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Online Retailers Have Officially Banned Sales of the Confederate Flag

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Following a multitude of recent racially-driven events, culminating in the tragic Charleston shooting, to say America is unsettled is an understatement. While the nation is in the midst of a battle against the utterly unacceptable racism that still influences the beliefs and actions of American citizens throughout the country, many wonder what they can do to defeat this ever-present threat to freedom and equality. Etsy, known by most of us for its incredible crafts and vintage finds, is taking a political stand, even offering its users a chance to help.

According to Wired.com, if you see any product related to the Confederate flag on their site, Etsy asks that you immediately report it for prompt removal. This call to arms occurs in light of Etsy's recent merchandise ban—sellers are now prohibited from posting any products that include an image of the Confederate flag. 

Confederate Flag, South Carolina

The Wired.com report provides this quote from an Etsy spokesperson: "Etsy’s policies prohibit items or listings that promote, support or glorify hatred and these items fall squarely into that category.” And Etsy isn't exaggerating—while some argue that the Confederate flag is simply a symbol of Southern pride, it takes one look at how it's historically been used to realize the extremely dangerous ideals the flag symbolizes. Self-proclaimed racist groups including the infamous Ku Klux Klan have flown the flag with pride—a group undoubtedly responsible for extensive hate crimes. It is obvious that the Confederate flag has intolerably hateful connotations. America's black community is subject to continuous discrimination and profiling to this day—the last thing they should have to stare at is a flag symbolizing an army that fought to keep them from basic human rights.

Etsy is also far from alone—Walmart, Amazon, Sears and eBay have all banned the sale of Confederate flag merchandise.  Even flag-making company Valley Forge Flag has stopped all Confederate flag production.

The movement is influenced by outrage over the fact that South Carolina, home of the heartbreaking Charleston massacre, still flies the Confederate flag on their state capital building. Other southern states also incorporate Confederate themes into their own flags, and many southern drivers can opt to have the flag placed on their license plates. Lawmakers and citizens alike are banning together to abolish the emblem once and for all, with Mississippi's flag—which resembles the Confederate design—facing a possible change.

We're eager to see if other retailers follow suit and work towards ending the discomfort that the Confederate flag causes. Like many others, we have a hard time understanding why someone would choose to fly a flag that represents hate and prejudice to millions of Americans—and especially one that has no current relevance other than to instigate unnecessary distress.


How to Hook Up Without Getting Hurt

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No doubt about it, collegiettes everywhere are embracing the hook-up culture and have gotten familiar with the rules on how to participate in it the “right” way. Do hook up for pleasure and excitement, to explore your sexuality and because you want to. Don’t hook up to feel better about yourself, to try to make your partner like you or because you feel like you should. Easy enough, right? Place the emphasis on pleasure and empowerment, and collegiettes everywhere should be having positive hook-up after positive hook-up.

Unfortunately, that attitude isn’t so simple when study after study shows that more often than not, hooking up can leave women saddled with negative mental side effects, like feeling insecure, used or unwanted. But even though the odds might be stacked against women when it comes to happy hook-ups, that doesn’t mean we’re doomed.

Knowing and embracing why hook-ups can leave women feeling crappy is the first step to reversing the curse. Satisfying hook-ups are totally possible; they just take more than the right motivation and a sex-positive attitude, so read on to find out the things you need to keep in mind in order to have hook-ups you can feel great about.

Think Before You Do

The biggest key to ensuring a hook-up that will leave you feeling good is to self-assess. That may sound boring – who wants to do homework before getting down and dirty? – but there are important factors that can make or break a hook-up before even, well, hooking up.

According to Dr. Zhana Vrangalova, sex researcher and creator of The Casual Sex Project, knowing yourself is key. Your well-being prospers when your behavior is consistent with your true desires, attitudes, values and beliefs. The same, she says, holds true for casual sex.

“When people had casual sex for the right reasons—because they really wanted it—and with full approval of it, their well-being was unchanged or actually improved compared to not having casual sex,” Dr. Vrangalova says. “But when people had casual sex for the wrong reasons—like peer pressure, hoping it was more than casual sex or getting drunk—or when it went against their morals [or] views, their well-being suffered.”

Dr. Vrangalova says there are also several personal things to consider before determining if hooking up is right for you. She suggests evaluating yourself before setting out to hook up, taking into consideration your motivations for hooking up, how easily you get and stay aroused, how easily you get attached to sexual partners and how good you are at communicating your desires.

Hook-Up Sex Doesn’t Have to Equal Unsatisfying Sex

Plain and simple, a reason why a hook-up might leave you feeling mentally poor is because a hook-up left you feeling physically poor. How can a girl expect to feel happy after a hook-up if it wasn’t any good during, either? And unfortunately, dissatisfaction from hook-ups is all too common for women.

In a study presented at the 2013 International Academy of Sex Research, researchers found that out of 600 college students, women were twice as likely to orgasm during sex in serious relationships as they were during casual hook-ups.

One possible explanation for this is that orgasms are the result of communication, and it is much easier to tell a long-term partner exactly how to please you than it is to tell a stranger. Not to mention, alcohol is often a factor in college hook-ups, and drunk sex can be sloppy sex (not exactly an equation for pleasure).

But that doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to feeling dissatisfied just because it’s a casual encounter. Speaking up for your pleasure has its place in hook-ups, not just long-term relationships. Go into your hook-ups planning to communicate. Ask for what feels good and speak up about what doesn’t—and don’t forget that you’re never too far into a hook-up to change your mind if you decide it’s not working for you.

Learn to Spot a Good Hook-Up Buddy

We get it—a lot of the time, the point of a hook-up is to have a random, one-time fling, but not all hook-up candidates are created equal. You should seek out a partner who will leave you feeling appreciated and secure. No one says your one-night stand has to be dating material, but according to Dr. Vrangalova, there are certain boys who are more likely to make you feel insecure or used after a hook-up, and those are the ones to avoid.

How do you spot them? While seeking casual encounters, you’re most likely to run into what Dr. Vrangalova calls “unrestricted men”—men who are very interested in casual sex. Unrestricted men aren’t necessarily the men you should be avoiding, though; it is unrestricted men who also happen to be narcissistic, manipulative, coercive and sexist.

“Detecting these [men] is not that difficult,” Dr. Vrangalova says. “First, stay away from the frat boys and varsity athletes. Sexist and slut-shaming men congregate in these environments more than any other college environment. Second, talk to them for a bit and see what their values about gender roles are. Do they love and respect all women, or do they only respect the virginal ones they are going to marry, but not the wild ones they only want to have sex with?”

Doesn’t sound like good foreplay conversation? It’s easier than it sounds. Just pay attention to how he discusses other girls around you. If he’s not respectful now, he’s not going to be in bed, either.

Remember the Risk of Attachment

Sure, the myth that women get clingy after sex might feel old and tired – just watch any romantic comedy — but unfortunately, it’s also backed by science. During sexual intercourse, the female brain releases a hormone called oxytocin. Sometimes known as the attachment hormone, oxytocin can induce feelings of love and closeness, so even if you had no romantic interest in your hook-up, your body might trick you into thinking that you do. Unwanted feelings of attachment could lead to feeling rejected if a hook-up doesn’t lead to anything more, one reason why you might mistake your hook-up as a negative experience.

Katie*, a senior at Vassar College who hooks up frequently, says that college girls should keep this biological reaction in mind and not let it color their perceptions.

“I had to learn to give myself a few days after hooking up to cool it,” she says. “After a good experience, I’d have to remind myself what it was I really wanted from the hook-up, and that wasn’t for the guy to call me the next day.”

Dr. Vrangalova says other ways to curb your body’s instinct to attach is to avoid contacting your hook-up or talking about him with your friends for a few days — and don’t even think about Facebook-stalking him. If resisting that urge is difficult, she also suggests listing the red flags you see in him that would make him a less-than-ideal long-term partner to remind yourself why he’s much better as a hook-up.

Safeguard Yourself Against Stigma

 

Unfortunately, your hook-ups – no matter how appropriately motivated or awesomely executed – don’t exist in a vacuum. Society might be moving in the right direction, but there is still very much a stigma surrounding women who enjoy active sex lives.

As much as sex-positive collegiettes want to dismiss these ignorant attitudes, there’s no denying that facing insult and judgment from others can totally put a damper on an otherwise positive experience. So how can you fight the stigma? 

There’s no shortcut for changing society, but you can surround yourself with the right people who will support your right to do what you want with your body.

“If you're a girl who likes to hook up with some regularity, I have three pieces of advice,” says Dr. Vrangalova. “One, make sure you have at least some friends who are not judgmental of your behavior. Two, try to hook up with guys who will be respectful about your interest in casual sex and won't slut-shame you. Three, be as discreet about your exploits as you need to be given your social environment.”

Hooking up happily and healthily isn’t just about you, your partner or the society you’re a part of, but rather, finding harmony between all three. Assessing your needs and motivations, communicating with your partner and being aware of problems that still exist in society is the perfect formula for feeling great about your hook-ups, both during and after. 

Now, who says hooking up isn’t for women?

*Name has been changed.

17 Things We Tell Ourselves to Stay Motivated During a Menial Summer Job

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Ahh, if only our only summer woes were finding the perfect sunnies and a smoking bikini to match! Unfortunately we can’t always have our toes in the sand and our heads in the clouds. Sometimes we’re stuck behind a cash register or buried under trays of food. We all love the extra cash, but sometimes that babysitting gig or that job in retail makes it hard to stay motivated when we could be enjoying the summer sun. When the going gets tough, we’re constantly reminding ourselves of 17 things that make the summer job we loathe a little more bearable.

1. At least I’ll be able to afford my 5-to-9 lifestyle when I’m not working 9-to-5

2. Ooh la la, my hottie of a coworker is more than enough motivation to want to clock in

3. Folding clothes sure beats reading, exams, power points and anything else depressing about college

4. Even Beyoncé probs had a boring summer job at some point, right?

5. I guess I’m bonding with my coworkers through our shared hatred of this job

6. At least I’ll never have to pay full price for jeans again!

7. Thankfully all of these tips I make keep my gas tank full #ballin

8. Well, this is a break from sitting on my couch watching Boy Meets World reruns

9. I’m sure I can somehow embellish my resume with this job addition

10. This is my only chance to get free chicken parm daily so I must take full advantage!

11. May as well appreciate the job while I have one! Post graduation I'll be thrown to the wolves! 

12. At least my parents can’t say I’m being lazy. All the women who are independent, throw your hands up at me!

13. Whew, it makes the days go by faster. I’ll be back in my dorm sipping Pinot with the girls in no time!

14. Yeah, I have to be there at 9, but it beats an 8 a.m. lecture. All hail an extra hour of beauty sleep!

15. Knowing the differences between sherbet, sorbet and Italian ice has to come in handy at some point, right?

16. If I can learn to soothe an angry customer, roomie troubles have to be a piece of cake!

17. Okay, sometimes work gossip is juicer than a telenovela!

22 Life Lessons Hannah Montana Taught Us

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Plenty of shows from our childhood were actually teaching us life lessons along the way, but we were too focused on the disguises, one-liners and all around anarchy to realize it! Hannah Montana is the perfect example of a show that was so funny and chaotic, but actually helpful as we grew up. Below are the top 22 life lessons Hannah Montana taught us!

1. It explained being a teenager in a few short words.

We've all done impulsive things at least once, right?

2. Sometimes telling a "white" lie can be beneficial.

 

3. Going out with your friends can be fun, but it's important to know who's really there for us at the end of the day. 

As we get older, we realize our bed is one of our favorite people.

4. Never go to extremes to meet celebrities. 

Even if it was to meet the Jonas Brothers!

5. Dating should be pretty simple.

 

6. Even if that means longingly staring at that hottie with the swimmer's body until he notices you. 

*Cue the napkin eating* 

7. Nobody's perfect. 

You live and learn!

8. Don't get ahead of yourself.

Sometimes things happen in life that can make you think you're cooler than you are. You may be the president of a sorority, cheerleading captian or Hannah Montana, but at the end of the day, never forget your true self. 

9. Lily taught us the real reason we couldn't figure out guys. 

That pretty much summed it up!

10. Guys can say smart things, or at least Lucas Till can.

 

11. People will let you down. 

But it's how you deal with it that counts!

12. Change is inevitable. 

We can't hide behind our blond wigs forever. 

13. Real friends have your back.

Espeically when mean girls make fun of you for things like your clothes or inability to climb the rope in gym class. 

14. Sometimes your friends will tell you things you don't want to hear, but it's for your own good. 

 

15. You'll always look bad in your license photo.

"We promise we aren't this ugly in real life, officer!" 

16. Food is the answer to everything. 

We feel you, Jackson. 

17. Guys and girls can really be just friends!

If only we could all have our own Smokin' Oakin's. 

18. Siblings can be mean. 

 

19. And annoy us to no end. 

 

20. But they're family, and they'll always love and support you. 

 

21. And speaking of family, Hannah taught us to always show our parents some recognition. 

 

22. And to always be yourself. 

It may be cool to be Hannah Montana, but never forget the Miley Stewart in you!

 

21 Times Mindy Kaling Said Exactly What We Were Thinking

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Mindy Kaling’s brash and hilarious honesty is exactly what makes her so relatable. We can’t even count the number of times she’s said precisely what was on our minds, but we’ve narrowed this list down to 21 of our all-time favorites.

1. When she totally described our ideal guy

2. When she made us feel our devotion to donuts was normal

3. When she explained our basic human rights

4. When she helped us make perfect sense of our lives

5. When she made confidence cool

6. When she singlehandedly informed the male species

7. When she struggled between listening to her heart or her head

8. When she made ice cream and boys a priority

9. When she affirmed that sleeping isn’t really all that important

10. When she explained how classy evenings in are not for all of us

11. When she approved of our No. 1 method of research

12. When she understood why we pass on all those fish in the sea

13. When we realized she shared our favorite addiction

14. When she got our friend group

15. When she sympathized with our refusal to pay for Internet access

16. When she appreciated our need to date an employed adult

17. When she was a consummate professional 

18. When she grasped the gravity of wearing skirted swimwear

19. When she called out a stingy guy for the sake of good pizza

20. When her love of cookie dough seemed downright therapeutic

21. When she proved she didn’t need words at all

5 Reasons NOT to Have a Summer Fling

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Summer love isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be. We see it in the movies and read about it in cheesy novels, but are summer flings really worth it? Even the hottest of summertime love affairs feel rushed and usually end with someone getting hurt by September. We can’t all have a love story written by Nicholas Sparks, so who’s to say that we should waste this summer on love (even if there are no strings attached)?

We asked relationship expert, psychologist and author Dr. Carole Lieberman to weigh in on why having a summer fling may not be right for you.

1. You don’t like being tied down

During summer break, being tied down could end up holding you back. “Summer, even if you have a job or other responsibilities, is more carefree than the school year,” Lieberman says. “Being single allows you to meet more people and make more spontaneous plans. You don't have to feel tied down to a relationship.”

2. You put your social life first

Another downfall to a summer fling is the possibility of it negatively affecting your friendships.

“I spent a lot of time with [my summer fling] and canceled plans with my friends whenever he called me,” says Olivia, a junior at Michigan State University. “I let him control my summer, which I definitely regret. Not only was there hurt when things ended, but there was also hurt between my friends and I because I blew them off all the time.”

It’s easy to ditch your girlfriends for a new romance, but remember that they’ll be the ones who’ll support you if your fling doesn’t end well!

3. You love summer love stories (a little too much)

Movies like The Last Song or even Grease can influence our expectations about finding love during the summer season. According to Lieberman, “these films and books romanticize the idea of summer flings and make you believe that yours will be as thrilling.”

Summer romance movies try to tell us what summer love should be, which means we can’t help but have high expectations for our own flings—which they may not be able to meet. Instead of obsessing over having a perfect summer romance, save yourself the impending letdown and focus on other ways to make your summer great.

4. You’re worried about getting attached

There seems to be an expiration date on relationships that begin when school gets out. “Summer flings don't usually last, because when summer ends, one or both of you go back to a different life often separated by geography, lifestyle and goals,” Lieberman says. “The joy of a summer fling comes from it being a lighthearted interlude and escape from your regular life.” However, it’s normal to get attached to someone you develop feelings for.

Kelsey*, a senior at Bowling Green State University, has experienced this firsthand. “He decided not to continue our fling because he was going off to school,” she says of a past summer fling. “So, yes, distance was the main reason, but it was really just an excuse for not wanting to commit. I saw it coming, but that didn't make it hurt less.”

5. You don’t like feeling rushed

 

If you’re looking for a relationship, don’t rely on summer romance to find The One. As Lieberman says, “summer flings can be a great way to experience someone new who is ‘not your type’ and who introduces you to some exciting experiences, but there can be a downside if you rush into things and are not careful. Girls feel pressured to find summer love because they want to have something exciting.”

Don’t go looking for summer love if it’s for the wrong reasons. These seasonal flings seem to be stuck on fast-forward, so don’t feel pressured to find a special someone to spend the summer with. When the clock runs out, it’s just a matter of time before one or both of you end up trying to mend a broken heart.

There are other ways to have an exciting summer, so don’t feel bad about not wanting a summer love! Whether you’re spending the summer working, taking classes, interning at your dream company or just hanging out with your friends and family, there’s no need to have a summer fling if you’re already having an amazing time. Focus on yourself and just have fun this summer. Summer flings aren’t for everyone!

Selena Gomez Nails an Impersonation of Taylor Swift

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From Seth MacFarlane to Maya Rudolph, it seems like celebrity impersonations are all the rage these days. Now, Selena Gomez is joining in on the fun! While hanging out at the iHeartRadio office in NYC to promote her new single "Good For You," Selena showed off another one of talents—flawlessly impersonating Taylor Swift (aka her bestie). Based on Selena's performance, we have a feeling that she spends A LOT of time with Taylor. Her spot-on impersonation included a hair flip, a dramatic point while staring off into the distance, and a totally Taylor-esque pose. But don't worry, there's no "bad blood" (for lack of a better pun) between Selena and TayTay. After dropping the mic, Selena assured us that she loves Taylor, shouting, "Love you, Tay!"

12 Celebrities Who Went Through Adorable Awkward Stages

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If you're like us, at some point in time you've went through your old Facebook photos from middle school and cringed at the fact that you even took them in the first place. But have you ever wondered what kind of pictures would be in your favorite celebrities' albums? We have come up with a list of the celebrities who went through quite an adorably awkward stage! 

1. Channing Tatum

We have to admit, he was still just as handsome in high school as he is now!

2. Adam Levine

So much innocence in one picture! We love the transformation that one of the great members of Maroon 5 has gone through!

3. Justin Timberlake

We are totally feeling the '90s boy band cut, Justin. 

4. Katy Perry

Although several years have passed, Katy is still just as gorgeous as ever!

5. Shia LaBeouf

Ah, the nostalgia of Even Stevens!

6. Josh Peck

Josh has come a long way since his days on Drake and Josh.

7. Megan Fox

Talk about a transformation! *insert fire emoji*

8. Taylor Swift

Well, her signature hairstyle has certainly changed!

9. Rihanna

More adorable than awkward, if we do say so!

10. Zac Efron

The boyish grin looks nice on you, Zac! That hair, though...

11. Drake

If you've ever wondered what Drake looked like before his days of playing Jimmy on Degrassi, you're welcome!

12. Avril Lavigne 

Certainly not the rockstar we are used to seeing!


Adorable Beaded Bobby Pins You Can DIY

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This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from When I'm Older by Taylor Doucette, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

I love bobby pins and fancy ones are so much more fun. These bobby pins are easy to make once you get the hang of it! For this bobby pin, I chose a “mixed metal” theme. I used a gold bobby pin, copper wire, and silver beads! 

What you need:

  • bobby pins
  • metal beads
  • e-beads
  • seed beads
  • decorative beads
  • measuring tape

Step one:

Hold the center of the wire over the straight edge of the bobby pin at the top. Slide the right side of the wire through the rubber tips of the pin and back over the pin to the right. Then do the same with the left side: take the left side of the wire, slide it through the rubber tips and back over to the left.

Step two:

Hold the two ends of the wire together and slide a bead onto both wires. Then wrap each wire through the rubber tips, crossing them to hold the bead in place.

Step three:

Repeat step two, securing each bead to the bobby pin. I follow a pattern of five metal seed beads followed by a larger metal bead. Make sure to pull the wire tight after each bead!

Step four:

When you have reached the end of the bobby pin, poke the wire up through the last bead and wrap the wires around the beads. Snip off any excess wire. Done! That wasn’t so bad, right?

Read the full post on When I'm Older.

Skinny Jeans Landed One Woman in the Hospital

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In this modern age, fashion becomes more and more daring and outside-the-box as we see models work on the runway, beautified Instagram pictures posted daily and our fellow peers and classmates strut their stuff on the way to class. Skinny jeans have become a certified fashion trend for millennials that not only accentuate our curves, but work in both the office and the classroom. That’s why many of us guffawed when we heard that skinny jeans were a danger to our health in terms of affecting our leg. But, should one bad jean incident  ruin skinny jeans for everyone else?

It was previously reported that skinny jeans were too much of a risk to the wellbeing of our legs, due to evidence from scientific data. Time explains that the news reports on the disadvantages of skinny jeans arose from an article from the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry that followed a case study. In this study, an Australian woman was put in the hospital for four days after injuries sustained to her legs from wearing skinny jeans, while helping her friend move. Due to the exertion that was received from the moving, “[n]eurologists determined that this woman’s calf casings were so tight and her exertion so vigorous that she damaged the nerve that allows for feeing and movement in the feet and ankles.” While the woman is thankfully okay, it raised questions about just how safe skinny jeans really were.

But, there have been no other injuries reported from wearing skinny jeans. You might want to be cautious in the manner in which you wear your clothes--comfort is key! So, wear those skinny jeans at your own convenience, because only you know what is right (and fashionable) for you!

The 7 Best Brands for Petite Girls to Shop

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Any girl who is under 5’3” knows that shopping for clothes can be a major struggle. From dresses that are way too long to oversize jackets that have a tendency to swallow you alive, it can be hard to find clothes that fit your petite frame—but not if you shop these 7 brands! Keep reading for the lowdown on where to find clothes that won’t give you a major case of the dressing room blues.

1. Reformation

Our pick: Raquel Dress ($178 at Reformation)

Even the name of its petite line, “Don’t Call Me Cute,” shows that fashion-girl favorite label Reformation totally understands the short girl struggle. While it can be somewhat pricey, the line has tons of gorgeous and flattering dresses made specifically for girls on the shorter side, like the Raquel dress, which will give you legs for days.

2. Banana Republic

Our pick: Floral Jacquard Boy Crop ($64.99 at Banana Republic)

Banana Republic has an entire petites section on its website and their in-store petite finds are usually well stocked too! Definitely the perfect place to find that cute pair of cropped pants that will actually look cropped on you.

3. ASOS

Our pick: Flutter Shorts in 70s Bold Floral Print ($51 at ASOS)

When it comes to on-trend statement pieces nobody beats ASOS—and plenty of their trendiest looks also come in a petite version!

4. Anthropologie

Our pick: Summertide Swing Dress ($99.95 at Anthropologie)

Say goodbye to dressing room disappointment when it comes to too-long maxi dresses! Anthropologie’s petite section has the easy, bohemian pieces you need for summer.

5. Ann Taylor

Our pick: Linen Cutout Tee ($89.50 at Ann Taylor)

A great go-to for dressed-up and classic basics, with a seemingly endless selection of items in their online petites section!

6. Topshop

Our pick: Ecru Ripped Jamie Jeans ($75 at Topshop)

There are a ton of reasons to love Topshop’s trendy, super chic pieces—but did you know about their amazing selection of jeans in shorter lengths?

7. J.Crew

Our pick: Metallic Striped Ikat Popover Shirt ($89.50 at J.Crew)

Colorful, preppy favorites in a petite fit—does it get any better than that?

Petite collegiettes, where do you score pieces that fit you perfectly?

#FemmeProbs: The Everyday Struggles of a Femme

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Let’s face it: when it comes to visibility, queer femme women have been riding the struggle bus since the beginning of time. Here’s a play-by-play of how our lives work.

So, you’re a femme. A girl’s girl who also happens to like girly things.

But supposedly, according to the unwritten book of queer-isms, that’s not the way to get girls.

Apparently you need to dress like Tegan and Sara.

And have hair like J Biebs circa 2010.

Then, of course, you feel ridiculous dressing up as something you’re not, so you continue to dress as you please.

But when you go to the gay club to meet girls and expect the night to go like this:

It actually ends up like this:

Because, have we mentioned how difficult it is to get girls as a femme?

Everyone just assumes you like guys…

…and the guys automatically assume they’ll be able to “set you straight.”

You’ll hear offensive comments like, “But you’re too pretty to be queer!”

Or, “You act so straight!”

…to the point where you’re convinced you’re going to be forever alone.

And you get the people trying to convince you you’re "just going through a phase."

But does it really matter if you’re attracted to guys, too?

Then you FINALLY score a girlfriend…

…and it’s a HUGE surprise to everyone else if she’s not butch.

I mean, how can you tell who the dominant person is in the relationship?

So eventually you just learn to ignore all of the ridiculous nonsense that people spew.

You learn that you shouldn’t change at all, no matter what.

Because as long as you’re comfortable with who you are and how you present yourself, that’s what’s most important.

And let’s be honest… why wouldn’t you want to be anything but your flawless self?

Channing Tatum Acts Out 'Magic Mike' Scenes Written by Children

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Channing Tatum is pretty much perfection. Not only is he gorgeous, but he can act as well in dramas like Dear John as he can in comedies like the Jump Street series. Needless to say when we heard that there would be a new Magic Mike movie, we were more than a little excited. So while we wait impatiently for the movie to be released on July 1st, why not watch Tatum play along to yet another one of Jimmy Fallon's crazy ideas on The Tonight Show? This is the funniest thing you'll watch today—promise.

Fallon had elementary school kids write scenes for Magic Mike, instructing them to imagine what they thought the movie might be about from the title alone. He then asked Tatum to act the (impressively creative!) scenes out.

Between the obvious complicity between Tatum and Fallon, and the hilariously explicit innuendos, this is everything you never knew you needed in your life.

Here’s What Happens When a Guy Watches ‘The Notebook’ for the First Time

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Our favorite romantic movie of all time—The Notebook, obvi—was released eleven years ago today. In celebration of this anniversary, we had a college guy watch the chick flick for the first time. Here are his thoughts on the film’s most iconic moments.

1. On the opening credits

“If you changed the music, this would be a perfect horror movie intro.”

2. On Noah’s Ferris wheel antics

“How is his hat not falling off?”

“He won’t fall, because then it would be the shortest romantic movie ever.”

3. On Noah pursuing Allie

“I think the guy’s being a little ridiculous for a girl he doesn’t even know.”

4. On lying in the street

“Who likes looking at streetlights? Stars yes, streetlights no.”

5. On dancing with no music

“I think she should have gone with the guy with the mustache. He is a much better dresser.”

“Hey I have an idea, let’s stand on the same street where we almost got run over!”

6. On Noah and Allie’s (almost) first time

“Is he wearing shorts underneath his pants or are those his boxers?”

“This reminds me of my first time… You know, standing six feet away from her and not talking or blinking. Also, those candles are a fire hazard.”

7. On present-day Noah and Allie

“That’s him and that’s her, isn’t it?”

8. On Noah writing 365 letters

“I wasn’t aware Ryan Gosling’s character was literate.”

“So it wasn’t a leap year?”

9. On Noah renovating the old house

“Let it go, dude.”

10. On kissing in the rain

“Were her legs wrapped around him the whole way to the house? Great core strength.”

11. On Noah and Allie getting hot and heavy

“Dude, do you ever take those shorts off?”

12. On Noah’s “I want you” monologue

“That was a good speech.”

13. On present-day Allie remembering that it’s them

“Saw it coming.”

14. On the ending

“He did that every day. That’s impressive.”

15. On the movie as a whole

“I can see why people like it, but I think it gets a bit more praise than it deserves.”

How to Remove Makeup Stains (From All Kinds of Fabric!)

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We all know that heart-sinking moment when we realize we've smeared makeup all over our favorite article of clothing. But before you freak out over the huge lipstick stain, read these easy tips and tricks for getting makeup stains out (no matter what the fabric!) and what to do in case of a stain-emergency.

Getting makeup stains out if you’re near a washer

You’re doing your nails when you accidently spill some on your jeans. Luckily, you’re near a washer and dryer so you can avoid a pesky set-in stain. However, fabrics react differently to makeup stains so make sure you treat a stain properly based on what your clothing is made of.

Stains on cotton

Getting stains on cotton is the best-case scenario because the material itself is pretty tough. You can soak and dry cotton, as well as bleach it if your clothing is white. If you are dealing with something white, dilute chlorine bleach and treat the stain. For colored cotton clothing, most detergents will get the stain right out!

Stains on wool

Unlike cotton, which is more heat-resistant, wool is very sensitive to heat so you have to approach stains on it carefully. Find wool-safe detergents and wash or soak your clothing in lukewarm (not hot!) water. Avoid bleach completely because it will end up damaging the wool. Try to treat stains on wool as quickly as possible and lay your garment flat as it dries so it doesn’t get stretched out. If you’re nervous about ruining your wool, take it to the dry cleaner to get it professionally cleaned.

Stains on synthetics

There are a bunch of different types of synthetic materials out there, but rayon and polyester are the most popular. If you’re dealing with makeup stains on either of these, don’t use bleach (even if they’re white) and stick to regular laundry detergent. If you have a really greasy stain, synthetic materials can handle gently rubbing using dish-soap as well as soaking in warm water.

Stains on silk

Everyone dreads getting makeup on silk because it’s a tricky material to work with. Water works well on silk stains but make sure you wash the whole article of clothing, not just the spot with the stain. If you just treat the stain, you’ll get water spotting which isn’t much better than the stain! You can also use a glycerin-based stain remover, which is gentler than regular detergent. Always hand wash or soak silk. Avoid throwing it in the washer!

Getting rid of stains on the go

You’re at your internship and you get red lipstick all over your white blouse. It’s only lunchtime, which means you could potentially spend a half a day with an awkward stain. But fear not! There are a lot of easy tricks to get stains out on the go, with stuff you have in your purse!

Lipstick stains

The secret to removing lipstick stains is surprisingly simple: hairspray! Spray a little bit onto your stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Grab some clean paper towels from the bathroom and dab it off. (Just remember to not rub too hard because then you risk having it set!) With a damp paper towel, gently rub off the rest and let it dry. Depending on the fabric and size of the stain, you can also try applying some regular Scotch tape to remove it!

Liquid foundation stains

With foundation, you want to treat the stain as quickly as possible. Find a plastic knife (from your office kitchen if you’re at work) and scrape off the excess foundation. Don’t rub! Then blot the stain with a damp paper towel. If you have hydrogen peroxide on you, apply a few drops. If not, gently work in hand soap in a circular motion. That should get the majority of the stain out, but be sure to wash it as soon as you get home!

Waterproof mascara stains

The whole point of waterproof mascara is to have it stay on forever. Of course, this is great for our lashes, but bad for our clothes. For small stains, pour a little makeup remover onto a paper towel or use makeup remover cloths. The trick here is that the makeup remover needs to be oil-free otherwise it will make the stain worse. Otherwise, opt for a little bit of soap and water and gently rub in a circular motion. Apply stain remover before washing when you get home for the day.

Deodorant stains

It happens to the best of us: that moment when you get deodorant all over your black shirt. Good thing you can get rid of the annoying white streaks easily! If you’re wearing nylon stockings, rub them directly on the mark. Or simply fold your shirt over the stain and rub. The same fabric will remove it instantly! You can also apply a little water and dab with a paper towel for a bigger stain.

In a makeup stain-emergency, whether you’re near a washer or out, take a deep breath. Your clothes aren’t ruined! Just keep these easy tricks in mind and you’ll avoid any permanent damage of makeup mishaps.


5 Easy Sandwiches to Take to Work

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Our playground days of PB&Js may be long gone, but sandwiches are still the perfect lunch to pack in your bag or briefcase. After all, what other food is so filling, portable, delicious and easy? Here are some grown-up versions to take to your internship or job this summer. Don’t worry, anything that will make your coworkers gag — like tuna fish sandwiches — is not on the menu.

1. Greek Salad Pita Pockets

While we can’t give you a Greek getaway (or a Greek guy…), here’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that will hit all of your food groups. You'll get whole grains from the pita pocket, healthy fats from the Kalamata olives and olive oil, calcium and protein from the feta cheese and tons of veggie goodness.

Recipe adapted from Food.com

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Kalamata olives
  • Squirt of lemon juice
  • 1 cup greens of your choice (try spinach or romaine)
  • Handful of diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 whole-wheat pita pocket

Directions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the first three ingredients.
  2. Add the next four ingredients and toss to combine.
  3. Put the mixture in a small container and pack your pita in a plastic baggie.
  4. Once at work, fill the pockets with the salad.

2. Peanut Butter and Fruit Sushi

While we love the taste of sushi, the fishy breath you get afterwards? Not so much. Traditional sushi can also be loaded with sodium, mayonnaise-based sauces and nutrient-stripped white rice. Not only is this recipe full of protein, whole grains and fruit, but it's adorable as well! If you're missing some of the ingredients or you feel like experimenting, this would also be delicious with peaches, mango, blueberries and/or nuts.

Recipe adapted from The Kitchn

Ingredients

  • 2 slices whole-wheat bread
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 chopped apple or banana
  • 1 tablespoon raisins
  • Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Directions

  1. Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on each slice of bread, making sure the bread is completely covered.
  2. Add your desired fillings horizontally to the bottom third of each slice.
  3. Roll from the bottom of the bread up.
  4. Slice into 5 or 6 pieces and pop into a plastic container.

3. Turkey, Brie and Apple Croissant

This gourmet sandwich is a delicious fusion of sweet and salty. Plus, it's incredibly easy to put together, and when you only have five minutes between curling your hair and swigging down coffee in the morning, every second counts. If you’re vegetarian, this would be equally good sans the turkey — just substitute some fresh pear slices. Because the croissant and brie make it a bit decadent, choose a relatively light side dish, like baby carrots.

Recipe adapted from FITNESS Magazine

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ tablespoon honey
  • 3 slices deli turkey
  • 2 ounces Brie cheese (or cheddar or Havarti)
  • ¼ green apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 croissant, halved

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the mustard and honey.
  2. Apply a thin layer of the spread to both pieces of the croissant.
  3. Layer the turkey, the Brie and the apple slices on the bottom croissant half.

4. Hawaiian English Muffin

Remember when your mother used to make you pizza English muffins with watery tomato sauce and greasy pepperoni slices? Well, sorry Mom, but our taste buds have gotten a bit more sophisticated since then. The protein in the ham and cheese will give you enough energy to power through the second half of your workday, while the fiber from the English muffin will keep you full and prevent over-snacking in the afternoon.

Recipe adapted from Parenting.com

Ingredients

  • 2-3 slices deli ham
  • 1/3 cup diced pineapple
  • 1 slice mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
  • 1 whole-wheat English muffin

Directions

  1. Halve the English muffin and top one side with the ham, the pineapple and the cheese.
  2. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce on top.
  3. Top with the other side of the muffin.

5. Veggie Burger Collard Wrap

The great thing about this wrap is that it’s vegan and vegetarian friendly! This recipe is also full of good-for-you ingredients: hummus, which helps lower your cholesterol; avocado, which has lots of healthy fats and tomato and collard greens, which both contain many essential nutrients. Make sure you choose an unprocessed veggie burger made primarily of grains and/or legumes.

Recipe adapted from Eating Bird Food

Ingredients

  • 1 collard green leaf (or a butter lettuce leaf if you don’t have collard)
  • 1 veggie burger
  • 1 tablespoon hummus
  • ¼ an avocado, sliced
  • Diced tomatoes

Directions

  1. Place the leaf on a flat surface.
  2. Using a knife, shave down the thick vertical stem until it’s approximately the same thickness as the rest of the leaf.
  3. Spread the hummus over the leaf.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients and wrap up like a burrito.

 

Even if you’re no Top Chef, you’ll have no problem quickly putting together these nutritious and tasty sandwiches. Bonus: you won’t get afternoon regret from falling prey to the vending machine’s temptations. Bon appétit! 

5 Beach Cover-Ups that Double as Summer Dresses

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We've been packing this essential in our beach bags for as long as we can remember, but how often do we feel comfortable enough to flaunt our cover-ups anywhere other than at the beach? Whether they're completely sheer or daringly short, cover ups can be far from dinner- or date-appropriate. But that doesn't mean you'll have to hit the changing cabana before heading off of the sand! Here's the perfect inspo for pieces that work as far more than just a cover-up. These dresses will have you covered from poolside popsicles to cocktails at the cluband everything in between!

1. Daydream Haze Dress, $59.95, Billabong

This cover up has everything that we love: beachy fringe, a longer length, and a pretty pastel pattern. Styles like these are perfectly boho-chic and will look totally appropriate for dinner on the shore.

2. Panama Palm Dress, $52, Sabo Skirt

Tropical-inspired patterns are a must-have for the summer months, and this dress does not disappoint. Wear it for a nighttime stroll down the boardwalk or for a day of window shopping.

3. Motel Hawaii Beach Cover Up Dress, $52, ASOS

The cool cut-outs on this cover-up are edgy without being too revealing. Match a look like this with some platform sandals and sassy shades for an outfit that's fully festival-ready.

4. Sweet Vida Dress, $39.50, Roxy

While we wouldn't pin a cover-up as elegant, this one comes close! Choose delicate straps and a low back (preferably in a neutral shade) for a classy take on the classic cover up. That deep V is also perfect for showing off a sliver of a stellar swimsuit!

5. Just Hope Dress, $34.95, Billabong

When the sun is sweltering, the last thing we want is additional fabric weighing us down! This strapless sundress is loose enough that it won't show suit lines and cool enough that you'll never break a sweat. 

And if none of these speak to your unique style? Ditch these brands, but opt for similar shapes and fits. Look for longer lengths that promise not to flash, flouncy silhouettes that won't let your bikini peek through, and lightweight fabrics that dry quickly and keep you cool.  

Zayn Malik Now Has Bleach Blonde Hair

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Zayn has come a long way since the X Factor days.

The former One Direction member shaved his head last April, but he debuted his bleach blonde hair on Instagram just two weeks ago.


 

White hair now

A photo posted by niazkilam (@zaynmalik) on

This pic and the heavily filtered one below are all we got to see... until yesterday.


 

"Me and the bruv :)"

A photo posted by niazkilam (@zaynmalik) on

The singer posted a picture of himself at the Valentino fashion show in Paris and we finally got a proper look at his new hairstyle.


 

“front row ready” @ valentino fashion show

A photo posted by niazkilam (@zaynmalik) on

Since then, more pictures have surfaced and the fans are engaged in heavy debate. Some love it...



...while some are not so convinced.


And of course there are the Eminem references.


What do you think, collegiettes? Can Zayn pull off the Slim Shady look?

This App Will Break Up With Your S.O. For You

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Breakups already have a tendency to get pretty messy. So it's only natural that we find a way to make them even messier, right? If anyone ever puts the accomplishments of our generation into question, just remind them that someone actually created an app that ends relationships. (Literally.) 

Like Tinder in reverse, Binder is an app that allows you to break up with your significant other with just a swipe to the right. 

"Imagine if you could dump someone in the same way you start a relationship," Jordan Laird, the app's 28-year-old creator, told The New Yorker. "There's an app for literally everything. This is the last thing that doesn't have an app."

The name of the app comes from the phrase "binned her." We're going to take a wild guess and just say that to "bin" someone is the equivalent of tossing something in the trash, since the "i' featured in the app's logo appears to be dotted with a trash can. 

The app works by, first, asking users to type in the name and phone number of their soon-to-be exes. The users are then given a number of reasons to choose from as to why they're ready to end their relationships. (These options include "It's not me, it's definitely you,""I feel like I was maybe tricked into this" and "It's like I'm living some sort of unwakeable nightmare.") After you've chosen your excuse, the app then brings you to a screen that notifies you that your ex is being sent the memo while also giving you the option to post about your new breakup on Facebook and Twitter. (You sure aren't holding anything back, Binder.)

We know what you're thinking. "Why would someone ever think this is okay?" Well, thankfully, the app is a joke.

"I hope no one's doing it seriously," said Ian Greenhill, the app's co-creator. 

Those who are on the receiving end of the breakup receive a pretty brutal text message along with an equally brutal phone call explaining the absurd reason for their partner ending the relationship. The message, along with the Scottish voice delivering it, is actually pretty laughable.

"Your boyfriend doesn't love you anymore, he hates your face, he thinks you're a bore," the pre-recorded voice croons into the phone. "In fact he is sick in his mouth whenever he sees you around." 

Laird and Greenhill work for Tennent's, a Scottish beer company, and they designed the app as a way to poke fun at tech products.

"It's a hectic, busy world out there, and people just don't have time," Laird says. "They're Ubering and Spotifying, and they're checking in."

We're not exactly sure why anyone would take something like this seriously but, after Binder's release, it was noted that over 6,000 people had sent out breakup messages. 

For those of you who can't stand the sight of your significant others anymore and would like to give Binder a try, the app is available on iOS and Android.

11 Beauty Struggles We All Know Too Well

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No one said that beauty routines would be easy, but at the same time, we didn’t expect them to be this hard. It doesn’t matter if we’re primping, polishing or plucking, we all constantly face beauty struggles in the pursuit of looking ***flawless. Here are 11 annoying things we deal with every day for the sake of beauty.

1. Chipped nail polish

We somehow manage to ruin our nails approximately 3 minutes after we do them. Every time.

2. Red lipstick on our teeth

Nothing says attractive like a red smudge on your pearly whites.

3. Hating our haircuts

Just counting the days until those locks grow out...

4. Running mascara

Goodbye flawless lashes, hello raccoon eyes!

5. Frizz

Some things just can’t be tamed.

6. Streaky, orange self-tanner

We went from Casper to Snooki with one bottle of lotion.

7. Cutting ourselves shaving

And being convinced we’re bleeding out.

8. Bikini waxes

Ouch. Just ouch.

9. Eyebrow plucking

There’s a fine line (as in, ONE hair) between perfectly shaped and way over-arched.

10. Failing at doing a cat eye

There goes 20 minutes and a whole bottle of makeup remover.

11.  Getting burned by our straightener/curling iron

Who decided holding a hot piece of metal next to our heads was a good idea?!

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