How This Fitness Company Is Putting an End to Size Shaming

When shopping, size shouldn’t be anything but a number — but that’s not to say that some of us don’t attach certain feelings to said number. If you’re out shopping and your usual “size” doesn’t fit (remember, that + what is the ideal is constantly changing!), it can be frustrating to go up or go down. Athletic wear company Manifesta is looking to make clothing that gets rid of the emotional attachment we place on sizes. Instead of labeling their line with a numerical value, such as a size four or six, they use flowers. They’re betting that wearing a size “Rose” or a size “Violet” will make you think about your body in a new, positive way.

The good vibes don’t stop there. The clothes themselves are made a tad thicker than regular workout clothes, with the intention of keeping everything in place. “We believe every woman deserves to feel sexy,” reads the brand’s mission statement. “We believe that every woman deserves to feel amazing. We believe that every woman deserves the chance to achieve greatness. We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to improve herself and her fitness. We believe that the only valid judge of a woman is herself.” Now that’s a mantra we can get behind.

Founder Rachel Blumenfeld came up with the practical idea for the line when she had trouble finding athletic wear that would stay in place during her workouts. She was sick of having to adjust her shirt in between circuit moves and yoga poses. At Manifesta, all of the designs are made with curvy women in mind, which she found was a big hole in the fitness market. The result is a line of tops and bottoms that a wide range of body types can look and feel good in. With playful product names like “Sore Not Sorry Capri” and “Keep Your Head Up Hoodie,” the whole feeling of Manifesta is fun and empowering. We are major fans!

What athletic wear brand is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

Listen — I'm always looking for a reason to get new party dresses, and the holiday season gives PLENTY of reason alone. We've got sequins and velvet on our brains, but we want everyone to look — and feel! — their best. So, here are some of the best plus size options because there's so many stylish pieces out there that deserve to be highlighted. From mini to maxi, these 15 plus size dresses are going to make someone jealous during the holiday party you're attending.

The Best Plus Size Party Dresses for Birthdays, Holidays & More

Sequin Plus Size Dresses 

Target

Eloquii Mini Cowl Sequin Dress

Whoo, you'll be one hot mama in this pink sequin dress! It's worth noting that sequins and the holidays go together like hot chocolate and winter, so this is our way of saying this dress deserves a spot in your closet.

Torrid

Torrid Mini Sequin Mesh Dress

Want to go a little shorter and vibrant without going the pink route? Feast your eyes on this mini dress! It's designed to hug your curves and give you your own personalized version of Jessica Rabbit's dress. Don't lie — we know you've always wanted to wear something sultry like she did in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Boohoo

Boohoo Sequin Wrap Dress

As always, leopard print remains the easiest fall/winter trend that anyone can wear. We never thought we'd see it in sequin form, but we've immediately fallen in love with this wrap dress. You can keep the rest of your accessories simple because it's sure to make a statement!

Macy's

Macy's Kiyonna Starry Sequined Lace Dress

Have a winter wedding to attend and want to wear something that feels black-tie without distracting from the bride (huge faux pas)? Dance your way into this sequined lace dress that has — gasp! — pockets!

PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Asymmetric Sequin Maxi Dress

OR, wear this form-fitting maxi dress that is as sleek as it's sexy. It's bound to make you walk with your head held high and when paired with a pair of sexy stilettos? Whew, our hearts go out to the ex that happens to see you at the wedding reception.

Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant Lurex Shimmer Dress

Not all holiday parties are meant for you to expel an intoxicating amount of sex appeal. If you're attending a family-friendly event, keep it very demure with with this shimmer dress. It has a silhouette that'll flatter your frame and pockets in case you don't feel like carrying a clutch or wristlet.

Midi Plus Size Dresses 

BloomChic

BloomChic Velvet Ruched Midi Dress

Skip the sequins and drape your body in this velvet ruched midi dress. This luxe emerald shade will immediately make you luxurious along with a pair of jewel-encrusted heels.

Eloquii

Eloquii Lurex Midi Dress

This dress is making us blush because it's so pretty. All you have to do is pull it over your head and shoulders without fretting over a back zipper. It has an elastic waist so you'll have room to breathe even though your waist may look cinched in.

ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Velvet Midi Dress

Still want to wear something that gives you a little more breathing room? Wear this deep burgundy dress instead. It's the color of the season and comes with an asymmetrical neckline that's hard to ignore.

Amazon

SCOMCHIC Short Sleeve Wrap Dress

Love burgundy, but can't stand velvet? This dress will give you everything you're comfortable with. It doesn't feature a pesky zipper and feels lightweight. It'll look like you're floating on the tides of Christmas if you choose to wear it to your family's annual winter party.

JCPenney

Jessica Howard Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses can be worn to parties, especially if they look like this! The red color is the perfect shade for Christmas gatherings and the flouncy hemline makes it the perfect piece to dress up or down. Just add your footwear of choice and you'll be good to go!

Maxi Plus Size Dresses 

Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart Hi Low Lurex Mermaid Gown

Excited to bring your S.O. or plus-one along with you to job's holiday party? You have to show up in this mermaid gown. The color alone is fit for a queen, meaning it'll automatically make you look regal. Isn't that what getting dressed up for holiday parties are all about?

Forever21

Forever21 Tiered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress

Honestly, this dress could serve as the perfect wedding reception option too, but you're more than welcome to wear it to a holiday party! The tiered hem gives it a playful appeal while the color balances that with chicness.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Dress

Take a break from sequins and velvet by wearing satin. It's the kind of fabric that immediately elevates any look which is why we're adding something similar to our winter wardrobe.

City Chic

City Chic Forbidden Love Maxi Dress

Not ready to part ways with summer's bardot trend? We hear ya and agree that you shouldn't have to when plus size party dresses like this exist. Known as the 'Forbidden Love' dress, it may make someone fall in love with you once they spot you wearing it from across the room.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday style inspo!

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

The Wicked moviepress tour has been a truly beautiful thing to witness. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo have cried in almost every interview because of how much they love their characters and each other, and it seems like working on this project really did heal something in them. So, after the sincerity of their interviews, I was really taken aback when I learned Dax Shepard had Cynthia Erivo on his Armchair Expert podcast...and chose to ask her about going to the bathroom?

Keep reading for what Dax Shepard had to say and, like me, wonder why he asked it in the first place.

On an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, Dax Shepard asked Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo if her famously long nails make it difficult to wipe when she goes to the bathroom. “I knew you would ask that,” Cynthia responds, saying “no one’s afraid” to ask such an intimate question.

“My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside,” she says. “You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!”

When he asked if she was annoyed or offended by the question, Cynthia admits she's "annoyed by it."

“I'm, like, 'Come on, guys,' ” she says. “But I get it, but it's also, like, ‘I'm a functioning adult, and I've never walked around smelling like, you know…'"

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The actress has proved she's nothing if not honest this fall, going viral for saying "thank goodness" the actresses who auditioned with her for Glinda didn't land the role and for vocalizinghow much a fan edit of the Wicked movie poster offended her (she later admitted she should have texted her friends instead of posting on social media).

Now, this question was very weird to me for a few reasons. Not only does it have nothing to do with the film, but Dax asking Cynthia about her bathroom habits gives me a similar feeling to the one I got watching that male interviewer ask Scarlett Johansson about her underwear during Avengers: Age of Ultron press. Just...what is the reason? Plus, the fact Cynthia has also been vocal about how much she values her nails as a part of Black culture only makes the question (and the fact the nails feel like, no pun intended, the butt of the joke) weirder.

"Here’s the thing," Cynthia tells Dax before switching topics. "There are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping." Get 'em girl!

What did you think about this Armchair Expert interview with Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo? Let us know in the comments and read up on The Latest Wicked: Part Two News!

Fall fashion isn't just about the best Steve Madden boots or Amazon sweater dresses you can find. It's also about casual days where you need something comfortable to take you from point A to B — and what better way to do that than snug plus size leggings? It doesn't matter if you're looking for something stylish to wear that doesn't require zippers, or if you're making your yoga, Starbucks, and Target run. These 13 options are so cozy you may feel like skipping your usual fall outfits!

Torrid

Torrid Full Length Comfort Waist Premium Legging

What's opaque and has a comfortable waistband? Torrid's Comfort Legging!

In addition to kicking sheer leggings out of the way, these are full-length with a slight tapered leg and are made of the softest cotton-blend you'll work your way into. We're talking about a 95% cotton and 5% spandex fit! No wonder they're Torrid's best-selling leggings!

Nike

Nike High-Waisted Graphic Leggings

If you don't mind a little sheer action, Nike's High-Waisted Graphic Leggings will give you what you want. They're spectacularly durable and have more stretch than ever. You'll still get that same cotton and spandex blend that makes the best plus size leggings comfortable, but these somehow maintain a lightweight feel that'll take you from an early morning parent-teacher conference to yoga in the park.

Forever21

Forever21 Active Seamless Flare Leggings

We'd like to thank whoever designed seamless athleisure plus size leggings for anyone who enjoys working out in style and comfort! You'll get support that covers low-impact workouts and a stretch that moves when you do. Plus, these leggings are breathable and keep moisture locked in.

Kohl's

Tek Gear Ultrastretch High-Waisted Side Pocket Leggings

Need a little more security during your morning or afternoon hikes? Go for Tek Gear's Side Pocket Leggings. They're super stretchy and feature side pockets that'll keep your keys and phone in one or two places. They're also made of a moisture-wicking fabric that won't allow your sweat to completely drench you.

Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart High Waist Faux Leather Leggings

Faux leather leggings are the easiest way to elevate your fall outfit because they don't require much effort to wear. They're still provide great stretch, but they're just a little sleeker in appearance than their cotton counterparts. You can pair them with one of the new leather jackets in your closet for a chic moto look or you can wear them with an oversized chunky kit sweater.

Target

A New Day High-Waisted Slim Fit Faux Leather Leggings

Similar to Ashley Stewart's faux leather leggings, A New Day has a knack for knowing what styles are trending during fall. You'll still get a high-waisted effect, but you'll also experience a slimmer fit that gently hugs your body. The ankle zipper closures are also a nice touch!

Ashley Stewart

Ashley Stewart Swirl Faux Leather Leggings

The weather may be cooling down, but you can still have a hot girl fall with these swirl faux leather leggings. The tawny port color is similar to the burgundy trend that's literally everywhere in right now, but the pattern gives it a unique twist that'll make you the center of attention.

Target

Wild Fable High-Waisted Butterbliss Leggings (Navy Blue)

These plus size leggings had us at the word 'Butterbliss.' Offering a light-weight stretch, they're made to hug your body in the most cozy and flattering way. Though we're partial to the navy blue color, these leggings also come in brown, slate grey, and turquoise blue!

Torrid

Torrid Full Length Signature Waist Pocket Legging

It's understood that dresses and plus size leggings that have pockets are going to make us go feral. The satisfaction of being able to stick your hands in something you're wearing continues to be unmatched and we'll also champion fashion that thinks about us in this way.

Of course Torrid couldn't be left out of the conversation. One customer they "love that these have pockets" and even asked "what more could you want out of a pair of leggings?"

Walmart

Terra & Sky High Rise Leggings

These machine-washable plus size leggings are so budget-friendly we had to circle back to make sure they're worth buying. According to their 4.6 rating, we're pretty sure they are! Not only that, but they're made of the soft cotton and spandex blend that makes us weak in the knees.

Forever21

Forever21 Split Hem Leggings (Grey)

Headed out for date night, but want a low-fuss outfit to wear? Better call on Forever21's Split Hem Leggings. They're not metallic, but the nice sheen on them makes them look glamorous without doing all of the work that often comes with super chic looks.

Superfit Hero

Superfit Hero SuperSoft Pocket Leggings (Heather Gray)

Once you're done looking cute and stylish, head home so you can slip into these SuperSoft Pocket Leggings. They're Superfit Hero's award-winning design that makes you want to start the online yoga class you've been eyeing. No judgement here because we're in the same boat!

Once your first class starts, you'll appreciate the no roll waistband you don't have to fuss with as you begin learning how to properly stretch your body and calm your nervous system.

Bloomchic

Bloomchic Jack-o-Lantern Leggings (Pre-Order)

We know these plus size leggings are for preorder only right now, but they have Halloween etched all over them! We love anything that reminds us of warm, gooey pumpkin pancake recipes and these look like the walking spicy dish we think you need. Don't miss out because they're estimated to ship by October 11 — which is next Friday!

Don't just stop at comfortable leggings! Revisit some of the coziest plus size pajamas we've ever seen!

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

I literally can't believe I'm writing this, but after a year of keeping up with all the biggest and best 2024 movies, I'm here with a final installment: December movies! This year has had some truly remarkable flicks (Challengers! Wicked! The Fall Guy!) and we're truly going out with a bang. While you're keeping up with all the best December TV shows coming out, here are the best December movies coming next month.

Keep reading for all the new December movies to add to your watchlist in 2024.

Y2K — In Theaters December 6, 2024

A24

Remember that Y2K crisis at the turn of the millennium? This December movie, which follows two high school juniors who crash a New Year's Eve party, reimagines it as a full-blown disaster — blood, guts, and all.

Y2K stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, The Kid Laroi, and Fred Durst.

Mary — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Netflix

Get a new look at one of the most famous women in the world when Mary drops on Netflix next month. This movie will give you a whole new look at the titular heroine's life — from being forced into hiding to running for her life, all to protect her baby son from a murderous king.

Mary stars Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, Mila Harris, and Anthony Hopkins.

Nightb—ch — In Theaters December 6, 2024

Searchlight Pictures

Another December movie that will have you looking at motherhood differently is Nightb—ch, which follows Amy Adams character's life as she becomes a mother...and becomes convinced she's also turning into a dog.

Nightb—ch stars Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, Jessica Harper.

F Marry Kill — On Digital December 6, 2024

Lionsgate

We all know dating apps can be a really horrifying experience, but when true-crime lover Eva starts to believe one of her three dates could be the “Swipe Right Killer," she finds herself in a life-or-death situation.

F Marry Kill stars Lucy Hale, Samer Salem, Virginia Gardner, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Brooke Nevin, and Bethany Brown.

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

If you're still singing "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter, then this December movie (er, holiday special) is for you. Not only will the popstar perform tunes from her fruitcake EP, but she'll be joined by special guests as well!

A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter stars, you guessed it, Sabrina Carpenter.

Maria — On Netflix December 11, 2024

Pablo Larraín/Netflix

Angelina Jolie's newest film follows iconic performer Maria Callas. After a glamorous, albeit difficult, public life, Maria moves to Paris for some quiet — and must confront her identity, her past, and her future in the process.

Maria stars Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer.

Kraven The Hunter — In Theaters December 13

Jay Maidment/Sony

Despite the fact it's coming out around the holidays, Aaron Taylor Johnson's new December movie is not for kids. The flick follows the titular Kraven as he morphs from the son of a gangster to the brutal and fearsome villain comic fans know so well.

Kraven the Hunter stars Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, and Russell Crowe.

Carry On — On Netflix December 13

Netflix

One TSA agent is in for a less-than-jolly holiday when he's blackmailed by a traveler hoping to bring a very dangerous package into the airport on Christmas Eve.

Carry On stars Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Sofia Carson.

Mufasa: The Lion King — In Theaters December 20

Walt Disney Pictures

Not only is this Lion King sequel giving us a brand new look at a classic story, but it also marks Blue Ivy Carter's acting debut! The movie tells the story of how Mufasa began his journey as an orphaned cub and how a run-in with royal heir Taka changed everything.

Mufasa: The Lion King stars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Aaron Pierre, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, and Blue Ivy Carter.

Babygirl — In Theaters December 25

A24

Nicole Kidman's new December movie will add some spice to your holiday, thanks to an affair with her character's much-younger employee. Is it getting hot in here?

Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

A Complete Unknown — In Theaters December 25

Macall Polay/Searchlight Pictures

If you're still laughing about the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest, then you'll definitely want to show up to see this flick, which stars our favorite Timmy as Bob Dylan during his historical move from folk to rock'n'roll.

A Complete Unknown stars Timothée Chalamet Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Boyd Holbrook, and Nick Offerman.

Let us know which December movie you're most excited for on Instagram!

Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect StrangersA Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her newest movie Babygirl comes from A24, and the steamy drama is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.

Scroll down to learn more about Babygirl — and to watch the HOT new trailer!

What is the plot of Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl Plot

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays Romy, a powerful CEO struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy meets a young intern named Samuel, and feels immediately drawn to him, the two begin a torrid affair.

And filming scenes with Harry Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”

When is the Babygirl release date?

A24

Babygirl Release Date

Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but you can watch the movie in theaters December 25, 2024.

Who's in the Babygirl cast?

A24

Babygirl Cast

The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”

“It left me raggedm" Kidman says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”

“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”

What does babygirl energy mean?

A24

"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we could be guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.

Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

There were SO many moments that made our jaws drop here:

  • The thumb in the mouth
  • The pink skirt moment
  • NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!
Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵

Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.

This post has been updated.