila told CNN. "What he's doing today is saying, 'My party matters more than the stories that I'm hearing.'"

"It's not something that I ever want to or like to share with people," Gallagher, 23, also said."But I thought it was important that he knows, and that promoting Brett Kavanaugh is telling victims of sexual assault that no one wants to hear you."

As is often the case when a woman accuses a powerful man of sexual assault, many people have questioned the truthfulness of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s accusations against Kavanaugh, saying her timing feels a bit too convenient. Others have pointed out that this may be the best time to come forward, as her hand has been forced by the prospect of her accused attacker becoming one of the most powerful men in the U.S.

Resilience, formerly known as Rape Victim Advocates, reports that only 2 to 8 percent of rapes are false reports. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, only about one out of every three sexual assaults are ever reported to the police. RAINN adds that only about 0.6 percent of rapists will be incarcerated, much lower than the figures for robberies and assault and battery, at 2 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.

The American Bar Association had urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay Kavanaugh’s confirmation process until an FBI investigation is conducted, CNN reports. In a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein, ABA President Robert Carlson said the Senate is obligated to require a “careful examination of the accusations and facts.”

When the stakes are this high, it’s unacceptable to blindly take the accused’s word in a case of “he said, she said.” As one of the women who confronted Flake said, “the way that justice works is you recognize hurt, you take responsibility for it, and then you begin to repair it.”

The fact that Kavanaugh has made it this far has already reopened painful wounds for many survivors of sexual assault. If this goes on, the damage that’s done may be irreparable.

Update: 7 p.m. EST 

On Friday afternoon Flake said it would be "proper" for the Senate to wait on the vote until after a "limited scope" FBI investigation has been conducted. 

On Friday evening President Donald Trump ordered an FBI probe into Kavanaugh's background, CNN reports. 

"I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file," Trump said in a statement. "As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week."

The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on Thursday to allow both Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh to present their arguments following Blasey Ford’s allegations that Kavanaugh assaulted her when she was 15. The 8-plus hours of testimony and questioning were streamed throughout the world as thousands of people watched, with many women staging walkouts in support of Dr. Ford’s testimony.

As the Senate Judiciary Committee meets today to debate Kavanaugh’s nomination, notable Democratic senators announced their distaste at the proceedings—going so far as to walk out altogether.

According to Vox, Kamala Harris (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) were among the Senate Democrats that left the meetings earlier today, calling for a delay in the Kavanaugh vote and for an FBI investigation to be launched into the alleged assault.

Many other Democrats chose to remain behind and debate the nomination, including Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). However, the walkout is not the only form of protest at the Senate Judiciary meetings today. Numerous female House lawmakers present at the meeting have also stood up in protest of Kavanaugh's nomination and in full support of a proper investigation.

The female lawmakers then reportedly proceeded to walk out of the room.

These protests come after an emotional hearing day, fraught with conflicting testimonies by Dr. Ford and Kavanaugh. Often, the hearings were focused on bipartisan conflicts—with explosive rants from Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and evasive answers from Kavanaugh.

Citizens outside the Senate Judiciary meeting are also protesting the nomination, questioning senators who are potentially swing votes for the nomination. When Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ), who previously announced his doubts about Kavanaugh, announced he was backing Kavanaugh this morning, two survivors of sexual assault confronted him about his decision. Other key senators, such as Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), have not announced their position yet.

Update: 7 p.m. EST

On Friday afternoon Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, said it would be "proper" for the Senate to wait on the vote until after a "limited scope" FBI investigation has been conducted. Chair of the judicial comittee, though following through with the committee vote, said that his suggestion (while informal) would be a "gentleman and ladies agreement."

On Friday evening President Donald Trump ordered an FBI probe into Kavanaugh's background, CNN reports. 

"I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file," Trump said in a statement. "As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week."