Style Resolutions: How to Wear a Sleeveless Blazer

Blazers are high on our list of must-haves, but sometimes you need a break from the sartorial heavy-hitter — especially during those warmer months. Enter the sleeveless blazer. They pack just as must polish, but keep things on the lighter side. And even though we’ve been seeing celebs rock this powerful piece with LBDs and the like, they make a mean addition to a kicked-back tee-shirt-and-sweatpants combo too. From redefining the power suit to putting an unexpected twist on streetwear, here are three new ways to rock that no-sleeves number.

On-Duty

The office is the most obvious place to wear this modern twist on a classic jacket. The sleeveless blazer allows you to maintain a certain level of polish during warmer weather, while keeping you cool and 100% on top of your sartorial game. Metallic-heeled wedge mules, a tribal-inspired collar and a black leather backpack play off traditional work-week standbys, redefining the concept of nine-to-five style.

Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($100) + Warehouse Tile Print Shift Dress ($82), Charles Keith Open-Toe Slingback Wedges ($93), Lizzie Fortunato Red Double Take Necklace ($290), NARS Audacious Lipstick in Poppy Red ($32), Kelsi Dagger Assembly Leather Backpack ($232)

Party On

You probably have a pretty solid lineup of night-out outfits going, but this is just one more fab option to throw into the mix. Send your go-to outerwear the way of the dodo this season, opting instead for lightened-up versions that pack a punch. A sleeveless blazer infuses even the most understated ensemble with a little “It Girl” factor. And those leather shorts aren’t just for hitting the dance floor — they’ll make a mean addition to your day-to-day wardrobe.

Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($100) + Luv AJ Classique Bracelet ($105), Flynn Grayson Crossbody Bag ($180), Mango High-Waist Leather Shorts ($90), Jeffrey Campbell Allude Sandals ($135)

Weekend Retreat

Instantly add polish to a laid-back look by layering on that sleek tailored topper. Joggers, bright trainers and a boxy chambray shirt create the base for this effortlessly cool getup, and are just as ready to take on the city streets as they are for an afternoon lounge session with your ladies. An arsenal of unexpected accessories elevates the separates into sports luxe (read: seriously chic) territory.

Mango Linen-Blend Pocket Vest ($100) + River Island Gray Jersey Leather Look Trim Joggers ($70), & Other Stories Graphic Leather Bag ($120), Komono Dreyfuss Sunglasses in Tortoise ($50), Lionette Assi Bracelet ($125), Toast Riva Top ($105), Nike Air Max 1 Ultra Moire ($130)

What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!

If there’s one pattern with more staying power than plaid, stripes, and polka dots combined, it’s definitely leopard. As you look ahead to the upcoming ho-ho-holidays, this feline-inspired print will be the strategic piece in shaking up your winter wardrobe for everything from the office Christmas party to a blowout NYE bash. Practice moderation this season with pieces that deliver just the right amount of “rawr” without entering OTT territory. Ahead, we’re sharing three non-intimidating ways to pull off leopard, according to your fave celebrities.

How to Rock a Leopard Shift

Former SNL cast member Sasheer Zamata’s shimmery leopard shift dress was the real MVP at Kate Spade New York’s most recent fashion week presentation. Pair this long-sleeved cheetah print frock with a sleek red-orange coat and mink fur loafers that deserve a double take. Last but not least, a floral embroidered ladylike satchel and celestial-inspired drop earrings will have you channeling your inner Hollywood starlet before you know it. (Photo via Robin Marchant/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Essentiel Antwerp Leopard Print Shift Dress ($218), French Connection Platform Felt Long Sleeved Smart Fit Coat ($298), Banana Republic Celestial Linear Earring ($58), Rebecca Minkoff Amelie Flat ($250), Mango Floral Embroidery Bag ($80)

How to Rock a Leopard coat

Start taking notes, bad betches. Bella Hadid’s DGAF style is yours for the taking. Peep this textured faux fur topper that’s easy on the eyes — and wallet. Adopt a rocker ‘tude with a Nirvana t-shirt, faded black frayed-hem jeans, and scene-stealing star ankle boots from style influencer Danielle Bernstein’s debut footwear line, Archive Shoes. Transition your getup from day to night with a hands-free belt bag, a layered Bing Bang pendant necklace, and a pair of Le Specs’ now ubiquitous cat-eye frames. (Photo via Alo Ceballos/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: H&M T-Shirt With Printed Design ($18), Bing Bang Bad Bitch Necklace Set ($150), H&M Faux Fur Coat ($80), Le Specs The Last Lolita in White Marble ($119), Zara Crossbody Belt Bag ($30), Archive Shoes The Madison Boot in Black With Silver Stars ($298), RE/DONE Stove Pipe in Washed Black ($240)

How to Rock a Leopard Mini

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander successfully demonstrates how to incorporate leopard into your day-to-day uniform. On the prowl or off, this jacquard weave wrap-over skirt will always do you right. Teamed with a mini pebbled leather saddle bag and effortless Breton stripes, the result is more Kate Middleton, less tough-girl-in-training. But perhaps we spoke too soon? The addition of a denim jacket, contemporary hoops, and towering lace-up booties, and you’re ready for a night out on the town. (Photo via Pierre Suu/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: Alexa Chung Breton Stripe Top ($180), Tictail Linkage Hoop Earrings ($72), Zara Jacket With Eyelets ($70), Cuyana Mini Saddle Bag ($195), Jeffrey Campbell Legion Heeled Lace-Up Booties ($165), H&M Textured Skirt ($35)

Which of these celebrity-approved getups will you be rocking this winter? Follow us on Pinterest for more styling inspo for the season!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

We've been talking about discovering the best drugstore mascaras, matte lipsticks and brow gels, but did you know you're supposed to replace your makeup products annually? This is one of those things TikTok gets right because beauty doesn't have an immortal shelf life. If you're getting the ick thinking about that trusty concealer you've used the last few years, we don't blame you!

Before you start rage or panic-cleaning, I chatted with the experts to understand what to replace — and when you should replace them! After hearing from Shawnelle Prestidge (Makeup Artist and Founder/CEO of PRESTIDGE beauté) and Joey Healy(Advanced Esthetican and Founder of Joey Healy Eyebrow Collection), I feel way more confident with my beauty cabinet. Here's what you need to know!

TL;DR

  • You can find a product's PAO (period after opening) date — AKA expiration date — on the back of the packaging.
  • Mascaras and eyeliners have the shortest shelf lives, and they should be replaced around every 3 months.
  • Foundation and concealers should be replaced once a year.
  • Lipsticks can be replaced once a year, but lip glosses can last up to 18 months.
  • Powder-based products can last a year and a half to two years.
  • Nail polishes are good for up to three years.
  • Fragrances start to break down after five years.

How can someone check the expiration date for their makeup?

Rachel Weeks

How many times have you picked up your order from Sephora or Ulta without looking at every detail of your makeup products? We're guilty of being more concerned about adding something to our routine too so don't feel like you're being called out! If you're not 100% sure how to start being mindful about something's shelf life, Prestidge and Healy want to let you in on a little secret.

"It's actually pretty simple. There's something called a PAO symbol, which stands for 'period after opening.' You'll find it on the exterior of makeup products — sometimes on the product itself but always on the box," he says. Wondering what it looks like? Healy says, "The PAO symbol looks like a small jar with a number followed by the letter 'M,' which stands for months. For example, '3M' means three months, '6M' means six months, and '12M' means twelve months."

Prestidge also adds, "Brands often print batch codes that consumers can input into websites like CheckCosmetic to determine the production date." If you've yet to open your product, Healy says "A good rule of thumb is to assume it will last about twice as long. So, if the PAO says '6M,' the product is good for six months after opening and likely up to twelve months if unopened."

Do some makeup products have a longer shelf life than others?

Tima Miroshnichenko

Based on what Healy shares, it's evident different makeup products have longer shelf lives than others, and there are plenty of different factors that determine why. "Products like mascara and eyeliner, which are used around the eyes and tend to be liquids or creams, typically have the shortest shelf life due to their risk of bacterial growth. You should replace them every three months," he says. Excuse us while we collectively clutch our pearls.

Now that we've caught our breath, we can breathe a sigh of relief because Healy says that's the only products we have to replace a little quicker. "Foundation and concealer, which are also liquids, can usually last up to a year. Lipstick is good for about a year, while lip gloss can last around 18 months," he shares. Still, Prestidge feels you should be especially mindful of liquid and cream products because their shorter lifespans are attributed to "their high water content which fosters bacteria."

For those of us who love other face products, we have an even longer time to replace them. "Powders, like brow powders, bronzers, and blushes, have a much longer shelf life — usually a year and a half to two years," Healy explains. Prestidge says this is because "they contain fewer ingredients prone to bacterial growth." And for good measure, Healy shares we can keep nail polish for "three years before it becomes dry and clumpy," and fragrances for "five years before they start to break down."

What are the top signs it's time to replace makeup?

Element5 Digital

Not always good at keeping track of when you bought your makeup? No worries — there are some key signs you can recognize that your makeup is likely expired. Healy points out you'll be able to see that "the formula may have shifted or separated, or the product may have dried." More often than not, both he and Prestidge agree expired products will often smell rancid. "For example, brow gel can smell musty if it's been sitting unused for a year. If you're unsure, it's better to throw it out," encourages Healy.

Not only that, but Prestidge says to pay attention to your product's color. "If the product's color shifts, it's a a sign it's degraded," she says. Also, your skin will let you know when expired products are irritating it. "If you notice itching, redness, or breakouts after using a product, it might be expired, she alerts.

To avoid this, go an extra step further by using a "label maker to note the purchase date on your products, or keep a record in your phone," suggests Healy. This will help lessen the chance you're using something that's full of harmful bacteria.

What can happen if someone keeps using expired makeup?

Polina Tankilevitch

There are some things we'd love for you to be rebellious about, but using old makeup isn't one of them. Healy feels the same way and says, "Using expired makeup increases your risk of infection and irritation, which can lead to unsanitary conditions and even bacterial contamination."

The last thing we want is for you to get sick because you didn't want to let go of something. While symptoms may not always be as severe — Prestige says you could see allergic reactions, redness, or acne — Healy reminds us that "at the worst, it could result in serious infections that require treatment." This could look like developing styes or pink eye if you're "using old mascara or eyeliner," according to Prestidge.

Plus, your makeup won't give you the look you're going for if it's expired. "Expired products may no longer perform as intended, compromising coverage, color, or longevity," she says. Healy's ultimate advice? "Always be cautious, check for the PAO symbol, and replace products when needed."

Beauty Products You Need To Replace Every 3 Months

Amazon

Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumizing Mascara

If you're going to replace your mascara, you need a comparable alternative that's going to give your lashes the length and volume you're used to having. Be sure to add this one to your cart today!

Amazon

Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil

Knowing that eyeliners go near your precious eyes, you'll want something that has a waterproof and smudge-proof formula like Urban Decay's Glide-On Pencil. You'll get up to 24 hours of wear that'll make you glad you decided to go for this option.

Beauty Products To Replace Every One To Two Years

Amazon

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

If you're going to wear foundation, you should opt for something that feels like your skin. The medium coverage feels weightless and has a good dose of niacinamide and allantoin in it to help improve your texture over time.

Amazon

e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

Get all the benefits of a high quality concealer without the luxury price with this $7 formula. It's hydrating so you're less likely to experience any creasing when you're trying to set it with your favorite powder.

Amazon

Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick

Give those lips a boost of color with Revlon's ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick! You're going to get the best wear out of this no-transfer shade that has powerful pigment that doesn't cost more than $15.

Amazon

NYX Professional Makeup Fat Lip Oil

Want juicy lips that don't feel sticky? You have to get this fat lip oil. You'll get up to 12 hours of wear that doesn't require you to reapply it which sounds like the very thing we could all use.

Amazon

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder

Headed to an event and want an airbrushed look that makes jaws drop? You'll be hard-pressed not to have this pancake-type powder. It visibly minimizes your pores while also soaking up excess oils.

Amazon

Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer

This yummy bronzer had us at hypoallergenic. It's going to give you a sun-kissed glow that'll make people wonder if you've been vacationing during colder months, but you don't have to share your inexpensive secret if you don't want to.

Amazon

Covergirl Trublend So Flushed Blush

You need a blush that's going to work with your makeup and not against it. Instead of spending a fortune on something you're not sure will work, give Covergirl's Trublend product a spin. You'll get amazing pigment that lasts throughout the day and won't irritate your skin.

Browse our Amazon Storefront for more fun beauty buys!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Power red has been dubbed the official color of fall 2017. (Millennial pink, you’ve finally met your match.) Perhaps it’s the rise of a new #girlboss, feminist-empowered era, or maybe it’s the ‘round-the-clock styling potential of this ubiquitous hue that’s keeping it around for longer than a season. Either way, this feisty and fiery shade packs no shortage of sass. Knowing how to successfully rock a kick-butt head-to-toe red lewk? Now that’s another story. We look to regional It girls, including Gigi Hadid, Olivia Palermo, and Chrissy Teigen, for tips on mastering power red like a boss.

Pantsuit Nation

You need not be the first lady or a model like Gigi Hadid to rock a power red pantsuit when out and about town like a true HBIC. The key here is to introduce non-red statement pieces — like an ivory bow-blouse and fringy yellow drop earrings — that work to counterbalance the pool of red. Working gals: Ditch the corporate schmorporate guise with one of OAD’s geometric satchels and some noir pointy-toe pumps that were made for the nine-to-five and five-to-nine grind. (Photo via Sonia Recchia/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Cuyana Silk Bow Blouse ($185), BaubleBar Bonita Drop Earrings ($42), H&M Blazer ($50), H&M Suit Pants ($35), OAD New York Mini Kit Zip Satchel in True Black ($350), La Canadienne Montreal Falone ($395)

Power Red Accessories

Bad betches everywhere, look what you made us do. Yes, power red can be intimidating, but a little bit of this mighty hue can work wonders in the sartorial department. Olivia Palermo’s style chops aside, it’s her showstopping strappy red steppers that are the real MVP here. A crazy bachelorette weekend is as good of a time as any to show off your sartorial prowess, starting with a silk mini dress and a textured leopard print topper. Enter hot-to-trot territory with a pair of trend-right OTK boots, a set of red and gold u-shaped earrings, and a slogan tote that will fo’ sure turn some heads. (Photo via Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Scotch & Soda Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat ($298), Topshop Oversized U Shape Earrings ($28), Réalisation Par The Emilie in Shibuya ($160),Zara Tall Elastic Boots ($90), Skinnydip London Bitchin Tote Bag ($13)

NIGHTTIME Frills

Take it from Chrissy Teigen, the queen of date night dressing: Frills aplenty will always do you right. Our favorite Hollywood starlet (and red haute mama) doesn’t shy away from embracing power red to the max — she brings the drama en route to dinner with her slinky red top and flowy trousers. For your next GNO, style this femme red blouse from & Other Stories alongside streamlined black culottes for instant boardroom-to-bar appeal. Allow a pair of VERAMEAT’s celestial-inspired gold half-moon earrings and some crimson-soled pumps to lend just the right amount of zhoosh to your look. Last, but not least, we recommend Madewell’s fuss-free compact leather crossbody bag that’s made to fit just the essentials. (Photo via Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: & Other Stories Ruffle Blouse ($85), VERAMEAT Lunar Face Wire Art Earring ($140), Madewell The Chain Crossbody Bag ($88), COS Chunky Heel Pumps ($133), The Group by Babaton Beecroft Pant ($98)

Will you be test-driving power red this fall? Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It’s no secret that I’m a long-standing Trader Joe’s fan. Living walking-distance from my city’s most popular TJ’s store has only solidified my love for the quirky grocery chain, and though I adore their limited-time launches and playful seasonal snacks, there are a few Trader Joe's finds I can confidently crown as staples in my kitchen. These are the go-to’s I look forward to adding to my cart during every single TJ’s grocery run I make, all of which I’d truly feel lost without!

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's 100% Colombian Instant Coffee

Don’t judge – even this coffee snob drinks instant coffee! I am all about ease when it comes to my morning routine (it truly takes me hours to actually wake up), and Trader Joe’s 100% Colombian Instant Coffee is just the thing to help me expedite getting some good ol' caffeine into my system.

I love using instant coffee because I can prepare it differently based on my mood every single day. I can make a latte by mixing a serving with milk and syrup, or add more water to it to prep a more diluted hot (or iced) coffee that’s not as strong. After months of drinking it, I’ve found that TJ’s instant coffee is just as good-tasting and well-rounded as the espresso drinks or coffees I’d order out at any cafe.

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's Pure Grade A Maple Syrup

I use this Trader Joe’s maple syrup for a multitude of kitchen creations: coffees, protein smoothies, pancakes, mug cakes, and muffins are the most frequent syrup-infused recipes I eat on a weekly basis. You can even use it for some stellar maple cocktails!

I’m not necessarily picky when it comes to the grade of my maple syrup. As long as it’s sweet, I am into it. If you’re searching for a tasty and affordable Grade A maple syrup, I think this $5 bottle has an exceptional flavor with a nice touch of richness that makes it a perfect fit for most uses.

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's Unsweetened Non-Dairy Almond Beverage

Another versatile TJ’s product I pick up just about every time I go grocery shopping is their almond milk. I prefer using the unsweetened iteration so I can use it across various recipes. I’ll use it for my morning coffees, mid-day smoothies, cereal bowls, baking adventures, overnight oats, and wherever else it’s needed, really! I’ll even add a tiny splash to my scrambled eggs to keep ‘em moist. It’s perfectly smooth and light, and a true delight to always have in my fridge.

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's Coconut Cream Greek Nonfat Yogurt

I am a Greek yogurt girly through and through. It makes for a healthy, filling, protein-rich breakfast option that also helps me maintain a semblance of “gut health” amidst my afternoon snacking habits. But plain Greek yogurt is not nearly edible enough for my palate – that’s why I adore TJ’s coconut-flavored yogurt! It has a good amount of sweetness, plus it boasts a tiny bit of texture from coconut flakes. I typically pick up 2-3 cups on my grocery runs so I can enjoy it every other day during the week with granola and frozen berries.

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix

I like to prioritize protein in my diet because it keeps me feeling fuller for longer and helps me grow my muscles so I can grow in my yoga and climbing practices. When eating eggs and sausage for breakfast gets all too tiring, TJ’s Buttermilk Protein Pancake mix provides an ideal sweet option that still gives me 10+ grams of protein in a single sitting! It’s super easy to prepare, too. You just have to add a 1:1 ratio of pancake mix to water and make ‘em on the stovetop per usual. I like adding in some cinnamon to up the flavor.

I’ll also use it to make a mug cake when I feel like I need a little sweet treat in the evening – I add it to a mug with just enough water to make the batter extra thick, and then sprinkle some chocolate chips in it before throwing it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. It’s so yummy!

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's Buffalo Chicken Dip

Oh, I could eat this entire dip in a single sitting. Buffalo anything is truly the key to my heart (and stomach). TJ’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is my go-to workday snack alongside some blue corn tortilla chips. It’s super satisfying (another great protein-rich option), creamy, tangy, spicy, and salty. All the things!

It’s packed with bits of chicken that can also make it a great addition for fuller meals beyond snack time: I’ve slathered some on a tortilla with cheese and cilantro for an easy quesadilla-type wrap, and even added a heaping scoop to plain pasta in lieu of traditional sauce.

Meredith Holser

Trader Joe's Palak Paneer

If you ride or die for Trader Joe’s, you know just how amazing their frozen section is. I was honestly really skeptical to try this frozen Indian dish the first time around, but once I had a taste, I was hooked. I make sure I have at least one in my freezer at all times to come to the rescue on nights I simply can’t bring myself to cook!

It takes about 4 minutes in the microwave to become a super creamy, comforting, healthy meal you can enjoy on its own or alongside some rice and naan (if you wish to go the extra mile). The paneer cooks out wonderfully. I am a chronic over-seasoner for any kind of food I eat, and I've found that adding a pinch of salt and a drizzle of TJ’s hot honey really takes this platter to the next level.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more editor-loved meals every week!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.

I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!

I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

Amazon

If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

Centre for Ageing Better

Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

MART PRODUCTION

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

cottonbro studio

"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Yan Krukau

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

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The Real Body Manual

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