PopSugar

Does Renting an Extravagance Still Satisfy?

SavvySugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:45:13 -0800

We rent apartments, cars, and DVDs, but as pop culture continues to influence our lifestyle, even couture is now available to rent. Sure we can't all afford the designer duds cropping up on couture runways from here to Paris, but as the New York Times reports, the recessionistas among us have found another way to get their hands on the coveted - and pricey - merchandise.

Modeled after the "rent-by-web" model, the new site, Rent the Runway, offers clothes from design houses like DvF, Heve Leger, and Catherine Malandrino, to name a few, for anywhere from $50 to $200 dollars for a four-night stay in your very own closet - even dry-cleaning's included in the cost of rental.The only downside, of course, is that fact, that after a couple nights of dancing in your designer number, you'll be forced to pack it up and send it right back.

It's a pretty innovative way to give us the chance - or at least, the illusion - of having it all. Still, I'm wondering does it make a difference to you if you know you don't own the item? Does renting the couture make it feel any less special or is the concept a smart way to give women a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag?

Mom-Me Time: Pick Up a Copy of The Help

babysugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:49 -0800

If mama's got a few minutes to herself and is looking for something that will take her mind to another world, she needs not look further than this gold and purple hardback book. The Help ($12) is a quick read that will steal her attention and her affection and leave her wanting more. Kathryn Stockett's first novel, the book about the relationships between mothers and the women that help them (nannies in particular) will have mommy laughing out loud, tearing up in the eyes, dog-earring pages with special passages and thinking about how she relates to some of the closest people in her life.

Just pages into the lengthy text and I was hooked. Unlike any book I've read in recent times, the characters in these pages immediately come to life and fully color the imagination. You can picture their hair, dream up their clothes and hear their voices like they're sitting on the bus right next to you. While they may be fictional muses, I wish I could meet them, thank them, reprimand them and have a tall glass of sweetened iced tea with them. Though the book is set back in the early '60s, some of the conversations and lessons are timeless. For the rest of my review, read more.

Centered around the lives of three caretakers, the hired "help" who tend to high society's children may occasionally be called "mama" as they often forge a closer bond with the child than his own mother. And while some women may have their best friends to rely on, the housekeeper frequently knows and cares more than her "best" friends -the phrase "dirty laundry" having a double meaning when it comes to life behind closed doors. In the end, it is a story about women taking extraordinary measures to right some wrongs, even if it means risking it all. Of all the lessons to be learned from this rich novel, the golden rule speaks loudest - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Maybe that's why she wrapped it in a glowing cover.

Before this goes to the theaters, which it surely will, buy it, read it and gift it to everyone you know. It will not disappoint.

Share your favorite books, products, toys and trends with other parents. Join our Product Reviews group over in the LilSugar community!

Hump Day: How Can I Become Multi-Orgasmic?

TresSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0800

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

"I keep hearing about women who can have 'multiple orgasms' and I can't figure out exactly what this means. Does it mean a woman who can have more than one orgasm in a night? One orgasm after another with little downtime? (Is that even possible? Most women are so sensitive after having an orgasm!) Anyway, if it exists, is there a way I can become multi-orgasmic?" To hear Dr. Glickman's response, read more

Part of the challenge in defining “multiple orgasms” is that different people use the term to mean different things. For some women, it means more than one orgasm during a single sex session, whether they’re 5 minutes or 30 minutes (or more) apart. For other women, it means one after another, without much time between them.

You’re right that many women are extra sensitive after an orgasm, but not everyone. In fact, some women find that they can just keep going, especially if they change what they’re doing. For example, someone might find that she can have an orgasm from clitoral stimulation and then switch to penetration for a second one. Or maybe she might have one orgasm from oral sex, take a break for a bit with something else to keep the passion up, and then go back to oral sex for a second orgasm. And there are women out there who don’t need a break after one orgasm before they start building towards a second one.

Not all women can become multi-orgasmic, but many women can. Some women find that their ability to be multi-orgasmic can change over time, too. So if it doesn’t happen for you now, don’t stress about it. You may find that in a few years, something changes and suddenly, it falls into place.

One really great place to look for more info on how to do it is Mantak Chia’s book The Multi-Orgasmic Woman. He approaches sex from the Taoist tradition, which works with sexuality as a form of energy that we can learn to channel, harness, and expand. If you’re familiar with energetic practices such as yoga, this perspective might be familiar. He has a book for men and one for male/female couples, too.

Another place you could look for information about this is Tantra. While most people only know about Tantra as a laundry list of sex positions from the Kama Sutra, there’s actually a lot more to it than that. Tantra is a set of practices that teach you to work with your sexual energy and it can help you expand your ability to experience pleasure, deepen intimacy, and have multiple orgasms. There are some good books like Urban Tantra and Tantric Sex for Women, as well as some DVDs.

In my experience, the best way to learn about Tantra is through experiential workshops because these are techniques that are much easier to understand when someone is demonstrating them. Most Tantra classes are fully-clothed and many are designed for people to come solo, while others are for couples. You can find out more about Tantra or look for workshop teachers on www.tantra.com.

One thing that I do want to be clear on: not everyone can become multi-orgasmic. If it doesn’t happen for you, there’s nothing wrong with you. I’ve seen a lot of people become very goal-oriented about it and they often end up sabotaging themselves because they’re not actually enjoying the sex that they’re having. So I encourage you to try it out and see what works for you, but don’t get so caught up in it that you forget to have fun. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Where Do You Stand? Guys Buying You Clothes

TresSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:00:00 -0700

On a list boldly titled 25 Skills Every Man Should Know, the May issue of Esquire offers advice for men looking to buy clothing for women. The tools required: a credit card and a woman's clothing size. The steps, according to the article:

Don't.

Ha! Clearly the mag has a pretty immovable position on whether guys should buy women clothing as gifts, but is it justified? I'll admit, I've gotten some pretty terrible gifts from guys that I then felt obligated to wear, but I've also had boyfriends who were great at picking out my style. So what's your take? Is it always a terrible idea for men to buy women clothes?
Source

Serena Williams Named Woman of the Year

FitSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:30:37 -0800

Looks like having a potty mouth won't hurt you too much. Serena Williams is one of 11 outstanding ladies Glamour magazine has chosen for its Women of the Year issue.

Glamour cites Williams's competitive spirit and drive as a testament to her success, even in the face of hardships like the tragic murder of her sister Yetunde and her rise through the rankings after suffering injuries in 2006. This year it all came full circle for Williams when she captured the Wimbledon victory against her sister, Venus - whom she credits as being a major force in motivating her to work the hardest and become the best.

Besides her Wimbledon victory, Williams has 11 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, and has earned more prize money than any female athlete in history. But her trophies and bank account aren't the only reason Glamour thinks Williams is tops. Between winning matches, she's managed to start her own clothing line, pen an autobiography, and open a school in Kenya through her Serena Williams Foundation.

Who else did Glamour name as Women of the Year? Some of the other notables Williams holds court with are Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver, Rihanna, and poet Maya Angelou.

Should Hooters Waitresses Have to Pay For Their Own Uniforms?

SavvySugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Hooters is one of the rare establishments where the workers' uniforms are more famous than the food. In some states, employees are required to cover the bill for their orange outfits, but New York isn't one of those places. That's why two New York women are suing Hooters for forcing them to buy their own work wardrobes.

Gina Rosati and Amy Frederick say Hooters required them to buy the getup, and their lawyer says it's against state law to make employees purchase anything other than street clothes. The total for each uniform is $19.45, broken down below. What do you think; should the ladies be responsible for the job-related expenses?

$5.45 for orange hot pants
$6 for the Hooters embellished tank top
$3.25 for a pouch
$2.50 for "suntan" pantyhose
$2.25 for thick white socks

Get Your Butt in Gear: we pilates clothing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I love supporting companies with the for women by women mentality -- There needs to be more companies like that if you ask me.

This is why I want to tell you about we pilates clothing, a cute, simple and comfortable (that's important) line of gear. The company got started rather simply as well: After a Pilates workout, two women were inspired to create the perfect life style line that could take them from their devoted practice to also running around town. Who is the woman that wears we pilates clothing? She is a businesswoman, a mom, and a professional. I can definitely relate, can't you?

To see more pics of the line and to find out where you can buy it, read more

Besides the fact that we pilates is run by women, I also like this line because while there are lots of fancy-schmancy clothing lines out there, sometimes you just want to throw on a soft cotton tee and go about your day. The stuff really is soft (I am feeling it right now) and it's priced right ($24-$36). Look for we pilates clothing in Pilates studios near you or you can buy online at wepilates.com.

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Get Your Own Mad Men-Inspired Wardrobe!

FabSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:00:22 -0800

I know I'm not the only one obsessed with Mad Men. Not only is the plot juicy, but so are the clothes. I've already checked out Banana Republic's inspired pieces, made my own stylish Mad (Wo)Men, and hopefully soon, I can get retro designs from Mad Men's costume designer, Janie Bryant! “I love fashion as it allows us each to express our creativity and I love capturing the essence of an era through costume design,” says Janie. “Now I am looking forward to bringing that retro style to today's wardrobes.” Launch details are TBD, but we do know Janie is set to design a modern '60s-inspired line of men’s and women’s apparel, lingerie, swimwear, home, footwear and accessories. It's a mad, mad world . . .

Photo courtesy of AMC

Get Your Butt in Gear: ISIS

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 04:15:58 -0800

If you didn't receive that new ski jacket that was on your Christmas list, check out ISIS - their motto is "Our clothes don't just fit women's bodies, they fit women's lives."

ISIS is geared toward the active yet stylish woman, so they have you covered when it comes to performance clothing that's both functional and flattering.

These clothes are made by women, so they know what we like and what we need.

Check out their water-resistant down coat, the Whisper Jacket, which will keep you warm and dry for only $169.

Or my absolute favorite, a must-have, Split-P Tights. These are fleece-lined fitted pants that have an invisible zipper in the crotch to allow you to relieve yourself without getting completely undressed. Brilliant, right? Are these made for women or what?

Kate Hudson Gets Candid About Men and Botox in Elle

PopSugarUK — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:58:26 -0800

Kate Hudson is looking super fit and toned as she stars on the front cover of December's issue of Elle magazine! She talked to them exclusively about a range of subjects from her upbringing, to her rumoured engagement and her thoughts on cosmetic surgery. Here's some extracts from her interview:

On boys: "I sometimes feel like when you’re talking to boys, they just hear certain keywords. But if you had a bubble above their head, they’d be thinking about game scores, masturbation and food... I love boys, but I believe they’re really simple. Every guy likes to say that they’re complicated, but they’re so easy to figure out. What did that Dr Laura say? Something like, 'All men want is sex and for you to make them a sandwich.' I thought that was really funny – and not entirely untrue."
On her rumoured engagement to Alex Rodriguez: "Did you know that it was this one [ring], on my right hand? I hear about this and I’m like, 'Why would I even respond? What would I say if you’re going to lie about something ridiculous?' And if you really did your job, you’d look at the pictures taken that day and realise it was on my right hand."
On cosmetic surgery: "I was in a press conference once, and someone says, 'So, I can tell you’ve never had Botox!' Is that a compliment? Or are you trying to say I’m starting to get wrinkles? I literally was like, 'What?' Everyone’s so obsessed with who gets Botox, but it’s great! Are you kidding? The fact that women can avoid going under the knife, and get a little Botox treat and not have to worry about it? I’m glad it’s there for when it’s time."

To see what Kate has to say on her upbringing and the joys of being a girl, just read more.

On her upbringing: "I grew up in a family where, if you felt any kind of suffering or sadness, if you didn’t go there and really understand it and delve into it, you wouldn’t understand what it was like to be really joyful."
On the joys of being a girl: "I love being a girl. I love clothes and I love the rituals of facials and body treatments, all the stuff girls get, make-up, scarves, hats... And we’re like a tribe. That’s just our nature. You get a group of women together and, somehow, we keep it together. I love that we can be that powerful, as a group. Men, you know, it’s survival of the fittest."

Kate's full interview appears in the December issue of Elle, on sale tomorrow!

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DAVID SLIJPER / Courtesy of ELLE Magazine