These Are the Chicest Charging Handbags and Accessories Yet

The ways technology makes life easier are endless — and totally worth it, right? There are apps to help you get over a breakup, baby gear with NASA-grade technology and new tablets coming out faster than you can say, “Yes, please!” But of course, our favorites are the wearables. According to Mashable, designer Rebecca Minkoff is helping make the case for fashionable technology with her newest Case Mate collab that she just debuted at NYFW: a series of Apple Watch bands, a charging wristlet and a charging crossbody bag (with fringe!).

The watch bands come in three styles — sleek black, a double wrap and even a snakeskin option — and are all reasonably priced between $80-$100. The wristlet (which comes in black, almond and a pretty cobalt for $120) has a built-in charger and slots for cards. The crossbody bag will even be able to provide up to two and a half charges! It’s also compatible with the Galaxy S6 for those devoted Android fans.

All three are part of a collaboration with tech accessories brand Case Mate and are, in true Rebecca Minkoff fashion, shoppable right from the runway now. We love how much Minkoff values technology integration in our lives, and we can’t wait to see what she sends down the runway next!

Tell us what you’d rock with these wearables in the comments!

(Feature image via @RebeccaMinkoff)

We realize it's not even March yet, but we are so ready for warmer spring weather. Along with the gentle change in the season comes a fresh set of fashion trends, and we're ready to hop on board. We got a peek at a ton of new trending styles at NYFW, and we're starting to see more trends emerge as spring approaches.

Though it's easy to shop with a trend-focused mind, collections like the & Other Stories Spring 2023 drop offer tons of timeless styles that can last you beyond one season. If you tend to stick to seasonal trends, consider how you can style the pieces you love all year long. Wear an oversized blazer with your go-to mock-neck top in the fall, then layer it over a flowy maxi dress for the spring and summer. This sustainable model for shopping and wearing can really stretch your wardrobe, and it allows you to be creative with your 'fits each time you get dressed!

The & Other Stories spring collection embraces pieces that can be worn for everyday looks, and statement picks to wear for special occasions. You'll see a lot of structured tailoring, long line coats, rosette details, and dainty accessories in soft pastels. We're excited to see some of our fave spring trends for this year and to start brainstorming how we're going to style them.

Emerging Spring 2023 Fashion Trends

These trends will be popping up everywhere this year. We're especially excited to sport winter florals, slime green pieces, and oversized blazers as spring approaches!
  • Sequins
  • Winter florals
  • Sheer pieces
  • Coquette styles
  • Slime green
  • Leather separates
  • Tailored styles
  • Maxi skirts
  • Oversized blazers
  • Denim

Our Favorite Pieces From The & Other Stories Spring 2023 Collection

Oversized Blazers

Oversized Padded Shoulder Blazer ($219)

A padded shoulder gives this oversized blazer lots of bold structure. Pair with workwear like wide-leg slacks for a chic office look, or wear over a mini slip dress on a girl's night out!

Oversized Parka Jacket ($149)

This jacket is structured, giving it a blazer feel with a cute outerwear twist. Layer it over bright colors for a stylish spring look.

Winter Florals

Buttoned V-Cut Midi Dress ($129)

A fitted dress enhances a super effortless feminine look. We love this midi spring dress because it's made of thin viscose fabric, making it a lighter wear, and easy to breathe in. Time to relish in the sweet spring breeze!

Printed Silk Blouse ($139)

This blouse embraces the same intricate floral pattern and colors in light cotton. Tuck in the curved hem with a fitted denim jean, and you've got yourself a new easy spring uniform.

Denim

Flared High Waist Jeans ($119)

Denim will never die, and we love that we're always seeing new, unique takes on the classic jean. This pair boasts two statement front pockets and a higher waistline to accentuate your figure, and give you a fun shape to pair your springtime tanks and sweaters with.

Treasure Cut Jeans ($99)

The Treasure Cut jean design features super wide legs and a high waist. These are truly a year-round closet staple because you can wear them with just about anything. For a casual look, throw on some Adidas sneakers and tuck in your fave band tee. To dress this jean up, layer on a light sweater and blazer with some ballerina flats!

Coquette

Embroidered Scalloped Edge Shirt ($119)

Coquette is a newer style term that embodies a feminine, flirty persona. You'll see a lot of frills, ribbons, florals, and lace, all in lighter pinks or whites. This organic cotton shirt flaunts frills on the cuffs and florals around the collar. We could see this piece being a cute go-to throughout the whole year.

Tie-Front Ribbed Cardigan ($99)

The tie-front cardigan is definitely an "add to bag" piece. The ribbons are the perfect understated take on the coquette trend, and make us feel all the girly feels.

Mulberry Silk Layered Frilled Blouse ($199)

This gorgeous blouse is a more courageous take on the coquette trend, with large shoulder frills and billowy puff sleeves. It's the perfect wear for springtime since it's loose-fitting — the long sleeves let you adapt to the chilly days, and but the carefree silhouette will keep you comfortable on warm days too.

Slime Green

Mock Neck Sweater ($59)

Slime green is a color we can totally get behind. It's electric and eye-catching, adding a ton of visual interest and pure fun to any outfit! You can totally crush this hue when paired with leather separates, like a black leather pant or oversized jacket.

Leather Separates

Curved Leather Shoulder Bag ($199)

If you are hesitant to dive fully in to the leather trend, dipping your toes in is made easy by accessorizing with leather pieces. This shoulder bag is sleek, so it's easy to pair with just about anything, plus it's super roomy so you can take all your daily necessities with you.

Heeled Leather Penny Loafers ($129)

Loafers are the hero of preppy style, and you can wear them with any springtime look. This pair is super comfortable, so catch us sporting these everywhere this season.

Strappy Kitten Heel Leather Sandals ($129)

A strappy sandal is the ultimate match for a floral dress when spring is in full swing. These also come in a vibrant teal blue color, so if you're feeling bold, go for that colorful look!

More of Our Fave Spring Trend Items

Wide Trousers ($119)

We can never get enough of a wide leg pant. These trousers are fit for a more formal spring look, and deliver all of the comfort.

Chunky Oval Hoop Earrings ($25)

Where would we be without our hoops? These chunky earrings wear well with any trendy spring outfit.

Cropped Knit Sweater ($49)

Cotton and wool blend together to form this warm sweater that you can throw on for cooler spring evenings. It comes in eight different colors, so you can pick your mood.

Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send more spring trends straight to your inbox!

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

Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.

Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”

Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."

It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)

However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.

“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”

What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?

Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”

“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”

Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!

Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?

JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel

With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 was delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.

Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.

Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025. Based on the schedule for Spider-Man: Far From Home, we could see Spider-Man 4 in the summer of 2026.

What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!

What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:

  • Captain America: Civil War
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming
  • Avengers: Infinity War
  • Avengers: Endgame
  • Spider-Man: Far From Home
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home

What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Blink, and you may have missed it — New York Fashion Week has already come to a close, after jam-packed days taking over the streets of New York (and our Instagram and TikTok). While the fashion set has already decamped to other festivities, like Sunday night's VMAs and Monday night's Met Gala affair, we're left salivating over all the NYFW Spring 2022 trends and inspiration for dressing next season. After a year and half hiatus, most of the major New York based brands showed up with IRL events and presentations that showed off a whole lot of optimism for next year. The colors were bright, the tailoring was relaxed, and the designs were all-around playful. Fashion seems to be saying the future will be bright — but for those of us who can't stand to wait any longer, here's how to start shopping for next season's biggest trends, now.

Electric Knits

www.instagram.com

As Seen At: Victor Glemaud, Altuzarra, PH5

We've all come to love our knitwear over the past year, but it's time to liven things up for spring with sweaters in bright colors and cardigans in electric hues.

H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan ($20)

Despite the bold color, this simple ribbed cardigan will be so versatile for this season and next.

Alice + Olivia Mora Twist Cropped Long Sleeve Pullover ($330)

Spring's neon-colored knitwear trend meets fall's continued obsession with boleros and shrug-like sweaters.

Who What Wear Shrunken Cardigan ($35)

Why wait until spring to throw this cheery cardigan on? Style with an all-black or neutral outfit for a fun pop.

​Cute Quilting

www.instagram.com

As Seen At: Alice + Olivia, Sandy Liang, Moschino

No one said we were ready to give up cozy (or cottagecore) trends just yet. Be prepared for quilted jackets in soft colors and sweet florals to take over your outerwear in no time.

ASOS DESIGN Curve Quilted Cropped Jacket ($54)

This sage green quilted coat will transition seamlessly between fall dressing and spring ensembles.

Clare V. Timothé Black & Lilac Quilted Floral Vest ($295)

Layer over sweaters and under coats now, then shed the layers in the spring to let this pretty vest shine.

Anthropologie Quilted Patchwork Jacket ($160)

Whether your style is more bohemian or a little preppy, this coat is a sweet addition to any wardrobe.

​Next Checks

www.instagram.com

As Seen At: Prabal Gurung, Brandon Maxwell, Christian Cowan

We can't get enough of the check trend — which is why we're already loving spring's version, which mixes in preppy ginghams and psychedelic houndstooth patterns, too.

Faithfull The Brand Falabelle Midi Dress ($229)

Just add combat boots and a leather jacket, and you can wear this dress all the way until spring, and then some.

Free People Aldrin Cardi ($198)

Truthfully, we may never take this dreamy cardigan off until next summer.

UO Olympia Scarf Pant ($69)

Let these fun pants pop underneath your outerwear this season until they stand out on their own come the next.

​Western Touches

www.instagram.com

As Seen At: Proenza Schouler, Peter Do, Bronx and Banco

The runways are riding the western trend into next season with modern interpretations of traditional motifs, like fringe, chaps, and of course, cowgirl hats.

Wyeth Cash Cowboy Hat ($88)

No fall wardrobe is complete without some cute headwear, and no spring wardrobe will be complete with a cool cowgirl hat.

Ronny Kobo Marley Pant ($338)

Ronny Kobo served up stunning looks at The Revolve Gallery that showed how to style fall 'fits with winks of western touches, like snakeskin (faux) leather.

Line & Dot Jasper Fringe Cable Knit Sweater ($112)

Pair a fringed sweater with tried-and-true blue denim jeans for the right amount of western, this season and next.

​Crochet Away

www.instagram.com

As Seen At: Anna Sui, Jonathon Simkhai, Staud

You don't need to plan a tropical vacation to rock crochet pieces anymore — wear the retro trend with your favorite fall denim until you can swap your jeans out for spring swimwear.

Anthropologie Cozy Crochet Cardigan ($300)

This splurge-worthy statement coat will add a whole lot of charm to your wardrobe for years of wear to come.

Glassons Crochet Tie Longsleeve Top ($50)

Crochet that's cute enough to be worn on a night out (with a matching skirt, no less), but dainty enough for daytime wear with denim, too.

For Love & Lemons Opens Blanca Crochet Sweater ($119)

If crafty crochet isn't for you, take notes from Jonathan Simkhai and start looking for simple, feminine crochet knits, like this sweet top.

​Metallic Madness

www.instagram.com

As Seen At: Tom Ford, Rodarte, Christian Siriano

Tom Ford knows how to end Fashion Week with a bang — this year, it was with a sequined, satin-filled, majorly-metallic moment that (literally) mirrored other collections with celebratory sentiment. If the best is yet to come next spring, the least we can do is start dressing the part!

River Island Sequin Halter Top ($50)

The runways have confirmed: You no longer need an occasion to justify wearing a sequined halter top out.

Commando Sequined Leggings ($200)

These are the kind of leggings that make you want to dance as soon as you put them on — which is the point of this trend to begin with.

City Chic Class Satin Joggers ($79)

Get ahead of the metallics trend so you can wear your new pieces through the holidays, too. Hopefully, as fashion has predicted, there will be plenty to celebrate by then!


Which NYFW trend is your favorite? Subscribe to our newsletter for all our newest fashion content!

Lead Photo: Courtesy of Brandon Maxwell

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

Every year since I was old enough to choose my Halloween costume, I've gone with my current fictional character hyperfixation. We're talking Amy March from Little Women, Lucy from Narnia (twice), Belle from Beauty in the Beast (three times), and even Eurydice from Hadestown. So I know a good pop culture Halloween costume when I see it.

New York Comic Con 2024 was filled with people who love movies, TV, and comics — and who know how to put together a good costume. This past weekend I saw everything from Disneybounds (a catchall term for easier, streetwear version of iconic costumes) to cosplays involving lights and smoke. And I catalogued them all away because they make incredible Halloween costume inspo. The best news is these are all pretty easy and they're definitely recognizable. So no more having to explain who you are! Here are 17 of the coolest pop culture costumes I saw at NYCC to use for your own 'fits this year.

Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures

My jaw literally dropped when I saw two cosplayers in full head-to-toe costumes from the new Wicked movie. And when I say full costume, I mean it — people were having to step around Glinda because her ballgown was so big! If you're not so sure about a full gown, opt for a pink corset and mini skirt for G, or a little black dress for Elphaba, instead.

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Brit + Co

A white cap and a red cape? Babe, it literally doesn't get easier than this.

'Agatha All Along' Costumes

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Agatha All Along is Marvel's newest hit show, and as a costume girlie I was so excited to see outfits from the series IRL! I was also shocked at how easy they are to recreate. Billy just wears a sweater and jeans (which you probably already have in your closet), while Agatha opts for a teal trench.

Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

And of course it wouldn't be a comic con without dozens of Scarlet Witches! Wanda Maximoff is such a beloved character, it only makes sense that fans would wear full cosplays, or turn her iconic costume into a sweater & jeans look like I did! If you're feeling crafty like me, I was inspired by @MagicWithMeg's jeans and painted the design on a pair of black jeans. The only thing you'll want to note here is that I made sure to paint white on the base before the red — it made it stand out perfectly.

Obviously, I wore my Scarlet Witch shirt to meet Wanda herself, Elizabeth Olsen.

'Game of Thrones'

Brit + Co

Winterfell will never go out of style! Reuse that red cape from The Handmaid's Tale costume, or go for a leather look. Either way, you'll look very stylish.

Megan

Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures

One pop culture costume that made me laugh out loud was M3gan from the 2022 flick of the same name. Buying the costume dress will save you a ton of hassle (meaning you can focus on scaring your neighbors), but all you need to recreate it is a khaki mini dress.

Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Anne of Green Gables is one of the stories I hold closest to my heart, and I was so excited to see a duo dressed up as Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert! Especially since it's just an excuse to wear cottagecore dresses all Halloweekend long.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes

Allyson Riggs/A24

Everything Everywhere All At Once costumes are so easy to recreate — and this Elvis costume x pink wig combo is simply too iconic to pass up. I'll take any excuse to have a bagel in-hand.

Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'

Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 has a lot of iconic duos. Paul and Chani, Feyd Rautha and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. But the combo I didn't expect to see at Comic Con was Princess Irulan and a sandworm. But now I need this tan dress and chainmail ASAP.

Harry Potter and Hermione

Brit + Co

I also saw plenty of Hogwarts students during my time at NYCC, and Harry and Hermione are always a great choice for a Halloween costume. Grab some Wizarding robes — after you figure out your house of course.

Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'

Disney Channel

Troy and Gabriela might be the easiest couples's costume of all time. An East High jersey and a red mini dress are all you need! (Microphones not needed, but encouraged).

Glen Powell in 'Twisters'

Universal Pictures

White tee? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Tiny, adorable dog? Check. My friend, you've got yourself a Twisters Halloween costume!

Cinderella

Jonathan Olley/Disney

The 2015 Cinderella rewired my brain, and seeing someone show up to Comic Con in Lily James' gorgeous blue ballgown rewired it all over again!! If the full gown is too much, try our easy DIY Cinderella outfit instead!

'Star Wars'

Brit + Co

Dressing up as a Jedi really just means wearing the most comfy Halloween costume ever. Just grab some leggings and wrap some fabric around your body and you've got an easy Rey costume for the holiday.

Baby Yoda

Disney

And in the Star Wars of it all, I also saw a baby dressed up as Grogu and I couldn't handle the cuteness! This onesie is a must.

The Powerpuff Girls

Amazon

While I saw someone rock a Powerpuff Girls tee, you can also grab a matching set in blue, green, or pink to make this costume more screen-accurate.

A Camp Half-Blood Student From 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'

Matthias Clamer/Disney

I'd definitely consider Percy Jackson'sCamp Half-Blood my home away from home, and if you snag this camp shirt, you can wear it all the time — not just on Halloween. Grab some cosplay armor and your favorite pair of denim shorts and you can be a camper ready to fight evil!

Check out 65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators for more!

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!

Amazon

The Real Body Manual

Looking for more incredible books to read right now? Check out our fave new reads here!