LilSugar

Sexing Up Kids to Prevent Statutory Rape?

LilSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:00:18 PST

Who wouldn't raise an eyebrow over these digitally altered ads of prepubescent girls in buxom bodies?

Created by SERVE ad agency to help raise awareness about statutory rape in Wisconsin, do you think these images help or hinder the cause?

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Marc Jacobs Fall 2012

FabSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:18:17 PST

One thing's for sure - nothing is off limits or out of the realm of possibility when Marc Jacobs is at the helm. Set in a storybook-inspired castle-in-ruins wonderland, he presented his Fall '12 lineup with more than just a little fashion fanfare. The first word that comes to mind? Hats! And lots of them; each one more wonderfully whimsical than the one before. These wild toppers, in addition to the parade of rich brocade overcoats, giant safety pin closures, bejeweled pilgrim-like shoes, and more, served as a serious testament to Marc's vivid imagination. Our full runway report is coming soon, but in the meantime, click through to see all of Marc Jacobs's Mad Hatter wares now.

Experts Say Sexism Keeps Women Out of Military Combat Roles

Annie Scudder — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:06:25 PST

Ask GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum why women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles, and he will give you various reasons. First off, a man's emotions. Santorum believes men will try to save their fellow female soldiers, explaining this weekend: "instead of focused on the mission, they may be more concerned about protecting someone who may be in a vulnerable position, a woman in a vulnerable position." In addition to chivalry, Rick says "You throw on top of that just simply physical strength and capabilities," and women simply can't handle the job. Fortunately, the military, which recently opened 14,000 combat jobs up to women including tank mechanic and front-line intelligence, doesn't completely agree with Rick, and experts say "sexist" attitudes are responsible for a policy against trained female soldiers serving in combat positions.

Sociologist Ryan Kelty, who specializes in studying the military, tells LiveScience that the old-fashioned belief that women must be protected is not a good enough reason to exclude women who want to and are capable of serving their country. In other words, chivalry is not a legitimate basis to deny a woman employment, especially when there is no evidence that professional and highly trained male and female soldiers are incapable of carrying out their missions. Kelty explains the military should employ gender-neutral, objective requirements. For example, a soldier should be able to carry 100 pounds for eight hours, regardless of gender.

There may be back and forth, but the truth is that women already serve in these combat roles. In Iraq and Afghanistan, 144 women have lost their lives, 60 of them in combat, while 865 have been wounded. And countries including Canada, Israel, and Australia already allow women in close-combat roles. Despite the slow evolution of American rules on women serving, it can be said that the US military doesn't have the most retro policy. In China, women recruits must display a talent like singing or dancing and Russia holds a Miss Russian Army beauty pageant.

5 Strange Ways Chocolate Keeps You Healthy

Prevention — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:02:26 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

This sweet treat may also boost brainpower, help you relax, and more!
By Mara Betsch, Prevention

Show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day by nibbling a few chocolates - and making them a regular treat throughout the year. A recent study found that those consuming the highest levels of chocolate had a 37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29 percent reduction in stroke compared to those with lower chocolate intakes.

Though experts are quick to clarify that we should stick to moderate consumption of high-calorie chocolates, it’s hard to deny the cold, hard facts that chocolate can be a healthy addition to our diets.

Seven Surprising Ways to Sharpen Your Mind

Hundreds of studies have shown that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that promote heart health and may prevent many cardiovascular-related conditions, but we’ve dug up five more surprising health benefits. Read on for five new ways to justify your chocolate craving.

1. Chocolate May Help You With Math
Flavonols, compounds in chocolate with antioxidantlike properties, are thought to improve circulation, including blood flow to the brain. A 2009 study asked participants to count backward in groups of three from a number between 800 and 999. After drinking hot cocoa filled with flavonols, the participants were able to do calculations more quickly and accurately and were less likely to feel tired or mentally drained.

Learn a four more things chocolate can do for you after the break.

Grammy Awards: Lady Gaga

BellaSugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:20:11 PST

Lady Gaga wouldn't let her fans down on a night like the Grammys, and her hair and makeup were just as avant-garde as you'd expect: a mask of black netting, blond hair with a bold black stripe, strong brows, and statement-making red lipstick. Are you excited about what the Lady served up this year? Vote on all of our Grammy Awards polls here!

How to Throw a Midnight in Paris-Themed Oscar Party

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:26 PST

If you're planning on throwing an Oscar viewing party for Hollywood's big night on Feb. 26, then I suggest that you go big this year and give your event a theme. Take a cue from the nominees and let best picture nominee Midnight in Paris give you inspiration. It has plenty of elements that translate into an opulent party: Paris, the 1920s, and many of its own scenes of revelry. Here's how to use the Woody Allen film as your party muse, and don't forget to fill out a ballot with your Oscar picks for a chance to win an iPad.

How to decorate: Scatter vintage books by the authors featured in the film, like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot, and decorate with mini French flags and twinkle lights. Stand a cardboard cutout of the Eiffel Tower near the entrance of the party.
How to dress: The dress code can be either 1920s French (think flapper and drop-waist dresses), or you can just wear your regular clothes like Owen Wilson's character Gil, but you have to continually act surprised and impressed by your surroundings.
What to serve: A rainbow of French macarons, a cheese plate, baguettes, and fancy crepes. Serve champagne in '20s-style glasses like the ones used in the film (though these are disposable).

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Lacoste Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:18:02 PST

If the snow outside wasn't enough for NYFW attendees, Felipe Oliveira Baptista provided a few snowflakes of his own for Lacoste's Fall runway show this morning at Lincoln Center. As fake snow blew into the audience, Oliveira Baptista set the tone for his sporty chic ski-inspired line. Mixing in the old - Oliveira Baptista referenced uniforms the brand designed for France's 1966 national ski team - with the new, the designer conceived a smart mix of body-conscious pieces fitting for any après-ski occasion. One can easily head to the slopes, or to the cabin, in one of Oliveira Baptista's rugby-meets-ski minidresses and jumpsuits or sport-striped leggings paired with chic oversized parkas and coats. Leather quilted vests and jackets injected a luxurious touch to the overt sportif theme. With a play on fashionable function, Oliveira Baptista experimented with zippers, some of which opened up all the way up to the shoulders to replicate the look of a cardigan tossed over your shoulder, while others served as pockets for hoods disguised as a stylish oversized collar. More details from the collection below.

Trends: Oversized parkas, colorblock, sporty zipper accents.
Colors: Blue, red, off-white, gray, navy blue, black.
Key Piece: We loved the oversized parka jackets and luxurious quilted leather jackets and vests.
Accessories: Leather platform boots, wool and leather bucket bags, snow goggles/sunglasses, leather gloves.
Who Would Wear It: Anyone looking for a sporty play on Winterwear or otherwise, heading to a ski retreat or chic après-ski event.

Peter Som Fall 2012

FabSugar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:15:19 PST

Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich served as Peter Som's inspiration for his Fall 2012 collection - specifically, their knack for exuding femininity even when they donned menswear. The show started with a pretty ode to Winter white - monochromatic outfits got a textural punch thanks to cool fabric combinations like wool with organza. The play between masculine and feminine came through via tailoring and textures: streamlined silhouettes were softened with details like eyelet and bonded satin. There were strong sculptural references in the ultra-fitted tops that suddenly burst into waves of peplum, and wrap jackets structured with molded balloon sleeves. And what of the glamour that Hollywood icons like Hepburn and Dietrich were famous for? It came through in the luxe furs, particularly a teal fur coat over a twill voile pant that glimmered under the runway lights.

Trends: Multicolored fur, balloon sleeves, peplum, architectural silhouettes.
Colors: Plum, emerald, ivory, ruby.
Key Piece: The peplum tops are a must have for their mix of fantastic tailoring and femininity.
Accessories: Aperlai did the shoes, including two-tone pumps.
Who Would Wear It: Olivia Palermo sat front row, and we bet she'll be wearing the peplum tops next season. Confident, fashion-loving girls who crave a statement piece will dig this collection.

Prince Harry Breaks a Sweat at the Launch of an Exciting New Expedition

Lauren Turner — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:45:30 PST

Prince Harry hopped on a treadmill inside a test chamber during a visit to the BAFTA headquarters in London today. He was participating in the launch of Walking With the Wounded's Everest 2012 Expedition. Harry was involved with the organization's North Pole attempt last year and was named a patron of its latest adventure this afternoon. It's been a busy day for the prince, after he also made an appearance at the Royal Air Force's Honington base to meet with servicemen and women this morning. Harry will return to the line of duty himself later this year when he'll serve as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan. Until then, it looks like Harry is enjoying juggling work and fun since he hit the town with pal David Beckham last week.

Oyster Lovers: Make These!

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:45:11 PST

Although you can essentially enjoy the briny bivalve all year round, it's widely known that oysters are best eaten in months that have a letter "R." Oysters are delicious on the half shell, but my favorite way to prepare them is casino-style. Bacon and butter make everything taste better! The best thing about this recipe is that it can be prepared in advance. The herb butter will keep for a couple of days in the fridge, and the bacon can be crisped the night before you plan to serve the oysters. Bake them just before eating. Offer the oysters with sparkling wine and you've got the perfect appetizer. Here's the uncomplicated recipe.