Because I am supremely lazy, get department store-induced migraines, and am under the age of 35, most of my shopping takes place online. I’m currently in hot pursuit of a wedding guest dress that says, “This is a fancy designer, but it was on sale” so I headed to the one place for this kind of lewk, Revolve, and let me just say, I’m disappointed. Either they have an incredible model scouter that has somehow managed to find all alien-women crossovers who have four-foot long legs and normal-sized torsos, or the brand’s photo team retouches the sh*t out of the models’ bodies. I’m no Photoshop expert, so the fact that even I noticed something was wrong is a serious problem. From a consumer standpoint, I am not tempted to buy a dress that, according to the photo online, will only flatter someone who does not have a ribcage.
I absolutely stan brands that are proud to show their clothes, makeup, accessories, etc. on models who look like real people. Beyond just showing size diversity, I love a brand that chooses to not erase stuff like scars, freckles, cellulite and a bunch of other sh*t photo editors consider unsightly in a picture. Clap once if you’re more down to buy something if it’s shown on a model who looks like you…but, like, really pretty because they’re still models. Since major beauty and fashion brands don’t do this often enough, I want to commend a few who don’t retouch their models to the point where they are unrecognizable.
Fenty
This list is in no particular order, except for this first item because Rihanna is obviously the most amazing fashion designer/beauty guru/musical genius/God that ever walked the Earth and deserves to be first in everything. Riri showcases overwhelmingly diverse gorgeousness from Paloma Elsesser to Camila Costa to Slick Woods. I mean, all I can say is hell f*cking yes! I already knew Ri is a boss who does whatever the f*ck she wants, but what made me feel like this article needed to be written was an ad for her jewelry featuring a very untouched Aweng Chuol. The South Sudanese model is the definition of glowing. Like, what highlighter is she using? She has a few subtle facial scars, but so does everyone! I have one from the chicken pox under one of my eyes and, guess what, no one cares. Scars aren’t offensive and shouldn’t be edited out of anything—especially a beauty shot, which is a term I learned from ANTM. Thank you, Tyra. At the end of the day, Rihanna has the right idea here: she designs her makeup, jewelry, and clothing lines for all women to wear and feel hot in. We applaud you, Rihanna!
Dove
I obviously couldn’t write an article about brands that celebrate real people without mentioning the OG. Dove boarded the body positive train way back in 2004, you guys. “As a beauty brand, Dove has always celebrated real women and their beauty. We believe the Mark will help women identify reality in what can be a confusing, digital world and relieve some of the pressure to look a certain way,” Amy Stepanian, Dove’s Marketing Director said of the brand’s No Digital Distortion Mark campaign. It’d be cool if there was no need for a campaign like this, but we live in a superficial world run by superficial people, so we’ll have to take what we can get for now. To me, Dove is the epitome of realness and, although their ads can be a little aggressive with shoving their agenda down our eye sockets every chance they get, I love what the brand stands for. They’re like the opposite of Abercrombie’s former CEO, who didn’t believe that larger people are capable of being the “cool kids.” Gag. Correct me if I’m wrong, but any full-grown adult using the phrase “cool kids” in complete seriousness is still bitter about not being invited to parties in high school. Anyway, cheers to Dove for not being like this. Now everyone go buy some soap!
Aerie
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#AerieREAL is… loving the swim you’re in. Share your REALisms with #AerieREAL @Aerie
TBH I haven’t stepped foot in American Eagle since 2007, but I have ordered a few Aerie bathing suits and pajama bottoms online. The only reason I did such a thing was because I could get a sense of how the pieces fit because they are shown on everyday body types. The only evidence of Photoshop may be adding a cloud or two to their beach pics, but it looks like the models bodies are left intact. The fact that there’s like a bikini body ideal out there in the first place is gross, and brands like Aerie are thankfully shutting it down. Like, want a bikini body? Put on a bikini. Boom, done.
Aerie has been promoting body positivity sans photo editing for a while now—since 2014, actually. Yes, their creative teams edit the photos to give them a more editorial look, but they generally leave the models alone. When the brand first stopped editing women’s bodies five years ago, Aerie’s sales skyrocketed almost 30%. Wait, so you’re saying clothing that real women buy sells better when shown on real women? Color me shooketh! Well done, Aerie. We need more brands like this to show us the way when it comes to knowing your audience.
ASOS
As far as I’m concerned, ASOS can literally do no wrong at this point. I liked the brand before I learned about their editing policy, and now I am addicted. They stopped airbrushing back in 2017 with its ASOS Face + Body launch, which was a rebranding done right, if you ask me. In fact, if you’re a big ASOS fan, you know that they reject the word “beauty” because it’s too subjective and broad. Check out their IG for a refreshing celebration of their values, which we all need to adopt. I’m sure some of y’all are wondering why I chose the pic I did to represent the absence of Photoshop, as this model clearly never had an awkward phase and it shows. The reason I chose it because she’s clearly stunning and has gorgeous skin, but you can see her pores! Unlike most severe closeups beauty brands use to highlight whatever overpriced cream they’re trying to sell by trying to convince us that it erases pores, ASOS left this girl’s pores alone. And guess what? She’s still really f*cking pretty and I would gladly trade skin with her. Regardless of if you buy a beauty product or not, you should be happy to have the skin you’re in—even though it has pores. Everyone has them, people. Literally everyone. If you see someone who doesn’t have them, get them help ASAP because something is wrong.
Images: Matthew T Rader / Unsplash; asos_faceandbody, aerie, dove, awengchuol / Instagram
I don’t know about you, but it’s two weeks into the new year and I’ve already stopped following my New Year’s resolutions. The only thing I’m sticking to is trying to stay trendy on a budget. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: just because something is expensive does not mean it looks good, and the reverse is true. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to stay trendy! They’ll put that on my tombstone. Here are three trends that will be the talk of 2019 AND will keep you on-budget so you can keep paying for that gym membership we know you stopped using.
1. Neon
I’m not kidding—2019 is all about neon, neon, neon everything! I wasn’t on board with this trend until I saw Kendall Jenner wearing literally all things neon, and now I’m hooked. Tbh, she could wear a paper bag and I would run to the store to get my own.
The key to this trend is to have one thing in your outfit that stands out. Don’t go out in head-to-toe neon unless you want to be a traffic hazard, because that’s just dangerous for everyone. I found a great neon top from PrettyLittleThing. It’s perfectly on trend and can be worn in multiple different ways. Pair this with a black skinny pant, black leather pants, or even black jogger sweatpants for a full Hailey Bieber vibe.
PrettyLittleThing Neon Lime Snape Printed Scoop Neck Crop Top
If a top is too bold for you, try a neon shoe. It’s more subtle, but still lets everyone know that you’re trendy. Jeans, a T-shirt, and a neon heel is so 2019.
PrettyLittleThing Neon Yellow Clear Extreme Point Toe Mule
2. Hair Accessories
Another big trend for 2019 is hair accessories. I feel like I see every blogger rocking embellished headbands, and they look super cool. I’ve tried wearing headbands, and they make me feel like I should narrate the Gossip Girl reboot. XOXO, headbands are back.
ASOS Johnny Loves Rosie White Rhinestone Headband
Hair clips and hair bows are also very on-trend for 2019. Rhinestone hair clips are a great way to keep your dry-shampooed hair looking fresh.
ASOS Steve Madden Stone Hair Slides
Hair bows are perfect if you want to class up your Friday work outfit so your hangover is a little less noticeable.
Forever 21 Crinkle Bow Hair Tie
3. Top Handle Bags
I’m so happy top handle bags are in style because honestly, I’m sick of having a fanny pack around my body. It’s not comfortable and I’m tired of pretending it is! These bags are pretty and feminine, and they also help me limit the amount of makeup I feel is necessary to bring out.
Images: deborah kardenas / Unsplash; @kendalljenner, @Jenatkinhair, @carodaur / Instagram(3); PrettyLittleThing (2); ASOS (2); Forever 21; Zara
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
November chills force us to start layering and packing up our short-lived fall outfits. But just because it’s cold AF doesn’t mean you can’t look good. Thankfully, faux fur jackets are a trend that allow us to be both stylish and warm. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the cutest faux furs. Perfect for all your favorite holiday activities like blacking out on the sidewalk and chasing down your uber in 30-degree weather. But since you’re also a broke betch and need to save money for like, presents (ew), they’re all under $100. So don’t call PETA on me, because these warm and stylish coats are all #vegan and #crueltyfree.
Fall is finally here, which means irresistible-smelling candles will soon cover every surface in your house and Trader Joe’s will be your second home while you grab all their seasonal pumpkin products. It’s time to prepare for living our best lives hibernation szn with the glow of Netflix, the aroma of Thai takeout, and the feeling of comfy af sweaters. So long are the days where you’d slip on the same dress and pair of shorts week after week. It’s now time to embrace the same five sweaters and leggings you’ll rotate through every week instead. In case your closet is looking rather bleak in this regard, ASOS, as per usual, has your back. ASOS is currently hosting a 20% off cold weather sale that has exactly what it sounds like: everything you need for the chillier temps. From faux fur coats and sock booties to oversize scarves and chunky sweaters, you’ll find loading up your cart a breeze. Really, the hardest part will be whittling down your cart so you don’t spend $1,000. Since there are a bajillion amazing items to look through, I’ve done you a favor and picked out the best. Here’s everything you should shop right now from the ASOS cold weather sale.
1. ASOS DESIGN Textured Faux Fur Coat
Faux fur coats are making a comeback this fall and winter, yet again. Expect to see thrift shops packed with hipsters just waiting to grab a bougie-looking one like this style. Not only are they obviously hella warm, but they also make you look like hot B-list celeb as you wait to go inside the clubs.
2. ASOS DESIGN T-Shirt With Long Sleeve Split Back in Black
First of all, is it just me or is the name of this top like, really hard to say? Talk about a tongue twister. Anyway, not all comfy sweaters have to make you look like a Midwest soccer mom. You can spice things up and stay looking both trendy and warm with a open-back jersey top like this one. Dress it up with jeans and sexy booties, or keep it low-key and casual with high-waisted leggings and your fave Adidas sneaker.
3. New Look Block Heeled Ankle Boot
You can’t survive fall (emotionally, mentally, and physically) without owning a pair of black boots. Everyone in the English-speaking world knows that, tbh. This pair comes with a totally walkable three-inch block heel covered in a faux suede finish and it’s literally less than $40. I mean, what’s not to like?
4. ASOS DESIGN Crepe Pocket Detail Coat
For the (rare) nights you’re not hitting up the bar, you’ll need a casual and neutral coat to get you to and from the office, dinner dates, grocery store, and everything in between. A duster or trench coat is perfect for fall because it’s not overbearingly hot, but keeps you looking chic and warm on chilly nights.
5. Miss Selfridge Leggings in Black
I can’t go through the ASOS cold weather sale without including a pair of basic black leggings. It doesn’t matter if you already own hundreds of leggings that look exactly the same—you can always use one more. Don’t worry, I understand you. You’ll always need another and it’s not like you’re not going to wear them, duh.
6. Vila High Neck Knit Sweater
You need all of the sweaters. ALL OF THEM. Even if they’re all the same style, but in different colors, you won’t regret stocking up because I promise you, you’ll find yourself basically living in them for the next six months. High neck, mock neck, cowl, turtle… same cozy sh*t. You’ll also find yourself wanting everything in this burnt orange color.
7. ASOS DESIGN Long Tassel Super Soft Knit Scarf in Color Block
These things are so soft, warm, and versatile that you can literally wear anything with them. Why opt for one neutral color when you can combine two of the hottest shades of fall? This color-blocked style comes in a cream and beige that perf for throwing over your shoulders during your chilly morning commute.
Photo: Pete Bellis / Unsplash; ASOS (7)
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
If you’re recently engaged and the thought of dropping a couple thousand dollars on a wedding dress coupled with spending prolonged time with your mom/bff/soon-to-be mother-in-law perusing bridal salons is giving you high-level anxiety, time to chill TF out. The internet—and our favorite retailers to buy, like, T-shirts from—have come to our rescue and come out with a bunch of affordable wedding dresses that are still v chic.
Gone are the days of sitting in Kleinfeld’s and pretending to be totally OK with dropping $5k on a gown that will divide everyone in your wedding party. Seriously, do yourself a favor and at least peruse the online offerings from spots you already know, trust, and don’t have to guess your size for. You didn’t know these 5 retailers made affordable wedding dresses, which is why you’re so lucky to have me as a friend and confidant.
1. H&M
You have to poke around a bit, but H&M does offer some pretty cute and affordable wedding dresses if you search and categorize dresses by long and white. There are high-necked lace numbers for under $300, bridal separates, and this slinky, sexy satin dress that’s ideal for a beachy wedding. Plus, they have some decent basics to fill your suitcase with after you decide married life isn’t for you and you need to start a new life on an island with some cats. Just saying.
2. Anthropologie – BHLDN
Boho betches know that Anthropologie has an entire line dedicated to weddings, BHLDN. Dresses range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars and come in tons of styles from “I don’t care and I’m gonna rock this tiny lace see-through thing” to “I need a glam gown that looks like I spent $10k”. The best part is that BHLDN stores are an actual thing, so if you’re not into ordering your wedding dress online, you can trek to one of those locations and try it on IRL with or without your entourage.
BHLDN medallion gown3. Free People
The favorite for festival wear and Coachella hats actually makes some very summer and beach-worthy dresses for those of you that enjoy camping and not combing your hair. You can channel Princess Jasmine in this revealing number (and piss off your mom) or channel your inner gypsy in the Canyon Moon dress—probably while reading Tarot cards!
Free People canyon moon gown & duster
4. Modcloth
Yup. The retro-vibe clothing line offers a lot of tea-length and full-length dresses that are perfect for a super casual wedding where you don’t feel like dropping more than $500 on something you’re only going to wear for eight hours of your entire life. If you aren’t into wearing one of these for a wedding, they make a great rehearsal dinner or shower dress, too. Prices range from $65 for those on sale to around $350, so you can still afford a 10 hour open bar so, #priorities.
Modcloth graceful grandeur maxi dress in ivory
5. ASOS
If you haven’t heard of this before, prepare to blow all your money on this wonder. Prices range from about $20-$550 when you sort by wedding stuff, and the options are jaw-dropping. Art Deco style fringe dresses and pink-tinged bridal lace dresses are all amazing finds from this retailer, and many of them are lower than $200. There are also tons of bridal shoes, hair accessories, and other wedding sh*t you didn’t realize you needed! Praise be.
ASOS Edition wedding dress with paneled seam
Images: Melody Jacob / Unsplash; ASOS; Modcloth; Free People; Anthropologie, H&M
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
There’s no better feeling than splurging for a new set of clothes. At the end of every pay period, whether you’re working hard or hardly working, you deserve to treat yo’self, in ways that don’t involve alcohol, for surviving yet another work week. As the weather gets nicer and we ease our way into easy summertime livin’, this means stocking up on flirty dresses, strappy sandals, and the perfect bathing suits before the basic bitches get to them first. Our savior, ASOS, is helping you out by holding a 30% off summer essentials sale. This means there are some cute af dresses, shoes, swimsuits, and a bunch of other shit for like, SO cheap. Amen. Here is what to load your cart with from the ASOS summer sale.
1. ASOS DESIGN Lace Insert Tie Front Top With Ruffle Hem
I’m starting to see these shirts everywhere, so the pressure is real to buy one ASAP. The balance of slutty and trendy is almost too good to resist, so rest assured you’d be putting this to good use with various outfits this summer.
2. Lost Ink Navy Espadrille Platform Heeled Sandals
Wedges aren’t really a thing anymore, but thick block heels definitely are. This wraparound style will for sure get you tons of compliments every time you wear them out, and it’s an added bonus that they’re comfortable enough to last hours in.
3. ASOS DESIGN Denim Wrap Skirt In Stonewash Blue
Denim skirts that teeter on the fine line of “Is my ass showing?” should be left in the 2000s where they belong. The modern midi-length version is one that’s appropriate enough to take from office to happy hour hoe without flashing everyone when you get out of your Uber. Bless.
4. ASOS DESIGN Scuba Bardot Double Ruffle Pleated Mini Dress
The limit does not exist for how many summer dresses one can possibly own. Whether it’s for a summer wedding, boozy brunch, or weekend getaway in the Hamptons, you’ll find more than plenty of occasions at which to flaunt this one. The fun coral color will make you look like a glowing goddess, and its ruffle top comes in clutch just in case your summer bod isn’t quite ready for a tight af bodycon (hi, it’s me).
5. ASOS Strappy Ring Back Swimsuit
If you don’t take a Bambi Insta in a one piece swimsuit, did you even really do summer? The one piece trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon, so a solid black style with a scandalous neckline and ‘gram-worthy strappy back is a must-have at this point. It’s also under $20, sooo yeah, you’re like, so welcome.
Photo: Melody Jacob / Unsplash; ASOS (5)
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Now that spring has finally arrived in New York for a whole day, the weather feels great and I’m motivated to look as good as I feel. Here’s my daily struggle to which I feel we can all relate: I literally have nothing to wear in this weather. And by nothing, I mean I have nothing I actually like. I can stare into my fully stocked closet for hours (as I do to my fridge every night), and still find nothing appealing. So, obviously this justifies spending my last paycheck on an entire new wardrobe, because wtf else is a girl supposed to do? Coincidentally enough, ASOS is having a huge af sale. B-L-E-S-S. Final reductions mark everything up to 60% off, so at this point, you just kind of have to take advantage. All of the shit is incredibly overwhelming, so here are some starters to consider.
1. PrettyLittleThing Frill Hem Jumpsuit
We all need at least one piece of clothing in our closets that we can wear to just about any occasion—whether it be a wedding, Hinge date, or a much-needed tequila-filled GNO. When it doubt, jumpsuit it is. Pair it with heels you can actually walk in, and you’ll look both skinny and tall af.
2. ASOS Body With Caging Detail
Bodysuits make you look v trendy, five pounds lighter, and they always go with any bottom you own. They’re basically life and I’m so thankful being a grown-ass adult wearing a onesie is considered fashion.
3. ASOS Tailored Paperbag PANTS in Pop
Tapered pants are a #mood, tbh. Take them from your dreary office for boss betch vibez to the nearest happy hour because they’re also chic enough to get tipsy in. For a major spring statement, opt for a bright color you can mix and match a neutral top with.
4. Oh My Love Cami Mini Dress
You might as well stock up on some summer staples while you’re at it. You can never have too many basic bodycons because hoe is fashion. And life. I may be biased, but square necklines always look better to me than overdone round ones, and this dress has a caged back you can totally take a “candid” backside Insta in it.
5. Parisian Distressed Denim Jacket
Spring = denim jackets. The weather is too damn confusing around this time of year. It’s too cold to go out without a jacket, but too warm out to wear your winter one. Keep it street style chic and low-key with a denim jacket you won’t mind carrying all night.
6. ASOS OMEN Wide Fit Tie Leg Heeled Shoes
Clearly, block heels are here to stay and honestly, praise be because who is really trying to bar hop in stilettos? Like, I’m not trying to bust my ass. An open-toed style with a wrap tie goes v well with day drinking festivities. Since these come in a color that’s like a combo of gray and summer taupe, you can def wear them multiple consecutive days in a row without anyone saying shit.
Images: Matheus Silva / Pexels; ASOS (6)
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
I really thought the world was working towards becoming a better place in 2018. I mean, Oprah’s like basically our president now and Bring it On is on Netflix. It’s less than two weeks into the New Year, and this year is already exceeding my (ridiculous low) expectations. Except, I do have one serious bone to pick with 2018, and that’s the fact that we’re still letting ridiculous jean trends happen.
Even though I clearly told you guys to leave stupid jeans behind in 2017, the trend obviously isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Which is like, pretty shocking because I really thought that my sarcastic vaguely fashion-related ramblings really had a serious reach. Anyway, ASOS just rolled out the dumbest effing jeans I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I genuinely believe these are the worst ones yet. (And yes, I’ve seen those thong jeans.) These are so heinous that I wouldn’t even be into them if Rihanna wore them.
I have a lot of questions. The first, most obvious one is what the fuck? I’m not really sure what look is trying to be achieved here, other than “I may be down for some casual butt stuff,” but my first impression is that someone tried to resurrect an Abercrombie denim mini skirt by handcuffing it to some pants legs.
Secondly, why are these crotchless? What kind of underwear are you supposed to wear with these? I’ve finally warmed up to the idea of letting a Calvin Klein waistband sit over the top of your jeans, but this feels like we’ve lost all control of the human race. Am I weird for wondering if these are easier or more difficult to go to the bathroom in that regular jeans would be?
These jeans are apparently reworked Levi’s. They’re $119, which, at the risk of sounding like every uncle making fun of his niece’s ripped jeans, feels kind of steep for a pair of pants that literally shows your entire ass.
To be totally transparent, I will admit that in a moment when I’d obviously entered a questionable headspace, I did buy a pair of jeans similar to these from Forever 21. I know, I know. But, they don’t show my butt, crotch or any other body part that could potentially get me arrested for public indecency. I did try to track them down online to defend myself so you could buy them, too, but because Forever 21 is a total shit show, I can’t track them down. If you want them, you’re going to have to do it the old fashioned way and rip through dozens of racks of clothes that look promising but actually have “no fuckboys allowed” or french fries embroidered on the front.
