If it's been a long week, you're having a shitty day, or you just need a minute to chill out — we've got just the thing. Take a few minutes for yourself and watch these 13 videos of cakes being frosted. We know, we know — it sounds weird. But, if you haven't scrolled through your Facebook feed only to find yourself completely mesmerized by a talented baker's hands frosting a cake, now's the time to start. There is something strangely soothing about the process. Plus, they might inspire you to either bake or buy a cake, which sounds like a win-win to us.
Check out the videos ahead, and just try to tell us you're not feeling even slightly more zen afterwards.
Rainbow Cake
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Confetti Cake
Coffee Cake
Matcha Cake
Cannoli Cake
Purple VanillaOmbré
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Pink Lemonade Unicorn Cake
Double M&M's Cake
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Fast. Current. Affordable. These are some of the biggest selling points of your go-to chain, Zara. But, that standby brand isn't the only retailer in the game that abides by that fashion-of-the-moment criteria. Sure, there's Topshop and newer-to-the-U.S. stores like COS and & Other Stories, but there are also some lesser-known chains with a similar mission.
Ahead, we highlighted six of these shops from around the world, with details on each one's style personality, plus some of our favorite items. We promise you'll find something just as good as that asymmetrical Zara dress you bought yesterday.
If you've seen this British newbie spotlighted on our site before, it's because they just getit. The shop was founded by former heads from both Topshop and ASOS and, unsurprisingly, the brand's aesthetic nails your fast fashion needs right on the nose. You can find well-tailored pieces in an array of muted prints and graphics that veer off from your typical mall finds.
What we're buying:
Finery London Mornington Metallic Leather Skirt, $259, available at Finery London.
What we're buying:
Finery London Stephanie Leather Mid Height Boot, $225, available at Finery London.
What we're buying:
Finery London Sloane Snake Leather Coat, $605, available at Finery London.
While this shop carries some of our favorite indie designers like Alice McCall, it's the house line that proves most noteworthy, showcasing ripped-off-the-runway looks for a fraction of the price. We're particularly partial to its selection of adorable matching sets. Pro tip: Don't waste too much time leaving anything sitting in your cart since their best new arrivals are notorious for selling out quickly.
What we're buying:
Pixie Market Black Velvet Shoulder Tie Long Dress, $88, available at Pixie Market.
What we're buying:
Pixie Market Sling Back Suede Heels, $134, available at Pixie Market.
What we're buying:
Pixie Market White Ring Hoodie Sweatshirt, $112, available at Pixie Market.
That rainbow-striped skirt? Check. Wallpaper-floral tunic? Yep. Sporty culottes? You got it. All those forward-feeling, super-on-trend pieces are stocked right here — many for under $100. Score.
Just celebrating its 20th anniversary, this British-based store offers an assortment of pieces that easily fit into your everyday life, no matter what you do. While the neutral basics are great, the vibrant, printed separates are key for the brand.
Oasis, $49.00, available at OasisOasis, $65.00, available at OasisOasis, $36.00, available at Oasis
Have your eye on that designer find, but don't have it in you to drop the five-figure price? Cruise over to Stylenanda to find those up-to-the-minute pieces (we're talking heels, bags, dresses, jackets, and everything in between) for a fraction of the price. Yep, just like you do at Zara.
Stylenanda, $88.00, available at StylenandaStylenanda, $25.00, available at StylenandaStylenanda, $72.00, available at Stylenanda
What we're buying:
Stylenanda Striped Buckled Slippers, $47, available at Stylenanda.
What we're buying:
Stylenanda Hoop Handle Pyramid Bag, $29, available at Stylenanda.
Founded in Berlin in 2010, Koshka offers a range of goods from shoes to accessories to ready-to-wear from up-and-coming designers, as well as its own, very affordable house line of breezy tops, throw-on dresses, and quirky add-ons.
Koshka, $69.00, available at KoshkaJOA, $64.00, available at KoshkaKoshka, $45.00, available at Koshka
What we're buying:
Koshka Faded Stripe Set, $75, available at Koshka.
What we're buying:
Dusen Dusen Waves Backpack, $105, available at Koshka.
What we're buying:
Unif Dashiki Knit Dress, $59, available at Koshka.
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None of the three parties intertwined in the story have made a comment about the existence of the images, nor the validity of the couple, but now Bella's father has broken his silence by posting a thinly-veiled message of support for his 20-year-old daughter.
The real estate developer (and father to Bella's older sister, Gigi, and younger brother, Anwar) shared a picture of himself with Bella, writing: "Daddy's little Girl. I love you to the moon and back one thousand and one times. @bellahadid you are the star that lights up the moon. You are the smile that wake up to every morning."
Bobbi Brown, makeup artist, author, and founder of her namesake cosmetics line, has decided to leave her company. In this letter, she reflects on the last 27 years, and looks forward to her next chapter.
In February 1991, Bobbi Brown Essentials launched at Bergdorf Goodman on a small table in the middle of the iconic New York City makeup floor. My husband Steven and I, with our founding partners Rosalind and Ken Landis, created a company with one purpose: to teach women just how simple makeup could be.
But it actually started a few years before that. Recently married and pregnant, I moved out of the city and decided that I didn’t want to travel as an editorial makeup artist anymore. I had a simple idea for a lipstick that actually looked like the color of women’s lips and, thanks to my years of experience on set, I knew that no two were the same. I designed 10 brown-based shades in a color collection that was creamy, matte, odorless, and could be mixed and blended to create unique, individual hues. It was a simple concept, but one that seemed revolutionary at the time.
I sold them out of our house by mailing or hand-delivering them to people who had heard about them through word of mouth. Back then, the lipsticks were packaged in manila envelopes with ingredient cards placed on the inside. When Leslie Seymour, a beauty editor at Glamour, wrote about them, that’s when the phone started ringing off the hook. Then, after a random encounter with a Bergdorf Goodman cosmetics buyer, we sold our first lipstick on counter in February of 1991. Four years later, we sold the company to Estée Lauder and I remained involved as chief creative officer.
The 10 lip colors that started it all.Photo Courtesy: Bobbi Brown
But there was so much more to it all than makeup. Over the next two decades, I had the privilege of sharing my philosophy of beauty with women all over the world. “Be who you are” has been my mantra, and I am most proud of the way this message has resonated among women of all ages. As a makeup artist myself, I realized I was happier and more confident when I didn’t compare myself to the models I was lucky enough to work with – among them, Cindy, Naomi, Christie, Linda, and Helena. I didn’t look like them and the rest of us shouldn’t feel bad because we don’t look like them either.
Instead, I preached the importance of being the best, most authentic version of yourself. I guided women toward creating smooth, even skin with foundation that disappeared on your face (thanks to my yellow-toned formula). Instead of severe blush shapes, I gently pushed people to embrace a flattering, just-came-back-from-a-run flush. I helped women’s eyes stand out — in whatever beautiful shape they were born with. I’m humbled to say that I didn’t just teach people about makeup; I started a movement of confidence and self esteem.
In recent years, it’s been amazing to see so many young beauty entrepreneurs emerge and flourish — just as I was able to early in my career. But it’s also a bit disheartening to see trends like contouring, which make young women feel like they need to be something other than who they are.
I’m humbled to say that I didn’t just teach people about makeup; I started a movement of confidence and self esteem.
I hope that women realize that makeup is meant to enhance, rather than to cover up, and true beauty lies in your health and vitality. And, I plan to be a part of this new revolution of beauty again, just as I was nearly 30 years ago.
Writing this letter, I am overwhelmed with emotion: sadness for leaving my company, and excitement for new avenues of spreading my message. But most of all, I feel lucky, grateful, and more optimistic than ever of what’s to come.
Stay tuned….
Bobbi
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For the past several months, rumors have been swirling around the return of the much-beloved Blazin Buffalo Ranch Dorito flavor. We've finally received word that the flavor really is making a comeback. According to BrandEating, Frito-Lay is bringing back the flavor for a limited time, and it's available at Target right now for $2.99 a bag. BRB, we're going to go stock our pantries while we can.
This article was originally published on January 4, 2017.
While we're all about finding the next big thing, sometimes a blast from the past is just what the doctor ordered. Okay, there probably isn't a doctor who would instruct you to eat Blazin' Buffalo Ranch Doritos, but after people are speculating that the discontinued flavor is making a comeback, how could you not?
"I work at frito in NY and look what samples they gave us," Huertas wrote. "I think you all might just get your wish. I think they are coming back."
Then, in December, the Facebook group confirmed that the elusive bright blue bag had been spotted in Oklahoma. Another post claimed a source said they'd be back on shelves in January.
While no official statement from the brand has been released, members of the Facebook group say you can order the chips from Target, and a few lucky people across the U.S. claim to have been spotting them in various stores. Hopefully, once Frito-Lay (the parent company), sees the excitement, this oldie-but-goodie will be here to stay.
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Here at R29, we take our bathroom business very seriously. Honestly, sometimes it's the most relaxing part of the day, which is why we protect it so fiercely — and why we get so worried when something is off. Like, you know, when it suddenly burns with the fire of a thousand Sriracha bottles every time you pee.
If it's any comfort, painful urination is exceedingly common. How often do women ask doctors about this particular symptom? " All the time," says Raquel B. Dardik, MD, an ob/gyn at NYU Langone Medical Center. So there you go — you're far from alone, and there's no need to be embarrassed.
But just because it's common doesn't mean it's always simple to diagnose. That's partly because the burning sensation could originate from a variety of places, both internal (like your bladder) or external (the skin around your vagina). "When you don’t have the very classic symptoms of a bladder infection [e.g. feeling like you have to pee all the time], it’s hard to tell if it’s the bladder or the vaginal area that's causing pain," Dr. Dardik says. Essentially any dry or irritated skin around your vagina can become inflamed when it comes into contact with urine because "you’re putting acid on skin that’s irritated."
So if your bathroom stall texts are coming with a few more fire emoji these days, you'll want to check in with your doctor to figure out what's really going on. Here are a few of the culprits she might pinpoint:
Urinary Tract Infection
The most common cause of that burning sensation is a UTI. These occur when bacteria from outside of your body make it to your bladder, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, a frequent need to pee, and, yes, burning when you go to the bathroom.
If you've had one before, you're probably already well-attuned to those symptoms — and you know when you're getting another one. But your doctor will still probably want to see you in her office before prescribing a round of antibiotics.
"When you treat a UTI, you’re guessing which bacteria is in there, which means you’re guessing which antibiotic will work," explains Dr. Dardik. So if you get a prescription without getting your urine tested and you're not feeling better in a few days, your doctor won't know if it's because she gave you the wrong kind of antibiotic or because you don't really have a UTI. "You have no idea what you treated in the first place," she says. So, it may be a(n extra) pain to get an appointment with your doc, but you'll be glad you did it.
STIs
"Anything that breaks the integrity of the skin will cause burning when you urinate," says Dr. Dardik. That means some STIs can definitely cause pain. If you're in the middle of a herpes outbreak, for instance, you may have sores that will be particularly sensitive to urine. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are also known to cause painful peeing.
Skin Irritation
Again, anything that messes with the skin around your vaginal and urethral areas can cause painful, burning urination. And that's a long list of possibilities: Burning when you pee may be a result of a yeast infection, which causes irritation and itchiness (read: more irritation) around the vagina and vulva. You might also feel that pain after particularly rough intercourse. Even a change in your laundry detergent could irritate your skin. Menopause can also cause drying of the vaginal area.
So as annoying as it is, get to that doc — and make your bathroom visits great again.
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We may not have realized it back then, but The Powerpuff Girls was the feminist cartoon ‘90s babies needed. Think about it: Three badass kindergarteners, each with totally different but equally awesome personalities, use their superpowers to protect the city of Townsville against monsters and villains. The girls were practically the Joan(s) of Arc of Cartoon Network. So, it was only a matter of time before the pint-sized superheroes inspired an equally formidable line of beauty products.
According to PopSugar, the Korean beauty pros at Peripera launched the comprehensive (and clearly adorable) line late last year, and we’re not sure how we missed it. With cushion foundations, eyeshadow palettes, lip stains, and nail stickers among the endless offerings, these girly goodies are enough to inspire you to be your most kickass self. With a side of sugar, spice, and everything nice, of course.
A photo posted by Fifteen Boutique | ຟິຟທີນ 🇱🇦 (@15_boutique) on
We’re sad to report that Peripera’s collection is only available for purchase in Korea right now, but if you simply cannot live without owning at least one cheek stain with Buttercup’s face on it, you might not be completely out of luck. eBay is pretty well-stocked with the stuff, and you can find a couple on Amazon, too. However, make sure you understand the risks of buying beauty products from unauthorized retailers, which is that they could end up being counterfeit iterations. The aftermath of such can be potentially dangerous — as in, Mojojo-level dangerous — so be careful out there.
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As you've likely heard, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd were seen kissing in Santa Monica this week. The hubbub around the hookup stems from the fact that The Weeknd only just broke up with Bella Hadid in November, and that Gomez is friends with Hadid's older sister, Gigi. Also, Hadid appears to have unfollowed Gomez on Instagram.
It's intriguing — we get it. Who doesn't want to read about the latest hookups and breakups in Hollywood? Celebrity dating drama: we're here for it.
But what's not so understandable is why people feel the need to pit the two young women against each other.
The pictures aren't even two days old yet, and already Hadid, 20, and Gomez, 24, are being positioned against, and compared to, each other on social media as well as various news outlets. The comments are largely judgmental towards Gomez, marginalizing towards Hadid, and degrading to both. Gomez is being vilified as a "slut" and a "snake" on Twitter, while Hadid is being portrayed as a victim of said sluttiness.
The comparisons between the women couldn't be more gross or superficial; TMZ went so far as to rank photos of Gomez and Hadid in bikinis in an office round of "Who would you rather?" Sickening.
Curiously absent from this conversation is The Weeknd himself, a.k.a. Abel Tesfaye. The 26-year-old singer seems to have largely evaded the negative press. There's more than a hint of sexism here: nobody is asking whether The Weeknd or Justin Bieber, Gomez's ex, looks better in their tighty-whities.
While it's incredibly frustrating that women still have to deal with this bullshit, we're definitely not suggesting that anybody drag The Weeknd here just to even the playing field. We're just so done with the misogynist tradition of turn women against each other.
If you work at a desk job — and even if you don't — you probably know how important it is to take a break every once in a while. In fact, taking a break can help improve your productivity. Of course, what you do on said breaks is your business, but in case you were wondering, masturbating might not be a bad idea.
On Tuesday, U.K.-based newspaper the Metro asked a few experts whether or not masturbation breaks are good for workplace productivity.
Overall? The experts agreed that on a psychological level, it has some benefits.
Mark Sergeant, a senior lecturer in psychology at Nottingham Trent University, told Metro that a masturbation break would be "very effective at work," as well as a "great way to relieve tension and stress."
Cliff Arnall, psychologist and life coach, took it a step further, telling Metro that "masturbation policies" would result in more focus, less aggression, more productivity, and even "more smiling."
To be sure, masturbation has its physical and mental benefits — it releases endorphins, which ease stress, reduce pain, and even improve overall sexual satisfaction. All of those things, you'd likely agree, are good for you — or at the very least, wouldn't hurt for your overall productivity.
However, Arnall also pointed out that masturbating on a work break could lead to frustration if you can't climax in the allotted time you have and you may feel pressured to be back to your desk by a certain time.
While we might be a long way from designated workplace masturbation policies, we can't deny the benefits of some solo time.
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So, you’ve mastered the art of clever sexting exchanges. You’ve even been smart enough to store away some half-naked or fully naked shots (with or without your face, depending on your preference) for when you’re asked to send a dirty pic and you’re wearing sweats. While sexting might be the digital age’s form of tantric discussion, the seemingly ancient form of phone sex might seem out-of-date. But it’s not.
As more and more couples successfully navigate long-distance relationships and an increasing amount of people meet their partners online, phone sex can be a surprisingly sexy avenue to explore. Plus, opting for phone sex over an IRL experience can be a great way to mix things up for long-term partners. As phone-sex operator Jenny Ainslie-Turner says, phone sex is less about quick exchanges and more about a total-body experience.
“People think it's just talking dirty on the phone,” Turner tells Refinery29. “What a lot of people don't realize is that the brain is the biggest sexual organ in the body. When you talk, breathe heavy, or moan, you’re doing this through a direct line to the brain.”
But if you need some help perfecting your dirty-talk repertoire and etiquette, don’t worry: We talked to a handful of phone-sex operators and got their best advice for upping your phone-sex game. These (ahem, detailed) tips will help you navigate any sexy call you’re on. Just try not to blush while you read them.
Make sure your language is action-oriented.
“Shove that, shake those, grab and hold and twist, push it in, push it in — way in. That purr in your voice will be even breathier and insistent when you ask if [they] want you to spread wider, or clamp down like a vise.” -Kathleen K.
Illustrated by: Aimee Sy.
Don’t just sit there — move!
“Make it as real as possible. As your call is describing what you are doing to each other, picture it in your mind. When they’re kissing you, feel their kisses. As their tongue caresses your pussy's lips, squirm from the touch as you would if they were actually doing it to you.”
“Sex toys can be arousing during a call — I‘ve often used my magic wand or egg during calls. The sounds of the vibrations will heighten your enjoyment. That in turn, will magnify the reaction from the person on the other end of the line.”
“Description is everything during phone sex. Use unexpected words... to describe [things like] the entry of a cock into your body. Encourage imagery with detail: Are you standing, kneeling, or bending over? Where are his strong arms and his powerful ass? Is she sipping at your tea-cup titties or motor-boating your stupendous boobs? Talk about your cunt-snatch-cooze-hole and his dick-prick-stick.”
“Go through your drawers and find something that makes you feel sexy. Even just putting on a sexy pair of panties can change how you feel, and that’s conveyed through your voice. Use it to your advantage.”
Surprise your partner when he/she first picks up the phone.
“When your partner answers the phone, sigh deep into their ear. Your partner will no doubt ask, ‘What's wrong?’ Tell them, ‘Nothing really. Just wish I was there with you, because I miss your breath on my neck.’ Sigh again, then say you miss their mouth on your hard nipple! Believe me, you will get their undivided attention.”
“Your partner fell in love with you, so while the external trappings might be sexy, when you’re on the phone together, let your personality shine through. Accents or changing the pitch of your voice is temporary, but remember: Ultimately, this is about you and the person who loves you.”
“Your phone-sex voice isn’t like your normal voice. It is lower, slower, and it pauses. Your sound is sultry, [and it comes] from deeper in the throat and closer to the heart. Commit and establish that this is no ordinary conversation, that there will be plenty of pauses for moaning.”
“Be as vocal as you could possibly be. You aren't acting, but you do want an exciting experience that culminates in a climax. It is difficult to be aroused by a silent lover, in reality and during phone sex.”
“You have to relax and put yourself in a bit of a naughty mood. To do this, think of the last time you were together and made love or had sex or a quick kiss and cuddle. Phone sex is just saying what he did that you liked or how he touched you and how he made you feel. Now, think about those feelings and put them into words. So much easier on the phone instead of face-to-face.”
Bummer news, my friends: your favorites show may not return in 2017.
According to Entertainment Weekly, six popular series won't return to their network or streaming platform in 2017. That doesn't mean the shows are canceled, however: According to the report, they are simply taking a break. Phew.
And not like a Ross and Rachel break, either. These shows plan on returning as soon as possible but have been held up for different reasons. Some are hoping to create the best content possible, hence waiting to perfect the material before going into production. Others are waiting for their leads to clear their schedule before a new season can commence. Whatever the reason, one thing remains the same across the board: we'll really miss these shows.
Stay strong, TV fans, and click through to find out which shows you'll miss in 2017:
Westworld
This theme park won't open its doors until 2018. HBO's cowboys-and-robots series takes a lot of time to create, and EW reports that the showrunners plan to have 10 episodes written before season 2 goes into production. With all of those special effects and crazy set pieces, it makes sense that Westworld needs more than a year between seasons — it's basically a 10-hour blockbuster flick.
Atlanta
Blame Star Wars for the FX series lack of 2017 episodes: Donald Glover will play Lando in the upcoming Han Solo prequel, leaving limited time for his Golden Globe-winning sitcom.
American Crime Story
Ryan Murphy's anthology series is taking its time preparing season 2, which will be about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The writers are spending extra time perfecting the script, but fortunately, there is a bonus to waiting for the new season. According to EW, American Crime Story will return for two seasons in 2018, the second of which will be about the murder of Gianni Versace.
Jessica Jones
Marvel's crime-fighting private detective won't see new episodes on Netflix in 2017.
Luke Cage
The crimefighter won't return for a season 2 in 2017. However, both he and Jessica Jones will return for The Defenders, a limited-series that will combine characters from Netflix's previous Marvel shows.
Daredevil
Daredevil won't premiere its season 3 on Netflix in 2017, but characters from this Marvel series will join Jessica and Luke in The Defenders. EW r eports that the spinoff The Punisher may stream on Netflix in 2017, but no date has been set yet. What will premiere is Iron Fist, another series from the Marvel universe.
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On Tuesday evening, BuzzFeed released an unverified dossier that claims to outline president-elect Donald Trump's alleged ties to Russia. Social media went wild with one particular detail, which describes an (unconfirmed) instance in which Trump booked the presidential suite of the Ritz Carlton Hotel and hired sex workers to "perform a 'golden showers ' (urination) show in front of him." Twitter, especially, had a field day with the news.
Prostitutes I paid to watch malevolently piss are beautiful and hardworking. Need more of the same in American middle class!
This flurry, affectionately named "Piss Twitter" by its participants, continues to have a monopoly on social media feeds. However, the document also outlined several far more troubling alleged details about the president-elect.
Here's what you may have missed:
Russia may have been planning to help Donald Trump's campaign for the past five years, with total cooperation between Trump's team and the Russian government. The document claims that not only was Trump's team aware of Russia's role in the recent hacking of the Democratic National Convention and its desire to provide intel, but also that they found it "very helpful." In exchange, the Trump team allegedly gave Russia information on U.S.-based Russian oligarchs and their families.
The document also alleges that Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, met with Kremlin officials in Prague in 2016, that advisor Carter Page had secret meetings in Moscow, and that Russia has "kompromat," or embarrassing information, on Trump, but has promised to withhold as long as he and his team continue to cooperate.
Trump, his lawyer, and his former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway have denied these allegations. Both Trump and Cohen took to Twitter to refute the claims, and Trump denied the allegations again during a press conference yesterday, claiming he was a "germaphobe."
Of the 36-page report, only two paragraphs are dedicated to Trump's time in Russia and the sexual practices he may or may not have engaged in while there. We're not seeing jokes about Russia's intimidation tactics, or outrage about Trump's alleged willingness to trade information, which make up a majority of the report. Instead, America immediately pounced on the urine fetish as a "weakness" in Trump, as opposed to focusing on the far more serious allegations that were also on display in the document. And frankly, this nonsense is a waste of our time right now.
Trump enjoying golden showers was an immediate, irresistible thrill for the public. We were, and continue to be, titillated by it. Our reactions legitimized it as blackmail, proving that we arbitrarily draw the line at what is and isn't okay when it comes to sex. This isn't to say we shouldn't be talking about it. The golden shower detail provokes a shocking image, but it's not shameful or embarrassing for the reasons too many on the internet are implying. Trump's alleged sexual preferences aren't the problem. Trump allegedly booking the room with the bed the Obamas slept in for the express purpose of defiling it, Trump's repeated attempts to delegitimize a Black president, and Trump's disregard for the hotel and its staff is. These blatant acts of disrespect (if they're all true, that is) are simply unfitting of a president-elect.
However, as far as Trump is concerned, the best thing the public could do is focus on the golden shower incident in lieu of holding the microscope to the far more shocking, actually harmful details of the report. Now more than ever, in a time where it seems the very fabric of reality is slipping through our fingers, we have to hold onto our values and stick to them, as well as examine and rework any beliefs that may be holding us back. Let's not let a dated view of sexuality shift our focus from the real work that needs to be done: taking these allegations seriously, finding the truth, and figuring out how best the American people can move forward.
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2017 is sure shaping up to be... quite something. (I'll leave it at that.) But regardless of how optimistic or pessimistic you're feeling about the coming year, the inarguable fact that it's going to be a great one for music.
The calendar is stacked with new albums from the greatest in rock, pop, hip-hop, and rap. Seriously, we're expecting new material from damn near everyone. That includes iconic acts like Bruce Springsteen, TLC, and U2, as well as beloved indie rockers like The National, LCD Soundsystem, and The Killers. Then there's the likes of Drake, Big Sean, and SZA. Plus, soulful crooners Ryan Adams and John Mayer will be back in our lives with fresh heartbreakers.
So here are our most highly anticipated albums and what we can expect them to sound like, based largely on what the artists themselves have promised. (We'll be updating this story every month as more releases are officially announced.) So renew your Spotify subscription, mark your Google calendars, and maybe splurge on a new pair of headphones. There's a whole lot of sonic goodness coming your way in 2017.
The xx, I See You
January 13
The moody British trio is back for their first album since 2012's Coexist. And if you were a fan of Jamie xx's acclaimed debut album, In Colour, then you're going to fall in love with I See You. The DJ-singer told NME that his solo album is indicative of the group's vamped up sound on their third LP. Expect an eclectic mix of their signature minimalist, atmospheric rock; hip-hop samples; club beats; and an intoxicating interplay of vocals from Jamie, Oliver Sim, and Romy Croft.
Photo: Courtesy of Young Turks.
Drake, More Life
TBA
Technically, we're expecting more of a mix tape or playlist involving Drizzy and his favorite collaborators, along with up-and-coming artists. Project producer Nineteen85 said Drake is just too busy touring for a full-blown album all his own. “That's why he's trying to call it a playlist because he has a bunch of people in a space, hanging out," he told Billboard. "He's so aware of what everybody else is doing musically that he likes to introduce new music and new artists to the rest of the world."
Photo: Courtesy of Young Money Entertainment.
St. Vincent, TBA
Spring 2017
Annie Clark has called her new album, partly inspired by recent political events, "the deepest, boldest work" she's ever done. "I feel the playing field is really open for creative people to do whatever you want, and that risk will be rewarded," she told Guitar World, "especially now that we have such high stakes from a political and geopolitical standpoint." We're expecting a kick-ass protest album from Ms. Clark.
Photo: Steve Jennings/WireImage.
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TLC, TBA
2017
In 2015, Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas and Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins created a Kickstarter campaign to fund a final TLC album, 15 years after the death of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. The women crowdfunded the project in order to maintain full creative control over the LP, which was initially set to drop in late 2016. "Our final album will stay true to the TLC sound, always confronting the real issues and life experiences that we all must face every single day, everywhere," they explain. In October, the duo released two singles that gave us a taste of what their signature '90s R&B sound will be rebooted in 2017.
Photo: Ross Schultz/Newspix/Getty Images.
Ryan Adams, Prisoner
February 2017
Who else is excited to hear Ryan Adams sing something that Taylor Swift didn't write? According to the musician, his first full length album of original music since his eponymous 2014 LP is influenced by the likes of The Smiths, AC/DC and Bruce Springsteen. There's also the fact that he wrote it during what he calls a "humiliating" and "fucking horrible" public divorce from Mandy Moore. In other words, we're expecting to hear a bit of rocking sonic therapy from the songwriting vet.
Photo: Courtesy ofinterplaying
Major Lazer, Music Is The Weapon
2017
Initially set to drop in January but with no official release date announced, it's not totally clear when we're actually going to hear the new album from Diplo and company. What we do know is that it features pretty much everyone: Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Sia, The Weeknd, Gwen Stefani, Tinashe, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Camila Cabello, Travis Scott, Sam Hunt, Tove Lo, Jack Ü, and Iggy Azalea. And if the first single, Justin Bieber and Mø's "Cold Water," is any indication, Music is going to dominate the charts whenever it does come out this year.
Photo: Courtesy of Mad Decent Records.
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Jessica Biel is making quite the talk-show sweep this week. First she served husband Justin Timberlake a prank baby announcement on Ellen; next, she confessed to Jimmy Kimmel that her kid-friendly restaurant, Au Fudge, is "definitely not making money...at least not yet."
People reports that the L.A. restaurant, which opened in 2016, is based on the idea that parents as well as their grubby-fingered spawn should have equal-opportunity access to food that is fresh, healthy, delicious, and consciously sourced, among other lofty aspirations. The menu really seems to offer it all — from a fudge flight to "optional" caviar.
Aesthetically, Au Fudge is truly the stuff that California dreams are made of. Just look at those rafters! Biel, whose son Silas (solid name, Jessica) will turn 2 this year, has even equipped the restaurant with on-site babysitters, a.k.a. the Au Fudge Au Pairs. Kimmel himself is a fan of the child-care option and the separate kids' play area: "You walk in the restaurant, and they check your kid like a coat," he raved on his show. Sounds like my kinda place.
So, dear Jessica, whether or not your foray into the restaurant business is raking in the big bucks at the moment, rest assured it's only a matter of time. And on behalf of the moms of the world, I would like to thank you for your heroic efforts. For you have rescued us from Chuck E. Cheese — and for that, we will be forever grateful.
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“I’ve gotten really into wigs lately,” Shay Mitchell told me yesterday afternoon. Of course, I already knew this information because, well, she was wearing one. And for the record, the razor-sharp, slightly-asymmetrical lob could have fooled anyone — it was that good in person.
Mitchell is just one of many celebs who have developed a major love of wigs this past year. There's also Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Lucy Hale, and more — many of which attribute the looks to hairstylist Christopher Appleton.
We sat down with the actress yesterday to talk all things beauty, but it was her wig that we kept going back to. "I love playing around with different looks — it's all about having fun with it," Mitchell explains. "I’m not necessarily going to cut my hair, or dye it, to look like this, but I’ll play around with a wig and wear it for a couple hours." For the record, the wigs aren't actually hers — she tells us she doesn't own any — but she wants to start collecting them ASAP.
I’m not necessarily going to cut my hair, or dye it, to look like this, but I’ll play around with a wig and wear it for a couple hours...
"Christopher has hundreds, so when we work together I get to use whatever wigs he brings," she says. "Some are expensive, some are not. I have so much fun with wigs that I need to start building my collection — I could have a whole wig room!”
The first one she would buy? "Probably a long, light brown one, like the one I wore to the MMVAs in Toronto," she says. "I was inspired by Ciara. I had fun with that one because I felt like Shay-oncé for the day.” [Laughs]
Of course, this isn't the first time Appleton and Mitchell fooled everyone with a faux 'do — who recalls the bob that almost broke the internet? "I loved that one,” she says. "All of my Google alerts said ‘Shay cut her hair!’ I was like, is that really news?" Our answer, of course, is a resounding yes.
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Congratulations are in order for Kimberly Schlapman.
The Little Big Town singer has welcomed a daughter, Dolly Grace, into the family, People reports. Dolly is the second child for Schlapman and her husband, Stephen. The pair have been married for 10 years.
A rep for the band told People that the couple's first daughter, Daisy Pearl, asked Santa for another baby in the family. "Kimberly and Steve were able to welcome home a baby girl in this new year with a successful domestic adoption," the spokesperson told the magazine.
Schlapman shared a photo of the happy family on Facebook to celebrate the news. "The New Year brought our family new love. We're so excited to introduce you to Daisy's little sister, Dolly Grace," she captioned the image. Her fellow Little Big Town bandmember Karen Fairchild shared the same photo on Instagram.
With the same name as one of country's biggest legends, it looks like little Dolly is destined to love music just as much as her mom.
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Sarah Paulson just can't get enough of Ryan Murphy.
The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress will return to American Horror Story for the seventh time, Entertainment Weekly confirms. (It appears that even a slow and little-praised sixth season couldn't keep her away.) In addition to Paulson, Evan Peters (who was married to Paulson's character in season 6) has also been officially linked to the upcoming season. This is great news for anyone who watched the series, as the two are consistently fan favorites.
While nothing will top her performance as Marcia Clark in another Murphy production, The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, we're excited to see what bizarre character Murphy has dreamt up for her now. No word on what the theme is yet, although Murphy did say that it will take place in modern times.
In other good AHS news, the series has been renewed for not one, but TWO more seasons, continuing to air until 2019. This makes it the longest running series on the FX network.
AHS 4Life.
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Sure, you could dance around to the Dangerous Woman album at home while lighting a candle at your Ariana Grande hair shrine. Or you could just go see her in person.
We’re teaming up with Genius to send you and a friend to Grande's show in Anaheim, California. Okay, so you won’t exactly be partying with her so much as near her, but that’s plenty in our book. So get ready to dance your face off at the Honda Center on March 30 — we’ll throw in $1,000 for flights as well as a two-night stay at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel, so you can save all your cash for hairspray.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States (excluding Rhode Island), 18 years or older and over the age of majority in jurisdiction of residence at time of entry. Ends 1/20/17 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For Official Rules, click here. Void where prohibited.
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Unicorn lip gloss, unicorn makeup brushes, unicorn blush, unicorn highlight...are you over the mystical makeup trend yet? We aren't — which is good, because the prettiest nail art we've seen in awhile is unicorn-themed, too. What's better than sparkles and iridescence and 3D horns? Not a lot.
Instagram is erupting with this intricate art, which is kicking off 2017 beauty in a pretty magical way. News flash: Your regular, old glitter polish isn't going to cut it anymore. But this is. Unicorn nails are the crème de la crème of fantasy manicures — and we're giddy over it.
A photo posted by The Super Rad Nail Sisters (@superradnailsisters) on
As you can see above, the 3D swirl is used as the accent nail while the rest are flecked with shimmer and gold. We have yet to see one entire hand decorated with unicorn horns, but it's still early. And if any naysayers claim the look isn't practical, well, show those people to the door — you don't need that kind of negativity in your sparkly, rainbow-filled life.
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You won't have to wait for season 7 of Game of Thrones to see Maisie Williams being a badass.
Netflix has just dropped a trailer for the streaming platform's new original film, and it looks awesome. The new movie, titled iBoy and based on the book of the same name by Kevin Brooks, is essentially a superhero story, but with a very modern spin.
When Tom (Bill Milner) gets shot, the incident leaves bits of a cell phone in his brain. Those pieces essentially turn Tom's brain into a computer, and he's able to access things that he never could before. He uses his newfound powers to fight the gangs terrorizing his city, and, like any good superhero, does so in secret.
Williams plays Lucy, Tom's friend (and potential love interest) who holds her own in terms of vigilante justice. In the trailer, she confronts baddies herself, pointing a gun in their faces instead of Arya Stark's preferred sword.
Fans of Williams — or modern-day superhero flicks — can watch the new movie when it streams on Netflix beginning January 27. Check out the trailer, below.
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