Just a few months after news broke of J.W.Anderson's upcoming collaboration with Uniqlo, last night at the designer's menswear show at Pitti, Florence, Anderson unveiled a new partnership with cult footwear brand Converse. In March, at a preview of his Disobedient Bodies exhibition at the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield, Jonathan Anderson told Refinery29: "For me, I’m addicted to collaborating with people," and this project with Converse marks the beginning of a new collaborative approach for the lauded British brand, opening it up to a far wider audience and ensuring more longevity in the transient world of fashion.
"I’ve been wearing Converse for years and years, so when they approached me I couldn’t turn it down because it’s something that I wear... Converse or Uniqlo serve an incredible purpose to me. They are universal and I would love J.W. Anderson to be that universal, but we don’t have that [production] volume," Anderson elaborated to Business of Fashion.
Despite debuting during the men's SS18 shows, Anderson’s reworking of Converse classics will be unisex and draw on ideas from his ready-to-wear collections for both men and women. The first collection focuses on “day to night” and features wave detailing, the J.W.Anderson lettering, and bold colour schemes such as a blue and green glitter spin on the All Star and a blue One Star style with frayed seams.
"This collection is a break off. We’re going where we’ve never been,” Anderson explains. “I want people to feel that they are part of a global picture and not just a kid on the runway. I keep perceiving myself to be young, but the more I do, I realise [the brand] is a part of a global picture. A fashion show is a very tiny part of the content. This was the best way to say that’s ‘done’ for me."
We hope Anderson continues to demonstrate his singular creative vision on the catwalks for both his eponymous brand and Loewe, the Spanish fashion house where he is also creative director, but we're equally excited about this new era of collaboration with other global brands. The Logo Converse will be available from September at j-w-anderson.com while the Glitter Converse will drop in December 2017. And judging by the response to the announcement of Anderson's upcoming Uniqlo line or the success of his collaborations with Topshop or A$AP Rocky, this latest development reaffirms Jonathan Anderson as one of Britain's most revered and influential design talents.
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It's Father's Day this Sunday (18th June), which for many people means treating one of the most important men in their life to a pair of socks, a new tie or some other stereotypically "manly" gift, and a nice card.
But for many others, it's a day tinged with sadness. It often acts as a reminder to single mums and children, whose fathers are absent for whatever reason, that their household doesn't conform to the idealised nuclear family model, which our society still valorises above others.
Not content with this state of affairs, one man sought to change the way many mums feel on Father's Day with a new range of greetings cards. Stevie Rowing-Parker, who was raised by a single mother after his father died when he was 5 years old, has created three super-stylish – and gratifyingly gender-neutral – cards, on sale through his company Happy Father's Day Mum.
The cards' slogans are no-nonsense and exceptionally Instagrammable. "If you do both jobs, you should get both cards" reads one. Another asks, "Who needs a dad when your mum has balls?" while the other wants to know "Who said the best dad in the world can't be a mum?" All highly valid points, which we're surprised hadn't been directed at single mums sooner.
A post shared by Happy Father's Day Mum (@happyfathersdaymum) on
The cards were designed and printed by Thomas Mayo & Co using vintage printing presses, and photographed by Charlotte Bland. The chic pastel colour scheme and "sorbet yellow" envelopes were specifically chosen for their happy associations.
A post shared by Happy Father's Day Mum (@happyfathersdaymum) on
The idea for the cards came about one Father's Day a few years ago, Rowing-Parker said. "I thought that if my mum did both Mother and Father roles so well, why shouldn’t she get both Mother and Father’s Day cards? So I started to graffiti regular Father’s Day cards by crossing out the 'Dad' in ‘Best Dad in the world’ and scribbling 'Mum' instead."
Rowing-Parker's mum Maria filled his childhood, along with his brother Tim's, with love and encouragement all by herself. "She wouldn’t spend a penny on herself so we never went without. She let us support whichever football team we wanted, something my dad never would have allowed. She never dated because she didn’t want a man creating tension in our home when we were (very) awkward teenagers. And she encouraged us to be kind, hard-working and open-minded men.
"In short, she poured every last ounce of energy into giving us an amazing upbringing against all odds," he said.
But when Father's Day rolled around each year, Rowing-Parker felt he needed a way to reassure his mum they hadn't "gone without" or been "deprived" by not having a dad. So he started Happy Father’s Day Mum to remind single parents everywhere how proud and appreciative their children often are of them.
Maria said she "couldn't stop smiling" when her son first sent her a Father’s Day card with 'Dad' crossed out and 'Mum' scribbled on instead. "Single mums rarely have time to stop and reflect on everything they’ve done, they just get on with it. But when you receive a card saying thank you for being Mum and Dad, thank you for putting us in front of anything else, you can’t help feel a little bit proud."
What's next for the company? "Launching anything is tough so now it's launched hopefully the fun can really begin," Rowing-Parker told Refinery29. "The next thing to focus on is 'Happy Mother's Day Dad'. It's only fair to big up all those amazing dads doing it on their own, too."
If you want to get your hands on one of the cards for your own mum, place your order today or tomorrow (Friday 16th June). It will be posted first-class and should (hopefully) arrive in time for Sunday. Make her feel valued on a day she'd least expect.
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A few weeks ago, I posted a survey to my Twitter, asking my followers what they wanted to see in this column. (It’s still live, so you can feel free to add in your two cents!) I got a whole slew of responses, but versions of the same question kept popping up over and over again: How do I stop being so intimidating?
My answer to that question? Don’t stop being intimidating. Just stop dating people who call you intimidating. They suck.
I myself have been called intimidating a lot throughout my life. It all started with my father who, trying his hardest to console a weepy teenager who didn’t have a date to prom, told me that it wasn’t my fault that men didn’t want to date me. “They just find you intimidating,” he said. He totally meant it as a compliment — he’d raised a strong, outspoken young woman, and he knew it — so I tried to take it as such. But as I got older, and the men I’d date started calling me intimidating as a way to weasel out of the situation we were in, I realised that the opposite sex didn’t always see intimidation as a positive thing. And in talking to my queer friends, I found that this phenomenon seems to mainly occur in heterosexual relationships. The queer men and women I spoke to had never been given the excuse of intimidation as the reason why they weren’t finding dates (though, admittedly, my findings are 100% anecdotal).
So, being a woman who used to mould and fold herself to meet society’s standards of “the girl he wants to date,” I started Googling to see exactly what men found intimidating in a woman, all in an effort to fix it in myself. The answers I found were actually super enraging — especially on one particular Reddit post I’d stumbled across. Some answered, “If she’s better looking than me,” while others brought up words like “smarter,” “stronger,” “funnier,” and “outspoken.” Women who made more money than their male counterparts, or had a better job or seemed more successful in general, were also penalised. Basically, it seemed to me that if a woman is better than a man she’s dating in any aspect of her life, she’s automatically cast as “too intimidating.”
I was immediately pissed, because a lot of the characteristics that men evidently considered intimidating were fundamental parts of me. I’ve always been incredibly driven in my career, and I consider myself moderately successful. I tend to let things roll off my back, but I’m not afraid to speak up if something pisses me off. I’m independent — I live alone, I support myself, and I don’t need anyone to help me change a lightbulb. (Yes, this is one of the things certain men found intimidating.) And I like these parts of myself a lot.
Consider your intimidation the best fuckboy filter on the planet.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me a few years ago. Being the person I was, I started to try to tone down my personality. I’d ask my date a lot of questions about his life, so that I wasn’t talking about my job or my studio apartment all that much. If I disagreed with him on anything, I’d avoid even a friendly debate, and smile tightly and change the subject. I tried to make myself appear smaller so I wouldn’t overshadow the man I was out with. And you know what I ended up with? A string of egocentric assholes who wanted to keep me small so that they felt bigger. The men who I wanted to be dating, on the other hand, wouldn’t call me for a second date, because they’re men who like forthright, independent, complicated women — and that’s not who I was being.
It took me a while to understand that, by covering up my supposedly intimidating attributes, I wasn’t “fixing” myself; I just wasn’t being true to myself. It’s an odd realisation to make, because part of what makes dating so complicated is the idea that you need to perform for the person sitting in front of you. People have written over and over again how first dates are like interviews, and that you have to put on a shinier version of yourself so as to not scare away the person across from you. I believe that to a certain extent — I won’t open up and spill all of my neuroses on the table right away, even though I overthink everything. But I now also believe that you need to still be yourself, not the person you think your date wants you to be. At a certain point, the jig will be up, and then what kind of relationship will you be left with? And frankly, attempting to even figure out what people want from you — and what they deem “intimidating” — is a losing battle.
I’d love to say that I woke up one day and realised all of this on my own. But actually, it was my therapist who offhandedly made the connection that the qualities I liked best about myself were the ones that were intimidating to the men I was dating. Sometimes, you need someone with a different perspective to show you what’s right in front of your face.
It was then that I gave myself the freedom to stop caring about being intimidating. Instead, I decided to just be myself — loud mouth and all. I embraced my independence, my outspoken nature, my wit, my smarts, and, also, the flaws that make me me. I quit hiding parts of myself from my dates so that they could really tell who I was, and this made me a better dater in a lot of ways. It allowed me to fully discuss my standards and what I was looking for. And most importantly, it made me realise that the person in control of my dating life was me — not the person sitting on the barstool next to me.
So, to all the women who wrote me, asking me how to stop being so intimidating, I’ll say this: I’ve learned to lean into those parts of myself. If a man is worth his shit, he’ll never make you feel like you need to hide them. Consider your intimidation the best fuckboy filter on the planet. As for me, I’m convinced I’ll one day find a dude who sees the things some call “intimidating” as incredibly exciting. But until then, I’m happy changing my own lightbulbs, thank you very much.
Photographed at The Penrose in NYC.
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"There’s not one box we can all fit in," says Clémentine Desseaux, model and co-founder of the All Woman Project, a group dedicated to spreading body positivity, confidence, and inclusivity across social media. "It's time for the media to start putting out positive messages, especially around 'beach body' time, the summer time — less hating, less diet, less changing your body, and more embracing your body, loving your body, and accepting how it is. Our goal is to show women they can be their own inspiration."
While we don't expect everyone to love their bodies, we do wish that more women could let go of irrational expectations and actually enjoy themselves this summer.With some visual inspiration, the AWP is here to remind us to embrace our flaws, and take back the beach with a vengeance. Below, read what this diverse group of women have to say about self-confidence, self-love, and the notion of a "perfect beach body" — which, for the record, is total bullshit.
The All Woman Project Encourages Women To Love Their Bodies and Be Confident
Clémentine Desseaux "Wearing a swimsuit is probably the most challenging thing to do for most women, and it was for me, too, for the longest time. I grew up having insecurities with my body. From age 10 through 22, so most of my life, I tried dieting; I was trying to look like someone else or be something else. Until I moved to Miami, I was only accustomed to wearing a swimsuit three or four times a year, so I was quite stressed about showing my body and people being able to see my cellulite, which I usually hide under pants and dresses, or my belly that I cant suck in all the time. France (where I'm from) is so narrow-minded, and a country where looking like me is a problem. In Miami, everyone was free and wearing bikinis at whatever size. It was very liberating to see that and realise that I wasn't that different or abnormal, that I could just be myself.
Carven Pull-on Waistcoat in Ottoman with Embroidery “Mini Blason C,” available at Carven; Araks Enil bikini bottom, available at Araks;Eres One-piece Triangle Swimsuit, available at Eres;Karla Colletto swim brief; Off White T-shirt.
"It was until very recently that I decided to stop and to live for myself and be happy, regardless of what my body looks like, regardless of my weight or my size. It takes a while; I think it’s a long journey that every woman goes through, and we all have different ways of dealing with it. But when I started being happier and more confident with my body, I can now say that being on the beach in my favourite swimsuit is probably the moment I feel the best and the most confident. And I don’t really care anymore if my belly’s too big or if you can see my cellulite when I run on the beach."
Karla Colletto Iris Silent Underwire Lace-up One-piece Swimsuit, $363, available at Neiman Marcus.
Charli Howard “I didn't wear a bikini in my teenage years. I actually still haven’t been on holiday and worn a bikini, which sounds a bit ridiculous to people because I’m a size six, but it’s true — I’ve never felt comfortable enough to put on a swimsuit and own it. I’ve always had insecurities about my body, and I never want to feel that way again. I want to feel confident for the first time. I want to go on the beach and not worry about what I look like, and just enjoy the beach for what it is: a lovely holiday. I don’t want to constantly be worried about jiggling, or whether or not I look fat in a swimsuit. I just want to have fun. I’ve spent my life worrying so much that I don’t look right or that my body is out of shape or not thin enough, and for the first time I just want to put on a swimsuit and have fun.
"I think as I've gotten older and just see women enjoying themselves and walking around with cellulite and not looking like the women I see on Instagram, that's really encouraged me to do and act the same. I don’t worry anymore about the size of my thighs or the fact that they’re not super-toned or skinny. They’re mine and I love them.”
Tory Sport rash guard; Araks Mallory Hipster Lemon Bikini Bottom, $140, available at Araks;DKNY pants.
Sammy Picone "I started pole dancing about three years ago, and my body has gone through a huge transformation. I’ve grown a lot more muscular — what some people would call more “masculine” — so it’s been a struggle, at times, and I definitely have overcome it by seeing women around me who look similar to me, and seeing what my body can do for me.
"I actually feel most confident in a bathing suit. I’ve never been one to express myself through clothing, I’d much rather express myself through my body. Because I have such an athletic body type and I don’t really see that represented in fashion, there’s some sort of disconnect between me and what I wear. At times I feel frustration about that, but again, it’s inspired me to express myself in other ways, so it’s definitely been a positive thing. So, despite, again, having insecurities, I really feel most comfortable when I’m free to show my body to the world. I think allowing one’s body to flow and move without restriction is a way of expression that many people don’t get to experience in life, and I think it just allows a person’s true soul to shine through."
Eloquii Crisscross Contrast One-piece Swimsuit, available at Eloquii.
Bree Wijnaar "My body is long and luscious; I’m 6’4” and a size 16/18. In my teenage years, there wasn’t a lot out there in terms of fashion options for my height and for my body type, so I really struggled to find basics, cute shoes, jeans. And that makes it really hard, because dressing the way you want and being comfortable in your clothes is such a big part of the energy you exude. Right? I think that’s for everyone. If you put on a dress that doesn’t fit properly, you’re uncomfortable.
"That's why I absolutely love when I see women loving themselves and being confident, no matter what shape or size they are. I think, as women, we should do a better job encouraging each other and also voicing the positivity you get from them. When I see women who are either dressed to the nines or are just killing it in their outfit or have a Naomi Campbell walk, I voice my appreciation. It makes me feel great when I see someone else thriving, and I think it rubs off on me. But we don’t always say it. And I think we need to do a lot more of that."
Eloquii Off The Shoulder Bubble Bikini Top, available at Eloquii; Eloquii Ruched High Waist Bikini Bottom, available at Eloquii; Araks Elias Bikini Top, available at Araks; Versace skirt.
Lulu Bonfils “I definitely feel insecurities every now and then, and I always have. I have a lot of cuts on my arms and legs, and everything is very noticeable when I'm wearing a swimsuit because I have pale skin and I’m not covered up at all. I've started to slowly overcome them by forcing myself to show more skin, especially my arms, and just being like, ‘fuck it,’ wear a tank top, wear short-sleeves, and not care anymore.
"I feel like a lot of people get it twisted that it’s trendy to be diverse, that it’s just an image. But I feel like it’s definitely an ethical necessity to have diversity, and I think a lot of people are trying to press people to become the more fit, better version of themselves, but I think everybody is fine the way they are. I feel people kind of want to include me as the “token fat girl,” or they just want it for the quick image. I think that a lot of people, a lot of young kids, are looking up to plus-size women in the fashion industry because it’s what they need and it’s what they want."
Rag & Bone Daphne Sweater Dress, available at Shopbop; Lands’ End Women’s Swim Tee Rash Guard, available at Lands’ End.
Miski Muse “I don’t want to hide my body when I go to the beach this summer. I don't want to compare my body to the next woman's, or feel like I have to have the 'perfect bikini body,' whatever that 'perfect bikini body' is. I don’t believe in imperfections: Your rolls make you you. Society creates that. Nobody has a six pack. A handful of people get to decide things for the rest of us. Just embrace your body and everything kind of falls into place.
"I think I speak for most women when I say we’ve all had an insecure moment or two. Growing up, I never liked that my hips were wider than the rest of my body, so as I’ve grown older I’ve really taught myself to just accept the body that I’m in and embrace my flaws. At the end of the day, this is my body and I only have one. I don’t wear a two-piece or bikini, and I haven’t for a very long time. I wear a maxi dress or something loose and comfortable to the beach, for religious reasons and also personal preference. I don’t wear a traditional swimsuit, but I still go to the beach. I love the beach, I love the ocean, and I don’t allow any restrictions to hold me back."
Karla Colletto Barcelona One-piece Off-the-Shoulder Swimsuit, available at Karla Colletto.
Natalia Harris "My body is unique because it's bionic. I’m a bone cancer survivor, and I have an internal prosthetic leg that’s made out of titanium. It’s definitely made me who I am and has allowed me to embrace what society may call imperfections and view it as a beautiful masterpiece.
"I love wearing bodysuits that shape my body, as well as shorts that show my scar, because it brings up questions. It’s something that you don’t expect people to embrace, and some people don’t, and it shows that, regardless of our scars, or what society may consider a flaw, it doesn’t define us. I think showing my scar is a way to show others, or a young woman like me, that although I may have a 15-inch scar down my leg, I can still wear shorts, I can still be beautiful, and they can too. I think a part of growing out of insecurities is not comparing yourself to others and realising the beauty in authenticity, and realising that there’s so much more to you than what’s on the outside."
Karla Colletto Barcelona One-piece Off-the- Shoulder Swimsuit, available at Karla Colletto.
Leyna Bloom "I feel most confident being naked. If it’s in the summertime, I try to be as naked as possible, because during the summer, I just want to be free. I want to just wake up and go out into the sun. This is the time people wait for all year round. You waited all year long for the summer. This is your time to really rock it. Don’t let a swimsuit hold you back.
"Every person on this earth goes through a stage of not loving the person they’re looking at in the mirror. It’s a scary feeling. But to overcome that, you can’t just love the outer you, you have to love all of you. I’m the only person on this earth who has my measurements. I’m the only person on this earth who has my smile, my walk, my touch, my energy. Knowing that is truly heavenly. I love that no one looks like me, and I celebrate that. I don’t want to look like anyone else. I want to be blessed in my uniqueness.
"So be free, and let the wind blow through your hair."
Yes, online trolls with nothing better to do shamed a 16-year-old's body because people are the worst.
"When it was happening, I was quite overwhelmed by it," Lorde told NME about the online comments, later adding: "It rocked my foundations and could have fucked me, you know? I remember being made aware of my looks and my body in a way that I had never been."
It gets worse.
"I remember al these kids online, I think I beat their favourite people to No. 1 [on the charts], and they were like, 'Fuck her, she's got really far-apart eyes,'" she added. "I remember being like, 'Whoa! How did I get all this way without knowing I had far-apart eyes?' Just weird shit like that."
Since then, Lorde says she's been able to take some much-needed time for herself to reconnect with herself, friends, family, and her music.
"But I was able to return to my family and shelter against [the hurtful online comments] and get to where I am now," she said. "I feel so comfortable in myself."
Lorde's new album Melodrama drops on Friday, June 16, but she doesn't seem to think it'll garner the same amount of attention as she did when she released her first hit song in 2012.
"If anything, I've slowly been getting less famous since 'Royals' was really big," she told NME. "Which is totally cool for me...I suck at being famous. And that's fine."
It seems Lorde's been talking a lot lately about the way she sees herself in the public eye. Last weekend, she told CBSSunday Morning that "you don't win by being really famous" and that she doesn't think the spotlight "really helps make good work."
During that same interview, she admitted that one of the main things she struggles with as a public figure is taking photos — and after learning about her experience with online bullying, we are starting to understand why.
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Update, 12.15 pm 16 June: The death toll has risen further to 30 and the police have said they "do not expect there to be any survivors" left in the building, The Guardian reports. Met Police Commander Stuart Cundy said the bodies have been taken to a morgue and that more will remain inside the tower.
Update, 7.00 am 16 June: As emergency services are set to spend a third day searching for bodies in the burnt-out Grenfell Tower, police have warned they may never be able to identify all the victims who died in the fire, reports the BBC. With dozens of people still missing, including entire families, police have said they do not expect to find more survivors.
Update, 16.15 pm 15 June: Prime minister Theresa May has said there will be a public inquiry into the blaze as the confirmed death toll rises to 17, reports The Guardian. With many still unaccounted for and a full search of the building unable to take place until it is made structurally safe, anger and frustration is growing among the public. One expert has suggested that identifying all the victims would "likely take months".
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised that materials used in a recent refurbishment of the tower block may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The plastic exterior cladding, which was added in 2015, was used on buildings around the world that have also been hit by fire, according to the BBC.
Update, 17:15 pm 14 June: The death toll has risen to 12 and "will rise further", according to police. Commander Stuart Cundy also said: "Sadly, I don’t anticipate there will be further survivors," adding that several people were still missing but he didn't give a specific number, the BBC reported.
In all, the London Fire Brigade evacuated 65 people from the tower and many more got out themselves, it has also been confirmed.
Update, 15:00 pm 14 June: Londoners, celebrities and businesses are coming together to offer food, water, shelter, clothes and support to the victims. Drop-off points have sprung up for people to donate items, including the Westaway Sports Centre on Crowthorne Road and St. John's Church on Landsdowne Crescent in Notting Hill. London restaurants including Tredwells, The Gilbert Scott and Marcus Belgravia are also taking items. Crowdfunding pages have been created, too, although their legitimacy has yet to be confirmed, and London's Evening Standard newspaper has set up an emergency fund.
Update, 11:45 am 14 June: Six people have been confirmed dead and that number is expected to rise, reported the BBC. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that while firefighters rescued a large number of people, "a lot" of people remained inside the building.
Update, 10:15 am 14 June: Several people are reported to have died and more than 50 people are in hospital, the BBC reported. The fire is ongoing and it is feared the building may collapse.
It has emerged that residents warned last year that the tower was a fire risk. The Grenfell Action Group wrote of their concern about the block's lack of healthy and safety measures. The blogpost highlighted the landlord's "failure to deal with a serious health and safety issue that recently developed at the entrance/exit to Grenfell Tower".
It continued: "This matter is of particular concern as there is only one entry and exit to Grenfell Tower during the Improvement Works and the potential for a fire to break out in the communal area on the walkway does not bear thinking about as residents would be trapped in the building with no way out!"
Original story: A 24-story London apartment building went up in flames at 1:16 a.m. on Wednesday morning, according to BBC News.
BBC News reports that approximately 40 fire engines and 200 firefighters arrived at the Grenfell Tower on the Lancaster West Estate to combat the enormous fire, which has raged throughout the night, and eyewitnesses say has trapped the building's occupants.
#londonfire People r screaming for help & I saw a lady jump out! God be with innocent souls stuck there. View from my window pic.twitter.com/KSk2yR2WAm
Yet another witness wrote: "People are flashing SOS symbols from their windows. I'm crying so much."
According to NBC News, the London Metropolitan Police stated that while no casualties have yet been confirmed, two people received medical attention for smoke inhalation and a number of others are being treated for injuries.
Residents continue to be evacuated from the tower block fire in #NorthKensington. A number of people being treated for a range of injuries.
Business Insider Senior Editor Josh Barro reposted a link to a collection of blog posts claiming that Grenfell Tower had been "a flagrant fire hazard."
A years-long series of blog posts contending the apartment tower engulfed in flames in London tonight was a flagrant fire hazard: https://t.co/Q1eK5jnDlh
We all have that friend who has been single seemingly forever. Well, for the past seven years, I have been that friend. And for the most part I have no problem with it – but it seems like everyone else does. Sometimes I feel like a disease people are scared to catch. “So anyone on the horizon?” they ask from a safe distance, with a slight tilt of the head and a grimace of hope. “No” I'll say. What follows is always a look of concern, before you see them mentally calculating all the things they want to ask or say but are not brave enough to. Some broach the obvious question – sex – but generally they move the conversation on. However, when I did a shout out on Twitter, it turned out that some people's friends really don’t hold back. So here are the answers to all the questions and statements you want to throw at us.
"What about sex?"
Yes, we still have it. Not always as often as we would like but it is available, even to the contagiously single. People like sex, they like having sex with other people and they like having sex with new people. So there is always someone to be having sex with. However, may I take this moment to warn you that if you meet a European version of Ryan Gosling and think, “Well this is too good to be true”, it probably is too good to be true. Tread carefully.
"Don’t you feel lonely?"
I’ll be honest, sometimes the chance to feel lonely would be a fine thing, but I live in London. However, I have never felt lonelier than I did lying next to my ex-boyfriend when he was pulling away. Because when your partner doesn’t understand you or cannot give you what you need, that’s about as lonely as you can feel. Hilda Burke, an integrative psychotherapist, couples counsellor and life coach, explained that a client of hers going through a break-up recounted how her single friends consoled her by pointing out how unhappy she had seemed, while her coupled-up friends were curious to see if the relationship couldn’t be patched up. “I think what’s going on here is a very human drive to validate our own choices by getting the people who are close to us to make the same or similar ones.” So lonely is as lonely does…
"Someone will come along…"
“Don’t worry, there is someone out there for everyone and when the time is right you will meet them. So don’t look for it, let it happen.” That was the advice offered to my friend Siobhán, who had simply replied “No” to the question “Are you seeing anyone?” Let me tell you, Prince Charming turns up a lot. But charming is generally for the night, not for life. This is why about 80% of the people who come our way are dismissed fairly quickly, 10% might get moved into friendship vibes, 7% get to share our bed and 3% might actually be the people we would date. It’s not that people don’t come our way, it’s that we don’t feel the need to take anyone on unless they will genuinely add something to a life we think is already pretty incredible.
"I have this friend…"
My friend Kris is the main culprit of the “I have this friend” statement. And I love Kris, but our taste barometers are not exactly similar. Now if your friend is or looks like Jared Leto then sure, introduce us. But, generally, I don’t care to meet your single friend in some cringey attempt to “solve” the “single problem" with two birds and one stone. If we happen to meet totally naturally at one of your events, then I’m sure we’ll be drawn to each other if we're supposed to be.
"You should try Tinder."
Why? Please, honestly, someone tell me why I have to do this? My understanding of Tinder is that either you engage in a bit of light banter with a man who consistently keeps you interested but never asks you out, or you get unsolicited dick pics, or you go on one bad date and have sex before never speaking to them again. I know it's different for everyone, and some people love using the app, but you don’t need an app to have sex. And as Lorna shared with me, the minute you start using internet dating, the question from coupled-up friends goes from “You should get out there, have you tried internet dating?” to “But why are you still single?” So you really can’t win this one.
"Is it because you have trust issues?"
God yes! Holy crap, doesn’t everyone? But is that a bad thing? In my last, very bruising relationship, I chose to love unconditionally and it was quite simply the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever done. Love isn’t and shouldn’t be unconditional, except when it’s a parent to a child. Maxine, who has been in therapy for the past two years, admitted, “When I started long-term therapy I did partly think, 'Will getting all this stuff out lead me to meet someone I can actually have a decent healthy relationship with?' But nearly two years down the line, it's just made me more and more of the mind that giving meaning to my life is more about meeting a range of people and making a positive difference in the world than finding The One.”
My friend has been single forever too…
Well thank GOD for that! It’s not just me, then? I had been so worried thinking I was the only single person in the world and wondering what that meant. I came to the conclusion that it obviously made me a total loser. But losers don’t like company, amirite? So if there’s one more of me then I am normal after all. Thank you, no seriously, thank you so much for letting me know. Now quick, run and tell your friend about me because I promise they are sitting at home, right now, worried sick that there are literally no other single people on the planet. Quick! Hurry! Save them!
"What about (drum roll please) BABIES?"
Many things have to come together for children to be born and, assuming you’ve met the person with whom you want to have children within the frankly small window of time in which you are both ready and able to have children, then inside your womb there is literally an army of sperm-hating cells waiting to kill off any chance of a baby. If a sperm gets through to your egg and then you’re lucky to carry that baby to term, you will soon discover that if you didn’t pick your partner wisely, it’s relentless. But if you haven’t met that person in time then science can help, as Lorna from Kent points out: “I kind of pre-empted all of these questions from my friends by stating a few years ago that I would go to a sperm donation clinic if a partner hadn’t materialised by a certain age. It was actually received with a surprisingly positive response. Except I’m now shitting myself because said age is rapidly approaching and I hadn’t really anticipated it could be a reality. I might bottle it.”
"Wow…there must be something really wrong with you."
There is, I'm picky! As a writer called Molly Lynch demonstrated beautifully when she got in touch over email: “I want a broad-shouldered, strong-jawed, football-loving northern gobshite with the swagger of Cool Britannia-era Liam Gallagher, the sartorial elegance of Yves Saint Laurent, the poetic sensitivity of Morrissey and the raw sexual magnetism of George Best in his shagging prime. A man who is political yet never preachy, unpredictable yet dependable, and confident yet never arrogant. I want a lad who takes the bins out not because they're boys' jobs but because he knows bin juice makes me frigging gag.” So if you know that man then, please, for the love of all things happy-ever-after, can you get in touch with Molly? And on that note, I’m off to buy another cat…
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“It’s actually quite sad that we’re having to have this conversation,” says Dunola Oladapo.
“It’s sad that we actually have to ask people to include women.”
It’s 2017. Out in the world, we’re planning commercial charters to space and in this coffee shop in Canary Wharf, we are sat here discussing how to combat the gender pay gap. We can, quite literally, shoot for the stars, but we somehow can’t get women a fair deal in the workplace.
Oladapo, a 22-year-old recent Royal Holloway graduate and currently an analyst at Morgan Stanley, is the perfect sparring partner for this discussion topic. This weekend she will be the UK ambassador at the G(irls)20 Summit in Munich, a global event bringing together young women from all G20 nations plus a representative from the European and African Unions, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the MENA region. Ahead of the G20 summit in July, these delegates will work on a communiqué to present to the G20 leaders on the subject of increasing female labour force participation around the world. Helping women get into the workforce, and helping them stay there.
Born in Nigeria but raised in Luton, Oladapo has a thirst for social activism. She sits on the leadership board of the #iWill foundation, which aims to get 60% of 10-20-year-olds involved in some form of meaningful social action by 2020 and, back in 2016, she was one of a handful of students across the UK selected to participate in the Elevation Networks Leadership Programme, which helps young people from diverse backgrounds get their foot in the door of top employers. Her project, ‘Our Lost Stories’ set out to highlight the forgotten narratives of the world, chief among them the lack of diversity in higher education. “Did you know that we have 17 black female lecturers in the whole of the UK?” she tells me, aghast. “That’s not even one department in one uni – that’s the whole country!”
Her success with the project granted her a visit to the UN headquarters in Geneva, surely a precursor to the global platform that G(irls)20 will afford her. “When I first heard about Girls I was like, 'Where has this been all my life?'” she tells me. “We all have these ideas, but to really have the opportunity to put them into action is incredible.”
And trust me, Oladapo has ideas. It’s obvious why she was chosen for this summit – her enthusiasm is infectious. She’s very vocal about representation; in higher education, in her own industry – where she is greatly outnumbered by white men – and even in her chosen subjects at school and university (“Only 1-4 graduates who studied STEM subjects in the UK last year were women!” she practically yells at me). Quite simply, why are there not more women like her in her industry, running companies or becoming judges?
“Young girls need to see people like them in leadership positions, or in those industries – it consciously or subconsciously empowers them to think, ‘I can do the same thing’,” she says. “You can’t underestimate the power of being able to visualise something. It makes it real.”
I ask her about quotas, which seems like a natural, if controversial, jumping-off point for this topic. She purses her face a little, admitting that the idea has its shortcomings but she’s keen to stress that this solution, just one of many steps in the right direction, doesn’t have to be a long-term one. “The playing field is not even at the moment and it needs to be before you can be selective. Before people can come and have a seat at the table they need to be invited into the room.” It’s here that her activism takes a shrewd backseat to her clear business savvy: “It’s actually a strength for a company! Diversity of race and gender is synonymous with innovation and actually depriving yourself of that opportunity is so short-sighted.”
So why are we here? Why are so few women, and women from minority backgrounds in particular, succeeding in these fields? Oladapo laughs and says it’s a chicken-and-egg situation: “What came first?” she asks me, “Institutional racism or low socioeconomic background and opportunity?” While the latter seems like a fixable solution, with Oladapo pointing to free school meals and improving the involvement of parents and teachers at a very young age, it’s the former that seems to present an insurmountable barrier. How do you go about changing a mindset like that?
“It’s about lasting stereotypes,” she says, before telling me that, in Munich, she will be raising unconscious bias as one of the key issues facing women in the UK. “Sometimes, because something has been there for so long, you think it can’t change but it really can change. Sometimes people don’t even know why they think that, but I think a lot is to do with these persistent stereotypes. It’s like, ‘Oh that’s just the picture I have in my head of what a scientist looks like, a man in a coat’ and a woman doesn’t fit into that idea. People need to be evaluated and assessed based on merit and not a stereotype. It’s prejudiced visualisation.”
We discuss maternity leave, seen by so many women as the stumbling block in their career trajectory. That much-maligned phrase ‘Can women have it all?’ is as grating to Oladapo as it is to most of us. “Firms should allow flexible working hours in order to let their employees excel and have fulfilling personal lives,” she says. “Paternity leave is also something that needs to be taken seriously, because when it is, then we finally realise, ‘Oh it’s two parents!’ There’s no reason the burden should fall squarely on the woman.”
The summit is occurring at a particularly politically fraught time for women’s rights. The past year has shown us that the freedoms we fought for could be taken away in an instant. Oladapo agrees, saying that recent events have warned us not to get complacent: “It’s such an important time to not drop the ball. We can’t let down the girls of the future.”
Oladapo stands as an example of the success she is fighting for. She’s happy in her job but still sees that her industry has far to go and needs to “work harder to prioritise women and remove the barriers to their success.” Does she feel pressure to set an example?
“I take it upon myself to make sure that other girls, especially from Luton, where I’m from, can see this and realise that they can do it. I need to continue to encourage girls in sixth form and high school to pursue careers involving maths and in these fields.” Indeed, her next initiative after G(irls)20 will be to set up a mentorship programme for girls back in Luton.
“At the end of the day, it’s there for the taking – we’re doing it!” she says. “We just need to make sure that our voices are heard.”
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Haircare trends can be hard to keep up with. Should we avoid sulphates and parabens? Should we be double-cleansing? Should we stop using shampoo altogether? The industry moves fast, thanks to innovation in technology and new-found ingredients but, with all the white noise, it can be hard to know what's good for your hair. As someone with a lot of thick hair, product can often weigh down my locks and leave me looking, well, flat. The wrong shampoo gives me soft ends but greasy roots, a bad conditioner can lead to brittle locks, and the amount of serum I use differs every day, depending on my hair's mood.
However, a recent discovery has saved my 'do from all of the above. I've been using salt shampoos and my hair finally looks like hair again. It's bouncy, feels clean but not stripped, and its natural wave and texture is free to dry the way it's supposed to. So what is salt shampoo, exactly? "Specific ‘salt shampoos’ are shampoos containing sea salt rather than regular table salt (sodium chloride)," hairdresser Lee Stafford tells me. "This is important to note as sodium chloride does not really have any notable benefits for hair, whereas sea salt is loaded with minerals, such as magnesium, sodium and potassium, therefore benefitting the overall health of our hair as well as adding texture and volume."
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So alongside keeping hair healthy and strong, what are the added benefits of salt shampoos? "They are excellent for naturally detoxifying the scalp of grease, grime and product build-up as salt acts as a natural exfoliator," Christophe Robin explains. "They help remove chemical residues left on the scalp, which can cause itchiness after a colouring treatment. More commonly they also help to rebalance and soothe greasy, irritated scalps." Sounds good to me.
I've found that my hair is no longer limp and weighed down by unnecessary product, but does it work for all types of hair? "Obviously those with fine, flat hair will see the most benefits, but for those who have normal hair and just want to add in a bit of extra body and texture it works beautifully," Stafford says. "Though I would say, if you have badly damaged hair then you need to work on restoring the quality and integrity of your hair before opting for any volumising, clarifying, texturising shampoos.” So if your hair has seen better days and is in need of repair, be careful: Robin advises "following with a conditioner or a mask to help detangle and nourish the ends".
Finally, salt shampoo is heavy duty and feels almost like a body scrub with its chunks of sea salt and thick consistency. Should I be using it daily? "I never recommend washing hair daily as it can strip your hair of its natural oils. My Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is best used once or twice a week for women", Robin says. So I'll be washing less frequently, balancing the moisture with some hydrating masks, and voilà! My hair has never looked more fresh.
My favourite sea salt shampoos
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea-Salt, £39, available at Look Fantastic Lush Big Shampoo, £13.25, available at Lush Lee Stafford Sea Salt Shampoo, £9.99, available at Boots
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Lily Allen had been due to appear on the BBC's Newsnight last night but her appearance was cancelled following comments she made earlier that evening about the Grenfell Tower fire.
Speaking on Channel 4 News, the singer and Labour supporter didn't hold back on who she thought was to blame for the tragedy in Kensington.
Allen accused the government of withholding the true number of fatalities, which has so far been reported as 17. She said: “I have never in my entire life seen an event like this where the death count has been downplayed by the mainstream media."
Allen continued: “17? I'm sorry but I'm hearing from people that the figure is much closer to 150, and that many of those people are children.
“Those are off-the-record numbers I've been given from policemen and from firemen.”
Interviewer Jon Snow, playing devil's advocate, suggested the current death toll was due to the difficulties of identifying bodies, to which Allen responded later on Twitter: “I appreciate the difficulties with identifying bodies, but there are people out here clinging to hope when I don't think there is any."
Just a few hours later, she tweeted that Newsnight had cancelled her appearance on the show and had "someone from the council coming on instead".
I'm sad to say @BBCNewsnight just cancelled me for tonight's show. They have someone from the council coming on instead.
Following her appearance on Channel 4 News, she had also posted a note on Twitter explaining why she was linking tragedy to politics. She called the remains of the burned-down building "a horrendous metaphor for how the Conservatives are running this country."
I am politicizing #Grenfell tower because, it is governmental policies that have lead to so many unnecessary deaths. pic.twitter.com/9kqVMpiQkQ
Other public figures have also drawn links between politics and the fatal fire. Mobo award-winning rapper and poet Akala said people died "because they [were] poor". “There is no way rich people live in a building without adequate fire safety," he said. Singer Cerys Matthews tweeted that the disaster occurred as a result of "community buildings being sold off, and sub parr [sic.] refurbishment and builds being offered in return."
Here's whats happening. Community buildings being sold off, and sub parr refurbishment and builds being offered in return.#GrenfellTower
President Aleksandar Vucic announced that Ana Brnabic, 41, was nominated as the prime minister-designate, which could also make her the first woman and first queer person ever to be head of state. Her cabinet needs formal approval by parliament next week.
It was "a difficult decision reached in the interest of Serbia and its citizens," said Vucic, a former extremist-turned-reformist who has promised to boost LGBTQ rights as part of efforts to move closer to European Union membership.
"If elected in parliament, I will run the government with dedication and responsibility and I will do my job honestly and with love," Brnabic told state Tanjug news agency.
Brnabic's nomination is considered part of Vucic's apparent turn toward the West despite strong pressure from Russia to maintain its influence in the region. The British-educated Brnabic, a marketing expert, worked for U.S. companies before she assumed her Serbian government job.
"I believe she has professional skills and personal qualities," Vucic said. "I'm convinced she will work hard."
Brnabic is currently Serbia's minister of public administration and local government. She is not a member of Vucic's ruling populist Serbian Progressive Party but is considered loyal to him.
Her appointment to the government last year — she was hand-picked by Vucic who was then prime minister — was hailed by rights groups as historic for the Balkan country whose LGBTQ community regularly faces discrimination, harassment, and violence.
"Hopefully this will blow over in three or four days, and then I won't be known as the gay minister," she told The Associated Press at the time.
But Serbia is not the only country making strides to have more LGBTQ representation in government. This week Ireland formally elected Leo Varadkar, an openly gay man and son of an Indian immigrant, as its prime minister.
Varadkar defeated rival Simon Coveney earlier this month in a contest to replace Enda Kenny, who resigned in May. He was confirmed on Wednesday.
"If my election as leader of Fine Gael today has shown anything, it is that prejudice has no hold on this republic," Varadkar said after his victory was announced in Dublin on June 2.
At 38, Varadkar is Ireland's youngest prime minister, as well as the first from an ethnic-minority background and the first openly gay leader.
Varadkar was born in Dublin in 1979, the son of an Indian doctor and an Irish nurse. He came out publicly as gay in the run-up to a 2015 referendum that legalised same-sex marriage in Ireland.
He said he was "aware of the enormous challenges ahead. I'm ready for those challenges, as are we as a party."
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If you've been on #BeyWatch high alert for the past few weeks you are not alone. We know the Carter twins are imminent, we just don't know when they'll be born. But the truth is that even if Bey had publicly shared her due date, the chances of the twins arriving on that day are hilariously slim. In fact, over 90% of babies don't come on their given due date.
A huge part of the confusion is thanks to the wonky way we calculate those dates. As Science of Us explains, it's done with a complicated formula developed in the 1800s. The formula, called Naegele's rule, is designed to estimate the day you conceived your baby and calculate your due date from there. Essentially, your doctor counts forward one year from the first day of your last period, counts back three months, and counts forward again seven days.
That adds up to about 40 weeks after the first day of your last period. And if that doesn't seem imprecise enough, all of this is based on the assumption that everyone has a 28-day menstrual cycle and that everyone ovulates on the 14th day of that cycle (they don't). Plus, there's the fact that doctors sometimes change your due date when taking ultrasound results, your irregular periods, or later testing into account. We also know that first pregnancies are usually longer than subsequent ones, yet due dates are all calculated the same way. If you, like Bey, are carrying twins, you'll probably give birth earlier (usually around 37 weeks), but your due date calculations will be the same.
So, if you have a less than 10% chance of having your baby on your due date, when can you really expect to have your baby? Well, most people do give birth within two weeks of their given due date (partly because doctors will almost certainly induce labor if you're two weeks late), and the most common weeks to give birth are between weeks 39 and 40. That doesn't exactly help pin down one specific day, but that's about as exact as we can get.
Things change a bit if you had in vitro fertilisation, because you know your conception date for sure, which makes the rest of those calculations more accurate. And, of course, if you've scheduled an induction or a C-section you know exactly when baby is coming. For most of us, though, due dates provide an approximate window at best. So even if you're not awaiting a celebrity baby, it's probably a good idea not to stay too attached to a single day.
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This week's devastating, fatal fire at Grenfell Tower in west London has attracted worldwide attention and shaken many of us to the core. We're shocked and heartbroken at the tragic, needless loss of life, and our thoughts are with the victims and everyone else affected by the incident.
Kindhearted Londoners, particularly in the surrounding west London community, have come together to offer shelter, sustenance, clothing and other useful items, and support to survivors, many of whom have lost everything; and people all over the country have donated to online fundraising pages.
Many of the nearby drop-off points and help centres have been so overwhelmed with donations that they've stopped accepting new items because of the labour required to organise them. So until support workers begin accepting donations again, what can we do to help survivors? There's donating money directly, of course, but here are some other suggestions...
Meanwhile, Girls Club, a feminist zine made by and for women, is donating 50% of sales of its latest issue to the victims. Get your own 84-page copy for the bargain price of £6 and do some social good in the process.
Eat like a queen
Michelin-awarded chef, Adam Simmonds, is hosting a fundraiser at his restaurant, The Test Kitchen in Soho, in aid of the tower's residents. You'll be asked to pay as much as you like for your meal, with all proceeds donated to the Just Giving Families of Grenfell Tower appeal. “This is a shocking tragedy and this is my small way of supporting those affected by the fire," said Simmonds. Book online or by calling 020 7734 8487.
Been waiting for the perfect excuse to get a tattoo? Parliament Tattoo in Islington is hosting a charity flash day on Sunday 25th June between 11am and 7pm, with all proceeds being donated to the victims. "Please come along, get tattooed and give generously to help the families affected by this tragedy in our city," the studio urged its Instagram followers.
Get on your mat
Dedicate this Sunday's yoga practice to a good cause. Sputnik Yoga and Fit Birds Fitness will be hosting a free class at Crystal Palace Park at 10am on Sunday 18th June. Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the victims of the event's Just Giving page.
A host of world-famous comedians are teaming up to headline a special one-night-only benefit at London's Hammersmith Apollo on 27th June. Catch Michael McIntyre, Jo Brand, Alan Carr, Katherine Ryan, Russell Kane and many more all under one roof for just £50 plus booking fee. All proceeds will go to the survivors.
Comedian Al Murray is also stepping up to the plate. He'll be donating all the profits from his Pub Landlord's Summer Saloon gigs at the Underbelly Festival this weekend to the cause. Tickets are a mere £27 plus booking fee. Underbelly will be matching the contribution up to £10,000. Even more reason to head down to the South Bank.
Buy art
Many artists and creatives have generously offered to donate the proceeds from sales of their work to those affected by the tragedy. Artist Sara Pope is selling special-edition screen prints for £25 through the Jealous Gallery. Call its north London outpost directly to get your hands on one. All money raised will be donated to the cause.
London From The Rooftops, aka photographer James Burns, has produced a large amount of work from Grenfell Tower over the years and has already raised over £2,000 for the victims by auctioning his prints. Now, he's offering to make more prints available to anyone who makes a minimum donation.
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Twin Peaks is back. And amazingly, the new series seems to be pleasing fans both old and new.
Most importantly, though, the interiors have kept their charm. From the opulent Red Room in the Black Lodge, with its rich velvet wall hangings and bold monochrome floor, to the rustic interiors of the Great Northern Hotel, to the cheerful retro and rough-around-the-edges Double R, Twin Peaks ' interiors are nothing short of iconic.
Click through to find out how to get the look in your own home.
Retro landscape sticker
Check out the updated Double R Diner in the new series for a wall-length mural of the local landscape, painted in the same kind of way mountains and trees are painted on those oh-so-90s T-shirts that tend to have wolves on them. With this wall sticker, you can create a statement wall that echoes Twin Peaks' cold, wet and leafy surroundings, and the town's infamous sign.
Atelier Bishop Wall Sticker, £61.16, available at Etsy
Black and white chevrons
Gotta get those chevrons from the Red Room in there somewhere. If going the whole hog with a full-size black-and-white rug is a little too ambitious for you, then consider these cushions, which will sit nicely on the red velvet couch you just so happen to have.
Otherwise, go all out and get yourself some black and white chevron wallpaper to create the statement wall to end all statement walls.
God, does Twin Peaks do lighting well. From the low-hanging pendant discs in the new motel to the misleadingly warm and welcoming table lamps littered throughout the Great Northern, it really is the lights that set the scene. The freestanding Red Room lamp has really captured our hearts; art deco, stark and proud, it's far more of a feature than a functional object. These wall lamps play a similar game, both shape- and statement-wise.
The amount of wood that comes together to create the lobby of the Great Northern is next level. From the wood panelling on the walls to hand-carved decorative objects and furniture, the Great Northern might just as well be part of the woods that surround it. This natural wood chair would fit in well. Ditto for this coat stand.
Graham & Green Natural Ningbo Chair, £165, available at Graham & Green Made Hawthorn Coat Stand in Pine, £139, available at Made
Ben's lamp
Though the Great Northern has given its interiors a bit of a sprucing-up this season, plenty of original relics remain. Ben's desk lamp, for instance. It's more banking-in-the-city than secluded-woodland-retreat but somehow, it works.
Retro Bulbs Green Shade Brass Banker's Lamp, £26.45, available at Retro Bulbs
This retro armchair
The new motel may be a seedy place of terrible wrongdoings but goodness me, does it have some nice furniture. Think '70s wooden dining chairs and armchairs in muted oranges and yellow.
Graham & Green Kennedy Armchair In Burnt Orange, £595, available at Graham & Green
Red velvet
Red velvet curtains à la the Red Room are probably going to be a little oppressive for a regular house. Instead, opt for cushions, like these from John Lewis. Or these from Habitat.
If you're feeling a little bit brave, up your game to a red velvet footstool.
John Lewis Cushion, £25, available at John Lewis Habitat Cushion, £25, available at Habitat Made Lotus Footstool, £99, available at Made
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From Korea to China, the Asian market has beauty on lockdown: with innovative techniques in skincare technology, kitsch packaging, and weird and wonderful makeup hacks, we're always tapping into their ahead-of-the-curve approach to beauty. Snail slime and bubble masks, anyone?
If you're unsure where to begin, or just fancy something new to shake up your go-to makeup products, we've selected the most-hyped items on the market to revive your bathroom shelf. From foamy cleansers and natural sheet masks to luscious lip tints and compact powders, these are the cult Asian beauty products you’ll be swearing by in no time.
Brow Tint
Why you’ll like it: You’ve probably heard of micro-blading and tattooing your brows, but have you ever thought about DIY-tinting them? Eyebrow tinting is currently all the rage in Korea and this eyebrow tint gel from Etude House creates a nice base that can cut your eyebrow routine in half. Think of it as a henna tattoo for your eyebrows that gives you natural, fuller brows that last up to two weeks.
How to use it: Using the wand, apply the gel over your brows, making sure to follow their natural shape, then let it dry for two hours before peeling it off from the tail end.
Etude House Tint My Brows Gel, £6.48, available at Amazon
Filter Powder
Why you’ll like it: This colour-corrective duo powder from 3CE helps conceal skin blemishes and even out any bumps. If you’ve got problem pores that need sorting out, then this long-lasting, lightweight product helps you achieve baby-soft skin. Say goodbye to that chalky complexion and hello to a clear, natural glow!
How to use it: After you’ve applied foundation, lightly dust the powder all over your face with a brush before finishing off with setting powder.
3CE Blur Filter Powder, £14.86, available at Style Nanda
Black Sugar Honey Mask
Why you’ll like it: Known for its organically produced skincare without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals, Skin Food's black sugar honey wash-off mask is packed with effective exfoliating ingredients that’ll leave your skin feeling moisturised. The honey offers smoothing properties while the grainy sugar gently scrubs off excess oil and grime. The best thing about this is you can dilute the product to your liking. So if you’d rather a super-abrasive exfoliant, you can apply a small amount of water, or if you’d prefer a gentler exfoliant, you can use more water to help melt the sugar granules.
How to use it: Evenly apply the product all over your face while slightly wet, avoiding the eye area. Massage, leave on skin for up to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Skin Food Black Sugar Honey Wash Off Mask, £13, available at Boots
Eye Balm
Why you’ll like it: There’s so much more to TonyMoly Panda’s Dream So Cool Eye Stick than the cute packaging. This under-eye balm is made with nourishing bamboo that’ll instantly cool and soothe the skin around the delicate eye area. Throw in some cleansing seawater ingredients and you've got a cooling, brightening gel that’ll soothe any fine lines.
How to use it: Apply the stick around your eye for an instant cooling effect.
TonyMoly Panda's Dream So Cool Eye Stick, £12.50, available at Cult Beauty
Cleansing Foam
Why you’ll like it: Innisfree's Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam should be in every bathroom cabinet. This foam is formulated to draw out skin impurities using the Korean island's volcanic ash-enriched soil properties. Gentle enough to use every day, the cleanser won’t cause irritation like other products and won’t dry out your skin afterwards.
How to use it: Massage the product into your skin until foamy, avoiding the eye area. After a few minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, £10.26, available at Yes Style
Mascara Remover
Why you’ll like it: Ever had stubborn mascara that just won’t budge, no matter how many times you try? Say goodbye to smudged panda eyes and rubbing with this KissMe Heroine mascara remover. The clear formula will melt away mascara, leaving you with soft, moisturised lashes.
How to use it: Use it like any mascara wand and apply liberally all over your lashes. Wait for a few minutes before wiping away with a cotton pad soaked with makeup remover.
KissMe Heroine Make Mascara Remover, £10.79, available at Amazon
Foundation
Why you’ll like it: Iope is killing it in the makeup game and they’re one of the first to release a cushion compact foundation on the market. This feather-light foundation provides great coverage without looking cakey and has all the benefits of a BB cream, including anti-ageing, moisturising, skin coverage and even SPF. Plus its non-absorbing puff vanishes into your complexion, leaving you with unbelievably perfect, even skin.
How to use it: Using the puff provided, lightly dust the powder evenly over your face. If you’re not a fan of puffs, just use your brush to apply.
Iope Air Cushion Sunblock XP SPF 50, £31, available at Amazon
Night Mask
Why you’ll like it: The ionised mineral water makes this powerful nighttime moisturiser from Laneige a saviour of even the most stressed-out skin. Its gel-like consistency offers intense hydration and brightening effects that’ll make you look like you've had eight hours of sleep – even if you haven’t.
How to use it: Using the scoop provided, apply the sleeping pack all over your face, avoiding the eye area. It’ll absorb into your skin within a few minutes. Leave on overnight while you sleep and wash it off in the morning.
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, £20, available at Amazon
Lip Tint
Why you’ll love it: Another product with super-cute packaging, PeriPera Peri is one of Korea's most popular lip tints. If you’re after a soft gradient lip look that stays deep and vibrant all day, then this is the lippy for you. It goes on super-watery, which adds extra moisture to lips, and with five different colours to choose from, you’ll be pouting all night long.
How to use it: Apply lip balm beforehand then use the doe foot applicator to apply over lips.
PeriPera Peri's Tint Water, £8.17, available at Amazon
Sheet Mask
Why you’ll love it: One of Korea's first natural beauty brands, Innisfree uses a variety of organic ingredients such as green tea extract and shea butter, which helps moisturise, rejuvenate and buff away dead skin cells. With 16 different ‘flavours’ to choose from, these sheet masks are a great way to treat yourself to smooth and supple skin without breaking the bank.
How to use it: Carefully remove face mask from the pack without ripping and unfold over face. Leave on for 30 minutes before gently peeling off mask and tapping the excess essence into the skin. No need to rinse afterwards.
Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask, £2.26, available at Yes Style
Filmmaker Robert Evans once said, "There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying..." We're currently in the age of information overload for every topic imaginable, including (and especially) hair. Suffice it to say, a lot of personal experiences have created rumours about topics like dyeing your hair while pregnant and what actually makes strands grow longer and stronger.
And while there are certainly exceptions to every rule, and science is constantly unveiling more and more information, it's time to question a few of these factoids. After all, what works for you may not work for me, and vice versa.
We tapped the pros to properly evaluate five of the most rampant hair rumours ahead.
Myth: You Need A Blow Dryer To Get Smooth Hair
For many, indulging in a blowout never gets old, but what if you could get a similar result — bouncy, smooth hair — with less work? Turns out, you can.
"Try sculpting your hair into place with a soft mousse or a leave-in conditioner," stylist Rebekah Forecast says. "Allow the hair to dry naturally, and then brush it out. This will retains the natural body, while smoothing the cuticle. I love the look and feel of naturally-dried hair."
Tip: This will take a little trial and error, but keep hunting until you find that perfect product and technique. Remeber, "sculpting" can also mean a loose bun or plait.
Myth: It's Unsafe To Colour Your Hair While Pregnant
When you're expecting, you don't have to prep for a nine-month waiting period for a root touch up. "Most research indicates the chemicals found in both semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy," the American Pregnancy Association says. "In addition, only small amounts of hair dye may be absorbed by the skin, leaving little that would be able to reach the foetus." If you're still unsure, consult your doctor before booking an appointment and choose techniques like ombré, which limit scalp and colour contact.
Myth: Cutting Your Hair Makes It Grow Faster
According to stylist Clariss Rubenstein, this one makes zero sense. "What you cut from the bottom of your hair has no effect on the rate that it grows out of your head," she said. "When your hair is dry, damaged, and split at the ends, it actually breaks off. So your hair is still growing, it’s just breaking off at the same time, and you’re not seeing any length change. If you trim your hair just to get then ends off — taking off just enough that it doesn’t break — you will see your hair grow longer."
The moral of the story? Get those trims regularly to avoid breakage, and focus on the health of your hair with good products, but don't expect a surge after a cut.
Myth: Dirty Hair Makes Styling Easier
People with all kind of textures, especially curly and kinky, prefer second or third (or fourth, or fifth...) day hair. A lived-in, voluminous look can't always be achieved with squeaky-clean hair, especially when you've already got lots of product worked into your 'do. That same product buildup can either make or break your style, according to stylist Michael Sparks.
Plaits and buns are styles that benefit from hair that's a little dirty, but anything smooth or sleek? Not so much. "It's always good to start with fresh hair when you straighten, so you can build it over time," he says.
Myth: Textured Hair Requires High Heat For Lasting Styles
Thick hair can be tough to straighten or dry with one pass, this we know, but that's no excuse to crank your iron up to 450, stylist Randi Petersen says. "This is a no no. If you have fine hair you can use your tools on a lower setting. If you have wavy hair, try medium heat. And if you have curly, thick hair, turn it up just a little higher. This will prevent your hair from burning and becoming frayed and frazzled."
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Any astrology rookie knows the feeling: You innocently open your horoscope, ready for news of the upcoming week. And then, just as you're digesting what the stars have in store, you encounter a sentence like this: "Neptune will turn retrograde in your 10th house of career." Record scratch. What on Earth (or any other planet, for that matter) are these houses your 'scope is always referring to?
The 12 houses of the Zodiac may be more intimidating than, say, the planets, but they aren't a totally opaque concept. And getting to know them a little better will deepen your understanding of your horoscope and your natal chart.
According to astrologer Annie Heese, the houses rule different areas of our lives, from the relationships we'll have with others to the personal milestones that we'll hit. That sounds pretty similar to the role that the planets play in our lives, but here's the difference: The planets represent different properties (such as action, affection, and communication) and the houses can tell us where in our lives we'll feel them most intensely (in our work, in our relationships, or in our personality, for instance).
Planets move through the houses in the same way they do with signs, imbuing the houses with their energy along the way. For instance, when your horoscope states that "Neptune is moving into your 10th house of career," that means that your work life, public image, and your sense of structure will be affected by Neptune, the planet of dreams, intuition, and spiritual healing. So you may feel more introspective about your work or concerned about how your job is fulfilling your larger life goals.
But if you check your chart or 'scope only to find that one of your houses doesn't have any planets in it, don't worry — an unoccupied house doesn't reflect any kind of deficiency in your life, only a lack of emphasis. One Redditor suggests thinking of an "empty" house as the opposite of having a stellium in your chart: Having zero planets in your second house of money isn't a signal that you'll go broke — rather, it suggests that financial matters just won't play a huge role in your life.
Before you can become an expert in interpreting the planets' placement in your houses, you need to know what each house represents. Ahead, we've consulted Heese's work and our very own Astrotwins to break down the significance of each house of the Zodiac.
First House The House Of: First impressions, appearance, the self.
Planets in your first house will affect how you present yourself to others and how they view you. Your first house can indicate your demeanour (whether you're shy or confident, for example), how you behave in groups, and how you generally view the world.
Possible Placement: If noble Jupiter is in your first house, you're probably a very optimistic person who values kindness and positive thinking.
Second House The House Of: Finances, values, possessions.
This house represents how you exist in the material world, including how you deal with money and your senses of sight, sound, and smell. The planets that occupy the second house will certainly affect your financial standing, but they'll also influence your sense of self-worth.
Possible Placement: If Mars, a planet known for its passion, is in your second house, you probably place a premium on material goods — how you earn them, how you treat them, and how you can get more of them.
Third House The House Of: Communication, thought, community.
Look to your third house to better understand how you process and share information. It can also indicate your early life and where you find a sense of belonging, perhaps among your siblings or in your hometown.
Possible Placement: Having Mercury, the planet of communication itself, in this house means you're adept at small talk and deep conversations alike, though you may be prone to overthinking.
Fourth House The House Of: Family, instincts, foundations.
The fourth house — and the planets in it — reflect what brings you comfort and how you act in the safety of your own home. It's commonly associated with the maternal and may reveal more about your relationship with the mother figures and caregivers in your life.
Possible Placement: If sensitive Venus is in your fourth house, you treat your loved ones with incredible empathy and may tend to seek security in your own imagination.
Fifth House The House Of: Creativity, pleasure, romance.
Simply put, the fifth house indicates what makes you feel good — in relationships, in how you express yourself, and how you spend your time. The planets in your fifth house can even reflect your need for drama and attention.
Possible Placement: Having Saturn, which is usually associated with discipline and pessimism, in this house can seriously hinder your sense of conventional "fun." You probably derive more pleasure from sensible discussion than hitting the dance floor.
Sixth House The House Of: Health, order, service.
Planets in the sixth house reveal how you maintain your well-being in your everyday life — and how you support the well-being of the people around you. In a sense, this house can show how you work as a caregiver.
Possible Placement: Venus in the sixth house can make you a creature of habit, as it'll fuel your love for your regular lifestyle and routine.
Seventh House The House Of: Partnerships, contracts, business.
Where the fifth house indicates romance and attraction, the seventh house is more concerned with longer-term, binding partnerships, from marriages to workplace collaborations. It can teach you about your ability to compromise and work with others.
Possible Placement: With rebellious Uranus in your seventh house, there's a good chance you don't play well with others, as this planet can make you commitment-averse and downright contrarian.
Eighth House The House Of: Transformation, mystery, dramatic change.
The eighth house touches all the major, universal experiences: birth, growth, sex, death. It can clue you into the mysteries of life (or, at least, how you'll process them).
Possible Placement: If you have Mars in your eighth house, you're probably selective about your needs and desires — but once you make your selection, you're fiercely protective.
Ninth House The House Of: Exploration, adventure, belief.
If the third house indicates where your "home base" is, the ninth house will indicate just how far from home you'll go, whether you expand your understanding of the world geographically or philosophically.
Possible Placement:Pluto, which rules the unknown, in your ninth house could explain your penchant for unconventional thought and experiences that go off the beaten path.
10th House The House Of: Career, structure, public image.
Sure, this house might tell you if you're "management material," but, more accurately, it'll touch upon your place in society, your relationship with traditions, and your ambitions. It's also believed that, in the same way that the fourth house is linked to the maternal, the 10th house is rooted to paternal figures in our lives.
Possible Placement: You probably make a living talking or writing if Mercury happens to be in your 10th house. This planet could also foretell of multiple career changes.
11th House The House Of: Groups, friendship, goals.
In a word, the 11th house is expansive. It indicates how you relate to the rest of humanity — and that could mean how you strive to make the world a better place or simply how you prefer to network at a party.
Possible Placement: If you have dreamy Neptune in your 11th house, you're probably a deep thinker who feels personally affected by humanitarian crises.
12th House The House Of: Inner growth, vulnerability, conclusion.
This is your most spiritual house, as it rules introspection, healing, and your deepest thoughts and fears. It can even reflect how you'll live in your old age. Look to this final house to learn how your subconscious mind makes itself known.
Possible Placement: Jupiter in the 12th house indicates immense inner strength. You probably thrive during alone time and, if you don't already, you'll benefit from a meditation routine.
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But mostly, the oil has been touted as a healthy fat for all of our cooking needs, and a way to replace all of that butter in your life.
While coconut oil can have its moment in the kitchen — it can withstand extremely high temperatures, and is therefore great if you're deep-frying something — it isn't any healthier than other oils. In fact, it's worse.
The American Heart Association released a report Thursday recommending against using coconut oil for cooking, saying that coconut oil increased "bad" (LDL) cholesterol in seven out of seven controlled trials.
Coconut oil is made up of about 82% saturated fat, according to the data, which is far greater than most other oils, including butter, which has about 62% saturated fat.
Not all saturated fats are necessarily bad for you, of course, and like any other food group, you shouldn't cut them out completely. But saturated fats are thought to contribute to plaque build up in arteries, which can lead to serious heart disease over time.
"We think that flat fat gets laid down in the arteries much easier than fat that is crumpled up," Holly Andersen, MD, a cardiologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, told us last year.
While the takeaway from the American Heart Association report is to stop using coconut oil in all cooking, we'd argue that you can keep your jar on hand for the occasional baked good or stir-fry. It only becomes a problem if you're exclusively using coconut oil any time you need oil.
Like anything else in nutrition, variety is key. And it's just more fun to switch up the type of oil you use, anyway.
Other fats like olive oil and yes, even butter, may be better to use for most of your cooking, but there's nothing wrong with adding a spoonful of coconut oil to your cookies every once in a while if you just like the taste.
The initial support offered to people affected by this week's devastating fire in west London "was not good enough," the Prime Minister has admitted.
Theresa May's comments come as police have confirmed that 58 people are either dead, or missing and presumed dead, as a result of the fire which ravaged Grenfell Tower in north Kensington. This figure is expected to rise, the BBC reports.
May was widely criticised this week for choosing not to meet victims of the blaze in their local community. Both the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn visited the west London neighbourhood in the wake of the devastation to spend time with people affected by the fire. Officials claimed security concerns had prevented the Prime Minister from doing the same, but when the Queen and the Duke of Cambridge paid a visit to the Grenfell relief area yesterday, this excuse looked increasingly shaky.
This afternoon, May met some of the people affected by the fire in Downing Street. Shortly afterwards, she released a statement. "The response of the emergency services, NHS and the community has been heroic," the Prime Minister said. "But, frankly, the support on the ground for families who needed help or basic information in the initial hours after this appalling disaster was not good enough."
Explaining how she is now seeking to improve the victims' predicaments, the Prime Minister continued: "I can confirm that a £5million emergency fund that I announced yesterday is now being distributed on the ground so people can buy clothes, food and other essentials. If more funding is required, it will be provided."
May also said she has set a "deadline of three weeks" for everybody affected to be given a new home nearby. "I have ordered that more staff be deployed across the area, wearing high visibility clothing, so they can easily be found, dispense advice and ensure the right support is provided. Phone lines will have more staff," the Prime Minister added.
People from all over London have come together to support the north Kensington community as they try to deal with the fire's devastation. Find out how you can help here.
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Communities all over the UK are getting together this weekend to mark the one-year anniversary of Jo Cox's tragic death.
Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, was brutally murdered on the 16th of June, 2016, shortly before she was due to meet local residents at a constituency surgery. She was just 41 years old.
Organised in her honour, The Great Get Together is a series of neighbourhood celebrations taking place across the country to promote the sense of community solidarity that Cox believed in. People taking part are using the hashtag #MoreInCommon on Twitter and Instagram in a nod to Cox's first ever speech in parliament. "We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us," she told the House of Commons shortly after being sworn in as an MP in 2015.
Cox's husband, Brendan, who attended a Great Get Together event in their hometown of Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, told the BBC that his wife would have been "humbled" by the success of the initiative.
"She wanted to bring people together of different types and backgrounds and she would be incredibly humbled by the scale of the response," he told the BBC. "I think we know of about 120,000 events so far across the country. And I think what that shows is just the sense that the country's crying out for these moments of togetherness."
Below, check out pictures from a selection of Great Get Together events that have already taken place.
A post shared by Ashleigh Van Tonder (@ashvanknits) on
The Great Get Together is encouraging people to lay on neighbourhood celebrations however they see fit today and tomorrow (Sunday, the 18th of June). Street parties, bake sales, group walks, afternoon teas, and more are being organised. Find out when events in your local area are taking place on the website.
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