Victoria’s Secret Is Getting Called Out Over Accusations of Cultural Appropriation

The 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show hasn’t even aired yet, and already, it’s all we can do to keep up with the drams! Even prior to the show, controversy was abrew, with Jasmine Tookes taking to Instagram to speak out against haters that claimed she bleached her skin.

But the latest grievances against the retail giant are a bit more serious in nature.

Following a 2012 sh*tstorm over cultural appropriation that ensued when model Karlie Kloss donned a Native American headdress on the runway (pulled prior to airing), Helen Jung, a writer for Cosmopolitan, unleashed a series of now-deleted accusations in an essay on the site against the company over some of this year’s outfits.

With many of the looks featuring both Asian (specifically Chinese) and Mexican elements, Helen went so far as to call the lingerie racist.

Obtained by E! prior to deletion, Helen’s essay also pegs what she calls the company’s nod to worldliness a “hack job.”

“The dragon that Elsa Hosk wore wrapped around her body, the embroidered stiletto boots seen on Adriana Lima, the tail made of flames worn by Kendall Jenner…the Orientalism on display here doesn’t show an understanding or an attempt at dialogue. It doesn’t close any gaps,” she wrote. “The brand and its creative shamelessly cherry-picked imagery, breaking apart aesthetic references from wherever they wanted and stitching them back together again.”

Yikes! Though E! reached out to VS for comment, there’s no updates as of yet, or word as to whether or not some of this year’s looks will also be pulled prior to airing.

What a mess!

Do you think VS should pull the looks? Share with us @BritandCo!

(h/t E!, photos via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)

Whether you’re coupled up or playing the field, there’s always a reason to treat yourself, and Valentine’s Day is as good as any to scoop up some sexy bras + undies. Don't wait for someone else to buy you some sultry undergarments – with these Valentine's Day lingerie styles, you can pick out something special for yourself like, say, a floral bra or a lacy bodysuit. This way, regardless of your relationship status, you’re guaranteed to feel totally foxy this V-Day (and beyond)!

Scroll on and shop our favorite Valentine's Day lingerie pieces for every body type that are very much worth wearing in the bedroom, even after the holiday ends.

Torrid Floral Lace Strappy Bralette

This black number will make you feel like an absolute baddie. The strappy design highlights your top while still leaving something to be desired. Plus, it's wire-free, so you can embark on your Valentine's ventures with the utmost comfort.

Bluebella Catalina Bra

This sheer, lacy bra taps into floral motifs to bring on the romance!

Wild Lovers X Out From Under Sweetie Lace Underwire Bra

This light pink + magenta color palette is everything for V-Day! Make it a complete set with the matching thong.

Coquette Underwire Bra, Garter Belt & Thong Set

This 3-piece set is super affordable, but looks like pure luxury. If you've never experienced the sheer power of a garter belt, now's your chance!

Harper Wilde Bliss Scoop Bralette

Let the gals sit nicely with this ultra-comfy bra. The bust hugs your bod flawlessly, so you can focus on your self-love sesh or together time with your boo. This is an excellent everyday bra to sport once Valentine's szn is over, since it's very lightweight and sleek. We also adore the Harper Wilde Luxe Mesh Plunge Bra if you're shopping for a cheekier Valentine's Day lingerie piece!

Cacique Intimates Embroidered Lace-Up Bodysuit

Embrace your soft girl era this February with florals and frills! This bodysuit has it all, plus flaunts a sexy mesh feel and tiny bow details for added cuteness.

Intimately Heart To Heart Bralette + Bikini Undies + Garter

This Valentine's Day lingerie combo might be delicate, but it'll make you feel super powerful once you've slid into all three pieces. The light pink color is girly AF, allowing you to tap into your divine feminine this Feb 14th.

Out From Under Flora Embroidered Bustier

Hearts are super fitting for the holiday, but this bustier has small embroidered hearts *and* sweet lil' cherries?! We're obsessed. The demi cup neckline only adds to the delicate coquette vibe!

Oh La La Cheri Kinsley Underwire Lace Trim Sheer Chemise

Pair this see-through chemise with a cheeky G-string (or nothing at all 😉) to feel your absolute sexiest this V-Day. Your partner will be ready to play once they see you wearing it!

Fleur du Mal Queen of Hearts Balconette Bra + V-String + Garter Belt

Shopping for heart-covered lingerie? We got you! This trio is just the thing you should rock this Valentine's Day if you wanna go the more revealing route.

Out From Under Budapest Love High Sheer Lace Undie

These lace-covered panties are a great piece of Valentine's Day lingerie that you can *also* wear for sexy sessions all year long! The silhouette is fairly modest, but the cutout in the back is truly what makes this pair flirty enough for the holiday.

Savage x Fenty Baroque Bondage Unlined Balconette Bra + Panty

Okay, this lingerie set is giving burlesque dancer, and we love it. Tap into your most sultry self by donning a black get-up like this lacy, fishnet-clad look.

For Love & Lemons Cordelia Slip Dress

If managing multiple pieces of Valentine's Day lingerie sounds a little too high-maintenance for your liking, a slip dress is what you need. They're usually super silky like this fiery red one is, only upping your comfort levels as you navigate the bedroom (or wherever else you like to get it on 😏)!

Out From Under Cherie Sheer Lace Babydoll Cami

This sexy top can double as some seriously girly nightwear once V-Day passes. Self-care has never looked cuter!

Cacique Intimates Lace-Trim Lightly Lined Balconette Bra + Panty

This has got to be our fave Valentine's Day lingerie set so far. The bra + panties feature some red-hot strap adjusters that'll guide you toward the perfect fit around your shoulders and hips. Not to mention those darling bows!

Victoria's Secret Rosebud Embroidery Unlined Corset Babydoll Set

The only thing better than receiving flowers for Valentine's is wearing them! This baby pink set boasts a bountiful bloom around the bust that'll leave your partner looking all night long. 👀​

Harper Wilde Luxe Mesh Thong

This thong flaunts a uniquely thick upper band that won't cut into you. This is a truly practical lingerie pick that infuses sexy vibes whether you're wearing in the day-to-day or exclusively for Valentine's.

Adore Me Ivana Unlined Bodysuit

With this bodysuit that ties up in a bow, you'll be the real gift this V-Day.

Playful Promises Eddie Crossover Thong

This bold, layered panty has something new to explore with every turn. Between the cutie crossing panels and the visible pieces of hardware, it still does a seamless job at supporting you in every position. 😋

Anthropologie Giselle Lace Bustier

We adore the fact that you can easily take this bustier from the bedroom to the streets – there's enough coverage for everyday wear (especially under a sweater or denim jacket), but when it comes to cozy time, this piece will look iconic with some matching undies.

Intimately Lady Lux Bodysuit

This sheer bodysuit will turn the heat up for sure. Wear it with absolutely nothing for an unforgettable piece of Valentine's Day lingerie.

Gooseberry Intimates Wildflower Bra + Thong

This bra + thong pairing doesn't shy away from color, as it features an array of embroidered floral blooms along all sides.

Torrid French Hearts 3 Piece Cup Babydoll Slip

It's not Valentine's Day lingerie if there's no hearts involved! That's why this black + pink slip is the perfect 'add to cart.'

Intimately Lacey Essential Cami

This cami top is adorned in lovely lace that amps up its feminine air. For a cozy Valentine's Day lingerie ensemble, wear this design with matching panties or boyshorts that invite a lazy day in bed.

Kilo Brava Embroidered Mesh Underwire Teddy

The boning in this bodysuit work to sculpt your figure, drawing in the waist for a sensual feel. The lace design feels super Victorian, adding a dash of romance into your V-day (and beyond)! ❤️​


Want more sexy style inspo? Follow us on Pinterest and shop our Amazon storefront!

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

Images via brands.

This post has been updated.

My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Urban Outfitters

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!

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

The Valentine’s Day pajamas in Victoria’s Secret never fail to catch my eye. Every time I see them, I immediately think, “OMG I need that lace bodysuit RN!” Luckily, I don’t have anyone to wear the lace bodysuit for, so by the time I get to the end of the block I realize that I don’t actually need it. (The only true reason I would need it is when I dress up like Beyoncé.) To me, these lace lingerie pieces are super sexy, but not that practical — they’re “once in a blue moon” items that are most likely a hefty investment. So this year, I decided to take away my internal lacy bodysuit struggle and create a sultry satin PJ set that is wearable, sexy and enjoyable for any date night.


Materials and Tools:

  • 1 yard Lycra satin
  • 1/2 yard lace
  • 3/8 inch satin ribbon
  • fabric scissors
  • sewing pins
  • marker
  • sewing machine

www.brit.co

Pajama Shorts

Instructions:

  1. Fold your fabric in half, place edge of shorts on the fold side of the fabric and then trace around the shorts. Trace the front and backside of the shorts and then cut out.
  2. Pin the curves of opposite cutouts together — then sew.
  3. Pin the perpendicular area to the curve together and then sew.
  4. Hem the bottom edges of the shorts.
  5. Cut out small squares about three inches down from the top of the shorts and then sew a small square around the hole.
  6. Fold the first 1.5 inches of the shorts over, pin in place and then sew to create the waistband.
  7. Feed ribbon through the waistband.

My favorite way to make new clothing is to use old favorites as patterns for new pieces. Fold one short leg inside the other to create a tracing pattern. Fold your fabric in half, place the straight edge of the shorts along the fold of the fabric and then trace with a half-inch buffer. Trace and cut out two pieces to create your shorts.

Pin the curve of one cutout to the curve of the other cutout — then sew.

Match up the curves of the shorts and then pin and sew together the bottom edge.

Hem the bottom edge of the leg holes to give your shorts a polished and professional look.

Create two small holes in the front of the shorts, about three inches from the top edge. Sew around the holes and then fold the waistband down. Pin in place and then sew.

Use a safety pin to snake ribbon through the waistband.

Pajama Top

Instructions:

  1. Trace the front of your favorite tank onto your fabric with an extra half-inch buffer — then cut out.
  2. Draw in pleats on the edge of your tank. The pleat should be about one inch from the underarm and about three inches in length.
  3. Pin the pleat together and then sew.
  4. Hem the vertical edges of the tank.
  5. Trace the back of the tank top onto your lace fabric.
  6. Pin and sew the lace fabric to the satin fabric.
  7. Hem all edges of the tank top.

Lay your favorite tank on the backside of your fabric and trace with a half-inch buffer.

Ladies, we’ve got to add some pleats into this top to help fit our boobies. Follow these instructions for a size small — for a medium, multiply x2 and a large x4. Start your triangle about one inch from the armpit curve. The triangle should be about three inches in height. Draw an imaginary line from right before the armpit cut starts to curve — the point of the triangle should hit this line.

Cut out the front of your shirt, fold in half and make sure all curves and pleats match up.

Pin the pleat together and then sew.

Fold and hem the long edges of the tank top.

Trace the back of your tank top onto the lace fabric. Remember to add a half-inch buffer — then cut out.

Pin the front of the shirt to the lace and then sew.

Match up the straps of the shirt and then sew.

Hem all edges of the tank top.

Pretty in pink!

Dress up in these silky PJs this Valentine’s Day, and then feed your face with conversation hearts :)

Show us your latest DIY pajamas by tagging us on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Modeling: Paige Weber
Photography: Brittany Griffin

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

This post has been updated.

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.

Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:

"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"

Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.