If you've ever forgotten your Facebook password (because who ever bothers to sign out?), you'll know how annoying it is to be locked out of your account. Currently, Facebook uses two-factor authentication to check users are who they say they are when this happens – but it could be about to introduce a new, creepier method.
The company is trialling facial recognition technology to help people recover their accounts, TechCrunch reported. It works by asking users to look into their device's camera and can work out whether to grant you access by comparing your face to pictures and videos you're already tagged in.
NEW! Facebook working on a facial recognition feature to help secure your account
“To recognise whether you’re in a photo or video our system compares it with your profile picture, and photos and videos that you’re tagged in,” reads a screenshot from the Face Recognition section in Facebook's Settings, posted on Twitter by Matt Navarra from The Next Web. “This lets us know when you’re in other photos and videos so we can create better experience.”
It may be eerie for Facebook to be so intimately familiar with the contours of our faces, but the site has been using facial recognition technology for years when making photo tag suggestions. The site scans uploaded images to see if it recognises them from your friends' profiles and then suggests a tag.
One benefit of using facial recognition is that it can be used in areas where you can't receive two-factor authentication text messages, such as on a plane or abroad, or if you lose access to your email account, as TechCrunch pointed out. The technology could also be used in future to allow users to find photos and videos of themselves by scanning pictures for faces that resemble theirs, as highlighted by The Telegraph.
While the feature is still in the testing stage and isn't available to all users, it looks likely to be rolled out if it's found to have worked effectively. How long until Instagram, owned by Facebook, follows suit?
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Thanks to platforms like Instagram, we can all share our creative work and tell the world what we think about everything from #avocado to #bodypositivity. But that doesn’t mean the path to success is easy, and in the age of the individual, working together and supporting each other is more important than ever.
That’s why a group of women set up a collective called GRLPWR Gang, to inspire other women in the creative industries and to offer guidance and support to the younger members of their ranks. We spoke to three of the group – models Emma Breschi and Felicity Hayward, and artist Elizabeth Ilsley – to find out what their secrets to success are.
Even if you don’t know their names yet, you’ll definitely be familiar with their work. Elizabeth Ilsley is responsible for those ice-cool leather jackets emblazoned with tongue-in-cheek quotes that you'll have seen all over Instagram, while Emma Breschi is making waves for her re-appreciation of the female form, and Felicity Hayward is continuing to shake up the modelling industry.
When it comes to fashion, these three women certainly know what they’re into and, like their success, that belief comes from having a clear understanding of who they are and what they want. After all, nothing lets you show off your personality quite like some much-loved, carefully chosen clothes.
We asked these three formidable women about being superhero creatives, how they made it, and what style means to them…
Felicity Hayward
Felicity wears: Statement Hoop Earrings, £12 and Layered Leaf Cocktail Ring, £6.Animated by Rosanna Webster.
Felicity Hayward was 24 when she was scouted, dancing to Diana Ross, in an east London pub. Considering that most girls start their modelling careers at 15, this was even more unusual. But then, Hayward’s very first shoot was with Miles Aldridge – she’s never been one to do things by the book.
Hayward has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success, but she’s noticed all the way that there’s a real dearth of female role models for young women – who don’t look like the people they see in magazines. “I never thought I’d be in front of the camera,” she explains. “If you don’t have anyone that you can look up to, you don’t even think it exists.”
But that has never stopped Hayward from realising her own ambitions. “I’m from a really small town, and I wanted to show other girls that they could do the same.” Even when success did find Felicity, the model was still having to work overtime to make ends meet. “I really got thrown in the deep end,” she says of the start of her career. “I was working in a school and I had my hand luggage with me. I was flying to New York later that day and just went straight to the airport and flew and shot for Glamour.”
It paid off: a few months later she got a text telling her she was on the front of i-D. “It was a really big deal. And I remember I was moving house that day, and I couldn’t even afford to pay for someone to help me move my stuff. And I was on the cover of i-D!”
When she’s not on the cover of the world’s best fashion magazines, you’ll find Hayward trawling charity shops, a hobby she’s loved since spending time shopping with her grandma. “We used to go to charity shops – before they were trendy – and we’d look for anything wild,” says Hayward. "Eighties, shoulder pads, anything sparkly.”
Emma Breschi
Emma wears: Statement Earrings, £10 and Dawson Camera Bag, £20.Animated by Rosanna Webster.
If you want to understand the marvel that is Emma Breschi, you need to follow her on Instagram. Like, right now. She’s a true original and a serious breath of fresh air in a sea of #avocado posts and identikit #ootd’s.
The work Breschi has done and the things she’s achieved (so far) are not just the product of her own hard work, though. “It’s important to leverage the power of the group. Do you think one bumble bee can harvest all the honey on its own?” she asks. “No.”
And above all, you have to keep learning to get ahead in today’s hyper-competitive landscape. “Explore your surroundings, educate yourself and stay curious with what the world has to offer!” she continues. “Be willing to learn new things, because that will inspire you to be better at what you do and it just makes life more exciting. Don't just sit there waiting for something to happen... do something about it! Get up and try something new. You'll be surprised by what might happen.”
Talk about motivation. But behind the catchy turn of phrase there is more than just words – this is a role she takes seriously. Her Instagram includes regular unclothed selfies – all in the name of changing our perception of the female form – and she’s even posed nude for Juergen Teller in a Vivienne Westwood campaign.
But to be truly successful, you have to learn how to enjoy the journey as well as working with the big names, says Breschi. “I'm embracing all the opportunities and even failures that hit me,” she offers. “I've kept a curious and open mind, and with that I’ve learnt how to let go of any doubts.”
This free-spirited attitude even extends to her style choices; the model always lets her mood dictate her outfits. “My style on a day-to-day basis is whatever I want it to be,” she says. “There are no rules; I'll just go with the flow and dress however I feel that given day. I love trying new things and learning more from others and their own personal tastes.”
Elizabeth Ilsley
Elizabeth wears: Pearl Cocktail Ring, £18; Faux Fur Tippet, £29; Glittery Eye Ring, £4; Choker Necklace Pack, £3.60; Scarab Beetle Brooch, £15.Animated by Rosanna Webster.
Considering she’s only just turned 23, Elizabeth Ilsley has one impressive CV. The young creative says her early successes – her jackets were stocked in Liberty just last year – were the product of happy coincidences and not being afraid to put herself out there. “Hard work definitely pays off, but you can only work so hard,” she reflects. “And if you don’t meet people and talk to them, you won’t get the opportunities you deserve."
Much like Hayward and Breschi, Ilsley, who studied art at university, respects the power of collaboration. And that extends beyond just her work ethic, she says. “I think I’m going to paint ‘We’re All Friends Here’ on my next leather jacket; it’s also what I had on my Accessorize tote. It means we’re all human beings, we’re all in the same boat.”
This conscientious side is perfectly offset by a very dry sense of humour. “I try not to take myself too seriously, I dress a bit like a cartoon character,” explains Ilsley. “I wanted to be a stand-up comedian all my life. I’m a bit of a joker really – I guess that’s why I dress in plastic trousers.” Fun is certainly part of Ilsley’s aesthetic – her style icon is Pamela Anderson. “The only thing I don’t agree with are her eyebrows,” she jokes. “They’re too thin for me.”
Success, of course, means something different to each of us. What makes Ilsley pleased with hers? “Being proud of something I’ve created and made,” she says instantly. “Seeing people in my leather jackets. I thought it was really cool; it was a young girl, too, and that’s who I aim for.”
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The fashion pack also waited with bated breath for the debuts of three newly appointed designers, namely Clare Waight-Keller (formerly of Chloé) at Givenchy, Natacha Ramsay-Levi (formerly at Louis Vuitton) at Chloé, and Olivier Lapidus at Lanvin. We don't blame you if you can't quite keep up...
We're also excited to see Karl Lagerfeld's immersive set at Chanel, not to mention the latest collections from Miu Miu, Céline, Balenciaga, Acne et al. But before we get distracted by what's happening on the catwalks, click ahead to see our favourite looks from the front row regulars and biggest street style stars.
i-D 's senior fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois wears floral Balenciaga sock boots with ripped jeans and a red ribbed jumper.
Glamour UK's fashion director Natalie Hartley dresses up a green tracksuit with a structured coat.
Fashion buyer Tiffany Hsu throws a denim jacket over an asymmetrical dress.
The Off-White "Sculpture" bag might just be the new accessory of the season.
A gold star for Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert's yellow-gold Dries Van Noten coat and skirt.
R29's editor-in-chief Christene Barberich wears a Zimmerman dress over jeans with Laurence Dacade boots.
Roberta Benteler pairs a Jacquemus skirt with Balenciaga flats and a black jumper.
We love the coordinated maroon polo neck and boots.
Veronika Heilbrunner gives us '70s vibes in brown flares and argyle knit.
Model Mica Argañaraz throws a Prada bumbag over a pink long-sleeved shirt with loose-fit jeans and Vans.
Farfetch's vice president of style and creative, Yasmin Sewell, teams a Vejas gingham dress with Laurence Dacade white boots.
Reese Blutstein wears a Jil Sander T-shirt with paper bag trousers from Frankie Shop and a Paco Rabanne blue bucket bag.
Layer a blazer over a sheer floral dress for an instant autumnal update. PS Zara does a killer version of those Balenciaga sock boots.
Gilda Ambrosio wears a Céline dress with Chanel boots while her Attico co-founder Giorgia Tordini pairs her burgundy velvet jacket with jeans and point-toe heels.
Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert gives a good lesson in the off-kilter suit.
My Theresa fashion buyer Tiffany Hsu wears a pink jumper with patent trousers, Sies Marjan pink platforms and a bright yellow Jacquemus bag.
Pleats, more patent leather, and pointy yellow pumps — yes, please!
Farfetch buying and merchandise director Candice Fragis goes for understated elegance in a T-shirt, blazer and jeans.
The Dior beret might just be the standout star of PFW street style.
Double the Dior, double the fun! Chiara Ferragni and her sister Valentina outside the Musée Rodin.
More proof that the beret is the accessory of the season.
Net-A-Porter fashion director Lisa Aiken wears a Calvin Klein 205W39NYC check blazer with Calvin Klein 205W38NYC ribbed cashmere sleeves (yes, they're a separate item), jeans, a red Nico Giani bag and black pumps.
A masterclass in matching your hair to your fuchsia skirt and Balenciaga sock boots.
Glamour Germany's fashion director Véronique Tristram effortlessly throws a two-tone bomber over a white dress.
Have you bought your beret yet?
Aimee Song wears a Dior dress, bag and boots outside the show.
If you're someone who gets emotional at the sight of a bride-to-be sauntering down the aisle in her pristine white dress, have a box of Kleenex at the ready.
Many women wear a piece of sentimental jewellery as their "something borrowed" on their wedding day, but one young bride-to-be brought her guests to tears by wearing her grandmother's 55-year-old wedding dress, Inside Edition reported.
23-year-old Jordyn Cleverly, from Boise, Idaho, decided in secret to wear the same long-sleeved lace gown that her widowed grandmother, Penny Jensen, 74, wore to marry her high school sweetheart in 1962 – and luckily, photographer Kortney Peterson captured the reveal for us all to see.
Cleverly didn't tell Jensen, whose husband passed away before her granddaughter was born, about her decision until the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding. “I didn’t want her to see it for the first time walking down the aisle and just start sobbing and all those memories come back to her,” Jordyn told Inside Edition.
Cleverly decided to wear the vintage gown when, like many brides-to-be, she couldn't find The One when dress shopping. “After our engagement, I tried on a couple of dresses at a local wedding dress shop and I just couldn’t find anything that had the style, that antique vintage style that I was looking for,” she said.
When she found out her grandmother was planing on donating her old dress to charity, Cleverly was inspired to try it on. “It was actually maybe a size or two too big and so I contacted a local seamstress to see if there was anything we could do with it and she said, ‘Absolutely, it’s in fantastic shape,'" she said. “[My grandma] had zero idea; she had no idea it was even in my possession."
Cleverly, who first met her then fiancé, Dakota Cleverly, aged just 14, said her grandmother was speechless when she saw her, describing the experience as an "emotional rollercoaster". "All I heard her saying in the back was, ‘Wow, wow, wow.’ I finally went up and hugged her and she whispered in my ear, 'I married my high school sweetheart in this dress and so will you'."
Peterson, the photographer, posted the images to the Love What Matters Facebook page, describing it as, "a first look unlike any other I've done before". "The bride secretly got her widowed grandma's dress from 1962, and is wearing it for her big day. Grandma had zero idea! Yes. You guessed it. I bawled." Who wouldn't?
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The Deuce isn't generally what I'd consider a super relatable show. It's not really meant to be as a drama exploring the beginnings of the porn industry in 1970s Time Square. But last night's episode, "I See The Money," featured a moment so universal, I burst out laughing.
It's just another morning at the diner when Barbara, one of the girls working under Larry, comes in for breakfast. He takes her money and counts it, frowning: she's a little light. "I'm on my period," she explains — not every man is into that. He replies that she has to find another way to earn, like by giving blowjobs at one of the peep show theatres springing up on The Deuce.
But rather than take that as her cue to move on from a subject usually considered unsuitable for polite conversation, Barbara doubles down. "Right now my room looks like the Manson family moved in," she jokes. "Anyone got a tampon?"
Melissa, sitting at the next table hands her one, and picks up the cue: "I love fucking on my period — why is that?"
Ruby, aka Thunder Thighs, chimes in: "Don't need lube — some johns ain't up to that mess," she says. "Hear about these sponges. Stick it up there, stuff the blood long enough to fuck, johns can't tell the difference. But you need to be careful, gave me a yeast infection once."
Barbara asks how she gets it out, to which Ruby replies: "Got me a pair of needle-nose pliers from the hardware store."
At this point, Larry, who's been cringing this whole time, drops his spoon and gets up to join the other pimps at the counter. "Y'all need to keep your lady business to yourself," he says.
With her boss out of earshot, Barbara thanks Ruby, cementing the idea that this was all an unspoken ploy to get Larry to forget about the money.
It's the kind of lighthearted yet deeply human moment that can only come from having women in the writer's room. But it also highlights a troubling irony: Larry is a man who literally makes a living off of women's bodies. And yet, he, like most men, is truly uncomfortable talking about them outside the context of sexual objectification.
Men hate talking about periods. It doesn't matter if it's your dad, your boyfriend, your husband, your Tinder date, or your best friend in the entire world — it's not something they generally enjoy even thinking about, let alone discussing. Part of that is because menstruation has long been considered "abject," meaning it acts as a visceral reminder of the female body. This theory, formulated by psychoanalyst Julia Kristeva, can be broadly applied to all sorts of "distasteful" bodily fluids (pus and vomit, for example), but period blood is pointedly gendered.
But beyond the intellectual explanation, there's also the fact that men (then, and still for the most part, today) tend to be vastly ignorant about menstruation, willingly or not, as demonstrated by the conversation between Larry and Gentle Richie and Rodney that follows the initial exchange. ("It's all about the lunar cycle man." "Like they're werewolves or some shit?")
Ultimately, it's unclear if Barbara actually did have her period or if she was faking to get some alone time with Melissa, her lover. But the scene gives us a glimpse into the nitty gritty concerns that female sex workers — and all women — have to deal with regularly, even if men can't bear to hear about it.
If you're on the dating scene, chances are you've been on a date with or come across the profile of someone who has a child or two from a previous relationship. And if you're someone who doesn't have children, that particular detail can bring up a whole lot of questions. Where would I fit into all of this? Would they want me to meet their kids? What do I absolutely have to know before I make any commitments?
"The situation is so different depending on your partner, their children, and the relationship they have with their ex," says Dawn Michael, PhD, a sexologist and relationship expert based in California. "But there are a few things that are pretty much standard across the board." The most important thing for you to realise is that your partner's priority will most likely always be their children, especially if their custody agreement means that they have the children for the majority of the time, or they have sole custody. "If you're planning a weekend getaway, and an emergency comes up regarding their child, your plans are most likely going to be the ones to get cancelled," Dr. Michael says.
It's also important to figure out what kind of relationship your partner has with their ex, because that could cause a little stress down the line. "If they're still in the process of working out custody, or if each parent is constantly attempting to undermine the other, that's a situation that can cause a lot of grief in a growing relationship," Dr. Michael says. "It's a big red flag." That said, not every co-parenting situation is going to be a negative one. Your partner might be extremely close with their ex, which can inadvertently lead to a little jealousy down the line — whether that jealousy is coming from you or the ex. "You've got to be able to keep your feelings in check," Dr. Michael says. And if you're struggling, usually the best thing to do is to talk to your partner about your feelings.
You never want to assume you're taking on the role of a biological parent.
Communication is also important for another reason: At some point, you'll need to make sure that your role in the children's lives is clear. "You never want to assume you're taking on the role of a biological parent," says Yamonte Cooper, EdD, a licensed professional clinical councillor based in California. "Instead, you should consider filling in as an additional person in the child's life, so that they think of you as someone extra, not someone who is replacing." This is generally true whether your partner is divorced or widowed.
Dr. Cooper says that these conversations should be brought up early on, and that you should never assume what your role in a child's life would be. "You should have a conversation about how you are to navigate the situation, and what your role means to [your partner]," he says. "Be clear on what the roles are so that no one feels threatened." Dr. Michael says that assumptions lead to miscommunication, which can be doubly disastrous when there are young kids involved.
All that said, dating someone with children can be an incredibly rewarding prospect, especially with the right partner. "If you're interested in children of your own, you're getting a glimpse into what they'll be like," Dr. Michael says. And information like that can bring you and your partner even closer.
As first speculated in January, the purveyors of all things cool are back at it again with a second drop of the adidas Originals by Alexander Wang unisex collaboration. In an unexpected twist of inspiration, the duo is bringing together the worlds of raving (quintessential Wang) and cycling (quintessential adidas), tapping into the culture of New York City bike messengers, who brave mad traffic and weather to answer your streetwear prayers and deliver your hauls directly to your doorstep.
This second drop, which re-envisions the staples of the adidas Originals DNA, will be available this Saturday, October 7th, on both the brands’ websites and stores, consisting of cycling jerseys, hoodies, T-shirts, leggings and shorts featuring the co-branded details in shades of neon green, grey and black.
It's an upgrade from the first collection, which was sold via unmarked vans (and packed in bin bags), but it's just another day in the life of fashion's consummate club kid. Click ahead to plot your attack.
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Inspired by the Special Olympics and her own experiences in pageants, Jordan Somer founded Miss Amazing in 2007 as a local pageant for girls and young women with disabilities in her home state of Nebraska. In the decade since, she's fielded application calls in her college dorm room, received awards and grants from the likes of Teen Nickelodeon and Pepsi, and grown the programme into a nationwide, non-profit organisation with events in over 30 states.
Somer has no plans of stopping Miss Amazing's expansion, but among her lofty goals for growth remains the simple, core purpose of the pageant. "This is a platform where girls and women with disabilities can define themselves on their own terms," she tells Refinery29.
"Women with disabilities are excluded from conversations about their own lives because they’re female and because they have a disability," Somer says. "They have this double discrimination that they have to deal with." It's not a coincidence, then, that most of the events within Miss Amazing are communication-based.
From the onstage introductions to the one-on-one interview portion of the pageant, participants are challenged to speak for themselves. Somer explains this helps them understand the importance of conversational skills ahead of joining the workforce.
Then, of course, there is an evening-wear segment and an optional talent showcase. "Our goal is to take certain elements of pageantry and to check others at the door," Somer says, adding that, although it's a pageant, you don't need to be a girly-girl to participate. "We try not to reinforce certain stereotypes of what it means to be a woman or to be feminine."
Photographer Michelle Groskopf attended this year's National Miss Amazing pageant to shoot and interview the participants. "It really puts life in perspective," she tells Refinery29. "There are young women there battling health issues with grace and positivity. You can’t leave without having all of your assumptions about disability completely turned around."
Ahead, view a selection of Groskopf's photos and get to know some of this year's Miss Amazing participants.
"Once I realised I was in [for nationals], I was just so very ecstatic to be here. I was just awestruck at how beautiful these girls are," said Ashley Christoph, Jr. Teen Texas (not pictured).
"A lot of people see people with disabilities as not doing very much — we just stay at home, they think, or, if anything, they think we're not doing anything without other people helping us. Just to see us out in the community doing things [is important]," says Nicole Minassian, Miss Amazing Teen Queen 2015 and current volunteer (not pictured).
"We’re out here. We're living. We’re not just some story about someone having an injury or overcoming a disability. We are day-to-day people who have talents and beauty," says Tobi Heekin, judge (not pictured).
"Everyone who attends leaves a better person, from the contestants to the families and friends. It's also just a good time... There's a lot of laughter and silliness. It's all heart," Groskopf says.
"I don’t know how many times in the seven years I’ve been in a wheelchair that I’ve had to make other people feel comfortable and make them think more than, ‘Oh she’s in a chair, poor thing.' I'm not a 'poor thing.' I have many blessings in my life," says Heekin (not pictured).
"Winning a title showed me that I can do anything that I want to...and that if you work really hard and give it your all, you will be successful," says Rylee Howerton, National Miss Amazing Preteen 2016 (not pictured).
"Miss Amazing opens a lot of doors to sharing what you care about with other people. It gives you a louder voice, in a way, because you’re not just some random person — you have a support system behind you," Minassian says (not pictured).
"Everyone has their moment onstage to receive their tiara and trophy, regardless of whether they are crowned queen or not. Then the winners are crowned. It’s pretty epic. There are tears and applause," Groskopf says.
"A lot of girls spoke of feeling like an outsider in school or in their home towns, and the pageant was a place to feel acceptance and friendship. These are young women and teenagers, they want all the usual things: romance, college, a cool job, great friends," Groskopf says.
"You get to be in an environment with people who understand what it’s like to be different... There’s such a strong level of camaraderie here," Minassian says (not pictured).
"My favourite part is seeing everyone from different states come together and join into a big pack...it makes all the delayed flights worth it," says Abby Censabella, Rhode Island Jr. Miss (not pictured).
"Miss Amazing has gotten me more into myself. It's made me more open about my disability and not ashamed," says Morgan Rolfson, South Dakota Jr. Teen (not pictured).
On Sunday night, a man opened fire at thousands of concertgoers at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. With at least 58 people dead and more than 500 injured, the attack is considered the deadliest U.S. mass shooting in recent history. Michaela Gallo, a 26-year-old from Orange County, CA, was at thefestival when the attack took place. This is her experience, as told to Andrea González-Ramírez.
My friend Michalynn and I were having the time of our lives. We'd been planning to go to the Route 91 Harvest Festival for eight months. The night before, friends who are part of a band made our dreams come true by inviting us to join them on stage for their set. I can't even explain the high we were on.
We had just walked backstage when I heard what I assumed was firecrackers going off. That’s really stupid. Why is someone lighting up fireworks in a crowd like this? I thought to myself. It even smelled like fireworks. But then I realised that the smell was actually gunpowder. Whispers spread through the crowd: Those are gunshots.
Jason Aldean stopped performing mid-song and ran off stage. Bullets ricocheted off of the metal equipment. We fled, seeking cover behind a nearby tour bus. I lost track of Michalynn. A man running towards me fell to the ground just five feet away. I thought he had tripped, but then I saw the blood: he had been shot in the leg. Someone called for a belt to use as a tourniquet. I took mine off and I threw it in their direction. We kept running. I ducked underneath another bus, waiting for the gunfire to stop. But it kept coming. It went on for about 20 minutes in all. It didn’t even sound real — it sounded like a videotape.
Eventually, someone yelled Run to the buses! I was already next to a bus, so I wasn’t really sure what they were talking about. But I followed the crowd and sprinted ahead. A girl running alongside me was shot in the neck. She fell to the ground. I don't know what happened to her.
Photo Courtesy of Michaela Gallo.
I ended up crouched down next to an amazing guy who grabbed my hand and tried to calm me down. Look at me, look at me. It’s going to be okay, he said. My phone had died, but his still had power. I didn’t have Michalynn’s number memorised, but I know my mum’s by heart. I called her and told her that there was an active shooter and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I just wanted to tell her that I loved her. I couldn’t say much more. I told her that I would call as soon as I got to safety and asked her to try to get in touch with Michalynn if she could.
It turned out the guy with the phone was the bass guitarist for Luke Combs, one of the performers at the festival. His name was Delaney. When the coast was clear, Delaney brought me to their bus and introduced me to a production manager named Todd and the bus driver, Chase. There were probably 30 of us inside in all, just waiting for word it was safe to leave. They asked everyone if we were hungry and gave us coffee, water, clothes, whatever we needed while we waited for the all clear. If I can take something out of this that is good it was seeing the love and outpouring of help that people were willing to give to complete strangers.
Throughout all this, I still had no idea what happened to Michalynn. When I finally reached her, she said she was safe, seeking shelter in an apartment complex. When they were evacuated, she came to find me on the bus. I looked at the window and I saw her running towards us. We hugged and cried.
For hours, we had no idea what was going on. Someone had a police scanner, but the chatter was total chaos. We didn’t leave the bus until 8 a.m. in the morning. It was surreal walking around the Strip in someone else’s pyjama pants and our cowboy boots. It was dead quiet — I’ve never seen it that quiet before. There were no taxis, no Ubers, no one was allowed in because it was all a crime scene. We couldn’t even go back to our hotel because it was all blocked off. The driver of the tour bus offered to drop us as close as he could.
I’m so thankful that Luke Combs’ band took us in, and that Delaney, Todd, and Chase showed us so much support. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be without them. I’m very lucky that we got out unharmed when so many didn’t. So many people are still looking for their loved ones right now.
I don't know if I'll ever feel safe again at a major event like this. I’m torn. On one hand, I’m absolutely terrified: One minute, I was going through an experience that was supposed to be fun and then the next, escaping, running for my life. But on the other hand, I don’t want to let fear win. I don’t want to let the shooter win by saying I’m not going to have fun, that I’m not going to make memories with the people that I love because he made me scared.
An off-duty police officer, a 20-year-old college student, and a nurse from Tennessee were among the 59 confirmed fatalities. At least 527 more were injured in the attack by a gunman who opened fire on a crowd of about 22,000 concertgoers attending the Route 91 Harvest festival.
"The identification process of all of the injured and the deceased will take time, so authorities are asking the public for patience," the police department said in a press release this morning. Police advise calling 1-866-535-5654 if you're looking for missing family members or friends.
Nevada Rep. Ruben J. Kihuen tweeted this morning that he was visiting some of the injured people at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas. He said he was told 92 of the 190 patients do not have IDs on them.
Ahead, what we know so far about the victims of the shooting. Please visit here for information on what you can do to help the victims.
This story was originally published on October 2, 2017, at 6 p.m. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sonny Melton
Family confirmed the Big Sandy, TN, man's death to WZTV in Nashville. Melton, 29, was a registered nurse at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, TN.
"At this point, I'm in complete disbelief and despair. I don't know what to say. Sonny was the most kind-hearted, loving man I have ever met. He saved my life and lost his," his wife Heather Gulish Melton, who is an orthopedic surgeon at the same hospital, said in a statement to Fox 17 News.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire HCMC family are with Sonny and Heather’s families," said Thomas Gee, CEO of HCMC, said in a statement. "We ask that all staff, friends, and patients of the couple respect their privacy at this time and refrain from contacting the family and the HCMC Kelley Clinic if they do not have a reason to do so."
Photo: Courtesy of Sonny Melton's Facebook.
Jordan McIldoon
Al and Angela McIldoon, Jordan McIldoon's parents, confirmed the 23-year-old's death to CBC News in Canada. "We only had one child," they said. "We just don't know what to do."
McIldoon was a heavy-duty mechanic apprentice who was about to start trade school. He attended the concert with his girlfriend, who was unharmed.
Heather Gooze, another concertgoer, said that McIldoon died in her arms.
Photo: Courtesy of Jordan Seymour McIldoon's Facebook.
Jessica Klymchuk
Klymchuk, 28, was a mother of four children from Edmonton, in Canada's Alberta province, who worked at a Catholic school as a librarian and bus driver. According to 680 News Toronto, she was visiting Las Vegas with her fiancé.
Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Klymchuk's Facebook.
Quinton Robbins
Quinton Robbins, 20, of Henderson, Nevada, was among the victims, his aunt Kilee Wells Sanders confirmed on Facebook. The University of Nevada-Las Vegas student "was the most kind and loving soul," she wrote. "Everyone who met him, loved him. His contagious laugh and smile. He was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by so many, he is loved by so many."
Photo: Courtesy of Quinton Robbins' Facebook.
Lisa Romero-Muniz
A Gallup School official confirmed to KRQE in New Mexico that Lisa Romero-Muniz, a school secretary, was among the victims.
"She loved her kids and husband. And for this to happen so senselessly. It's a heartbreaking day for us all," her cousin Ashley Romero told HuffPo.
Photo: Courtesy of Gallup Sun Publishing's Facebook.
Adrian Murfitt
Murfitt, 35, from Anchorage, AK, died in his close friend Brian MacKinnon's arms, MacKinnon confirmed to KTUU in Alaska. "He is one of the happiest people I know," MacKinnon told KTUU. "Always in a good mood, and was nothing less than my brother."
According to Alaska Dispatch News, Murfitt was a commercial fisherman. His sister, Shannon Gothard, said he was a former competitive hockey player and that his life revolved around the sport. She said he had just had a successful fishing season, and "was happy to pay some things off and had made some really good money and decided to go out and celebrate and go to the concert and treat himself to something nice and fun."
Photo: Courtesy of Adrian Murfitt's Facebook.
Charleston Hartfield
Friends identified the off-duty police officer who was killed as Charleston Hartfield, 34, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He also coached youth football, said his friend Troy Rhett.
Rhett said he sent a text message to Hartfield on Sunday night, hoping he would respond. "I figured he was probably busy helping others," Rhett said. "I don’t know a better man than Charles. They say it’s always the good ones we lose early. There’s no truer statement than that with Charles. … Our hearts have just been very heavy since hearing the news."
Photo: Courtesy of Charleston Hartfield's Google Plus Page.
Rachael Parker
Parker, 33, a longtime employee of the Manhattan Beach Police Department in Los Angeles County, CA, was wounded and died in the hospital, according to California's Daily Breeze.
"She was employed with the Manhattan Beach Police Department for 10 years and will be greatly missed," the department said.
Photo: Courtesy of Rachael Parker's Twitter.
Sandy Casey
Casey, 35, was a middle-school special education teacher from Manhattan Beach, CA, according to the Associated Press.
"She is loved by students and colleagues alike and will be remembered for her sense of humor, her passion for her work, her devotion to her students, and her commitment to continuing her own learning and to taking on whatever new projects came her way," the Manhattan Beach Unified School District said in a statement. "She has made a tremendous difference in the lives of her students and their families, many of whom worked with her over multiple years."
Her partner, Christopher Willemse, posted: "The love and support that she and I have received during these trying times just shows how important this wonderful woman truly was. She lived life to the fullest and made me the happiest man in the world. I’m so grateful for the kind words and gestures, it means the world to me, especially for her."
Photo: Courtesy of Sandy Casey's Facebook.
Susan Smith
Smith, 53, was the office manager at Vista Fundamental Elementary School in Simi Valley, CA. Jake Finch, a spokesperson for the Simi Valley Unified School District, confirmed her death to the L.A. Times.
"She was the office manager, which means she was the hub of the school. She was the center of it. Everyone who came through those doors, she knew. She knew the children, she knew the staff, she knew the parents," Finch said. "She was great with the children, patient and kind. Her loss is huge to us."
Photo: Courtesy of Vista PTA's Facebook.
Denise Burditus
Burditus, who is from Martinsburg, WV, was attending the concert with her husband Tony, according to HuffPo. "It saddens me to say that I lost my wife of 32 years, a mother of two, soon to be grandmother of five this evening in the Las Vegas shooting," her husband wrote on his Facebook. "Denise passed in my arms. I LOVE YOU BABE."
Photo: Courtesy of Denise Salmon Burditus' Facebook.
Angela Gomez
The PTSA of California's Riverside Polytechnic High School identified Angie Gomez as one of the victims on its Facebook page. Gomez graduated from the school in 2015.
"We are heartbroken. Please join me in lifting her and her family up in prayer. She will always be loved and endeared by our Poly Family," said the PTSA's post.
Photo: Courtesy of Riverside Polytechnic High PTSA's Facebook.
Bailey Schweitzer
Bailey Schweitzer, 20, of Bakersfield, CA, was one of the victims, her brother Dakota Schweitzer confirmed to The Californian.
Photo: Courtesy of Bailey Schweitzer's Facebook.
John Phippen
Phippen was attending the concert with his son Travis Phippen, who was shot in the arm but survived, according to KHTS in Santa Clarita, CA. He was a father of five and grandfather of one, and he owned the remodeling and repair company JP Specialties in Santa Clarita. He enjoyed camping with his family and friends on the beach.
Leah Nagyivanyi, a longtime friend and neighbor, created a GoFundMe page for Phippen's children. "If you didn’t know John, you surely missed out," Nagyivanyi wrote on the GoFundMe page. "He had a heart that was larger than life and a personality to match... He had your back from the moment he met you and by having your back that could mean, having a cold beer in your hand when yours was empty; you needed help with your car, or in our case your sandrail, your house, or you just needed to chill, even if you were someone he had never met before but were in need, he was there for you."
Photo: Courtesy of JP Specialties' Facebook.
Rhonda LeRocque
Rhonda LeRocque, 41, was attending the concert with her husband when she was shot and killed, her sister Jennifer Zeleneski told the Boston Herald. LeRocque had a 6-year-old daughter.
"It makes no sense. Why would he do this?" Zeleneski said. "My sister didn't do anything. She never hurt people. She was the kindness person that I know. Her family is the picture-perfect family, what you would aspire to be."
Photo: Courtesy of Rhonda LeRocque's Facebook.
Jennifer T. Irvine
Attorney Jennifer T. Irvine was killed in the shooting, publicist Jay Jones confirmed to LawNewz, a legal-news website on which she had recently done a guest appearance for its LawNewz Network. Irvine specialized in criminal defense and family law.
Irvine earned her law degree from California Western School of Law after graduating with honors from the University of San Diego. She started her law practice in 2011. She loved snowboarding and had a black-belt in Taekwondo.
"Jennifer Irvine was one of the most beautiful, funny, big-hearted, and strongest women I've known in my life," her friend Errol Asuncion wrote in a Facebook post. "I will NEVER forget all that she has done for me... I was at least somewhat glad to hear that you were finally getting to enjoy some much-needed fun and dancing before this senseless and heartbreaking tragedy. You will always be in my heart and I will never forget. I love you, lady, for being such an incredible friend and the greatest counsel that I could have asked for."
Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer T. Irvine's Facebook.
Jenny Parks
California kindergarten teacher Jenny Parks was at the music festival where the shooting took place with her husband Bobby Parks, who had to undergo arm and finger surgery as a result of the attack. She left behind two children, according to WGNTV.
"She was truly one of the most loving people you could ever hope to meet," her uncleSteven McCarthy told CNN. "She always went out of her way to help anybody."
Photo: Courtesy of CNN.
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On July 21, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed a bill giving same-sex couples the right to marry in Germany. Several months later, on Sunday, October 1, the law went into effect. While Germany's registry offices are usually closed on Sundays, some made an exception to take advantage of this moment in history, the BBC reports. This enabled the first couple to benefit from the new law to get married in Berlin's Schöneberg town hall.
Karl Kreile, 59, and Bodo Mende, 60, have been a couple for 38 years, many of which they've spent fighting for the right to marry. Mende told Reuters that this fight was "25 years of hard struggle." Twenty-five years prior, he and Kreile had attempted to get married to raise awareness of the issue. "I remember how it felt when we went to the registry office in Berlin Charlottenburg to request marriage," he said. "The official was nice, and so were the couples before and after us in the line, telling us: 'We understand what you want.' But afterwards I still had to feel a sense of shame. I felt discriminated against, being sent out again."
To celebrate finally being able to go to the registry and not get turned down, the couple had a rainbow-themed wedding. The table in front of them as they said their vows was decorated with rainbow flags, and their cake was rainbow-colored and read "Marriage for all."
Now, Mende is hoping the rest of the world follows suit in advancing LGBTQ rights. "We don’t need to look far, just to the neighbor countries where the situation is more disturbing," he said.
In Germany, registered partnerships between same-sex couples became legal in 2001, but the right to marry allows them tax benefits, the right to adopt, and other advantages they didn't have previously. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed opposition to same-sex marriage, but in June, she allowed parliament members to vote on the issue based on their personal beliefs rather than their political parties. Thanks to this change of heart, dozens of same-sex couples have already gotten married in Germany.
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It's generally considered backwards to separate people by gender, yet for some reason, gender segregation continues to be accepted in clothing stores and styles. Not for Zendaya. Her line Daya by Zendaya is gender-neutral, and she recently explained in a Glamour interview with Yara Shahidi why that was important to her.
"I love that not only are you an entrepreneur, you’ve created a brand that doesn’t say, 'This is for a girl; this is for a boy,'" Shahidi said.
"That’s the future of fashion, right?" Zendaya responded. "I was lucky to have parents who let me wear what I wanted to wear and let me shop where I wanted to shop. Nine times out of 10 I was shopping in the boys section. I wore cargo shorts and hoodies. That was my uniform."
They also talked about how, while Zendaya got away with wearing boys' clothes, men wearing women's clothes are less accepted. "That’s not fair," Zendaya said. "I think, for me, it’s all about the experience of a shopper. For example, my sister is a thicker woman. She just had a baby; she’s got hips, a booty popping in these streets. Why should she have to go to a different section to get clothes?"
Back when Daya by Zendaya launched, Zendaya told Refinery29 that she also made an effort to include plus-size pieces and use models of all shapes and sizes on the line's website. "I didn’t want anyone to feel alienated, excluded, or feel like they weren’t a part of this," she said. "I want my mom to be able to wear my stuff. I want my older sister to be able to wear my stuff. I want thick women, tall women, skinny women to wear my stuff. ... That’s why I made sure that in my e-commerce photos there was thick girls in there, not like, 'Oh, you have to go to a section to find thick-girl models in the clothes,' — it should feel normal."
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We met on a Wednesday down the pub. My friend recognised him from his university days and shouted at him from across the bar to join us at our table, where we and our other friend were eating fish and chips and drinking tequila soda. We talked about politics and TV shows and films we’d recently seen, my two friends fading into the background as I laughed to eschew the explosion that was mounting in my chest because of the way he was looking at me – insistent and unswerving – romance novel clichés elbowing sentient thoughts out of my brain.
We parted ways after last orders and a few days later I enquired about him through our mutual friend. I got his number and in a fairly unprecedented move for me, texted him to see if he wanted to go for a drink. He did, he said, and we met the following Friday on a bench at an outdoor bar in south London where the sun made both of us squint.
“I liked talking to you,” he said. “I felt like it was really natural and easy.”
Three drinks later and we were at another bar, drinking tequila sunrises and comparing tattoos. We kissed, in a dark corner upstairs – one of those once-in-a-blue-moon kisses that makes your body forget its limbs. We laughed and ribbed each other and kissed some more, until he finally pulled away and, with that same unswerving gaze, admitted that he needed to tell me something.
“I’m in a relationship,” he said. “An open relationship and we’re polyamorous.”
I must have dimmed.
“But I might not be in a few weeks, who knows,” he said, “it’s always changing.”
I shrugged. I’d just met the guy and besides, I’d been reading a lot about polyamory and agreed with most of its core ideas: that monogamy didn’t feel natural to a lot of people; that two-person couples – a paradigm largely defined and protected by a cis-gendered narrative – was flawed. I’d slept with women and felt the tyrannical constraints of having to repress that side of myself when I did eventually enter into more long-term relationships with men. Perhaps he was onto something, I thought. And besides, I was drunk. I didn’t care. We carried on kissing and met again a few days later at a social event where neither of us spent much time talking to the other. At the end of the night he offered to walk me home and on the street near my flat, leaned in to kiss me and said that he would like to see me later that week.
And so it continued, until one day, sprawled out in the bath and thinking about our next encounter, I started to feel the first pangs of jealousy. I texted him saying that I didn’t think we should meet again, that I would never be comfortable hooking up with someone who had a partner, polyamorous or not, and that I hoped he understood. I sent a follow-up explaining that there was no judgement – that I admired people who could live without these feelings – but explaining that for me, at that time in my life, it didn’t feel like the right thing.
His reply was swift and insistent. He liked me, he said. His partner had been the one to suggest being polyamorous and he’d never felt comfortable with it. He would wind things down with her, end it, he said. He would like to see where things went with me.
Six, perhaps seven more blissful dates ensued, spent lolling around the park, watching films, being intimate but, on his insistence, never actually having penetrative sex until one night, on a Friday, when we headed back to my place and drank and ate dinner and then inevitably started kissing, stripping our clothes off – two sweaty bodies against each other, staring at the ceiling. He hadn’t mentioned his partner in a while and I felt the need to clarify the situation before we jumped off that cliff into uncertain new levels of contact . Were things winding down as he said they would? Had he seen her recently? I needed to know before we had sex.
“We slept together yesterday,” he said, a smile indicating that the information to him was harmless. I rolled over, naked and vulnerable, and after a few minutes staring at the carpet, rose to leave.
The next day he sent me a message explaining that he didn’t want to force an end to his feelings for his partner; that he wanted to still get to know me; that he never meant to hurt me. The anger I felt, though, which didn’t materialise for several days, was for the lack of respect he’d shown my feelings. Where I had been open and understanding of his views, he had treated mine without even the slightest respect. As my replies came back less polite, more annoyed, he took offence. He didn’t want to talk to me if I was going to behave in a way that was possessive, he said. There was nothing he could do. He was at the mercy of his feelings.
Only then did I start to register all the ways in which he’d disregarded me on a more human level. I’m a writer, struggling to publish my first novel – a fact he barely seemed to register. Meanwhile I found countless examples of him showing support to his partner online – sharing, liking and posting encouraging comments under her work. When I had complained about being unable to reach the ceiling of my new flat that needed painting – I’m 5ft 5, he’s over 6ft – he’d only shrugged, and told me that he was sure I would be able to find a tall enough ladder sooner or later.
When my responses became curt and unwavering – I didn’t want to see him again, it was over – he confidently asserted that he would try and be monogamous again with his partner. I’d been used to test the waters, in other words. The fondness and affection he felt for me were suddenly extinguished. While he couldn’t switch off his feelings for her, he could, apparently, me.
I started to realise that while in some circumstances polyamory can work and makes its participants far happier than otherwise, in my case I’d been reduced to little more than an object; and not because those involved wanted to objectify me but because the arrangement, by its nature, necessitates it. For relationships between people to work – partners or friends – they require a certain investment of time and it’s a simple matter of arithmetic that explains why in polyamorous relationships, parity of time is often difficult to achieve.
Yet unless clear rules and parameters are set to ensure that all parties are treated equally and fairly – which in itself seems counterintuitive to the wider principles of polyamory in wanting to live and love with fewer rules – some participants will always be left wanting. And in a world where patriarchy still goes unresolved, and women are already set up to fail and to feel inadequate about themselves, this kind of behaviour seems dangerous. It leads to the decision that affection and time will be dealt some, while only sex will be dealt others, reinforcing Madonna/whore complexes that have plagued us since the beginning of time.
Of course all of this could be avoided if the person involved had respected my feelings and my decision to end things early on. I guess in future I will learn to trust my instincts, and take matters into my own hands regardless.
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Diversity has been — and will continue to be — a hot topic during Fashion Month. This past New York Fashion Week was groundbreaking in terms of body diversity: It was the first time 90 plus-size models were cast, though it's important to note that a majority of that figure includes shows for plus-specific lines Torrid and Addition Elle. Excluding those presentations, the number of plus-size models is just 34, with brands like Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, and Anna Sui casting a variety of sizes to showcase their lines.
This same move towards inclusivity, however, isn't as prominent at other fashion weeks, like Milan or Paris. In Europe, sizeism is still a major issue; just last month, luxury conglomerates LVMH and Kering joined forces on a commitment to ban female models below size 34 on the catwalk. Last season, just two plus-size models walked the entirety of Paris Fashion Week, both for H&M. And while that number hasn't increased by that much since February, this past week saw a new designer join the move towards a more diverse runway.
On Monday, Alexander McQueen's cast included two plus-size models for the first time ever: Eline Lykke, a Norwegian newcomer, and Betsy Teske, a Dutch model and law student in Amsterdam, were, according to Vogue, chosen by McQueen’s casting director Jess Hallett; the decision “was all about sisterhood and celebrating femininity.”
Lykke shared her excitement on Instagram, writing: “Thank you so much @alexandermcqueen for having me in your show at Paris Fashion week!! I’m so grateful and happy! And thank you for changing the game for Curvy models!!” Teske was equally as thrilled; she posted a runway shot of herself with the caption: “So I just walked for Alexander McQueen. 😱Thanks so much to the amazing team! Loved working with you!!!”
Blogger Susie Bubble also expressed her gratitude for Sarah Burton’s choice to include models of different sizes: "When "bigger-than sample size" casting works so beautifully with the clothing," she wrote on Instagram. "Sarah Burton 's @alexandermcqueen garden thrills/frills on @betsyteske." With so few Paris-based brands considering size diversity (save for McQueen and Gypsy Sport, the other designers on the calendar featured straight-size models only), this decision will hopefully open the door for more high-end labels do to the same. Because really, what's the point of clothing if we can't all enjoy it?
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As you well know by now, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a whole month dedicated to promoting awareness, raising money and funding research into the disease which will affect 1 in 8 women in the UK.
There are over 55,000 new cases of breast cancer in the UK every year. Of these, thanks to research developments and early detection, 78% are survivable for at least 10 years. However, it is estimated that 27% of cases are preventable.
In order to help with that, more money is needed. And, this being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, loads and loads of brands are creating limited-edition versions of their products and donating proceeds to various cancer charities.
So if you're buying a present for someone this October (my birthday is smack bang in the middle of the month, just saying), or if you're after a little something for yourself, make it one of these products and give money to a great cause, just by shopping.
Only 200 of these limited-edition rose gold Alex Monroe necklaces – made for Breast Cancer Haven – exist.
Alex Monroe Bespoke Blush16 Necklace, £126.50, available at Breast Cancer Haven
Actually worth £95, this box sells for £25 and £15 of that goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It includes products from Clinique, Bumble & Bumble, Bobbi Brown, Origins and more.
Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Campaign Beauty Box, £25, available at Estée Lauder
Not a pink ribbon in sight. These T-shirts from Lauren Mahon, the blogger behind GirlStoleLondon and GirlvsCancer are hilarious and 25% of GIRLvsCANCER Tit-Tee sales will be equally split between the following four charities - Coppafeel!, Future Dreams, Trekstock + Look Good Feel Better.
GIRLvsCANCER Tit-Tees, £28, available at GIRLvsCANCER
This year, Aveda's limited-edition product to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a rosemary and mint hand cream. $4 (£3) from each sale will be donated.
Aveda Limited-edition Hand Relief Moisturising Creme with Invigorating Rosemary Mint Aroma, £22, available at Aveda
Because humour is the best medicine. Right? 10% of profits from this card go to Macmillan Cancer.
We Are KV Creative I'm Sorry Your Boobies Tried To Kill You Card, £3.45, available at Etsy
This lovely t-shirt from ba&sh was created especially for Breast Cancer Awareness month and, in a fully spectacular move, all proceeds from sales are set to be donated at Breast Cancer Awareness.
Elemis' much-loved Marine Cream goes pink for October. The company is donating £25,000 to Breast Cancer Care.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £99, available at Elemis
Just like Nan has in her living room. Except instead of "Home Sweet Home" embroidered on it, there's a pair of boobs. 20% of profits donated to Cancer Research UK.
Urghh Breast Cancer Awareness Hoop, £15, available at Etsy
Gel pens aren't just for teenagers. You keep on writing in pink, purple, green and whatever other colour floats your boat. This gel pen donates 25p from each sale to Breast Cancer Now.
Pentel Retractable BCN Rollerball, £2.99, available at Pentel
£4 from the sale of each mask will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, £25, available at Origins
Because what's more fun than a boob on your finger? A portion of sales from each boob ring goes to the American Cancer Society.
Mineralogy Design Boob Ring, £144.62, available at Etsy
This nourishing lip sheen comes in two shades and £2 from every sale is donated to Future Dreams.
Mii Cosmetics Nourishing Lip Sheen, £14.95, available at Mii Cosmetics
"Queen of feet" Margaret Dabbs has turned her much-loved nail and cuticle serum pink this month for breast cancer awareness. 15% of sales will go to Breast Cancer Care.
Margaret Dabbs limited edition Nail & Cuticle Serum, £12. Available at Margaret Dabbs.
A mug with a message. Sales from this product are donated to both Breast Cancer Care and Walking With The Wounded.
Doris & Co Made Of Stern Stuff Mug, £20, available at Wolf & Badger
Cute crochet with a seriously strong message. $1 (75p) from each purchase goes to support research into the cancer of your choosing.
All Of The Things NYC F*ck Cancer Pin, £16.84, available at Etsy
Refinery29 jewellery brand fave Wolf & Moon has teamed up with breast cancer charity Coppafeel! and created this necklace, with 50% of each sale (100% profit) going to the charity that encourages women to check their breasts.
W&M x CoppaFeel! Necklace, £15, available at Wolf & Moon
Yet more strong words for the Big C. 100% of the proceeds from this card go to the American Cancer Society.
Girl Party Shop F*ck Cancer Card, £3.06, available at Etsy
Made from organic soy bean, 20% of the profits from this cranberry, prune, strawberry and citrus candle will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.
Flamingo Candles Pink Ribbon Special Edition Candle, £12, available at Flamingo Gifts
There's almost certainly an event in your future that requires glitter. So make it this Babylon Zoo glitter – £2 from each sale goes to Coppafeel!
Stardust Babylon Zoo Glitter, £12.50, available at Beauty Blvd
Because your boobs are your baes. Proceeds go to Coppafeel!
Coppafeel! Boobaes T-Shirt, £15, available at Coppafeel!
It's not often you're in the market for a new hairdryer. But just in case you are, consider getting this blush pink guy from ghd. £10 from every purchase goes to Breast Cancer Now.
ghd AIR® Pink Blush Hairdryer, £99, available at ghd
Whether you're planning your wedding or you're looking for a gift for someone, spend a bit more than you would on sad carnations and instead go for this Wild at Heart bouquet. 25% of the sales of which will go to Future Dreams.
Wild at Heart Future Dreams Bouquet, £75, available at Wild at Heart
Similarly to the hairdryer, you don't often need a new toaster but, if you do, here's the one for you. £20 from each sale goes to Breast Cancer Haven. And it's millennial pink.
Dualit Breast Cancer Haven Toaster, £195, available at Dualit
The Yellow Bird Project brings Trekstock together with bands to create T-shirts, of which 100% of the profits go to supporting young adults with cancer.
Yellow Bird Project Best Coast T-Shirt, £20, available at the Yellow Bird Project
Finally bin that tatty bag stained with bronzer and eyeliner and invest in this handsome Melissa Odabash makeup bag to look like a real grown-up. Proceeds go to Future Dreams.
Melissa Odabash Makeup Bag, £35, available at Future Dreams
Not only is aloe vera soap a delight for your skin, Cosy Cottage will donate 25% of sales to Breast Cancer Haven when you enter HAVEN at checkout. Aloe vera soap is especially suitable for those going through radiotherapy.
Even if you've got several half-used notebooks floating around, you need a new one for whatever your next project is going to be. Proceeds from this notebook (which also comes in orange) go to Breast Cancer Now.
Merci Handy have turned their already cute hand gels even cuter with these Coppafeel! bottles. 100% of the proceeds go to the charity.
Merci Handy hand gels, £2.90. Available at Merci Handy.
Check out The Pink Collection from Lindex for a cosy collection of underwear, sleepwear and loungewear that looks excellent and donates 10% of each sale to Cancer Research.
Lindex The Pink Collection, from £3.99. Available at Lindex
Good news for pregnant ladies suffering with sore boobs, mama mio have released a limited edition of their fave Pregnancy Boob Tube to alleviate sore pregnant and new mum boobs. Mama mio are donating £10,000 to Look Good Feel Better.
Mama Mio Pregnancy Boob Tube Breast Cancer Awareness Edition, £29.50. Available at mama mio.
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Aspiring writer Isobel isn't anywhere near where she'd hoped to be at the inglorious end of her 20s. Newly single — and with a rent too steep to manage without her ex boyfriend, Jamie — she's stuck in a dead-end job assisting an erratic mommy blogger, living without health insurance or a clue what to do next. But when her longterm relationship implodes after she cheats with a woman, Isobel is left to navigate an identity crossroads as immense as it is relatable. Unwilling to leave her Echo Park home, she decides to Airbnb the spare room, inviting an eccentric cast of renters, from disaffected Hollywood producers to sexually omnivorous newly-weds, across its threshold. As soon as the first tenants show up, the only thing that's clear about Isobel's life is that it'll never be the same again.
So begins Strangers — a quintessentially millennial dramedy from writer and director Mia Lidofsky, whose two seasons working on Girls will be immediately recognisable to survivors of Hannah Horvath-worthy quarter-life crises everywhere. Loosely based on Lidofsky's own experiences Airbnb-ing her West Village apartment before leaving New York to pursue life as full-time artist, Strangers feels like a sunnier, more playful take on the 20-something struggles that are quickly coming to define a generation. Led by Zoe Chao, who's slated to appear in Richard Linklater's 2018 film Where'd You Go Bernadette alongside Cate Blanchett and Kristen Wiig, the first season features a star-studded cast with cameos from Jemima Kirke, Veep alum Meredith Hagner , and Insecure's Langston Kerman, to name just a few.
Already itching to dive into Isobel's chaotic, big-hearted world? Catch the opening episode below, and don't miss the entire show, which you can catch on Facbeook's newest platform, Watch, here.
But if Lidofsky's characters read as a quirky answer to Lena Dunham's iconic Brooklyn girl gang, their stories also make it clear that we shouldn't be blinded by all that dewy Southern California sunshine (for the record, it's absolutely glorious). At its heart, Strangers is radically empathetic journey through Isobel's budding bisexuality — her insatiable, magnetically endearing uncertainty about who she is and what she wants.
Leaning on her unapologetically out best friend, Cam, after her breakup with Jamie, Isobel is overwhelmed by the possibilities opened by her newfound desire for women. Things only get more confusing when, high on shrooms, she meets Hailey, played by Isabel McNally, at a 5Rhythms dance class. But in the wake of a truly blissed-out first date thanks to a chanting intersectional minister/renter played by Unreal 's Shiri Appleby, Isobel's infatuation with Hailey starts to dredge up buried resentments in her bond to Cam, not to mention that whole battle to love fearlessly and un-self-consciously, even when you're not totally clear on your own sexual preferences. And while Hailey plunges into a relationship with Isobel, it's clear she can never trust her commitment to their love or the promise of a shared life. Add Cam's looming move to New York and a disastrous, love-sick interruption from Jamie, and Isobel's story is suddenly pulled in a flurry of dizzying directions — the perfect moment, in short, to remake everything about the person she once thought she was.
Strangers finds an irresistible ease in the often-painful work of growing up — a coolness-in-chaos achieved with a little help from the colourful tangle of lost young people who swerve through Isobel's narrative. And where other shows have worked to provide neat answers to early adulthood's many, messy twists, Lidofsky responds by asking more questions, embracing all the grey areas and unspoken anxieties that shape our most deeply held relationships. At the end of the first season, we're left with Isobel's joyful curiosity — and no idea what'll happen next.
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After months, if not years, of eager anticipation from Glossier devotees on this side of the pond, the New York-based cult beauty brand is finally launching here in the UK, next week on 9th October.
The three-year-old beauty line from the genius team behind Into The Gloss launched its first international market in Canada a few months ago but after a fleeting pop-up in central London back in July, Glossier will come to the UK by way of Glossier.com, which will ship to us Brits at long last.
After Glossier launched in 2014, some of its early products were temporarily available in the UK at Net-A-Porter (hands up if you sprinted to buy the Balm Dotcom?), whetting our appetites for the extensive line that was to come. Now, everything – from skincare saviours, such as the Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15 and Priming Moisturiser, £15 to makeup must-haves Boy Brow, £14 and Perfecting Skin Tint, £20 – will be readily available for us to snap up.
Glossier’s digitally native approach allows it to create and sustain a direct relationship with its customers and community, enabling customer feedback to drive product innovation. With consumer communication and engagement at the brand's core, following the announcement of an imminent launch in France, after the UK, Emily Weiss invited her loyal fans to share where they'd like Glossier to land next.
The uninitiated may ask why Glossier is so cult, especially as it's been pretty much unavailable in the UK until now. Well, the entire line of modern basics and thoughtful extras is designed to work together to live with you, not on you. Glossier offers a skin-first, makeup-second approach to beauty, authentically celebrating real girls and natural beauty. It's fun, it's free, it's easy. And the packaging is bloody cute.
“Since day one, we’ve dreamt of making Glossier a global beauty brand that celebrates girls and beauty in real life. We’ve always been internationally focused thanks to the Into The Gloss readership and our community on social media. Now we’re excited to actually get Glossier in their hands,” said founder and CEO, Weiss.
Both Into The Gloss and Glossier's COO, Henry Davis and creative director, Helen Steed are British expats so a British launch was inevitable and the brand will open a small office in London soon. Hurry, they're hiring!
Ahead of the brand's launch in France in early 2018, Glossier popped up unexpectedly at Parisian concept store Colette on Monday 18th September with a huge window display, and products will be available there until the iconic French fashion store sadly closes in December.
"Where's next?!" I hear you cry. As a brand committed to cruelty-free practices, Glossier won’t be able to ship anywhere that requires product testing on animals but with an international fanbase growing by the day, the world really is Glossier's oyster.
It wouldn't be the last day of Paris Fashion Week without an awe-inspiring set and spectacle from Chanel as the grand finale to a month of shows. This morning, Chanel surpassed all previous installations, including last season's space shuttle, with the largest set in the French fashion house's history as Karl Lagerfeld recreated the Verdon Gorge (a river canyon in Provence, France, often considered to be one of Europe's most beautiful) in the Grand Palais, complete with waterfall and streams. But before you ponder on the expense and, more importantly, the waste and carbon footprint of recreating such an impressive scene that took two months to construct, all the grey water used was recycled and the tonnes of real plants placed around the verdant show space will soon be replanted.
So what does a Chanel girl wear for an adventure in the Verdon Gorge? Well, each model was well equipped for water, wearing knee-high plastic boots, transparent hooded waterproof coats over classic bouclé twinsets and tweed-trimmed shorts with see-through gloves and plastic wide-brimmed hats. Bags were aquamarine and pearlescent to continue the water theme, while the palette of the clothes varied from cream, pink and black ruffled dresses and blouses to turquoise, green and iridescent gowns that reflected the "natural" surroundings. Jewellery was piled on, from glittering cuffs and beaded chokers to huge drop earrings and layers of pearl chains.
While Chanel regulars Lily-Rose Depp, Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner were notably absent, the new generation of social media supermodels, Kaia Gerber and Adwoa Aboah, were joined on the catwalk by Arizona Muse, Mariacarla Boscono, Charlotte Free and Soo Joo Park.
For SS18, Lagerfeld's contemporary water nymphs were as bold as they were beautiful. Though we can't really imagine many dedicated Chanel customers traversing canyons and gorges in this glamorous get-up, we can count on Karl to make PVC luxury and waterproofs over tweeds truly aspirational.
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With so many rad tattoo trends as of late — including detailed dotwork, watercolour tats, and hyper-realistic 3D designs — it’s damn near impossible to scroll through Instagram or Pinterest without being seduced into going under the gun. But there’s a whole lot more that those pretty pictures don’t show, like how long a certain style might keep its colour or form, or exactly how painful a particular placement may be. (Those dainty finger tattoos all your favourite celebs are getting hurt the most.)
So we consulted with four impressive tattoo artists, who together have decades of experience under their belts, and star in tonight's premiere of Spike’s Ink Master: Angels. They helped us sort out the risks and rewards behind these hard-to-miss trends. And they're not afraid to give it to us straight:
“I hate to sound old and crotchety, but I'd have to say about 90% of [on-trend] styles are about guaranteed to not have a very long shelf life in the skin,” says Nikki Simpson, a White Plains, NY-based artist with six years of tattooing under her belt. “The problem nowadays is everyone is concerned about doing the most ‘innovative’ and ‘realistic’ tattoos. They get their Instagram picture, and yet, you never see how that tattoo heals or how it looks years down the line.”
She continues, “Most of these styles will become blobs, or won't even be there after a few years. But it looks cool now! I just think as a tattooist, there are certain responsibilities we should have to uphold the integrity of the tattoo in our clients’ skin.”
Ahead, Simpson and her cohort gives us the long view of what to expect when inking up with white ink tattoos, blackout tattoos, and everything in between. To see more of these artists in residence, catch the premiere of Ink Master: Angels tonight, October 3, at 10 P.M. on Spike.
Watercolor Tattoos
One of the most romantic ink trends to blow up over the past few years? Watercolor tattoos. The washes of color, anchored by classic black line work, look gorgeous on Instagram, but IRL, the style is a little more high maintenance than most.
“Watercolor tattoos can be successful, depending on how they are done,” says Ryan Ashley Malarkey, a tattoo artist from Northeast, PA. “Some people think watercolor tattooing means a few black scratchy lines with some cups of paint splattered on, and sadly these tattoos will not look awesome forever.” She notes that while a design may look cool on paper, it can read differently when tattooed on skin.
Kelly Doty, a Salem, Massachusetts-based artist with 10 years experience, notes that even the most deft artists who specialize in black-and-white designs may not have what it takes to do the job right. “It takes a knowledge of color theory and a skilled technician. A lot of people think it's an easy way to get out of doing a cleanly applied tattoo and the end result looks like an Easter basket threw up on someone's skin.”
What’s more, the tattoos tend to fade faster than most, and require more frequent touch-ups (as often as five years, depending on the design). “The image can become almost unreadable as some colored pigments are more photosensitive than others and will just fade to nothing over time,” 14-year vet Gia Rose says, noting that colors on the lighter end of the spectrum (like yellows, light pinks and whites) are the worst offenders.
But that’s not to say that these gorgeous designs can’t be well executed or maintained by someone who specializes in the style. “If there's a strong black skeleton of an image, you can have fun with the coloring of it and play with the watercolor look, as long as the ‘bones’ are there,” Simpson says.
White Tattoos
After celebs like Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne famously went under the gun for white ink tattoos (and shared the results on social media, of course), this incognito tattoo trend has surged in popularity. It’s easy to see why: They look really cool right out of the gate and are seemingly low-commitment.
But Rose warns that white tattoos don't always age the way you want them to. “[The] top layers of the skin that form in the healing process are rarely as stark white as the ink itself. And that new pigmentation can sully the overall look of the tattoo," she says. “Your skin acts like a filter and tints your tattoos, which is why they always look best when they're fresh the day you get them."
You should also keep in mind that once healed, the white ink deposited deep in the skin can illuminate things that appear in the skin’s upper layers, as if a light box is amplifying every blemish, freckle, and tonal change in pigmentation. “This can make white ink [tattoos] appear uneven, spotty, tinted yellow, or hued olive, depending on your [skin’s] undertones,” Rose notes. “Unless you have very milky flawless skin, it's hard to get a white tattoo that looks really white [once healed].”
Of course, the most talented artists know this and will work around it — and many have developed their own hacks. “There are ways of achieving a white look by using the skin as the lightest shade and using grey or other darker colors to border it, creating the illusion of white without having to use solid pigment,” Malarkey says.
Cuticle Tattoos
With a surge in dainty tattoos comes a surge in dainty finger tattoos. But they're not as innocent as they look. Not only do they often require a second pass to achieve a precise look and tend to blur and spread over time, but they also hurt like hell.
“Eeek! Ouch! I have my cuticles tattooed and damn it was painful. Just a fair warning,” Simpson says about her tattoos that span from each of her knuckles right to the tip of each cuticle. (And she's had experience with tattooing plenty of other body parts.)
“Our hands are constantly being washed and used and exfoliated, so it's important to get your needle to the the right depth in the skin so the tattoo will stay perfectly,” Simpson explains. “To get the ink to sit in the skin and heal properly in such a tough area, you have to almost ‘blow out’ the tattoo (go extra deep) to make sure it sits deep in the dermis. So needless to say, it hurt like a bitch! But it looks badass.”
Dotwork
Want to trace the recent rise of the minimalist tattoo trend? Check the influence of celebrity tattooists JonBoy and Dr. Woo, who create clean, tiny designs, often decorated with dotwork. Of course, when Bella and Miley’s go-to artists ink a design, you can bet it’s damned-near perfect. And that’s no coincidence.
“Dotwork done correctly can be epic, long lasting, and bold,” notes Malarkey. “That being said, dotwork done by an inexperienced artist can look sloppy or unprofessional.”
Rose notes that lines or dots clustered close together will blend as skin ages and sun exposure pushes pigment around. “But again, if you seek an artist out who specializes in this style, she or he should be able to design appropriately,” she adds.
Can’t snag an appointment with the overbooked, aforementioned artists? Rose has got your back. “I highly recommend seeking out Thomas Hooper,” she offers. “His work is phenomenal.”
Blackout Tattoos
First things first: Though blackout tattoos are becoming more popular, they’re not exactly new. The style features a solid layer of midnight ink that covers swaths of skin and has long been used in Polynesian culture, for example.
“A lot of times it's done to cover up [otherwise] uncoverable tattoos, but it gives a very gritty esthetic that I think brings tattoos into a new level of body modification. I mean, you're pigmenting an entire limb,” Simpson says. “That's dedication!”
The stamped-out ink can also create a new canvas from which to adorn with negative space designs. “There are artists who are blacking out large areas, allowing ample time for them to heal and naturally settle and fade, and then going over the black with layers of bold white line work to create gray designs over the black,” Malarkey says. “This recent trick creates almost an X-ray look, and they're becoming more and more popular as more artists are achieving successful results.”
While some have raised concerns about whether obtaining blackout ink may get in the way of doing mole checks on skin, dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, notes both pros and cons to having the skin covered in ink. “There would definitely be a problem detecting a small mole or a skin cancer if the skin is covered in black ink,” he says. “However, the solid black would cause some protection from sun damage. So the tattoo situation is a double-edged sword.”
But Rose, who has a blackout tattoo on her forearm and hand, says that she can still see moles and even freckles in her blackout. Because everybody is different, it's best to consult with your dermatologist before going all in.
Inner-Lip Tattoos
Miley Cyrus has one. And so does Kendall Jenner, Ruby Rose, and Kesha. The out-of-sight placement of inner-lip tattoos can make for a cheeky way to flash ink. “I have my lip tattooed (a horseshoe) and I think that it's cute, novel and fun,” Rose says. Plus, the incognito placement means, you don't never have to worry about seeing it if you ever get tired of it, Doty points out. But undercover ink doesn’t come easy.
“Inner lip tattoos can be a bitch to put in,” Simpson admits, considering that unusual working surface, which is slippery and thin. Doty brings up another potential con to getting tattooed inside the mouth: “Ink tastes gross,” she says. What’s more, ink laid in the inner lip may not last as well as that planted on the skin.
“These always fade, and most of the time not evenly,” Malarkey notes. “They seem like a good idea at the time, but the skin inside of the mouth is so thin and heals at a much faster rate because it's always lubricated, so the majority of the inner lip tattoos I've seen either spread and become unrecognizable blobs over time.”
Want an inner-lip tattoo that lasts? Prepare for pain, Simpson says. “The longevity of these tattoos are questionable unless they are laid in nice and deep. And we all love how that feels.”
UV Tattoos
Tattoo artists are divided on UV ink. Jon Boy, who recently gave Zayn Malik one, says he hasn't run into any problems with them. "I've been in the business for over 16 years. I remember when UV first hit the market. At the time, it was fairly new so people were a little iffy about how safe it was," he says. "I've had mine for years. I recommend it."
But the four Ink Master: Angels warn that not everyone is so lucky. Not only do UV tattoos sometimes cause scarring or look uneven under regular lights, but because some of these special inks contain phosphor or polymer, they tend to spark a higher number of allergic reactions than traditional ink. “Normally allergies and reactions are quite rare, but when you see loads of bad reactions, then I'd say, Stay away," Rose says.
3D Tattoos
Some of the most hyper-realistic tattoos can appear to jump off the skin with such detail, it’s hard not to want one of our own, like now. So how do these intricate works hold up over time? “These can be the most impressive and striking tattoos when the artist is very skilled at recreating photographs into tattoos," says Simpson. "If there is not enough black or contrast in the tattoo, however, all of these details can blur together over time and make the tattoo look muddy."
The trick, according to Malarkey, is for the artist to employ crisp, clean lines and a strong contrast to help the design withstand the test of time. “A lot of people think realistic tattoos mean little to no line work, which isn't realistic for the longevity of tattoos,” she says. “Hyper-realistic, 3D tattoos are more about achieving an illusion — and making the illusion successful begins with the artistry.”
Bottom line: Do your homework and go with an artist who knows his or her stuff.
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Not everything that happens is in our control, and that goes for both good and bad things.
Nearly every individual success that any one person has can be attributed to someone else taking time to listen, offer aid or provide resources. When it comes to life's struggles, the perception that life is an objectively fair meritocracy can actually be deeply harmful for people whose circumstances disprove that in a number of ways.
At the same time, many, if not most, people are hardwired to struggle and aim for more or better, rather than giving up. Figuring out how to do that in work situations can be difficult if you're stuck in "analysis paralysis": You have no idea what to do next, or feel like giving up. As Adam Kurtz, the author of the new book Things Are What You Make of Them sees it, any small action is actually better than inaction.
"I started writing these short, handwritten essays about new challenges and experiences I was facing as a 'creative professional'. Though I've been making and sharing my art as a hobby for about 10 years, I only went full time about two years ago," he tells Refinery29.
"I realised that most of my challenges weren't actually unique at all, but commonly shared anxieties, fears, and stresses that all types of people shared. Whether your career is specifically in a creative industry — artists, writers, photographers, entrepreneurs, etc. — or you are just the kind of person who is always working on or making something, we all face a lot of intangible emotions, most of which stem from within ourselves."
In Things Are What You Make of Them, Kurtz shares mini-essays of how he deals with the intangibles that can keep people stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to move forward. He also confronts the idea of what concepts like happiness and success look like to people in creative or more traditional industries.
"I'm the kind of person that supports my friends fully, but keeps it real," he explains. "A true friend doesn't just tell you what you want to hear, they call you out on your shit early before someone else does" — in the hopes of pushing you forward.
Ahead, Kurtz shares excerpts from his book, and talks a bit more about what we can all learn about how to move forward.
R29: What lessons can people who aren't in fields that are deemed "creative" take away from this book?
Kurtz: "Well, the first fucking lesson is that everyone is creative. The book cover says 'life advice for creatives', and it's my fault for being misleading. But when you broaden the definition of what a creative person is, and instead think about a type of emotive, open, human person, it's really for anyone. Anyone who's ever wanted to accomplish a goal of any kind is going to relate to the essays in this book."
R29: What do you want people in creative fields in particular to get from this book?
Kurtz: "Creative people, as I define them in the book, are a type of human who feel a certain compulsion to 'make' something out of every experience. We see beauty in the world and we are inspired. We don't always know where we fit in, we don't always know how to harness the potential we know we have, and we often feel frustrated with ourselves for not doing enough — even when we are doing so much."
Kurtz: "This book dissects the feelings and experiences of being that type of person in the world, breaks them down into their basic elements (success, fear, excitement, jealousy, anxiety, joy, inspiration, etc.) and then offers my approach to coping."
Kurtz: "'Create and meet goals' is one of the most important things for me to be a happy person. In school, you have semesters, you have tests, you have projects, basically a whole system built around short challenges and rewards. Then you enter the real world and it's like, holy fuck, I'm in terrifying control of my own life! "
Kurtz: "I give myself projects, I create goals, and then I get to have a reward. Whether that's a creative project with deadlines or a plan to go to the gym on a certain schedule, this kind of planning and structure gives you a framework to make sure you have a reason to keep moving forward, and to feel good about yourself when you do."
Kurtz: "Emotions aren't rational, so telling a depressed person, 'Cheer up!' doesn't do shit. ('OMG, wow all I needed to do this whole time was 'cheer up'? Wow thanks!'). But we do have some control over the way we process or perceive every situation."
Kurtz: "In life, every difficult task can be broken down into smaller pieces and then built again. Artists draw faces by starting with a circle. A house is made of bricks. The pieces make a whole and even when the end product seems impossible, the steps don't have to be. You can do anything."
Kurtz: "Life is bad sometimes. That's just the truth. Sometimes you just need to fucking survive and that's an accomplishment in and of itself. But when you reflect on the hardships, you can find the silver lining or lesson learned. You don't want take all the bad shit with you, but you might take one thing, a souvenir that shapes you into who you are and what you'll do next, and use it to make something new.
"Life isn't always easy, but it is mostly good and I really do believe that."
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