This Time Around: ’90s Chokers Are Here Again
Feature image via Ria Michelle
In fashion, what once was will resurrect itself, time and time again. The 90s resurgence is still hangin’ on, and a multitude of next-gen chokers have come back into favour. I can remember my first round of choker necklaces; I have fond memories of stretchy elastic necklaces which matched anklets and rings. This time around, I’m smitten with a sophisticated and cheeky update. Hard metals with shiny finishes and a nod to kink, the new statement necklaces are cropped closely. If you’d like something more delicate, there’s a plethora of pearled and gemmed options, as well as recreations of grunge-era necklaces. This statement necklace is an easy way to make that tee and jeans combo look fresh!
from NY Magazine
Street Style
Get You Some
I’ve been sporting a lot of thick metal necklaces lately; will you be wearing chokers this time around?
Style Thief: Look As Bold and Stylish as St. Vincent
Born Annie Clark, St. Vincent possesses some of the most visually arresting personal style even far as rockers go. The Grammy winner, multi-instrumentalist and gal pal always looks damn good. St. Vincent pairs an ear for off-kilter melodies with a knack for the sartorial reflection of that vision. Boldness is key; you’d be hard pressed to find her in a wallflower’s clothes. Even while clad from head to toe in black, textures are at play. Color, patterns, rich textures and dramatic shapes are how she does it. St. Vincent makes the most of a silhouette; shapely outerwear, tailored goods and re-imagined vintage all play a part. Strong makeup looks temper the style with pops of color in the form of eye shadows and lip colours. Even her hair is part artist’s stroke! Whether a mountainous range of mahogany or a cresting spray of platinum, the hair is quite essential to the look.
St. Vincent and Cara Delevingne were in attendance at Stella McCartney’s Resort 2016 presentation. St. Vincent looked particularily stellar in a vest dress… who knew a vest could be a dress?
photo from tumblr
photo from daily mail
St. Vincent opted for all black everything at the premiere of Paper Towns; she was purely an onyx dream.
photo from e online
Bolder than thou makeup looks stunning on Ms. Clark.
photo from brooklyn magazine
from tumblr
Pastel suits make for dreamy tailoring in St. Vincent’s profile in Wonderland Magazine. Given the ethereal nature of Clark’s hair, the look becomes sweetly masculine.
What’s that? You’d like a St. Vincent inspired shopping guide? We’ve got you covered!
topshop jacket // j. crew turtleneck // topshop biker skirt // Club Monaco Sonti Vest // madewell dakota cutoff boots // lulu’s black collared shirt // asos shorts // asos jacket
If your wardrobe is in dire need of chanteuse badassery, look no further. Annie Clark is your gal.
Hey Chuck! Here’s Proof That Converse All-Stars Go With Everything in Your Closet
Feature image via Style.com
I can still remember getting my first pair of Converse All Stars. I was about 16, very into Fall Out Boy and indie rock, and I wanted to be cool. I had visions of late night adventures, going backstage, and becoming an it girl. To be quite honest, I probably thought I’d become Anna from the O.C. if I had them. Fame, fortune, and infinite je ne sais quoi would clearly follow my decision to buy a $50 pair of sneakers. Shockingly, none of this came true. But I did learn a valuable lesson. Chuck Taylor All Stars go with everything. Perhaps not an Oscar dress, but anything short of an extremely formal gown looks wonderfully laid back with a pair. Even a suit looks great with them! In a myriad of colors and a wide range of sizes, I’d go so far as to say they’re a wardrobe classic. Given that Taylors just underwent their first redesign in 98 years, it’s a mighty fine time to exemplify the ways in which you can wear these sneaks.
I’ve been wearing mine with jorts and cutoff tanks all summer long. How do you do your Chucks?
Relevant To Your Interests: A Back to School Shopping List for Nerds
Ah, it’s that time again—back to school shopping. Since I love school, back to school shopping has always been one of my very favorite times of the year. My adult life has not proved to be an exception, what with graduate school, teaching and hoping for a long happy life in academia, etc. But it was always more fun when your mom let you get the crazy patterned pencil grips and Lisa Frank trapper keeper, right? Let’s pizazz up our back to school shopping lists with NERD STUFF.
(Non)Standard School Supplies
Entomologist-Inspired Pushpins, $15. Memo-saurus Desk Organizer, $13. Personal Library Kit, $16. QUIT STEALING MY TEXTBOOKS. Lego Limited Edition Large Ruled Moleskine, $20. Star Wars Trapper Keeper, $20. YOU BET I FOUND ONE. There are also insertable Star Wars Composition books! You’re welcome! Adventure Time Pencil Box, $10. Raymond Geddes Game Controller Erasers, $16 for 24.
Backpacks and Lunch Boxes
Pokemon Backpack, $25. Hylian Shield Backpack, $40. LuNCH bag, $13. For those who enjoy lunch…periodically. Legend of Kora Lunchbox, $9. Creeper Backpack, $40. TravelBoy Backpack, $40. Side note, I always hated how they were called GameBoys. Like, talk about needlessly gendering a product and potentially ostracizing half your market at an age where children relentlessly make fun of each other for not conforming to social norms. Marketing fail. But I digress.
Computer Equipment and Tech Accessories
Toshiba Chromebook 2 (with 4 GB of RAM), $279. The reason I’m recommending the 4 GB of RAM is because I’m also going to point you in the direction of this nifty guide to installing Linux on your Chromebook in such a way that you can move between Chrome OS and Ubuntu in a keystroke. SleepPhones, $40 or $100 depending on whether or not you want bluetooth. Dorm rooms are noisy, sleep to the sounds of Jim Dale reading you Harry Potter without choking yourself or sticking something uncomfortable in your ears. Laser Projection Bluetooth Keyboard, $130. Take notes on your tablet in the most badass nerdy way possible, basically. 8 GB of Finn, $15. These USB drives are called Mimobots, by the way, and they’re all really adorable.
Stress Relief
Enchanted Forest Coloring Book, $16. Because who doesn’t want to fucking color after a midterm. Goodnight Darth Vader, $15. Then the question becomes: can you convince your roommate to read you a bedtime story? Nerdblock, $17 per month for 6 months (other subscription lengths are available). Basically, it’s a box filled with a bunch of nerdy stuff like a tee-shirt and action figures that’s sent to you every damn month. Tenth Doctor Onesie, $40. Because homework will be better this way.
So You’re Moving For School
Dorm room? Off-campus? We’ve got you covered. Han Solo Fridge, $150. For those whose universities do not provide this necessity. LaundryBoy Hamper, $20. See above rant. But look at how cute the PokeLaundry is. Tardis Trashcan, $50. Brain Specimen Coasters, $20. Don’t get charged for wrecking furniture if your new place comes furnished à la université. D20 Bowl Set, $13. Perfect for limited space, only-need-two-bowls-type situations. 
Star Trek TNG Shower Curtain, $25. For y’all luckies with apartment-style dorms or off-campus housing. Tardis String Lights, $20. Resist institutional lighting. Periodic Table of Elements Blanket, $30. Study while napping. Doctor Who Bath Towel Set, $50. Probably your roommate won’t have the same towels so there will be no mixing them up. Unless of course your roommate is a nerdy Straddler, in which case RIGHT ON YOU WIN THE ROOMMATE LOTTERY WORRY ABOUT THE TOWELS ANOTHER TIME.
We’re All About It: Step Up Your Hot Beverage Game With A Variable Temperature Kettle
Welcome to We’re All About It, where we talk about investment-worthy things that are going to make your adult lives 100% more amazing.
No matter our differences, what unites us all is our intractable dependency upon caffeine, no matter its form. It’s what defines most of our mornings, many of our afternoons, and sometimes our evenings (or early AM hours). Give yourself the gift of perfectly steeped and/or brewed caffeinated beverages today, and thank yourself for it forevermore.
FOR TEA: Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Litre Kettle
by Fikri
When I moved in with former Hot Intern/Editor Laura Wooley — otherwise known as Queen of All Things Craft and Cooking — last year, I was amazed at how well stocked her kitchen was for a grad student: full spice rack, pizza stone, and some pumpkin-inside-scooping gadget. (I was openly skeptical of the last one so she went out of her way to demonstrate its usefulness. I’ll concede it facilitated a delicious quinoa-stuffed butternut squash situation.)
Y’know what she didn’t have though? An electric kettle.
I soon learnt that this was a common phenomenon among USAmericans, which was as curious to me as ads for lawyers on the subway and the lack of on/off switches on wall sockets. The student halls I lived in in London had a morbid fear of fires — the city’s only burnt down a couple of times, after all — so we had regular fire drills, pain-in-the-ass fire doors along every corridor, and an enforced ban on smoking and most electrical appliances, but not kettles. Never kettles. When you move in you’re given an ethernet cable and a cheap plastic kettle, because surely that’s all a student could ever need.
Anyway, here I was, newly arrived in New York City with 20-odd varieties of tea (amassed over three years’ worth of winters), and the thought of boiling water on the stove and taking manual temperature measurements each time I wanted a cup of tea (which is often) didn’t quite appeal to me. So I got the wifi password, set up my bank account, and used my unexpected kettle-less existence as an excuse to order the variable temperature kettle of my dreams.
HAY SEXY LET ME HAVE YOU DELIVERED TO MY HOME
There are a lot of variable temperature kettles on the market, but I settled on the Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-liter Kettle for two main reasons: first, it’s stainless steel, which is hardier than plastic and easier to clean than glass, and second, it works. It actually reaches the temperatures it says it does by slowing down the boil when it approaches the target temperature. (Other kettles might go to a straightforward boil then allow the water to cool, which can be similarly accurate but slower.)
The CPK-17 is marked with six temperatures: 160º (Delicate), 175º (Green), 185º (White), 190º (Oolong), 200º (French Press), and Boil (Black). There are other kettles that allow you full manual control over the temperature, but this wasn’t important to me as a tea-drinker because these options encompass the full range of temperatures that I require. More importantly, I’m Fahrenheit-illiterate, and tea requires more precise measurements than the rough Celsius-to-Fahrenheit conversion I do in my head for the weather.
Could I really justify shelling out for something that essentially just boils water though? G-d, yes. This kettle is the first fancy-ass kitchen appliance I’ve dared to treat myself to and it was worth every cent, you guys. I’ve started drinking a lot more white and green tea, which is good for both my sleep cycle and taste buds, as well as more tea, period, which was probably the main reason I didn’t just curl up in a corner and cry through all of my first (and thankfully, only) NYC winter. Leaving some lemony gunpowder to brew while I got ready to leave the house became part of my daily schedule, making morning classes on sociological theory that much more tolerable.
I don’t even know what life is like without perfectly steeped white tea anymore.
via Shutterstock
If you’re looking for other tea-related paraphernalia to complement this kettle, I like to brew loose leaf in bottom-dispensing teapots, which allow me to watch the leaves unfurl and are less messy than in-mug tea infusers. (Well mainly I like mine because my girlfriend bought it for me, but y’know.) And while I know there are cooler-looking dedicated tea tumblers, I’ll forever swear by insulated Klean Kanteens for their versatility and durability.
Price: $89.99
Good for: People who drink (non-black) tea regularly
Buy: At Amazon
FOR COFFEE: BonaVita 1-Litre Electric Gooseneck Kettle
by Natalie
I love me some good home coffee equipment. There are a handful of factors that stack up to reasonably consistent manual drip coffees at home: good beans, a good grinder, a gram scale, a thermometer, a reasonable filter method… okay, it’s a big handful, I have big hands. To up my manual coffee game I was looking for a kettle with a gooseneck spout to get closer to optimal deliciousness extraction, but was loath to spend much money on a pouring vessel when it would just add another step to the finicky coffee process.
So I thought I would spend even more money on a great electric kettle that could prevent laziness from getting the better of me by combining some of the abovementioned factors. I’ve had my eye on the BonaVita Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle since Clive Coffee had it up for preorder. At first I thought that it was not meant to be in my life because I could only find them in US stores and was convinced the voltage differences wouldn’t work out, making me lose money and a great kettle to lousy voltage converters. Fortunately, around the same time that I was visiting Fikri in London, I figured out that BonaVita of course sells kettles for the UK market which would work perfectly with Singapore’s power points! Alas, it was out of stock everywhere I looked in London, but I found one last unit in the warehouse storage of Dublin’s Coffeeangel. Because Fikri loves me (even though she is allergic to coffee), we bought cheap plane tickets to get me to the sexiest kettle ever.
Oh, this thing? We only had to FLY TO IRELAND to get it.
This kettle heats water quite precisely up to your specified temperature, and holds it there until you’re ready to use it. The water reaches temperature quickly (four minutes or less*, enough time to grind two cups worth of coffee with a hand mill). The spout then enables you to pour like a badass; especially for pourover novices like me, this kettle is super forgiving. This is because it agitates the grounds with a thin stream for a more even extraction, so you can concentrate on where you pour more than how fast/slow you’re pouring**. The thinner stream also makes the pour more visually legible — the grounds give up coffee oils as you go, and you can compensate for an uneven pour if you notice less oils. It’s especially helpful on the bloom step where you need just enough water to saturate the grounds for a more even brew.
* Electric kettles work slower in the US because of the lower voltage, so you might get slower times.
** One of the key ways to get an even extraction in manually brewed coffee is to agitate the grounds thoroughly, and in pourovers this is most conveniently done with the force of the water hitting the coffee. You could always stir it in the filter, but that affects brewing temp.
I haven’t personally done a controlled pour/taste test, but my grounds beds in V-shaped drippers used to be concave and now they are a bit domed, which I take to mean that the extraction is gentler and more even throughout the bed of grounds. The slower pour rate also means that when I’m too lazy to time the brew, I approximate optimal brew time better than when I’m dumping lots of water into the filter at once. I can’t speak for how the spout or handle compare with other gooseneck kettles, but I can say that I haven’t found a more theoretically ideal kettle for pourovers.
And have you seen it? It’s so beautiful, and so easy to fall in love with. The brushed stainless steel, 360º rotating base, swooping gooseneck spout… The digital temperature control is straightforward, easy-to-read, and remembers the last specified temperature along with six preset/user-set temperatures (for you tea snobs). If this kettle were a human being, it would be a high-powered, ass-kicking executive who is also a prima ballerina. I wouldn’t normally justify spending that much on a kettle that can do most things a regular kettle/thermometer set up can do, but it really did help me get from sub-par to good with little effort. Pair it with a Kalita Wave dripper, which seems to make everything magically sweeter.
Price: $79.70
Good for: People who want to master pourover drip coffee at home (and tea)
Buy: At Amazon
10 All-White Monochromatic Looks To Snag Before (and After) Labour Day!
Maybe you noticed (and maybe you haven’t) but monochromatic outfits are the look du jour. All black has always been in fashion, but lately the pendulum swings towards bright crisp and clean whites. Of course, all white attire comes with a certain level of upkeep (like keep your Tide pen handy) and devil-may-care attitude. For nonbelievers, behold: ten outfits (+ a bonus from Jenna Lyons) to make you want to wear all white before Labour Day, and long after. I promise you’ll look splendid!
So you’ve decided to say f**k it and go head first into the ecru zone. Check these lovely humans doin’ all white like it’s no big deal!
How do you feel about monochromatics? Will you wear this non-color without a care? While you are deciding, you can shop our all white picks here!
Grills and Accessories We Recommend For Babes Who Barbecue
It’s almost Autostraddle’s own Babe-B-Q weekend! We’ll be hanging out with each other August 15 and 16 to grill up a storm, and everyone’s invited! We’ll also be guiding you through the process of grilling up said storm and getting prepared for the big event all week. You can view all Babe-B-Q posts here.
Here are some grills you might like!
Stef: Hibachi
A couple of summers ago, my friends and I were having a little get-together in McCarren Park on the 4th of July. Halfway through our first round of veggie burgers, the cops came around to tell us that nobody was allowed to grill in the park. You can’t take away our freedom on friggin’ Independence Day!!! Lucky for us, one of my friends had a discreet little hibachi grill. While other cookouts scattered throughout the park were shut down, ours continued on the DL and the cops were none the wiser. Little hibachi saved the day!
In addition to being small and unassuming enough to help you grill on the sly, the hibachi is convenient, efficient and downright adorable. I bought mine for $13 at the grocery store and have enjoyed multiple small-scale cookout situations ever since. It might not be my forever grill, but it’s my grill right now, and we are in love.
Aja: Charcoal
- Arrange the coals
- Light the damn coals
- Manually regulate the temperature
- Make some food hot
- Don’t burn anything down
Do you have charcoal, two sticks or matches? Do you have a grill? Do you have food? Great, you can probably do this. You don’t need a cordless Xerox machine that cooks to do all the work for you. Gas grills are fine, but how are they not glorified, expensive outdoor ovens? Where’s the skill and nuance and outdoorsy ruggedness and fun in that? The only way to rough it harder than a charcoal grill is if you’re literally cooking out of a bloody fire-pit like a Walking Dead character, or a Girl Scout.
Grill Accessories
Want bells and whistles? TOO BAD. Just kidding, here are some inexpensive grilling clips that are excellent for veggies, nifty kabob baskets so you don’t lose any of your preciously marinaded morsels, and a chimney starter that turns crappy charcoal into a column of perfectly smoky obedience. You can also give the process a boost with eco-friendly products like Frontier Tumbleweeds Firestarters.
Do you have any grill recommendations? Tell us all about your nifty grill accessories and all-time favorite grill in the comments!
Ilana’s Summer Essentials: Broad City’s Top 5 Warm Weather Looks
Ilana Glazer’s namesake character on Comedy Central’s Broad City often has me yelling at the computer screen, gushing over whatever she’s thrown together. Two parts Forever21 and one part Tumblr, Ilana encapsulates what I love the most about summer style (even though she seems to wear it year round). Glazer’s character’s version of NYC is one where sheer tops + caged bra letters are definitely office appropriate and you might wear Rihanna-off-duty low rise jeans for a dog walking session. There’s no denying that she’s completely uninterested in looking like anyone other than herself. Tomboyish, witty, bright, skin-baring but never quite crass, Ilana is who I’ll be emulating all through the sunshine months. Crop tops, bright lips and backwards caps is a zone I can endorse.
Bold Lips
from MTV
Never underestimate the power of a well executed lip colour. Ilana exemplifies this with pinks, purples, blues and even a dramatic black lip/SnapBack combo. It might not always be kiss proof, but your make out partner will get a kiss shaped souvenir.
Crop Tops
photo from Paste Magazine
Ilana understands the crop zone. Some might even say she is a queen of the crop. In case you needed another reason to believe, she’s got one on almost every episode. Case closed.
No Pants Zone
image from Tumblr
All shorts, all the time. Whether it’s denim cutoffs or just a lil’ pair of bike shorts, Ilana might convince you to turn your closet into a shorts haven.
Bras ‘N’ Bralettes
image from Refinery 29
Sexy and oft worn as a top: Ilana is a master of the underwear that is meant to be seen. An excellent foil for crop tops and trend-conscious sheer tees! I’m envious of every bra this broad owns.
Tomboy Femme
image from HuffPo
image from NY Mag
Last but certainly not least, Ilana is always reppin’ tomboy femme in a way that can’t be beat. Whether it’s backwards caps, loose jeans, visible briefs or just a sharp suit, there are elements of traditionally “feminine” and “masculine” presentations in her outfits.
I’ve pinned almost every look to my mental inspiration board — Summer 2015 is definitely seen through Ilana-tinted glasses. What are your go-to summer picks?
We’re All About It: How My KitchenAid Stand Mixer Made Me a Better Cook
Welcome to We’re All About It, where we talk about investment-worthy things that are going to make your adult lives 100% more amazing.
You know those documentaries about people who fall in love with inanimate objects, like the woman who married the Eiffel Tower? Well, this is a love story too. Not quite to that degree, but I’m not going to lie… I’ve thought about inviting my KitchenAid stand mixer into my marriage.
My GF in action.
Almost. I mean, it was my marriage that led to my ownership of the mixer, after all.
My wife Kristie and I gleefully registered for all kinds of wedding gifts prior to our ceremony two years ago, from a vacuum cleaner to a camping tent. I was looking forward to unwrapping the mixer most of all, however. There was something that felt so pleasantly domestic about it. I could picture myself in a half-apron, a charming dash of flour absentmindedly wiped across my forehead, making from scratch some kind of nourishing, perfect dinner — my trusty mixer standing by. For better or worse, I felt like I would be accessing some kind of time-tested tradition of providing for one’s family via the kitchen. Frankly, it reminded me of my grandmother. She’d passed away only a few years before my wedding, and the idea of holding court in the kitchen with a standing mixer, as she had, made me feel closer to my memories of her.
Vintage KitchenAid ads range from kitschy (1946) to horribly sexist (1935).
The appliance’s iconic design hasn’t changed much since its debut in 1919, and the colors available today evoke retro, pin-up style (look to Green Apple, Majestic Yellow, and Pink). My heart ached for a machine in Pistachio or Almond Cream, but I opted for the classic white, knowing that while we wouldn’t be cooking in our hideously red rental kitchen forever, I should probably match it for now. (And Pinterest abounds with tutorials on how to spray-paint your mixer in case you ever want to switch it up.)
Engaged friends of mine recently asked if it’s worth it to register for a mixer. Aside from baking French macarons, what do I really use it for? Sentimentality and love of timeless design aside, this machine is a beast. We have the KitchenAid Ultra Power 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer that comes with three attachments — a whisk, a dough hook, and a flat beater. Lots of other attachments are available online, but honestly, we’ve never needed more than these three.
I use the mixer for French macarons, yes, but also for things like mashing potatoes, blending brownie/cookie/cake mix, creaming butter, shredding chicken, kneading bread for dough, making frosting, beating eggs, and more. It’s satisfying to flip a switch and watch ingredients transform before your eyes—but even more satisfying to spend that time preparing other ingredients for your recipe, or getting a head start on dishes. That extra time (and energy) saved means more of my attention can be given to other aspects of cooking and baking, making me a better cook—and, like, probably a better person to be around since I’m not exhausted and cranky by the time the oven timer finally dings. As the KitchenAid motor whirs in the background while I’m cracking eggs or chopping vegetables, I know my ingredients are in good hands (or robot claws, whatever), and I can happily focus on other tasks.
Almond Cream, be still my heart.
So I practically shook my friend by the shoulders when he asked if it was worth registering for. While I think a good standing mixer really is crucial for finicky pastries like French macarons or meringues (and you should totally try making them), I’m surprised again and again at the ways the mixer comes in handy. The good warranty even scored us a new whisk attachment after I (genius, hello) stuck a spatula into the original one while it was still rotating.
Nowadays I usually forget to put on an apron before I cook or bake, and the amount of flour on my face is far from charming. But we’re going on two and a half years of marriage, and the mixer is more than keeping up.
Price: $299.99 – $359.99
Good for: People who like to cook or bake at home
Want a recipe to try with your new mixer?
Make Your Own Chocolate Peanut Butter French Macarons
Originally published on The Homesteady
You will need:
- 115g aged egg whites at room temp
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- 150g superfine sugar
- 165g almond flour
- 165g powdered sugar
- 25g cocoa powder
- Peanut butter
- Oreos (or their gluten-free equivalent, which I used here)
1. Weigh all of your ingredients ahead of time and have them set out and ready to go. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Prepare a piping bag or Ziploc bag open in a tall drinking glass with scissors nearby. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Sift the almond flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar together. Do this twice. Reserve the larger almond pieces that won’t pass through the sifter. If you have more than a tablespoon left over, try sifting them through one more time.
3. Using the whisk attachment of your stand mixer, whisk the egg whites until they become foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to whisk on medium-low until stiff, shiny peaks form. Slowly add the sugar.
4. Switch to medium-high on your mixer and continue whipping until stiff, dull peaks form. Check your egg whites periodically until you have a stiff meringue.
5. Turn off your mixer and remove the whisk. Add 1/3 of your dry ingredients and fold in with a spatula. Combine the rest of the dry mixture this way, folding until incorporated. Continue folding until the batter falls off the spatula in a ribbon-like drizzle, disappearing back into the rest of the batter within 30 seconds.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared piping bag. Snip off the end and pipe 1″ rounds onto your prepared sheets. Once all of the piping is complete, bang the trays on a table or counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. Let the trays sit out until the tops of the cookies feel dry to the gentlest of touches (about 30 minutes for me).
7. Bake the trays one at a time for 10 minutes, rotating once halfway through. Transfer the parchment paper or baking mat to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
8. Pipe peanut butter into the center of half of the cookies, and sandwich them together.
9. Crush a few Oreos and roll the edge of each macaron in the crumbs.
10. Store the macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best after sitting at room temperature for about 10 minutes!
Rebel Girls: 10 Queer or Otherwise Badass Indie Feminist Retailers You Should Support
Header by Rory Midhani
Somewhere, deep in the woods of the wild Internet, there are queer or otherwise totally badass indie feminist retailers tryin’ to turn a buck and maybe turn the tides of the world as we know it. Give them some of your love! Here’s ten of my faves, but please leave tons of links in the comments.
Aurora Lady
There’s not much for me to add here. Like, have you seen these shirts? Made by a one-woman feminist enterprise in Los Angeles, AKA the best place on Earth. I bet if you buy these shirts, ten people in LA will be magically mentally reminded not to waste water!
Autostraddle
Remember that “Misandrist” shirt I wanted for Christmas? It’s a fucking classic at this point. Go snag one! You could also buy enough scissoring print merch to cover your entire family’s bodies, but that’s up to you. (I recommend it.)
Bluestockings
I used to think every single person on Earth knew what Bluestockings was, but then I found out I was wrong and it gutted me. If you don’t have a feminist bookstore to support in your neighborhood already, or if you live in NYC and this happens to be your feminist bookstore, get shopping and keep Bluestockings open! Do it for the children. Also, do it for the awesome experience that is walking around this planet knowing Bluestockings exists. Also, do it because we live in a world where you can order from a feminist bookstore online and finding this out has changed everything.
Clavis and Claustra
This entire post began when an A-Camper handed me a tote bag that said “TOTES FOR WOMEN” above a big print of suffragists marching with a “Votes for Women” banner. It was this very tote which moved my Earth and commanded me to encourage us all to seek out the more original, unique, and indie feminist merch we wish to see in the world. And thus, tiny kitten, I am here ordering you to go to Clavis and Claustra and buy some feminist stationary or whatever. You will not regret it. (Also, that tote bag could hold the entire sun in it, I swear. It’s HUGE.)
Rainbow Alternative
True Story: I was thinking just this week that I should open an Etsy store carrying spray-painted tees and tanks with queer, feminist messages on them. Then I found out these motherfuckers beat me to it! And I’m not even mad, because this shit is dope.
Re/Dress
I mean, maybe you should own this shirt. Or any of the other zillion awesome pieces of vintage / totally awesome plus-size fashion stuff in here, but maybe this shirt in particular.
Rory Midhani
Society6 is a community in which everything is made by people goin’ it on their own, so that’s magical. But you know what’s even better? Sandwiched among the kick-ass Frida Kahlo gear and other hipster feminist goods are Rory Midhani’s own creations, ready for you to take home and cuddle in his stead! I, for one, wish I could put Rory’s drawings all over everything: my mugs, my rugs, my blankets, my shower curtains. Turns out I can! Buy some of his shit and support the best Co-A-Camp-Captain Ever in the process.
Tamaghosti
So, RedBubble is like Society6 in that it’s a bunch of independent stores selling their own thing and doing their own thing and kicking ass in general. But tamaghosti lives here, and that’s special. You’re gonna wanna put pics of you in these shirts all over your Tumblr, girl.
Wicked Queer
I think you’ve waited for this store all your life and never even knew it. Just an FYI.
Woman Made Products
Women make products sometimes. Ain’t that great. Um, of course it is. Now go buy all of them and stimulate the local economy of Seneca Falls, birthplace to feminism, in the process.
Women’s Industrial Exchanges
Did you know these exist all around the world? I didn’t! Maryland’s came highly recommended. To think, I could have been going to these marketplaces filled with things made by women and probably tons of feminist gear and instead I’ve been going to Target and H&M. It’s just not fair. (If you’ve been to one, let me know how the crop top selection was.
Rebel Girls is a column about women’s studies, the feminist movement, and the historical intersections of both of them. It’s kind of like taking a class, but better – because you don’t have to wear pants. To contact your professor privately, email carmen at autostraddle dot com. Ask questions about the lesson in the comments!
8 Vegan Cosmetic Products Just Waiting to Look Amazing On You
feature image via Shutterstock
Melt Cosmetics in Blitzed
A dreamy teal lipstick that is almost the exact colour of the Autostraddle banner. Matching your lipstick to a website is cool… right?
Pretty Zombie Cosmetics in 3 Witches
Vibrant purple lips are my go to mood lifter. If it’s good enough for Riri, it’s definitely good enough for me.
OCC Nail Polish in Wasabi
OCC has a reputation for being extremely pigmented. Wasabi might not be for the faint of heart, but sometimes acid green is the only suitable shade.
NYX Concealer Wand
Vegan cover up? Check. Just ’cause it’s concealer doesn’t mean you have to leave your morals behind.
Tarte Cheek Tint
Faking it isn’t always the best option, but you can totally fake rosy cheeks. I won’t tell anyone.
Manic Panic in Enchanted Forest
Your ALH called. It wants a dye job. Only Enchanted Forest green will do.
Nutiva Coconut Oil
What can’t this miracle oil do? It’s on almost all of our This Shit Rules lists. Plus it smells like you are on a warm, tropical island, which might be the next best thing to A-Camp.
Organic Makeup Remover
Eventually, you’ll have to wash all that expertly applied makeup off your face and there is a vegan makeup remover for that.
This Shit Rules: Damage Control
“This Shit Rules” is a beauty column where staff people list the items they can’t live without – the makeup, beauty products, and other shit we use every morning, before we go to bed, or in the car on the way to work.
Once every few years, I get tired of dealing with my curls. A little blow-out can give me a break from the fussing and futzing with out-of-place corkscrews or lopsided bed-head. So I took a little trip to my local Dominican salon to get a wash n’ blow. Now, I’m normally very, very, very particular about what I put in my hair, but I’ve had my hair blown out at this Dominican salon before, and I figured one little shampoo and condition with Suave or whatever they use couldn’t hurt. Whoo boy was I wrong. When the lady was done wrapping up my newly straightened locks I could not believe how incredibly straight she got it to look. Nobody has ever gotten my hair to be so damn straight and silky. It wasn’t until all of my hair was falling out in the shower a week later that I realized something had gone horribly awry.
A hairstylist friend informed me that they must have put a keratin treatment in the conditioner, which, when used with heat, bonds to the hair and basically murders it. Looks great straight, looks like straw when you wash it out. I was mortified. I immediately ran to Ricky’s to stock up on every organic deep conditioning treatment they had on the shelves. In the name of protecting your hair from damage and your pockets from the exorbitant sums of cash I spent trying to find the perfect product, here are the four that actually worked. All of the products listed here are free from parabens and sulfates, which are apparently very bad for curly hair or at least my stylist says so and that’s good enough for me.
Carol’s Daughter Monoi Oil Repairing Conditioner
I really couldn’t tell you what monoi oil is, but I like to imagine it is suckled from the nipples of woodland nymphs, because more than anything else I used, this conditioner got my hair feeling better than normal right quick. They also make a deep conditioner and a leave-in solution, but given how effective just this one product is, and the steep cost, I’d say skip the other stuff. And? It smells like dewdrops and rainbows.
image via Curlmart
DevaCurl Heaven in Hair
I never realized how much this shit rules until I really needed it. If you’re dealing with really terrible damage and need some extra help taming your rats nest, I wholeheartedly endorse this product. All of the Deva products are high quality, but they are also mega expensive (as are most products marketed toward curly-haired and “ethnic” women, but that’s another article for another time). Get a small 8oz. tub for occasional emergencies and try not to break it out unless you really need it.
image via Ulta
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Once you’re out of the shower and you’ve glooped your hair full of enough moisturizers to re-hydrate the state of California, you can squeeze the water out of your hair and run some of this stuff through it. Of all the leave-ins in all the land, this is the least “crunchy,” meaning that when your hair dries it won’t feel like it’s encased in a layer of ice. The coconut hibiscus smell is a little too saccharine for my taste but it doesn’t stop me from using this product every. single. day.
image via Amazon
Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey
This one isn’t for everybody. It smells so amazing you might be tempted to dump the whole canister on your head but BEWARE! It scoops out like a pomade, but then sort of melts onto your hair as it dries. It is very very oily. I recommend it only to smooth frizz and add a little extra shine on days when your hair is feeling extra dry or damaged. Try to keep it away from your hairline. Also you may find yourself trailed by a rabble of bees. This has literally happened to me a lot of times and I honestly don’t know what to do about it.
image via Amazon
No Running Required: Joggers That Don’t Need A Gym Membership
lead photo from GabiFresh
Chill people unite: joggers are the new normal. Joggers live in the realm of clothes you wanna wear around the house during a Broad City marathon and keep wearing when you hit up the grocery store/ambiguous queer hangout/night out. Typically made of comfortable cotton jersey, these almost sweatpants have established a stronghold in the hearts of many a clothes-wearing human. Somewhere, my 15 year old self is rejoicing at the fact that sweatpants are cool again.
But just because these bottoms are casual doesn’t mean you gotta be frumpy. Gabi shows how you can lounge while lookin’ super badass. Seemingly effortless, the vest, hat and sunglasses elevate a tee and joggers into something with a little more… panache.
Full of ease and a delight to wear, joggers put the leisure in atheleisure… What are your favourite ways to be comfortably cool?
The New Classic: The Great Outfit You Didn’t Know Was Hiding in Your Closet
One of the best kept secrets of style is how to look “put together” with minimal effort. It’s something I’ve only recently come to understand, and it starts by building an arsenal of basic, goes-with-everything items. This sweet look is a perfect example of how simple and perhaps ordinary pieces can come together for a look that’s sharp and pretty damn cute.
from freckle seoul
from freckle seoul
A little bit preppy and a lot of fun, this lovely outfit showcases a vibe that is a little bit tomboy, but easy enough to roll out of bed into. With a warm outer layer, it’s wonderful for when the weather is not quite winter, not quite summer yet. A white tee, gray trousers, double breasted coat and a large tote get that special kick from a pair of monk strap shoes. Transforming an outfit that is otherwise fairly normal into something of interest is easily done with a standout detail on one article. I’m quite partial to fancy shoes — if you get them in black or brown, even the most avant garde styles can blend seamlessly into your wardrobe.
I’ll definitely be sporting variations of this outfit all spring long — what are your go-to classics?
Put On My Dancing Shoes: A Guide To Gettin’ Down In Oxfords
feature image from style is style
With the prevalence of accessible and varied menswear inspired footwear, it’s of little surprise that the “oxford” or “brogue” has gained popularity in non-formal environments. Since many associate this shoe with school uniforms, itchy polyester and ill-fitting suits, it may be troublesome to find a way to incorporate lace-ups into a casual look. But wearing these bomb ass shoes is a breeze. I’m gonna show you how!
from hey jude
Street Style
tilda from gastrochic
Tilda does a metallic brogue with more metallics, naturally. Throw on an opulent scarf and a suave blazer, and you are ready for that life.
from lady moriarty
Sweet and slightly schoolgirl, knee socks and a flippy A-line skirt are an easy update to make oxfords a cutesy cool.
from WhoWhatWear
Casual cropped trousers with a boyish varsity say “I threw this on, and I look damn fine”. This is my ideal weekend attire!
from B. Jones Style
Straight up: I could find an excuse to wear all white with almost anything. Marigold and cream looks fashion forward with boyish footwear.
from courtshop
Crop, overalls and easy-going saddle style oxfords means you’ll be read for any rambunctious adventures that come your way.
from Who What Wear
Playful and sharp, a mini skirt and blazer combination looks lovely topped off with a sweet hat and classic black oxfords.
from vintage virgin
Suiting is a natural choice to pair with a classic oxford, but a bold print feels fun & fancy free!
Get Yours
Whether you’re looking to spend $30 or $300, there’s a slick oxford out there for you. Here are 9 of my current favourites!
There are a million and one outfit iterations that makes oxfords look sickening; my personal favourite pair are a silver set from Zara. How do you do your derbys?
Not A Basic Bitch: White Tees to Get Dressed with Ease
feature image from Garance Dore
Since stumbling upon greasers and teddy girls sporting white tees and cuffed jeans, I’ve held a special lil’ spot in my sartorial heart for the classic white t-shirt. Quite universal in it’s delivery, there is something so delightfully simple about it — straight forward and easy, I enjoy the possibilities that only a white tee can give ya!
In lieu of waxing poetic about plain white tees being a blank canvas (to be paired with virtually anything), I’d like to give a shout out to its best bud: the white “graphic” tee. I typically have a rotation of vintage and new ones to roll out of bed and into my day with. In light of warmer weather and longer days, here’s a couple of current favourites!
Although I often pair my t-shirts with easygoing denim, the styling potential is endless. Tucked into trousers, breezy with shorts or high-low with a skirt, this shirt is sort of like the fun-loving, goes-with-anything hero of your wardrobe. Take some cues from these street style babes!
From refinery29
from dailymail.co.uk
from refinery 29
from Garance Dore
How do you do you, in a tee?
5 Best Things To Wear To Your Gay Stay-Cation
Feature image via Andreas Saldavs/Shutterstock
On March 14, we want our readers to stay in together as part of Autostraddle’s International Staycation Spectacular! Follow along with everyone’s hotel parties, spa days, and indoor picnics around the world with the hashtag #StaycationSpectacular, and join us on the day of for the A+ livestream!
I’m not about to come here and tell you exactly what you must wear on your staycation. That wouldn’t be right, and it wouldn’t be true. But having a staycation is about being your best self, and these items have been hand-picked to point you in the right direction. Keep these ideas in mind when making your sartorial choices this Staycation Saturday, and you’ll be set for success.
1. Some bomb-ass underwear
Sonnet Study Corset in Noir, $59.99
Love Claudette Polka Dot Longline Bra, $78.83
Torrid Mesh Rumba Panty, $10.98
BlueBella Lottie Sheer and Satin Bodysuit, $68.08
Whether or not you’re planning to get sexy time in on your staycay, you’ve got to start your outfit with a confidence-building layer. That may mean pulling out your laciest, strappiest, most expensive lingerie item, or it may just mean wearing those super-comfy Gap boy shorts that always make you feel effortlessly cool and desirable. If you’re having trouble figuring out what that item could be, try this: Imagine your partner/crush/random object of desire is seeing you in sexy mode for the first time, and you’re looking fly but also totally like yourself. What are you wearing? That’s the winner.
2. The comfiest pants you own
Wonder Woman Sleep Pant, $38.50
Calvin Klein Underwear Collage PJ Pants, $42
Nothin’ But a Zzz Thang Sleep Shorts, $29.99
GapFit gFast Cotton Leggings, $44.95
This one is non-negotiable (unless you’re negotiating down to no pants, in which case I say, GO FORTH). You’re not going out today, except maybe to pick up an extra jug of OJ, so you don’t need to impress anybody with your ability to pick out weather-appropriate and underwear-hiding clothing. For me personally, staycation means pulling on the uber-comfy leggings that keep me warm and make my ass look amazing, while their high waistband provides enough space for my stomach to expand as I indulge in a day of snacking, chomping and imbibing. My girlfriend prefers the Aerie boxer shorts she stole from me a year ago, which is fine so long as they fit neatly into that category up there.
3. An oversized top half
Scissoring Sweatshirt in Red, $48
Lavish is the Life! Robe, $79.99
Drawstring Hoodie, $59.95
Kimono in Botanical Digital Print, $68.08
I’ve been lusting after a silk floral pattern robe for a while now. Not any particular robe; I just have this idea in my head that if I get one, maybe with a blue satin ribbon around the hem and some lacy detailing, my life will suddenly become perfect and my days working from my couch will feel elegant (carefree, even!) rather than self-indulgent. But I don’t have the money to shop at Anthropologie right now, so for my staycation I’ll be wearing what is legitimately the softest item of clothing I own: my Autostraddle scissoring sweatshirt. This part of the outfit is about versatility; it’s gotta be a little baggy, to keep you relaxed, warm enough that you don’t have to wrap a blanket around your body like a shawl (though feel free to do this anyway) and easy to remove if you decide to have a dance party and get a little sweaty. So, a robe, a fluffy cardigan, literally the best sweatshirt ever created…any of these will do.
4. Slippers
Gold Toe Fleece Lined Slip-On Slipper, $24.97
KISS GOLD Fresh Floral Print Premium Cotton House Slipper, $17.99
S’mores USB Heated Plush Slippers, $24.99
Daniel Green Women’s Gildy Moccasin, $40.18
Shoes are wonderful. I have like 5,000 pairs, most of which sit in a bucket in my closet because I wear the same salt-stained ankle boots every day. But you know what I can’t wear on Staycation day? Any of those shoes. On a day when the ideal maximum distance you walk is from the couch to the fridge, the only footwear you need is a good pair of slippers. Something soft and plush, with room to wiggle your toes and easy to slip on and off at a moment’s notice. If you’re planning on checking the mail or walking the dog, maybe find something with a sturdier sole. But if all you want is to treat your toes like royalty while you lounge on the couch, I suggest you follow Taylor’s footsteps (ahaha) up there and look into a USB-powered version.
5. Something wild
Tilt the End of Time Fascinator, $29.99
Rad & Refined Floral Cluster Sunglasses, $44
La Piscine Print Fanny Pack, $24
Large Velvet Hair Bow, $14.33
This is the item that will set you apart from any other staycationer. It’s that weird thing you bought on sale at the thrift store because you convinced yourself you’d make it your “thing,” only to stuff it up on the top shelf of your closet for the next six months. Maybe it’s a hat with a giant feather. Maybe it’s a tiara, or a gigantic red bow. Maybe it’s something that doesn’t even go on your head. The point is, it’s something you’ve dreamt of wearing, but never had the courage to take it out of the house. Well, today, you don’t have to take it outside. You just have to put it on.
10 Luxurious Robes for Your Staycation Snugglefest
On March 14, we want our readers to stay in together as part of Autostraddle’s International Staycation Spectacular! Follow along with everyone’s hotel parties, spa days, and indoor picnics around the world with the hashtag #StaycationSpectacular, and join us on the day of for the A+ livestream!
Hey there, you pretty kitty. It’s staycation time, so pour yourself a hot cuppa tea and melt into one of these yummy robes. A great robe makes you feel like you’re falling slowly down a deep deep tunnel of ambient warmth while being hugged by a million fluffy kittens who are purring into your ear, “Stay, relax, shhhh.” Perfect for lounging around, whether you’re hosting a PJ party, indulging in a snugglefest with some sexy company, or curling up in bed with a fav book.
Who needs to go outside and face the world? Not you, not today. Get your warmth on!
For Her Pleasure
Get the full-body plush experience with this hooded microfleece floor-length robe. This robe has everything: roomy unisex sizing, two belt loop options for a better fit, front pockets, chemical-free dyes, and a hood for your cold noggin. Available in unisex sizes S-4XL in a variety of colors and prints.
Alexander Del Rossa Fleece Hooded Bathrobe Robe, $49.99
Lasso of Truth
Now your can cosplay without even getting out of bed! Save the day in this officially licensed plush Wonder Woman robe! Lasso of Truth and bulletproof bracelets and Ms. Magazine t-shirt not included.
Wonder Woman Ladies Cotton Bathrobe, $59.95
Don’t You Know Your Queen
Be the queen bee whether enjoying a champagne breakfast or making naughty plans with a play partner. This satin shortie will look great over your cutest underthings or your lovely birthday suit. Available in fourteen shiny colors and available up to 2XL.
Veami Kimono Robe, $14.95-$39.99
The Smoking Gun
Won’t you look so fancy in this smoking hot smoking jacket? Take out your best pipe and your martini shaker and find some sexy company to share a quiet evening by the fireplace. Twill wool and cashmere blend with satin piping and satin lining, shawl collar and turn-up cuffs in a wrap style. This one’s an investment, but daaaamn, will you be dapper.
Duke & Digham Smoking Jacket in Thaddeus Black, $199.99
Reduce, Reuse, Relax
Whether you’re doing a sun salutation, making your own organic mud mask, or sorting your recyclables, be kind to yourself and the earth in this 100% GOTS certified organic cotton robe made with low-impact, environmentally friendly dyes. Namaste, betch.
Pure Fiber Organic Combed Cotton Bath Robe, $65.99
Red Hot Polka Dots
The company that makes your favorite house slippers now makes your favorite robe. It’s a little cute, it’s a little kitsch, it’s damn comfy.
Dearfoams Patterned Robe with Sherpa Collar, $26.99-$30.00
There Might Be Bears
If your idea of a good staycation activity is chopping wood or harvesting maple syrup from your trees or whittling yourself a new harness, this is the robe for you. We all know lumbersexuals appropriated the merciless and timeless style of wilderness lesbians, so take back our people’s signature look with this cozy flannel number in nine different plaid print options. Did I say nine plaid print options? Why yes, I did.
Noble Mount Premium 100% Cotton Flannel Robe, $39.99
Mud Mask Spaaah Realness
Get your spa on with this Turkish spa robe. Cut up a cucumber and plop some slices over your eyes. Splash your face with bottled water. See? It’s just like being at the spaaaaaah. This Turkish spa robe is actually made in Turkey. I don’t know if that actually makes it better, but the price is right and the reviews are glowing.
TowelSelections Turkish Cotton Bathrobe Terry Kimono Robe, $38.95
This is Not an Invisibility Cloak
Pack up your owl and head to King’s Cross Station, because it’s time to enter the magical world of Hogwarts in your official Harry Potter robe. Also available in Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor, depending on where the sorting hat assigns you, of course.
Harry Potter Slytherin Robe, $69.95
On the Prowl
Leopard print has that perfect mix of “look at me I’m so hot” and “don’t even think about messing with me.” True confession time: I have two fuzzy leopard print robes already and probably my next robe will be leopard print, too, because that’s how I roll. Maybe I will buy this robe. Oops. I did it. Are you ready to go on the prowl, too?
Casual Moments Leopard-Print Hooded Robe, $20.40-$40.80
Are you warmed yet, poppets? From your heart cockles to your lower extremities? Do you have a favorite robe for lounging? Are you buying a new one right now?
Spring Awakening: Crazy Cute Sweaters, Scarves and Outerwear for Warmer Weather
Some places in the world, the chilly pall of winter is starting to lift. The sky is a little bluer. The temperatures are steadily rising. And the spring bulbs are restless and waking beneath the ground. In some parts of the world, it is still a winter hellscape, but spring will be coming for us sooner than we know. It’s time to get into winter-to-spring transition time. Not quite warm enough for teeny weeny tank tops, but plenty warm enough to ditch the thermal underwear.
Comfy Sweaters with Spring Separates
Ditch the heavy jackets for light sweaters, dusters, and cardigans. Pair with everything from skirts and shorts to jeans and leggings.
via The Stylish Geek
via the fashion spot
Airy Scarves for Breezy Days
Scarves are so incredibly perfect for season transition time… or any time. You can style them a million ways and use them to cover up if it gets a little chilly. Look for fun prints and bright color to bring your look into bloom.
via girl with curves
Light Jackets for Style and Comfort
Put your down-stuffed, faux fur lined, sherpa collar jackets away for the season and keep it breezy with lighter fabrics and casual styles like moto jackets and blazers.
via queer.tumblr.com
via curvy girl chic
via pearls & twirls
Evan Rachel Wood Knows Exactly What You Should Wear This Weekend
Evan Rachel Wood, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress and babely human, might have mastered weekend cool. Earlier this week, the star was on set for a mysterious new film project in Portland. After changing out of a gorilla suit, she was snapped by Chris Hornbecker in an outfit from Wildfang. Evan made an oversized bomber, bright boots and a beanie a very enviable look… #EvanRachelWould, indeed.
If you’re lookin’ for exactly what Wood is wearing, you can snag it all at Wildfang.
I’ll be spending my weekend paying homage to ERW, now that I’ve whipped up a similar look with pieces from my own wardrobe.
Vintage Giants bomber, vintage flannel plaid shirt, black Old Navy high rise jeans(DIY cut off hem), Madewell “Bien Fait” tee, vintage beanie, vintage roper boots.
And if you don’t want to break the bank, a guide for your pleasure.
With the secret layer of warmth (shout out to plaid), I think Evan Rachel Wood makes this feel like easy but cute weekend/off duty/whenever wear. What do you like to wear when you are kickin’ it casual but want to look good?