Earlier this year, details about the cost of being a constestant on The Bachelor were quite the hot topic of discussion. The world was pretty schocked to find the ladies largely foot the bill for their wardrobes, hair and makeup. But contestants from this season of The Bachelorette claim they did not spend nearly as much money as the women.

While it is no secret that women generally spend more money than men on clothes and beauty products, in the world of reality television, you might think guys would also be forking out some serious cash to make sure their style is camera-ready. 

Here is where the major difference in cost arises. Female contestants have to provide their own gowns for each rose ceremony, and we all know women cannot be caught on camera wearing the same dress twice. Meanwhile, the men can simply rotate a couple of suits throughout the season, and no one ever notices because they just have to change their tie. 

This is not to say that some of the men this season didn't spend major bucks on their wardrobe. Let us not forget Chad, who says he spent $7,000 on new clothes ahead of filming.

Ultimately, contestants decide how much they want to spend for the show. But ladies—it might be time to wear those pricey gowns more than once. Kate Middleton does it and still looks chic AF; you can too.

In response to increasing public awareness of the issue of rape and sexual assault on college campuses, President Obama and Vice President Biden said they will no longer visit universities that mishandle or ignore these cases.

According to a new White House policy, Obama, Biden, their wives and members of the Cabinet will not be visiting schools that are known for ignoring sexual misconduct issues, The Washington Post reports. This is just another step the White House is taking to show that there needs to be a better system for dealing with these problems on campus.

The White House has worked much harder in recent years to bring attention to the way sexual assault and domestic violence are being dealt with on campuses across the country. In 2014, they launched the Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. Now, Biden has even told The Post in an interview that he would go so far as to take away federal support from colleges that have failed to step up their game in dealing with sexual misconduct. 

According to the Huffington Post, the Obama administration is looking specifically for improvements in reporting and disciplinary processes. This includes how easy it is for victims to report sexual assault, along with how seriously and thoroughly a school investigates such reports. 

Out of the 11,000 schools in the U.S. required to report sexual assault data, 91 percent did not report a single occurrence last year. In January 2016, a study done by the Bureau of Justice Statistics showed that one in five female students experience sexual violence by the time they graduate. This number vastly conflicts with the self-reported data by the colleges and universities, making it likely that instances of campus sexual assault and domestic violence are going largely unreported or ignored. 

Biden, spokesperson of the It's On Us campaign to prevent sexual assault, wrote a letter to the victim of the Brock Turner case expressing his outrage at the way our culture treats sexual assault cases. "I am filled with furious anger—both that this happened to you and that our culture is still so broken that you were ever put in the position of defending your own worth," Biden wrote. "You were failed by a culture on our college campuses where one in five women is sexually assaulted—year after year after year. A culture that promotes passivity. That encourages young men and women on campuses to simply turn a blind eye." 

His statement summarized the feelings that much of the country shared at the outcome of Turner's case. 

The commitment of the White House to change the way we look at sexual assault has made at least a little bit of progress, though. The Post notes that the Department of Education is conducting 253 ongoing investigations at 198 colleges and universities, focusing on how sexual violence cases are handled on campus. This is almost five times as many as the Department looked at two years ago.

Many schools have already put steps into place that simplify the process of reporting sexual misconduct. They are also lowering the burden of proof for such cases, so that victims do not need to provide an unreasonable amount of evidence in order to prove than disciplinary action should be taken against perpetrators.

There is still a lot of criticism across the country, citing concerns that the government is too involved in the decisions of colleges and universities regarding sexual misconduct. But the work that President Obama and Vice President Biden has definitely made progress for preventing on-campus sexual assault.

Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson has filed a lawsuit against her Fox CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. According to her complaint, Carlson alleged that refusing Ailes' sexual advancements eventually led to the termination of her contract and career at the station.

Carlson was the host of "Fox & Friends," a morning show dedicated to discussing the latest political and world news, along with lifestyle topics. According to USA TODAY, Carlson alleges she experienced sexism from her co-host Steve Doocy during her three-year tenure as host of the show, in addition to the more severe sexual harassment she faced from Ailes. The accusations in the lawsuit are not vague in the slightest—Carlson recalls many instances in which the CEO made sexual comments towards her.

The complaint states that during a meeting to discuss the discriminatory treatment Carlson felt subjected to, Ailes told her, "I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago and then you'd be good and better and I'd be good and better," NPR reports. Carlson accused Ailes of making other perverse comments, as well, such as telling her to turn around so that he could see her rear end better.

Because she refused to comply with Ailes' requests, Carlson says her career suffered and that she was not given the support that other hosts typically received. Additionally, Carlson claims she saw a decrease in pay because she complained about the atmosphere at Fox. According to her complaint, Ailes even told the former "Fox & Friends" host that she could get the airtime and assigned interviews she wanted, so long as she simply behaved the way he wanted her to and did not complain about his unwanted sexual advances.

In a statement denying the allegations, the Fox News CEO said, "Gretchen Carlson's allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network's decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit." 

However, Carlson claimed that her afternoon show, "The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson," was the leading cable news show in her time slot, according to USA Today.  

This isn't the first time Carlson has brought up inappropriate behavior in the workplace. In a 2015 essay for the Huffington Post, she chronicled some experiences she's had with sexual harassment throughout her career, although she never specifically named or accused anyone at that time. The Stanford graduate also felt as though her looks and her title as a former Miss America often caused others to overlook her intelligence.

In a statement, 21st Century Fox promised to look into the complaint. "We take these matters seriously. While we have full confidence in Mr. Ailes and Mr. Doocy, who have served the company brilliantly for over two decades, we have commenced an internal review of the matter."

Our favorite app for #selfies is changing its ways, yet again.

Recently, Snapchat announced it will allow users to save their posts, rather than having them self-destruct forever, in a new function called Memories.

In an attempt to join and even surpass the ranks of other picture-sharing social media platforms, the company is giving you a new option to save your beloved Snaps. When you take a picture on the app or post something to your story, you can save the image to the ~Memories~ section with just a few taps. They hope this will convince users to use Snapchat to store pictures, instead of using more recognized mediums like Facebook and Instagram, according to the Los Angeles Times.

To access your Memories, you just need to swipe up in the photo-taking page. From there, you can show your friends your hilarious Snap Story from a week ago, or you can repost an old Snap to your story again. Throwback Thursday, anyone?

The update, which is set to be released within the month, will be organized somewhat like Facebook Moments or iCloud. You can search for old Snaps by date and location, which could be helpful to show off vacation pics or a specific event. If you decide to repost a Snap to your story, a cloud-like border will form on the sides of the image to let your Snapchat friends know that it's an older picture. You can also upload photos straight from your phone, which will bear a "From Camera Roll" label. 

Knowing that the platform is used for more than just family-friendly pictures, the company even accounted for snaps that are more, well, private. Explained further in a video released by the company, you can simply designate the risqué post as "My Eyes Only." This is a password protected feature within the Memories section that allows for users to maintain a bit of privacy whilst still being able to store any snap within the app. No need to worry about your mom swiping left or right when you're just trying to show off one picture. 

According to The Wall-Street Journal, this update comes at a time when the user base of Snapchat is rapidly changing. In fact, it was recently estimated that although only 14 percent of Snapchat users are over the age of 35, that age group is the fastest growing among users of the app. Despite the shift toward an older user base, 69 percent of Snapchatters are still ages 18 to 24. 

As the app moves away from focusing solely on its strong base of Millennials, users may criticize the move. But is it really such a bad thing to share this with our older family members? We all love Snapchat, so it makes sense to improve its features in order to connect further with older generations through using it. As long as we know how to prevent them from seeing anything awkward, this new addition should be chalked up as a win for everyone!

This week has been a rough one. Two videos have circulated on social media—both of which depicted police officers killing black men for nonviolent offenses. The first video showed 37-year-old Alton Sterling being shot multiple times by police while they pinned him to the ground. The second was a Facebook Live video in which 32-year-old Philando Castile was covered in blood, shot dead in his seat by a police officer during a traffic stop. These two men, within just a few days of each other, became the 135th and 136th black people to have been killed by police in 2016.

As anger and pain sink deeply into the hearts of all Americans, especially within black communities, Twitter Moments found some light in the darkness. On Thursday, #CarefreeBlackKids2K16 trended, which was begun by writer and podcaster Heben Nigatu (@heavenrants). According to Twitter, "people are sharing photos and videos of black children displaying their humor, intelligence and overall greatness in spite of existing in turbulent times." Take a look for yourself; we could probably all use a little bit of hope in the wake of such a troubling pattern of racist tragedies. 

As the famous Elle Woods said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” In other words, not only can squeezing in a quick workout make you look good, but it’s going to make you feel good too. Everyone has that one area they want to get in check, but right now we’re talking about the booty. Stop fawning over how perf Kim and ‘Yonce’s behinds looks in their skin tight dresses and get that celebrity butt of your own with these workouts!   

1. Hydrant with Kick

Test your balance and bum with this multipurpose move. The kick helps work out your butt while balancing with just your arms and one leg. It will also help with stabilization to tone your abs. Talk about multitasking!

2. Sumo Squat

The deeper the squat, the more muscles you work. You’re definitely going to feel the burn in your glutes and thighs with this one.

3. Superman

You may not have super powers to help you get fit, but this move is a good start. Tighten your abs and your behind while you pretend that you’re flying high...except you’re still on the workout mat.

4. Jump Squat

Jump squats are the perfect way to tone your butt and legs at the same time. The jump adds a cardio element to your workout routine, which means you can totally burn off that extra slice of pizza before bedtime.

5. Bridge with Leg Lift

This move is abs-olutely the way to get your perfect Kim K booty. Working your back, core and butt, you can do this move lying in bed or in between Netflix episodes. If it seems challenging at first, put both feet on the ground and work up to the leg lift.

6. Donkey Kicks

Reach for the sky or the ceiling with this workout. The best way to get the most out of it is to pace yourself and don’t go too fast because you don’t want to pull any muscles.

7. Side Lunges

Get a better booty one cheek at a time with this exercise! Keep proper form and hold weights to tone your arms at the same time.

8. Triangle Crunch

This one’s all about balance as it works the core, butt and arms. This move may be awkward at first, but you can totally nail it! Just think about those ‘after’ pics you post on Insta.

If you need a little more structure…

Try out a booty workout plan! There’s so many on the web to fit your individual needs. Some are made for the gym and some can be done in your bedroom.

Blogilatesoffers;one for free. Print out the colorful calendar and follow Cassey, YouTube fitness guru, through all of the moves.

Your best bum is only weeks away! Picking moves that don’t require you to leave the house will leave you no excuse but to workout. Pro tip: make your better booty time go by even faster by catching up on your favorite show or creating a killer playlist!

In a recent moment I will never forget, someone very special to me told me something that was so infuriating, saddening and beautiful all at the same time. In her darkest moments, she had the strength to identify how she no longer felt whole and how she felt that each day, some other part of her was falling away. She said to me in an almost inaudible whisper, “It’s like I am a ghost.” She went on to say, “I’m just not myself. Sometimes I am, but it feels forced and like I’m watching everything from a tunnel.”

This, my friends, is just a small peek into the dark room that is mental illness. We will all face it to an extent at one point or another in our lives, but there are some things that cannot be expressed merely through words. We often find it hard to explain what is going on inside our heads, or in our heavy hearts. How do we put into words the empty weight we feel from the suffocating hug of anxiety? How can we express that we are just…sad? How can we explain these feelings, when we ourselves have lost sight of any reason? After a while it becomes a blur, and before you know it, life is passing by and you’re not a player. Picture that dark room, too dark to even realize your eyes are open, but yet you sense that there is so much going on. There are so many thoughts and feelings, like small strings intertwining and rushing around, getting caught, and weaving a haphazard maze of a web. But you cannot make any sense of it. You cannot turn on the light, and it just keeps getting faster and faster, spinning without stopping to let you understand, until it is too late and all is silent again and still dark. This special woman had the courage to try and put this confusing maze into words, reaching through the dark to try and explain the struggle within.

This is mental illness, and although it can be felt very differently and there is no one definition, the one constant of mental illness is that there is none. There is nothing to hold on to.

So when she wrote to me those words, “It’s like I am a ghost,” all I could picture was her curled in on herself, whispering to no one this realization that she was not grounded, she was not whole. I pictured myself as her anchor, trying to hold onto the last wisps of her to the ground like the tail of a balloon while the wind fought to take her away from me. I saw her as a ghost, slowly becoming one with the wind and the sky, disappearing from me. And I thought, “No. You cannot have her. You are a selfish beast who takes until there is nothing left to take. You cannot have her like you once had me.”

How can you explain to someone you love that they matter, when every kind word feels like a bubble in a champagne glass—there for a small bit, observable but holding no weight or impact? And then it rises from the depths of the heart, where it could not find something to anchor itself to, through the dark chasms of the brain that is too busy fighting with itself to notice, and up into the abyss; unnoticed, and just gone. How can you make someone listen? This is what I said to try and shake her into solidity somehow. It is what I would say to all of you out there, struggling silently to stay grounded.

YOU. ARE. NOT. A. GHOST. You are very much alive. You are you. You fill up space and make it beautiful. You have the ability to feel the slightest touches, the rain, the wind and the sun. Your nerves are alive and constantly sending signals around you. Your blood is coursing through your veins in synch with the metronome of your heart. Your eyes are seeing new things each day, and your heart is receiving whether it knows it or not right now. You are very much alive and on this ground to stay. You’re grounded because of your world around you. You Matter.

You Matter. I love you.

For all of the ghosts out there, floating and desperately trying to stay close to the ground: keep trying. Don’t watch yourself float away. Fight back. Bang on the door and let yourself in because you’re invited to your life. Because your mind needs your help. Your heart needs your help. And you deserve to be whole again. 

It's finally happened. You and your group of friends have graduated. Sadly, you don't have nearly as much time to get together every Thirsty Thursday and take shots, or to wake up on Friday and still somehow make it to class, all the while texting one another about how awful it all is. Luckily for you, there's the post-graduation group chat to keep one another in each other's lives, and to bore all your college friends with the detailed minutia of your newly minted adult life. These are the 16 stages of the post-grad group chat we all know and love (as much as we wish it were an in-person rant in our dorm rooms--sigh!).

1. The "we're about to graduate"

Before you even head off into the adult world, the group chat has to start. I mean, how else are you going to plan checking off your bucket list AND studying for finals? Say hello to the group chat!

2. The "holy crap, we're graduating"

You've been texting all month about the impending doom and now it's here: you're graduating! Expect a lot of photos in the group chat to be basically all of you in the same exact photos, just with different people's smart phones. Don't even bother checking your Snapchat after graduation ends.

3. "How are you guys?" *insert inside joke*

Graduation is barely over and you already miss them. But the group chat'll make it seem like everything's the same, right? Especially if you throw in a lot of inside jokes to remind everyone that you're not real adults...yet.

4. "I got a job!"

Yup. It's here. The inevitable first "I got the job!" Someone in the group text has moved on to being a real adult. The reactions from the other chat members range from shock to awe to "Oh, should I have been applying, too?"

5. "Being an adult sucks."

No matter what the group chat members are doing post-grad--working, grad school, Netflix and wine--you're all starting to realize how much being an adult sucks. At least Orange Is the New Black is back, right? 

6. The "Why is everyone up at 3 a.m.?"

 

A photo posted by Maleekhlfmcuja (@hlfmcmaleekuja) on

Sep 16, 2015 at 7:39am PDT

Just like you're back in college, there are inevitably those nights when you wake up every five seconds to the light of your phone. If you're the one friend who got a job, this is even more of a fresh hell. You should probably just change your notification settings already. Real adults know they don't need to check their phone every time a friend texts.

7. The first "Let's Skype or Facetime!"

You already miss each other soooo much! Wait--it's only been two days since we graduated? Facetime can fix this. Trying to organize a group video chat? We're going to be here a while.

8. The post-Skype discussion

Every funny inside joke that was born during that video chat lives on in the form of the group chat. Let's hope you weren't the one friend who was busy working at your same college waitressing gig and had to miss the entire Skype sesh. 

9. The first "Let's meet up!"

 

A photo posted by @llamasinpyjamaas on

Sep 9, 2015 at 9:34am PDT

Making plans to see all these people in person, especially if half of you live across the country, is going to be so much fun. Is this how real adults maintain their friendships? How do they do it?! We just want to walk across campus and lay down on each other's dorm room floors.

10. The post-meet-up discussion

Just like Skype, the first hangout lives on. After all, if you don't text about it afterward, it's like it didn't even happen. Bonus points if everyone in the group chat actually made it to the plans.

11. The first drunk messages

Oh, good! Someone in the group chat is actually drunk...without the rest of you. For the first time in four years. Whether they're alone, with wine and Disney movies, or out at a bar in the city, everyone else is going to be sick of the messages. "I'm so drunkkkk, wish you were here!" At least there'll be a record of this in case they forget what happens. 

12. "Everyone's an adult now..."

Once you reach this stage, it's because you're the only person in the group chat who seems to be dedicated to a post-grad life of watching Game of Thrones and eating pizza. You thought all your friends were down for that lifestyle, and they all promised they'd hang out and stay up late even after they got jobs, and yet, they're all mysteriously quiet in the group chat. 99% of the drunk messages are now you, telling the other chat members how much you love them every weekend. 

13. "Can we please go back to college?"

Real life is setting in. You have bills?! You have graduate school classes?! You have to wake up early for a job because you can't just schedule it to start after 11 a.m.?! Ugh! This is awful. Everyone's tired and nobody is impressed.

14. "Did you hear about...?"

Let the gossipping about fellow alumni, professors and current students commence!

15. Random emojis

If you've ever been in a group chat long enough, there's bound to be at least one bout of random emojis. You're not sure if the texter is bored, or just got a new phone and is having way too much fun. 

16. The cycle continues

The thing about the group chat that's beautiful is, with some variation, the cycle continues. Once you all have real adult responsibilities, you may not Skype every week, but you'll get together a few times a year (hopefully more!) and it will be MAGICAL. The inside jokes will be so good you'll have to make actual memes out of them. The group chat is the one place where college lives on in our hearts, and for that, we are grateful. 

Over 100 million people use Snapchat on a daily basis and I was one of them until recently.

A few months ago, I deleted my Snapchat. When I say I deleted my Snapchat I don’t mean that I logged out of the app and removed it from my phone. I mean I gave Snapchat my username and password and agreed that I wanted my account permanently removed.

When the app asked if I was sure about my decision I hesitated, but after thinking about it for a few minutes I knew I was making the right decision.

RELATED: Your Parents Will Probably Be on Snapchat Soon

I never really explained to people why I deleted my Snapchat until now. I deleted my account because the app was consuming my life and it started to take a toll on my mental health.

I checked Snapchat 24/7. I used the app to send and receive snaps, but my main usage was to watch stories. I wouldn’t really update my story, but I would watch others’ stories. Checking it to see what my current and former friends were doing as well as checking on some of my ex-boyfriends.

My constant use of the app started paying a toll on my mental health at the beginning of my junior year almost a year ago. Every time I would check the app I found myself down and depressed by the time I closed the app.

Why wasn’t I invited? Maybe they don’t really like me. I guess they forgot about me. Those were all thoughts that would cross my mind when I checked Snapchat.

RELATED: Michelle Obama is Joining Snapchat!

It wasn’t until I started comparing myself to others, who I felt replaced me in different aspects of life, that I knew Snapchat was unhealthy for me.

During my five month break from Snapchat, I lived in the moment and selflessly focused on myself. At first it was really hard, I didn’t know what to do in between classes or when I was in bed late at night. But after a while it became easier.

I spent my spare time reading books/newspapers/magazines and journaling about different experiences I was having that could lead to a story for the school newspaper or USFSP Her Campus.

This time was also used to learn more about my anxieties and what was causing me to feel the way I do. After briefly meeting with my school’s psychologist, I started doing a number of exercises that focused on me. By the end of my sessions, I learned tools and tricks that would allow me live with my anxieties without letting them consume my life.

As time passed, I forgot that Snapchat existed. I was happy and healthy. I was living in the moment and not caring what others were doing.

RELATED: The 10 Stages of Your Drunk Snap Story

It wasn’t until recently that I redownloaded the Snapchat app, because I am taking a social media class this fall. But because of my break from Snapchat, I am using it in a whole new light. I now use my Snapchat to read stories from Cosmopolitan and Refinery29. And to share with friends and families my senior year adventures.

Because I have found new ways to spend my spare time I don’t have an urge to constantly check the app. I have found a way to have a Snapchat without letting it consume my life again.

I definitely would recommend anyone who feels that Snapchat has taken over their life to disconnect for a little while.

It will be the best decision that you will ever make.

Although it's sad to say goodbye to college friends for a few months, sometimes living with your 'rents isn't so bad!  Here are the many freedoms of being an (almost) adult during the best season.

1.  You can get up whenever you want.

Waking up at noon is completely acceptable. 

2.  Having the whole place to yourself is awesome.

When your parents go to work, you can just build, you know, a FIRE PIT in your kitchen! (Would not suggest...)

3.  Getting the car all to yourself...  

If you don't get a car on campus, now is the time to take a joy ride.

4.  You can get snuggled up and eat cheese with no judgement.

No one needs to know your REAL Friday night plans.

5.  ALL. THE. FREE. FOOD.

Eat a whole pizza when no one's watching (or better, if everyone is watching).

6.  Seeing old friends is the best. 

*insert happy dance here*

7.  Enjoying your time alone.

You never want to leave the couch. Ever.

8.  Getting a sick internship.

This might not be a realistic setting, but hey, a girl can dream.

And this is why summer is the best season. We're so not ready for school to start again...

UPDATE: The officer death toll has now risen to five, including the DART officer. The attack is the deadliest on U.S. law enforcement since 9/11.

Initially, The Los Angeles Times reported that three suspects were in custody, and that one other suspect was engaged in a standoff with police. After several hours in standoff, the suspect—who claimed he wanted to "kill white people, especially white officers"—was killed by a bomb detonated by police, CNN reports. Dallas Police Chief David Brown told reporters that the suspect said he acted alone and was angered by "recent police shootings."

Preseident Obama called the shooting a "vicious, callous and despicable attack" on law enforcement.

Original story below:

Eleven police officers were shot by two snipers during a rally in Dallas around 9 p.m. Thursday night. Dallas Police Chief David Brown has announced that three officers are dead and seven are wounded. One officer from Dallas Area Rapid Transit, or DART, was killed as well.

The rally was meant to peacefully protest the killings of two black men by police—Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota—in the last few days.

NBC News reports that one suspected shooter has been cornered by police.

This is a developing story.

We've all had those days where you can't help but viciously stalk your ex on Instagram, combing through their photos feeling both regretful and full of pride at the same time. However, there's kind of an unspoken rule that you just don't ~ever~ like your ex's photos, but leave it to Calvin Harris to break that.

Taylor Swift uploaded tons of photos from her annual 4th of July celebration, complete with a Tay-tastic water slide and some porch cuddling with Ryan Reynolds and Black Lively (which we would bet Calvin Harris saw and totally stewed over).  Clearly, he's had been doing some lowkey ex girlfriend stalking since one Instagram user captured this moment: 

We aren't sure if Calvin liked the photo on accident and completely regrets all his life choices, or if this was a purposeful snub at Taylor. No, he didn't' like a photo of Hiddleswift itself, but he's clearly sending some sort of message to Tay about it. No guy says "It's cool, she's just doing her thing," and actually means it. We see you Calvin, and we've got our popcorn ready. 

In the wake of the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., thousands of people have shared their reactions on social media, including Canadian-born rapper Drake who posted this heart-wrenching letter on Instagram.

“I am grateful to be able to call America my second home,” he begins. But the Alton Sterling shooting has left him feeling “disheartened, emotional, and truly scared.” Like many, Drake says that he doesn’t have all of the answers but he believes in a world that can do better by one another.

“I believe things can change for the better. Open and honest dialogue is the first step,” he writes. The letter is even more heartwrenching in light of the death of Philandro Castile, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Minnesota.

Numerous reports indicate that Alton Sterling was one of more than 500 people fatally shot by the police in 2016 and that more than 120 of these individuals were black. Drake is one of many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, Jesse Williams and Zendaya, who have spoken out since the shooting. Hopefully, as Drake says, this open and honest dialogue will make a difference.

Ashley Graham will never let someone get away with insults to her body, and that's why we love her. This week, she took to Instagram to clap back at the hater who called her thighs "cellulite city."

The post features a series of photos, focusing primarily on her thighs, because obviously. We can always count on Graham to be a strong promoter of body positivity and self-love. And you know what, girl? We think you look great.

Ever wonder what the sleeping celebs in Kanye's controversial "Famous" video would say if they could actually talk? Celebs like Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor are answering that question in a hilarious new parody by BBC Radio 1. The video, which also includes 5 Seconds of Summer and Carly Rae Jepson, features a variety of hysterical dialogue, including the Biebs bragging about his "perfect symmetrical face." Check out the full video for a look at what's really happening in that bed.

Rich Cohen, a writer, contributing editor, and co-creator of the short-lived HBO television show, Vinyl, penned an in-depth cover story featuring Margot Robbie for Vanity Fair magazine. Since its publication, the piece has been drawing criticisms from the online community—as it should.

The article has sparked outrage for its sexist and misogynistic undertones, particularly in the language used when referring to Robbie’s appearance. He uses terms like "second-semester freshman,""simple" and "too fresh to be pegged."

America is so far gone, we have to go to Australia to find a girl next door. In case you've missed it, her name is Margot Robbie. She is 26 and beautiful, not in that otherworldly, catwalk way but in a minor knock-around key, a blue mood, a slow dance. She is blonde but dark at the roots. She is tall but only with the help of certain shoes. She can be sexy and composed even while naked but only in character. As I said, she is from Australia. To understand her, you should think about what that means.

This article is one of many profiles of female actresses that have been fiercely criticized because of the way in which the writers in question have focused predominantly on superficial topics, as opposed to writing about more relevant matters relating to their acting careers and other endeavors.

The online community came to Robbie's defense and has since denounced the article entirely, particularly questioning the integrity of the writer and editors for publishing it altogether.

And this about sums it up...

Emily Ratajkowski sat down with feminist author Naomi Wolf to talk about all things female sexuality (...and Kim Kardashian) for Harper's Bazaar. The 25-year-old Gone Girl actress, who posed alongside Kardashian in a topless selfie earlier this year, is a self-proclaimed feminist but she explains just how difficult that is in her line of work.

“You know, when Lena Dunham takes her clothes off, she gets flack, but it's also considered brave; when Justin Bieber takes his shirt off, he's a grown-up. But when a woman who is sexual takes off her top, it plays into something,” she says. Of course, every woman is sexual, but she argues that it's different for women whose jobs promote or celebrate their bodies in a sexual way.

Ratajkowski adds, “There's this idea that if a man enjoys a photograph of a nude woman or if he likes your short skirt, he's taking something away from you. It's not right. Sex is normal. Desire is normal. Attention is normal, and that's okay.” Wolf agrees, explaining that this ridiculous bias comes from the Victorian period, that supposedly “when you’re in the performance profession, you’re giving pleasure with the performance.” And, that’s a bad thing.

Ratajkowski believes that choosing to expose her body online is as equally impactful as a feminist and political statement as choosing not to. She explains confidently, “When I post a selfie and someone comments, ‘Oh, sure, go ahead and reclaim your sexuality, I got my rocks off,’ that's not my problem.”

All women should be allowed to love their bodies and they should be allowed to express that love however they please—without body-shaming and without slut-shaming. For Ratajkowski and for us, that means that you can be a feminist and still love selfies. Finally, mystery solved. 

For most, turning 21 is one of the biggest milestones in life. It's your chance to try all of those fruity drinks with the umbrellas in them that your parents would get on vacation but never let you try. It's an exciting year for all soon to be 21-year-olds, and we're here to help you find the perfect drink to have on your 21st—based on your zodiac sign!

Cancer

Sangria is a summer staple. Cancers typically have the greatest imaginations, so of course a frozen raspberry peach sangria puts a great twist on a typical drink for a unique birthday girl!

Recipe from Joyful Healthy Eating

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (pinot noir)
• 1/3 cup brandy
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 cup frozen peaches
• 1 navel orange, peeled
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Juice of 1 lime (about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar

Directions:

1. Put all the ingredients in a blender, mix until smooth and serve.

Leo

Your bubbly soul will absolutely love these popsicle cocktails! Dip your favorite flavor into champagne and ginger ale for the most refreshing and fun cocktail around.

Recipe from Hostess with the Mostess

Ingredients:

• Popsicles
• Champagne, white rum, or vodka
• Ginger ale

Directions:

1.  To create a light spritzer, combine equal parts champagne and ginger ale.
2.  For a fruity cocktail, go with three parts ginger ale to one part white rum or vodka.

Virgo

So, your older friends might roll their eyes at you for this one, but as loyal as Virgos are, it'll be hard for you to stray away from your freshman favorite…moscato! This strawberry lime moscato punch is the perfect recipe to jazz up old faithful for your first official night out on the town!

Recipe from Real Housemoms

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 liter of Moscato wine
• 1 can frozen limeade concentrate, defrosted
• 1 cup strawberries, diced 
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 lime sliced
• 2 liter 7 Up

Directions:

1.  Place 1 cup of diced strawberries and 1/4 cup of limeade in a blender and puree.
2.  Run through strainer to remove most of the seeds.
3.  Pour into a pitcher.
4.  Add remaining limeade and moscato into the pitcher.
5.  Garnish with strawberry and lime slices.
6.  Chill in fridge.
7.  When ready to serve, top each glass with 7 Up.

Libra

You're down for just about anything for your birthday but can't seem to decide whether you'd rather have a cocktail or a beer. Why not have both? Peach beermosa cocktails give you the best of both worlds without breaking the bank!

Recipe from Growing Up Gabel

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peach puree
• 1 1/2 cups juice
• 1 12 oz. beer

Directions:

1.  Mix the puree, juice and beer together. 
2.  Pour into glass and serve chilled.

Scorpio

The Volstead is an explosive drink, but it won't make a Scorpio nervous. Its pretty pink color disguises the punch that comes with it. It's made with champagne and will not disappoint any lady wanting to celebrate.

Recipe from Saveur

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. mixed fresh berries
• 3/4 oz. vodka
• 3/4 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur 
• 1/4 oz. lemon juice
• Champagne, to top

Directions:

1. Muddle the fresh berries and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice and ice, shaking.
3. Strain into a champagne flute and top gently with champagne, letting the foam subside and topping again until the glass is filled.

Sagittarius

A Sagittarius is a total perfectionist, so why not celebrate your new age with the perfect royal blue cocktail? Have you ever seen a prettier drink?

Recipe from Pillsbury

Ingredients:

• Lime wedge
• Coarse sugar or granulated sugar
• Ice cubes
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz.) citron vodka or vodka
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz.) blue curaçao
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions:

1.  Moisten rim of chilled martini glass with lime wedge. Sprinkle sugar onto small plate, and dip moistened rim into the sugar to coat lightly.
2.  Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add cranberry juice, vodka, curaçao and lime juice; cover and shake. Strain into martini glass. 

Capricorn

This blue coconut cocktail is everything you could ever want for your 21st. It's a slushy, and it will transport you out of your winter birthday month and straight into summer! We know Capricorns tend to be responsible, but it is okay to let loose with a fun, frozen drink every once in a while.

Recipe from Jennifer Meyering

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup blue curaçao
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut
• 8 cups of ice
• Coconut flakes, for garnish

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to blender, and blend on high until desired consistency is reached.
2. Dip rim of glass in thin layer of cream of coconut on plate and then dip into coconut flakes.
3. Pour cocktail into glass and serve immediately.

Aquarius

We know that on a daily basis you're super traditional, and there's nothing wrong with that. For your 21st, however, it's time for you to change it up! Try these dirty fishbowl drinks, and you'll feel like the ultimate bartender.

Recipe from Just a Pinch

Ingredients:

• 10 oz. vodka
• 10 oz. coconut rum
• 6 oz. blue curaçao liqueur
• 12 oz. sweet-and-sour mix
• 20 oz. pineapple juice
• 32 oz. lemon-lime soda
• Blue food coloring, if desired
• 3 small fishbowls (each holding 4-5 cups volume)
• 1 box (6 oz.) Nerds candy
• 12-16 Swedish fish candies
• Ice
• Fruit slices (3 each of lime, lemon and orange)
• 9 drinking straws

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients in large pitcher.
2. Pour into three separate fishbowls and chill.

Pisces

Your artsy flair won't go away on your birthday. Embrace it with this colorful magic cotton candy martini!

Recipe from Style Me Pretty

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cotton candy
• 4 cups grape juice
• 6 oz. vanilla vodka

Directions:

1.  Combine juice and vodka with ice in a shaker. Shake to combine.
2.  Place 1 cup cotton candy into each martini glass.
3.  Pour juice mixture over cotton candy.

Aries

Aries are total sweethearts and deserve to have an equally sweet drink! Why not break out some of your favorite candies and make this Haribo Miami Fizz cocktail?

Recipe by Tipsy Bartender

Ingredients:

Blue layer:

• 1 oz. (30 ml) simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. (15 ml) blue curaçao

Green layer:

• 1/2 oz. (15 ml) melon liquor
• 1 oz. (30 ml) Sprite lemon soda

Orange layer:

• 1 oz. (30 ml) tropical fruit juice
• Splash of triple sec

Top layer:

• 1/2 oz. (15 ml) gold rum
• 1 oz. (30 ml) strawberry liquor
• Haribo Miami Fizz candy

Directions:

1. Choose exact cups you want to use. (These drinks have to be poured in the cups you'll drink them from).
2. Layer each layer slowly.
3. Refrigerate before drinking.

Taurus

As the mom of your friend group, you typically don't get too adventurous with your drink choices, since you know you'll probably be the one walking someone home. Lucky for you, today is all about you, and it's time you get a bit adventurous. The blue devil is everything you need to kick back and enjoy your special day!

Recipe from Flour On My Face

Ingredients:

• Lime juice
• Confectioner's sugar
• 1 oz. light Bacardi rum
• 1/2 oz. blue curaçao
• 1 oz. orange juice

Directions:

1.  Rim a cocktail glass with the lime juice and confectioner's sugar.
2.  In a shaker filled with ice, add the rum, curaçao and orange juice.
3.  Shake until well chilled.
4.  Pour into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
5.  Garnish with a slice of lime.

Gemini

So you've been dying to try something original for your 21st but don't know what to do. This tiramisu martini is exactly how you can switch it up. Chocolate drinks? Yes, please!

Recipe from The Cookie Rookie

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Kahlua (half of a shot glass)
• 1 1/2 oz. RumChata
• 1 1/2 oz. Godiva Chocolate liquor
• 1 1/2 oz. heavy cream
• Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, ground coffee or cocoa, and lady fingers for garnish

Directions:

1.  Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2.  Shake to combine.
3.  Pour into two martini glasses.
4.  Top with freshly whipped cream, chocolate shavings, ground coffee or cocoa, and lady fingers. All are optional!

Happy birthday, collegiettes! And, as always, please drink responsibly.

COLLEGE. It’s an exciting word, but also a terrifying one. After months of endless applications, emotional acceptances and rejections, and difficult decisions, you’re finally ready to pack your bags and go. Or are you? 

As your departure date draws closer, you’re probably suffering from some serious pre-college anxiety. You’ll have to make new friends, adjust to new academic expectations and learn how to live away from home.  That’s a lot of new—no wonder you’re nervous! But never fear: we’ve compiled a list of some tried-and-true ways to calm down and get excited about the next four years of your life.

1. Talk to current college students

When you’re nervous about something, the best way to feel better is to talk to someone who’s been through it and survived—and no matter where you live, there are sure to be tons of college students home for the summer.

“I talked to a very good friend of mine who was a rising junior,” says Laura, an HC campus correspondent from Virginia Tech.  “Listening to her tell me about her freshman year and everything she went through really put things into perspective that it isn’t as bad as you think and you CAN get through it.”

Even if you don’t have close friends who are in college, there are still plenty of people you can talk to—friends of your older siblings, people who were in the school musical with you or played on the same sports team, etc.  If you work a summer job, there are probably college kids lurking around somewhere—see if you can start up a conversation with them while you’re scooping ice cream or on break.
 
These students are your most reliable resource for what college is really like, from schoolwork to clubs to dining to parties.  Remember, though, that every college is different, and that traditions and customs at your friends’ schools won’t necessarily apply to your experience.  Just because your friend’s entire school participates in a naked midnight run doesn’t mean you’ll have to do the same!

2. Use your nerves for good

You’re nervous, and that anxious energy can manifest in all kinds of unhealthy ways—overeating, not eating, crying, etc.  Instead of letting yourself get worked up into a nervous wreck, put your energy into something constructive, like scouring the web for funky dorm furniture or doing research into your school’s student organizations on your school’s website under the “Student Life” tab.

“I moved across the country on my own to go to college, so I was getting very nervous,” says Dylan, an HC Campus Correspondent from William and Mary.  “I put all my nervous energy into packing—researching packing list recommendations, frequently visiting Bed Bath & Beyond, and looking around online for dorm decorating ideas.  It made me feel like I had a better handle on the whole transition.”
 
Doing research into your school will not only make you feel more prepared, but will also help you get excited about college.  You might even learn something you never knew about your school, like that they have an amazing kickboxing club or that one of their professors wrote your high school history textbook!
 
Looking for other great ways to channel your nerves?  Work on a project you’ve been meaning to get to for a while, like organizing your DVD collection or starting a blog.  If your school requires summer work, try to focus on that, and do it to the best of your ability.  Exercise is also a great way to get rid of nerves, so channel your anxiety into finding a cool new workout and giving it a try!

3. Make a plan

Make some concrete plans for the first week of school.  Your school is sure to have a huge activities fair, so plan to ask your roommate to go with you.  Make a promise to yourself to sign up for as many organizations as possible so that you’ll immediately have plenty of things to do and people to meet around campus. You might even join one of Her Campus's craziest clubs!

“If you and your friends are bored one night, maybe you WILL decide to go to that Rugby Club party or Mock Trial Cookout,” says Ashley, a campus correspondent from Wake Forest University. “College is all about meeting all kinds of people and you won't find them unless you force yourself to get out of your room and try as many things as possible.”

4. Actively get back into “school mode”

You may be totally fine with the social aspect of college, but freaking out about academics.  Will the classes be too hard?  Will the professors be nice?  Will I even remember how to do school?  HC Contributing writer Ben Kassoy, who recently graduated from Emory University, suggests reviewing old high school notes or textbooks before leaving for college, especially for subjects you know you’ll be taking freshman year.  It’ll get you back into a “school” frame of mind, remind you how to study and take notes, and make you glad that you’re not headed back to high school come fall!

5. Attend orientation and other school-related events

Go to orientation, even if it isn’t required.  At orientation you can get a feel for campus, see all the great organizations that your school offers and make some new friends, all before the scary sophomores, juniors and seniors get there!  Many schools also offer a chance to meet with an adviser, so if you’re worrying about what classes to take,  they’ll be there to help you figure out what classes best fit your interests and aspirations.

Some schools also plan other summer events, like meet-ups and picnics in specific cities.  If possible, attend one of these.  You’ll get to meet some of your future classmates, and these events are full of alumni and current students just waiting to tell you how amazing your new school is!  You’ll usually receive an email or card if one of these events is happening near you, but you can also search for your school’s alumni association and contact them.

6. “Meet” your future friends

If it’s not possible to meet your classmates in person, go on your school’s Facebook group and add to the conversation.  You’re not really “meeting” these people through Facebook, but it’ll make you feel like a part of your college class.  And through reading the posts you’ll realize that the other students are just as nervous as you are! 

These groups are also a great place to ask and answer questions about your school.  Freaking out about the online Spanish placement exam? Someone out there will probably be able to calm your nerves!  To learn more about being a social-media-savvy pre-collegiette, check out this HC article on Facebook etiquette.

7. Learn the skills for living away from home

Another way to turn your nerves into productivity is to bond while still getting ready for college.  Nervous about those housekeeping tasks you’ll have to do for yourself once you get to school?  Ask your mom to help you wash and fold a load of laundry, or get some friends together to cook a simple meal.  You’ll be much better educated in those living-on-your-own chores, and you may have some great quality bonding time!

8. Figure out what you’re nervous about and answer each fear

Though it may just feel like an overwhelming wave of panic, there are some specific parts of college life that you’re worried about—and in reality, most of your fears probably don’t make much sense.  Maybe you’re an absolute pro at introducing yourself to complete strangers, but you’re still freaking out about the college party scene.  Or maybe you’ve always been at the top of the class, and you’re worried college classes will make your grades drop. Pin down these specific fears and refute them.  For example:

• Fear:  I’m afraid that I’ll be awkward with the other people in my dorm, and they won’t want to be friends with me.
• Answer: Last year at my summer job I made tons of new friends, and I’m still in touch with them!  I’m awesome!

9. Find the humor

Remember in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when the students got rid of a Boggart (which would take the shape of the thing the student most feared) by turning what they found scary into something hilarious?  Humor is a great way to get past something that freaks you out because it forces you to look at the situation in a whole new way.  Watch funny college movies, talk to relatives and friends about their funniest college experiences, even make stupid jokes about the size of your suitcase—we guarantee you’ll be feeling less doom-and-gloom in no time.

10. Put it all in perspective

You may not feel like you’re ready, but you are.  You’re a smart, savvy collegiette who’s ready to take on the world.  And remember, you go to college to get an education—not just from books but also from friends, experiences, and yes, even mistakes.  It’s normal to feel nervous, but know that you’re going to be just fine.  If you don’t believe it, take this advice from former HC campus correspondent Jenna, who attends the University of Maine:

“I think some of the best advice I ever received was that although it seems like everything is changing when you leave for college, in no time at all you will feel at home there and a new 'norm' will be in place. Change is hard because it takes time to feel comfortable and adjusted to a new routine but everyone in college is going through the same transition and is looking for friends and study buddies, so there is no need to feel out of place. As I go into my senior year I am just as nervous for the new norm of post-college life as I was going into college. Your jitters will go away once you realize you are about to have the best four years of your life!"

People all over the world have been mourning the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Their deaths only add to the ever-increasing number of African Americans who have been killed by police in recent years. Beyoncé recently made a powerful tribute to their deaths and other black victims of police brutality.

On Thursday morning, the international pop star shared a powerful message on her website condemning police brutality. Later, during a stop on her Formation World Tour in Glasgow, Scotland, Beyoncé went even further, asking for a moment of silence for black lives lost to police brutality. During the silence, a list of victims' names, including Sterling and Castile, appeared on screen.

She then went on to perform a chilling a cappella performance of her song “Freedom.” The song was the perfect choice for the tribute, with many believing it was written in reference to the Black Lives Matter campaign. Lyrics from the song include, “Channel 9 news tell me I’m movin’ backwards/ Eight blocks left, death is around the corner/ Seven misleadin’ statements ‘bout my persona” as well as “Freedom! Freedom I can’t move/ Freedom, cut me loose!/ Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?”

Beyoncé is one of many celebrities who have paid tribute to victims of police brutality against African Americans. We wish this unnecessary violence against the black community would finally come to an end so there would be no need for such tributes. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all victims. And, if one thing is for sure, this violence needs to end now.