Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Thong Is Dead!
Until recently, cheekless undies were everywhere. But as sales dip lower than the hipster jeans that were designed to expose them, a new power pantie is poised to take over.
A little more than 10 years ago, the Macarena was a hit, the Rachel haircut was in, and wearing a thin strip of fabric between your butt cheeks was considered daringly sexy. Thankfully, the dance is now socially unacceptable, and those layers have grown out. But what about the thong? Although our love for it has endured, its popularity appears to be fading, and recent figures show another style is taking over. We conducted an investigation to find out how thongs went from hot to not and target the man-melting undies you must own now.
The Rise of the Whale Tail
The lead-up to the thong's run began more than three decades ago. In the '80s, Jane Fonda became a leotard-clad fitness guru, inspiring women to strip down and get fit. "This built a momentum," says Jill Fields, PhD, author of An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie, and Sexuality. "In a few years, the idea of fitness became normal, and the everyday woman wanted to show off her aerobicized body." As a result, women started dressing in clingier, more revealing clothing to accentuate the tight backsides they had earned in step class. Not only did this call for an undergarment that would eliminate the dreaded visible pantie line (VPL), but a skimpy thong was also in keeping with the supersexy sensibility (i.e., casual sex) that dominated the era.
The thong made its way into more and more women's wardrobes and, in 1995, truly had its coming-out party. That's when Victoria's Secret put on its first-ever public runway show, and lingerie became visible in a way it never had been before. "Underwear fashion shows have been around since the 1930s," says Fields, "but back then, it was a private trade show that only undergarment buyers could attend." After the whole world saw that, yes, Heidi and Tyra were flossing, demand for the thong skyrocketed. "Retailers responded by turning them out in an array of fabrics and colors," says Fields. "And denim brands like Juicy Couture and Frankie B began to cut jeans superlow for the sole purpose of exposing the cute new designs."
Two highly publicized events helped grant the thong its iconic status. First, frisky President Bill Clinton was busted for fooling around with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and one of the juiciest tidbits Monica confessed was that she had seduced him by flashing her thong. Soon after, Britney Spears solidified her status as pop's steamiest act by performing in a rhinestone thong under sheer pants at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. The hot factor of the T-shaped undie had reached an all-time high.
A little more than 10 years ago, the Macarena was a hit, the Rachel haircut was in, and wearing a thin strip of fabric between your butt cheeks was considered daringly sexy. Thankfully, the dance is now socially unacceptable, and those layers have grown out. But what about the thong? Although our love for it has endured, its popularity appears to be fading, and recent figures show another style is taking over. We conducted an investigation to find out how thongs went from hot to not and target the man-melting undies you must own now.The Rise of the Whale Tail
The lead-up to the thong's run began more than three decades ago. In the '80s, Jane Fonda became a leotard-clad fitness guru, inspiring women to strip down and get fit. "This built a momentum," says Jill Fields, PhD, author of An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie, and Sexuality. "In a few years, the idea of fitness became normal, and the everyday woman wanted to show off her aerobicized body." As a result, women started dressing in clingier, more revealing clothing to accentuate the tight backsides they had earned in step class. Not only did this call for an undergarment that would eliminate the dreaded visible pantie line (VPL), but a skimpy thong was also in keeping with the supersexy sensibility (i.e., casual sex) that dominated the era.
The thong made its way into more and more women's wardrobes and, in 1995, truly had its coming-out party. That's when Victoria's Secret put on its first-ever public runway show, and lingerie became visible in a way it never had been before. "Underwear fashion shows have been around since the 1930s," says Fields, "but back then, it was a private trade show that only undergarment buyers could attend." After the whole world saw that, yes, Heidi and Tyra were flossing, demand for the thong skyrocketed. "Retailers responded by turning them out in an array of fabrics and colors," says Fields. "And denim brands like Juicy Couture and Frankie B began to cut jeans superlow for the sole purpose of exposing the cute new designs."
Two highly publicized events helped grant the thong its iconic status. First, frisky President Bill Clinton was busted for fooling around with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, and one of the juiciest tidbits Monica confessed was that she had seduced him by flashing her thong. Soon after, Britney Spears solidified her status as pop's steamiest act by performing in a rhinestone thong under sheer pants at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. The hot factor of the T-shaped undie had reached an all-time high.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
10 Healthy Skin Foods
While new research shows that vitamin C or E pills may not protect against cancer or heart disease, there's no doubt these nutrients are essential if consumed as part of a healthy diet. Nothing beats a balanced diet.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and could play a role in preventing a range of diseases. It's also considered important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 mg a day for adults. According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, most Americans need to increase their consumption of foods rich in vitamin E, which can be tricky because foods high in vitamin E tend to be eaten in smaller amounts. Here are the foods where you'll find the greatest concentration of this nutrient.
Fortified ready-to-eat cereals will give you anywhere from 1.6 to 12.8 mg of vitamin E per serving. If you're looking for a departure from the bowl, try these Cereal Tarts with Yogurt and Fresh Fruit. Or, try these other nutritious foods:
Sunflower Seeds
One ounce of dry roasted sunflower seeds delivers 7.4 mg of vitamin E and 165 calories. Sunflower oil is a good source too, providing 5.6 mg of the vitamin and 120 calories.
Almonds
Almonds take the prize here, providing 7.3 mg of vitamin E and 164 calories per ounce. Try this recipe for Maple Crunch Oatmeal for a twist on the versatile nut.
Hazelnuts (4.3 mg of vitamin E and 178 calories per ounce); mixed dry nuts (3.1 mg of vitamin E and 168 calories per ounce); and peanuts (2.2 mg of vitamin E and 166 calories per ounce) are other good sources of the nutrient.
Vegetable Oils
One tablespoon of cottonseed oil offers 4.8 mg of vitamin E, while safflower oil isn't far behind with 4.6 mg. Try safflower oil to caramelize veggies or fruits, like the pear topping in this Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Turnip Greens
These may seem like an unlikely superfood, but don't give up on the humble turnip green: A half cup has 2.9 mg of Vitamin E and just 24 calories.In addition to Vitamin E, a half a cup of turnip greens have 441 mg of vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene) and 24 calories -- and with Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin K and calcium as well, they're far more nutritious than the turnip itself. Try young leaves as an accent to a salad, or boil twice, replacing the water in between, to serve as a side dish. Also look for mustard and dandelion greens for a similar leafy health boost.
Pine Nuts
One ounce of pine nuts contains 2.6 mg of vitamin E and 191 calories. Pine nuts are a great addition to pasta dishes or salads, such as this recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.
Tomato Paste
A quarter cup of tomato paste has 2.8 mg of vitamin E and 54 calories. Try this recipe for Pork, Beans and Organic Beer Chili. A half cup of tomato puree or tomato sauce both have 2.5 mg of vitamin E.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter contains 2.5 mg of vitamin E and 192 calories per two tablespoons. A perfect excuse for a PB and J, or you could try this recipe for Sesame Noodles.
Wheat Germ
Plain toasted wheat germ, an excellent topping for hot cereals, has 2.3 mg of vitamin E and 54 calories per two tablespoons. Try this Hazelnut-Honey Granola.
Avocado
Half an avocado has 2.1 mg of vitamin E and 161 calories.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and could play a role in preventing a range of diseases. It's also considered important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 mg a day for adults. According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, most Americans need to increase their consumption of foods rich in vitamin E, which can be tricky because foods high in vitamin E tend to be eaten in smaller amounts. Here are the foods where you'll find the greatest concentration of this nutrient.
Fortified ready-to-eat cereals will give you anywhere from 1.6 to 12.8 mg of vitamin E per serving. If you're looking for a departure from the bowl, try these Cereal Tarts with Yogurt and Fresh Fruit. Or, try these other nutritious foods:
Sunflower Seeds
One ounce of dry roasted sunflower seeds delivers 7.4 mg of vitamin E and 165 calories. Sunflower oil is a good source too, providing 5.6 mg of the vitamin and 120 calories.
Almonds
Almonds take the prize here, providing 7.3 mg of vitamin E and 164 calories per ounce. Try this recipe for Maple Crunch Oatmeal for a twist on the versatile nut.
Hazelnuts (4.3 mg of vitamin E and 178 calories per ounce); mixed dry nuts (3.1 mg of vitamin E and 168 calories per ounce); and peanuts (2.2 mg of vitamin E and 166 calories per ounce) are other good sources of the nutrient.
Vegetable Oils
One tablespoon of cottonseed oil offers 4.8 mg of vitamin E, while safflower oil isn't far behind with 4.6 mg. Try safflower oil to caramelize veggies or fruits, like the pear topping in this Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Turnip Greens
These may seem like an unlikely superfood, but don't give up on the humble turnip green: A half cup has 2.9 mg of Vitamin E and just 24 calories.In addition to Vitamin E, a half a cup of turnip greens have 441 mg of vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene) and 24 calories -- and with Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin K and calcium as well, they're far more nutritious than the turnip itself. Try young leaves as an accent to a salad, or boil twice, replacing the water in between, to serve as a side dish. Also look for mustard and dandelion greens for a similar leafy health boost.
Pine Nuts
One ounce of pine nuts contains 2.6 mg of vitamin E and 191 calories. Pine nuts are a great addition to pasta dishes or salads, such as this recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.
Tomato Paste
A quarter cup of tomato paste has 2.8 mg of vitamin E and 54 calories. Try this recipe for Pork, Beans and Organic Beer Chili. A half cup of tomato puree or tomato sauce both have 2.5 mg of vitamin E.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter contains 2.5 mg of vitamin E and 192 calories per two tablespoons. A perfect excuse for a PB and J, or you could try this recipe for Sesame Noodles.
Wheat Germ
Plain toasted wheat germ, an excellent topping for hot cereals, has 2.3 mg of vitamin E and 54 calories per two tablespoons. Try this Hazelnut-Honey Granola.
Avocado
Half an avocado has 2.1 mg of vitamin E and 161 calories.
Fashion First Aid! 10 Must-Have Items to Fix Any Fashion Emergency
New York Fashion Week Coverage 2010
With Fashion Week just a couple of days away, we all want to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch -- especially when it comes to any possible wardrobe malfunctions. But what happens when you’re running out the door and you suddenly realize that you’ve managed to get deodorant marks all over your favorite black dress? It’s too late to go back in for what is sure to be another hour of picking out a new outfit. So what do you do? Luckily, we have the answers to this and any other fashion emergencies that you may come across this fashion week. From a run in your tights to a stain on your dress, we’ve got all of the must-have fashion first aid items that you should be carrying at all times.
1. Sewing Kit or Safety Pins
We’ve all had that moment when our hem has come undone, and we would’ve done anything for a needle and thread. Carrying around a mini sewing kit with an assortment of thread colors will save the day next time you find yourself with an undone hem or button that has popped off. You can find a sewing kit at any local drugstore. Just duck into the closest ladies room and take a moment to stitch that seam back together. If you’re really in a rush, just put in a safety pin as a quick fix until you have more time.
2. Travel Sized Lint Roller
This is the perfect solution to snatching up anything from lint to pet hair. You can find these mini brushes at any local convenience store. If the mini rollers are still too bulky for your tiny clutch, try Hollywood Touch-ups lint removing sheets by Hollywood Fashion Tape.
3. Hollywood Fashion Tape
Double-sided tape can fix just about any fashion emergency! Use it to keep a tube top from slipping down, secure straps in place, or keep a plunging blouse from exposing the girls. Trust us, this is a must-have.
4. Hollywood No-Shows Disposable Nipple Concealers
You’ve decided to wear that fantastic new figure-hugging dress without realizing that you’re exposing a little bit more then you bargained for. A pair of nipple concealers will allow you to go braless in your backless dress while still leaving a bit to the imagination.
5. Clear Nail Polish
Short of carrying an extra pair with you at all times, the easiest way to fix a run in your tights is to simply apply a little clear nail polish to the end of the run. The polish acts as glue, binding the tear together and preventing it from running any further.
6. Foot Petals
Running around town all day, your feet are bound to start throbbing at one point or another. We could all use a little cushion at the soles of our feet. Foot Petals has the solution for any kind of foot ailment that your heels could be causing. Our favorite is the Killer Kushionz, a full insole that can be worn with either open or close toed shoes.
7. Miss Oops Rescue Sponge
You can finally stop worrying about getting deodorant on that LBD. This sponge will get rid of anything from deodorant marks to makeup powder, without having to wet it. All you have to do is rub the dry sponge onto the mark and it instantly disappears.
8. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover
We kid you not when we say that these handy sticks will actually get rid of anything from coffee to red wine stains. They are a must-have in any fashion first-aid kit! All you have to do is press the tip of the stick onto the stain and rub gently. Within seconds, it will seem like the stain was never even there.
9. Static Guard
This spray is ideal for getting rid of static electricity, which is what causes your clothes to cling to your body. One spray is really all you need to eliminate static all day. Surprisingly, Static Guard can also work as a great substitute for hairspray when you’re on the go. All you have to do is spray some on your brush to tame flyaways.
10. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
There’s nothing worse then running around all day with oily skin. Not only do these sheets instantly remove shine, but they also keep your makeup intact while doing so.
11. Touchback Temporary Hair Color Marker
If you're looking for a fast and easy way to touch up your roots, then this is the answer for you. The best part is that this marker doesn't contain ammonia or peroxide, so it will be gentle on your hair. Once applied, it only takes a minute to dry, so there's no waiting around. The marker is also available in eight different colors.
12. Ms. & Mrs. Deodorant Towelettes
These towelettes are perfect if you've been on the go all day and you just need a little freshening up. They're great for odor protection or for wiping away the day's sweat.
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