Dear Dude,

I just bought my first bikini ever about two days ago for this summer and I’m 20 years old but, the problem is that I’m a curvy girl. My friends say I shouldn’t care what people think and I should be comfortable in my own skin especially in clothes. I’ve let body images in society get the best of me to the point where I won’t even let myself have fun at the pool or beach because I’m too scared of what people think. I keep hearing two sides to the story that it’s fine if a curvy girl wears a bikini and then I’ve heard other wise. So what would you say to curvy girls in bikinis?

Sincerely,

Insecure Bikini
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Every day we’re bombarded with a million different messages about what we are supposed to look like. And tell you what, our not-so-scientific-yet-totally-accurate visual research proves that 99% of girls out there don’t fit the mold. So instead of telling you how to wear your hair, or how much weight to lose, or which one of Heidi Montag’s many surgeries to get (because, really, look where that got her), we’re going to celebrate these so-called beauty flaws with beautiful women every single week.

Last week we celebrated the natural nose. Today, let’s talk about curves.

It’s no secret that Hollywood likes their actresses to look anorexic-chic. But that doesn’t mean that all the women in Hollywood are conforming to that reasonable ridiculous standard. This week we’re putting on a spotlight on the curvy and voluptuous celebrities who haven’t let their bigger bodies stop them from having even bigger careers. Read More »

If I know one thing it’s that girls who only shop at Victoria’s Secret for the bras/panties/sexy lingerie are really missing out. That Vicki has a lot more to offer than lacy underthings that make your boobs look huge; Victoria’s Secret is also an awesome place to stock up on clothes, shoes and beauty products. They even have jeans that give your butt some lift!

VS is truly a one-stop-shop for all your girlie needs and the best news is, you can find things within your college gal budget (i.e. under $20). Shop on, ladies. Shop on! Read More »

So this week, rather than choosing a specific celebrity whose style I admire, I decided to give an ode to awards season by picking out some of the best red carpet looks of the season and explaining why these starlets succeeded in looking amazing.

You may not have any red carpet events coming up (What? You weren’t invited to the Oscars?), but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a thing or two from these fashion experts. Read More »

[Every week our style guru takes a celebrity look and breaks it down for you, our poor college fashionista. What does that mean? It means that while the celebrities are spending $5,000 on an ensemble, you don’t have to.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I don’t looove Kim Kardashian (I still don’t understand why she’s famous?), but there are a few things I do love about her.

1) Her badunkadunk. More, how she flaunts it, dresses it and embraces it.

2) Her step-brother, Brody Jenner. Mmmm.

3) Her show. I know – I can’t believe I said it either, but it’s funny. You know, in that “this is so ridiculous and it makes my family look SO normal” sorta way. Just don’t tell anyone I watch it; I’ve got a reputation to keep here.

4) This outfit. It’s simple. It’s classy. It’s flattering to all body types. And it’s easy to copy.  All while saving up some extra Benjamins for the weekend bar trip.

Here’s this week’s celebrity chic on the cheap: Kim Kardashain Looks cute Covered Up! Read More »

Everyone’s been taking about JLo lately, and we want to also – just not for the same reasons. Who cares if she and Marc Anthony are calling it splits (that’s their business, anyway)? We care about more important things…like what she’ll be wearing to meet with the attorneys.

Being one of the most famous faces in the world means always looking camera-ready, and Jennifer Lopez has gotten that down pat. Whether out shopping in jeans and a casual top, or posing for the Oscars, J.Lo has got it goin’ on. She’s always seen in gorgeous designer duds (and is close friends with many of them), does a lovely job when it comes to accessorizing, and knows how to flaunt that kick ass bod of hers (even after twins).

She’s often seen wearing asymmetrical drapey numbers, but she also looks amazing sporting tight gowns that really hug her curves. Oh and let’s not forget those awesome hats and sexy knee-high boots, looks that most women can’t pull off (and lord knows I’ve tried!). As a whole, she almost always looks flawless and her fabulosity shines through no matter what the occasion is. And for that, Jennifer Lopez is my Style Idol this week. Maybe this honor will help lift her spirits as she (allegedly) handles a very public divorce. Read More »

[In early adulthood there is an activity that plays a large role in most of our lives; nights out on the town. And with those nights out always comes the question: “What am I gonna wear?!?”

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

So this week marks the official beginning of the holiday season and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year; how can you not enjoy massive amounts of delicious goodness, family time, and a four day weekend? It also means it’s time to head on home and see your family and friends who you left behind when the school year began.

It’s more than likely on Friday or Saturday you’ll hit up a party or two and run into familiar faces that you haven’t seen in ages, so looking damn fine is definitely up there on the list of priorities. You wanna prove to your friends, enemies, and possibly your ex, that college is doing you well and you’re more fabulous than ever. Here’s a guide to a vintage-inspired outfit that’ll accentuate your curves and ever-growing hotness, and leave everyone talking. (And, no, it is not a Pilgrim ensemble…though that would be vintage…) Read More »

What girl doesn’t love sweets? Not to intentionally sound generic, but screw it: Chocolate is like sex (literally). Peanut butter is like heaven. Ice cream, cherries, caramel…all middle names of mine. And it’s not because I’m secretly the witch from Hansel and Gretel, either.

It’s because I’m a woman. But the world of the woman is polluted with Catch 22′s and this is just another example. How in the freakin’ world do we keep the body we want if we’re going to indulge in our beloved sweets?

Well, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Luckily, some lovely health conscience Rachel Ray’s out there have have formulated some recipes that can make us all feel a little more comfortable with our affair with sweets.

So get your girls together and dive in on Oscar night well telling yourself: “Scarlett Johansson has curves. So can I.“

Provided you LIKE caramel walnut cheesecake. (And if you don’t; I don’t think I can trust you.)

CARAMEL WALNUT CHEESECAKE RECIPE: Read More »

Although the results of research done on matters such as how a woman’s weight affects her intelligence level are usually correlational (meaning there are relating factors, but one thing does not directly cause the other), I find it extremely refreshing to see news reports that suggest a healthy weight actually does have positive benefits.

The most recent study comes from scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, Santa Barbara, who used data from a study of 16,000 women and girls. Details of their body measurements and their scores in cognitive tests were collected.

The results? Women with a greater difference between the waist and hips scored significantly higher on the tests, as did their children.

These findings are great, but how can this actually be true?

Slate does a wonderful job of breaking down the different theories and showing why they are just that–theories, and their take on it is copied below.

Theories:

1) Hip fat contains omega3 acids, which promote “growth of the brain during pregnancy” and “could improve the woman’s own mental abilities,” whereas waist fat has more omega6 acids, “which are less suited to brain growth.”

2) Teen mothers produce dumber kids because they’re thinner and deficient in omega3. 3) Men like curvy women due to “the double enticement of both an intelligent partner and an intelligent child.” Read More »

You wouldn’t be alone if you thought that a modern, simplistic aesthetic was what was hot at the moment, however, you’d be dead wrong.

What is hot, you ask? Vintage. But not that 80′s crap you’ve been regurgitating for the last 5 years. Nope. Get ready for 1920′s vintage flair.

Needed:

• Beading and fringing

• Drop-waists

• Kate Moss for Topshop

• Short bobs

• Cloche hats

Could this be it? Are the days of babydoll dresses and tent-like silhouettes gone for good? Can we all finally find some dresses that will hug our curves and flatter our features? Is it finally acceptable to be dressed up and beautiful because – gasp! – you want to be? Read More »